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« on: Wednesday 18 April 07 06:53 BST (UK) »
Hi Prue
I had wondered that myself, so have tried free Irish websites to try find birth in OPR but nothing came up. The information is from another family member, sent to her by a lady from 'Roman Catholic Archives Glasgow'. Her opening paragraph reads:
"There is an entry in the baptismal register for St Andrew's Glasgow, now the Cathedral, which may be relevant to your enquiry. Barnard (Bernard), born 12th January, baptised 13th January, 1813, lawful son of John Millowen?, weaver, and of his lawful wife, Eleonore Ferroll (Farrell or Carroll?). Sponsors were: James Sherry? and Susanna Tierney (or Tierrey?). The pronunciation would be similar to McGown/McGowan, and the age would be sufficiently correct for the Barnard/Bernard transported in 1830. Where names are in doubt, this is indicated by a question mark."
As you can see there are quite a few ?'s!! and I have a few of my own! Why was the 'father's' name so different from McGown/an? I'm unable to find their marriage - despite using the above variations plus a few of my own! I have tried to check Irish websites but most do not go back that far - at least the free ones.
His TOL details state name as - Bernard McGowan; Ship - Marquis of Huntley; year - 1830; Native place & trade/calling - NR (really helpful - not); District - Glasgow CJ (? meaning of CJ).
There was another Bernard McGowan born 1816 Ireland transported to Oz, but came on 'Rockhampton' in 1862, was C of E.
There are several anomalies I've found with Bernard's info (Scot's one):
Convicted 1829 age 18 would suggest born 1811.
Bernard died in Oz 1876, NSW BMD states age 60yrs (?) which means was born 1816. Granted back then there was probably a lot of "guessing" of age at death, but it all adds up to a gigantic headache for us researchers LOL
As yet I've not requested his death cert. (financial reasons) & not sure if it would have the info I need.
Thanks for reading this Prue, any suggestions gratefully appreciated.
Sharon