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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Cumberland => Topic started by: bobgraham on Tuesday 04 August 09 20:55 BST (UK)
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It's "summer" and I'm off to the chateau soon so I thought I would stimulate the boards so I've something juicy to come home to!
The Ismays started the White Star Line and came from Maryport. The most famous White Star Line ship was the Titianic but there is only 1 direct reference to the Ismays on our boards!
I've been plagued by them ever since I returned to Cumb(erland)ia in the early 80's. We lived opposite a widow Ismay and the her sister in law and the rumour was that the male ismays were short lived and the women lived forever. The real Ismay woman was eventually stopped from driving in her 80's/90's after running into someone.
Then a hotel opened on the Maryport to Aspatria road at the bad bend at Netherhall/Allonby corner that was apparently the original Ismay ship owners home. We used it for corporate do's and I remember a fantastic Cumbria RU dinner there when the serving staff changed into mufti and joined in the disco and when walking home afterwards one was knocked down by a coach bringing back Carlisle supermarket staff from a night out in Workington. Why you would want a night out in Workington, I'm not quite sure (be careful, I was born there) but !
My question is:- are there any Ismays out there that we can help?
bob
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Hi Bob
I've just come across an Ismay in across my S American stuff, but can't remember where. I wondered where they fit in.
By the way, what's this shiop called the Titianic? Hven't heard of that one!
Enjoy the chateau!
Emms
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Hello both
On my internet travels today I noticed that there is an ISMAY One-Name Study - might be worth contacting the owner to see if you can help each other out?
Kind regards, Arranroots ;)
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Hi Arranroots.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Best wishes
Emms
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Hi
Someone must have read your thoughts Bob!
It so happens that this week's article in Dennis Perriams wonderful series in the Cumberland News is on just this subject.
I've read the whole article and it's a good read. They always are.
This one covers the Olympic, Titanic's sister ship which suffered a similar fate, obviously the Titanic, and two local men, Joseph Bell and Richard Charles Gaddes.
There's also a wonderful photo of the impressive Titanic Memorial in Southampton. Apparently there were plans for a local memorial but there's no evidence of one now.
Loads more stuff, but I'm sure it will be in the library and copies at the C News office in Lowther St, or from their website. Not sure if you can get them from Dalston Road.
I must take the details of the Mr Gaddes as I'm interested in thewm especially in shipping etc, though it's a little late.
I hope this is of interest to some Bell or Gaddes family.
Best wishes
Emms
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Site is w3.cumberland-news.co.uk and article can be found in "features" under white star.
Emms, I often have to fight Dennis for a seat in archives.
bob
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Thomas Henry Ismay was born Whillans Yard Maryport January 1837 died 1899 he was chairman of White Star Shipping Line .Thomas commissioned the Clock above Christ Church spire in 1878 I have lots of info on this family my dads sister was in service with the family during the 1930s I have lots of nice photos of them .
Audrey
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Wow.
How exciting!
That must be fascinating.
Emms
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Hi Bob
Thank you for putting the link on. I'd decided it wasn't online!
Best wioshes
Emms
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Hi This site has some interesting insites and also input from the Daily Mail and New York Times of the day, with some biography of Bruce Ismay, son of Thomas who was by then head of White Star and also at one time the conglomerate in which it was involved.
There are pphotographs of Bruce and some of the other more famous passengers.
Apparently he normally accompanied ships on their maiden voyage and this was no exception.
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-biography/j-bruce-ismay.html
I expect it's all old hat to you Audrey but not for us locals. If you have any more details that are not too personal, we'd love to hear them!
Best wishes
Emms
PS I've been having another look. The detail about every person is unbelievable, and the number of contributers. We've used it on the Lancashire board for a posting on the Lusitania, but it seems to have grown even bigger. Thank you Encyclopedia Titanica!
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HI again
This page has a biography for Joseph Bell, chief engineer, who also died., along with a photograph of him.
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/joseph-bell.html
Nothing about a memorial here, though unfortunately!
The site's well worth a search for anyone linked to the sea in the era though.
Emms
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Link to an article about him in the Cumberland News of 1812. He worked for George Stephenson's railway company on Tyneside before going to sea.;
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/local-victims-disaster.html
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PS Home address for EncyclopediaTitanica is below:
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/index.php
Emms
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PS Link to a Cumberland News article from 1912 about Joseph Bell who worked for George Stephenson's Railway firm in Newcastle befoore going to sea.
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/local-victims-disaster.html
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Hi
Not your question Bob, but the site also mentions another local lad, a Jonathan Shepherd born Whitehaven, though the family had moved to Blackburn.
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/local-connection-with-titanic-disaster.html
Emms
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Just read a review of a new biography of Churchill in the Sunday Times. In passing it mentions a military adviser to Churchill, General Ismay who talked the great man out of a landing in northern Norway. It shows all Ismays weren't neccessarily tied to the sea.
bob
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I always thought that the great ‘expert’ and historian on the Ismay family was my dear friend Chris BULL (Mrs) Nee Ismay – Manchester. (With family links to the White Star Line)
I am aware that she amassed a huge amount of information and data – not only on the Ismay name – but also many of the tangential family names.
Sadly, she died some years ago – no doubt taking with her that extraordinary wealth of information.
She also undertook research upon behalf of Durham University and Durham Record Office.
It is hoped that she will still be remembered by someone perusing this site.