Allan Shipping Line

[Lizalex]

Hi,
I am trying to research the Allan Shipping Line, which began in Largs, Scotland but was bought out by Canadian Pacific in the early 20th Century. I have been told that the company records and files may now be in Canada, as there does not seem to be anyone in UK who has any idea of their whereabouts.

I realise that this is not a direct genealogy question, but I believe that my great grandfather, Robert Allan, who was living in Largs at the time that the line was founded may have contributed to this. First, though, I need to determine the whereabouts of the Allan Shipping Line’s Company Records.

Many thanks,
Liz

[seaweed]

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/c/F163107


It may also be worthwhile getting in touch with the Mitchell Library Glasgow

[Lizalex]

Thanks, Seaweed. We have had a look in the Mitchell, but they didn’t have much. The curator at The Transport Museum in Glasgow suggested that they had gone to Canada, hence this post.
Liz

[DonM]

Long gone...CPS was acquired by TUI (Hapag-Lloyd) in 2005.  I doubt if any of their records have survived. 

http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=15688 a very well written account of the Allan Line in two parts.

Don

[Skoosh]

www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/allan.shtml

Skoosh.

[Lizalex]

Thanks, Don and Skoosh for all your information. I think this will give me enough information to be able to attempt to tie in my Allan family. I really appreciate your help.

Liz

[Amber1867]

Hi Liz,

I would suggest trying the Memorial University of Newfoundland. I've pasted a link below. It might be worth a try.

https://www.mun.ca/mha/holdings/crewlist.php

Good Luck!

[Rosinish]

What about the National Records of Scotland (NRS)?

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lzv/

Records which are viewable I believe to be by pre-order/appointment?

Tel. No. on bottom of page to enquire.

Annie

[q98]

A little light reading which may prove useful.

See here for the Allan Line: http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=15688

The originator of the Allan Line, Alexander Allan, was born 26 February 1780. Although Fairlie and Saltcoats have been noted as Place of Birth, ScotlandsPeople website OPR Register records Riccarton, Ayrshire. He died 18 March 1854 at Glasgow. His mother, Jean Brown, was the younger sister of Agnes (Brown) Burns, the mother of Alexander's famous first cousin, the Scottish bard, Robert Burns. Alexander went to sea and was soon serving as mate to Captain John Wilson of Saltcoats. Within a few years, he had served as Master and part-owner of several first-class ships trading out of Saltcoats. At Saltcoats in 1806, he married Jean Crawford (1782–1856). Their five sons were James, Hugh, Bryce, Andrew and Alexander.

1. James Allan (1808-1880) located at  http://gdl.cdlr.strath.ac.uk/mlemen/mlemen002.htm"
Due failing health, James withdrew from the business and took residence at Skelmorlie, where he could see his ships as they passed on their voyages. There, he died.
Note: Skelmorlie is approximately 5.5. miles north of Largs.

2. Sir Hugh Allan
born Saltcoats, Ayrshire, 29 September 1810, died 9 December 1882, Edinburgh. Emigrated to Canada in April 1826 and entered into partnership with Miller, Edmonstone & Co., afterwards changed to Edmonstone, Allan & Co., Montreal. In recognition of his valuable services to the commerce of Canada and the Empire, he was knighted in person by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in 1871.

3. River Clyde Yachts: " Mavis ", owned by Mr Henry Allan of the Allan Shipping Line. Henry is probably a descendant.