RootsChat.Com
Independent Islands => Isle of Man => Topic started by: erthomas on Monday 03 April 06 20:36 BST (UK)
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in the 1871 census John Cottier is listed as a light keeper and in the 1881 he is a ferryboat proprieter. Is there any way to find out which lighthouse he was at and what his boating business consisted of?
erin
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Hiya Erin,
If the Manx directories do not show which lighthouse John Cottier manned it may be difficult. I think Trinity House are the organisation responsible for all lighthouses and manned lightships.
The Corporation of Trinity House - Family History Sources at Guildhall Library webpage states ....
1) LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES (http://www.history.ac.uk/gh/thouse2.htm)
Surviving records specifically of lighthouse keepers and the crews of light vessels and Trinity House cutters are all 20th century. (Most records of the lighthouse and light vessel service appear to have been destroyed in the 1940 bombing of Trinity House).
I'm sorry I can't assist with the query about the boating business.
Christopher
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Northern Lights - Scotland were & are responsible for Manx Lighthouses.
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Thanks Voirrey M,
I see that's mentioned on the need info on occupations (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,145521.0.html) thread.
I didn't realise Erin had another thread on this subject.
Christopher
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Can you give census details ? Some lighthouses here had residential accommodation on site.
2 were on small rocks/ islands & had family houses on shore. Ferry boats - rowing or motor
boats crossed Douglas harbour or Peel when high tide.
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this question was answered a year or so ago - his ancestor tended the light at the entrance to Peel Harbour (light keeper!) - also ran the ferry when apparently not in the pub.
Light houses are a different matter - all these had Scotish personnel (see entry on www.manxnotebook.com) who worked their way up the careeer rung - along the way a couple married Manx girls and retired in the Island
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I wonder if there are any drunk in charge of a ferry stories floating around ???