Trial, Ilchester 1833

[Nicola]

Catherine Bullinger (married name) was born 17.06.1799.
Married John Bullinger.
Catherine was transported to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia from London, UK, in 1833, on the William Bryan ship. Arrived in Australia with her 12 year old daughter Ann  on 23.10 1833
Trial in Ilchester was 04.07.1833.

I know she married again, but would like to find out more.
What was her maiden name, what was she on trial for, did she have any other children?

rEGARDS, nICOLA

[Arfur Mo]

Hi Nicola,

I do a lot of research in Somerset, I'm currently researching the notorious Gaol in Ilchester.

Catharine appeared at the Somersetshire Lent Assizes in April 1833.

The local newspaper The Western Flying Post- Monday April 8th 1833 carried the following report;

Richard Bowtell was indicted for having stolen various articles, the property of Myra Newton, and Catharine Bullinger with having received the same knowing them to have be stolen.

It appeared in evidence that in October last the prosecutor was in want of a shopman, and that she saw an advertisement in the Evangelical Magazine, which she answered, and received a letter from Bowtell, dated London, stating that he had lived two years with Jabez Williams of Uxbridge; and on the other half sheet was a letter purporting to be written by Jabez Williams, giving him a most excellent character, and that the only reason for parting with him was in consequence of taking an apprentice. The letter it turned out was written by Bullinger. Mrs. Newton took him into her employ, and he completely gained her confidence, which he abused by robbing her of an immense quantity of goods; he paid her a great deal of attention, obtained from her a lock of her hair and other presents, and made her an offer, which she declined, but which he instructed his counsel was not true. It was clearly proved that no person of the name of Jabez Williams had ever lived at Uxbridge, that at the time the letter was written the prisoner was residing at Sherborne, and that the whole of his professions was a tissue of falsehood.

Twenty-two witnesses were called for the prosecution, but their evidence was unconnected; sometimes five witnesses in succession did not prove any one circumstance.

The learned Judge reprobated in strong terms the way in which the case had been got up.

The jury found the prisoners guilty.

An objection was taken to the indictment, which was held to be good against Bowtell, and it reduced his punishment; he was, however, sentenced to seven years transportation, and Bullinger, to fourteen years transportation.

I hope this will help with your research, is Catharine an ancestor of yours?

Regards
Arf

[Arfur Mo]

Hi Nicola

Was the information I posted for you any help?

Arf

[Nicola]

Thanks for the info. It was a great help.

Regards, Nicola

[cheshiremog]

Dear Arfumo
What a truly amazing account. I have read it with great interest. What a great coincidence you had been carrying out research which mentioned the person in question. I read the story of Mary Bryant who was transported from Cornwall and the hardships and cruelty endured by transportees was appalling. How odd that the apparent thief-  Bowtell only got 7 years and his accomplice got 14.  What ever the length of the sentence I do not think passages back were paid so it could have been a lot longer.
What an exciting story for Nicola to have in her tree !
Hope your research is still going well !