Thomas Clower

48

Naomi Parsons on 28th March 2026

Thomas married convict Ellen (Eleanor) Walker (ship- Earl Cornwallis) in August 1803 at St Johns, Parramatta. The couple were landholders and cattle farmers at Parramatta where they can be seen on all successive musters through to 1828. In November 1826, Eleanor was the victim of a robbery in her home- two men had broken into her house during the daytime whilst Thomas was away- they demanded her valuables then knocked her out with a blow to the head before taking her property. The two men were initially given death sentences which were later commuted. The couple both came to a sad end very soon after the 1828 census. Thomas was accidentally drowned around November 1828 and five weeks later, on the 11th January 1829, Eleanor, described as an aged woman (though only about 45) was found dead, having drunk herself to death in her despair following the death of her husband in "the new Country" (Bathurst area). An inquest was held at Parramatta, deeming Eleanor had died by the visitation of God. The newspaper stated she had been in possession of substantial land and cattle. Thomas died intestate and with no will left and no children or family members to inherit, their land and property was given to a creditor.