Thornton in Galway (Catherine and Family) 1800-1843

[Wayne Cook]

Looking for the Thornton family mother Catherine, children Mary, Michael and Edward (Ethrain) 1800 - 1842.

Mary Thornton convict was sent to Tasmania 1843 aged 25 Native place Galway so born about 1818.

Her convict papers say Mother Catherine, two brothers Michael and Ethrain? soldiers (I can't make out the next part) has been dead 6 years 3 years on the street.

In the WO records I can only find

Edward Thornton born Galway served in 30th Foot Regiment, 80th Foot Regiment, 31st Foot discharged age 41 so this would make him born about 1807

Michael Thornton born Galway Served 36 Foot Reg. discharged age 39 1833-1854 so this would make him born about 1815

So I believe Ethrain is Edward.

Thanks in advance

[hallmark]

...my husband has been dead 6 years....

[Wayne Cook]

Thanks, her marriage in Tasmania 1843 says spinster

Her convict papers in one part, says widow but I'm not sure what that is in reference to.

The top part when taken into context with her spinster status when married in Tasmania suggests to me that when she arrived, she was married and then imprisoned as it says imprisoned once married (almost like single female convicts brought to the colony were married off as soon as they arrived and then they served their sentence).

[Elwyn Soutter]

In my opinion, "Ethrain" is Ephraim.

[Wayne Cook]

Thanks, There is no Ethraim in the PRO (National Archives) WO records for the time born in Galway (I don't think I could find an Ethraim Thornton at all)

[Wayne Cook]

Hopefully some records have survived and I will find out more about this family and be able to make better connections.

Maybe even when Catherine Thornton died

[hallmark]

Clearly  Ephraim

[Wayne Cook]

Yes I always thought Ephraim but wasn't sure.

Maybe he died in the army and hence no record for him.

Michael's age at discharge means he was born about 1815, Mary's age at her marriage means she was born about 1818 so it is likely this one is her brother Michael.

The issue is Ethraim (PRO doesn't have one, born in Galway at this time). The Edward I found is about 8 years older than Michael (if his name and age are correct) and would have been born about 1807.

The PRO only showed 7 results in the advanced search for Thornton Regiment Galway 1800-1842 in the WO records

The above were the only two that were born in Galway, Galway (and only two out of the 7 born in the same part of Galway), Out of the 7 they were also the only two still serving in 1842 when Mary went to Tasmania and said her 2 brothers are soldiers.

[Maggsie]

Hi,
I have picked up a Mary Thornton from Galway on a ship called the Waverley, going to Tasmania, this is in 1842 is this her?
Also the only Thornton with a mother's Christian name Catherine was for a Michael Thornton in 1815 to Cathe and Ulick Thornton. The Parish was St Nicholas North and East, Galway.
this link is where to look, if these are the correct parents.
https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0640
Maggsie