Robert Broadfoot (Google Drive)

Robert Broadford (1785-1824)

Robert Broadfoot^[iii] born about 1785 possibly in the county of Dumfries, Parish of Sanquhar, Scotland. He may have been the son of Thomas Broadfoot and Mary Bell and christened on 17 August 1788, in the parish of Sanquhar (Source: Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950). The family residence was in Dumfries, and by age 19 Robert's trade was "weaver". His assumed cousin Samuel Bell attested for military service on the same day in 1804.

Sgt. Robert Broadfoot made his military attestment on 3rd March 1804 for an unlimited period.

Source Canada, British Regimental Registers of Service, 1756-1900. He appears to have attested at Mosibrose for an unlimited period;

• Enlisted aged 19 years: Height at enlistment: 5' 7.5"; Height at 24 yrs of age: 5' 9.75".

• Described as of fair complexion, grey eyes, fair hair and a long face. Born in Dumfries, Sanquahan, and his occupation had been a weaver.

• ForfarCorp:Period deducting service prior to the age of 18 and time absent by desertion / Actual Service in the East or West Indies including in the preceeding columns:

  • West Indies - 16 March 1805 and

  • East Indies - 25 December 1817

Robert served in the West Indies from 16 March 1805 to 6 November 1811, and after 6 months leave re-attested at Bristol on the 10th March 1812 and transferred to the 2nd regiment of foot on 20th April 1813.

• It is noted that he "Claimed of a deserter at Jersey and the Commander in Chief's permission he was assigned to the 46th regiment of foot, as of the 15th May 1813".

On the 15th October 1814 he was transferred to the 46th regiment in Van Diemen's Land, and was mentioned in the Colonial Secretary papers in May 1815:

"Sergeant Robert Broadfoot and six privates were sent from the detachment of the regiment stationed at Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, into the interior of the colony, in order to suppress a gang of bush-rangers, which operated in that settlement, and had by their atrocious deeds become the terror of the inhabitants. The party succeeded in taking two of the principals, named Maguire and Burne who were tried and executed. The Sergeant and his party received the sum of one hundred pounds sterling and the thanks of Lieutenant-Governor Davy for their conduct on the occasion."

Robert Broadfoot left Australia with the 3rd.Division of the 46th Regiment of Foot under Captain Thompson, aboard the transport vessel "Dick" in October 1817, arriving in Madras after the 16th of December 1817. The military transport would have carried soldiers, their wives and children as well as stores and supplies. Although no passenger lists have been found to date, Ann probably traveled on board as the wives of soldiers were allowed to accompany their husbands overseas.

Reference to the death of a Robert Broadfoot (Snr.) in 1824, aged 38, indicate the man was buried on the 7th Dec 1824 at Bellary in the Madras. Robert Broadfoot (Snr.) when aged 38 years may have been among the British East India Company (EIC) soldiers killed in action or amongst the many who died of cholera during the insurrection at Fort Kittoor in Karnatak, which action occurred in the period of his death, namely, 2nd of December, (See Sidebar report).

Source:

• 1. India, Births and Baptisms, 1786-1947" - indexing project (batch) number: C00067-2 / system origin: India-EASy / source film number: 521838 / reference number: v 10 p 48. (aka Bradfute)

  2. Mary Ann Marlow comments by jenniferwilson185 added on ancestry.com this on 16 Jan 2013

1. Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), Saturday, September 19, 1812; Issue 14158. Wigtownshire local militia: to Be Ensign - Robert Broadfoot, vice Cuming, promoted; dated May 26, 1812.

   1. Richard Cannon (1777-1865) notes - "The 46th Regiment (South Devonshire Red Feathers) saw service in NSW during Macquarie's period of governance, replacing the 73rd. In May 1815 Serjeant Robert Broadfoot and six privates stationed at Hobart Town travelled into the interior and captured bushrangers Maguire and Burne." Source:- Historical record of the 46th, or the South Devonshire Regiment of Foot / containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1741 and of its subsequent services to 1851 /ccompiled by Richard Cannon. Author/Creator: Cannon, Richard, 1779-1865, comp. Publication Information: London, England : Parker, Furnivall and Parker, [1851]. Physical description: xxxv, 76 p., 2 plates : 2 colour lithographs ; 22 cm.