First of all my apologises to Borge and Hopkins I gave you some wrong information. It appears my ancester was not an immigrant but a Norwegian ships carpenter. Do crew lists exist for this period? I tried Hopkins suggestion about Leith Seamans Mission but up till now Ive had no success. Can anyone offer any suggestions regarding Norwegian crew lists? Many thanks Bill Hughes
Thanks again Borge. My next step is to confirm his name. On his marriage certificate he is named as Ole Nicholson. Is it possible Nicholson was the the nearest english name to Olson? Or is Nicholson a Norwegian surname as well? In later years he called himself William. Is that the english translation for Ole?
We do know in the 1891 census he was a crew member on a British ship so the Norwegian period would be 1865 - 1885
At the moment I am awaiting a more legible copy of his wedding certificate,because his name may possibly be Olaf the copy I have is a photocopy of a photocopy. How would you recommend I access the archieves once I am 100% sure of all the details. Bill
Just a brief comment upon the name. A search in the 1865 census reveals a number of lads born in Norway around 1854 by the name you mention. The only one who has a carpenter for a father is in this family in Grimstad: Tom Nicolai Sørens. Husfader Snedker g 36 m Christiansand Sille Tomine Olsd. hans Kone g 32 k Grimstad Søren Olaves Tom Nicolais.* deres Søn ug 12 m Christiansand Gustav Theodor Tom Nicolais.* deres Søn ug 10 m Christiansand Ole Nicolai Tom Nicolais.* deres Søn ug 8 m Grimstad Tom Nicolai Tom Nicolais.* deres Søn ug 6 m Grimstad
There seems to be to many siblings, though Søren Olaves Tom Nicloais. might well have ended up as Olaves Nicolson.
Thanks Ninakarls Like I said when I get a better copy of certificate i can be more certain of the name. I suspect he changed his name slightly to become more accepted in England,who knows. His death certificate states his name as William Nicholson.
The main problem is, I have no idea what area of Norway he originated from.
UK marriage certificates luckily give parents details so once I get a better copy we will have more information to work with. Thanks again for your interest Bill
emigrants Norway to Scotland 1850-1885
Posted - 02/05/2006 : 20:21:07
