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Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: coolkelpie on Thursday 02 September 21 01:20 BST (UK)

Title: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: coolkelpie on Thursday 02 September 21 01:20 BST (UK)
William Litton arrived on the Thomas Arbuthnot 1847 Pentonville Exiles but I believe was a Parkhurst Boy trained as a Shoemaker and Tailor.  I have not been able to find any information as to what happened to him after his arrival.  I believe he was in Newgate Prison pre trial 1841, then on the hulk Euryalus and then to Parkhurst.  He was sentenced to 7yrs transportation but mostly served this time in England.  I am trying to find out about his family as I'm not even sure if he is a member of the Litton family I am researching. 

I have a letter from William Litton (who I know belongs my Litton family) written in 1855 from Iron Bark Bendigo updating his mother on his activities.  Seems he had not been in contact for some time and was apologetic - not knowing whether his father and siblings were well or even alive.  Whether the 2 are one and the same remains a mystery.

cheers
Veronica
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: maddys52 on Thursday 02 September 21 10:53 BST (UK)
Hello Veronica and welcome to RootsChat.

I can't really help with your query, can't see a marriage or death of a William LITTON in Victoria. However there is a RootsChatter, BAC3, who is documenting all the Parkhurst Boys who perhaps may be able to assist you. You could send him a personal message.  :)
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: coolkelpie on Thursday 02 September 21 11:02 BST (UK)
Hello Veronica and welcome to RootsChat.

I can't really help with your query, can't see a marriage or death of a William LITTON in Victoria. However there is a RootsChatter, BAC3, who is documenting all the Parkhurst Boys who perhaps may be able to assist you. You could send him a personal message.  :)
  Thanks very much.  I just sent him a PM>
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: JMBresearch on Tuesday 31 December 24 04:03 GMT (UK)
Hi Veronica

William Litton was born in Middlesex in 1829, the son of Phillip Litton and Ann Parker. He had siblings Harriet, John and Mary Ann.
Phillip Litton was a bricklayer and in 1851 the family were living in Park Place.
When the Thomas Arbuthnot landed, William is recorded as having employment as a bricklayer in Melbourne.
William's sister, Mary Ann married Henry Josiah Stapp in 1862 and in 1864 they came to Victoria, aboard the Montrose.
There is a record of a "William Lawton" in hospital in Mudgee in 1889 - I think that is very likely William Litton.
I hope that helps with your research.
Kind regards
Jill Brewer
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: shume on Tuesday 31 December 24 07:57 GMT (UK)
"There is a record of a "William Lawton" in hospital in Mudgee in 1889 - I think that is very likely William Litton""
This record from the Register of Asylums and Hospitals states that the above came on the ship Acme in 1849 so don't think its him.
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: maddys52 on Tuesday 31 December 24 08:12 GMT (UK)
JMBresearch - The original poster, Veronica (coolkelpie) has not been online here since 2021. Hopefully she still has the same email address and will receive notification of your post.  :)
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: JMBresearch on Tuesday 31 December 24 14:30 GMT (UK)
Hi Shume

There was no convict ship called the Acme, and no William Lawton who was transported after 1843, so I think it is a fair chance it's him.
I absolutely agree it's not certain, but I think it's quite likely.
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: shume on Friday 03 January 25 10:23 GMT (UK)
https://www.ancestry.com.au/search/collections/8812
New South Wales, Australia, Hospital & Asylum Records, 1840-1913

Definitely written as "came by ship Acme in 1849"
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: bearkat on Friday 03 January 25 10:27 GMT (UK)
BAC3 has carried out a lot of research on the Parkhurst boys.

see https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=884524.msg7574951#msg7574951
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: maddys52 on Friday 03 January 25 22:41 GMT (UK)
BAC3 has carried out a lot of research on the Parkhurst boys.

see https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=884524.msg7574951#msg7574951

As I noted in reply#1.  ;) Veronica says she messaged him, so hopefully obtained the information she required.
Title: Re: Parkhurst boy William Litton
Post by: maddys52 on Friday 03 January 25 22:50 GMT (UK)
https://www.ancestry.com.au/search/collections/8812
New South Wales, Australia, Hospital & Asylum Records, 1840-1913

Definitely written as "came by ship Acme in 1849"

However, there is a question mark after "Came to Australia in 1849 by ship "Acme" as a prisoner?" I agree with Jill that I don't think there was a ship "Acme".

Hard to know which ship and when it might be.
https://marinersandships.com.au/