Antigua - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Antiguan Grants

digwriter50 — 2013-05-17 15:25:40Z

Hello Terry,

Yes, I know of you and your brother. My parents spoke of you both quite often.

Re: access and information on the Antigua National Archives

HLAScarlet — 2013-05-17 05:56:43Z

Hi again,

I believe I may have answered another of your messages here, concerning John Smith posted by my cousin. He was born in Antigua in 1847, don't know which parish. One of my cousins had a letter from the archives that suggested John's parents were Joseph and Hanna Smith. I have never been able to confirm this. John's father is said to have been an overseer or perhaps some kind of government official. They were from England according to the US Census responses given by John. He had a sister possibly named Lillian. John and his sister were orphaned about 1860-1861, by some kind of disease going around the island, and were sent to separate Catholic homes in England, never to meet again. None of this is documented, but is family history. John came to the US about 1869 and ended up in South Dakota. I know the rest of the story.

It is really hard, as you can imagine, to do any research on a John Smith and then to have him born on a far away island where no one has access to records short of physically being there. It is so frustrating.

Anyway, I'm sure it would be a very interesting story if I could find it. If you happen to comes across Smiths in your searching, I would surely appreciate any tidbit that comes my way.

Thanks a bunch,
Evan

Re: access and information on the Antigua National Archives

una54a7 — 2013-05-17 03:21:58Z

Thanks for your information about doing research in St. Johns. I'm seriously considering a trip to Antigua to research my CHAPMAN line as I've pretty much exhausted my resources from afar. Any information you could give me on doing actual hands-on research would be deeply appreciated. I read Lowe's book and was inspired by her ability to obtain data outside the Archives. CHAPMAN was a merchant and my quest will be with merchant/church/land records in addition to meeting with Dr, Blair at the Archives. If you'd like to contact me personally I may be reached at kaydavis2@hotmail.com

Re: access and information on the Antigua National Archives

CranstounS — 2013-05-17 01:36:33Z

Hi,

I was suggesting if you could afford to go, I know alot of people can't and yes I'm lucky I can afford to go. I was speaking from my experiences. I have met Dr. Marion Blair and I was trying to let everyone know that you need to know your stuff so she can help you. I've seen people walk in in tears looking for family and only knowing lastnames and villages, and as I mentioned sometimes the names they bring are common to the village and unless you have dates, mothers or fahters how can she help one out.

I have also obatained a tremendous amount of information, but it is costly, from her via an email I have sent and she will send you photocopies of the actual documents.

I was very lucky in my family search to have found Dr. Susan Lowes who wrote her thesis on the sugar industry in Antigua and lucky that one of the family she described was mine. That provided me with a tremendous leg up in my search. I also downloaded and used all three volumes of the history of antigua as reference material.

Hope this helps.

What Smith's are you looking for and the dates...love to try and help.

Re: access and information on the Antigua National Archives

HLAScarlet — 2013-05-16 23:57:51Z

You mean go to Antigua?? I wish! I guess it would be cheaper than going to England.

You are so lucky to have been able to do this. Best of luck on your Smith, perhaps you will come across mine also.

C-ya,
Evan

Re: Ryan, Wesston, Brand, Thibou, McQuire, Smith

HLAScarlet — 2013-05-16 23:34:25Z

Hi there,

My great-grandfather, John Smith, born in Antigua 1847. Are you related to the Smiths? I have not been able to find out any more information. He and his sister were orphaned about 1860 and were sent back to England. I don't know who his parents were or when they arrived in Antigua. I don't know what happed to John and his sister after leaving Antigua---until John came to the US in about 1870.

C-ya,
Evan

Re: Ryan, Wesston, Brand, Thibou, McQuire, Smith

ToniEvans67 — 2013-05-16 01:03:12Z

I have som info on a THIBOU family which moved to Australia
contact toni.evans@xtra.co.nz

Regards

Ryan, Wesston, Brand, Thibou, McQuire, Smith

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 23:05:41Z

Anyone have any information on these families from the mid 1800's Antigua. Ryan, Wesston, Brand, Thibou, McQuire, Smith

Re: WATKINS - 1800's

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 22:35:41Z

Hi Helen,

If you sent me your email to steve@hawaii-house-rentals.com I will send you a copy in pdf format of my family book.

I would love any pictures or information you have that you deem appropriate.

Regards

Re: WATKINS - 1800's

Helen_Moulden — 2013-05-15 22:05:11Z

Hello,
The only information I have is from his father's side of the family. When it comes to his mother I haven't found much at all. I recently found reference to his nephew James Harper, who was the son of Annie Watkins. He came to New Zealand to visit is Uncle and cousins, was in the Canadian Air force and died in Auckland New Zealand from a probable overdose/suiside. He was a Doctor.
George is a mystery to me. He was my maternal grandmothers grandfather. I have a few pictures of him later in life. His daughter, my great grandmother, was his daughter from his second marriage.
I would love to see any information you have. Happy to let you have copies of everything I have.

Helen

Re: access and information on the Antigua National Archives

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 14:58:43Z

I have read this thread thoroughly and have to chuckle. Yes the reception of the Antigua National Archives is poor, however, they are under funded and short staffed. Although they are a public archive there is a cost involved in obtaining information. When the office opened theives broke in a removed all copper piping from the building and it had to be replaced, then the air conditioning units broke down and as of January 2013 they still were not fixed due to funding.
When you request information one wants to address the email to Dr. Marion Blair antiguanationalarchives@apuainet.ag
Some tips - be sure your know your stuff and have as much background information as possible don't just ask for information on John Doe of Buckleys Village or you will get nothing. The more information one can provide the more likely one will obtain the information one is seeking. Depending on how old the records are you will not find much information on birth and marriage records other than dates and the names of your relatives.
I have been able to obtain many records through the National Archives thanks to Dr. Blair, however, they also have been quite costly. I have obtained land records, marriage certificates, wills, birth and death records.
It also helps if one tries to visit the National Archives in person but make an appointment, Dr. Blair is most receptive and will help guide you in your search. I was able to uncover informationon my family I had no idea about.

Re: John Smith of Antigua bn. 1847

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 14:12:58Z

I am interested in your John sith of Antigua. I have a William Henry Smith who married Jane Ann Cranstoun on 3 feb 1875. Unfortunately I can find no trace of him. I have a complete tree for the Cranstoun's but nothing I can nail down on the smith family.

Re: Harry Brand Caroline Chapman

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 13:54:57Z

Boy this is an old post, hope I'm not too late. I am interested in the name Brand. I have a Sarah Brand who married John Bell and they had a daughter Sarah Elizabeth Bell who married my 2X great grandfather. I have no information on her parents so I am following any posible lead. Sarah died 17 May 1869 in Parish of St. Mary, Antigua, British West Indies.

Re: WATKINS - 1800's

CranstounS — 2013-05-15 13:46:00Z

did you ever find the information on George Eccles Watkins you were loking for.
He is a member of my family tree (Anna Constable Watkins) I have pictures and a full tree for him.

Re: WEATHERILL

rick_lichten — 2013-05-10 21:43:40Z

Sorry for not replying earlier; many thanks for the information. If you want to know what I've go up to now on the Weatherills, you are more than welcome to email me on rick.lichten@virgin.net

Re: Boone (without an E!)

dodd307eohj — 2013-04-19 15:01:53Z

Do you know Mavis Sybil Fraser born about 1918 in St. Vincent and was living in Nevis?

Re: Surname "GRANT"

samgrant42 — 2013-03-28 20:28:09Z

Do you know of any Grants who have had a DNA search with FamilyTreeDNA particularly descendants of Dr. Patrick Grant of Antigua or Charles Grant of the "Adelphi" Estate?

Re: irish line of abbotts in antigua

abbottp4825 — 2013-03-17 19:53:30Z

Dear Sharrene ,
You have made my day . I am related to these Irish Abbotts and I still live in Antigua . Where do you live ? I have alot of info the Irish and Antiguan Abbotts and would love to share info with you . Am not aware of James who went to Australia . Richard Abbott born in Leitrim abt. 1807 and died in Antigua 18th. December 1867 was my gggrandfather. He had a brother Robert who was also in Antigua but while I have a picture of him I do not have too much other info .
I would love to get more info of James' diaries and letters as this will help me greatly in improving my knowledge of my family . I am in contact with many of the Abbotts in Ireland who are related and plan to travel there next month to a wedding of a family member .
Looking forward to hearing from you .
My email address is abbottp@candw.ag is you wish to contact me on it .
Best regards ,

Phillip

irish line of abbotts in antigua

sharrenecomino — 2013-03-17 14:22:50Z

I am trying to find some ancestry information about James Abbott who left Antigua to come to Australia in 1875. I believe he had 6 brothers and several cousins,(the Sheridans and Strettons) with the majority of his brothers going to Antigua. James is from the Irish line of Abbotts and came from county Leitrum. His father was William Abbott and mother Jane Sheridan and James was born about 1846. From reading his correspondences from his relatives in Antigua, I have gathered the names of william, thomas, richard,robert who I believe are brothers/cousins. He was financing/sponsoring various members of his family to help them leave ireland or to assist them by sending money back home (eg To his brother Thomas's daughter Mary Jane Abbott and for his cousin Francis Sheridan's passage). There was also mention of a Hannah and/or Mary who may have gone to America.

I have his diary, letters and other documents which indicate he himself lived/spent time in Antigua (He was a member of the Mason society in St Johns). His letters (from his cousins and brothers discuss various aspects of life and work on the plantations etc and of events back in Ireland (1876 - 1886).
I would be very interested in finding out any information I could in regards to his family lineage etc.

Many thanks
Sharrene

Re: Laura Louise Aiton

EdwardHolland14 — 2013-03-11 03:38:33Z

Hello Phillip,

Thank you for replying back.

Laura Louise Aiton
I'm not sure where she was buried, I sent off for her
death certificate but its a time consuming adventure.

Robert Lyle Aiton
I'm amazed your sister remembers my Great Uncle,
can you please ask her what she remembers about Robert and
does she have a photograph of him(even in a group photo)?
(Robert died in 1966 in Barbados).

Lot 57 Hodges Bay
If in your travels you go by the house can you please take
a picture of it. That would be wonderful.
Where about is Lot 57 located exactly?

Thank you for your time,
Edward Holland

Re: ANTIGUAN ROOTS

astluce079 — 2013-03-11 00:29:16Z

Hello,

I'm a St. Luce from Antigua. The St. Luce family members you mentioned in your few posts are all members of my family.

Abena

Re: joseph nobili george THOMAS

glmarks5 — 2013-03-08 15:33:55Z

Hi there this is probably too late but he was born in France. I would love to hear from you
Gail Marks

Re: Abbott

MikeDay2011 — 2013-03-04 15:02:35Z

My notes suggest that the MARY BAIRD you are asking about was born in Antigua in 1840. If true, this would suggest that her parents were born eighteen to thirty years previous to that, i.e. 1810 to 1822. The two men you mention would have been far too old, so even if they were forebears of Mary, there would have had to have been a couple of generations in the middle. Other than Mary's birth date, husband's name (Arthur) and daughter Mary Emily, I have nothing on the lady. Any information you have beyond that that you would be willing to share would be appreciated. I'll keep your note in my file for when I find something.

Mike Day

Re: Antigua newspapers

tobagotim — 2013-03-04 01:02:39Z

Hi Mary --
Good to talk to you (via internet) twice in one day. I use Ancestry -- particularly the Message Boards that use to be part of Rootsweb. I am the Board manager for the Grenada Board.
Yes, I am familiar as well with "The Gentlemen's Magazine". I believe that it kept the gentlemen up to date with their fellow gentlemen in various parts of the Empire. You might also try listing what you are interested in on Ebay -- all listings for 'Antigua Trading'. I once bought a milk bottle from the farm previously owned by the family that interested me. I had not figured out that shipping a milk bottle from England might cost more than shipping a stamp. So, I had the bottle sent directly to one of the living family members.
Tim

Antigua Newspapers

RonWhite90 — 2013-03-03 22:53:22Z

There is a good collection of Antigua newspapers in the National Archives in Kew. I found my gt. gt. grandfather's wedding notification in the Antigua Free Press 1834. Unfortunately the the last time I looked the papers weren't indexed.

Re: Antigua newspapers

marygleadall — 2013-03-03 21:21:01Z

I used an agent who went to the British Library in London, England. I needed many articles copied for my book "An Antiguan Trading Company: George W. Bennett, Bryson & Co." Another source for Antiguan news was the Gentleman's Magazine.

Re: Antigua newspapers

tobagotim — 2013-03-03 20:45:47Z

I have been working on such sources for a long time and have not found a 'morgue' (as the newspaper publishers call it) for Antigua. You might try the Internet Archive (archive.org). I have also found news of Antigua in the publications of religious or military societies based in either the US or UK.

Antigua newspapers

kaydavis927051 — 2013-03-03 20:23:58Z

There are surviving Antigua newspapers from the mid 1800's. Does anyone know where they are archived?

Thanks in advance
Kay in California

Re: Abbott

mikelbaird — 2013-03-03 17:04:08Z

As mentioned, William Richard Abbott married Mary Emily Johnstone. Mary was born 1 Nov. 1859, her mother was Mary BAIRD. I am trying to find out if this Mary Baird was descended from a Charles Baird, born 1729 in Scotland and was Comptroller of Customs, St. John's, Antigua in 1774. Or possibly Charles' brother George Baird born 1731, who went to Jamaica and then disappeared. Please reply to post or also to, Karen Baird Vierra, karentwo@sbcglobal.net Thank you kindly

St. John's merchants abt. 1840 ?

Oriandershannon — 2013-02-19 01:55:41Z

Does anyone know if records exist for businesses/merchants in St. John's during the 1840's and 1850's?

I'm researching the CHAPMAN line in Antigua 1920-1965.

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.

Re: Maginley information

quembelle — 2013-02-03 05:45:07Z

Hello,

I was randomly doing a google search on the last name Maginley to learn more about the origins of the name in Ireland and I came across your post in my search! I am Antiguan born and my grandmother is a Maginley, daughter of Thomas Maginley. I am wondering if perhaps Lestroy is my great-grandfather's nephew. I will ask my grandmother and great-aunt if they remember him. Do you know how long he lived in Antigua before he left?
Hope to hear from you soon! :)

Re: The Athill family

guidofelton — 2013-01-17 12:26:42Z

George Athill (died 28/1/1857 and buried at Bridge,Kent) was my Gt Gt Grandfather.His eldest daughter Ann Matilda Athiil married Rev William Felton in 1865.I have loads on the Athill's way back to 1740's in Antigua

Goodwins of Duer Estate

sandramoffatt55 — 2013-01-10 01:28:27Z

Looking for info on the Goodwins of Duer Estate.

Re: Lindsay Family

emmlin44 — 2012-12-21 17:34:46Z

Afternoon Phillip

Do you have access to other info then VL Oliver? I have two immediate questions that need to be solved:

If you go to the Lindsey Pedigree page (184/7) you'll find the progenitor was one William Lindsey of Antigua. Where did he come from?

Then at bottom of tree you'll find Robert Lindsey (my g g grandfather). He married Hannah and had 2/3 children. Who was Hannah?

Martin Lindsay

Re: The Athill family

guidofelton — 2012-11-26 09:16:14Z

Hi,Like the Athills the Lynch's were prominent in Antigua during the 18th & 19th C.For me,the best sources were the 1994 PH.D dissertation of Dr Susan Lowes entitled "The Peculiar Class:The Formation,Collapse,and Re-formation of the Middle Class in Antigua,West Indies,1843-1941" see ANTIGUAHISTORY.NET/UPLOADS/3/0/5/2/3052847/LOWES.You should also take a look at Vol 2 of Oliver's "The History of the Island of Antigua etc" 1894.See archive.org./details/historyof island,although the geneaology of the Lynch's seems to terminate at the beginning of the 19thC.Good Luck!Guy

Re: The Athill family

anniemo_60 — 2012-11-26 00:45:14Z

Hi, I am no relation to your family but am interested that you have managed to find out so much. Well done! I have quite a bit about my great grandfather Everard Lynch but have been unable to find out anything about his life in Antigua.
I wondered if you had any tips on accessing records in Antigua. I have tried searching microfilm via familysearch.org. There are many male children un-named around his possible years of birth.
The lady at the register office told me it is impossible to locate the birth without the mothers name. [ we only know it was Antigua around 1859.] They were very eventually very helpful and waded through 4 parishes for me manually, as they don't have a searchable database. Then she said she would have to give up unless I found the mother's name. Sadly the only clue is that on Everard's marriage certificate in UK, he says his father was John and a carpenter.
We only found out it was Antigua from his merchant navy career and 3 ships he sailed on. We have no idea exactly how he left Antigua, there is nothing on passenger lists. He may have worked his passage from Antigua as a sailor? Pure speculation though.
If you do have any tips I would be grateful. Many thanks Ann

Re: Joseph Shervington

guidofelton — 2012-11-25 17:29:22Z

My family the Athills married into the Shervingtons as they were both prominent "free coloured"families.I have a record of Joseph Shervington's eldest son,John, marrying Esther Maria Athill.Their son,Tyrrell Mildmay Shervington also married an Athill,Eliza Amelia Athill.Tyrrell became Attorney general in grenada in 1864.I have lots more!

Re: The Athill family

guidofelton — 2012-11-25 15:48:33Z

My gt.gt.gt grandfather was Hon.James Athill of Antigua.One of his sons,by differing women,is my gt gt grandfather called George Athill.He had 3 daughters in Antigua by his first wife Eliza (including my gt grandmother Ann Matilda Athill).George remarried in Ashford in 1845 to Charlotte Tappenden and had a further 4 children.Charles Harold Athill was his second son.I have lots of info to exchange,contact me

Re: The Athill family

guidofelton — 2012-11-25 15:42:08Z

My gt gt gt grandfather was the Hon.James Athill in Antigua.He had three sons by different "free slave" women.My gt.gt.grandfather was one of them,called George Athill .He died and was buried at Bridge,Kent in England in 1857.I have lots of info and genealogies.Contact me to exchange info

Re: The Athill family

guidofelton — 2012-11-25 15:36:19Z

My name is guy athill felton.My gt gt gt grandfather was also the Hon.James Athill.My gt gt grandfather was George Athill one of his three sons by differing women, he died and is buried at Bridge Kent in England in 1857.I have lots of info on the subject and genealogies.

Re: lynch

anniemo_60 — 2012-11-22 02:54:52Z

Hi Brian,
Just saw your post. Just a few points for you and anyone who may be reading this. First Everard's friend was called Lavington Cumberbatch and he settled in British Columbia Canada. [not Australia]
I have just updated my ancestry page on him and will send you a couple of other documents, including a partial letter from Lavington to Everard. Speak soon. love Ann

lynch

brianjohnlynch — 2012-11-21 21:59:00Z

Hello, I am trying to trace a black man called everard lynch. He was born in antigua around 1857. I believe his father was john lynch, a carpenter. I do not know his mother's name. He sailed on several ships including the west riding, salsette and drumcraig. I am unable to find a birth certificate.

I am also looking for any information or relatives of his friend levington cumberbatch who also sailed on the salsette. He was born in barbados and looks like he settled in australia.

If anyone can help, if you live in antigua or have contacts who may be able to help, I would be very grateful. Kind regards and thank you for taking the time to read this.

Brian

Re: FONBLANQUE, BYAM, WYKE, YEAMANS

burninamber — 2012-11-07 07:34:18Z

Hi Sue i realize you may no longer be using this site, but thought it was worth a shot. I'm a descendant of Ann & Joseph's marriage from their youngest son Frederick born at "Carlton House" as i have come across a lots of confusing dates & records for them prior to their move to Tasmania, Australia i would love to know if you happened to have found much on Ann & her parents family's? thanks Jacqui

Maginley information

kennettemaginley — 2012-10-18 15:37:26Z

My daughter is doing a heritage project for school on the Maginleys. We have limited information. My father was Lestroy Maginley. He was born in Antigua in 1931. Do you have any information on who his parents were? Lestroy died in 2007. Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

Re: Family Research

YovannaLopez — 2012-09-07 18:05:35Z

I went to Colegio San Esteban in SPM from 1962 to about 1968. I had a teacher named Hodge, i believe his first name was federico or george. I dont know his whereabouts. He taught music.

Freeman's Village, Antigua

ReAnne27 — 2012-09-06 11:43:31Z

Hello. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Ferris family in Freeman's Village, in Antigua. My grandfather was Lauriston Ferris but he did not grow up with his parents, he was raised by his aunts. My mother was Catherine Viola Thomas but my father says her family is from Barbuda. Catherine's mother was named Zelicia Samuel, I believe.

Re: Joseph, Ambrose

defi9 — 2012-08-28 15:52:43Z

HI Joseph:

My name is Freddie Ambrose ny father name was Donald Ambrose from Cedar Grove Village I was born in to the millwood family I left Antigua March 17 1960 I am a Vietnam Veteran 42 years a go. Living in Florida now. I know Cynthia Ambrose She live in Cedae Grove today. Defi9@msn.com

Gomes and Camacho

suelou5 — 2012-08-27 19:32:23Z

looking for Philomenia Gomez/Gomes from Antigua, British West Indies. She married John DeVeux. She's related to the Camacho family, possibly her mother's maiden name. Her family in the British West Indies raised her son, John DeVeux for a while, most likely after 1923. He was supposedly orphaned at about that time period. The son was supposedly born 1909 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA but have found no record of his birth. Hoping to find information of the son, John DeVeux while he was in British West Indies. Thank you.
Sue Benoit

Re: "Briggam" Estate on Antigua

elmesshamoi1 — 2012-08-08 23:21:39Z

Hi, my name is shamoi Elmes, son of the late Jahkela "Dale" Elmes who is also the son of Roy Elmes. I really don't know much about my dads side of the family(Elmes),since he pasaway in 1991. Frequently I search the web jus googling my last name in hopes of finding out some history perhaps some long lost family members out there.

Re: Joseph, Ambrose

a_ambrose1 — 2012-07-29 08:25:48Z

Hi there,

My name is Aaron Ambrose im 22 and from the uk my grandmother was Mona Ambrose I believe she is from Dominica. I do know she had sisters but I don't remember there names. Nan told me her father was a fisherman would love to hear from you
Thanks Aaron
a.ambrose@hotmail.co.uk