When HIRAM PORTERFIELD was born on 20 October 1801 in Spittal, Northumberland, his father, George, was 30 and his mother, MARY, was 32. He married Jane about 1823/24. They had nine children in 17 years, the first being Mary Ann in Oct 1824. First entered Coast Guard service on 5 Jul 1831 in Hastings having previously served on Revenue Cruiser Mermaid in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland. He died on 21 August 1885 in Falsgrave, Yorkshire, having lived a long life of 83 years. I am unable to trace my ancestry past Jane as her surname is unknown and I cant find any record of a marriage. Hiram and Jane were Presbyterian and I understand they might have travelled over the border to Scotland to marry as marrying in a Spittal Presbyterian Church before 1837 was not allowed in England. They might possibly have had an irregular marriage at the Lamberton Toll which was the closest to Berwick upon Tweed. Her surname could have been Robinson as their daughter- Grace -married a William Allan and they named their first child James Robinson. Any info regarding Jane would be appreciated.
