Bernard McGowan, Glasgow, abt 1812

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:11 am

I am currently researching my husbands family and have come up against a large brick wall

Bernard was said to be born in Glasgow about 1812, He was convicted in Glasgow of House Robbery in 1830. He was sentenced to 14 years in the Colonies, and transported on the Marquis of Huntley to Sydney. After arriving he was sent to work in Dungog for a Mr John Noble. He made a request for a Ticket of leave which he was granted and on April 6th 1844 he received his Certificate of Freedom. Bernard then married Jane Baker and they had 8 children.
My problem is that I cant find Bernards birth and dont have any idea of his parents names.
Would love to hear from anyone with some ideas.
Cheers
Margaret

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:19 pm

Hello Margaret,

If you Google for "bernard mcgowan""marquis of huntley" including the quotes there are only four results. Google "bernard mcgowan""glasgow herald" and even "marquis of huntley""glasgow herald" and you’ll get some more. There appears to be a number of people interested in this gentleman and much speculation about his place of birth etc.

If you haven’t seen all of these sites they may be worth a look for any clues as to what ground has already been covered and to see if there’s something new there.

I suppose he would have married before official registration in 1856 so his marriage wouldn’t help. If he died in NSW after then the parent’s names should be on the death certificate if known.

Because he was of a fairly young age when convicted you would expect age estimates to be much more reliable then than later although you can’t rely on newspaper guesses or even court information if the accused is the only informant and he is seeking sympathy and has a reasonable hope of getting some.

For example my GGGUncle won an all expenses paid trip on the “Marquis of Huntley” in 1826 and ended up very close to where your fellow did. The newspaper estimates of his age varied between 11 and 15, the court age was 14 but his baptism makes it 17.

All the best,
Alan

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:15 am

Hi Alan
Great to get your email and thanks for your help. I have all of Bernards certificates, except birth and no parents names on any.

yes I thought about him being younger or older and have searched in that respect. My next move it to search in Scotlands people for all male McGowan's born around that time and see what I can come up with. Did the google search and most of those folks looking for Bernard are either Sharon or myself would love to find someone else as I am sure there is someone out there.
Thanks again Alan you gave me a good clue..didnt realize that i could do doulbe lots of quotes on google..certianly works..
cheers
Margaret

Carole · Post by **Carole** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:43 pm

Hi Margaret,

I also have a Bernard who gave me a little trouble. He was registered at birth as Bryan.

I hope this helps in your search.

Carole

Post by **AnneM** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:27 pm

With the surname McGowan he might have been a Catholic. That could make the search for him harder.

Anne

winslowsmom · Post by **winslowsmom** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:48 pm

I had a McKeown born in 1818 Antrim Co. Ireland who once was
McGowan on a Scot census, so look at them too when you are
searching SP. Sorry, she didn't name any kids Bernard and her father was Patrick, so not a cousin as far as I can see. Hope you can find him in Glasgow!

Best, Cathy H
Fountain Valley, California

Remembering Pvt. Walter McGoff,
Highland Light Infanty
who died in Flanders 18 Nov 1918

and his brother
Pvt. David McGoff
also Highland Light Infantry
27 April 1917 Arras,France

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:56 am

Hello everyone, many thanks for your ideas re my Bernard...I am at present looking at all different names and yes Anne there is a good chance that he was catholic ...once again many thanks..just love TS and all the kind folk out there willing to give a hand
cheers
Margaret

PS Cathy my dad was in the HLI, also in France and Egypt. I have a couple of photos of some of the young men would you like a copy

winslowsmom · Post by **winslowsmom** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:38 pm

Hello Margaret

Yes, I would absolutely love to see the photos of your Dad and some young men of the HLI. I have pm'd my e mail info, and some possible (but probably unlikely) connections we may have.

Thank you
Cathy