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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: VICTORIA on Wednesday 14 February 18 15:12 GMT (UK)

Title: Death at Sea
Post by: VICTORIA on Wednesday 14 February 18 15:12 GMT (UK)

Hi not sure where to post this.
An ancestor of ours John William McClellan was baptised 28/04/1854 St Peters in Liverpool Church of England Baptisms 1813-1906
Parents Peter McClellan ( Iron Moulder ) & Marie Margaret McClellan
Following many years searching for John William McClellan a reader sent me this record from Find my Past BT 157 Records
William Mc Clellen  Died 20/12/1884 Age 30 Fireman at sea.
From Liverpool to Antwerp supposed washed overboard Ship Quail 58557
Could this be our ancestor. Where would we be able to find information about his death and if there is record of his place of birth or family.
Any help appreciated
Victoria

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Wednesday 14 February 18 15:41 GMT (UK)

Hi Victoria

There is a record for a William McLellan with all other infrmation  that you've listed on the death at sea register. Not really very much on it. FindMyPast is down/slow so had to use another site.

I can send you a copy via e-mail (still have it) if you'd like.

Gadget

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Wednesday 14 February 18 15:42 GMT (UK)

It says born 23 Dec 1854, Barrow in Furness.

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: VICTORIA on Thursday 15 February 18 15:46 GMT (UK)

Thank you. Our William McClellan was born in Liverpool. So unfortunately this was not his record of death, will have to continue searching. :'(
Victoria

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Mowsehowse on Friday 16 February 18 10:07 GMT (UK)

Have you tried searching newspapers?

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: VICTORIA on Friday 16 February 18 10:37 GMT (UK)

Thank you. I would not know how to begin. :'(

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Friday 16 February 18 11:16 GMT (UK)

Which was the last census that you found him on?  Also, there are merchant navy records which might give an indication of his last voyages  I'll have a look to see if I can find anything useful later today.

Gadget

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Mowsehowse on Friday 16 February 18 12:00 GMT (UK)

Quote from: VICTORIA on Friday 16 February 18 10:37 GMT (UK)

Thank you. I would not know how to begin. :'( 

If you have a sub to findmypast they have a newspaper section, or there is (e.g.) The British Newpaper Archive > https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/  <

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Friday 16 February 18 13:42 GMT (UK)

Merchant Navy Crew Lists:

John McLellan, b.c. 1855, Liverpool.
Fireman, on the Author: 13 Aug 1881 - 6 Dec 1881.  Previously on the Ivory from London.

This might tie in with the death - I wonder if they got his birthplace and dd/mm of birth wrong on the deaths at sea register?


Gadget

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Friday 16 February 18 13:59 GMT (UK)

There is also this death at sea (overseas):

22 Sept 1883, John McLellan, age 29, on the Teucer- dept Liverpool. Died of heart Disease. Listed as DBS (Distressed British Seaman). Boat was sailing between Penang and Suez.

Gadget

(nothing in Newspapers 1880-89 so far)

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: VICTORIA on Sunday 18 February 18 10:50 GMT (UK)

Thank you. I wonder if he is mentioned 1871 Census ?? Liverpool. I do not have sub with Find My Past.

Title: Re: Death at Sea
Post by: Gadget on Sunday 18 February 18 10:55 GMT (UK)

Family search has all the census indexes for free. I can look for you if you can give me details of his family.

Gadget

Added - if he was at sea, he might not show on any of the censuses after starting work.