Goulburn gaol description/abbreviation

spison

spison

Well-Known Member
Could someone who has an Ancestry subscription for NSW gaol records please search for Catherine McKay admitted to Goulburn gaol. There is only one description of this woman so find the entry that reads:
Cathrine Mc Kay b. abt 1825 and admitted to Goulburn in 1870

Part of her description in the 'MAKE' column surrounded by words like 'medium', 'slight' and 'stout' is a word that is abbreviated that appears to begin with 'p' or 'r' that I have never seen in these records and have no idea what it might say. Perhaps it reads an abbreviation for 'robust' but that is a guess. Am I being particularly dense?

Any brilliant ideas?

Thanks
Jane
 
Catherine McKay alias Donovan-Royal Consort-1844-Ireland-R.C.-servant-45yrs- 5ft.3" Pro[pb]te (proportionate?)-fresh-Dk Brown- Grey eyes-small nose, 'medium moth ,small chin.
make.PNG
 
I did have a brain wave but it was wrong...will get back...sorry.
Sounds like it is in the column for head shape? Could be as Wendy suggests!
Doesn't really describe her head shape though does it?
 
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Ma-dotcom said:
Pro[pb]te (proportionate?)
Click to expand...
Oh! I didn't think of that - although I have never seen that designation before it could make sense. I'm glad that someone else thinks it begins with a 'P'.

Thanks also for the snip. (a) I couldn't do it easily and (b) the ability to link to the handwriting comparison was also important but this way those without the subscription can also have a go.

Archie's Mum said:
Sounds like it is in the column for head shape?
Click to expand...
It's in the column for Make (or build). The NSW records only have columns for age, height, build, hair, eyes, complexion and remarks (not necessarily in that order and not necessarily all of these columns are there).

Keep those brilliant suggestions rolling in folks.
Jane
 
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I agree with Wendy that it says Propte, probably short for proportionate.

I have seen 'proportionate build' in descriptions of criminals. I guess it just means that there's nothing particularly odd about the person's shape.

(Not sure that I could be called proportionate: I have a dress that says 'aged 11-12 years' and a hat that says 'XL' on the label and they both fit.:eek: )
 
Thanks all. I do appreciate the help with 'Proportionate' - and yes I do agree.

Catherine McKAY formerly DONOVAN nee HOOPER alias McCABE was the mother of Margaret DONOVAN, one of 'my girls'. You can read about what happened after Catherine and her husband arrived in Australia on her page. I have lost the pair of them - in fact I have lost every child Catherine had. There is no guarantee that Margaret and her mother ever met again after 1870.

Thanks again
Jane
 
Jane did you see the police report where Catherine's hubby had absconded from the marriage
 
Thanks! Can you given me the reference please Joanne.

I've looked quickly in the Police Gazette and can't see it. I do recall seeing something like this but now can't find it. I think for some reason I discounted it but don't say that in the bio.
Thanks again.
Jane
 
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What an idiot I am,over tired did'nt check dates. Sorry Jane it was for 1920 and her husband was only 29! Although could explain why he deserted her:eek:
 
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Thanks Joanne at any rate.
I have learned the hard way that sometimes you look so hard that you just don't see something important so it is good to have someone checking!

Jane
 
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