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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Renfrewshire => Topic started by: JimMcL on Monday 19 November 12 11:49 GMT (UK)
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Hi All
If there is somebody out there who could look at the microfiches for me I would much appreciate it. The info I want is not on Scotland's People or IGI and I live in the south of England.
I have the marriage entry for James McKellar (boatman of Gourock)and Isabella/Isobel Gillies on 25 Jan 1813, but no birth records from 1813 to 1820. The parish records I do have are:
William, lawful son of James McKellar mariner in Gourock and Isabella Gillies his spouse, born 3rd June 1821 at Inverkip, baptised 22nd June.
Peter, lawful son of James McKellar seaman of Gourock and Isabel Gillies his spouse, was born 28th April 1823 at Inverkip and baptised 22nd May.
Margaret, daughter of James McKellar, Master of steamboat Hercules, and Isabella Gillies, born 19th June 1825 at Greenock Old or West, baptised 10th July.
Janet, daughter to James McKellar Shipmaster, and Isabella Gillies born 21st March 1827 at Greenock Old or West, baptised 15th April.
On 4/2/1838 Isabella, second daughter of Captain James McKellar of the steamer Samson was married to Duncan Clark Jnr, butcher (newspaper). Possible daughter probably born in the 1813-1820 gap.
Captain James McKellar had a son James who was also a Steamboat Master(tugs). His seaman's record has him born at Gourock on 24 June 1817.
He married Isabella Shearer on 9/ Apr 1839 at Greenock and was described as Pilot. He married a second time to Isaaca Robert on 19/1/1848 at Greenock. This marriage entry reads: ‘James McKellar shipmaster, son of James McKellar steamboat Master Greenock, and Isaaca Robert daughter of Thomas Robert, mariner’
James McKellar, tugboatman, died on 3/7/1876 at Gourock Infirmary of apoplexy aged 59.
In 1851 James, Steamboat Master, was at 43, Hamilton Street, Greenock with Isaaca, daughter Helen and his father, also James aged 57 Master of a lighter.
I am missing the births from 1813 to 1820, especially James, and the birth of James' daughter Helen or Ellen born c.1840 Greenock.
1794 James was on the 1851 census as having been born in Kilmarn (Kilmun?) Argyllshire. There was a birth 7/7/1794 in Greenock and 15/11/1795 in Glassary. I don't have a seaman's record for Captain James McKellar (1794) as Masters examinations came in after 1850 and he was probably approaching 60 and close to retirement then.
Any help would be most appreciated.
Best regards
Jim
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I read the whole thread on the search for James McKellar. To help clarify (or perhaps muddy the waters further), the Captain James McKellar mentioned in the thread, with son Hugh, was the younger brother to my 3rd great grandfather Captain John McKellar. They operated in the Gourock, Greenock, Port Glasgow, and Glasgow areas and I too have been unable to sort out all the McKellars in that region. James and John's Father, also a John, was supposedly drowned whilst taking a wedding party from or to Roseneath. My 3rd grt grandfather John (mentioned above) was washed overboard from the American Lass in route to the US. I do have information on this McKellar family if you find a connection. Good luck in your search.
Alexandra
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Hi Alexandra
I think I have James and daughter Helen sorted from Merchant seaman's records, BMD certificates and newspaper articles. As I am descended from Helen McKellar and she was adopted that means I now have no direct lineage with the McKellars. Naturally if any are relevant to your lineage I'd be happy to help.
When Helen (Ellen) McKellar married George Jones in Queenstown, County Cork, it was noted on the marriage entry that her father, James McKellar, was Captain of the Robert Bruce. I am now doubting that Helen was the daughter of James McKellar and that she was in fact adopted in the 1840s. Although this means there is no lineage to the McKellars, they naturally played a large part in Helen’s life.
James McKellar was born on the twenty fourth of June 1817 in the town of Gourock on the River Clyde. He married Isabella Shearer on 9/4/1839 at Greenock Middle Church, Renfrewshire but Isabella must have died shortly after as he married again to Isaaca Robert on 19/1/1848 at Greenock Old or West.
In 1851 James was at 43, Hamilton Street, Greenock with Isaac, daughter Helen and his father, also James aged 57 widower, steamboat master. Helen is entered as Helen MacKay, aged 10, daughter of James McKellar, born Greenock.
There is no record of a birth for Helen/Ellen McKellar c1840 in Greenock, but on the 1841 census there is a Helen McKay aged 5 months, daughter of Angus and Lucy McKay also living in Hamilton Street. It is quite possible that something happened to Angus and Lucy and Helen was adopted by James and Isabella, or James and Isaaca. Angus and Lucy do not appear on any census return after 1841. Before 1930 adoption was done on a very informal basis and no records were kept.
I can’t find a marriage record for Angus and Lucy or birth record for Helen McKay, so regrettably this has become a ‘brick wall’, but nevertheless, some of the information gleaned so far does paint a picture of Helen’s life.
James senior married Isobel (Isabella) Gillies on 25th January 1813 in Glasgow and on the marriage entry James is described as a boatman in Gourock. In 1848 the parish marriage entry for James McKellar and Isaaca Robert reads ‘James McKellar shipmaster, son of James McKellar steamboat Master Greenock and Isaaca Robert daughter of Thomas Robert, mariner’. Around 1859, James senior, James and Isaaca, and daughter Helen all moved to Queenstown, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Before 1855 deaths in Scotland were seldom registered.
Isabella Gillies died in Scotland prior to 1851 and her death wasn’t registered.
Isabella Shearer died in Scotland prior to 1848 and her death wasn’t registered.
Isaac Roberts Kellar, female, died at Queenstown, Cork aged 50 on 22/6/1867. Wife of a captain of a steamer living at 4, Church Street, Queenstown. Informant Ellen Jones of same address. (Helen/Ellen McKellar)
James McKellar senior died at Queenstown, Cork aged 75 on 15/1/1868. Late captain of a tugboat. Address 13, Harbour View. Informant Mary Ann Hughes of 14, Fish Street, Cork.
The tugboat Robert Bruce sank in 1866 in Liverpool and with Isaaca passing away in 1867, his father in 1868, and Helen married, James returned to Greenock.
In 1871 he was master of the tugboats Eliza and Hero.
James McKellar, tugboatman, died on 3/7/1876 at Gourock Infirmary of apoplexy aged 59.
Hope it helps
Best regards
Jim
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Hello: Thank you for responding. In the event you do find a connection here's a brief outline of my line as I know it from research and "family history" -just the early part of the family - in case it helps you sort our some of the McKellars in Gourock, Greenock, Port Glasgow and Glasgow:
The farthest back I can go is the 18th century with 1) John McKellar who died at sea - he was supposedly married to Janet Black (I noted in one of the responses to your initial inquiry Elaine mentioned the spouse was Mary Black). They had at least 5 children including John McKellar, James McKellar, and Janet who died young. John McKellar was a fisherman and seaman. He owned a sailing vessel known as the "ferry" between the lowland and highland sides of the Firth of Clyde. He was drowned while taking a bridal party across to Roseneath. In the Gourock Advertiser 5.11.1822 issue there is an article noting a boat belonging to John M'Kellar, ferryman, Gourock, on coming from Roseneath to this side filled with water in a storm. John M'Kellar and his son Peter perished along with two passengers. M'Kellar left a widow with a large family. I have not verified that this is my John but the time seems right. Will have to look further.
2) John McKellar - baptised 11 April 1798, Gourock, Renfrew, Scotland, died at sea June 1851 (Captain washed overboard The American Lass heading to NY - I believe his brother owned the vessel); m. Feb 1821 Inverkip Parish, Gourock, Margaret Robertson/Robinson (b. ca. 1801- died age 68 on Glasgow): they had at least 7 children John, Jane, Archibald, James, Carrie, Charles, Elizabeth.
2) James McKellar b. ca. 1801 Gourock; died 13 May 1878, age 77;married 1838 Glasgow, Jane Anderson. They had at least 5 children: Hugh, James, William Anderson, John and a daughter.
3) Archibald came to Canada and later Philadelphia - descendants; Charles married Alice Holford of Sussex in London and came to Philadelphia - Alice died, Charles returned to Glasgow leaving my great Grandfather, Herbert an infant, with Archibald, married a 2nd time, had additional children. Charles was a printer and was forbidden to go to sea or so the story goes. I have additional information on this family.
3) I have traced James' family and identified a female descendant ( a daughter of Grace D Masson McKellar and William Henry Odlum) of his son Hugh who came to Connecticut and then Charlottesville, Virginia - she had two daughters but I have been unable to locate them. One group ended up down in South of England. John & William A were doctors.
Alexandra
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Hi Alexandra,
You may find this useful. I'm limited on
characters so I'll split it up.
Newspaper clippings and Wills:
Many of these will turn out to be irrelevant, but may be clues to draw upon as family links develop.
There wasn’t any legal requirement to register deaths in Scotland prior to 1855 so these records are scarce. To register any death cost money and many people had more pressing needs so they didn’t bother. Newspapers and Wills can provide some information.
24/7/1794 Captain Archibald McKellar of the Mary married to Miss Grizel McAlaster
10/3/1800 Probate of Donald McKellar, Master of the ship Isabella of Port Glasgow.
5/1/1801 Probate of John McKellar mariner of Greenock.
31/10/1801 Captain Alexander McKellar of ship Active of Greenock died 27/7/1801 at Surinam
12/11/1801 Probate of Alexander McKellar shipmaster Greenock
22/5/1808 Captain McKellar on Mary
15/4/1811 Mr John McKellar of Greenock married Mary, eldest daughter of Matthew Rodger.
6/9/1815 Probate of Peter Mackellar. Shipmaster Greenock.
4/2/1820 Capt Duncan McKellar to Calcutta on Clydesdale
15/5/1820 Capt McKellar on Belleisle sunk at Trinidad
20/10/1820 Steamboats on the Clyde.
13/11/1822 John McKellar, Gourock ferryman, his son Peter and both passengers died in gale on 1/11/1822
4/11/1824 Captain McKellar on Columbus ran aground in Channel carrying 10,000 tons of timber.
21/2/1825 Infant son of Captain Duncan McKellar died at Greenock.
22/5/1826 Peter McKellar, river pilot, died at Cloch Lighthouse.
19/4/1830 Euphemia, youngest daughter of Captain Alec McKellar married to Thomas Bryce Buchanan
29/11/1830 Probate of John McKellar mariner of Greenock
20/5/1831 Captain John McKellar married Mary, eldest daughter of Mr David Abercromby on 9/5/1831
1/8/1835 Son of Captain McKellar of the Samson badly scalded after an explosion on the Earl Grey at Greenock dockside.
1/11/1836 Marriage of Helen McKellar to Captain John McKellar of the brig Pacific at Greenock.
1837 William Duncan McPherson was apprenticed to Captain James McKellar for 4 years on the ship Manchester at Greenock. (This James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon, Argyle).
14/3/1837 Captain Neil McKellar died at Greenock aged 68.
22/9/1837 Captain McKellar of the Tar in collision with a sloop.
6/2/1838 Isabella, second daughter of Captain James McKellar of the steamer Samson was married to Duncan Clark Jnr. (This Samson was built in 1830 and carried passengers and cargo between Greenock and Glasgow, not to be confused with the tug Samson built 1819.)
4/8/1838 Daughter of John McKellar, steamboat officer, took children to bathe. Two drowned.
20/8/1838 Margaret, eldest daughter of late Captain John McKellar married to James Peace of the ship Esquimeaux at Greenock.
2/12/1838 Elizabeth Ewing widow of late Captain John McKellar died at Greenock aged 74. (John McKellar married Elizabeth Ewing at Greenock on 22/10/1786).
1840 Post office Directory. Captain Duncan M’Kellar, Victor steamer.
1840 Post office Directory. Captain Alex M’Kellar, Allan Place.
1840 Post office Directory. Captain Duncan M’Kellar, Anderston Quay.
1/12/1840 Inquest in London on death of John McKellar seaman of Greenock aged 43. Died from drink. Verdict: Visitation of God.
22/4/1841 Caledonia under command of Captain James McKellar, Boston-Liverpool. (This James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon, Argyle).
1/5/1841 Captain McKellar of Caledonia. Tight ship, no swearing, arguing, brawling, and all to attend Sunday services. (This James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon, Argyle).
1843 Captain John McKellar of Greenock ship Isabella Cooper died at sea in December 1842.
17/5/1843 Probate of John McKellar Shipmaster in Greenock.
7/10/1844 Captain McKellar on Hercules. Man drowned.
22/1/1844 Capt McKellar to Trinidad on Dalhousie
5/3/1844 Captain Peter McKellar of the ship Dalhousie died at sea.
22/4/1844 Captain McKellar of Invincible letting houses in Little Cumbrae.
7/10/1844 Passenger fell overboard from steam tug Hercules. Only hat found.
23/12/1844 Captain McKellar of Invincible in storms.
4/4/1845 Captain McKellar of Invincible adrift in storm.
5/5/1845 Captain McKellar of Invincible and Captain Alexander McKellar of Mars.
8/12/1845 Flora, eldest daughter of late Captain Alex McKellar died at Greenock.
9/3/1846 Capt McKellar on Invincible saves drowning man who had fallen overboard from an American ship.
Best of luck,
Jim
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Alexandra
12/8/1846 Mary MacKellar nee MacColl died, widow of Alexander MacKellar shipmaster in Greenock.(Mary McColl married Alexander McKellar in Glasgow on 10/10/1790).
17/8/1846 Capt McKellar on barque Christian of Glasgow. (Captain William McKellar 1820)
19/11/1846 Death of Janet McKellar in 103rd year at Govan. Widow of John McKellar who died the year before aged 99. Married 80 years.
21/5/1847 Captain James McKellar, late of Fire King to captain newly launched Shamrock. (This James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon, Argyle).
2//9/1847 Marriage of Captain William McKellar to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Dow, at 13, Charles Street, Greenock.
18/12/1847 Captain McKellar on Defiance saves stricken ship Lochfine and 100 passengers. Lochfine lashed to Defiance and taken to Greenock where it sank on arrival.
20/3/1848 Captain McKellar and the Shamrock. Passenger fell overboard and drowned under paddle. (This Captain James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon, Argyle.).
31/3/1848 Capt Donald McKellar of Matilda McColl
18/8/1848 Captain McKellar of Vesta colliding with small boat.
12/12/1848 Captain Peter McKellar died at Greenock
23/3/1849 Death of Ayna only daughter of Captain James McKellar at 44, York Street on 22/3/1849.
26/3/1849 Steam tug Hercules for sale. Built by Steele of Greenock. 2x30hp engines.
7/5/1849 Passenger on steam tug Samson overbalanced, fell into the machinery and was crushed.
4/6/1849 Captain John McKellar on Lady Brisbane pulls sloop off rocks.
3/9/1849 Captain McKellar of Star. Child born on board.
21/9/1849 Ship Meg Merrilees, Capt McKellar of Greenock
25/9/1849 Death of Captain McKellar of Greenock on 17/9/1849. Joined Navy and rapidly rose to Master in 1796. Served on Warrior in 1813 under Lord Torrington, then to Mercantile Marine.
8/10/1849 Capt McKellar to Singapore and Manilla on Meg Merrilees
6/9/1850 Captain Alexander McKellar of Eclipse breaking regulations. Fined 2 guineas.
14/10/1850 New Mercantile Marine Act. Captain James M’Kellar listed.
7/2/1851 Captain McKellar on Thistle in collision with Laurel. Laurel sank drowning all on board. (This James McKellar born 1800 in Dunoon).
24/3/1851 Engineer of Royal Consort drowned off Isle of Arran.
27/6/1851 Captain John McKellar of American Lass in a hurricane. He was washed overboard and drowned. Left a widow and five children. Left Glasgow for New York on 2nd June.
15/7/1851 Death of Alexander McKellar, Master of the Eclipse on 12/7/1851 at 28, Lynedoch Street
29/8/1851 Agnes McKellar of Kirk Street lost £46/4s/6d in failed Glasgow Provident Bank.
10/11/1851 Capt Alexander McKellar of steamboat Star to Mary, youngest daughter of Alexander McKellar Esq. (at 28, Lynedoch Street, Barony, Lanarkshire on 4/11/1851).
17/11/1851 Capt McKellar supervised building of two paddle steamers for Australia. The Yarra Yarra and Warata. Sailed them to Australia.
4/3/1852 Captain Peter McKellar on Princess Alice. (Captain Peter McKellar b.6/3/1816)
22/6/1852 Captain McKellar of Invincible and son, rescue passengers from grounded Glencairn.
23/7/1852 Captain McKellar fined half guinea for late departure of Eclipse.
4/8/1852 Captain McKellar of Princess Alice released from custody following collision with Citizen. 2 dead. (Captain Peter McKellar b.6/3/1816)
3/9/1852 Captain James McKellar on Eclipse sailed with replacement engineer. Summoned for calpable and rash conduct. Case dismissed.
26/10/1852 Steam Tug Ellen Faucit in the River Mersey.
29/7/1853 Capt McKellar collision between lighter and Star. Helmsman killed.
28/11/1853 Death of Charles on 25/11/1853, son of Alexander McKellar, aged 16, 23, Lynedoch Street.(see 15/7/1851)
16/9/1854 Eclipse wrecked off Dunoon under charge of pilot. Captain Barrie not on board due to illness. Owner Captain McKellar. Not insured.
2/3/1855 Mr Duncan McKellar died 26/2/1855 at 4, Houston Street.
23/6/1855 Death of Jean Henry widow of late Captain Peter McKellar at Greenock.(Likely Jane. There were five births for Jane Henry and Peter McKellar from 1835 on.
4/7/1855 Capt McKellar owner of steamer Nelson fined.
17/8/1855 Janet McKellar died 14/8/1855 aged 85 at Port Glasgow. Wife of Captain John McVicar. (Janet McKellar and John McVicar married at Greenock on 7/7/1792.)
31/8/1855 Probate of Duncan McKellar jnr. Mariner, Houston Street, Glasgow. Spouse of Margaret Collins.(Duncan McKellar married Margaret Collins at Govan, Glasgow on 5/3/1849).
15/10/1855 Birth of son on 11/10/1855 to Mrs William McKellar at 10 Duke Street.
16/11/1855 Probate of Jane Mackeller alias Henry, widow of Peter Mackeller resident in Greenock.
Jim
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Alexandra
7/1/1856 Duncan McKellar, engineer of Lady Brisbane drowned
18/7/1856 Robert Bruce collides with the dock. Fined one guinea.
19/10/1856 Captain John McKellar of Lady Kelburne fined 40/- for not slowing.
20/2/1857 Probate of Peter McKellar shipmaster in Greenock.
29/8/1857 Steamer accident. Capt John McKellar on Jupiter and Capt Alexander McKellar on Venus.
28/9/1857 Capt McKellar sheltering from storm. Robert Bruce and Jupiter.
28/10/1857 Captain John McKellar of Jupiter. Racing and causing collision. Fined £3/3s/-.
18/12/1857 Skiff race on the Clyde. Captain McKellar of Venus as referee.
15/2/1858 Captain McKellar. Bequest from Van Diemens Land for the poor.
11/6/1858 Captain Alexander McKellar of the Jupiter in storm.
23/6/1858 Captain Alexander McKellar of the Jupiter rescued passengers.
15/10/1858 Rates of Shipowners, Alexander McKellar shipowner, James McKellar Master Mariner
14/3/1859 Steam tug Samson for sale.
23/6/1859 Captain Alexander McKellar in Jupiter
26/7/1859 Probate of Janet McKellar of Renfrew St., Glasgow. Sister of Duncan McKellar fisherman at Lochfine, Argyll.
1/9/1859 Captain John McKellar of Venus in collision
12/9/1859 Captain Alexander McKellar of Jupiter in storm.
22/2/1860 Storms hit Captain McKellar on Lady Kelburne
16/5/1860 Captain McKellar on George from Pernambuco ran aground in fog at Whitsand Bay. Of 10 crew 7 drowned and 3 survived
14/7/1860 Captain McKellar on Juno. Passenger fell between boat and quay.
9/3/1861 Robert Bruce. Claim against The Pioneer of Richmond, salvaged at Dunmanus Bay, Ireland.
22/8/1861 Captain McKellar on Juno. Man accidentally drowned.
1861 Death of Mary, wife of Duncan aged 69, at Tradeston, Govan. Born Glasgow. (1861 census Duncan aged 71 at Tradeston, Lanarkshire.)
20/5/1862 Alexander McKellar first mate on Alma of Trinidad washed overboard in Feb/Mar.
31/7/1862 Captain John McKellar of Jupiter. Witness in court case.
13/4/1863 Capt Alexander McKellar of steamship Juno died 12/4/1863 at 38 Paterson Street Kingston, Glasgow, in 44th year. (Born 9/12/1817, son of Duncan McKellar and Agnes Taylor who married 17/2/1802 Greenock, brother of Duncan who was born 5/12/1813)
15/4/1863 Marriage of Alexander son of late Captain Peter McKellar to Jessie McFarlane Campbell at Greenock.
11/8/1863 Probate of Alexander Mackellar, Steamboat Master. Residing at Lamlash.
6/10/1863 Robert Bruce engineer lost balance, fell into machinery and was mangled. The 18 year old from Newry left a wife and five children.
27/11/1863 Captain McKellar bought Venus, Lady Brisbane and Lady Kelburne. (Captain Duncan McKellar 1791)
8/3/1864 Death on 6/3/1864 of James, youngest and last surviving son of late Duncan M’Kellar of Greenock. Address 62, Kelvingrove Street, Glasgow.
3/5/1864 Robert Bruce. Salvage claim against the Frederick Bruning
29/7/1864 Captain John McKellar of Venus collided with dock. Fined £1/1s/0d
20/8/1864 Capt John McKellar. Collision between Eagle and Venus
24/10/1864 Death of Jessie McKellar on 21st at Inverary, widow of John McFarlane, excise officer.
17/3/1865 Captain McKellar presided meeting at John Street Wesleyan Church.
20/6/1865 Captain John McKellar on Venus. Man drowned.
9/8/1865 Death of Isabella second daughter of late Ellar McKellar of Greenock, died at 5, Orchard Street. (Ellar McKellar was married to Anne or Agnes McFarlane).
3/10/1865 Birth and death of infant daughter on 30/9/1865 of Mrs James McKellar.
26/3/1866 Robert Bruce abandoned in sinking state in storm at Liverpool.
14/5/1866 Death of Ellar McKellar on 12/5 at 30 High Street, Rothesay. Flesher aged 79.
14/6/1866 New tug steamer Rover arrives on the Clyde from the Tyne.
10/8/1866 Captain John McKellar of Venus arrested regarding collision with City of Carlisle.
9/10/1866 Capt John McKellar. Collision between Venus and Hero. Fined 3 guineas.
26/10/1866 Capt John McKellar collision between Venus and Cardiff Castle. John not guilty.
31/10/1866 Results of Marine Board examinations. James McKellar passed Masters exam.
28/1/1867 Steam tug Rover arrives with loose goods from wreck of Taymouth Castle.
18/5/1867 Capt John McKellar Master of Venus, presentation.
1868 James McKellar died at Cork aged 75. (Birth c1793).
20/1/1868 Capt McKellar and crew of Helvellyn, Greenock to Bombay landed at Waterford. Foundered on 17/1/1868.
27/1/1868 Rover towing barque Vanikale from Belfast to Ardrossan. Tow rope broke and ship rolled onto its’ side. Ship abandoned with Captain’s wife on board.
27/1/1868 Death of Margaret Robertson widow of Captain John McKellar on 25/1/1868 at 224, Eglington Street. In 69th year. (Margaret Robertson married John McKellar at Inverkip in Feb 1821).
14/3/1868 Captain James McKellar on Tusker to Plymouth. Baby born on board on 7/3/1868
4/7/1868 Centurion launched at Glasgow, ship of 1300 tons owned by Captain James McKellar and others, for the East India trade. Commanded by Capt. McKellar jnr.
Jim
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Alexandra
24/10/1868 John McKellar Captain of the Mary Jane.
13/1/1869 Birth of son to Mrs James McKellar on 12/1 at 333, Rutherglen Road.
25/1/1869 Captain Peter McKellar of Prince Alfred ran aground at the Isle of Man.
15/2/1869 Captain Peter McKellar held responsible for loss of Prince Alfred. Masters certificate suspended for six months.
28/4/1869 Mr Robert Dougall married Agnes, daughter of late Donald McKellar of Greenock
1/7/1869 At Westfield Cottage, Dundas Street, Kingston, residence of Captain James McKellar (uncle of the bride). Marriage of James Walton to Jane McKellar daughter of late Captain John McKellar. (1871 census Captain James McKellar aged 70, 108 Dundas Street. 1800 James McKellar but born Gourock in census, wife Jane)
21/7/1869 Advert. Steam tug Rover built 1861 at Walker-on-Tyne.
22/10/1869 Steam tug Rover to be sold for £750
29/10/1869 Steam tug Rover sold for £810 to James Little.
25/11/1869 Birth of son on 24/11 to Captain John McKellar at 51, Pollock Street.
4/1/1870 Captain J. McKellar and crew of Mary Jane make donation
30/8/1870 Death of Alexander aged 2yrs 7mo. on 28/8/1870 at 296, Dumbarton Road. 3rd son of Captain John McKellar.
13/9/1870 Alexander McKellar, apprentice engineer, fearfully mutilated in nitro glycerine explosion.
17/10/1870 Captain McKellar makes donation of £500 to Methodist Church
24/10/1870 Captain McKellar on Kinsale ran aground at Cumbrae. En route Cork-Glasgow.
20/12/1870 Steam tug Rover rescues Master and family and also crew of stricken brig Ensign.
26/12/1870 Steam tug Rover very badly damaged in collision. Captain Carmichael.
6/1/1871 Captain J. McKellar and crew of Mary Jane make donation
9/2/1871 Death of Captain James McKellar jun. of Glasgow at 96 Conway Street, Birkenhead on 7/2/1871. Ship Broker. (Aged 31, born 1839.) Effects under £600 to Elizabeth the widow. (James McKellar married Elizabeth Martin Thornton in West Derby in 1858.)
11/3/1871 Pilot of Rover fined 10/6d for wrongfully taking water.
27/3/1871 Captain McKellar and crew on Saltee salvage abandoned ship Orient in the Channel. Taken to Queenstown.
7/8/1871 Steam tug Rover towed sinking yacht to harbour.
6/11/1871 Probate of Margaret McKellar (Johnston) widow of Archibald McKellar mariner. (Margaret Johnston married Archibald McKellar at Blythswood, Glasgow, on 13/9/1859).
11/1/1872 Death in Greenock of Jessie McFarlane Campbell wife of Captain Alex MacKellar of barque Lucayas. (Jessie McFarlane Campbell married Alexander McKellar at Greenock Old on 15/4/1863).
13/6/1872 Steamboat traffic on the Clyde.
20/11/1872 Captain Peter McKellar of Prince Arthur left Belfast late. Fined 20s and 10s costs.
13/2/1873 Engineer of Tug boat Rover sabotaging engine.
3/12/1873 Death of James McKellar aged 75 at Greenock Poorhouse. Labourer, Married to Ann McGilvray. Father Angus McKellar and mother Mary Blair. (This James McKellar was born in Glassary on 15/11/1795)
12/2/1874 Captain McKellar of Seaward sunk at Samphire Sands
18/2/1874 Captain McKellar and friend walking alongside Crinan Canal. Friend fell in and drowned.
21/3/1874 Steam tug Rover hit rocks at Garrock Head. Wrecked and broke up.
13/1/1875 Death of Capt Duncan McKellar aged 84 years. Born 1791.
20/1/1875 Solicitor’s claim notice for Captain Duncan McKeller.
13/2/1875 Probate of Duncan McKellar steamboat owner in Glasgow. 2, MacLean St., Glasgow. Son named Alexander.
28/12/1875 Captain of St James kept pilot McKellar on board. Returned 70 days later.
31/8/1876 Probate of Alexander Mackellar of 14, Derby Terrace, Glasgow. Died 18/7/1876 at Bothwell. (Husband of Jane Comrie/Cowrie)
30/3/1877 Probate of John MacKellar of 17 Minerva Street, Glasgow, Master Mariner. Died 10/1/1877.
12/9/1877 Marine engineer Peter McKellar died at sea. Widow Mary Campbell or McKellar.
8/2/1878 Probate of Peter McKellar, marine engineer of 9, Breadalbane St., Glasgow. 12/9/1877.
13/5/1878 Death of James McKellar aged 77 at Clairmont, Gourock.. Widower of Jane Anderson. Father John McKellar seaman deceased, mother Mary Black. (James born 31/10/1800, Dunoon, Argylleshire). Informant Hugh McKellar, son.
20/6/1878 Probate of James MacKellar shipowner of Gourock.
20/10/1878 Death of Jane Comrie aged 82, widow of Alexander McKellar of Glasgow. Died at Derby Terrace, Liverpool. (Alexander McKellar married Jean Cormie on 6/2/1818 at Glasgow)
7/11/1878 Probate of Jane McKellar or Cowrie of 14, Derby Terrace, Liverpool, d. 20/10/1878
18/11/1878 Probate of Jane Mackellar d. 20/10/1878. Widow of Alexander McKellar shipowner.
21/7/1880 Margaret Crawford, widow of Captain Duncan McKellar died at Greenock aged 80. (Duncan MacKellar married Margaret Crawford at Glassary, Argyll, on 28/12/1846).
5/9/1882 Captain McKellar died at Fleetwood on 1/9/1882. (Captain Peter McKellar, wife Margaret, son Hugh, and Margaret Jane, wife of Hugh of Liverpool. Estate £2,758/15/5d. Aged 66.
2/1/1884 Death of Ann McKellar aged 30, wife of Captain Lachlan Campbell of steamer Vesta.
4/9/1884 Death of Isabella McKellar aged 71 at 5, Pembroke Street.
12/9/1884 Probate of Isabella McKellar at Glasgow.
25/11/1885 Death of John McKellar aged 52 at Bromley, Kent. Husband of Jane Cummings. Funeral at Wallasey Church, Merseyside.
Jim
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Alexandra
11/6/1886 Marriage on 9/11/1886 of James McKellar to Kate, 2nd daughter of Donald McVicar.
20/5/1888 Captain William McKellar died at Wood’s Mariners Asylum, Greenock, aged 68. (b.1820)
15/9/1888 Probate of Peter McKellar seaman d. 13/1/1888 Royal Infirmary, Glasgow.
6/9/1889 Captain Alexander McKellar senior had two sons Alexander and John. Senior had been on the Victor in 1840
25/9/1889 Margaret Collins widow of Duncan McKellar late of Greenock, died 24/9/1889 at 2, Nithsdale Place, Paisley Road. (Duncan death entry 31/8/1855)
23/10/1889 Probate of Margaret McKellar (Collins) wid. of Duncan McKellar Master Mariner at 2, Nithsdale Place, Paisley Road, Glasgow. Died 24/9/1889.
30/12/1890 Probate of Duncan McKellar, clerk, who died 22/10/1890 of 2, Nithsdale Place, Paisley Road, Glasgow. Died at Greenock.
5/1/1891 Probate of Duncan McKellar, clerk, who died 22/10/1890 by aunt Catherine McKellar or Collins, wife of Douglas Collins. (Cathrine McKellar married Douglas Collins on 31/3/1875 at Kelvin, Glasgow).
2/7/1891 Death of John McKellar eldest surviving son of Captain Alexander McKellar aged 73 at 35, Vincent Crescent on 1/7/1891. (born 14/9/1818 Glasgow, son of Alexander McKellar and Jean Corma. Alexander McKellar married Jean Cormie on 6/2/1818 at Glasgow).
20/4/1892 Death of Louisa Mary on 18/4 aged 10, daughter of late Peter McKellar, shipowner. 13, Union Street, Greenock.
18/1/1894 Death of Isabella McKellar widow of Archibald McKellar aged 84. Daughter of Duncan McKellar, shepherd, and Catherine McConnell.
12/10/1895 Margaret Johnstone McKellar died on 11/10/1895 aged 29, daughter of Captain Archibald McKellar, at 16 Maxwell Road, Glasgow. (born 21/9/1866 Glasgow, daughter of Archibald McKellar and Margaret Johnston.)
3/8/1897 Agnes Buchanan or M’Kellar of 42, Hamilton St., Greenock, fined under Shop Hours Act.
13/7/1905 Villa in Kyle of Bute to let by I. McKellar of 42, Hamilton St., Greenock.
24/9/1907 Margaret Park, widow of Captain Alex McKellar died at Greenock aged 98. (Alexander McKellar married Margaret Park on 7/6/1830 at Greenock.)
The McKellar shipping company was founded by Duncan McKellar. He was a native of Glasgow and was born 1791. When a teenager he didn’t go to sea but joined the army instead. He was at the ill fated Walcharen Expedition which took place in the Low Countries in 1809. 39,000 men were landed on 30th July and the troops were withdrawn on 9th December. During that time 106 officers and men were killed in combat, but 3,960 died from Walcharen Fever. In 1810 eleven and a half thousand were still on the sick roll. Two years later so many were weakened that Wellington insisted that no Walcheren unit should ever be sent to him.
Duncan seemed to have fared not too badly as he was shortly in the Peninsular War. He fought at the Battles of Roleia, Vimiera, Corunna, Fuentes D’oro, Vittoria, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, and Talavera. At Vittoria he was wounded, not too seriously, but missed the Pyrenees Battle. He stayed with the 7th Regiment of Foot till the end of the campaign and retired from service in 1814, missing Waterloo. Maybe because Wellington didn’t want a Walcharen man!
On return to Glasgow he engaged in a few activities but in 1834 he bought the steamer Hero and started a ferry service between Glasgow, Largs and Millport. Until 1960 he commanded one or other of the company’s boats but then more or less retired from business. He died in January 1875 at the age of 84. In 1861 he was at Tradeston, Govan with wife Mary R. McKellar who was aged 69.
He sailed on the Hero and Victor on the Largs route in competition with his rival Captain Houston. Duncan was more successful and forced Captain Houston to update his ships. Unfortunately the new cylinder didn’t work well with the gearing and lots of breakdowns followed. One of his ships, the Largs, broke down and was drifting but in a short while Captain McKellar came along. Naturally he took the passengers on board his own ship as any captain would, but he rather upset them when he demanded fares off them, especially the opposition’s shareholders that were on board. No love lost there then!
In 1836 the first iron steamboat ever launched was put on the Largs route, the Fairie Queen. The Victor and Warrior followed and then the Invincible and Mars. The Mars was wrecked under Captain Gillies in 1846 (James McKellar married Isobel Gillies). When the opposition owner, Captain Young, died in 1850, Duncan bought up and amalgamated with his company acquiring ships Lady Brisbane, Lady Kelburne, Invincible and Mars. Other ships later joined the fleet, Venus, Juno, and Jupiter, the last two, ultimately being sold to the Confederates.
Competition on the routes continued and mergers took place. Railways replaced some steamer routes cutting the journey time by half and at a third of the price. Ships were sold off and McKellar became McKellar and MacMillan and then the company name seems to fade away.
Jim
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Hi Jim
Just wanted to say...that is an impressive timeline ;) Huge amount of detail and material you have obviously gathered letting you put that together.
Monica
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Could not help myself from posting a section from one of above posts ie.
6/10/1863. Robert Bruce engineer lost his balance, fell into machinery and was mangled, the 18 year old from Newry, left a wife and five children.
Regards,
Jonn.
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Hi Jim - What a lot of material to go through. You have found a considerable amount more than I have in my efforts to go through indices etc. And some of your entries provide additional information. Many thanks for sharing. I am able to identify several individuals in this list, but will need some time to go through. I will keep you posted on what I determine. I see that the Jupiter and Venus were common names in the shipping industry. My John McKellar - the one washed overboard from the American Lass - is supposed to have captained several so-called "green boats" - the Venus and the Jupiter being two of them.
Alexandra
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Hi Alexandra
Naturally I have only put a title for the newspaper articles as to put the full item for each would be almost a book, but I'm glad that you found it useful.
My research concentrated on James McKellar and the events he was involved in. I don't know whether he may fit in your tree at some time, but here are some more facts about him.
James McKellar was born on the twenty fourth of June 1817 in the town of Gourock on the River Clyde. He married Isabella Shearer on 9/4/1839 at Greenock Middle Church, Renfrewshire but Isabella must have died shortly after as he married again to Isaaca Robert on 19/1/1848 at Greenock Old or West. Before 1855 deaths were seldom recorded so Isabella’s can’t be found. Unfortunately I can’t find the 1817 birth record for James either.
His seafaring career began in 1929 and apart from one, all of his ships were paddle steam tugs. He first served on the James McInroy for thirty one months. This was followed by the Samson in 1831 which was the first steam tug in Europe. Then followed by the Hercules in 1833, Agnes, a brigantine, and back on the Samson in 1835. He then returned to the Hercules for seven years.
By now he was quite experienced and so from 1845 he was Master on board, starting with the Champion then Defiance and Jenny Lind. Four years on the Helen Faucit and Helen McGregor takes us to 1853 when he took charge of the Robert Bruce. James had not taken his Masters examinations but he did apply however on 12th August 1857, and passed on 17th August. Address at the time was 14, Hamilton Street, Greenock. From 1859 he was mostly at Queenstown, Co. Cork. His tugboat Robert Bruce sank in 1866 in Liverpool and with Isaaca passing away in 1867, his father in 1868, and daughter Helen married, he probably decided to return to Greenock where the work was. 1871 found him on the tug Rover at Greenock.
James McKellar born Renfrewshire 1817. United Kingdom Merchant Navy Service Records 1835-1941 film 1482523, digital folder number 004584977.
James McKellar born Renfrewshire 1817. United Kingdom Merchant Navy Service Records 1845-1854 film 1482523, digital folder number 004584977.
James McKellar born Renfrewshire. United Kingdom Merchant Navy Service Records 1835-1836, digital folder number 004620390.
Not to be confused with:
James McKellar born Argyllshire 1817. United Kingdom Merchant Navy Service Records 1835-1941 film 1482563, digital folder number 004585017.
Ship Years sailed Place Built Year Tonnage
James McInroy 1829-31 Greenock 1825 262 Hulked 1846
Samson 1831-33 Greenock 1819 54 Launched as Sampson.
Hercules 1833-34 Greenock 1822 72 Scrapped 1856
Agnes (brig) 1834-35 Greenock 1824 157
Samson 1835-37 Greenock 1819 110 Engines changed 1831
Hercules 1837-45 Greenock 1822 112 Scrapped 1856
Champion 1845-48 Glasgow 1835 148 Scrapped 1855
Defiance 1848 Glasgow 1841 51
Jenny Lind 1848 Dumbarton 1842
Helen Faucit 1848-52 Requisitioned to RN in 1855
Helen McGregor 1852-53 Greenock 1835 50 Scrapped
Robert Bruce 1853-66 Greenock 1819 66 Sank at Liverpool in 1866
Rover 1871 Tyne 1861 91 Wrecked 1874
Jim
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News items concerning James’ ships:
7/10/1844 Passenger fell overboard from steam tug Hercules. Only hat found.
18/12/1847 Captain McKellar on Defiance saves stricken steamer Lochfine and 100 passengers. Lochfine lashed to Defiance and taken to Greenock where it sank on arrival. All passengers saved.
30/9/1850 Helen Faucit was towing the Buena Vista when the Victoria came out of the docks. The river was congested and the Helen Faucit rammed into the Victoria causing much alarm amongst the passengers and considerable damage above the waterline. Ruled an accident.
17/1/1853 Helen Macgregor took Tamerlane in tow at Rothesay Bay..
7/8/1854 Robert Bruce in Thames towed Walmer Castle, Baltic troop ship.
19/9/1855 Whilst towing a schooner across Ashton Bay in a squall, Capt James McKellar of the Robert Bruce saw an upturned boat with two people clinging to it. He cast off the schooner and went to their rescue before returning to pick up the schooner and proceeding to Greenock.
2/2/1856 Robert Bruce in Stornaway getting coal and anchors to salvage the Malaber at Heisker.
18/7/1856 Robert Bruce collided with harbour wall. Captain James McKellar found guilty and fined one guinea.
1/10/1856 Shipbuilding on the Clyde and Robert Bruce.
8/10/1856 Robert Bruce. A boiler plate cracked on a flue sending scalding water over a stoker injuring him badly. He was transferred to the Helen MacGregor which took him back to Greenock and hospital.
11/3/1857 Robert Bruce salvaged the cargo from the City of Madras at South Cairn, Dumfries.
3/2/1858 Ship Antigua stricken in storms, brought into Greenock by Robert Bruce, Eagle, and Defiance.
4/3/1958 Race between three tugs on the Clyde. Robert Bruce came third.
10/5/1858 Kilcraggan steamer burst a boiler just after leaving port. The Robert Bruce took off her passengers, took them to Kilcraggan and then returned to tow the steamer back to Greenock.
17/11/1858 Robert Bruce towed Gaulois from Deal to Ramsgate.
19/11/1858 Robert Bruce arrives at Valencia to assist in laying the Atlantic cable.
1/1/1859 Robert Bruce towed Paramatta from Blackwall to Southampton.
14/12/1859 Head on collision between Osprey and American Union off Kinsale. Osprey towed into Queenstown by Robert Bruce.
13/12/1860 Boiler exploded on the Robert Bruce in Alloa. Two men badly scalded, one face and shoulders, and the other abdomen and legs.
9/3/1861 Robert Bruce owners and crew claiming salvage regarding Pioneer of Richmond. Ireland.
19/9/1861 Great Eastern bound Liverpool to New York suffered severe damage in a storm and was towed into Queenstown harbour by Robert Bruce.
6/10/1861 Robert Bruce towed Agincourt from East India docks in London.
26/5/1862 Maryborough towed out of Queenstown harbour by Robert Bruce.
24/9/1862 £150 salvage awarded to Robert Bruce for saving barque Flamingo in Queenstown harbour. Severe gales had pushed the Flamingo against another ship and both were sustaining considerable damage until the Robert Bruce separated them.
31/1/1863 Robert Bruce dispatched to help brig Anne at Dublin.
6/10/1863 Robert Bruce engineer lost balance, fell into machinery and was mangled. The 18 year old from Newry left a wife and five children.
17/2/1864 Robert Bruce assisted in aiding the Frederick Bruning, Later towed into Queenstown by the Palermo and Robert Bruce..
30/3/1864 City of New York ran aground on rocks outside Cork Harbour. Ship stripped to lessen weight but to no avail and remained stuck fast. Robert Bruce assisted.
26/3/1866 Robert Bruce abandoned in sinking state in storm at Crosby, Liverpool.
I suspect that the Robert Bruce sank at Liverpool in 1866 and being a very old boat it probably wasn’t worth salvaging. A towing steam tug was built by Westwood Baillie at Poplar, London in 1865 for Caledonian Steam Towing Co. This was also named Robert Bruce and operated from London. Later news items referring to the Robert Bruce are about the second vessel.
Jim
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As James senior was described as late captain of a tugboat, I would imagine both he and James junior were working on the Robert Bruce.
On Daughter Margaret’s birth entry in 1825 he was Master of the steamboat Hercules so I suppose it’s only natural for his son to follow father’s footsteps. As he never applied for a Masters Certificate in the 1950s we do not have a service record for him. He would have been approaching 60 and would probably be due for retirement anyway. There were four James McKellars working on the Clyde and one at Liverpool. That one was born Glasgow on 3/3/1839, sailed out of Liverpool from 1857 and passed his Masters Certificate there in 1866. He died on 7/2/1871 at Birkenhead aged 31. Of the ones on the Clyde, James (b1800 Argyleshire) sailed Belfast, London, Liverpool and some Mediterranean. James (b1829 Port Glasgow) sailed worldwide. James (b1817 Gourock) was on the tugs. The 1800 James cannot be our 1794 James as he would have been 12 at the marriage in 1813. On this seaman’s record he was still ranked as a boy in 1820 and didn’t make Master until 1832. 1794 James was a Steamboat Master in 1825.
The following are taken from advertisements of ship sailings with Captain James McKellar as Master that do not appear on the seaman’s records of the above.
Ship Year sailed Routing
Hero 1834 Glasgow-Largs-Millport
Belfast 1837 Glasgow-Greenock-Donegal
Vesta 1848 Glasgow-Belfast
Royal Consort 1850 Glasgow-Fleetwood
Royal Consort 1851 Glasgow-Fleetwood
Eclipse 1852 Glasgow-Gourock-Greenock-Dunoon
Ship Number Place Built Year Tonnage
Hercules Greenock 1822 72 Scrapped 1856
Hero 16175 Dumbarton 1832 69 Scrapped 1861
Belfast Port Glasgow 1829 123
Vesta 3176 Glasgow 1846 Burnt at Ardnadam in 1888
Royal Consort 17252 Glasgow 1844 522
Eclipse Port Glasgow 1850 104 Wrecked Dunoon 5/9/1854
There was also a Captain James McKellar on the steamer Samson in 1838 which again does not appear in any other seaman’s records so could be 1794 James. This Samson was built 1830 and carried passengers and cargo between Greenock and Glasgow, not to be confused with the tug Samson.
News item concerning above:
23/7/1852 Captain McKellar fined half guinea for late departure of Eclipse.
Jim
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Going back further on the tree is a problem as no birth record for either of the James have been found. There was a James McKellar born in Greenock on 28/6/1794, parents Alexander McKellar and Jean Rankin. With so many Captain McKellars I’m sure many must be related and it’s quite likely earlier McKellars were boatmen. Captain Alexander McKellar and Captain John McKellar sailed on the Largs, Millport, Arran, and Ardrossan run, Captain Archibald McKellar and Captain Duncan McKellar sailed to India, Far East, Carribean, etc.. John was in Invincible and Alex in Mars. There is also a Captain Donald McKellar of the Matilda McColl. Captain James McKellar of Glasgow was sailing long routes out of Liverpool. He died in Birkenhead.
Prior to 1850 more or less anybody with a boat could call themselves Captain. The Mercantile Marine Act of 1850 introduced examinations and Certificates of Competency, but to make it a requirement in 1850 would have stopped nearly all sea traffic until examinations were passed. Most carried on as before but many owners needed a certified Master for insurance of the vessels and over time jobs were given to those with Master Mariner qualifications. From 1850 any Mate that wanted to become a Master Mariner had to pass the examination.
The seaman’s certificates found so far with births up to 1840 are (Master unless stated):
Name Cert. Date Previous service Born Place
Duncan McKellar 13/10/1851 23/1/1789 Argyle
Alexander McKellar 11/5/1855 39yrs 20/8/1797 Greenock
John McKellar 26/2/1851 1798 Gourock
James McKellar 29/5/1852 35yrs 31/10/1800 Dunoon, Argyle
Duncan MacKellar 1/4/1855 18/12/1806 Inverary, Argyle
Archibald P. MacKellar 28/6/1851 19yrs 1/12/1811 Greenock
Duncan McKellar 27/1/1851 20yrs 14/7/1814 Cowll, Argyle
Duncan McKellar 19/7/1857 24yrs 20/9/1815 Greenock
Duncan McKellar 19/7/1856 18yrs 13/2/1816 Greenock
Peter McKellar 11/3/1851 6/3/1816 Kilmun, Argyle
James McKellar 17/8/1858 24/6/1817 Gourock
William McKellar 5/5/1851 15yrs 3/6/1820 Greenock
John MacKellar 11/7/1851 1822 Glasgow
Duncan McKellar 18/3/1852(mate) 8yrs 25/9/1823 Greenock
Andrew McKellar 17/3/1851(mate) 7/6/1827 Port Glasgow
John McKellar 14/4/1851(mate) 17/3/1827 Greenock
John McKellar 2/12/1865 22/2/1828 Kilmun, Argyle
Archibald McKellar 11/4/1855 27/6/1829 Greenock
James McKellar 7/4/1858(mate) 29/8/1829 Port Glasgow
William McKellar 1/12/1863(mate) 7/1/1833 Lochgilphead Argyle
Niel McKellar 1/1/1866(mate) 23/3/1833 Glasgow
Archibald McKellar 27/11/1872 6/5/1834 Toward, Argyle
James McKellar 15/10/1866 8yrs 3/3/1839 Glasgow
Alexander McKellar 23/8/1865 1/5/1840 Greenock
Possible: John McKellar b. 14/9/1797 bap. 24/9/1797 Greenock. Parents Archibald McKellar and Jean Bryce.
Archibald Paterson McKellar b. 1/12/1811, bap. 22/12/1811, Greenock, Duncan McKellar and Agnes Taylor.
William McKellar b. 3/6/1821 bap. 22/6/1821. Parents James McKellar and Isabella Gillies.
Duncan McKellar b. 25/9/1822 Greenock. Parents Duncan McKellar and Catherine Angus.
John McKellar b. 19/6/1822 bap -/7/1822 Gorbals. Parents John McKellar and Margaret Robertson.
Andrew McFarlane McKellar b. 1/6/1827 Port Glasgow. Parents Peter McKellar and Ann McFarlane.
John McKellar b. 22/2/1828 bap 9/3/1828 Inverkip. Parents Archibald McKellar and Mary Crawford
Archibald McKellar b. 31/5/1829 Port Glasgow, Parents Peter McKellar and Ann McFarlane.
Archibald (1829) took his Masters exam in Liverpool and had a Liverpool address.
James McKellar b. 29/8/1830 Gorbals. Parents John McKellar and Margaret Robertson.
Neil McKellar b. 23/3/1832 Gorbals. Parents Archibald McKellar and Rebecca Kay.
Archibald McKellar b. 6/5/1834 Inverchaolain, Argyle. Parents Hugh McKellar and Mary Brown.
Alexander McKellar b. 2/5/1840 Bap. 14/4/1840 Greenock, Parents Peter McKellar and Jane Henry.
James (29/8/1830 and 29/8/1829), Neil (23/3/1832 and 23/3/1830), Duncan (25/9/1822 and 25/9/1823), and William (3/6/1821 and 3/6/1820) all gave their birth years incorrectly when enlisting. Seems it was a common occurrence at that time for the applicant to be untruthful about their age.
Jim
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Other children of James McKellar and Isabella Gillies:
William, lawful son of James McKellar mariner in Gourock and Isabella Gillies his spouse, born 3rd June 1821 at Inverkip, baptised 22nd June.
Peter, lawful son of James McKellar seaman of Gourock and Isabel Gillies his spouse, was born 28th April 1823 at Inverkip and baptised 22nd May.
Margaret, daughter of James McKellar, Master of steamboat Hercules, and Isabella Gillies, born 19th June 1825 at Greenock Old or West, baptised 10th July.
Janet, daughter to James McKellar Shipmaster, and Isabella Gillies born 21st March 1827 at Greenock Old or West, baptised 15th April.
There are likely to be other births for James McKellar and Isabella Gillies between marriage in 1813 and 1820 but these records appear to be missing. On 4/2/1838 and 8/2/1838 there are marriage entries for Isabella, second daughter of Captain James McKellar of the steamer Samson who married to Duncan Clark Jnr, butcher. Possible daughter, probably born in the 1813-1820 gap.
William McKellar applied for his Masters Certificate on 31/5/1851 and the certificate was issued on 10/6/1851. The parish entry has him born 3/6/1821 but his seaman’s records have him born 3/6/1820 and 3/7/1820. He probably needed to be fourteen to get an apprenticeship so he may have lied about his age. He was living in Dellingburn St., Greenock.
Ship Rank From To Built Year Tonnage
Acadian Apprentice 20/3/1835 17/9/1835 Greenock 1832 385t
Arethusa Apprentice 5/10/1835 11/10/1838 Greenock 1828 322t
Louisa Apprentice 3/11/1838 Reg. Liverpool 320t
Louisa Seaman 7/11/1841 Reg. Liverpool 320t
Calypso 2nd Mate 14/11/1841 4/6/1842 Greenock 1825 379t
Copia Mate 9/6/1842 1/12/1843 Greenock 1842 301t
Christian Mate 30/1/1844 Dumbarton 1841 193t
Christian Master 3 years 17/9/1847 Dumbarton 1841 193t
Clydesdale Master 11/12/1847 27/6/1848 Greenock 1835 250t
Kalibokka Mate 21/7/1848 13/9/1849 Reg. Liverpool 355t
Arethusa Mate 24/10/1849 11/4/1850 Greenock 1828 322t
Calypso Mate 1/6/1850 25/4/1851 Greenock 1825 379t
Total 15 years and 1 month service on Masters Certificate application.
The Acadian was on the Halifax route and the others to the West Indies.
Atalanta 51724 Master 8/7/1868 -/9/1869 New Brunswick 1865 341t
Ringdove Master 30/9/1870 23/7/1871 St Johns
Abraham Lincoln Master 9/1/1872 -/3/1873 Reg. Monrovia
Tern 58549 Master 1/7/1873 12/9/1873 Newcastle 1868 557t
Atalanta Barque Liverpool to Buenos Ayres
Ringdove Brig Cardiff to Montevideo to Buenos Ayres to Antwerp
Abraham Lincoln Schooner Liverpool to Monrovia to Cape Palmas and West Coast of Africa.
Tern Screw steamer Glasgow to Rotterdam
William moved to Liverpool and in 1861 he was married and at 61, Louis St. His wife Elizabeth (37) and child William J. (8) were born in Scotland. In 1871 William J. was staying with uncle James Stewart, master mariner. William Snr was at 29, Collingwood St., Liverpool in 1881, Master Mariner, widower. Possibly Elizabeth died 1873 West Derby aged 53. 1891 William (J.) McKellar aged 37, born Greenock was AB crew member on steam schooner Chantrey (97757) at Liverpool. Previous ship Falernian of Liverpool. He was buried in West Derby on 18/9/1929.
17/8/1846 Capt McKellar on barque Christian of Glasgow
2//9/1847 Marriage of Captain William McKellar to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Dow, coal merchant, at 13, Charles Street, Greenock Old Parish.
1/12/1873 Captain William McKellar of 61, Mitylene Street Liverpool, reported to police that on 27/11/1873 in Limekiln Lane, he had his Masters certificate and pocketbook stolen. Lost notices were put in newspapers but to no avail. Consequently he had to apply for a replacement which had to give evidence of his examination and ships he had sailed on. A new Masters Certificate was drawn up on 22/12/1873 and issued on 20/2/1874.
18/5/1888 Captain William McKellar died at Wood’s Mariners Asylum, Greenock, aged 68. (Greenock Telegraph 21/5/1888). The Sir Gabriel Woods Mariners Asylum was for ‘aged and decayed Master Mariners of good character’. Opened in 1850 and still operating. The death certificate has retired shipmaster, aged 66, widower of Elizabeth Dow, son of James McKellar steamboat Master deceased, and Annabella McKellar nee Gillies deceased. Interesting his mother was entered as Annabella and not Isabella.
Peter McKellar (1823) married Sarah Usher at South Shields, Durham, on 3/2/1847, and in 1851 they were in 8, North Street, Tynemouth, North Shields, Northumberland. Peter was a nail maker.
They had five children all born in Tynemouth:
Jane 1848-buried 1/4/1848
John Thomas 13/5/1849 (bap 11/7/1849) –Dec Q 1931 Tynemouth
Flora Preston 7/2/1854 (bap 29/3/1854)-1904. 1891: servant at Chirton, unmarried.
Jane Usher 19/6/1856 (bap 24/9/1856)-1909
Mary Ann 2/7/1859 (bap 17/8/1859)
Peter died in 1888 and Sarah in 1879, both at Tynemouth.
Margaret McKellar daughter of James McKellar shipmaster of Greenock married James Wallace shipmaster, son of Samuel Wallace, carpenter of Greenock, in Greenock Old or West parish on 30/12/1850. James Wallace was born 3/5/1822 in Port Glasgow, parents Samuel Wallace and Margaret Paton. 1841: James with parents at King St., Port Glasgow.
Nothing found on Janet.
Possibly 1841: Hole, Greenock West, servant aged 15.
Jim
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Hello - I went through the first batch of information and now I see there is more! In the first batch articles of interest in re my "known" Mckellars are: 1) 13/11/1822 John McKellar, Gourock, ferryman, his son Peter and both passengers died in gale on 1/11/1822. (I have an article that simply indicated all hands lost one passenger found standing upright in the water with his hat on. ) 2) 4/8/1838 Daughter of John McKellar, steamboat officer, took children to bathe. Two drowned. -- I am wondering if this might be Carrie McKellar who in my grt grt Uncles "memoirs" is referred to as having drowned while saving life at Port Glasgow. She would have been relatively young - a child by our standards today. 3) 27/6/1851 Captain John McKellar of American Lass in hurricane. -- This would be my 3rd great grandfather. Supposedly retired early and became Harbour master at Port Glasgow before returning to the sea. He supposedly married his wife Margaret Robinson at Dundee. They had at least7: John(b. ca. 1822) not married & killed by sunstroke while at the wheel; Jane (Jeanie) b. ca, 1826 married James Walton as 2nd wife was a teacher; became the mistress at the poor house and according to my grt grt uncle (not verified) a governess to a Josiah Wedgewood, Archibald born ca. 1828 Port Glasgow died 1912 Philadelphia PA; m. 1860 Glasgow by James Paterson, minister of Hope St Baptist Church, Lillias Wood McIntyre (1832-1884) according to Archibald's obituary he served in the British navy at Crimea, later served in the US during American Civil War and the Brazillian Navy - none of which I have been able to verify. In the US he worked at the Mint as an engraver after spending a period of time in Ontario Canada, James b. ca. 1830 never married was pressed into service in a foreign navy and was missing for 7 yrs died from Yellow Fever while at sea, Carrie as noted above, Charles - my grt grt grandfather -was forbidden to go to sea b ca. 1838, Port Glasgow d. 26 Mar 1901 Glasgow was a printer by trade m. 1) Alice Holford in London 1867 - b 1845 Framfield, Sussex died 1876 Phila PA. After her death Charles took the two eldest surviving children Arthur and Frank and returned to Glasgow leaving my grt grandfather and an infant in the care of Archibald, Charles m 2nd 1877 in Glasgow Margaret M'Geachie - and had additional children, and Elizabeth 1841 Port Glasgow- d. between 1913-27 married Charles Stewart McArthur as his second wife. 4) 1/7/1869 At Westfield Cottage, Dundas St, Kingston, residence of Captain James Mckellar (uncle of the bride) Marriage of James Walton to Jane McKellar daughter of the late Captian John Mckellar. -- This is my 3rd grt Aunt as noted above and Captain James the younger brother of her father John. I have James born ca. 1801 in Gourock d. 13 May 1878 married to Jane Anderson. I have a copy of a trust settlement for one of his sons William Anderson McKellar and it lists most of James' children/grandchildren. The only son of James to be involved with the sea appears to have been Hugh - the others were MD's or Solicitors. James left an estate valued at 15,140 pounds 1 pence.
Arthur indicated that his aunts - that would be Jane and Elizabeth were the last to speak Gaelic - they were not permitted to. There is a book by a Captain Barr about the early Clyde steamers that the "Aunts" mentioned above supplied information for. It is my understanding because various family members emigrated to Canada, Australia, Africa and the US - that the John McKellar family papers went out of the direct family line and into one of the step families. The John McKellars were Methodists.
More anon.
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Hi Alexandra
Here is the full article.
A most melancholy accident occurred at Port Glasgow on Friday week. A daughter of Mr John McKellar, steamboat Officer, who for some time had been living in Glasgow, came down about the beginning of last week to visit her parents in Port Glasgow, accompanied by two of the children, a brother and sister of the friend with whom she had been lately residing. In the afternoon of the above day, they, along with two other daughters of Mr McKellar, went to take a walk to Newark Castle, and as they were engaged in amusing themselves about the shore, the little boy went into the water to bathe, but had only proceeded a few steps when he had lost his footing, the place where he had chosen being dangerous for bathing as the channel runs close by the shore. Immediately on observing the perilous situation of the boy, the eldest girl who was about 15 years of age, threw aside all fear and magnanimously rushed into the water, to effect, if possible, his deliverance. She caught hold of him but just at this critical moment when the object of her solicitude was nearly rescued, his weight overbalanced her, and she was drawn into deep water, and both were carried down by the rapid current, and sank clasped in each others arms. Another young witness of this trying scene was just about to jump in, but was prevented by a woman who was near, and who on learning what had happened hastened to the spot.
Glasgow Angus
Rereported Bucks Herald 4/8/1838.
Jim
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Hi Alexandra
This is a snippet from the Worcestershire Chronicle of 9/8/1838
... one of the steamers was passing. The surge from the paddles of the steamer carried him beyond soundings, when a girl named M'Kellar, fifteen years of age, seeing the ...
Jim
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Hi - I started to reply and the message disappeared. I cannot find it so apologize if a partial answer appears.
Thank you for posting the article. Without a first name given ): it is hard to know for certain if this is the one. As the information matches with the family story it might. Will have to figure a way to cross check. In the memoir Arthur mentions there was a poem about this drowning as a well as one about the loss of ferryman John hanging on the wall in the family house. Have not yet located these.
I see your second post. Thank you so much for sharing. This will keep me quite busy for awhile.
Alexandra
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Found this old post (Saturday 28 December 13 11:17 GMT (UK)) and am interested to know if you have any source information for this entry: John McKellar b. 22/2/1828 bap 9/3/1828 Inverkip. Parents Archibald McKellar and Mary Crawford.
Thanks, Doug
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Hi Doug
Welcome to RootsChat :)
John MCKELLAR
Parents ARCHIBALD MCKELLAR/MARY CRAWFORD
09/03/1828
Ref 567/20 25
Inverkip
This entry shows on the Old Parish Registers. You can view the original image from the register on the official pay to view site www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
Monica
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JimMcL
Re: James McKellar look up please
« Reply #8 on: Tuesday 17 December 13 20:49 GMT (UK) »
Hello Jim
This is the thread I should have used to ask my question re Duncan McKellar. The information that you have included, especially the list of newspaper clippings and wills, has confirmed much of what we have found in our own research. Thank you for sharing that list which has given us more information.
Capt Duncan McKellar (1791-1875) was the brother of my 3xgreat grandfather, Alexander McKellar. Duncan had a son, also Alexander and another shipmaster, who died onboard the Juno in 1863. Another son, Duncan, a steamboat engineer, drowned by falling into the sea at Millport while stepping from the quay on board the steamer Lady Brisbane of Glasgow. Underwater 12 hours.
In Reply #8 you have a section headed "The McKellar shipping company was founded by Duncan McKellar". In this article, you mention that Duncan took part in the Walcherin Expedition and the Peninsular War. A book titled 'Echoes of Old Clyde Paddle-wheels also states that Duncan McKellar had served in the Army.
I am interested to know how I can access that information as there may be more information of interest. In addition to my interest in Duncan, we have other family members who were reputed to be in the army about the same time but I have not been able to find where to verify this.
You also mention that he 'engaged in a few activities' after he resigned from the army which explains why he gave the occupation of weaver when he married Mary Ross in 1817.
Thanks
Dee