Find Ancestors

Have you read the National Archives guide to the crew lists & musters
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/merchant-navy-ships-records-crew-lists-musters-and-log-books/

added: the MV Augustine could have been a steamer of the Booth line from Merseyside. I bleieve their may be a Liverpool Maritim museum or you could try the Liverpol records office

Before James was on the Augustine, he was on the Ambrose for more than one voyage.

As he was on the Ambrose around 1869-1870, I think she must be this one:

https://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/A-Ships/ambrose1861.html


In 1868 he was AB on the Fire Queen, having previously been on the Chrysolite.
In April 1869 he was AB on the Ambrose, having previously been on the Pacific.
In May 1869 he was again on the Ambrose, but as Bosun.
1870, Ambrose again, as Bosun.
1871, ditto. (twice).
Later 1871, Augustine as Bosun, following a voyage on the Ambrose.

Liverpool, This Day.—The steamer Chrysolite” has arrived. She left Pernambuco on the 13lh December, and Vincent on tho 23rd. The royal mail steamer ‘-Seine” was not at St Vincent when the “Chrysolite” left. She experienced dreadful weather.
Published: Tuesday 07 January 1868
Newspaper: Dublin Evening Post
County: Dublin, Republic of Ireland



LIVERPOOL, Tomdit [Today ?] . The "Chrysolite" has arrived in the Mersey from Pernambuco, with 15 days’ later dates than last sail. She has political or war news of interest from Brazil. She experienced very heavy weather, and after leaving St. Vincent the 15th ult. to lay to 28 hours. The "Seine" had not arrived St. Vincent when the Chrysolite left
Published: Tuesday 07 January 1868
Newspaper: Shipping and Mercantile Gazette
County: London, England

Similar reports in other papers.

Presumably still no luck finding the discharge book for Marchand navy seamen. Such a shame as this should have given the place and date of birth. It is completed on joining and leaving each ship and often contains a photo.

I know people have come across these, but don’t know which site.

I’ve had another look on the earlier census but can find no trace.

No, I couldn't find him in 1851 either.

In 1861 he might have been at sea.


Found this:

James Harvey
Military • Ireland, Merchant Navy Crew Lists, 1857-1922
Name James Harvey
Age 25 years
Birth Date 1847
Birthplace Guernsey
Event Type Military Service
Event Date 1872
Event Place Ireland
Record Type Crew List
Source Description R.G.S.S Shipping Agreements & Crew Lists 14081-16259
Series Name 1872 Ship nos. 14647 (cont.)-18440
Affiliate Name National Archives of Ireland

No image to see online

AG - rather than a ships crew list it is the individuals booklet that I have seen.

Interesting that the record state Military. He could have been part of the Guernsey Militia but I don’t know if they had their own ships. Annoying he never states which Bailiwick he was born in.

Added: no not militi ships as as they were island based. As Ireland keeps popping up I wonder if John/James' father was in the British Army who then moved back to Ireland, either with the army or not. It could explain why we can't pick him up on the 1851 census.