Jacob Nelson born abt 1822, British Navy??

[clevercat]

Story has it he was impressed into the British Navy.  Jumped ship at the Straights of Magellan and made his way to Canada settling in Ontario.  Born about 1822 according to 1851 Canada census.  Question is, is there anywhere you can find info. out about people being impressed into the British Navy? 

Married Mary Jane Wesley Mar. 1850 Ontario, no parents name listed on marriage.  No place of birth on census either.  1861 cenus shows Mary as widowed.  So only going by what has been passed down from family to family. 

[crimea1854]

Hi

I think it highly unlikely that your man was impressed, since this practice ended in 1814. However, it was not uncommon for men who signed on for the duration of a ships commission to jump ship (Continuous Service did not become compulsory until 1873).

Without a ships name it is almost impossible to trace your man, although if you know where and when he jumped ship you could find what ships where in the area at the time, and check their Ships Description Books to see if your man was in the crew, but this would be quite a task!!

Martin

[clevercat]

I knew it was a long shot with so little information.  Thank-you for the info.