Genealogy Chat

Hi
Does anyone know how to find a seaman's papers please?

Irene

When was he in the Navy and was it Royal or Merchant? You can download some Royal Navy ones from the National Archives but it depends on the date.

Thanks for the reply Potty

suppose it was merchant. he used to go between Liverpool and New York (or at least that was what I was told). He is proving prety elusive.

Irene

Beryl

The NA has some very helpful research guides on Merchant Seamen.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/researchguidesindex.asp?j=1

Click on the 'M' in the 'Jump to' line rather than use the search box.

Chris

If he used to go on the cross atlantic ships (my OHs grandad did) - ask for a look up on ancestry USA as they give crew as immigrants even though they werent! I have OH's grandad crossing from Liverpool to USA 20 odd times (and the returns) plus Panama and a few other ports. It gives age so you can trace your guy - it also gives the name of the ship.

Thanks Chris and Heather, I have just been on the national archives site and can't get anywhere. I really must be a dumb cluck! I will try again and also ask for a look up. Can I do that here or do I have to go to ancestry for that?

Irene

What years are we talking about?
Some local reference libraries have documentation.
I got a photograph and details of all the boats my grandfather and his best mate (based in Southampton)were on from Southampton Local ref library.

maggie

Hi Maggie
sorry I retreated to the bath with a glass of wine and a geneology book.
My man was born around 1836. I have his marriage cert from 1858 saying he was of "full Age" so I am guessing. Does that help?

Irene

You can definitely get the records of merchant seamen from WWI and WWII. When I was looking for my grandads, there were quite a few from much earlier - but many early ones in Southampton were destroyed during WWII.
I would try Liverpool Local History society or the Local Records office/library.

maggie

Perhaps his name and details would be worth putting on here? Do you not have him in any census for his year of birth? How did you know about him being on the cross atlantic ships?

Thanks for the help Maggie and Heather.
My Mother told me that my Gran had been born on her Fathers ship either in New York or en route. During my searches I find that she is a generation out. Her Father was a cabman but her Grandfather was a master Mariner and her Mother is recorded as being born in New york. The rest of the children of that generation are born in Liverpool.
The man in question is Austin Smith recorded as a mariner on his marriage cert and master mariner on his daughters marriage cert. He was married in1858 and his daughter in1883. I can't find him on any census but I can find his wife and children, nor can I find record of his birth or death.
I will try the liverpool record Maggie, thanks.

Thanks, everyone, for your assistance. Yhis man is driving me mad!
Irene

Beryl,

There are quite a few references to Austin Smith in Ancestery immigration records but you need a Worldwide subscription to view them. Why don't you post a message here asking for lookups?

Thanks Potty I will do that

Irene