Death at Sea

[VICTORIA]

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

[Gadget]

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

[Gadget]

It says born 23 Dec 1854, Barrow in Furness.

[VICTORIA]

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

[Mowsehowse]

Have you tried searching newspapers?

[VICTORIA]

Thank you. I would not know how to begin.

[Gadget]

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

[Mowsehowse]

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/  <

[Gadget]

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