German - Lawardorn/Leverdon/Levidone or any other way you could spell it.

[Jamjar]

I'm looking for the German connection to the above name. Internet searches do not yield results. 

My ancestor was Francis Lawardorn, at time of death. Throughout his Australian existance his name was spelt more different ways than I can count. His children were registered with an amazing range of spelling of the surname.

Even his mother's name is questionable. Obviously Francis couldn't be understood. He couldn't write English and signed his documents with and X.

What I have is this: Born in Hanover C1836. Parents were Martin and Mary Klaumer/Edwards. I'm inclined to go with the Mary Klaumer as it was on his first marriage cert. On his second marriage cert his mother is Catherine Clamor.

His father is listed as a farmer on the first marriage cert and a blacksmith on the second.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Jamjar

[Jamjar]

On Francis' naturalisation papers it states that he was born in Osnabruck, Germany.

He sailed from Hamburgh in 1862, on the ship Forward.

All spelling taken from the document.

Janice

[blodwen]

Hallo Janice,

My husband has a mass of information about German Fleets/Ships from the word go.

I have just asked him about a German ship called Forward - if this could belong to one of the German Shipping Lines around that time.  He is quite sure that doesn't.

I have also had a search in the net, but also did not find anything. 

I would think that Francis Lawardorn sailed from Hamburg to England, then "changed" ships to sail to Australia. 

It might be worth looking at the English fleets.

Viv

P.S.  Osnabruck and Hannover are quite a way away from each other.  I'll still keep looking!

[Jamjar]

Thank you for looking for me, Viv. 

There's always hope. 

Jamjar

[blodwen]

Hi Janice,

Have just found the ship Forward!   

Howard Smith Ltd., Melbourne
ship:    Forward
built: 1847
end:    1889
summary:   ship, 1874 purchased from A. Blair, Sydney converted to lighter, 1889 scrapped.

Not sure where they sailed from in England, but at least it is a start.

Viv

[Jamjar]

Brilliant, Viv.

Is good to know he didn't lie about it. 

Jamjar

[Peonie]

Hi Jamjar,

you can search  the Archives for emigrants here:  http://aidaonline.niedersachsen.de/

Regards Peonie

[Jamjar]

Thank you Peonie

Does this site come in English? 

Jamjar

[blodwen]

Hi Janice,

I have just had a look a the site - I cannot, at the moment, find an English site.  Will have a look around for you.

Viv