Richard Gorman

Other Events:

• Research Overview: 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland
• Voter: 1840 - 1842, Caplin Bay, Newfoundland

Notes:

Research Overview:
Although the Gorman surname didn't become directly associated with Caplin Bay until the late 1830s and early 1840s, the surname at Ferryland goes back to the late 1770s. It appears from the old court records that Jeffrey Gorman, was a merchant, with his headquarters at Fermeuse. In 1785/1786, he is also mentioned as being the agent for Philip Leigh & Co. Several court cases are on record where he sued individuals to recover outstanding debts for that company.

The first mention of Richard Gorman was also in this latter time-frame, but we have no indication of Richard's kinship to Jeffrey. They could have been brothers, or father and son. From his profile in a number of court cases, it appears that Richard was a literate man, and this is borne out by the fact that by 1800 he was the Clerk of the Peace for the court system at Ferryland. By that time, he was married and had five children. While Richard's religious affiliation is not clear, it seems pretty certain, based on other recorded events, that his wife and family were Roman Catholics.

In his capacity as an official of the Crown, his name shows up numerous times in various court records throughout the first three decades of the 1800s. However, in 1826, 1828, and 1829, his position within the Crown changed to that of a gaoler (i.e. jailer) at Ferryland.

We don't know exactly when Richard moved to Caplin Bay, but his name appears there for three years in the earliest surviving Voter's Lists. His home was near the scenic Old Woman's Pond. This was likely his "retirement" home since it appears while at Ferryland his residence may have been provided by the Crown.

Based on Robert Carter's Journal, Richard died on the 12th October 1841. In the spring of 1843, his widow, Bridget, petitioned the government for several years wages that were due Richard before he died. It took a while, but the government finally paid her £66 in 1845.

Voter:
Richard's home was likely lived in the vicinity of the hill that still bears the family name.

Buried:
Carter makes no mention of when and where Richard Gorman was buried. Absence of this detail may suggest a Roman Catholic burial which Carter probably wouldn't have attended. (Speculation).

Died:
Richard Gorman found dead in his garden at Caplin Bay, held an Inquest on him.

Richard married Bridget Abt 1790. Bridget died Aft 1845. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Furlong, Mary [was] born at Ferryland about 1800; daughter of Richard Gorman who lived in "old Mr. Carter's house in the Pool" and subsequently moved into Benger's house.

Mary — Furlong. [Group Sheet]

Margaret married James Gardner 2 Mar 1824, St. John's, Newfoundland. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Very little is known of Peter, except for a few mentions in the court records. No trace of Peter was found anywhere after 1834. It is unknown if he died, or moved out of the area.
i/ Ferryland Supreme Court Records: Peter Gorman, Gaolor - 1827, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833.
ii/ Ferryland - District Court Actions: January 1, 1834 - Gorman, Peter - Appointed constable for Ferryland.

Notes:

Died:
Robert Carter wrote in his Journal for 14 April 1849 "Richard Furlong, aged 10 years, son of Mary Furlong, was killed today by the falling of Mr. Norris' stage, broken down by drift ice".