James Banton: lost at sea?

[Brutushedge]

I am trying to find a date/ place of death for JAMES BANTON, born in Manchester c.1834, married Martha Windus in 1868 in Manchester Cathedral. In 1871 census he is living in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. In 1881 census Martha is listed as a widow, so he must have died during that period. His occupation is listed as fisherman, and there is no trace of him on the National Burial Index. I am beginning to think he may have been lost at sea, in which case does anyone know where such a death might be listed? I have no ship name unfortunately. Also, do any social historians among you know if getting married in a cathedral in 1868 was a social status related event, or something that was more commonplace? Thanks!

[Brie]

I have quite a few 'ordinary' relations that marry in Manchester Cathedral. Apparently if you lived in the parish of Manchester and opted to marry elsewhere you were liable to two sets of fees. This and more information about Manchester Cathedral marriages may be found at the Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerks' Site http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Manchester/Manchester/cathedral/

Brie

[Brie]

Hello again,

The National Archives holds a database of deaths at sea. They have a link to Find My Past and searching for a James Banton who died at sea between 1871 and 1881 brings up one: died 1874 but born 1846. Of course he may have been 'economical with the truth' when it came to his age, maybe whoever recorded it was wrong or maybe it is another man entirely.

Brie

[Brutushedge]

Thanks so much for this, Brie.
I suspected that the Cathedral marriage was more common place.
Can I ask, does the National Archive register of deaths at sea give any details of circumstances, ship etc? Or is that perhaps something that needs a personal visit to Kew?

[Sc00p]

The "Lost at Sea" James Banton d 1874 was crew on the "Western Ocean" sailing from Pensacola to Newcastle.  The entire ship & crew were given up for lost in May 1874.  Seems unlikely that is your man given he was a fisherman.

[Brie]

Hello again,

I'm not sure whether or not the records can be viewed at Kew. On their webpage http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/catalogues-and-online-records.htm they say that deaths at sea are available on a partner's website and when you click through it takes you to FindMyPast. All that comes up when you search the FindMyPast database is James Banton d1874 Western Ocean. You would have to pay to see the full record and I'm not sure exactly what that contains. However, Sc00p has found further information for you and it is not looking as if it is the right James Banton.

Brie

[Brutushedge]

Thanks Brie and Sc00p.
No, that certainly doesn't sound like him. The search continues...

[geno500]

It is possible that the death was carried in the local paper,a search for that might give you all you need,I have several fishermen in my tree,and the amazing thing is many could not swim.

[ScouseBoy]

There is a register for deaths of Merchant Seamen and their ships.

But possibly Fishermen could be in a separate classification from "merchant seamen" ?