Albert Ernest (Ferguson) Roche (1880)

Born 4 Apr 1880 in Hobart Town, Tasmania, Australia

Ancestors

Descendants

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Biography

Albert Ernest Ferguson was born on the 4th April 1880 in Hobart Town, Tasmania. He was the son of George Ferguson (a miller in Melville street) and Lily Cecilia Davies.^[1]

Albert's father, George, abandoned the family in Tasmania sometime around 1885 - Albert would have been about 5 years old. George started a new family in South Australia around 1887.

George's abandonment had a devastating effect on the family. Albert's sisters, Rosa and Lily, were sent to an orphanage in June 1885. Albert's sister Isabel was sent to an orphanage in March 1890, and Albert was sent to the Boy's Home a few days later:

From the Tasmanian News, 20 March 1890:

Albert Ferguson, a boy 11 years of age, was ordered to be sent to the Boys' Training School for a period of four years, his mother not being able to support him ^[2].

From The Mercury, 21 March 1890:

An order was made for Albert Edward Ferguson, aged 11 years, son of Isabel Ferguson, to be detained in the Boys' Home for four years ^[3].

From the Daily Telegraph, 21 March 1890:

Albert Ferguson, aged 11 years, was sent to the Boys' Training School for four years ^[4][5].

He absconded on the 17th June 1891:

From The Mercury, 18 June 1891:

Absconded.—Mrs. Wiseman reported yesterday that a boy named Albert Ferguson, aged 12, has absconded from the Boys' Home ^[6].

He was recaptured on the 20th June 1891:

From The Mercury, 20 June 1891:

BROUGHT BACK.—Constable Lannan, of the Clarence Municipal Police, yesterday escorted the boy Albert Ferguson to the Boys' Home. The lad escaped from the Home a day or two ago, and was found in Cambridge district ^[7].

He absconded again on the 1st July 1891:

From The Mercury, 2 July 1891:

Absconded.—Matthew Price, one of the inmates of the Boys' Home, reported yesterday that a boy named Albert Ferguson, aged 13, absconded from the Home on Tuesday evening ^[8].

On the 23rd December 1892 it was reported that he had stolen a bottle of lemonade, and that his history of bad behaviour was used to send him to the Cascade's Training School for three years:

From The Mercury, 23 December 1892:

A BAD BOY.—A lad named Albert Ferguson, who was an inmate of the Boys' Home, was brought upon a charge of having stolen a bottle of lemonade of the value of 2d. on November 10 last. The lad pleaded guilty to the offence. The POLICE MAGISTRATE commented upon the farce of bringing before him so trivial a charge as the one in question, but the Superintendent of the Home stated in evidence that the lad was a bad boy. He was, in fact, perfectly irreclaimable, and all attempts to set him going on the right path had proved to be futile. For fear that he would contaminate the other boys in the Home who were honest and trustworthy it was deemed necessary that the accused should be removed. Mr. TARLETON said that he could not admit of mere assertions of the kind in evidence. Nor did he feel disposed to send the boy to prison, where he would certainly not have any extended opportunities of improving his morals. After some considerable discussion had taken place over the matter it was finally decided that he should be transferred to the Cascade's Training School for three years ^[9].

He absconded from the Training School on the 13th October 1894:

From the Tasmanian News, 13 October 1894:

ABSCONDED.

Albert Ferguson, aged 16 years, was reported this afternoon as having absconded from the Training School. He is described as being 5 ft. high, has reddish hair, round face, and fair complexion. He is dressed in printed mole trousers, dark tweed vest, with blue serge cap.^[10][11]

Albert Ernest FERGUSON, at the age of 18, signed on as a deck-hand and travelled to the US. There he signed up for the US Army in the Spanish-American war. Albert was honourably discharged two years later ^{[12][13][14][15][16][17]}.

Albert E FERGUSON, regimental number 3926, enlisted with the Royal Artillery on the 26th January 1900 in London. His birth place was given as Hobart Town. He deserted on the 28th April 1900 at Newcastle-on-Tyne ^[18].

In early 1908, Albert (appearing as Tasman Albert Ferguson) was accused of assaulting Joseph William Johns. Albert believed that Joseph was blackmailing his sister, Rosa Ferguson, so that Rosa's daughters would not press rape charges against Joseph's sons.

An Extraordinary Case.

One of the most peculiar and sensational cases ever heard in a Sydney Police Court was under consideration last week, when Joseph William Johns proceeded against T. A. Ferguson for assault. The case seems to have arisen indirectly out of the recent suicide of Captain Voss. Ferguson was the brother of the late Captain Voss's mistress, Rose Ferguson, and he startled the Court with a running fire of questions of a very telling character addressed to each witness in turn, including his sister. Mr. G. Coleman, solicitor, appeared for the complainant, and at the close of the case the accused Ferguson asked to be allowed to examine him.

Pointing to Mr. Coleman, he said: Is it permissible to put this gentleman into the box? (Loud Laughter.)

Mr. Coleman: I've no objections.

S.M. (smiling). Yes, you can put anyone into the box that's in Court.

Mr. Coleman thereupon entered the box and was duly sworn.

Accused: You are a lawyer. No, a solicitor.

Accused: It's the same thing.

Mr. Payten: Oh, no; there's a big difference. (Laughter.)

Accused: Well, your business is to advocate the cause of those who are in a position to pay for your services?

Oh, no; to aid the cause of justice.

You advocate the cause of a thief, a prostitute, or anyone else that can pay? (Renewed laughter.) Probably.

But you don't care where the money comes from? Distinguished advocates are not given to curiosity. (Loud laughter.)

In this case you believe all your client tells you about me? I may not have done so, but all my doubts vanished after hearing you give your evidence, you are your own worst biographer. (Renewed laughter.)

The accused, addressing the Bench, said that Johns had called him a thief, and stated that he never worked. He handed up several references to the S.M. to disprove both those statements. He had had a fair trial and was guilty of breaking the law. He admitted that, but he was not sorry or repentant. He believed he had struck one of the greatest scoundrels who had ever committed perjury in a witness box, and had he only kicked him from the railway station along George-street, and dumped him in Circular Quay, no self respecting shark would have come within a mile of him. (Roars of laughter.)

Mr. Coleman asked for a heavy penalty. The accused had even flouted the Court.

S.M.: I don't think so. These testimonials proved him to be sober and industrious, and with the exception of these assaults there seems to be nothing against his character. There is evidently a vendetta between the parties.

A fine of £5, with 48s costs was inflicted, in default, 6 weeks' hard labor, a month's time being allowed in which to pay ^[19].

Albert assumed the name "Frank ROCHE" for his later life in England and the USA, and that he came from Menlo Park, California. Frank ROCHE was the name of another member of the Army unit in which he had served in the Spanish-American war ^[12].

Frank A. ROCHE married Mary A. B. HENDRY in the early part of 1912 at Southampton, England ^[20][21].

Frank, his wife Mary, and his children (Frank, Mary, and James) appeared in the 1920 US Census. They were living in Manhattan, New York City. Frank gives his birthplace as California and his occupation as Seaman ^[22].

Frank, his wife Mary, and his children (Thelma, James, Terrence, and Olga) appeared in the 1930 US Census. They were living in Camden, New Jersey. Frank gives his birthplace as California, and his occupation as a Baker ^[23].

Research Notes

Boy's Home and Training School records

There are records that can confirm that the Boy's Home and the Cascades's Training School relate to Albert:

• Boy's Home: https://stors.tas.gov.au/SWD37-1-2$init=SWD37-1-2P04
• Cascades Training: https://stors.tas.gov.au/SWD37-1-2$init=SWD37-1-2P33

Seaman in 1902?

CITY POLICE COURT.

At the City Court to-day Albert Ferguson, 21, a seaman belonging to the ship Earl of Derby, was charged with having assaulted James Kane first mate of the vessel. Accused was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, and ordered to pay two guineas professional costs and costs of court ^[24].

Also: Newcastle Police Court. (1902, March 25). Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135343314

Bicycle Thief and Cook in 1908?

There is a report that a Tasman Ferguson has stolen a bicycle on the 25th November 1908:

Molong.—Stolen, during the night of the 25th ultimo, from the blacksmith’s shop of H. P. Cady, Molong,—A gent.’s "The Forbes" bicycle, No. 1737, black enamelled, nickel lugs and rims, new Eadie coaster back wheel, new extension handle-bar, celluloid grips, low frame; makers name "Johnson" on name plate; value £8. Identifiable. Suspicion attached to Tasman Ferguson, about 26 years of age, medium build, red hair, ruddy complexion, clean shaved; dressed in dark clothes and straw hat; very talkative. Supposed to be making for Sydney and may sell machine en-route. No warrant ^[25].

He appears to be leaving Erambie Station - 5 miles from Molong.

• Small Debts Court. (1908, November 27). Molong Argus (NSW : 1896 - 1921), p. 4. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144355919
• A CLAIM FOR £49 7S 2D. (1908, November 28). Molong Express and Western District Advertiser (NSW : 1887 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139849842

Again, the age is about correct and the description matches that of the absconding Albert in Tasmania.

Another Tasman Ferguson

There is a Tasman Ferguson born in NSW:

• Birth: TASMAN H FERGUSON, 1002/1889, HENRY, SARAH, SYDNEY
• Death: TASMAN FERGUSON, 8591/1976, DIED LITTLE BAY, 087, 001

Sources

1. ↑ Albert Ernest Ferguson birth record at Tasmanian Names Index

   Name: Ferguson, Albert Ernest

   Record Type: Births

   Gender: Male

   Father: Ferguson, George (miller, Melville street)

   Mother: Davis, Lily Cecilia

   Date of birth: 04 Apr 1880

   Registered: Hobart

   Registration year: 1880

   Record ID: NAME_INDEXES:1095166

   Resource: RGD33/1/12/ no 1655

2. ↑ LOCAL AND GENERAL (1890, March 20). Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163570748
3. ↑ THE MERCURY. (1890, March 21). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9231180
4. ↑ TELEGRAMS. (1890, March 21). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), p. 3. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article150324409
5. ↑ Tasmanian. (1890, March 22). The Colonist (Launceston, Tas. : 1888 - 1891), p. 25. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200349849
6. ↑ THE MERCURY. (1891, June 18). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12720867
7. ↑ THE MERCURY. (1891, June 20). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved October 9, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12721002
8. ↑ THE MERCURY. (1891, July 2). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12721744
9. ↑ CITY POLICE COURT. (1892, December 23). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13291004
10. ↑ ABSCONDED. (1894, October 13). Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), p. 1 (THIRD EDITION). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174589463
11. ↑ ABSCONDED. (1894, October 15). Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), p. 1 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174589533
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1} Email from Robert Clifton-Steel to Chris Willoughby, dated 7 January 2024
13. ↑ "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WQL1-2N6Z : Sun Mar 10 06:27:59 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert E Ferguson, 13 July 1898.
14. ↑ "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRQ-NNDG : Sun Mar 10 17:11:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert E or Frank Ferguson or Roche, 13 July 1898.
15. ↑ "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q5RM-XNN2 : Sun Mar 10 17:11:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert E or Frank Ferguson or Roche, 15 March 1899.
16. ↑ "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRQ-NNDL : Sun Mar 10 17:11:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Albert E or Frank Ferguson or Roche, 15 March 1899.
17. ↑ "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WQL1-2NZM : Sun Mar 10 06:27:59 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Roche, 15 March 1899.
18. ↑ THE POLICE GAZETTE, Volume XVII, No. 1721.Tuesday, June 26, 1900
19. ↑ An Extraordinary Case. (1908, February 6). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 - 1952), p. 7. Retrieved October 9, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174470664
20. ↑ "England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:26H4-GCG : 22 May 2014), Mary A B Hendry and null, 1912; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1912, quarter 2, vol. 2C, p. 100, Southampton, Hampshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
21. ↑ "England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:26H8-2WY : 13 December 2014), Frank A Roche and null, 1912; from "England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005," database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1912, quarter 2, vol. 2C, p. 100, Southampton, Hampshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
22. ↑ "United States Census, 1920", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJYQ-XX6 : Sat Mar 09 08:09:59 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Roche and Mary A Roche, 1920.
23. ↑ "United States Census, 1930", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X48R-GJ8 : Thu Mar 07 01:09:28 UTC 2024), Entry for Frank Roche and Mary Roche, 1930.
24. ↑ CITY POLICE COURT. (1902, March 25). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14476593
25. ↑ Burglaries, etc. (1908, December 2). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), p. 433. Retrieved October 9, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251636843

• Tasmanian BDM
• https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/L89Z-QYG
• SENSATIONAL STATEMENTS (1908, February 9). Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206486770
• Small Debts Court. (1908, November 27). Molong Argus (NSW : 1896 - 1921), p. 4. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144355919