In a message dated 7/27/01 8:14:34 PM, MMccar2080(a)aol.com writes:
<< Thomas CASSIDY born 1802-1803 in the County of Meath Ireland, Meath
Hertiage
Society has confirmed the a Thomas CASSIDY was born in 1802 to parents
Patrick CASSIDY and Jane Staunton.
I did find a Thomas CASSIDY in the 1821 census of Meath in the town of
Manorland in a gaol awaiting transportation to Australia for "Stealing a
pig", his sentence was 7 years, On his Australian documents it describes him
quite well, but it list his birth date as 1803. After his sentence he came to
New Zealand and settled there. >>
I wouldn't worry about that slight difference in the birth years. Lots of
people weren't exactly sure how old they were or what year they were born.
And if they got his birth year by asking him how old he was, depending on
when his birthday was, the answer might give a different year! Sounds very
likely he's your man. What did the transportation records say his crime was?
Does that match?
Does the Heritage Center tell you where that Thomas son of Patrick and Jane
was born? Is it near enough to Manorland to be likely?
Another thing you might try is to find out if there are newspapers from Meath
in 1821. Look for the reports of the Assize Court. Maybe his pig stealing
will rate a mention!
Janet C-S