Great Storm of 1848

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:53 am

One of my ancestors who was a Peterhead Whaler or fisherman seems to have vanished between the birth of his son in 1845 and the 1851 census (can't find his wife either) I was wondering if he was lost at sea in the 1848 storm. Does any one have a link to this event. I know a few boats where lost that night.

Post by **emanday** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:53 pm

Hi Andrew,

This is all I have found so far...

http://sites.scran.ac.uk/secf_final/danger/06.php

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:28 am

Hello Andrew,

The London Times report of 22 August 1848 appears to have been repeated exactly word for word by the New Zealand newspaper Daily Southern Cross, Volume 4, Issue 186, 13 January 1849, Page 3.
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bi ... 1----0-all

There are further reports in the London Times 24 August 1848 and 15 January 1849. If you don’t have access you may find more on the PapersPast site.

This 1856 edition of Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine has information about Scottish Fisheries. If you search for Peterhead in the box at the right you’ll find references to the storm etc.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=w38 ... =RA2-PA328

You may see a reference to “Captain Washington’s Report on the Loss of Life and Damage to Fishing Boats on the East Coast of Scotland by Gale of August, 1848”. This document is available from “House of Commons Parliamentary Papers” and you may be able to get access via your local library.

Hope this helps,
Alan

Rockford · Post by **Rockford** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:40 pm

Hi Andrew,

There are a couple of reports in the Scotsman between 23 August and 26 August 1848. Some of them mention names, others mention the number of lives and boats lost, but don't give names.

What was your ancestor's name? I'll be able to have a better look tonight, when I've more time!

Best wishes

Brian

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:10 pm

Thanks everyone for their information I am looking for a William Cowie who would have been 31 from Peterhead

Hugh Stevely · Post by **Hugh Stevely** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 7:17 pm

Hi Andrew,

Peterhead Seaman Index 1840’s & 50’s

Have a look at the 2 links Cowie on both of them.

http://users.bigpond.net.au/phdgen/seaindex.html

http://users.bigpond.net.au/phdgen/deathco.html

MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS

http://users.bigpond.net.au/phdgen/miscel.html

Hugh.

Rockford · Post by **Rockford** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:26 pm

Hi Andrew,

I've had a look and I can't find any mention of a William Cowie in the news reports of the storm, I'm afraid.

If the articles would be of general interest to you, let me know.

Best wishes

Brian