Genealogy Chat

My gr gr granfather was born around 1834 and was apparently indentured to a ship (if thats the right phrase!) and I'd love to find out which ship & if possible to see the indenture papers. I have found him on the 1871 census on the SS Killingworth which was docked in Hartlepool, Durham. His name was William Joseph Towers Lawer & he was born in Westminster, London, England. Anyone got any ideas as to what I do next? I'm in the North east & would have difficulty getting to London.

The Merchant Shipping Act in 1823 required all ships over 80 tons to carry at least one apprentice. The legal documents binding an apprentice to his Master and known as indentures, were required to be filed with the Customs Officers in the ports at which the apprentice was enrolled. Records of these early indentures may be found amongst customs records in CUST classes at the Public Record Office. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1835 formalised the registration of Apprentices. From this date, registration of apprentices in London was to be conducted by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. Indentures for Apprentices at other ports continued to be filed with the local Customs Officers, and further regulations in 1844 required that these indentures were to be submitted quarterly to the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. Compulsory apprenticeship for all was abolished in 1849, but indentures of those apprenticed continued to be filed and submitted as before. The Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen extracted names from these indentures and entered them in registers. These registers are now held by the Public Record Office Any good? C

I can't be a great deal of help but as you are in the north-east it may be worth your while to contact Tyne and Wear Archives in Newcastle? Morpeth? Just google them [TWAS]. Also Bolbec Hall Newcastle which I believe has a mariners index. Another possibility is contacting the Guildhall in London [again just google] who are very helpful. They hold Captains' Registers and Lloyds lists of shipping etc and may be able to at least advise you. Good luck, Wendy

Thanks that has given me something to think about! I'm curious about him but my grans cousin really wants to find out as he's her grandfather! She told me that family rumour says William had broken his indenture by running away with some others who allegedly told him they were going gold hunting in Australia, but how true that is I've no idea!! I'll have to make enquiries at the PRO, thanks, Ruth

The timing of the Australian gold rush would fit the story - so too would the return to his original calling. There would not have been too many questions asked. Take a look at http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/goldrush/ Clive

I've just got in from work so have just scan read the link/page you gave me but it does sound possible! Would there be any record that he broke his indenture or will that part remain a mystery? Thanks so much for the leads you're giving me, Ruth

I have not looked this up. There might be a record in the merchant navy records if he went on to become an officer. I think you just said he was on a ship later without saying rank. Note I have not looked it up but for a long time in both royal and merchant navies a certain amount of sea time was a requirement for promotion and also passing a professional exam. Pm me if you want more - it only takes seconds to look at a pm. Clive