Which Employer?

Rab · Post by **Rab** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:08 pm

I have an ancestor who died in 1843 as a consequence of falling off a steam ship paddle and drowning in the Clyde. When it was reported in the newpaper it said he had been with the company since it's commencement. The trouble I have is it does not say which company he worked for.

I know enough to have a choice. He was the chief engineer aboard a steam ship named the Princess Royal which sailed between the Glasgow and Edinburgh. The ship was made by Tod and McGregor. It was owned by M Langland and son. The trips between the two cities were run by the Royal Steam Packet Company.

So I'm trying to work out which one he could have worked for if anyone has any suggestions. The reason I have included the ship builder is that I don't know whether ship builders maybe had specialists they subcontracted to ship owners. Probably not but I thought I would include it anyway.

Hugh Stevely · Post by **Hugh Stevely** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 5:16 pm

Hi Rob is this your Ancestor?

November 1843

FATAL ACCIDENT, on Tuesday evening, about six o’clock, when the Princess Royal Steamer was about to set sail from Broomielaw for Liverpool the chief engineer of that vessel Mr Hugh Marr while going on board was precipitated into the river in consequence of the steps upon which he was crossing from the quay to the ship sliding off the paddle-box.

The unfortunate man was got out of the water after being about ten minutes immersed and at this time he was quite extinct. Marr was a man in the prime of his life and has left a widow and several children to mourn his untimely fate. The accident it is alleged was occasioned by the arrival of another steamer in the harbour at the time which caused the Princess Royal to slightly diverge from her previous position. The unfortunate man who has been in service of the company since it’s commencement was highly and deservedly respected- Glasgow Herald.

http://www.gregormacgregor.com/Tod&Macg ... gineer.htm

http://www.gregormacgregor.com/Tod&Macg ... yal_31.htm

http://www.gregormacgregor.com/Tod&Macg ... glands.htm

Hugh.

Rab · Post by **Rab** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:19 pm

Hi Hugh,

Yes I've seen those ones and gave the website owner the story about my ancestor. He has a very great site there with lots of valuable information.

Cheers

Rab

Hugh Stevely · Post by **Hugh Stevely** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:36 pm

Hi Rob, yes a good site lots of info i would say he was with the Royal Steam Packed Company as often ships owners would charter vessels to other company,s

Cheers Hugh.

Rab · Post by **Rab** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:46 pm

Thanks Hugh. That's sort of what I am leaning towards too.

Rab.