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Orphan Number: 652
Orphan: William BURGESS
Mother:BURGESS, Esther
Father:,
Mother's ship:Tasmania 2
Father's ship:
Age when admitted:5yrs
Date admitted:9 Dec 1845
Date discharged:22 Mar 1853
Institution(s):Queens Orphan School
Discharged to: mother now free
Remarks: father dead
References: SWD7, 28

This orphan has been claimed by: Yvonne Jones

His mother, Esther Burgess, and his eldest sister, Mary, were convicted of stealing potatoes and transported for 7 years to Hobart Tasmania.  William and his siblings were transported also as Esther was a widow and there was no one left in Ireland to look after them.

William was admitted at the age of 5 years on 9 December 1845.  This was 6 days after arriving with her family in Tasmania.  His mother, Esther, was a convict so any dependent children were placed in government care.  William was discharged on 22 March 1853 to his mother, Esther, as she had served her sentence by then.

Nothing more is known about William Burgess.


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This orphan has been claimed by: Dianne Snowden

Two detailed articles, published online by the Irish journal, Carlow Past and Present, are Oonagh Warke's 'The Law Must Take its Course' and Dianne Snowden's 'These Unfortunate Females'.  Both focus on convicts Esther Burgess and her daughter Mary; Margaret Butler; Mary Griffin; and Mary Byrne. All but Mary Burgess brought children with them;  the children were admitted to the Orphan Schools shortly after arrival.


You can use this contact form to send an email message to Dianne Snowden

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Your message*:

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Use this facility to register your interest so other researchers can contact you. Add up to a 2000 character short story about your orphan and what became of them after they left the Orphan School. You can add links to other web sites and upload a photo.  Note that you can claim more than one orphan and that any orphan can be claimed more than once.
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 Site last updated June 2021