1832

 

13th August   Hannah Samuels born (in Sydney?) (but is not baptised for another 3 years??)

                       

25th August    Thomas dies in the Liverpool Lunatic Asylum(73).

 

Was Hannah aware Thomas was in the Asylum? Presumably the powers that be would have notified her of the death of her husband, she was still a convict so I imagine they knew her whereabouts.

 

 

Thomas, married as a Benton, dies a Benson, and is buried in St Luke’s Church cemetery Liverpool by the somewhat stressed Rev. Robert Cartwright. Thanks to the Rev. Robert Cartwright’s general lack of attention to detail, and, by a simple slight-of-hand, unsatisfactorily resolves the long-standing question of Benton or Benson and consolidates the confusion. The Rev. Bob Cartwright, signs off on the death of Thomas Benson. It is also probable Thomas Benson was buried in St Luke’s Cemetery for Asylum Paupers (73a)

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The St Luke’s Church Burial Record states :

Thomas Benson

Abode:                       Lunatic Asylum

When Buried:           25th Aug 1832

Age:                            35

Ship:                           Ocean

Quality of Profession:          Insane

Ceremony Performed:         Rev. Bob Cartwright

 

St Luke’s parish history describes Rev Cartwright as “hasty” in that he “failed” to have the church consecrated before commencing his ministry. (The church was finally consecrated late in the 20th century). An article in the Church history suggests the Rev Cartwright had a bit of a reputation in this regard.

 

Interestingly, with the exception of the letter to the Colonial Secretary from the Chief Superintendent of Convicts (3 Oct 1829), as long as Benton is alive, Benton is always Benton.

 

 

20th November Henry renews his Certificate of Freedom(74)

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