Migration from Dorset to Newfoundland and Canada

[Redroger]

I wonder if anyone has suc cessfully traced a relative across the Atlantic, from birth in the UK to Canada or Newfoundland? If so, how did they do it? I've tried to connect the surname Luffman on both sides of the Atlantic for several years, so far unsuccessfully.

[J.A.M.]

Hi Redroger,

It all depends on what time frame you're researching. Have you tried the Newfoundland site?

http://ngb.chebucto.org/

or the various Canada census' which cover every province except Newfoundland which until 1949 was part of Great Britain & those records should be at Kew.

http://automatedgenealogy.com/

If you post exactly what you're looking for you might get a positive answer.

Good hunting.

[Lisa in California]

I agree with J.A.M.  My research was trying to link my Canadian ancestors with possible ancestors in England and Ireland.  Some time periods had better records than others, in my cases.

I don't know about Newfoundland records, but I've been successful with Ontario burial records, Ontario directories, and using internet searches for my ancestors' names, occupations and place names.  Ontario birth and death certificates were a bit helpful, but if I remember correctly, not once did they state a county or town in England or Ireland...just the country of birth.  Thinking about it, when I received a copy of the actual image, it did state how long the person had been in Canada/Ontario.

[Redroger]

John Loughman (Luffman) was shown in an early Newfoundland census I think it was 1806 as being born in England. From his family details I was able to calculate that this must have been before 1780. However, I have been unable to find him in either of these spellings, or a third possibility Loveman. The surname, which is rare is at its most frequent in the West, and I am aware of the heavy migration from Dorset to Newfoundland. So that is where I started.

[amazon510]

Hi,

Have you checked "Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland" by E. R. Seary?  In it, it lists Luffman as a variant of Leaman/Leamon/Loveman/Luffman, or possibly an anglicization of Le Moine. 

Seary lists early instances, but the only John is "John Leamon, merchant of Brigus, 1828", which might be too late for you.  The only reference to Luffman with that spelling is "Luffman; at Bell Island, Harbour Grace, Markland and St. John's".  Maybe you'd have more luck if you widened your search to include Leamans or Leamons.

If you haven't checked it already, a good source for early references is the Keith Matthews Name Files, at the Maritime History Archive.  http://www.mun.ca/mha/holdings/keith/index.php.  The MHA staff will photocopy the contents of any name file for a very reasonable price, and it appears there is one for Luffman.  There also appears to be at least one Luffman reference in another collection, "Index of Surnames from the Births, Deaths and Marriages in Newfoundland Newspapers, 1810-1890" - which you can purchase on CD-ROM.

 Good luck!

Jennifer.

[Redroger]

Never heard of the Anglisization of "LeMoine" before, interesting; however the other variants are simply a reprint of some which have endured since the Middle Ages. I am surprised how this continues to be perpetuated as Luffman has been a surname since at least the time of Geoffrey Chaucer, and appears as Luffman in early (pre 1600) parish registers. It does mean beloved man, and is likely to originate from the Anglo Saxon Leofman, man of love, I have traced the name back as far as 925AD, unfortunately I have been unable to make any definite connections before the 18th century.Thanks for the leads Amazon, I shall certainly follow them up.

[J.J.]

He was already there in 1797  http://www2.swgc.mun.ca/nfld_history/CO194/CO194-39.htm
68-68v ( volunteer corps) Request to continue to provide rations and provisions. Also request new clothing . Signed by John Sawer, Nathan Park, James Winter, John Loughman. 
also 73-74  " Return of Captain John Loughman’s Company of Volunteers acting under the command of Maj. Thomas Charleton" prepared on 25 Oct. 1796
Would a search of military records have some information on him?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
he is not listed here...so he is called Captain but only a volunteer? http://members.tripod.com/~Al_Beagan/soldier.htm
Jan. 31, 1797 ""Muster Roll for 31 January 1797, St.John's, Newfoundland" The Company commanded by Major Thomas R. Charleton in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Artillery The company arrived in Newfoundland in August 1789 and went back to the UK in October 1819 

[J.J.]

Because he did a military stint...Have you tried an inquiry with land records, as they might have something for you...
( archives may want a small fee for research, but doesn't hurt to inquire)
http://ngb.chebucto.org/Research/land.shtml

If this is same family, may have died before 1836- as female in household over 60, no male over 60
http://nl.canadagenweb.org/ndfogo_1836lionsden.htm

[amazon510]

Be aware too that the late 18th century/early 19th century was the tail end of the migratory fishery.  Some people were settling in Newfoundland for good, others were still coming to fish for the season and returning to England again in the fall.  Others might go back to England to marry, or to retire.  You might find records on either side. 

Jennifer