Hello, I am researching Captain William Lowden thought to be of Dumfries, Scotland. He began trading to North America during the American Revolutionary War but previous to this he spent 15 years in Russia and spent years carrying convicts to Virginia. He brought his family to Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1788 where he commenced shipbuilding. He bacame known as the father of shipbuilding in Pictou. He and his four sons were well known as men of business - Captain David Lowden, Robert, Thomas and William. There is an interesting story of his ship being taken over during the the American Revolutionary War. I have had no luck finding a birth in Scotland (I've tried Scotland's People etc..) , a marriage (as he must have had a wife), nor much about his shipping life previous to coming to Canada. Is there anyone that would have any suggestions of where to look for information? It would be interesting to find out which ship(s) he must have captained and what he was doing in Russia (Lumber??). Are there records of ship lists of convicts to Virginia? Perhaps there is someone who can offer help. Looking forward to any insights. Thanks, Janet