I am a direct descendant of James Molison, the man who blew up Bridge Street in Sydney. He and Alexander Strachan Molison were brothers. James Molison was my g-g-grandfather. I am also related directly to Duncan Dunbar, and as a consequence directly or through marriage to the Shores, Tathams, Forsyths, Browns, von und zu Gilsas and Massons, and numerous others.
Below are my notes of Duncan Dunbar Tatham
IS DESCRIBED IN THE TATHAM FAMILY TREE FROM 1856 AS 'NOW OF GEELONG.' VICTORIA.
"Times" citation, dated Friday, Jul 19, 1844 is of interest. The Thames Police arrested two "dissolute-looking young men", and Mr D. Tatham, of Newby Place, Poplar, clerk to Dunbar and Sons was called to give evidence on oath. This case involved Tatham in a personal way and I will send the full transcription in another post
"The Times", Friday, July 19, 1844:
Category: Law
"THAMES POLICE- Two dissolute-looking young men, named John Cowhurst and Henry Burrell, were charged with endeavouring to extort money under the following circumstances:-
Mr D. Tatham, of Newby-place, Poplar, clerk to Dunbar and Sons, stated, that on the previous evening he was walking with a young lady down Copperas-wall, Poplar, and they were followed by some men and boys, the two prisoners being of the party. When they got further on they sat on a bank to rest, and the lady, suffering from a head-ache, took off her bonnet. Hearing a noise behind, complainant turned round and saw the prisoners and four others, who threatened him with exposure if he did not give them money for beer. Being conscious that they could not say anything of which he needed to be afraid or ashamed, he walked away with his companion, and steadily refused to comply with their request. Still, however, they pursued, and threatened to follow him all the way home. As they went along he met with a constable, and the prisoners were taken into custody.
The prisoners insisted that they caught the lady and gentleman in a very indecent position, the latter having her bonnet and shawl off. They threatened to give them into custody for indecent exposure, and followed them for that purpose, but the complainant meeting a constable preferred the first charge. They denied that any threats had been used for the purpose of extorting money, but Burrell admitted having heard some mention of beer.
Mr Tatham solemnly asserted on his oath that no indecent liberties had been taken, and that the lady who accompanied him was most respectable.
The prisoners were ordered to put in bail for their good behaviour."
SOME NOTES FROM MALCOLM ELMSLIE THROW SOME LIGHT ON THIS GUY.
ON 17 MAY 1845 HE WENT AS A MIDSHIPMAN ON THE SEA PARK TO HONG KONG, AND WAS INTRODUCED TO JARDINE MATHIESON & CO AS DUNCAN DUNBAR'S NEPHEW. HE WAS THEN 21 OR SO. ON 24 APRIL 1847 'DUNCAN DUNBAR WAS SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT DDT HAD DRAWN TWO BILLS OF EXCHANGE ON DUNBAR IN FAVOUR OF JARDINE MATHIESON & CO WHICH WERE BEING PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT. DDT HAD NO AUTHORITY TO DO SO.'
John Dunbar left him 500 pounds under his will in 1845 to be paid when Duncan attained 21 years.
DUNCAN DUNBAR LEFT A TRUST FUND FOR THE CHILDREN in his will dated 1862, AND UNDERSTANDABLY BY-PASSED DDT. WHAT HAPPENED TO DDT IS NOT KNOWN. HE APPEARS TO HAVE DESERTED HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AND NOT RETURNED TO ENGLAND TO FACE THE MUSIC.
This entry is a little puzzling from IGI. No doubt the right parents, the date is the puzzle.
Justina <Tatham>
Christening: 08 JUL 1862 St Mary'S, Walthamstow, Essex, England
Parents:
Father: Duncan Dunbar Tatham Family
Regards
Joffy
