Mason Family from Great Yarmouth

[MasonT78]

Hi everyone, I am looking for information on the Mason family from Great Yarmouth, as below.

Robert Mason was illegitimately born to Sarah Mason in 1801. Robert, a carpenter and builder married Mary Ann Hindry in 1822 and they had a son in 1824. Robert then moved to Kent where he worked as a Journeyman Carpenter for Henry Mason around Plumstead & Woolwich. I am yet to find a connection between Henry and the Mason family in Great Yarmouth. So, is the same surname just a coincidence or family?

Robert was subsequently sent to Van Diemans Land in 1834 as a convict on board the Henry Tanner (I already have a lot of information on this). Sarah and Mary Ann had organised a petition, i cant find any other Mason's on that petition.

I really am looking for now, more on Sarah Mason. She was still known as Sarah when signing the petition's following Roberts arrival in VDL.

I have considered that Sarah is the daughter of John Mason and Sarah Harrison based on the fact that once his arrival in VDL, Robert re-married and had a son Randall Harrison Mason in 1856.

Many thanks for any help

[coombs]

Hi I think the Sarah Mason, nee Harrison died in 1810 in GY, aged 59. That is Sarah Snr.

I notice your Sarah Mason was born in 1778 in Gt Yarmouth, baptised 23 Jan 1778, daughter of John and Sarah.

I did find a Sarah Mason in the 1851 census in GY a widow, aged 73, born in GY, living with granddaughter Caroline Mason. Sarah was a laundress. I did find a Sarah Mason buried in 1859 in Gt Yarmouth, aged 81, so born c1778.

I have found quite a few Sarah Mason's in GY in this time frame as well, so it will be a bit of a job trying to untangle them.

[MasonT78]

Thank you. that's is the sarah mason is have researched and considered to be Roberts Mother.

I think the "widow" is just to save embarrassment from having illegitimate children as i can't find any marriage records for her.

She signed a petition for clemency for her son in the 1840's and she is still going by Sarah Mason then. ive spent over 12 years trying to figure this out. Unfortunately, DNA results haven't helped any.

Hopefully something will come up one day.

[jonwarrn]

I did find a Sarah Mason buried in 1859 in Gt Yarmouth, aged 81, so born c1778.

Death registration
MASON, SARAH       
Age at Death (in years): 81 
GRO Reference: 1859  M Quarter in GREAT YARMOUTH  Volume 04B  Page 3

Have you got her death certificate?
Instant digital image is available from GRO for just £3.

[coombs]

Yes I would think Sarah said she was a widow in 1851 to save face.

I did find a Henry Mason marrying in Halvergate, a few miles west of GY, on the 17th August 1808 to Elizabeth Clarke. Henry was said to be of Great Yarmouth. Witnesses to marriage were A Atkinson and Wm Everson. Wonder if he could be the Henry Mason, carpenter, who was of Plumstead and Woolwich later on? But as you say the surname could be coincidence as Mason is a common surname.

[MasonT78]

Great thank you. Definitely something worth looking into.

I cant seem to let go of the fact of having the same surname means something.... but who knows. And i dont like to presume anything until i have enough evidence.

Thanks again

[trish1120]

There is a a Henry Mason in Plumstead 1841/1851/1861 Census
Master Carpenter but born 1789 Plumstead, Kent.

[trish1120]

Not sure about that Sarah being yours.

Although I may be way off here!

Baptism;
13 Oct 1829, St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth
CAROLINE, Daug of JAMES/CAROLINE Mason
Father a Shipwright   

Burial same Church;
CAROLINE Mason 14 Aug 1833 age 27

JAMES Mason married Caroline GRANT 23 Jul 1826

1851 2 doors down from Sarah Mason age 73 and Caroline age 21 is James and new Wife;
James born 1803 GY and a Shipwright

He married Elizabeth GOODWIN 5 Oct 1845 Widower, Ships Carpenter, Father ROBERT a Carpenter

Sophia Mason born 1839 was illeg;
GOODWIN, SOPHIA  ELIZABETH     - 
GRO Reference: 1839  M Quarter in GREAT YARMOUTH  Volume 13  Page 357

[MasonT78]

Not sure about that Sarah being yours.

Although I may be way off here!

Baptism;
13 Oct 1829, St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth
CAROLINE, Daug of JAMES/CAROLINE Mason
Father a Shipwright   

Burial same Church;
CAROLINE Mason 14 Aug 1833 age 27

JAMES Mason married Caroline GRANT 23 Jul 1826

1851 2 doors down from Sarah Mason age 73 and Caroline age 21 is James and new Wife;
James born 1803 GY and a Shipwright

He married Elizabeth GOODWIN 5 Oct 1845 Widower, Ships Carpenter, Father ROBERT a Carpenter

Sophia Mason born 1839 was illeg;
GOODWIN, SOPHIA  ELIZABETH     - 
GRO Reference: 1839  M Quarter in GREAT YARMOUTH  Volume 13  Page 357

Thank you, Trish - I have found this info too and have considered it as James being another child of Sarah, making him my grandfather Roberts brother. Caroline that would be roberts niece is interesting because he did have a daughter in Australia called Caroline as well.

Robert had a petition for clemency signed by a lot of great yarmouth residents, unfortunately no clues there or any of the above names included beside his mother and first wife.

Will make for a great story when i solve it all. His life in Australia is fascinating as it is.

Thanks again