William junior married Catherine Myers on 28 August 1890. From this census it appears they took up residence with William's mother Ann.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
1891 UK census Esther Nesbitt
Martin Nesbitt (b. 1860) married Esther Hartford on 11 September 1888. As you can see here by the census of 1891 (taken on April 5 of that year) she is living back with her mother Catherine Hartford. Both are widowed. Unfortunately we can't find how or when he died from the records currently available. Esther goes on to remarry in 1895.
William Nesbitt and family 1871 uk census
In the 1871 UK census everything must have been looking promising for William and Ann Nesbitt. They had 4 children, Martin, William, Peter and Andrew, from 11 to 5, and William had a job on the docks as a labourer. Unfortunately, he dies a year later, 27 April 1872. It must have been tough days for everyone in the family, in a time before pensions, and I wonder who they turned to.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ann Nesbitt - Ageless?
Ann O'Donnell was married to William Nesbitt in 1857 so hopefully should appear in the 51 or 41 census. That is, of course, if she emigrated earlier than those dates. (Remembering of course that the Irish Famine began in 1845 and the worst years of famine were 48 and 49. By 1848 the population of Ireland decreased by more than 2 million to 6.5)
There are quite a few Ann O'Donnells so a definite age is vital. However, we have the following:
1857 - at marriage age indicates approximate DOB 1829 (might want to appear younger?)
1861 - census " 1824
1871 - census " 1825
1881 - census " 1828 (first census after husband died)
1891 - census " 1824
death - 1897 " 1832 (info provided by son, William)
So it leaves us with 3 records showing her as older from 28, 29, 32. And 3 showing her younger, 24, 24, and 25. Other clues to finding her in a census are her parents names, Michael and Bridget, and a Martin and Margaret O'Donnell as godparents to Peter Nesbitt.
There are quite a few Ann O'Donnells so a definite age is vital. However, we have the following:
1857 - at marriage age indicates approximate DOB 1829 (might want to appear younger?)
1861 - census " 1824
1871 - census " 1825
1881 - census " 1828 (first census after husband died)
1891 - census " 1824
death - 1897 " 1832 (info provided by son, William)
So it leaves us with 3 records showing her as older from 28, 29, 32. And 3 showing her younger, 24, 24, and 25. Other clues to finding her in a census are her parents names, Michael and Bridget, and a Martin and Margaret O'Donnell as godparents to Peter Nesbitt.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Any truth in the rumour?
In the movie "forrest gump" the protagonist is at every major event that someone could possibly turn up to. I feel a bit like that when I start working on the family legends of our family of Nesbitts. I have spent a lot of time on research to see if they in fact are related but as yet all unsubstantiated. (I use "He" as a term for a generic Nesbitt) You might be able to add to the list:
- He was in the American Civil War.
- He worked on the Panama Canal.
- He was awarded a medal for rescuing someone in the Bay of Biscay (possibly William Jr)
- He rode with Captain Moonlite (an Australian bushranger, and yes there was a Nesbitt)
- He was shipwrecked off Ireland and then married a villager (apparently William Sr)
- Kathleen Nesbitt the actress was related (born in Chester near Liverpool in 1890s)
- He was awarded a Victoria Cross in South Africa (yes, Randolph Nesbitt, great reading)
- He was a great explorer with Stanley and Livingstone (Nesbitt I presume? Yes there was one there)
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Christopher Nesbitt 3
This is the last of 3 pages of an article on uncle Christopher Nesbitt, born in Liverpool in 1897 and brother of my grandfather Peter Nesbitt and son of Peter Ignatius. They both worked for the Postmaster Generals Department for 4 decades.
Chris' exploits in the desert country of Inland Australia in his work ensuring the Overland Telegraph was working despite floods is mentioned here.
The image is a bit blurry but one day I will discover the art of fixing it....
Martin Nesbitt, son of Andrew
A snap of Martin Nesbitt. He worked on the Liverpool docks when he was younger, but this is him working in Goodlass Walls Paint factory in 1956.
Bobby Mary and Winnie
Bobby Mary and Winnie Nesbitt, children of Martin Nesbitt and grandchildren of Andrew.
Thanks to Cathy French for providing this group of photos
Billy Nesbitt
This is Billy Nesbitt son of William and Emily and who married Ellen. Thanks to Helen and Cathy who both forwarded this one.
Rita Price
Mary Ann (Nellie) Nesbitt was the daughter of Andrew and Mary Jane. She married James Price and apparently had three children, Donald, James and Rita. She then remarried a gentleman by the name of Willis. I am still trying to trace them. Any ideas?
Here is a photo of Rita who it is believed emigrated to New Zealand just after WW2 with a RNZAF airman by the name of Russell.
Hugh and Val Nesbitt taken recently
many thanks to Jonathon McCrone for passing on this group of photos
Some of James and Margarets family
Anthony Barbara Jack John and Hugh all pictured here about 1972. Presume they are listed from left and not sure of one on right.
Friday, March 9, 2007
A Nesbitt DNA
Here is a DNA 37 marker profile for an Adelaide Nesbitt. It was done several years ago using Family tree DNA. To date there are no direct matches with anyone, and the closest seems to be names such as Carter, Campbell, Peavey, Doty and Armbruster. Well, our family were mariners.!
Nesbitt Family chart
After many trials and tribulations I have managed to organise this chart which goes down to William and Anns grandchildren.It is still a work in progress and I invite comments and suggested alterations at any time. I might add that despite being in the Navy for many years I do not have an eye for detail!
Margaret Nesbitt
This is a photo of Margaret Nesbitt, (nee Boyle), wife of James, and daughter in law of Andrew.
I would be more than happy to post short biographies to go with the photos if family members would like to provide information.
Hugh and Margaret Nesbitt
This photo is of Hugh and Margaret with their grandparents the (James?) McArdles (?).
this group of photos provided by Peggy and Lee Furlong.
Betty James and Peggy
Betty, James and Peggy Nesbitt - children of James and Margaret (Boyle), and grandchildren to Andrew and Mary Jane.
I am still seeking information on Anthony and Ann Nesbitt if anyone can assist.
Zeiher family
Here is a photo taken about 20 years ago. Susannah on lap, my late wife Lynette, Felicity, Kimberley and on the far right is Melissa.
John Joseph NESBITT
Born 10 June 1923, 28 Menai St, baptised 16 June 1923, John Joseph Nesbitt, son of William & Emily Nesbitt (nee Reilly). Godparent Helen Nesbitt.
Who is Helen Nesbitt, his godmother?
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Martin Nesbitt in the RN
Martin Nesbitt (b 1861) had a period of service in the Royal Navy. He was 5' 6", blue eyes, fair hair and ruddy complexion. He deserted ("run" - Naval term which I have seen before on yours truly's record of service!) and was punished with 90 days in Bodmin jail. Do a google search for Bodmin jail in Cornwall, now a tourist attraction. You will see that for a young man it must have been a terrifying experience.
From the archivist: Bill Johnson
At this time we have no prisoner records for the gaol, however, the record books for all prisoners after 1840 have recently been found in Exeter! The 23 volumes are now being catalogued by the Cornwall Records Office in Truro. They should become available for viewing in the next few months.
The service record contains a lot of information. Martin Nesbitt, born in Liverpool (my home town) on 26th January, 1861, joined the Navy on the 10th July 1877, with the rank of Boy 2nd Class. ( the £5 paid to him in Michaelmas 1877 was probably a joining award or gratuity). He served on 'Impregnable' until 25th July 1877 and then moved to 'Ganges'. He was promoted to Boy 1st Class on the 23rd October, 1878 and then things went bad. He ran away from his ship on the 21st December 1878 at Falmouth. He was found and sent to the 'Resistance' on the 19th June 1879 and moved back to 'Ganges' on the 29th June (For his Court-Martial?). The sentence was 90 days in gaol (probably at hard labour, though I don't recognise the abbreviations after the 90 days) and to be 'Discharged from the Service' as 'objectionable'. The other information on the record 'Date and Period of Engagement':- on reaching his 18th birthday he automatically started his 10 years of Navy Service. His service below the age of 18 did not count towards the 10 years. He received a gratuity of £2.10. 0d at Xmas 1878, when his adult service started. Whether this was paid before he ran away or when they caught him is not obvious!
Why Bodmin Gaol? From the 1860s the Navy had been sending Naval prisoners to the gaol from all over the South of England. In 1887, the gaol was separated into a Civil Prison and a separate Naval Prison. Naval prisoners returning to the Navy were in the Naval prison, while those 'discharged the service' were imprisoned in the Civil Prison. Serving Navymen were not allowed to meet or even see Navymen who were 'discharged the service'.
The civil prison closed in 1916, the prisoners and staff were needed for war service, and the Naval Prison closed in 1922.
From the archivist: Bill Johnson
At this time we have no prisoner records for the gaol, however, the record books for all prisoners after 1840 have recently been found in Exeter! The 23 volumes are now being catalogued by the Cornwall Records Office in Truro. They should become available for viewing in the next few months.
The service record contains a lot of information. Martin Nesbitt, born in Liverpool (my home town) on 26th January, 1861, joined the Navy on the 10th July 1877, with the rank of Boy 2nd Class. ( the £5 paid to him in Michaelmas 1877 was probably a joining award or gratuity). He served on 'Impregnable' until 25th July 1877 and then moved to 'Ganges'. He was promoted to Boy 1st Class on the 23rd October, 1878 and then things went bad. He ran away from his ship on the 21st December 1878 at Falmouth. He was found and sent to the 'Resistance' on the 19th June 1879 and moved back to 'Ganges' on the 29th June (For his Court-Martial?). The sentence was 90 days in gaol (probably at hard labour, though I don't recognise the abbreviations after the 90 days) and to be 'Discharged from the Service' as 'objectionable'. The other information on the record 'Date and Period of Engagement':- on reaching his 18th birthday he automatically started his 10 years of Navy Service. His service below the age of 18 did not count towards the 10 years. He received a gratuity of £2.10. 0d at Xmas 1878, when his adult service started. Whether this was paid before he ran away or when they caught him is not obvious!
Why Bodmin Gaol? From the 1860s the Navy had been sending Naval prisoners to the gaol from all over the South of England. In 1887, the gaol was separated into a Civil Prison and a separate Naval Prison. Naval prisoners returning to the Navy were in the Naval prison, while those 'discharged the service' were imprisoned in the Civil Prison. Serving Navymen were not allowed to meet or even see Navymen who were 'discharged the service'.
The civil prison closed in 1916, the prisoners and staff were needed for war service, and the Naval Prison closed in 1922.
William, Ann and Children summary
William and Anne NESBITT
Marriage of William NESBITT, Croston St, parents Henry & Jane (dead) to Anne O'Donnell, Croston St, parents Michael & Bridget of Croston St. Witnesses: James Hennessy of Croston St, & Jane Grant of Croston St, Minister: James Godwin St Patrick, Park Place, 16 Sep 1857
Ann NESBITT died 19 October 1897, of Bronchitis and senility, aged 65, at 42 Denbigh Street. Reported by son W. NESBITT of 53 Mill Road.
William NESBITT died 27 April 1872, aged 42, dock labourer, of 40 Denbigh street, of pneumonia, mark of witness wife Ann NESBITT
************
No. 1 son Martin NESBITT
Martin NESBITT Born 16 Nov 1859, bapt 20 Nov 1859, (spelling was Martin Nassbet), son of William & Anne (nee O'Donnel). Godparents Edward Hoare [?]/Sloane[?] & Maria Edwards. (St Patricks)
11Sep 1888 marriage 40 Denbigh St, son of William NESBITT, to Esther Hartford of 11 Idris St, daughter of Antony Hartford. Witnesses: John O'Loughlin of 2 Tenterden St & Catherine Sheppard of 28 Paget St. St Alban's
By the census of 1891 he had died & his widow Esther was back living with her mother, Catherine Hartford (RG12/2904 folio 117 page 4) at 11 Idris St. No sign of a death in various records for Martin.
Esther has a baby - Born 14 June 1895, 11 Idris St, bap. 21 June 1895, Catherine Hartford, dau of Esther Hartford. Godparents Joseph & Alice Whelan. Then she remarries 11 July 1895 marriage of Christopher O'Rourke of 11 Idris St, son of Martin O'Rourke, to Esther Nesbit of 11 Idris St, relict [widow] of Martin Nesbit. witnesses: Joseph Whelan of 86 Athol St & Alice Whelan of 72 China St. St Alban's
What happened to Martin NESBITT?
He was in the Royal Navy for two years. One of the problems is that as a mariner he could easily slip in and out of countries without appearing on the passenger lists which might have helped track him down.
Maybe this is him in Western Australia"
Karrakata cemetery Western Australia - MARTIN NESBITT (aged 86) 30/05/1948 at COTTESLOE which might account why his brother Peter NESBITT came out and settled initially in Western Australia. This Martins wife is Annie who dies 9/2/58 RC aged 83. "loved Auntie of Jim and Maude Taylor grand auntie to Isobel Margaret and GGA to Caroline.
************
No 2 son William NESBITT
William NESBITT of 40 Denbigh St, son of William NESBITT, married Sarah Myers of 74 Limekiln Lane, daughter of Thomas Myers. Marriaged 28 August 1890. Witnesses were Michael Hogan of 40 Denbigh St & Maria Ford of 20 Blundel St. (Our Lady of Reconciliation de la Salette)
William NESBITT's family emigrated to America onboard the Baltic and arrived at Ellis Island on 6 Feb 1911. At the time William had already arrived and was living at 62 First Street New Jersey . The family consisted of Sarah, his wife (age 40 yrs), and children Martin (10 yrs), Catherine (17 yrs) and Francis (7 yrs) who is listed as a male passenger. They are listed as being all born in Liverpool (Sarah is 5’ 7” Catherine Anne 5’ 6” with all having blue eyes and fair hair). They moved shortly after as Catherine Annie NESBITT is recorded as returning to the US on Aug 16 1912 onboard ADRIATIC with the familys address at 152 East 22nd street new york She was marked as "Possessing 90 pounds" a good sum for those times.
************
No 3 son Peter NESBITT
Born 13 May 1863, baptised 17 May 1863, Peter NESBIT, son of William & Anne Nesbit (nee O'Donnel). godparents Martin O'Donnell & Margaret O'Donnel (there is an entry in the index where a Martin O marries a Margaret O.. (St Patricks)
Peter NESBITT married Mary A. Toole at Christchurch, Everton in 1895.
What happened to Peter and Mary Anns children?
Peter NESBITT and Mary Ann Toole had seven children - 4 boys and 3 girls (according to Peter's death certificate. Only 3, Peter, Chris and Ann came over to Australia in 1906. I have details for a birth of a Roseann NESBITT who must have died. It is also possible that the story of a young boy being killed by a rock is one of those children.
:Births Mar 1898 NESBITT Christopher Salford
Births Dec 1899 NESBITT Peter Toxteth Park
Births Jun 1902 NESBITT Ann Toxteth Park
************
No. 4 son Andrew NESBITT
Born 28 June 1866 Paget St, bap 4 July 1866, Andrew NESBITT, son of William & Anne NESBITT (nee O'Donnell). godparent Honora Wood. (St Patricks)
(nb: Deaths Sep 1876 Wood Honora 34 W. Derby 8b 181 )
1901 census - Mary J. NESBITT (nee Fitzgerald) housekeeper + children William 10, Martin 9, James 4 & Mary A 1. + Thomas Fitzgerald 17 are at 24 Menai St. I think Andrew was just missed off this census - maybe away for the night - as Mary is described as "wife", not "head". Also, Thomas is described as brother-in-law, rather than brother. He is brother-in-law to the absent head (ie Andrew), but brother to Mary J.
Andrew apparently left home to work with William in the maritime world in the USA. After 7 years absence Mary Jane remarried. There is an Andrew Nesbit on Lusitania arriving Ellis Island in 1910 as a US citizen. Ship left from Liverpool. He is 43 and married
Born 3 Aug 1895, Dhadwell St, bap. 13 Aug 1895, Andrew Nesbit, son of Andrew & Mary Jane Nesbit (nee Fitzgerald). Godparents James Fitzgerald & Margaret Boyle. not in 1901 census. Maybe the one of our legend re rock thrown. (Andy)St Patricks
Born 9 Dec 1896, Railway St, bap 22 Dec 1896 James NESBITT, son of Antony & Mary Jane NESBITT (nee Fitzgerald). Godmother Anne Heaney. [You can see where a mistake was made at the baptism. When asked the father's name, Mary Jane has given the name of her own father, not that of the baby's father!]. St Patricks
Marriage of William NESBITT, Croston St, parents Henry & Jane (dead) to Anne O'Donnell, Croston St, parents Michael & Bridget of Croston St. Witnesses: James Hennessy of Croston St, & Jane Grant of Croston St, Minister: James Godwin St Patrick, Park Place, 16 Sep 1857
Ann NESBITT died 19 October 1897, of Bronchitis and senility, aged 65, at 42 Denbigh Street. Reported by son W. NESBITT of 53 Mill Road.
William NESBITT died 27 April 1872, aged 42, dock labourer, of 40 Denbigh street, of pneumonia, mark of witness wife Ann NESBITT
************
No. 1 son Martin NESBITT
Martin NESBITT Born 16 Nov 1859, bapt 20 Nov 1859, (spelling was Martin Nassbet), son of William & Anne (nee O'Donnel). Godparents Edward Hoare [?]/Sloane[?] & Maria Edwards. (St Patricks)
11Sep 1888 marriage 40 Denbigh St, son of William NESBITT, to Esther Hartford of 11 Idris St, daughter of Antony Hartford. Witnesses: John O'Loughlin of 2 Tenterden St & Catherine Sheppard of 28 Paget St. St Alban's
By the census of 1891 he had died & his widow Esther was back living with her mother, Catherine Hartford (RG12/2904 folio 117 page 4) at 11 Idris St. No sign of a death in various records for Martin.
Esther has a baby - Born 14 June 1895, 11 Idris St, bap. 21 June 1895, Catherine Hartford, dau of Esther Hartford. Godparents Joseph & Alice Whelan. Then she remarries 11 July 1895 marriage of Christopher O'Rourke of 11 Idris St, son of Martin O'Rourke, to Esther Nesbit of 11 Idris St, relict [widow] of Martin Nesbit. witnesses: Joseph Whelan of 86 Athol St & Alice Whelan of 72 China St. St Alban's
What happened to Martin NESBITT?
He was in the Royal Navy for two years. One of the problems is that as a mariner he could easily slip in and out of countries without appearing on the passenger lists which might have helped track him down.
Maybe this is him in Western Australia"
Karrakata cemetery Western Australia - MARTIN NESBITT (aged 86) 30/05/1948 at COTTESLOE which might account why his brother Peter NESBITT came out and settled initially in Western Australia. This Martins wife is Annie who dies 9/2/58 RC aged 83. "loved Auntie of Jim and Maude Taylor grand auntie to Isobel Margaret and GGA to Caroline.
************
No 2 son William NESBITT
William NESBITT of 40 Denbigh St, son of William NESBITT, married Sarah Myers of 74 Limekiln Lane, daughter of Thomas Myers. Marriaged 28 August 1890. Witnesses were Michael Hogan of 40 Denbigh St & Maria Ford of 20 Blundel St. (Our Lady of Reconciliation de la Salette)
William NESBITT's family emigrated to America onboard the Baltic and arrived at Ellis Island on 6 Feb 1911. At the time William had already arrived and was living at 62 First Street New Jersey . The family consisted of Sarah, his wife (age 40 yrs), and children Martin (10 yrs), Catherine (17 yrs) and Francis (7 yrs) who is listed as a male passenger. They are listed as being all born in Liverpool (Sarah is 5’ 7” Catherine Anne 5’ 6” with all having blue eyes and fair hair). They moved shortly after as Catherine Annie NESBITT is recorded as returning to the US on Aug 16 1912 onboard ADRIATIC with the familys address at 152 East 22nd street new york She was marked as "Possessing 90 pounds" a good sum for those times.
************
No 3 son Peter NESBITT
Born 13 May 1863, baptised 17 May 1863, Peter NESBIT, son of William & Anne Nesbit (nee O'Donnel). godparents Martin O'Donnell & Margaret O'Donnel (there is an entry in the index where a Martin O marries a Margaret O.. (St Patricks)
Peter NESBITT married Mary A. Toole at Christchurch, Everton in 1895.
What happened to Peter and Mary Anns children?
Peter NESBITT and Mary Ann Toole had seven children - 4 boys and 3 girls (according to Peter's death certificate. Only 3, Peter, Chris and Ann came over to Australia in 1906. I have details for a birth of a Roseann NESBITT who must have died. It is also possible that the story of a young boy being killed by a rock is one of those children.
:Births Mar 1898 NESBITT Christopher Salford
Births Dec 1899 NESBITT Peter Toxteth Park
Births Jun 1902 NESBITT Ann Toxteth Park
************
No. 4 son Andrew NESBITT
Born 28 June 1866 Paget St, bap 4 July 1866, Andrew NESBITT, son of William & Anne NESBITT (nee O'Donnell). godparent Honora Wood. (St Patricks)
(nb: Deaths Sep 1876 Wood Honora 34 W. Derby 8b 181 )
1901 census - Mary J. NESBITT (nee Fitzgerald) housekeeper + children William 10, Martin 9, James 4 & Mary A 1. + Thomas Fitzgerald 17 are at 24 Menai St. I think Andrew was just missed off this census - maybe away for the night - as Mary is described as "wife", not "head". Also, Thomas is described as brother-in-law, rather than brother. He is brother-in-law to the absent head (ie Andrew), but brother to Mary J.
Andrew apparently left home to work with William in the maritime world in the USA. After 7 years absence Mary Jane remarried. There is an Andrew Nesbit on Lusitania arriving Ellis Island in 1910 as a US citizen. Ship left from Liverpool. He is 43 and married
Born 3 Aug 1895, Dhadwell St, bap. 13 Aug 1895, Andrew Nesbit, son of Andrew & Mary Jane Nesbit (nee Fitzgerald). Godparents James Fitzgerald & Margaret Boyle. not in 1901 census. Maybe the one of our legend re rock thrown. (Andy)St Patricks
Born 9 Dec 1896, Railway St, bap 22 Dec 1896 James NESBITT, son of Antony & Mary Jane NESBITT (nee Fitzgerald). Godmother Anne Heaney. [You can see where a mistake was made at the baptism. When asked the father's name, Mary Jane has given the name of her own father, not that of the baby's father!]. St Patricks
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Reg Nesbitt
"Uncle Reg" Nesbitt turns 80 on sun 25th March 2007. He is the son of Peter and Thelma. And like many in the family, found himself in "rig" at an early age. Reg is married to Val.
Jackie Nesbitt
John Christopher Nesbitt (Jackie) was the son of Christopher and Lottie Nesbitt. He was born in 1923 and died onboard HMAS PERTH in 1942. His service record, along with other Adelaide Nesbitts who fought in WW1 and WW2 can be found on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au
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