What is the earliest actual reference you have?
Hi Emms,
The earliest Census reference I found was the 1850 Census when he was living in Bristol (Redcliffe). (With his wife Harriet, and their son William.)
I did see his Certificate to renew his Master Mariner (that was also issued in Bristol) where it stated he was born in 1804 in Whitehaven. Do you think I can find it now? Sorry, I'm in a bit of a muddle at the moment due to some serious health issues with my Mum (she is a Lord descendant), who is in NZ (I'm in Canada, so feeling a little helpless).
He (William) was the Captain (I have been told by other family members) of the Romulus that went to New Zealand in 1862 - I don't think he did much after that.
Sorry it's so sketchy.
Please don't worry if it is too vague, but thank you anyway.
Sally