Census, Tasmania - Joseph CASTELOW

[hodgsok]

Hi Chris,

I am researching Ann Middleton, who I think was Joseph's wife in England. Do you have any evidence that she died (other than his status on arrival in Australia)?

My research suggests that she lived with and had several children with my great-grandfather, John Rayner (born c1820, Wakefield) and is therefore my great-grandmother. She appears on the census with him between 1851 and 1881 and also died in 1888.
I can find no evidence that they ever married, although she used the name Rayner. The lack of a marriage would make sense, if she was still married to Joseph.
There is also a George Rayner on the 1851 census, who could be the younger of Joseph's two children (the age is right).

thanks
Kate

[chrisnick636]

Hi Kate

Many thanks for your message.  The only evidence I have to suggest Ann died was taken from the indent that was filled out when Joseph was transferred between Norfolk Island and Tasmania.  In the remarks column I think it says: "Sent a letter at Norfolk Island from my sister saying my wife was dead."  The writing is very hard to read but I'm pretty certain it says "dead".  However, despite hours of research I can find no evidence that she did die.  I have found her first son, Thomas, living with Ann's parent's but can find no further information on George.  Your message today came as quite a shock but I wouldn't put anything past this family.  I have evidence that Ann was involved in Joseph's crimes if you haven't already come across this yourself.

One question, how did you come to the conclusion that Ann was a 'Middleton'?

Looking forward to taking this further.  Are you on Ancestry?

Kind regards
Chris

[hodgsok]

Thanks for responding, Chris.

I got Ann's name from her daughter's birth certificate (Catherine Rayner, born 1864 in Sheffield)

I guess the letter from the sister was a way of cutting links to Joseph. Ann had another child in 1846 in Wakefield, according to the census returns, followed by a couple somewhere around Manchester and they finally settled in Sheffield. John was a file cutter.

Interesting stuff!
Kate