RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: Lizalex on Tuesday 20 March 18 19:52 GMT (UK)
-
Hi,
I am trying to research the Allan Shipping Line, which began in Largs, Scotland but was bought out by Canadian Pacific in the early 20th Century. I have been told that the company records and files may now be in Canada, as there does not seem to be anyone in UK who has any idea of their whereabouts.
I realise that this is not a direct genealogy question, but I believe that my great grandfather, Robert Allan, who was living in Largs at the time that the line was founded may have contributed to this. First, though, I need to determine the whereabouts of the Allan Shipping Line’s Company Records.
Many thanks,
Liz
-
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/c/F163107
It may also be worthwhile getting in touch with the Mitchell Library Glasgow
-
Thanks, Seaweed. We have had a look in the Mitchell, but they didn’t have much. The curator at The Transport Museum in Glasgow suggested that they had gone to Canada, hence this post.
Liz
-
Long gone...CPS was acquired by TUI (Hapag-Lloyd) in 2005. I doubt if any of their records have survived.
http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=15688 a very well written account of the Allan Line in two parts.
Don
-
www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/allan.shtml
Skoosh.
-
Thanks, Don and Skoosh for all your information. I think this will give me enough information to be able to attempt to tie in my Allan family. I really appreciate your help.
Liz
-
Hi Liz,
I would suggest trying the Memorial University of Newfoundland. I've pasted a link below. It might be worth a try.
https://www.mun.ca/mha/holdings/crewlist.php
Good Luck!
-
What about the National Records of Scotland (NRS)?
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lzv/
Records which are viewable I believe to be by pre-order/appointment?
Tel. No. on bottom of page to enquire.
Annie
-
A little light reading which may prove useful.
See here for the Allan Line: http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=15688
The originator of the Allan Line, Alexander Allan, was born 26 February 1780. Although Fairlie and Saltcoats have been noted as Place of Birth, ScotlandsPeople website OPR Register records Riccarton, Ayrshire. He died 18 March 1854 at Glasgow. His mother, Jean Brown, was the younger sister of Agnes (Brown) Burns, the mother of Alexander's famous first cousin, the Scottish bard, Robert Burns. Alexander went to sea and was soon serving as mate to Captain John Wilson of Saltcoats. Within a few years, he had served as Master and part-owner of several first-class ships trading out of Saltcoats. At Saltcoats in 1806, he married Jean Crawford (1782–1856). Their five sons were James, Hugh, Bryce, Andrew and Alexander.
1. James Allan (1808-1880) located at http://gdl.cdlr.strath.ac.uk/mlemen/mlemen002.htm"
Due failing health, James withdrew from the business and took residence at Skelmorlie, where he could see his ships as they passed on their voyages. There, he died.
Note: Skelmorlie is approximately 5.5. miles north of Largs.
2. Sir Hugh Allan
born Saltcoats, Ayrshire, 29 September 1810, died 9 December 1882, Edinburgh. Emigrated to Canada in April 1826 and entered into partnership with Miller, Edmonstone & Co., afterwards changed to Edmonstone, Allan & Co., Montreal. In recognition of his valuable services to the commerce of Canada and the Empire, he was knighted in person by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in 1871.
3. River Clyde Yachts: " Mavis ", owned by Mr Henry Allan of the Allan Shipping Line. Henry is probably a descendant.
-
Thanks, Amber, Annie and q98 - sorry not to have replied sooner. This is all fantastic information and I am really grateful. This is proving to be a really great subject and I am finding myself becoming totally engrossed in it, although still haven’t quite managed to make a link to my James Allan, also born in Fairlie and also a ship Wright. It must be there somewhere. Fairlie was such a small place. I’ll keep searching with all this great help. Much obliged.
Liz
-
The Allan Memorial Institute is located on the slope of Mount Royal by McGill University's campus in what was then the Golden Square Mile in Montreal, Quebec. It is named in memory of Sir Hugh Allan, whose former mansion, Ravenscrag, it occupies.
-
Thank you for that information, Roderick. I think that may deserve a visit!
Liz
-
Largs was NOT the location of The Allan Shipping line. It was in Glasgow. Try and get a book entitled "Ravenscrag" by Thomas E. Appleton, published by McClelland & Stewart Ltd., Toronto 1974. As the company grew, some of the Allan family moved to Montreal and the book can tell you who went there and when. At one point I believe most the Allan family was in Montreal but they were always controlling from "both ends" so to speak.
-
Thank you ROB. That is good information. I will apply at the library to se if they can get the book for me. I appreciate your help.
Liz
-
Lizalex, some stuff on the Allan Line & much else besides on,
www.dalmadan.com/?p=1044
Skoosh.