Friday, April 15, 2016

Charles Stewart 1863 - 1888

Born 8 November 1863 in Dundee to William Stewart and Christina Duncan.  Apprentice baker at age 17. Second mate 1887. If he did these Mate and masters certificates then he is our man. Born at Dundee, an AB and right age. 

Death certificate:  His official number is 87909.  His rank is AB.  The ship was carrying 2160 tons.  He is 25, born in Dundee and died in the Melbourne Hospital in 1888 of consumption or phthisis.  The Cressington was registered in Liverpool, UK.  January 23, 1888. 

Question:  I wonder if the number assigned to him on death record relates to a merchant navy rating?

1871 Census living at 14 Rose Street, Dundee
William Stewart, age 34, wood sawyer
Christina Duncan Stewart age 35
1.  William Stewart, Jr 10 (illegitimate)
2.  Charles Stewart,  age 7 born 8 Nov 1863
3.  Robert (Duncan) Stewart,  b 1867 age 4
4.  George Stewart, born 1867, age 4
5.  David, Pirie Stewart, age 3 mo (born 9 December 1870) FHL number 6035516

1881 census: They are living at 143 Nethergate, Dundee
Christina Stewart, washerwoman age 40 born 1841
(Husband William deceased four years ago.)
1.  (William Stewart gone from home)
2.  Charles Stewart, apprentice baker, age 17, born 1864
3.  Robert (Duncan) Stewart apprentice tailor, age 14 born 1867
4.  George (Duncan) Stewart, message boy, age 14 born 1867 (birth GS number 6035516, parents are William Stewart and Christina Duncan)
5.  David Pirie Stewart missing.
6.  Annie Stewart, Scholar age 8 born 1873, Falkirk, Stirlingshire

Our Charles Stewart was a second mate - one away from Master in 1887.  He was 25  but probably born in 1862 as it was a January death. Charles Stewart was born in about 1863.  It is close and if born early in year would be correct.  He could have put his age up. The death certificate says he was born in Dundee with fits with the 1871 and the 1881 censuses.





1888 Melbourne, Australia:












Cressington

An iron full-rigged ship in 1883 by Oswald, Mordaunt & Co., Southampton, as Yard No. 202. Dimensions 88,30×12,32×7,47 meters [289'5"×40'4"×24'5"] and 2211 GRT, 2160 NRT and 2058 tons under deck.
1883 November 22 Launched at the shipyard of Oswald, Mordaunt & Co., Southampton, for Sailing Ship Cressington Co. Ltd. (R.W. Leyland & Co.), Liverpool. Assigned the official British Reg. No. 87909 and signal JCDB.
1883-1890 In command of Captain John Bromley.
1883 Sailed from Cardiff on her maiden voyage to San Francisco.
1884 January 12 Collided with the Firdene while under tow from the Cardiff docks into the Bristol Channel by the tug Mount Ena. The Cressington drifted ashore at Penarth Head and was later salvaged by the Mount Ena with the assistance of two other tugs.
1897 Sailed from Newcastle, NSW, to San Francisco in 106 days.
1900 January Sold to Edmund & William Roberts, Liverpool, for £ 11.000. 1902/03 Sold to Repetto Bros, Genoa, for £ 9750. 1913 Sold to S.O. Stray, Kristiansand, Norway, for £ 5650 and was renamed Songvand.
1916 Sold for £ 21.000. 1917 June 4 Sunk by a German submarine off the Scilly Islands on voyage from Cardiff to Santon.

History:
December 3, 1884, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
VALOR REWARDED.
The Board of Underwrlters Present a Gold Watch to Captain Bromley.
On the 29th of September the American ship John Currier, Captain Blethen, arrived in this port 130 days from Liverpool, having had a fire burning in her cargo of coal for upwards of a month. The British ship Cressington fell in with the Currier and accompanied her to to this port, staying by her for thirty days. During the time the wife of Captain Blethen, and his personal effects, together with those of his officers, were transferred to the Cressington, as it was believed that the fire would not be controlled before this port was reached.
In recognition of the services extended by Captain Bromley, of the Cressington, the Board of Marine Underwriters, of San Francisco, yesterday presented him with a valuable gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, together with the accompanying testimonial. Captain Bromley's ship sails to-day for Liverpool, loaded with wheat. The testimonial is as follows:
San Francisco, December 2, 1884.
Capt. John Bromley of the British ship Cressington Dear Sir: On your voyage from Cardiff to this port in August of the present year, you fell in with the American ship John Currier, Capt. Blethen, coal-laden, and bound, like your own vessel, for this port. The John Currier was on fire when you spoke her. You boarded her and took off the Captain's family, entertaining them hospitably and in safety for thirteen days; you tendered the assistance of your crew to the Currier to aid in extinguishing the fire, and remained by her many days -- while her crew were battling with the flames. Owing to your presence the ship's company of the Currier were enoouraged to continue their severe labors instead of abandoning the ship to the flames, whereby the fire was extinguished and the vessel and cargo were ultimately saved. Under circumstances of international courtesy like these, and in the absence of any United States law securing the recognition of alien services to national vessels, the Underwriters of San Francisco feel that they cannot allow you to leave port without a suitable acknowledgment of your gallant assistance to an American vessel in distress, and thanking you not only for your kindness to Captain Blethen and his family, but for the valuable service you have rendered in preventing the total loss of the endangered property, we therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and appurtenances. And wishing you, dear sir, on behalf of our Underwriters, many years of health and prosperity, and the highest honors in your noble profession, I am, very truly yours,
C. T. Hopkins,
Secretary Marine Underwriters, San Francisco.
- See more at: http://www.maritimeheritage.org/captains/blethenJC.html#sthash.8N33Obh9.dpuf
December 3, 1884, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
VALOR REWARDED.
The Board of Underwrlters Present a Gold Watch to Captain Bromley.
On the 29th of September the American ship John Currier, Captain Blethen, arrived in this port 130 days from Liverpool, having had a fire burning in her cargo of coal for upwards of a month. The British ship Cressington fell in with the Currier and accompanied her to to this port, staying by her for thirty days. During the time the wife of Captain Blethen, and his personal effects, together with those of his officers, were transferred to the Cressington, as it was believed that the fire would not be controlled before this port was reached.
In recognition of the services extended by Captain Bromley, of the Cressington, the Board of Marine Underwriters, of San Francisco, yesterday presented him with a valuable gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, together with the accompanying testimonial. Captain Bromley's ship sails to-day for Liverpool, loaded with wheat. The testimonial is as follows:
San Francisco, December 2, 1884.
Capt. John Bromley of the British ship Cressington Dear Sir: On your voyage from Cardiff to this port in August of the present year, you fell in with the American ship John Currier, Capt. Blethen, coal-laden, and bound, like your own vessel, for this port. The John Currier was on fire when you spoke her. You boarded her and took off the Captain's family, entertaining them hospitably and in safety for thirteen days; you tendered the assistance of your crew to the Currier to aid in extinguishing the fire, and remained by her many days -- while her crew were battling with the flames. Owing to your presence the ship's company of the Currier were enoouraged to continue their severe labors instead of abandoning the ship to the flames, whereby the fire was extinguished and the vessel and cargo were ultimately saved. Under circumstances of international courtesy like these, and in the absence of any United States law securing the recognition of alien services to national vessels, the Underwriters of San Francisco feel that they cannot allow you to leave port without a suitable acknowledgment of your gallant assistance to an American vessel in distress, and thanking you not only for your kindness to Captain Blethen and his family, but for the valuable service you have rendered in preventing the total loss of the endangered property, we therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and appurtenances. And wishing you, dear sir, on behalf of our Underwriters, many years of health and prosperity, and the highest honors in your noble profession, I am, very truly yours,
C. T. Hopkins,
Secretary Marine Underwriters, San Francisco.
- See more at: http://www.maritimeheritage.org/captains/blethenJC.html#sthash.8N33Obh9.dpuf
On the 29th of September the American ship John Currier, Captain Blethen, arrived in this port 130 days from Liverpool, having had a fire burning in her cargo of coal for upwards of a month. The British ship Cressington fell in with the Currier and accompanied her to to this port, staying by her for thirty days. During the time the wife of Captain Blethen, and his personal effects, together with those of his officers, were transferred to the Cressington, as it was believed that the fire would not be controlled before this port was reached.
In recognition of the services extended by Captain Bromley, of the Cressington, the Board of Marine Underwriters, of San Francisco, yesterday presented him with a valuable gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, together with the accompanying testimonial. Captain Bromley's ship sails to-day for Liverpool, loaded with wheat. The testimonial is as follows:
San Francisco, December 2, 1884.
Capt. John Bromley of the British ship Cressington Dear Sir: On your voyage from Cardiff to this port in August of the present year, you fell in with the American ship John Currier, Capt. Blethen, coal-laden, and bound, like your own vessel, for this port. The John Currier was on fire when you spoke her. You boarded her and took off the Captain's family, entertaining them hospitably and in safety for thirteen days; you tendered the assistance of your crew to the Currier to aid in extinguishing the fire, and remained by her many days -- while her crew were battling with the flames. Owing to your presence the ship's company of the Currier were enoouraged to continue their severe labors instead of abandoning the ship to the flames, whereby the fire was extinguished and the vessel and cargo were ultimately saved. Under circumstances of international courtesy like these, and in the absence of any United States law securing the recognition of alien services to national vessels, the Underwriters of San Francisco feel that they cannot allow you to leave port without a suitable acknowledgment of your gallant assistance to an American vessel in distress, and thanking you not only for your kindness to Captain Blethen and his family, but for the valuable service you have rendered in preventing the total loss of the endangered property, we therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and appurtenances. And wishing you, dear sir, on behalf of our Underwriters, many years of health and prosperity, and the highest honors in your noble profession, I am, very truly yours,
C. T. Hopkins,
Secretary Marine Underwriters, San Francisco.
She pulled through all and Captain Blethen continued sailing her until he retired in 1888.
January 24, 1885, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

Along the Wharves

The ships Argo and John Currier went yesterday up to Port Costa to load wheat. The ship C. F. Sargent, 1,704 tons, has been chartered to load wheat to Cork, U.K. or Antwerp at 39 shillings, and the John Currier, 1,847 tons, for the same votage at the same rate.
February 3, 1885, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Shipping Intelligence
Cleared: Ship John Currier, Blethen, Liverpool; W. Dresbach
August 4, 1886, Daily Alta California
Consignee Notices
Am. Sp. John Currier, Blethen, Master, will commence discharging on Friday, August 6th, at 7 A.M. at Seawall, section 4. Consignees will please call at the office of the undersigned, pay freight and receive their orders. All merchandise when landed on the wharf will be at the risk of the owners thereof (without regard to the weather), and if not removed before five o'clock P. M. of each day, will be stored at their risk aad expense.
MACONDRAY & CO.
August 28, 1886, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Consignee Notices
American Sp John Currier, Captain Blethen from Hongkong. All claims against this vessel must be presented (in duplicate) at the offlce of theundersigned on or before Saturday, August 28, 1886 or they will not be allowed. MACONDRAY & CO.
Via "Electric Telegraph," the Press Association of the Bush Advocate in Putanga, Mahuru, New Zealand reported the American ship John Currier wrecked in 1907 at Bristol Bay, Alaska. TheThetis, a revenue cutter, rescued 242 survivors and conveyed them to Seattle.


Three Centuries of Seafaring: The Maritime Art of Paul HeeThree Centuries of Seafaring: The Maritime Art of Paul Hee.
Rick Carroll, Marcie Carroll (Author, Editors) Three Centuries of Seafaring: The Maritime Art of Paul Hee.
Great moments in seafaring history as depicted by internationally known maritime artist Paul Hee are collected in a handsome new art book, Three Centuries of Seafaring: The Maritime Art of Paul Hee. Old salts and armchair sailors alike--anyone who loves the sea and ships--will delight in this glossy art book, which features more than 150 color images of Mr. Hee's artful works in signature painstaking detail. Scenes range from battles at sea and famous shipwrecks to yacht races and peaceful harbors. Hee, master of past masters, documents not only moments in maritime history but also the artistic styles of three centuries of painters whose work depicts American and British ships of their day, from topsail schooners to the White Squadron.
A significant portion of book sales benefit the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The book is available in two formats: hardbound with glossy dust jacket ($49.95); and a signed, numbered slip-cased hardcover keepsake, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the 1709 founding of Beaufort, NC, ($79.95), home of Mr. Hee and of the museum.
Maritime art of Paul Hee. A self-taught artist and active octogenarian, Mr. Hee grew up by the sea on Long Island and spent World War II in the US Navy before becoming a Miami-based cruise ship executive.
He raced Ferraris and restored a historic ship, then retired to Beaufort to paint in the luminescent styles of past masters and to build classic model ships.
(Image: Bald Eagle, 1852, by Paul Hee.)
- See more at: http://www.maritimeheritage.org/captains/blethenJC.html#sthash.8N33Obh9.dpuf

December 3, 1884, Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
VALOR REWARDED.
The Board of Underwrlters Present a Gold Watch to Captain Bromley.
On the 29th of September the American ship John Currier, Captain Blethen, arrived in this port 130 days from Liverpool, having had a fire burning in her cargo of coal for upwards of a month. The British ship Cressington fell in with the Currier and accompanied her to to this port, staying by her for thirty days. During the time the wife of Captain Blethen, and his personal effects, together with those of his officers, were transferred to the Cressington, as it was believed that the fire would not be controlled before this port was reached.

In recognition of the services extended by Captain Bromley, of the Cressington, the Board of Marine Underwriters, of San Francisco, yesterday presented him with a valuable gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, together with the accompanying testimonial. Captain Bromley's ship sails to-day for Liverpool, loaded with wheat. The testimonial is as follows:
San Francisco, December 2, 1884.
Capt. John Bromley of the British ship Cressington Dear Sir: On your voyage from Cardiff to this port in August of the present year, you fell in with the American ship John Currier, Capt. Blethen, coal-laden, and bound, like your own vessel, for this port. The John Currier was on fire when you spoke her. You boarded her and took off the Captain's family, entertaining them hospitably and in safety for thirteen days; you tendered the assistance of your crew to the Currier to aid in extinguishing the fire, and remained by her many days -- while her crew were battling with the flames. Owing to your presence the ship's company of the Currier were enoouraged to continue their severe labors instead of abandoning the ship to the flames, whereby the fire was extinguished and the vessel and cargo were ultimately saved. Under circumstances of international courtesy like these, and in the absence of any United States law securing the recognition of alien services to national vessels, the Underwriters of San Francisco feel that they cannot allow you to leave port without a suitable acknowledgment of your gallant assistance to an American vessel in distress, and thanking you not only for your kindness to Captain Blethen and his family, but for the valuable service you have rendered in preventing the total loss of the endangered property, we therefore beg your acceptance of the accompanying watch and appurtenances. And wishing you, dear sir, on behalf of our Underwriters, many years of health and prosperity, and the highest honors in your noble profession, I am, very truly yours,
C. T. Hopkins,
Secretary Marine Underwriters, San Francisco.
Research: