DUNCAN David - Plymouth

[Wiggy]

Have found the baptism for Archibald - but not for any others - because they were baptised in C/E maybe?? - I notice that site is for Nonconformist baptisms.   

No sight of Grace's marriage there.

[crimea1854]

Wiggy

I see that you are located down under, but if you could find some kind soul to do some research for you at Kew, it might be worth consulting ADM 11/7-8 and ADM 11/9. These were surveys carried out by the Admiralty in 1851 and 1855 respectively of Masters prior service. Unfortunately there was no compunction for these surveys to be returned, and in some instances men would have been at sea, but you never know you might get lucky!

Re your question about his Navigating Lieutenant status. This rank  replaced that of Master in 1867, although they performed the same function. The date refers to seniority, which would be the date he first qualified as a Master.

Finally, from the NA's main catalogue I see there is a pension application from a David Duncan Second Master (ADM 29/15/330). This may be a long shot, but since your man did not qualify as a Master until 1838 it might be him. This document can be ordered online, and takes about 2-3 weeks to come through. Since the application covers the period when he was serving on HMS Algerine, you should know if you do have the right man.

Martin

[Wiggy]

Thanks Martin!     Will think about that -

We've/Kris has found his listing on the ships - those two you gave me, the Wolverene listing, and the dates of his promotions.    Someone gave me those ADM numbers and I've been searching them on line - but I seem to go round and round in circles which is frightfully frustrating!

I think we've got David senior more of less fixed - if we could find his marriage that would be good!!  Been looking all afternoon without joy.   

Now for his son who was still listed as Mariner when he died 30+ years after arriving in Victoria - but that's another story - except I think his records may well be in England!   

Kris 

The death records only as good as the person supplying the information.

- in David Snr's case the informant was his daughter - but she could have been wrong I suppose - it has happened once before in my family.

Found Caroline's marriage but not her husband's Henry Jenkin's death - unless he was also a sailor and away all the time at sea - however I think the 1871 census lists her as widow - only one letter but I think it is a 'W'.  And she still has only the one child in 1881. 

Can't find her in 1891.   

Edit to add    Wonder if she could have remarried??     

[Wiggy]

Hi Martin,

I have been to the NA website and put in those numbers you gave me, and I can see the reference you spoke!  Think I will ask on the board to see if anyone is going to Kew - first!   Can't tell if it is the right bloke -  and also, I looked at the price list and can't tell if I'd be up for £1 or £64??     
 Convert that to $AUD and you are talking MONEY.

Also found something that tells you about Seamen's wills and they all say A-D - but none of them actually get to D - only as far as Br then jump to L!!  I dunno!!!     

Still hunting!!

Wiggy   

[crimea1854]

In your place I would get a price for the ADM 29 document, in the past I've found the cost of a paper copy to be quite reasonable e.g. a couple of pounds. You will be sent a quote prior to confirming the order. However, I would not even consider asking for the other two. The NA will no longer undertake a search of documents, and the price you would be quoted would be for copying the ENTIRE document!

Martin

[Wiggy]

Thanks Martin - I'll investigate that!  Sounds like a good idea!

Would be nice to find his will too I reckon!  Might tell me some things extra!   

I feel really pleased to now know the ships on which he served and where they took him!

Wiggy   

[Wiggy]

Covered in shame I am - spent two hours in utter frustration at the library this afternoon using their World Anc**** subs - still couldn't find the 1841 census entry for Grace Duncan and family- nor could I find the marriage - though I did see sight of a marriage in 1821 the other night  - which might be a better bet.   (what I did notice on the World Subs is that place to put the reference numbers you gave me Kris - but did I have them with me? -    no!    Had everything else bu . . .)

Couldn't see it today - nor could I find Grace's birth - as I said utter frustration and embarrassment at my inability to find things.       

Wiggy

[Wiggy]

Finally found marriage record (see post #5) - FindMyPast - it seems that, unlikely as it may seem Grace and David were married in 1814 - so either Grace's birth date is wrong - or she married very early - which could account for the length of time until the first child!   Hmmmmm

Wiggy   

[Wiggy]

I have the FindMyPast copy of their marriage - 1814 it is. 

This family is the target of this weeks Scavenger hunt and lots of interesting stuff is turning up - one of the scavengers suggested I ask on this board to see if anyone has the original records to hand.

 - I can't find Grace's birth yet, or the marriage records in original form -  Please,  is there any Devonian out there with the microfiche for parish registers for Plymouth St Andrew, which is where she seems to have been born - certainly where they were married.     I have sent an email to the parish records keeper - but one of you might know!!   

Wiggy