Hello, I've found a reference to my ancestor Thomas Gibson, being lost at sea between Sydney and Newcastle in Sept 1852. He was listed in various documents as a sea captain and master mariner. The vessel was described as his schooner "Harrieff" which could be "Harriett". I've searched Google with no luck, apart from the first reference, which is at a site by someone who is from an American branch and hasn't yet replied to my email. I can't find a death entry for Thomas and was wondering if there was anywhere else such death records may be found. Thomas married Jane Eastcott in Sydney, 1842. Jane remarried in 1854. I suppose newspapers of the day might be the only record of the vessel being lost. I'm guessing he was a local mariner but don't know that. I don't know where Thomas was born. Here's hoping someone has a clue... Best wishes, Katrina

Hi Katrina, Maybe one of the shipwrecks mentioned below is your "Harrieff/Harriett" http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/nsw-wrecks.html Harriet. Wooden two-masted schooner, 43 tons. Built Manning River, 1840; Sydney, 69/1840. Lbd 47 x 15.9 x 8 ft. Captain Love. Cleared Sydney Heads for Newcastle April 1844 and disappeared in a gale. Last seen near Bird Island. [GB],[SAN] Harriete. Cutter. Ashore and lost while crossing the Richmond River bar, NSW, 11 May 1851. [LN] Harriett. Wooden cutter, 30 tons. Built NSW, 1843; reg. Sydney, 56/1846. Length 39 ft. Lost on the Richmond River bar, 1851. [SAN] The Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List starts in March 1844, so is probably too late. http://www.nla.gov.au/ferg/issn/14403897.html Happy hunting, Maureen ----- Original Message ----- Hello, I've found a reference to my ancestor Thomas Gibson, being lost at sea between Sydney and Newcastle in Sept 1852. He was listed in various documents as a sea captain and master mariner. The vessel was described as his schooner "Harrieff" which could be "Harriett". I've searched Google with no luck, apart from the first reference, which is at a site by someone who is from an American branch and hasn't yet replied to my email. I can't find a death entry for Thomas and was wondering if there was anywhere else such death records may be found. Thomas married Jane Eastcott in Sydney, 1842. Jane remarried in 1854. I suppose newspapers of the day might be the only record of the vessel being lost. I'm guessing he was a local mariner but don't know that. I don't know where Thomas was born. Here's hoping someone has a clue... Best wishes, Katrina

Hi Katrina, Not sure if any of the following will be of help. http://ceinternet.com.au/~rgow/hrg%20index Hunter River Gazette newspaper 1841-42 index Ship - "Harriett" I have from Ronald Parsons book a couple of entries Harriet; W1m Ctr, 15t, 44.6 x 10.8 x 4.1, B. 1840 Hunter River, NSW. 1 deck, round stern, clinker build. Lost as per list of 1852. Owners: Mary Korff, reg. Sydney 73/1841; July 1846 James Paddon, reg. Sydney 62/1846. Harriet; W 2m sch, 43t, 47.0 x 15.5 x 8.0. B. 1840 Manning River, NSW. Lost, but entry undated. (missing. Left Sydney early April 1844 for Newcastle but failed to arrive). Owners: John Lord & Edye Manning, reg. Sydney 69/1840: Nov. 1841 E. Manning. Harriett; W 1m Ctr, 30& 3041/3500ths. 38.2 x 13.3 x 7.8, B.1843 Christopher Browne, Moruya, NSW. 1 & !/4 dks, square stern. Lost as per list of 1852. (wrecked Richmond River bar, May 1851). Owners: Thomas Lewis, reg. Sydney 1/1844: Feb 1844 A. Elywood, marshall of Vice Admiralty Court. June 1844 John Browne: June 1846 George Marsden, reg. Sydney 56/1846. This is the only info given. Details of Shipe Registered in Australian & New Zealand Ports before 1850 Compiled by Ronald Parsons from the records of the registrars of British Ships. Kind regards, Lynne, Sydney ----- Original Message ----- From: "Katrina" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2005 2:18 PM Subject: [AUS-IMM-SHIPS] Finding ancestor "lost at sea" (NSW) 1852 > > Hello, > > I've found a reference to my ancestor Thomas Gibson, being lost at sea > between Sydney > and Newcastle in Sept 1852. He was listed in various documents as a sea > captain and > master mariner. The vessel was described as his schooner "Harrieff" which > could be > "Harriett". I've searched Google with no luck, apart from the first > reference, which > is at a site by someone who is from an American branch and hasn't yet > replied to my > email.