Until 1845 there was no system of registration of officers (masters and mates) and so records which might incidentally make mention of them must be used to trace details about them. See http://tinyurl.com/ygpnc7g Stan Mapstone -----Original Message----- From: Judy Jeffrey <judy@aboutappearance.co.uk> To: ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:05 Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] master mariner Hi Alison & list, Re Alison's message below I too am all 'at sea' as to where to find my Master Mariners before 1833. I also have a seaman die between 1826 & 1833 and have no record of him at all. He left a wife & 2 children in Sunderland. I have bought the book 'My Ancestor was a Merchant Seaman' but most of the info seems to be for after 1845 and it hasn't given me any bright ideas yet - but I have only just bought it so haven't read right through it. I would like any ideas of tracing Master Mariners and any ordinary Mariner prior to 1833. Thank you Judy <hello I have been told that my ancestor was a master mariner and I can find a James Forbes from Sunderland on the brig Salus which sailed to Canada in 1833; My question is - is there anyway of finding out more information about him from anywhere in Sunderland? ie when did he get his Master's Certificate and which ships did he sail in etc. thanking you in advance for any help Alison Laing LAFON> France ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.34/2463 - Release Date: 10/27/09 15:50:00 ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

If you go to the Sunderland List Archivesat http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/search?path=ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND?at search on Laings Shipbuilders you will see that there have been previous postings Stan Mapstone -----Original Message----- From: alan-vickers@lineone.net <alan-vickers@lineone.net> To: ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:37 Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] James Laing Look ups Alison - you can find much information on the Laings at George Graham's website "Thompsons, the Sunderland Shipbuilders" at http: //members.cox.net/ghgraham/index.html Alan Vickers. Recycle mobile phones and earn - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/recycle ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Geoff and All, An interesting but perplexing puzzle with the Laings.... Alison and I are both descended from the Hall Laing from Dunbar, and we have both come across at least two other lines of descendents from this Hall Laing. We are 4th cousins... The puzzle is that EVERY line of descendents we have been in touch with, has been given the same family tale that we are related to the Laings of Laing Shibuilder fame, yet after years of searching none of us have proven this. Hall Laing and Jane Gutherie were married in Liverpool in 1799, and possibly coincidentally at the same time there was a J & P Laing Shipbuilders in Liverpool. We have not managed to find out if this shipbuilding firm were related to Philip Laing and his brother John shipbuilding in Sunderland. My personal guess is that somehow we are related to John Laing, who left the family shipbuilding business to Philip, on whom I have managed to find very little. So, grateful as always for any pointers or assistance we can receive. edward   Edward R Paxton ________________________________ From: "NEGenealogy@aol.com" <NEGenealogy@aol.com> To: eng-dur-sunderland@rootsweb.com Sent: Wednesday, 28 October, 2009 10:44:52 Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] Laing 's from Sunderland In a message dated 28/10/2009 08:56:16 GMT Standard Time,  AlisonLafon@aol.com writes: I have  not been able to make any connection yet with the Laing shipbuilders but  he used to work for them and I suppose at that time (1801) the  shipyards  were very small so I seem to think there must be a  connection somewhere. I have been unable to find Hall's birth in  Dunbar The original North-eastern  immigrant Laing of that family was a James, who began as a Fifeshire (not  Dunbar) farmer, then qualified as a Doctor, then moved to South Shields and  became a shipbuilder.  There he married the daughter of "Sir" Cuthbert  Heron (who thought he was the heir to a Baronetcy but almost certainly wasn't)  and eventually moved his shipyard to Sunderland.  As far as I can tell  there was no Hall Laing in the family, nor any marriage with anyone named  Hall.                                                 Geoff  Nicholson ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Alison - you can find much information on the Laings at George Graham's website "Thompsons, the Sunderland Shipbuilders" at http: //members.cox.net/ghgraham/index.html Alan Vickers. Recycle mobile phones and earn - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/recycle

Hello Alison, Really appreciate this pointer. Do you happen to know if the local Library and Museum have any holdings? Many thanks Rod At 09:27 28/10/2009, AlisonLafon@aol.com wrote: >I found this site very interesting and they have some nice photos > >http://www.searlecanada.org/sunderland/sunderland041.html > >it was done by someone who has never been to Sunderland RSVP. Please support the St.George Foundation: www.adecentlife.org

Listers, Can anyone tell me if there is a good set of photographs or paintings for Sunderland built ships held anywhere? I am particularly interested in pre 1900. Thanks Rod RSVP. Please support the St.George Foundation: www.adecentlife.org

In a message dated 28/10/2009 08:56:16 GMT Standard Time, AlisonLafon@aol.com writes: I have not been able to make any connection yet with the Laing shipbuilders but he used to work for them and I suppose at that time (1801) the shipyards were very small so I seem to think there must be a connection somewhere. I have been unable to find Hall's birth in Dunbar The original North-eastern immigrant Laing of that family was a James, who began as a Fifeshire (not Dunbar) farmer, then qualified as a Doctor, then moved to South Shields and became a shipbuilder. There he married the daughter of "Sir" Cuthbert Heron (who thought he was the heir to a Baronetcy but almost certainly wasn't) and eventually moved his shipyard to Sunderland. As far as I can tell there was no Hall Laing in the family, nor any marriage with anyone named Hall. Geoff Nicholson

In a message dated 28/10/2009 07:13:14 GMT Standard Time, AlisonLafon@aol.com writes: I found him on the 1881 census but I can't find him on any other census records in Sunderland - maybe FreeCen is not up to date in Sunderland? It isn't, and it's coverage in the NE of England in general is still very sparse. In other words it is not yet a useful or reliable source. Your question raises another important point, however, and that is the automatic assumption that sometimes comes over from some subscribers that there is always (one might almost say "should be") a version of just about any of the basic records we might use - church registers and census information, say - on-line. That is not so and even at the present rate of progress, will not be, true for many years yet - if ever. Research consists of a lot more than just looking at a few web sites. It is necessary to spend a little to have others read material for you where that material is impossible for you to access easily. Apart from Professional Researchers, most major local Libraries and Record Offices run such services. Also, there is lots of material available for purchase, as CD, microfiche or even in that ancient format, the book. All are available from eg the NDFHS, for reasonable prices. Can I also use this opportunity to make a similar point? That is, that what a particular record says is one thing; What you can reasonably read into it might be a lot more, especially if you have learnt something of the background to the places and times concerned. That background affected all our ancestors' lives and was much more important to them than the bits of paper on which those who could write scribbled down their notes. It's rather like poeple referring to their ancestors as "James" or "Jane", when they would always have been known as "Jimmy" or "Jenny", and getting over concerned about which church they went to when they probably only ever did so on three occasions - and had to be carried there on at least two of them! Standing back and taking the wider lok is an important part of researching - and one that you cannot do from any single source, whether it is on-line or not. Geoff Nicholson

Alison, I would not think any of those records I sent are for Sir James Laing, he was born in 1823 and died in 1901, so he was more than 20 years younger than your James. He married Mary Tanner in 1847 and Theresa Talbot Peacock in 1855, he never married an Isabella, so as I say, it is unlikely that any of the records i sent are for Sir James Laing. If you are researching the Laing shipbuilders I can recommend two books, "Where ships are born" by J W Smith and T S Holden and "Building ships on the north east coast" by J F Clarke if you have not read them already. Richard thanks very much Richard for your help some of them are indeed mine - problem is in those days everyone had the same name so there are some of Sir james Laing the shipbuilder and some of my James just son of Hall thanks i will sort them out Alison

Hi Rod I am not sure but on this web site he does make mention of where he found all his information so maybe he will tell you there - there were some fantastic prints of old Sunderland bridges and the river - you need to surf about on his site a bit and he would be delighted to receive an email from you if you wish to ask him any questions about where he got copies of his ships etc He replied to me straight away and was very helpful (I am researching Laing shipbuilders) happy hunting Alison

I found this site very interesting and they have some nice photos _http://www.searlecanada.org/sunderland/sunderland041.html_ (http://www.searlecanada.org/sunderland/sunderland041.html) it was done by someone who has never been to Sunderland thanks Alison

Alison, the IGI gives two records of James Laing's birth and baptism, born 16 July 1801, baptised at Bridge Road on 29 July 1801. The IGI gives 3 other children for Hall and Jane Laing, Jane Laing born 5 Nov 1803 and baptised on 8 Apr 1804. Isabella Laing born 23rd June 1805 and baptised 6 Sep 1807. Eleanor Laing baptised 9 Jul 1809, no birth date. The IGI gives a marriage between James Laing and Isabella Swan on 14 Aug 1825 in Sunderland. The 1841 census (HO107/299/17/31) Isabella with possibly her mother at Hallgarth Square, Isabella Laing aged 35 and Jane Swan aged 75, both born in County Durham. The 1851 census (HO107/2398/197/42&43) at 14 Barclay street, Monkwearmouth Shore, James Laing Head married 50 master mariner born Monkwearmouth and Isabella aged 47 born Monkwearmouth. The 1861 census (RG9/3773/65/61) at 5 Wall Street, Bishopwearmouth gives James Laing Head Married 59 Seaman (Master) MS born Monkwearmouth Shore and Isabella aged 56 also born Monkwearmouth Shore. The 1871 census (RG10/5007/49/21) still at 5 Wall Street are James Laing Head Mar 69 Master mariner born Monkwearmouth and Isabella aged 66 also born Monkwearmouth. Hope this helps Richard

hello my ancestors where shipbuilders. Hall Laing born circa 1779 was a native of Dunbar, married in Liverpool but lived all of his live in Sunderland. He used to live in places like 'near Deptford yard' I have not been able to make any connection yet with the Laing shipbuilders but he used to work for them and I suppose at that time (1801) the shipyards were very small so I seem to think there must be a connection somewhere. I have been unable to find Hall's birth in Dunbar is anyone else researching this family or come across any information which might help me thank you Alison

hello I have been told that my ancestor was a master mariner and I can find a James Forbes from Sunderland on the brig Salus which sailed to Canada in 1833; My question is - is there anyway of finding out more information about him from anywhere in Sunderland? ie when did he get his Master's Certificate and which ships did he sail in etc. thanking you in advance for any help Alison Laing LAFON France

dear All I am new to this list. I am researching my ancestor James Laing born 1801 in Sunderland son of Hall Laing and jane Guthery. I was told he was a Master Mariner and I have found 1 information for a Master mariner aged 30 on the brig Salus of Sunderland sailing from Londerry on April 1833 - he was aged 30 so this would correspond. Maybe he married Isabella Cunningham but I cannot find a marriage. I found him on the 1881 census but I can't find him on any other census records in Sunderland - maybe FreeCen is not up to date in Sunderland? I think he died in 1884 and Isabella in 1881? any help would be greatly appreciated Alison Laing Lafon France

Does anyone have any idea when Sunderland staged the various fundraising weeks during the First World War, such as Guns Week, Tank Week, Cruiser Week, War Loans and War Bonds week? Many thanks Rob

Hello Durham, Many thanks to David and Stan for their very prompt and helpful replies on Rev Henry Peters. For David - I am conducting this line of research for a member of the Peters family in Gloucs. If you are a family member could you kindly email me on off list at alanbooth@tiscali.co.uk. Thank you Alan

Hi Alan, The Rev Henry Peters was born in Lincolnshire in 1811 and was Rector of Sunderland Holy Trinity Parish Church between 1848 and 1873. He was married to Ann Alder at Sculcoats (Hull) in 1850. They had a daughter Mary born at Hull in 1850/51 and six sons all born in Sunderland. John Henry (born 1851 died the same year), Robert Attenby (b 1853), Henry Alder (b 1854), Arthur (b 1855), Charles (1856)and Herbert (b 1858).He was a member of the Fawcett Street Club and retired from Sunderland to York in ill health. He died at York 25th December 1875 age 64 at 1 West Bank Terrace, Acomb. Hope this helps David Peters -----Original Message----- From: eng-dur-sunderland-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:eng-dur-sunderland-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Alan Booth Sent: 22 October 2009 20:53 To: ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND@rootsweb.com Subject: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] Henry PETERS Hello Listers, Just joined and hoping for information on Henry PETERS born 1805 in Lincolnshire who according to 1851/61 became Rector of Sunderland parish. Could anyone advise which church this was and any other information on this family. Thank you Alan Booth, Glos ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hello Listers, Just joined and hoping for information on Henry PETERS born 1805 in Lincolnshire who according to 1851/61 became Rector of Sunderland parish. Could anyone advise which church this was and any other information on this family. Thank you Alan Booth, Glos

Thanks one and all for the input about St Mary's -I was hoping as John says that an older picture might be available maybe one without the concrete Politic ( now Uni ) behind it Mam by the way got caned too for being late and was mortified as she got a second telling off from her father ! Cheers Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: "radar" <radar@ihug.co.nz> To: <ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 1:36 PM Subject: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] St Mary's School >I went to St Mary's School from 1942 to 1948 and the picture on the web > site doesn't do it justice. The yard was asphalt right down to the > School Caretakers house on the right hand corner, looking at the > bujilding and was way past the road in the photograph.There were large > front gates and it was fronted by a large set of railing,. on three > sides it had very high walls. The infants school was to the right and > the entrance was on the right of the building in the picture. There was > an entrance on the left side of the building also. The grounds to the > left of the main block had an underground shelter dug into it during and > after the war, it was covered in earth. It was out of bounds to the > kids. I know I was strapped by the head mistress (Sister Mary Anslem) a > number of times for being on the mound. There is a better and fuller > picture somewhere out there on the net. I had a copy once but lost it > when my computer crashed. Regards John Travers > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message