Shipping - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Matthew J WILLIAMS mariner b.1855 Chicago d.1886 Canada

ianbe — 20 Jan 2008 3:17:21 GMT

I am searching for info about Matthew John Williams b. 12 Sep 1855 Chicago USA. He came to South Australia (SA) c. 1881 where he was Lamp Trimmer on the S.S. Euro when it sank near Beachport SA, he survived. After the Euro sank Williams served on the coastal ships Ferret & Coorong. In 1883 he obtained a SA 2nd Mate certificate, in 1885 a SA 1st Mates' certifictae, then in 1886 he obtained a Victorian (AUS) Masters' certificate. I don't know when he departed Australian waters but I have found in the Llyod's Captains' Register that Williams died in Canada in 1886. It doesn't say where in Canada he died nor does it name ships he captained. He may have returned to Nth America as a Mate. Does anyone know anything more about Matthew John Williams or suggest where to search please?

Capt. Harry Copp James, 1848-1923, Biloxi Harbormaster

F0CUS0NINFINITY — 17 Jan 2008 2:36:30 GMT

Interested in other Biloxi ship's pilots and harbormasters? Was his shipsmaster father, Capt. Robert Wm. James, 1811-1882, a Biloxi or New Orleans pilot or harbormnaster? What died Robert do in the Civil War out of New Orleans? A Confederate army Captain responsable for riverboat cotton bale armour?

Army Transport 'Gen. Hamer', Mexican War, N. Orleans

F0CUS0NINFINITY — 17 Jan 2008 2:27:37 GMT

My ancestor of New Orleans, Robert Wm. James, born Wilmington, N.C., 1811, died Biloxi 1882; was the civilian master of the Army transport 'Gen. Hamer', out of New Orleans, in the Mexican War. Seek original name, subsequent name, and fate of the "Gen. Hamer'. His son was Biloxi ship's pilot & harbormaster, Capt. Harry Copp James; born New Orleans 1848, to Mrs. Jane Ann Nixon James 1820-1898; Harry died Biloxi 1923. Jim Miller, Southport, N.C. Ex-O/S helmsman, USNS Corpus Christi Bay, out of New Orleans for the South Pacific.

Peter MULLIN - Ship's Captain Australia (1850 to 1900)

rbell35 — 18 Jul 2006 11:56:29 GMT

Urgently seeking any reference to a Peter MULLIN who was, according to family legend a ship's captain on intercolonial travel around the Australian coast. My great grandfather was a John MULLIN born Liverpool England in 1846. His parents were William MULLIN (civil engineer/surveyor) and Mary nee PATTERSON (nurse). I am uncertain how Peter fits into the family tree but it is likely he lived in Victoria as the arrived there in ~ 1850. Can anyone please assist me on this great family mystery? Furthermore anyone who knows more of this line of the MULLIN family is very welcome to reply. I have little information and no photographs of these ancestors. Perhaps someone out there can lead me in the right direction?? Cheers, Rob Bell, West Essendon, Victoria, Australia.

51 Ships that changed their names Schooners-Steamers-Yachts

dsegelquist — 12 Apr 2006 11:58:27 GMT

Re: SS "Fifeshire" and Clipper Ship "Patrician"

lnjappe — 15 Jun 2002 8:38:49 GMT

My brother and I are searching for information on the above two ships. Our Great Uncle George Ross was (to best of our knowledge) Captain of the SS Fifeshire which went to the rescue of the Clipper Ship Patrician (an American Ship) in 1896. We are not sure where this occurred but feel it may have been in the South Pacific. Uncle George was later given a pair of naval binoculars from the then President of the US for the assistance given to the Patrician. These binoculars are still in the family. They have a brass plaque attached to them with an insciption as to the date of the occurrence and the assistance given. AS Uncle George never had any children, he gave them to our Great Grandfather to be handed down through the family to the eldest son.

Does anyone have any information regarding the wreck of the Patrician and where it was wrecked.

Nola Jappe and David Ross

Mississippi Riverboat deaths

marilyn — 13 May 2000 2:52:43 GMT

Has anyone ever compiled info on names who died on Mississippi riverboats? My ggf whose first name was unknown, last name SCOTT was killed on a Mississippi riverboat by a "falling timber". The family story is that they were from MS. My grandfather went to live with his father's sister who was married to a Mose or Moses Bush at Bossier Parish, LA. My gf was William Oliver Scott. He and Mose Bush served in Gray's 28th inf. co.B and were furlouged POW 1865. Any info about this line appreciated. THanks.