Orphan: | William BURGESS |
---|---|
Mother: | BURGESS, Esther |
Father: | , |
Mother's ship: | Tasmania 2 |
Father's ship: | |
Age when admitted: | 5yrs |
Date admitted: | 9 Dec 1845 |
Date discharged: | 22 Mar 1853 |
Institutions(s): | Queens Orphan School |
Discharged to: | mother now free |
Remarks: | father dead |
References: | SWD7, 28 |
His mother, Esther Burgess, and his eldest sister, Mary, were convicted of stealing potatoes and transported for 7 years to Hobart Tasmania. William and his siblings were transported also as Esther was a widow and there was no one left in Ireland to look after them.
William was admitted at the age of 5 years on 9 December 1845. This was 6 days after arriving with her family in Tasmania. His mother, Esther, was a convict so any dependent children were placed in government care. William was discharged on 22 March 1853 to his mother, Esther, as she had served her sentence by then.
Nothing more is known about William Burgess.
Two detailed articles, published online by the Irish journal, Carlow Past and Present, are Oonagh Warke's 'The Law Must Take its Course' and Dianne Snowden's 'These Unfortunate Females'. Both focus on convicts Esther Burgess and her daughter Mary; Margaret Butler; Mary Griffin; and Mary Byrne. All but Mary Burgess brought children with them; the children were admitted to the Orphan Schools shortly after arrival.
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Site last updated March 2025