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Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: fbsearcher on Thursday 13 September 07 11:33 BST (UK)

Title: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: fbsearcher on Thursday 13 September 07 11:33 BST (UK)

Hi all,
Richard Bithell arrived in Tasmania in 1853 on the Oriental Queen.  I have received convict records from the Archives Office.  They show "Certs Hobart 20 Jany 1857", which I take to be his freedom certificate.  The date is correct for the completion of his sentence.

I would like to trace what happened to him thereafter.  He was 59 years old (approx) in 1857.  Please can someone look him up in the Death records as a starter. 

He may be my ggg grandfather.

Thanks in advance.

Frank

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: ChristineR on Thursday 13 September 07 11:49 BST (UK)

The Tasmania Pioneer Index cd has

BETHEL Richard, death, 30.7.1862, Male, aged 64, HOBART
reg no: 3445/1862
RGD 35

There is a marriage for a Richard BETHELL in May 1853, but he is aged 30.
edit On the Tassy archives site in departures - it appears that this one then went to Melbourne the month after (as Bethel) - he was also a convict, now free, had arrived in the colony via the ship 'Mount Stewart Elphinstone'

(There are no BITHEL/L in the index to 1899)

Christine  :)

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: fbsearcher on Friday 14 September 07 16:24 BST (UK)

Hi Christine

Many thanks for the look-up.  The death of R. Bethel looks very possible as a match.  Can I get a copy of his death certificate?  If so, what would it show?  If it shows place of birth I can probably confirm if he is my man.  Or if it contains wife's name.

Regards

Frank

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: ChristineR on Saturday 15 September 07 02:42 BST (UK)

Unfortunately it does not look like you will find a birth place or any marital details on this Tasmanian death certificate.   The age is spot on to be the gentleman for whom you have the convict records.

According to this guide
http://www.jaunay.com/bdm.html
birthplaces were not added until 1897 and parents names not until 1914.

The only extra info you would get would be the cause of death and occupation. 

the bdm office
http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/about_us

Christine

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: fbsearcher on Saturday 15 September 07 12:03 BST (UK)

Hi Christine,

Thanks again for your work.  It looks as though I'll have to accept that this is only a "probable" event on my family tree. 

Kind regards

Frank

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: Webby on Monday 17 September 07 00:38 BST (UK)

Hi Frank

Just had a look at the local Southern Tasmanian, Mercury Newspaper BDM's and there are two Bethell deaths and a marriage notice.

Anne Theresa Bethell died 17/6/1903 and listed in the Mercury of 4/7/1903.

Edith Mary Elizabeath Bethell (nee Torley) died 31/1/1924 and Mercury of 5/4/1924.

There is one marriage also for a RICHARD BETHELL who married Isabel Lillie on 25/11/1873 (in the UK). This marriage notice was in the Mercury dated 3/2/1874.

Something to keep on file perhaps.

Regards

Webby

Title: Re: Looking for Richard Bithell convict freed 1857
Post by: Cheshiregirl2023 on Wednesday 18 January 23 21:41 GMT (UK)

Hello Frank,
I cam across this thread after researching my ancestor Richard Bithell. I realise these posts were done several years ago so I just wanted to see if you are still researching the Bithells and if we could compare notes. I am descended from Richard's grandson Henry Bithell.