The story to date!!
Catharine Christiana McNally was the common law wife of Thomas Ransom in Hobart between about 1814 and 1829.
As so far discussed, a lack of paper trail suggests she was a free woman - either when she arrived or born free here.
A comment in a letter written, by Thomas to Lieut. Gov. George Arthur, in 1824 suggests that the partnership with Catharine was of 11 years standing - though he doesn't actually name her, the inference is strong If so, how did she arrive in Van Dieman's Land?What we have found so far:
Possibly with John McNally in Sydney as mother of John Jnr in 1811 - either as wife or common law wife.
Did she come south to VDL with John Cummings and household in 1816? - papers mention he was bringing a John McNally and family with him.
1st appearance 1819 as un-named wife of Thomas in muster - no children in evidence.
2 Baptism record of Thomas Jnr, Dec 18th 1820 at St David's Church Hobart. She is listed as unmarried.
3 Mrs Ransom giving to Wesleyan Mission - 1823 papers
1825 Thomas and family move to Royal Oak at Green Ponds as per papers - not married.
4 Mention of Catharine being present in 1828 at alleged infringement, and then giving evidence at court case held at Royal Oak 1829.
5 Taking over licence of Royal Oak 1829.
6 Granted probate for Thomas's will Nov. 1829
7 Marriage to Frederick Von Stielitz 1830 original marriage certificate and her signature sighted.
8 Named in Martin cash's book as Chatelaine of Killymoon when he was employed there 1837.
9 Sending exhibits to exhibitions in London and Paris in 1850s.
10 Death notice, certificate and gravestone 1857 - named as Christina Stieglitz. Age at death 68 suggest birth around 1789/90.
One possible 'colonial born' girl has surfaced - though the age is a bit out. Catharine Morrison born 1793 to Archibald and Christiana Morrison in Sydney. He was a soldier and went home to England in 1809. Could Catharine have stayed , married and . . . . ?
A couple of Catharine McNallys have also been found - but getting them to Australia without being noticed is difficult!
We've covered a HUGE amount of ground but are no closer to solving the mystery.
Any help gratefully received -
specially if you hold the key to the puzzle!!! Wiggy
Moderatror Comment: This thread is continued from here (the last post of a very long thread)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=412225.msg3001125#msg3001125
We are now at part Part 3. Pease try to add new information and not to repost everything from these 2 previous threads or we will be at part 4 before we know it. Thank You.Part 1.
Please help? RANSOM Thomas 1820: MCNALLY Catharine; AMOS T: STIEGLITZPart 2.
Searching for origins of: MCNALLY, Catharine Christiana