Missing Mariner

[MiriamThomas]

I am trying to trace George Stewart brn about 1846, Midlothian. Married Elizabeth Haydon 1873 in South Shields. 1881, census, Mariner living in Commerical Road, South Shields. He then disappears but his wife remarries as a spinster in 1885 using her maiden name.

Some people think he was involved in the Seamans Union and that he didn't die and his wife was a bigamist.

However this doesn't sit comfortably, I can find too many reason why this may not be the case.

Can anyone tell me how I can find more information about the missing Mariner.

[rosie17]

There is a George Stewart born about 1846 Edinburgh shipyard labourer  says he is widower lodging with a Simeon and Matilda Simpson & their family ..
1901 census Sunderland Durham Piece 4711 Folio 64 page 10 maybe worth a look
Rosie

[MiriamThomas]

I have looked at that and also sent for a copy of the death certificate of a George Stewart who died in an accident in the Clarks Engine Works in 1901 (mariner).

I am willing to accept this may be him but his wife remarried in 1885 and according to the history of The National Amalgamated Union of Sailors and Firemen, there was a lot of bad blood between the union and ship owners and as his wife was still living (and in Sunderland) in 1901 I think this may have been brought to the attention of the courts but I haven't been able to find anything.

I know I could be too picky but I do like to dot my i's and cross my t's haha

[rosie17]

Hopefully you will find something good luck 
Rosie

[roderickpaulin]

Have you looked into the Eyemouth disaster of 1881 - a lot of fishermen perished

[MiriamThomas]

Thanks for the information I'm off to have a read and see if I can find my missing mariner.