Genealogy Chat

have been told just a snippet of information and am awaiting email for more details, but here is.......... Kingsley pratt came over from sierra leone with his Master! age 12, he became a captain in the merchant navy and drowned at sea age 49, am presuming it was around birkenhead area, this would be in early 1830's 1840's I dont have exact date, but where do I find out about crew lists, I cannot get to national archives and wondered where else I should be looking, he's not listed on LDS,

Trinity House Petitions might list him. I can't remember if this is on Origins yet. Basically, widows and orphans of merchant seamen could ask for help - the petition. The index to this is published as a book. Otherwise, if sks is going to Kew, there should be a fair bit of info on him. This should include date and place of birth, physical description, whether he could read & write etc, and his voyages.

thanks brenda, I should know more by this evening, who is sks?

Would Lloyd's List not have some details? After all, they insured the Merchant Ships and their cargoes.

Sorry, Tracey. Some kind soul.

thanks grampa jim, have looked there and only addresses were given , thought that it may be searchable from the internet, I came across a couple of lists last night, will have another google!

thanks brenda! doh!

Remember that only about 10% of Merchant Navy records survive at Kew so the chances of finding him there are very slim. As he drowned have you thought of looking for a local newspaper report? If Birkenhead area that would be a Liverpool area newespaper. You would have to do a trawl of a few years research but by a bit of detective work you can narrow the years down. Lloyds Lists are in the Guildhall Library London but you have to research yourself. Janet

thanks janet, hopefullt tonight I may have a bit more info on him, I shall post later on