Thomas Cowan b.1898

[mazzie74]

Hi

My wife's ancestor, Thomas Cowman was born 23rd December 1898 in Winlaton, County Durham, England to Harrison Cowman and Elizabeth Ann Hope.

The family (including several siblings) emigrated to New Zealand in 1913.

The rest of the family stayed in New Zealand but Thomas seems to have been a globe trotter and travelled all over.

He shows up in Australian passenger lists, in the US WWI Draft registration in San Francisco, USA, and also in Canada.

I have seen a Thomas Cowman born c.1898/1899 in British Merchant Seamen records (1918-1941) but I can't see the full record in case it's him.

I'm looking for his death details but he doesn't show up in New Zealand deaths or Australian, Canadian, UK or US deaths that I can find.

Can anybody help please?

Thanks

Darin.

[Lisa in California]

I have not yet found his death, but in case this helps:

Canadian passenger list, departed Sydney, Australia, arrived 17 May 1935, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on board the Niagara
Third Class passenger from Auckland, N.Z., 30 April 1935
Thomas Cowman, age 36, Single, born Highspen(?), England.  Nationality: Canadian.
If in Canada before (and address): From 1925 to 1935. 2617 Hersham(?) Ave, N. Westminster, BC
Longshorman
Destination: Friend, Mrs. J. McAllister (same address as above).
"Nearest relative in country from which you came":  Father: Mr. H. Cowman, Bridge St, Nelson, New Zealand

[mazzie74]

Thanks Lisa

That's fantastic.

I need to look at British Columbia I think.

Regards

Darin.

[mazzie74]

Hi again

I have just found Thomas Cowman's father's (Harrison Cowman) will from 1942 in Nelson, Wellington, New Zealand and amongst Harrison Cowman's children it mentions:

"Thomas Cowman of British Columbia, labourer."

So Thomas Cowman is last noted in BC in 1942.

I can't find a death, burial or obituary in Canada though.

Thanks

Darin.

[Lisa in California]

Hi Darin:

Research in Canada can be a bit difficult due in part to their privacy laws.  However, if he died in British Columbia I'm a little surprised that we cannot find his death.

Perhaps you could ask for help on the Canada board, referencing this thread so they know the details?  (My "expertise"  is with Ontario documents, not British Columbia documents.)

[mazzie74]

Thanks Lisa

That's great.

I've also found his older brother returning to New Zealand where he lived in a 1957 passenger list.

It says he departed from Vancouver.

I wonder if he was visiting his brother?

[Lisa in California]

Good find and good possibility.  I will have another look for him in Canada.

I don't suppose Thomas had a middle name?

[mazzie74]

Hi Lisa

Thomas didn't have a middle name.

Just Thomas Cowman born 23rd December 1898 in High Spen, Durham, England. Sometimes listed as being born in Winlaton, Durham, England.

Thanks again

Darin.