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Stephen Gavin
2003 - 2011
brig Elizabeth Jane
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Brig Elizabeth Jane - launched Nova Scotia 1817 - Lost July 1854 off the coast of Yorkshire - Found Robin Hood's Bay, July 2003

Elizabeth Jane Timeline - 1830 -1854 & 1817 - 1829

 

Year

Elizabeth Jane Events

Source

Questions/Actions

Contemporary Events

1830

'William Read bought the Prosperous in 1830, and after other smacks, three schooners and a brig.'

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich


See illustrations of Ipswich in
VANISHING ENGLAND

THE BOOK
BY
P.H. DITCHFIELD
M.A., F.S.A., F.H.S.L., F.R.HIST.S.

THE ILLUSTRATIONS
BY
FRED ROE, R.I.

 

 

 

World Chronology

William IV was crowned King of Great Britain.

July revolution in Paris brings Louis-Philippe to power (-1848).

Polish revolt against Russian rule.

Greek independence from Turkey.

Great fire in New Orleans thought to be set by rebel slaves.

The Tom Thumb presages the first railway service in the United States.

The Liverpool to Manchester railway line opens.

Creation of the state of Belgium after separation from The Netherlands.

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 74
No 15
No. 31 Port Ipswich dated 3rd November 1830
Name Elizabeth Jane Burthen 156 44/94 Tons

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/2

 

In October 1830 No 2 yard put up for sale after its owner died, Bayley and Read moved across river to St Peter's Yard by Stoke Bridge. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.95
and
Ipswich Journal
30th Oct I830
and
1st Jan 1831.
 

William Lord Master. Recorded in Suffolk Gazetteer 1855 as Master Mariner living in Back Street, Ipswich. Back Street cannot be found in Google Maps.

Google book search: "gazetteer suffolk "Lord wm."

Find old map of Ipswich and overlay on Google Maps.

 

 
 

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: Cancelled and registered de novo 1830

DE NOVO - Anew. afresh. Considering the matter anew, the same as if it had not been heard before and as if no decision previously had been rendered.

 

 

 
 

Subscribing Owners Shares

Samuel Finch of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Ship owner 16/64

Other Owners:

Samuel Finch is not recorded in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer.

His share remains the same.

Look in Census

 

 
 

Enos Page the elder of the same place Ship owner 16/64 (one quarter)
Enos Page the younger of the same place Blockmaker. 8/64 (one eighth)

An Enos Page later owned a shipyard with William Read.

An Enos Page is recorded in the 1841 and 1851 Census

Search and distinguish one Enos Page from the other.

 

 
 

William Barfield of Ipswich aforesaid Master Mariner 16/64 (one quarter)
and

William Barfield is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer as a Master Mariner. A Barfield Ann Eliz. is a Staymaker at 41 Guildhall St.

Research fate of W. Barfield - relationship to Ann Eliz.?

See Corsetmaker in Wikipaedia
see also Bone (corsetry)

 

 
 

Francis Hammond of Leicester Sq. in the Co. of
Middlesex Stay Maker 8/64 (one eighth)

Francis Hammond is recorded in the 1841 Census living at 8 Leicester Square. This building no longer exists.

Francis Hammond's house can be see at the north of Leicester Square in Richard Horwood's 32 sheet, 26 inch to the mile, 1799 map of London.

 

 
 

She was: A carvel built Brig, seventy six feet eleven inches long and twenty one feet ten inches wide, with a hold eleven feet ten inches deep. She was square sterned, had one deck, no galleries, and two square rigged masts. A woman's bust figurehead is recorded at her first registration, but not thereafter.

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/2

 

Explain descriptive terms. See: Rigging a Sailship (link to , and picture from, Hullwebs History of Hull)

square rigged brig

See: Steel Explanation of shipbuilding terms 1805

 
 

Burthen 156 44/94

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/2

   

1831

Jabez Bayley and Read moved to St Peter's yard in March 1831.


Page was nominal master of The Ipswich from April 1831 unit the end of I831 season when Captain Charles Wing took over and Ipswich sold.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.I20 SSI.


Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.44 SSI

 

 

World Chronology

The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, the first removal treaty in accordance with the Indian Removal Act, is proclaimed. The Choctaws in Mississippi cede land east of the river in exchange for payment and land in the West.

James Clark Ross discovers the position of the North Magnetic Pole on the Boothia Peninsula.

Nat Turner leads slave revolt in Southampton County, Virginia.

In Southampton County, Virginia, escaped slave Nat Turner is captured and arrested for leading the bloodiest slave revolt in United States history.

Charles Darwin is asked to travel on HMS Beagle. Charles Darwin embarks on his historic journey aboard the HMS Beagle, where he will formulate the theory of evolution.

1832

One of the first vessels they (Read & Bayley) built was the barge Merchant, 1832 the 304 ton Speculation. Bayley and Read lengthened the Sunderland snow Faithfull and built the schooners Allihies, Law Ogilby.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.I21 SSI.

 

World Chronology

Great Reform Act extends franchise in Britain.

Black Hawk War: Around 300 United States 6th Infantry troops leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis to fight the Sauk Native Americans.

Asian cholera brought to Quebec by Irish immigrants kills about 6,000 people in Lower Canada.

1833

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 23rd April
John Norman endorsed Master.

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/2

 

 

World Chronology

Britain seizes control of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

Slavery abolished in the British colonies

A John Norman is twice listed in the 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk as a Baker & Flour Dealer at 10 Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds; and as a Brazier and Tinner at Lower Olland Street, Bungay. John Norman is not found in the Ipswich classifieds as a Master Mariner.

Eastgate Street is not found in Google Maps.
Olland St is not found in Google Maps.

Google Book Search: gazetteer suffolk "Norman John."

Research John Norman in Census 1841, 1851 etc.

 

 

Owners: Captain & Co.

LLoyds RED Book (as transcribed by Gilbert Provost in email 14th May 2006. As ELIZABETH & JANE.

Port of Survey: Hull

Voyage: Coaster

Port of Survey: Yarmouth

Voyage: Coaster

LLoyds GREEN Book (as transcribed by Gilbert Provost in email 14th May 2006. As ELIZABETH JANE.
   

1834

After Jabez Bayley's death in I834 his yard No 2 was little used after Bailey and Read moved out.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.97

 

 

World Chronology

The British colonies abolish slavery.

Much of the ancient structures of the Palace of Westminster in London is burnt down

Jabez Bayley died in 1834. Read tried to defraud his widow Susan from her share of the partnership capital. George Bailey protected her by accepting only her as the tenant of the yard. Therefore Read moved back St. Clement's to work with Enos Page (Block Maker) P.121
After Jabez Bayley's death in I834 Read entered into a partnership with Enos Page, and after his former business was wound up moved to the St. Peter's yard. The stock they left behind, was sold in August 1835 at Mr. Catt's ship yard.
P.97 SSI.
Read and Page first built a 10 ton smack the Providence... P.121
For a time in I834 Commerce operated a passenger service between Aldeburgh and Ipswich. P.43

1835

Commerce caught fire November night in I835 bought by two shareholders FF Seekamp and Captain Enos Page (The Elder)

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.43

 

 

World Chronology

A mentally ill man named Richard Lawrence attempts to assassinate President Andrew Jackson in the United States Capitol -- the first assassination attempt against a President. Both of Lawrence's pistols misfire, and Jackson proceeds to beat his would-be assassin with his cane.

Concepción, Chile is destroyed by an earthquake.

The New York Sun perpetrates the Great Moon Hoax.

The HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin aboard, reaches the Galápagos Islands.

1835 - John Templeton, John Moore, Stanley Cuthbart and Ellen Ritchie were charged in Wheeling, Virginia with illegally teaching blacks to read.

Hans Christian Andersen publishes first book of fairy tales.

Osceola led his Seminole warriors in Florida into the Second Seminole War against the U.S. Army.

The Siege of the Alamo begins in San Antonio, Texas.

Samuel Colt receives an American patent for the Colt revolver.

 

  Elizabeth Jane Registration Document:
6
No . 31 Port Ipswich dated 12th May 1835
Name Elizabeth Jane
Suffolk Registration Office reference: IG 2/2/3
 

Burthen 133 1138/3500 Tons

Old Tonnage 156 44/94

This needs some clarification.

   
 

John Norman Master,

A John Norman is twice listed in the 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk as a Baker & Flour Dealer at 10 Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds; and as a Brazier and Tinner at Lower Olland Street, Bungay. John Norman is not found in the Ipswich classifieds as a Master Mariner.

   
 

When and where built or condemned
As prize, referring to Builder's Certificate,
Judge's Certificate, or last Registry …..

 

   
 

Name and Employment of Surveying Officer…..
JS Richardson the Surveying Officer.

 

   
 

Built at Guysborough in the Province of Nova Scotia in the Year 1817, it is the identical vessel
described in a Certificate of Registry xxxx (uncertain) at this Port 3 Nov. 1830 No 15 now delivered
up and cancelled,

 

   
 

the vessel being admeasured under the Act 5 & 6 Will IV cup 50.

 

Link to details of this act.  
 

Masts, length Twenty four Feet One Inches Tenth Breadth, taken ???midships
In hold, Rigged with a Standing Bowsprit, Square sterned, Carvel built,
No Galleries, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx no Head (the woman's bust is crossed out)
Admeasured under the act 5&6 Will. 4 cup. 50.

 

   
 

Subscribing Owners. Shares. Samuel Finch of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk, Sixteen 64th

Samuel Finch is not recorded in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer. His share of the Elizabeth Jane has not changed since first registration at Ipswich in 1830.

   
 

Enos Page the Elder of the same place, Ship owner, Sixteen 64th

His share has not changed since 1830.

   
 

Enos Page the Younger of the same place. Blockmaker. Eight 64th

His share has not changed since 1830.

   
 

Other Owners.

 

   
 

William Barfield of Ipswich aforesaid, mariner, Sixteen 64

His share has not changed since 1830.

   
 

Francis Hammond of Leicester Square in the County of Middlesex, Eight 64th
Staymaker

 

   

1836

In April I836 sale of wood from their St. Peter's yard left from building the Guineaman and Euphemia 158 tons.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.122

What happened to Elizabeth Jane in 1836?

World Chronology

Great Trek of the Boers from Cape Colony across the Orange River.

Samuel Colt makes the first production-model revolver (.34-caliber).

After a 13-day siege by an army of 3,000 Mexican troops, the 189 Texas volunteers defending the Alamo are defeated and the fort taken.

Formation of the London Working Men's Association begins the Chartist Movement.

Naturalist Charles Darwin returns to Falmouth, England aboard the HMS Beagle after a five-year journey collecting biological data he will later use to develop his theory of evolution.

The worst ever avalanche in England occurs at Lewes, Sussex, killing 8 people.

1837

December 1837 launched Water Lily and Wrestler, followed by Hope for the Canadian lumbertrade - the yard had at least three ship ways.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.I22

Research William Wright in Census 1841, 1851 etc.

 

World Chronology

Accession of Queen Victoria (r.-1901)

First US electric printing press patented by Thomas Davenport.

1837 - Canada gives Africans the right to vote.

Panic of 1837: New York City banks fail, and unemployment reaches record levels.

Grand Junction Railway, world's first long-distance railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool.

In Alton, Illinois, abolitionist printer Elijah P. Lovejoy is shot dead by a mob while attempting to protect his printing shop from being destroyed a third time.

United States forces defeat Seminole Indians.

9th February
William Wright endorsed Master.
Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

A William Wright is listed in the 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk as a Master Mariner living in Foundation Street, Ipswich.

Google Book Search: gazetteer suffolk "Wright Wm."

What other ships did William Wright Master?

1838

The new wet dock would pass through St Peter's yard. 'The dock commission purchased the yard from George Bayley, and Read and Page as tenants were given notice to quit by the end of September 1838. In In May they moved to the Halifax yard... ...Previously Jabez Bayley had launched his East Indiamen.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.I22

 

 

World Chronology

Samuel Morse first successfully tested the electrical telegraph.

Weenen Massacre: Hundreds of Voortrekkers along the Blaukraans River, Natal were killed by Zulus.

An earthquake occurs in Belgium.

Slaves in Trinidad and Tobago are emancipated.

Dressed in a sailor's uniform and carrying identification papers provided by a Free Black seaman, future abolitionist Frederick Douglass boards a train in Maryland on his way to freedom from slavery.

Boers defeat Zulu troops at Battle of Blood River, led by Dambuza and Nhlela, celebrated in South Africa as the day of the vow.

After 1838 almost all his vessels were jointly owned with Enos Page. These included the cutter Vivid, the schooners Ranger and Rover (Mediterranean trade) trade. The latter were built by them and mortgaged to provide working capital before being sold after a few years.

and the barque Hope in the Canadian timber (Check this)

The first vessel launched by Read and Page at Halifax was the Schooner Kate and Jane in August 1838. I January 1839 the Schooner Osprey. By September the Halifax yard had a patent slip. In 1939 the firm built Chamois and Hero.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.34
12th September
Alexander Sands Wright endorsed Master.
Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

Alexander Sands Wright is not listed in the 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk

  What happened to Alexander Sands Wright?

1839

In 1839 Read went to Liverpool by train and wrote article in the Suffolk Chronicle
2nd Nov I839

Background to paddle steamers

Shortly after Read and Page made their offer to build the Orion.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.122.

 

Wikipedia

 

P.123

World Chronology

Chartist agitation in Britain.

Anglo Chinese opium war (-1842).

William Otis receives a patent for the steam shovel.

Twenty miles off the coast of Cuba, 53 rebelling African slaves led by Joseph Cinque take over the slave ship Amistad.

The ship Amistad is captured off Long Island.

Presentation of Jacque Daguerre's new photographic process to the French Academy of Sciences.

John Herschel takes the first glass plate photograph.

William Read is accused of fathering a child and is prosecuted and acquitted.

Bastardy — Defective Order

   

1840

The Loss of the Brig Colina
In 1840 Enos Page and William Read are in business together. A ship the Colina is lost and an insurance claim made. In 1844 Read was accused that he did 'incite and procure one William Simpson, feloniously and maliciously to cast away and destroy a certain vessel called the Colina, on the high sea...'

 

 

World Chronology

The steamship Lexington burns and sinks four miles of the coast of Long Island with the loss of 139 lives.

British colonists reach New Zealand.

Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, founding document of New Zealand.

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom marries Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Foundation stone for new Palace of Westminster, London, laid by wife of Sir Charles Barry.

The Penny Black postage stamp is put on sale in the United Kingdom.

The transporting of British convicts to the New South Wales colony is abolished.

The Cunard Line's 700 ton wooden paddle steamer RMS Britannia departs from Liverpool bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia on the first transatlantic passenger cruise.

Collina - note two L's Ref: Ipswich Journal I5 Feb 1840 IJ 16th March,23 March, 20 April, I9 Oct I844
Collina Canadian Built
Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P. 159

'Vulcan actually built by Read. Halifax yard had building for manufacturing ron work. Orion launched 27th Oct 1840.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.123
Read and Page built steam ships too. Their Orion was launched on 27th Oct 1840. They had difficulty recruiting and retaining labour to work iron, They made boilers but bought engines from Lloyd and Easter of London, Delayed by fire, engines fitted in London. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich

 

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: CH. Ipswich 14 Dec 1840 Samuel Finch of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Ship owner has
transferred by Bill of Sale dated the 9th Instant Sixteen sixty fourth shares to Enos. Page the Elder of the same place Ship owner ?????I. G. Thorn ????????

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

Samuel finch has transferred his 16/64 of Elizabeth Jane to Enos Page the Elder.

 

 

 

 

CH Ipswich 14 Dec. 1840. William Barfield of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Mariner has transferred by Bill of Sale dated 28 Nov ???Sixteen sixty fourths shares to Enos Page the Elder of the same place Ship owner. ????????? (uncertain)

William Barfield has transferred 16/64 share to Elizabeth Jane to Enos Page the Elder.

 

 

 

 

Custom House Ipswich March 7th 1842 Enos Page of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Block Maker hath transferred by Bill of Sale dated the 11th Dec 1840 8/64 parts re shares to Enos Page Snr. of the same Ship Owner Bill of sale produced

Enos Page (Junior and Blockmaker) has transferred 8/64 share of Elizabeth Jane to Enos Page the Elder.

 

 

 

 

Custom House Ipswich March 7th 1842 Francis Hammond of Leicester Square in
The County of Middlesex Staymaker hath transferred by Bill of Sale dated the 20th April 1841 ?/64th xxxxxx xx shares to Enos Page of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Ship Owner Bill of sale produced.

Francis Hammond has transferred 8/64 share of Elizabeth Jane to Enos Page (the Elder?).

 

 

 

 

14th December
John Norman endorsed Master.

Note: A John Norman had been endorsed Master in 1833.

A John Norman is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners.

 

 

 

 

1841

(Orion) In service in spring I841 operated by Read and Page and engine makers. Made regular service between Ipswich and London for several years. Used Seekamps's Wharf' sold I845.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
p 49.

 

 

World Chronology

The Supreme Court of the United States rules in the Amistad case, concerning captive Africans who seized control of the slave-trading ship carrying them: the court rules that they had been taken into slavery illegally.

James Braid first sees a demonstration of animal magnetism, which leads to his study of the subject he eventually calls hypnosis.

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 24th March
Phillip Leggett endorsed Master.

There appears to be an error in the register at this point. An " is used under the previous entry (1840) but since this 1840 entry is 14th December, the 24th March entry clearly cannot be in 1840. Presumably it should be 1841?

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

A Philip Leggett, is listed as a Shopkeeper in Friars' Road, in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer. An Abraham Leggett is listed under 'Master Mariners' in 1855. living in Fore Hamlet.

Google book search

   

 

     

1842

(Orion) Followed with Ironsides, was first registered as owned by them. Sold May 1843. Read and Page built Gipping in 1842.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P. 124.

 

 

World Chronology

John J. Greenough patents the sewing machine.

Giuseppe Verdi's third opera Nabucco premieres in Milan; its success establishes Verdi as one of Italy's foremost opera writers.

Anesthesia is used for the first time in an operation by Dr. Crawford Long.

 

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 23rd March
Thomas Cole endorsed Master at Newcastle.
Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

A James Cole (Quay Street) and a John Cole (Fore Hamlet) are listed in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under 'Master Mariners', but not a Thomas Cole.

Google book search

Discover whether these men are related.

 

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 25th October
Phillip Leggett endorsed Master at Newcastle.

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3

 

 

A Philip Leggett, is listed as a Shopkeeper in Friars' Road, in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer. An Abraham Leggett is listed under 'Master Mariners' in 1855.

Google book search

   

1843

Yacht Enigma built 1843.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.125.

 

 

World Chronology

The first minstrel show in the United States The Virginia Minstrels opens (Bowery Amphitheatre in New York City).

Giuseppe Verdi's opera I Lombardi receives its first performance in Milan.

The first major wagon train heading for the Northwest sets out with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri on the Oregon Trail.

News of the World began publication in London.

"A Christmas Carol", a fictional short story by Charles Dickens, is first published.

 

1? August
Henry Rudland? endorsed Master.
Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/3 Who was Henry Rudland, where are his records?
 

19th December
Thomas Allen endorsed Master.

 

   
 

A Thomas Allen is listed in the 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk as a Master Mariner living in Austin Street, Ipswich.

Google book search

   

1844

Collina - note two L's Ref: Ipswich Journal I5 Feb 1840 IJ 16th March,23 March, 20 April, I9 Oct I844
Collina Canadian Built

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P. 159

World Chronology

The first electric telegram is sent by Samuel F. B. Morse, from Baltimore, Maryland, to Washington, D.C., saying "What hath God wrought?".

Charles Goodyear receives a patent for vulcanization, a process to strengthen rubber.

The last pair of Great Auks is killed.

The Great Disappointment: the second coming of Jesus and the end of the World failed to take place, despite the predictions of William Miller, disillusioning many adherents of Millerism.

Debut of Giuseppe Verdi's I due Foscari, at Teatro Argentina, Rome.

 

Read and Page dissolved partnership in 1844 advertised their lease of Halifax yard and Stock. No purchaser. Read continued on his own. In Sept 1845 launched a pair of 64 ton smacks

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.I25.

Read and Page partnership dissolved I844. Most jointly owned vessels sold.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.34-35
Read Later owned two steamers Caledonia and Endeavour used as tugs. He also owned the brigantine Dazzler. All sold before his death in 1869 except boomsail barge Endeavour and Children's Adventure. Read was a pioneer of iron vessels. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.34

In the 1844 Read & Page are listed as Ship Builders at Halifax Ship Yard.

The Trial concerning the Loss of the Brig Colina
The Queen v Read

'WILLIAM READ and ENOS PAGE, Ipswich, Suffolk, ship builders, dealers and chapmen' are declared bankrupt.

Gazetteer of Suffolk p112
Report of Read and Simpson's trial in The Nautical Magazine for 1844.  
William Simpson the Colina's Master was sentenced to be 'Transported for Life'  

1845

 

 

 

 

World Chronology

Great Irish Famine (-1849): 2 million die or emigrate.

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe is published for the first time (New York Evening Mirror).

The rubber band is invented.

HMS Erebus and HMS Terror with 134 men under John Franklin sail from the River Thames in England, beginning a disastrous expedition to find the Northwest Passage. All hands are lost.

Near Concord, Massachusetts, Henry David Thoreau embarks on a two-year experiment in simple living at Walden Pond (see Walden).

Ether anesthetic is used for childbirth for the first time (Dr. Crawford Williamson Long in Jefferson, Georgia).

The Oregon Spectator becomes the first newspaper on the Pacific coast of the United States.

1846

Four iron schooners approx. I50 tons each built at Walker-on-Tune in 1846 by Coutts. Jointly owned by Frederick Ransome and George Parsons. Engaged in coal trade until sold to a London Barrister in I849. Sister ship? Admiral Duncan wrecked near Boulogne in November I846 with loss of Captain Archer, formerly of Ipswich and three crew. R. Gardiner
Sail's Last Century (1993)
p.80;
Ipswich Journal Nov I846

Cited in Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.35/6

 

 

World Chronology

Repeal of the British Corn Laws.

The saxophone is patented by Adolphe Sax.

The Cape Girardeau meteorite, a 2.3 kg chondrite-type meteorite strikes near the town of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.

Elias Howe gets a patent for the sewing machine.

Discovery of Neptune by French astronomer Urbain Jean Joseph Le Verrier and British astronomer John Couch Adams; verified by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle

'A Captain George Archer was later skipper of the Admiral Hood.' Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.36
Was this the George Archer who became the Master of Elizabeth Jane?

1846 Eastern Union Railway arrived at Ipswich. Good deal of competition between Railways and Steamers

In 1846 Read built his last iron vessel the sloop Vulcan - two years

later lengthened it by 10 feet. Sold her in 1858.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.49
 
Continued to repair iron vessels after he had ceased to build them. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.127
 
Albacore launched 1846 and Teazer in the same year. Proserpine, Shark and Snake followed.
Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.127
 
Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: Custom House July 2nd 1846 Suffolk Registration Office reference: IG 2/2/3  

William Barfield of Ipswich in the County of Suffolk Mariner &
William Baxter of Woodbridge in the County of Suffolk Blacksmith Executors of The late Enos Page Senior hath transferred by Bill of Sale dated 5th June 1846.

64/64th to Robert Huntley of Greenwich in the County of Kent Sailmaker.

Enos Page Senior (the Elder) has died and Elizabeth Jane has been bought by Robert Huntley of Greenwich of Kent.

William Barfield (once Master of Elizabeth Jane) and William Baxter are his Executors.

What were the details of this transaction? Who was Robert Huntley?

Is there a copy of Enos Page's will?

 

Custom House July 2nd 1846

Robert Huntley of Greenwich in the County of Kent Sail Maker hath
Transferred by Bill of Sale dated 18th June 1846 64/64th

William Read becomes sole owner of the Elizabeth Jane.

 

   

to William Read of Ipswich
In the County of Suffolk Ship Builder.

 

What sort of man was William Read, really?  

1847

 

 

 

 

World Chronology

Liberia gains independence.

Henry David Thoreau leaves Walden Pond and moves in with Ralph Waldo Emerson and his family in Concord, Massachusetts.

Stephen Foster's most memorable song, Oh! Susanna, is first performed at a saloon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1848

Mary built at Halifax yard in 1848, sold her in 1853.

 

 

 

World Chronology

Publication of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx.

The second French Republic is proclaimed.

The ship John Wickliffe arrives at Port Chalmers carrying the first Scottish settlers for Dunedin, New Zealand. Otago province is founded.

Slaves are freed in the Danish West Indies (now U.S. Virgin Islands).

Women's rights: The two day Women's Rights Convention opens in Seneca Falls, New York and the "Bloomers" are introduced at the feminist convention.

In Tipperary, an unsuccessful nationalist revolt against British rule is put-down by police.

California Gold Rush: The New York Herald breaks the news to the East Coast of the United States of the gold rush in California (although the rush started in January).

 

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 20th January
Henry Durrant endorsed Master.
Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/4

A Henry Durrant is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners.

 

   

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 1st April
Walter Hadgraft endorsed Master.

A Walter Hadgraft is found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners, living in Victoria Street, Ipswich.

Google book search

   

 

Walter Hadgraft is recorded in the 1851 Census on the same document as William Read living two doors away.

   

1849

Thomas Harvey 1803-1885 photo (shipbuilder ) '...reopens the former Read & Page Halifax shipyard in Ipswich and builds yacht Volante.'


 

 

World Chronology

Corn Laws abolished in the United Kingdom.

In New York City, James Knox Polk becomes the first President of the United States to have his photograph taken.

Regular steamboat service from the west to the east coast of the United States begins with the arrival of the SS California in San Francisco Bay, 4 months 21 days after leaving New York Harbour.

The United Kingdom annexes the Punjab.

The Governor General of Canada, Lord Elgin, signs the Rebellion Losses Bill, outraging Montreal's English population and triggering the Montreal Riots.

A Russian court sentences Fyodor Dostoevsky to death for anti-government activities linked to a radical intellectual group; his execution is canceled at the last minute.

1850

In Early 1850 Read sold his business to Thomas Harvey.

In 1850 Navigation Acts repealed. The 1651 Act laid down that British exports were to be carried only by British ships.

 

 

 

World Chronology

Taiping rebellion in China (-1864) major challenge to Manchu dynasty.

American Express is founded by Henry Wells & William Fargo.

Richard Wagner's opera Lohengrin premieres in Weimar, Germany.

The U.S. Congress passes the Fugitive Slave Act.

1851

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 7th April
Jeremiah Allen 'has now become master.'

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/4

 

 

World Chronology

The Great Exhibition opens in London.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery serial, Uncle Tom's Cabin or, Life Among the Lowly starts a ten-month run in the National Era abolitionist newspaper.

Isaac Singer granted a patent for his sewing machine

The first America's Cup is won by the yacht America.

Herman Melville's Moby-Dick is first published as The Whale by Richard Bentley of London.

A Jeremiah Allen is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners.

 

What happened to Jeremiah Allen?

 

Living at Ipswich
George Archer born Ipswich, Suffolk


It is not certain that the George Archer recorded in the 1851 Census is the George Archer who was Master of the Elizabeth Jane.

George Archer

Where did George Archer come from? What happened to him and his crew? See Latest News

1851 Census Records
William Read
born Elsing, Norfolk

Ship owner

 

 

 

 

   

1852

In 1852 Read on or near the site of Cordingleys former premises adjacent to the cement works opposite the Customs House later called St. Peter's Yard.

Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.139

 

 

World Chronology

Establishment of French Second Empire under Napoleon III (-1870).

Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin is published.

Tlingit Indians destroy Fort Selkirk, Yukon Territory.

The first airship is displayed.

1853

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 11th November
William Beaumont 'has now become master.'

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/4

 

 

World Chronology

US Navy anchors in Tokyo Bay, to negotiate trade treaty with Japan.

Giuseppe Verdi's opera Il Trovatore premieres in Rome.

The Russian Army invades Turkey, beginning the Crimean War.

Crimean War: The Russian fleet destroys the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Sinope.

20-strong dinner party held inside life-size model of Iguanodon created by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and Sir Richard Owen in south London.

 

A William Beaumont is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners.

In the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer A William Beaumont is listed as a Coal Merchant

 

Are these 'two' William Beaumonts the same man?

1854

There was a severe easterly gale on the NE coast on January 6, 1854, which was reported in the Newcastle Courant January 13, 1854, p2
BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—THURSDAY

SHIPWRECK AT NEWBIGGIN - It was supposed that all the distressing account of losses of life and prosperity by the late gales had been received last week; but it appears that at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a calamitous disaster took place on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 7, which resulted in the total loss of a Norwegian ship called the Embla, bound from Portugal to Christiana, 350 tons burden, with a cargo of salt, and having a crew, it is supposed, of twelve or thirteen men. This ill-fated vessel and her crew were lost under very melancholy circumstances, from the refusal to go out of, the men who have charge of the lifeboat, which was stationed there about a year end a half ago at the instance and expense of the Duke of Northumberland, and embodies in its construction all the modern improvements introduced into the architecture of craft of that kind. Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 7, the people discovered a vessel, with a flag of distress hoisted, driving towards the shore, to a point a little north of the place, and they immediately set about getting the lifeboat in readiness. They had considerable difficulty in procuring horses to convey her along the coast, and before they reached the spot where her services were required the vessel had stranded, and the sea was breaking over her mountains high. But a new and unexpected difficulty arose. The life-boat requires a crew of fourteen men, and though there were thrice that number of fishermen on the shore where she was, watching the motions of the ship in this perilous position, not more then fire of them could be induced to offer their services to man the boat - a force wholly inadequate for the occasion. The rest were so unnerved by the danger, or prevented by the woman, who implored them not to go to risk their lives, that they could not be prevailed upon to engage in the enterprise of mercy; and a full hour was spent in vain to inspirit the crowd by the Rev. Mr Smith, the curate, and Mr Grace, a resident. At length the life-boat put off to sea, manned by five men who had bravely engaged to go in the first instance, and five others who had volunteered, but who were mostly half-grown men, altogether unequal to the emergency, and after several ineffectual attempts to reach the ship, they gave up the enterprise in despair, anal the crew of the vessel were left to their fate. The ship struck on the beach about three o’clock in the afternoon, and for nearly two hours became the sport of the breakers, when she went to pieces, and all was over. Who captain was washed ashore in the course of the evening, and when found his body was still warm. Upon his person were found 25 sovereigns and five Norwegian notes of the value of £3 in English money, together with a letter written by a lady named Louise Hansen, of Christiana in terms of the fondest endearment, and addressed to Capt. Gustavus Kock, which was afterwards further identified as the captain’s name. He was a remarkably handsome man, about 26 years of age, and was buried on the 11th, in the churchyard of the neighbouring village of Woodhorn, in the presence of two of his countrymen, captains of ships now in the Tyne, one of whom had been his schoolfellow in Christiana, and Lloyd's local agent. - Another vessel called the Elizabeth Jane, of Ipswich, bound for a coal port, in ballast, also went oh shore, at Newbiggin, but the crew saved themselves in their boat, and not much damage was done to the ship.SHIPWRECK AT NEWBIGGIN - It was supposed that all the distressing account of losses of life and prosperity by the late gales had been received last week; but it appears that at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a calamitous disaster took place on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 7, which resulted in the total loss of a Norwegian ship called the Embla, bound from Portugal to Christiana, 350 tons burden, with a cargo of salt, and having a crew, it is supposed, of twelve or thirteen men. This ill-fated vessel and her crew were lost under very melancholy circumstances, from the refusal to go out of, the men who have charge of the lifeboat, which was stationed there about a year end a half ago at the instance and expense of the Duke of Northumberland, and embodies in its construction all the modern improvements introduced into the architecture of craft of that kind. Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 7, the people discovered a vessel, with a flag of distress hoisted, driving towards the shore, to a point a little north of the place, and they immediately set about getting the lifeboat in readiness. They had considerable difficulty in procuring horses to convey her along the coast, and before they reached the spot where her services were required the vessel had stranded, and the sea was breaking over her mountains high. But a new and unexpected difficulty arose. The life-boat requires a crew of fourteen men, and though there were thrice that number of fishermen on the shore where she was, watching the motions of the ship in this perilous position, not more then fire of them could be induced to offer their services to man the boat - a force wholly inadequate for the occasion. The rest were so unnerved by the danger, or prevented by the woman, who implored them not to go to risk their lives, that they could not be prevailed upon to engage in the enterprise of mercy; and a full hour was spent in vain to inspirit the crowd by the Rev. Mr Smith, the curate, and Mr Grace, a resident. At length the life-boat put off to sea, manned by five men who had bravely engaged to go in the first instance, and five others who had volunteered, but who were mostly half-grown men, altogether unequal to the emergency, and after several ineffectual attempts to reach the ship, they gave up the enterprise in despair, anal the crew of the vessel were left to their fate. The ship struck on the beach about three o’clock in the afternoon, and for nearly two hours became the sport of the breakers, when she went to pieces, and all was over. Who captain was washed ashore in the course of the evening, and when found his body was still warm. Upon his person were found 25 sovereigns and five Norwegian notes of the value of £3 in English money, together with a letter written by a lady named Louise Hansen, of Christiana in terms of the fondest endearment, and addressed to Capt. Gustavus Kock, which was afterwards further identified as the captain’s name. He was a remarkably handsome man, about 26 years of age, and was buried on the 11th, in the churchyard of the neighbouring village of Woodhorn, in the presence of two of his countrymen, captains of ships now in the Tyne, one of whom had been his schoolfellow in Christiana, and Lloyd's local agent. - Another vessel called the Elizabeth Jane, of Ipswich, bound for a coal port, in ballast, also went oh shore, at Newbiggin, but the crew saved themselves in their boat, and not much damage was done to the ship.SHIPWRECK AT NEWBIGGIN - It was supposed that all the distressing account of losses of life and prosperity by the late gales had been received last week; but it appears that at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a calamitous disaster took place on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 7, which resulted in the total loss of a Norwegian ship called the Embla, bound from Portugal to Christiana, 350 tons burden, with a cargo of salt, and having a crew, it is supposed, of twelve or thirteen men. This ill-fated vessel and her crew were lost under very melancholy circumstances, from the refusal to go out of, the men who have charge of the lifeboat, which was stationed there about a year end a half ago at the instance and expense of the Duke of Northumberland, and embodies in its construction all the modern improvements introduced into the architecture of craft of that kind. Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 7, the people discovered a vessel, with a flag of distress hoisted, driving towards the shore, to a point a little north of the place, and they immediately set about getting the lifeboat in readiness. They had considerable difficulty in procuring horses to convey her along the coast, and before they reached the spot where her services were required the vessel had stranded, and the sea was breaking over her mountains high. But a new and unexpected difficulty arose. The life-boat requires a crew of fourteen men, and though there were thrice that number of fishermen on the shore where she was, watching the motions of the ship in this perilous position, not more then fire of them could be induced to offer their services to man the boat - a force wholly inadequate for the occasion. The rest were so unnerved by the danger, or prevented by the woman, who implored them not to go to risk their lives, that they could not be prevailed upon to engage in the enterprise of mercy; and a full hour was spent in vain to inspirit the crowd by the Rev. Mr Smith, the curate, and Mr Grace, a resident. At length the life-boat put off to sea, manned by five men who had bravely engaged to go in the first instance, and five others who had volunteered, but who were mostly half-grown men, altogether unequal to the emergency, and after several ineffectual attempts to reach the ship, they gave up the enterprise in despair, anal the crew of the vessel were left to their fate. The ship struck on the beach about three o’clock in the afternoon, and for nearly two hours became the sport of the breakers, when she went to pieces, and all was over. Who captain was washed ashore in the course of the evening, and when found his body was still warm. Upon his person were found 25 sovereigns and five Norwegian notes of the value of £3 in English money, together with a letter written by a lady named Louise Hansen, of Christiana in terms of the fondest endearment, and addressed to Capt. Gustavus Kock, which was afterwards further identified as the captain’s name. He was a remarkably handsome man, about 26 years of age, and was buried on the 11th, in the churchyard of the neighbouring village of Woodhorn, in the presence of two of his countrymen, captains of ships now in the Tyne, one of whom had been his schoolfellow in Christiana, and Lloyd's local agent. - Another vessel called the Elizabeth Jane, of Ipswich, bound for a coal port, in ballast, also went oh shore, at Newbiggin, but the crew saved themselves in their boat, and not much damage was done to the ship.


 

 

World Chronology

Crimean War (-1856),
in which Anglo-French forces defeat Russia.

The San Francisco steamer sinks, 300 dead.

Texas is linked by telegraph with the rest of the United States, when a connection between New Orleans and Marshall, Texas is completed.

Battle of Balaklava during the Crimean War (Charge of the Light Brigade)

Florence Nightingale and a staff of 38 nurses were sent to the Crimean War.

The steamship Arctic sinks with 300 people on board. This marks the first great disaster in the Atlantic Ocean.

Hard Times begins serialisation in Charles Dickens magazine, Household Words.

Battle of Alma: British and French troops defeat Russians in the Crimea.

Blyth, April 15 - The Elizabeth and Jane, of Ipswich, which got on Newbiggin Rocks during the gale of January last, was got off this morning and brough into harbour, with keel damaged, &c.

The Newcastle Courant. Friday, April 21, 1854; Issue 9359


George Archer, according to Elizabeth Jane's registration documents at Ipswich, was endorsed master at Blyth on May 17 1854 and therefore after EJ's arrival at Ipswich.


- On Monday, the brig "Elizabeth and Jane," Archer, from Blyth, of and for Ipswich, came into port leaky and with slight damage.

Ipswich Journal. Saturday, June 3rd, 1854; Issue 6004

Elizabeth Jane Registration Document: 17th May
'George Archer endorsed Master at Blyth.'

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/4

A George Archer is not found in the 1855 Suffolk Gazetteer under Master Mariners.

 

What happened to him?

9th July '...Lost off the coast Yorkshire.'

 

Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich Reference: IG 2/2/4

Research local Ipswich papers of the period.

8th July 1854 - Saturday

8 July 1854 - Elizabeth & Jane, of Ipswich. 133-ton brig, Sunderland to Ipswich with coals, in fine conditions wind NNE Force 5, was abandoned at sea in a leaky condition; she drifted on shore at Robin Hood's Bay as a derelict, crew saved by the 'Samuel'.

This loss was reported in Lloyd's List and Coastguard Records and recorded in the Admiralty Wreck Return for 1854 page 60/61. With thanks to Shipwrecks uk

 

High tide at Sunderland from WolframAlpha Search Engine

 

World Chronology

9th July 1854 - Sunday Bridlington, 9th July. The ELIZABETH & JANE, Archer, of and for Ipswich, from Sunderland, was abandoned last night leaky and with pumps choked: crew landed here. Lloyd's List, Monday 10th July, 1854, No.12570, p7, col. 18    
10th July 1854 - Monday Whitby, 10th July. The ELIZABETH & JANE, of Ipswich, coal laden, came ashore yesterday at Peak, derelict, and in a sinking state. Lloyd's List, Wednesday 12th July, 1854, No.12572, p2, col. 17    
1855 1855 Gazetteer of Suffolk lists Thomas Harvey Ship Builders at Halifax Shipyard, Ipswich. He took over from Read     World Chronology
1855        

1856

The Gentleman's Magazine in London, aged 66, Mr. Enos Page, many years ship-builder, of Ipswich.
The Gentleman's Magazine
By SYLVANUS URBAN, GENT.
VOLUME XLV
NEW SERIES

MDCCCLVI

JANUARY TO JUNE INCLUSIVE

LONDON
JOHN BOWYER NICHOLS AND SONS
1856

Enos Page died. He is recorded in the 1841 and the 1851 Census.

What else is to be found in the Gentleman's Magazine? World Chronology

1857

   

 

 

World Chronology

1858       World Chronology

1859

At first Read only built a few small smacks but in 1859 he launched Maid 'o the Mist (and/by) one or two small vessels each year.
Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.140.
  World Chronology

1860

 

 

 

World Chronology

1861
      World Chronology
1862
In 1862 he (Read) launched G.C.Love and Bob Tail Nag. Over the next few years Read launched: Dauntless, Mary Campbell, Emblyn, Fern, Audax, Eliza Reed, Devonia, Fruit Girl, Minnie, Woodbine. Read also built Alpha. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.140
  World Chronology
1863
      World Chronology
1864
      World Chronology
1865
      World Chronology
1866
Read launched Fruit Girl in February 1866 and after Ebenezer Robertson took over as foreman who was his great-nephew.
Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.140
  World Chronology
Robertson was grandson of Read's sister-in-law.
P.142
After Read had withdrawn from shipbuildng he owned a couple of steam tugs Caledonian and Endeavour, and several sailing craft.  
1867
      World Chronology
1868
      World Chronology
1869
Nonpareil built by Read Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.34
  World Chronology
William Read died 1869

William Read's will is at Suffolk Records Office:
IC/AA2/139/250

All sold before his death in 1869 except boomsail barge Endeavour and Children's Adventure. Read was a pioneer of iron vessels. Hugh Moffat's
Ships and Shipyards of Ipswich
P.34

2002

Cottage at Robin Hood's Bay bought

Most 1970s additions removed. Cottage accurately measured and drawn in a CAD system. Fireplaces opened to reveal early cooking fireplace in basement; a badly damaged hearth on Ground Floor was opened up and made stable for a 1950s gas cooker; on the First Floor a Hob Grate was replaced in revealed openng. No fire opening/hearth on Second Floor.

House construction details to be published as pdf drawings showing positions of joists, supporting beams, partitions and walls etc.

World Chronology
2003 Name-board and Port of Registration board of Elizabeth Jane found as joists in Belmont Place, Robin Hood's Bay. Having removed a plaster ceiling at a cottage at Belmont Place at Robin Hood's Bay two floor joists were found, one carved with 'Elizabeth Jan' and the other 'Ipswich'. Subsequent research found that these timbers were the Name-board and Registration board of the Nova Scotian brig Elizabeth Jane, built in 1817 at Guysborough and, according to her Ipswich registration documents: 'Lost off the coast of Yorkshire July 9th 1854'.   World Chronology