Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Voyage
Transportation
Thomas Caton was transported on the Bengal Merchant, departing 24th Mar 1838 and arriving 21st Jul 1838 with 271 passengers.
Bengal Merchant (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 90, Class and Piece Number HO11/11, Page Number 217 (110) |
| Source Description | This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro |
| Original Source | Great Britain. Home Office |
| Compiled By | State Library of Queensland |
| Database Source | British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database |
Claims
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Photos
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Convict Notes
Thomas Caton came from an interesting family. On 23 April 2013 "Who Do You Think You Are" in Michael Caton's story, in which I was involved, revealed that his family appeared on the 1820 RC Census at Preston Lancashire in the family of Robert 39, Elizabeth 35, James 15, William 13, Betty 11, Bella 9, John 7 and Thomas himself 5. Brian Walsh discovered that the NSW Government Gazette advertised his abscondment with his brother James (Cayton) on 26th December 1845 in GG of 10 Jan 1845 p 37. from E. Reynolds of Tocal near Paterson. They actually went to the Maitland races!! There is some conjecture about James's death, for the latter's indent reports he drowned Port Stephens 46/7295 27 July 1846, so if he absconded with Thomas he could hardly have died in the Cromarty shipwreck in 1838 recorded as Catton. Thomas's case in the Lancaster October sessions can be read in the British Library - British Newspapers 1600-1900 for the Preston Chronicle of Saturday October 21, 1837, Issue 1312. He actually stole more than a few teaspoons, as well as a "piece of music" which was given to his cousin Isabella Rogerson, and the victim's hat, much to the latter's dismay. Brian Walsh formerly of Tocal undertook extensive research on the convicts of the Hunter area, and believes Thomas was possibly one of the last convicts on Tocal near Paterson. Brian appeared in Michael Caton's story also at Tocal. To follow this family has been a huge jigsaw, as for every birth to Thomas and Mary Anne Riley aka Hancock, Alcock, Alcott, and Ryan, the reported details varied. By the way, Thomas had earlier convictions than the 1837 session. His colleague in the case, Mark Twigg, left on the Coromandel for Van Diemen's Land on 25 June 1838. Thomas and Mary Anne had seven children themselves being Robert, Catherine, Thomas, John, James, Isabella and Elizabeth, all names to be found in the 1820 Census entry. My great grandfather, William Caton, was the firstborn child of Mary Anne, illegimately to father Michael Ryan, according to Maitland RC Baptismal records. Thomas Caton had to get permission to marry her on 31 Jan 1854, as his Ticket of Leave had been withdrawn earlier for misdemeanours.
His crime was for stealing 2 silver spoons and received 7 years for each offence making the total 14 years.
He is the G Grandfather of Michael Caton - Australian Actor. He was also associated with Thunderbolt the highwayman and is buried in the grounds of the old Gladesville mental asylum in one of the 1200 unmarked graves. He died of dementia.
Thomas was 21, had a small scar on forehead, ears pierced, chin declining, mermaid with comb and glass in hands inside lover left arm, fair and freckled complexion, brown hair and eyes, could read and write, R/C, Single. Had a brother James Caton per 'Exmouth" but this may be 'Camden 1833. 5/8/1840: Absconded from Felix Wilson. 28/12/1844: Assigned to Felix at Paterson. Charged with fighting at the racecourse. 12/12/1846: TOL Maitland 23/3/1853: TOL cancelled for being out of his district illegally - Armidale.
He married Mary Anne Riley on 31 Jan 1854 at St Joseph's Church, Maitland NSW. He was later a horsebreaker.