Master mariners

[NicoC]

I am trying to track down a George Smith (born abt 1822 Stockton), he is listed in the 1881 census as a retired master mariner. I cannot find him at all in any other census so thought I could track him down as a mariner. Does anyone have any tips as to how I go about doing this- this is my first military relative!

Thanks

[Galium]

One way to find mariners in census records is to search for the name with 'vessels' in the parish box.  It's true that they still may not show up,  but remember to check in both England and Wales as their ship may be in port anywhere.

A small point, but being a master mariner doesn't have to mean he was in the armed services.

You may find this site useful:

http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/UKMasters.html

[madpants]

There is a topic with the same title- have a look, lots of good website links.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,222544.0.html

[stanmapstone]

Does anyone have any tips as to how I go about doing this- this is my first military relative!

Thanks

A Master Mariner is not Military he was a ships officer in the Merchant Navy.
See http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=131

Satn

[NicoC]

That's really helpful, thanks all, I'll definately look into all of those links. Here's hoping!