Robt Downey-Death info-N.Shields, Nbl

[ankerpep_52]

Robert Downey B.abt 1807/08. Occupation-Mariner. Married to Ann Fitchard.
1841 census, Tynemouth, N.Shields, Nbl, residence -Milbourn Place. He is not listed on the 1851 Census as may be at sea, wife Ann, her parents & her children residing 6 South St.  By 1861 census, Ann is a widow. The Free BMD shows 12 Deaths for Robert.between 1851 & March 1862. The nearest ones may be Alnwick, Sept 1853,// Tynemouth, Dec 1858,// S.Shields Mar 1861 (Doubtful)as the Downeys normally did not have middle names. & lastly Carlisle Mar 1862.  I checked Deaths at sea.- Would it be possible to locate his correct death, place and date.  I would be most grateful for your help. Thank you  Janet, London, Ontario, Canada

[CaroleW]

Hi

To determine which was the correct entry - it would require sight of the death cert to see what age he was and any other info that could help

Unfortunately - the public do not have access to death certificates. 

[ankerpep_52]

Robert would have bee between 43 & 53 yrs of age when he died. Unfortunately the BMD does not give age at death during this time period of 1851-1861.  Being a mariner I do not know if he died at sea or in North Shields.  Would he belong to a mariner union in those days or be on a seaman's list of some kind.  Is there any was to confirm if he still lived at 6 South St. in North Shields.during these years?    Their dauhter Ann Fitchard was married in the Primitive Methodist Church, Chapel st. W. Tynemouth, Nbl. Is there any way Robert would have been buried there, and would there be a Prim.Meth.Church in North Shields at that time.  I just am not sure how to go about finding out about his death or where buried.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  Again thank you.  Janet

[nort]

hi Janet, i don't think Methodist chapels had burial grounds,they were probably buried in the local C of E church.The online bishops transcripts don't have N/Shields on and Tynemouth only goes to 1847.N/Shields was in the registration district of Tynemouth so the 1858 death you mention would be a good contender although there is the possibility of death at sea as you say.

Steve

[Radcliff]

Looking at a different Robert Downie in North Shields he was christened 1819 Stephenson St Particular Methodist Chapel , very close to Milburn Place,

He would most likely have been buried at Tynemouth cemetry in Preston Village at this time if he died in North Shields,

[Downieabz]

Any chance this was your Robert?

Copy of Register of Christenings and Burials of the Chapelry of Newbiggin in the Parish of Woodhorn PBT/2/186/41
Robert Downie born April 6th 1808 Bapd. April 19th 1808 3rd Son To John Downie of Newbiggin, Taylor, by his wife Eiizth. Armstrong of Cresswell
[LDS Family Search Beta]

John Downie was a tailor as the baptism record shows but some of his relatives were sailors and shipowners, and some lived in North Shields. His parents were John Downie born 1850 in Dalvanie, in the Parish of Glenisla in Angus, and Mary Lisle about whom I have no details.

The surnames Downie and Downey are different but are often confused, particularly in England.

Ian Downie

[ankerpep_52]

hi Janet, i don't think Methodist chapels had burial grounds,they were probably buried in the local C of E church.The online bishops transcripts don't have N/Shields on and Tynemouth only goes to 1847.N/Shields was in the registration district of Tynemouth so the 1858 death you mention would be a good contender although there is the possibility of death at sea as you say.

Steve

Thank you Steve-I will order this certificate & keep fingers crossed. I tried to obtain list of burials in Tynemouth & N. Shields, however I was not successful.  Janet

[ankerpep_52]

Looking at a different Robert Downie in North Shields he was christened 1819 Stephenson St Particular Methodist Chapel , very close to Milburn Place,

He would most likely have been buried at Tynemouth cemetry in Preston Village at this time if he died in North Shields,

Thank you, I am going to keep this in mind.  Would it be unusual to have been baptised about 11 years from dob?  The spelling of Downie could have been an error as in the late 1800's my grandpa & his brother were listed as Downie rather than Downey, but know spelling is very much questionable on census records.  This is worth following up on as well.   Janet

[Downieabz]

The spelling Downey is usually but not invariably associated with Catholic people. However I know that English people often spell my surname that way even if I spell it out to them!

The Robert Downie baptized in 1819 was the son of William Downie and Mary Ann Cross. William was a Master Mariner (1827 North Shields Directory), Ship Chandler (1841 Census) and Ship Owner (1851 and 1861 Census). This Robert Downie and the one born in 1808 in Newbiggin were first cousins.

It isn't unknown for children to be baptized long after their births but it is much more common in the nineteenth century and earlier for the baptism to have been very soon after birth. I have not found a marriage date for William and Mary Ann but they had 10 children baptized between 1814 and 1833.

Ian