William B McLaren Overseer Parramatta Gaol

[haney]

Hi Everyone
   I have been researching today the above as he was an Overseer of the Stonecutters in Parramatta Gaol from ? to 1871.  He was visciously attacked by a THOMAS KELLY who was subsequently tried and hanged in Darlinghurst Gaol in 1872

From what I've read after William recovered from his terrible injuries he was transferred to the Colonial Architects offfice.  Not sure when he recovered but lucky he did.  He did die in 1904 though at Summer Hill NSW.

My ancestor ALEXANDER CHARLES was the overseer of Stonecutters in Parramatta Gaol from 1877 (from what I have been able to discover)  From the New South Wales, Australia, Sheriff's Papers, 1829-1879, 17 December 1877, Parramatta.

So how can I find out who was the overseer of stonecutters AFTER Mr McLaren and PREVIOUS to my Alexander CHARLES. 

Who did Alexander take over from???  He is on the electoral Roll in Parramatta from 1870 so living there then!!

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.  Regards Dianna

[haney]

I tried to attach the original record (which is hard to decipher) but I was unable to as it was too large!!!!  The below is a "rough" translation.  Regards Dianna

The below record is  from the New South Wales, Australia, Sheriff's Papers, 1829-1879, 17 December 1877, Parramatta

?? 77/235 (Maybe??)

H M Gaol                                                   Page 596
Parramatta
17th September 1877
Sir
With reference to your memorandum of the ?4th of September  last, appointing Mr Alexander Charles probationary in charge of the stone cutters at this gaol for three months
I have the honour to state that such term  of probation having expired I beg that Mr Charles be permantley appointed as  (overseer?) as he appears to give satisfaction
                  I have the honour to be Sec/Sir ?? your most obedient servant.
                                                 Could be a signature here beginning with G  or could it be GAOL.
At the very bottom a lot of words that are very difficult to decipher.  Most probably names (Author of the letter)

77/3600
Would the Colonial Architect say if the work for his department has been satisfactorily carried out by Mr. Charles
BC (Supposedly means blind copy??)
The Colonial Architect  (other words next to BC) not decipherable.

[shume]

Probably the only way to find who was overseer between 1871 and 1877 is to go through NSW Colonial Secretary records, or Sheriffs papers which are online at NSW Archives. A big task or send NSW Archives an email and ask them how you should proceed. Good luck!