William Beer birth and shipmaster record

[srp123au]

Hi
I am looking for information about William Beer native place of Dover who travelled to NSW, Australia onboard the Cecilia in 1837.

He was listed as a free man who married a convict Hannah McDonald in 1842 in Sydney NSW Australia stating he was 26 years old (born about 1816).

His marriage to her does not state his age or occupation. He had 6 children with Hannah: Ellen Olivia, Ellen Olivia, William John, Sarah Hannah, Ross Donnelly and Richard.

He served 3 days in gaol in 1854 for unpaid fines and passed away in 1856 also in Sydney NSW Australia with his age listed as 45 years old (born about 1811). No parents, occupation or cause listed on his burial record (no death certificates at this time).

His son Ross Donnellys marriage certificate states he was a shipmaster so am trying to track down a record if possible.

Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks
srp123au

[KGarrad]

Births weren't recorded until 1837, with the onset of Civil Registration.
So, you have to hope to find a baptism.

What was his Religious Denomination?

[djm297]

Two possible baptisms:

William Henry Beer, bapt Dover, St Mary the Virgin on 14 May 1815, son of Thomas and Sarah, Abode is "River, Kent", Thomas is a Labourer.

William Beer bapt St Andrews ," Buckland Next Dover" 28 May 1814, son of William and Mary, Abode is Buckland, William is a Labourer.

However there is a William Beer born 1816 -son of William Beer-marrying in Buckland Next Dover in 1841

djm297

[srp123au]

I think he was Catholic because when he married Hannah McDonald it was in a Roman Catholic church.
He was buried in a Roman Catholic church in 1856 but on his gaol record in 1854 it says prot..

[srp123au]

Thankyou djm297

[DCB]

There are some seamen's records but more than on William Beer and most after 1841.

However, one is dated 28/1/1839, age 26 of Dovor(Dover), of the Cecilia. The date range is 1841-44 and so birth given as 1815.

The image is on Findmypast.

David

[srp123au]

thanks I think that is him. It fits mostly. Thanks! I will check it out

[jayashgig92]

Hi Stephanie! I am related through Clara Beers and William Kelly - Clara is my great great grandmother. I understand you are related through this line too? I have been doing research on this line as I was told by my great aunt that Beers had Indigenous heritage. Do you have any information about any Indigenous lines in our family? I have been looking on and off since 2017 and am a bit stuck! Jayde

[Bill749]

Two possible baptisms:

William Henry Beer, bapt Dover, St Mary the Virgin on 14 May 1815, son of Thomas and Sarah, Abode is "River, Kent", Thomas is a Labourer.

William Beer bapt St Andrews ," Buckland Next Dover" 28 May 1814, son of William and Mary, Abode is Buckland, William is a Labourer.

However there is a William Beer born 1816 -son of William Beer-marrying in Buckland Next Dover in 1841

djm297

The William in Buckland is my ancestor - son of William BEER & Mary FARR. I have his baptism as 28 May 1816. He Married Elizabeth NUTTING in 1841. He was a labourer and, as far as I can ascertain, never went to sea.

Bill