| Orphan Number: | 717 |
|---|
| Orphan: | William BUTLER |
|---|---|
| Mother: | BUTLER, Margaret |
| Father: | , |
| Mother's ship: | Tasmania 2 |
| Father's ship: | |
| Age when admitted: | 10yrs |
| Date admitted: | 9 Dec 1845 |
| Date discharged: | 17 Jan 1847 |
| Institution(s): | Queens Orphan School |
| Discharged to: | Rev Richard Walsh, Geelong |
| Remarks: | Step-father in gaol for manslaughter of mother |
| References: | SWD7, 28 |
This orphan has been claimed by: Dianne Snowden
William Butler was the older brother of Mary Ann Butler, also in the Orphan School. Both arrived with their convict mother from Ireland on the Tasmania (2) in December 1845. Their mother died in tragic circumstances in Hobart in 1855. Both Mary Ann and William moved to NSW. William died in 1909 in Cooma NSW. He was my great-great-grandfather.
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.
See also the THRA article: 'A Most Human Regulation'
Snowden, Dianne. 'A Most Humane Regulation'?: Free Children Transported with
Convict Parents [online]. Papers and Proceedings: Tasmanian Historical Research
Association, Vol. 58, No. 1, Apr 2011: 33-41. Availability:<http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=007373952042133;res=IELHSS> ISSN:
0039-9809. [cited 15 May 15].
You can use this contact form to send an email message to Dianne Snowden