Mckha, this is all quite amazing. I have spent hours recently searching the Newspaper Archive, and failed to find what you have found. I will digest this (over the next few days/weekend) and comment in full.
1881 is the dob of James Smith Dorward, his son.
1911, is James Dorward living in Scotland, or just there between ships?
James Dorward senior, b1842, was First Mate on on one of Captain Laird's vessels in, I think, 1875. He must have met Ellen, born Lawson (Barbara's daughter) either before or after her marriage to John McLaren, before finally marrying him in 1890.
Captain Laird is the Great great grandfather of my Alice of Mart'n'Al. Her family has a wonderful portrait of Captain Laird and he looks a truly imposing man. I was a bit sad when I found out that he was only five feet five. He sailed the world for almost 50 years, between 1835 and his retirement, including San Francisco, Rio, and many many visits to Cape Town, Rangoon, China, Australia, and the islands between the two last.
Thanks again for all your work. After I've taken it all in, over the next few days, I'll ask what resources you used. I must work on Ellen and 'Swanscombe'.
EDIT 22:54 I have found Ellen 'McLaren' (transcribed as 'Ellen M Lazen') and James at 37 Swanscombe Road, Chiswick, just three streets away from where she was a witness to Captain Laird's death in 1897, but she lists herself as widow, yet in 1911, she says she is 20 years married.
Any comments? From anyone?
Martin
