Documentary Evidence

Documentary evidence exists for the period 1834 to 1837/38 for Edmund Burke Roche in the Australian Colonies.

Edmund Burke Roche and Maria Theresa Burke/ Bourke, married in Eglish, Tiperary, Ireland in 1832. Maria would have been about 28/29 years old, and Edward 26 years or 17 years. (See below). They had a child Jane Elizabeth who died on the journey to the Colony of New South Wales in 1834.

Edward was a Protestant coming possibly from a family involved with the Masons. At the time of the birth of his first son in Sydney in 1834, Edward was described as a Gentleman.

Under the patronage of the Governor, Sir Richard Bourke, a second cousin of his wife, he was given the positions of postmaster at Bungonia in NSW in 1835; and Chief Constable at Yass in 1836. (Note:I understand that these positions were given to Roche solely because of his connections through his wife, to the Governor of the Colony Sir Richard Bourke.)

 1832

 Marriage Bond entered into between Maria T Burke and Edward Roche, Killaloe, Limerick, Ireland.

 
 

1832 Aug 28

Marries Maria Theresa Bourke Eglish, County Tipperary - celebrant is Rev. John Eyshaw

 

1833 June 14

First child Jane Elizabeth born at "Moatville" in Co. Tipperary, Ireland

 

1834 Oct 25

With pregnant wife and the child Jane Elizabeth, leaves Liverpool on the Medora, Captained by James Tweedie.

 

1834 Dec

Jane Elizabeth dies at sea aged 14 months

.Mother's statement

1834 Nov 1

Medora arrives in Sydney Town, Nov 4 1834

 

1834 Nov 15

Edward James Tweedie Roche born

Baptism Certificate

1834 Dec 9

Edward James Tweedie baptised at Parish of St. Philip's Sydney.

Baptism Certificate; Sydney given as abode;
fathers profession given as Gentleman; Church
of England ceremony performed by William Cowper

1835

Appointed postmaster Inverary (postmaster at Bungonia in NSW)

Australian, Oct 27 1835

1836 Feb 16

Appointed Chief Constable at Yass, 9th Feb. 2. 1836

Return of the Dept of Police,

1836 Sep 12

John Bourke Roche born

Baptism Certificate;Yass given as abode; father
Chief Constable

1837 Feb 15

John Bourke baptised at Parish of St. Philip's Sydney

Baptism Certificate; The Church of England
ceremony was performed by William Cowper.

1838 April 26

No longer paid as Chief Constable at Yass

 

1838-1853

Wife states in legal documents that her husband died "some years" ago

Stated as Deceased

1840 Feb

Wife Maria Theresa Roche is a Passenger with two children from Sydney for Port Phillip, in the Bright Planet

The Australian, Feb 29, 1840, p2

1843 Aug 25

Mary James Roche, the daughter of wife Maria Theresa Roche born in Melbourne

Illegit is written on certificate;
father James Faull an accountant

1847 Mar 19

Mary James Roche christened in Melbourne

Baptism record

1852

On Indenture it states husband of Maria Theresa Roche is deceased

 

1853 Mar 13

Indenture states husband of Maria Theresa Roche died "some years ago"

 

1853 Mar 31

Wife Maria Theresa Roche marries Henry Cole

 

1868

Affidavit for land sale by a Dr W H Campbell stating he has known Maria Theresa Roche for over 20 years and he knew her husband who is deceased