McDONALD, William Edward - Occupation Butcher - died 1894 Balmain NSW

[mead researcher]

Hi there
My great grandfather William Edward McDONALD died 1894 Balmain NSW when he fell from a cart. 
His occupation on Death Certificate states he was a Butcher.
Coroner's report is very brief and adds nothing apart from age 39.
There is evidence that William aged 11 was on a list to possibly be admitted to the training ship "Vernon" in Sydney but this did not happen.
I am wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to check for any apprentice record relating to him learning to be a butcher....?
Always hoping... 

[Billyblue]

Who is "William aged 11" ?   

Dawn M

[mead researcher]

William McDonald was born 1856.
The dates on 2 separate records mentioned below agree with family history of the childrens’ ages.

The list compiled by the constables of Sydney before the first arrests for the (training ship) Vernon
May 1867 shows William McDonald age 11 and John McDonald age 7. (Brothers)

New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930 for William McDonald
Description Book Darlinghurst 1867-1868
1867 shows William McDonald age 12 and Elizabeth McDonald age 18. (Brother and sister)
(reported in Maitland Mercury 30 August 1867 - not sighted by me)

If, as it seems William was not admitted to the training ship "Vernon", and from Death Certificate became a Butcher, I am only inquiring if anyone knows if it is possible to check for an Apprentice Record for Butcher/Meat Processor etc in the mid 1800's.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Jamjar]

I have ancestors in NSW and QLD in the mid 1800s/early 1900s who were butchers and there is no evidence that they underwent any form of formal training.

They first show up in 1860s in QLD after they had arrived from Scotland. They weren’t butchers prior to their arrival. Their children born here also were butchering.

Jamjar.

[mead researcher]

Thanks for that Jamjar
Barbara