Harkess father & son and crew drown 1892

[tidybooks]

Hi All,

Some of my relatives have registered deaths by drowning on same date, the father James Harkes (b 1851), son Peter Harkess (b 1877) and crewman Alexander Berg (b 1871) location of drowning is 5 miles north of Gullane Ness in East Lothian.

I do not have a subscription to Scotsman Archives ( a bit expensive) if someone can confirm the headline, "The Cockenzie Disaster" printed on 17th October 1892, 3 days after the accident, is indeed about this family. If so, I will purchase a short term license. It is £7.99 a day and about £150 per annum.

Tom

[Akwaba]

Tom,

I ventured forth into the the rain and had a look for the paper edition at the Edinburgh Room, instead of on the www.    As you say it is a bit expensive if you have only one thing to look for.      Just realised I could have made a copy and posted it here - hindsight is a great thing.

The piece was in the 15th October edition and it tells of the loss of the yawl "James and Robert'" which left for the fishing in Largo Bay.    6 miles from Methil they were struck by heavy seas and were observed sinking by the "Leading Wind"   All five were lost:

George Ritchie (33) Skipper  left a widow and 5 children
James Harkies (45) a widow and 8 children
Peter Harkies (15) (son)
John Ritchie (18) son of Robert Ritchie
Alexander Berg (19) who lived with his widowed mother.

The skipper of the "Leading Wind" advised the Rev William Ogg of the Free Church of the loss.

[tidybooks]

Hi Akwaba,

That is a great reply so sorry you had to brave the elements to find it. I really appreciate it and I have now given the info to the great grandaughter of James Harkes who perished. Her grandfather, Alexander Harkes was only 2 when incident happened, so not too familiar with this story.
This is truly power of the Roots Chat , when people like you go out of their way to assist others in their research. it is really appreciated and makes a difference, Thanks very much.

Tom

[heidibee]

Hi I am related to the Harkess family from Dunbar through Ann Stewart who married John Tear - is this the Stewart you are researching?  Ann Stewart was my Gr/Grandmother born 1846 in Dunbar - daughter of John Stewart and Marion Tear.If this is your Stewart would be glad to exchange info. Nan

[tidybooks]

Hi Heidibee,

Sorry, Ann Stewart from Dunbar not in my family, we are from Prestonpans/Port Seton/Tranent area.

Tom

[Desperate Dan]

Heidibee I have a Marion Tear who married William Alexander Harkess Oct 1906 Dunbar. I am researching Harkess of Dunbar and other East Lothian sites. Please contact me with regards to Harkess of Dunbar.  Would like to share with you and see where we tie in

e mail (*)
Neil

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[MLV]

Hi my mother-in-law was a Harkess from Port Seton. I believe her dad was a fisherman named James and her  mother was named Christine (Chrissie) . She has three siblings, Charles (Charlie), Alex & James (Jim). Perhaps she's related?

[Desperate Dan]

Hi Neil here is your Chrissy Christina Donaldson Watson who married James Harkess in 1940.  I have their children as (*)

Canada

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[tidybooks]

Hi MLV & Desperate Dan (Neil),

I am familiar with Jim Harkess and Chrissie Watson, who are both deceased now, I know all the children, 3 boys and a girl. I went to school with one son, another worked with BT as I did. Unfortunately, RootsChat does not allow to discuss living people on open forum.
You can use the PM system when you have made 3 posts. I notice Neil you are from Canada, surely not Neil Spacinky, who was related to the Harkess clan from East Lothian. We contacted each other through Ancestry a few years ago, how did your Clan Gathering go?

Tom Buchanan