Sailing Ships & Sea Captains of Portaferry

1. Sailing Ships & Sea Captains of Portaferry

2. Before the year 1623 there was not any trade or commerce in the town and previous to which time, there was only some fishermen’s cabins, and the old castle out of repair. (OS)

3. 1 6 2 9

4. 1637 ‘There are many customs taken by Mr. Savage of Port Ferry, for wine, cows, horses, yarn or other commodities which are shipped on that side of the river and by Valentine Paine on Strangford side as tenant unto the Earl of Kildare. I gave order unto the Collector to keep a waiter on Portaferry side that should take care of all the ports and creeks between that and Donnoghodee which are many.’ Charles Moncke, Surveyor General, 1637

6. 1756 “Here lyeth the body of William Murehead, Commander of the brig SAVAGE of Portaferry which was unfortunately wrecked in the harbour of Skerries the 12th day of February 1756, when most of the crew together with the Master perished.” Journal of the Association for the preservation of the Memorials of the Dead.

7. 20th June 1769 A stout new vessel, Thomas McCready master, will sail from Portaferry 27th June, wind and weather permitting to take goods to the Chester Fair.

8. Emigration April 1775 – The ‘RODGERS’, a new brig of 200 tons sailed from Portaferry and landed all passengers safely in Baltimore. August 1784 – The ‘REFORMATION’, a 4 year old cutter of 200 tons sailed from Strangford with 60 emigrants. Captain – James Chambers of New Row, Portaferry.

9. A privateer is a private person or ship authorized by a government to attack foreign shipping during wartime. Privateering was a way of mobilizing armed ships and sailors without having to spend public money or commit naval officers.

10. 1779 The Privateer ‘AMAZON’ sailed from Portaferry on her second cruise to “to assist in subduing the haughty spirit of France and Spain” and to make fortunes. • 14 fortified 6 and 4 pounder guns • Manned by 80 brave fellows • Under Captain Colville – aged 27 • Caught in a storm in Ballyholme bay and wrecked in 1780. Captain & rest of crew lost.

11. 1781 • “The ‘IRISH VOLUNTEER’ (formerly the ‘LORD BANGOR’ – the last of the local Privateers. • Sailed from Portaferry February 15th 1781, ‘the men in high spirits.’ • February 21st 1781 – sprung her mainmast after a chase by a French frigate – put into Cork. • June 25th 1781 – put up for sale in Portaferry.

12. Portaferry For a century or so Portaferry was a busy thriving coastal town full of master mariners,shipownersand shipbuilders, rope-makers and ships’ chandlers. Its fishermen too flourished: sand smelt were sold in Belfast as ‘Portaferry chicken.’

13. Shipbuilding in Portaferry

14. 1802 “the largest vessel ever built in Ireland” On Tuesday last (6th April) there was launched from the dockyard of Captain Edward Conway of Portaferry, the ship BESS of 500 tons burthen and upwards, the property of George Mathews of Springvale and Capt. John Downey of Portaferry. ‘This ship is esteemed by judges as one of the handsomest merchant vessels ever built in Ireland and is intended for a West Indian trader.’

15. Thomas Gelston – born Gransha 1769 • 1789 – News Letter advertised ‘Colworth’ of London sailing Belfast – New York under a Captain Gelston. • 1791 – firm of Gelston, Watson & Co in existence in Portaferry connected to shipping industry • 1800 – 1820 – Thomas’ business flourished and he became the principal shipbuilder in Portaferry alongside the McCleery’s. • 1812 – 1822 ; 30+ vessels built in Portaferry, a third of them built by Thomas Gelston in his shipyard close by the castle. In addition he part-owned many other vessels engaged in trade with the Baltic ports, New Brunswick & Quebec. • Owner of the Aurora – scuttled off the west coast of Ireland by her master and mate. ***1

16. Launched from Gelston’s yard • 1811 – 122 ton brig Andrew Savage launched in Portaferry. (Came to grief Dec 1823 at Whitehorn Island on voyage from Belfast to Liverpool.) “Huzza! She goes, glad Cuan hears, The Christening bottle flies; The ANDREW SAVAGE hail – three cheers In echoing plaudits rise.” *** 2 • 1813 – Roger and Barbara • 1814 – Lord Castlereagh • 1818 – 179 ton brig Dorcas Savage built in Portaferry. (One of same name built Workington 1799.)

17. From the Belfast News-Letter, 31 March 1818 NOTICE TO PASSENGERS THOSE WHO have engaged PASSAGE on board the Ship THOMAS GELSTON, for PHILADELPHIA, are requested to be in BELFAST on SATURDAY, the 4th of MAY, pay the remainder of their passage money, and go on board, as she will positively sail first fair wind after. JOSEPH McCAMMON Thomson’s Packet,

18. FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK, THE WELL-KNOWN SHIP THOMAS GELSTON, Expected daily to arrive here from St. Andrew's, will again Sail for that Port on the 20th July, She made her Passage out in the short space of twenty days, being the quickest run known from the Port of Belfast. Captain STRACHIN brings engagements with him for more than one-half of her complement. It is therefore necessary that immediate application should be made by those who intend going out this time as her number will be quickly made up. The same comfortable accommodations will be provided as formerly; and Capt. STRACHAN has made such arrangement with Ship Owners at St. Andrew's as will insure an immediate conveyance to his Passengers to any part of British America or the United States, on moderate terms. For Freight or Passage, please apply to NEVIN SAYERS & CO. Downpatrick; THOMAS GELSTON and CO. Portaferry; or, JOHN SHAW & CO. 6, Prince's-street. Belfast, June 18, 1819. 310

19. NOW IN PORT,  To succeed the Earl of Aberdeen, for QUEBEC,  the fine fast-sailing Copper-fastened Ship, THOMAS GELSTON JOHN LOWRY, Commander, To clear positively 5th May, On which day Passengers are required to be in Belfast, to go on board.  This favourite Vessel is above seven feet high between decks, and being very roomy, is a most desirable Ship for Passengers. Large stores of Fuel and Water will be laid in for the voyage, and Captain LOWRY will pay every attention to their comfort. A great part of the passengers are engaged. For Freight or Passage, apply to JOHN MARTIN & Co; or to, THOMAS G. FOLINGSBY, HANOVER-QUAY, Belfast, 22d April, 1830.

20. 1823 – Gelston bankrupt due to over-commitment in the risky business of maritime trade. At that time he had shares in 14 seagoing vessels – brigs & schooners – and much timber and building materials. • Lost all his property etc though family maintained a servant and Thomas retained the offices of harbourmaster & seneschal* – both the gift of Andrew Nugent. *An officer having full charge of domestic arrangements, ceremonies, the administration of justice, etc., in the household of a medieval prince or dignitary.

21. Ballyphilip Graveyard GELSTONErect. by Thomas Gelston of Portaferry, merchant, A.D.1818.Here lies the remains of the above Thomas Gelston who died 4th June 1843 aged 74 yrs.Also his wife Sarah Gelston alias PATTERSON who died March 16th 1844 aged 73 yrs.Also his son Samuel Gelston who died 29th July 1804 aged 3 yrs.Also James Gelston his son who died 6th Feb. 1830 aged 28 yrs.Also Thomas DAVIS his grandson who died 10th Mar. 1832 aged 17 mths.

22. Captain James Pollock

24. For ST. ANDREWS or ST. JOHN'S NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA  To sail from PORTAFERRY positively on 15th March The snow DORCAS SAVAGE JAMES POLLOCK Master Berthen 350 Tons The Brig SARAH & ELIZA FRANCIS MORTIMER Master  Berthen 240 Tons will succeed the Dorcas Savage, and sail from Portaferry for said Ports, positively on the 15th April. The above Vessels and Captains are well known in the Passenger Trade, and it may be necessary merely to mention that no expense shall be spared in the fitting up of berths for the reception of the Passengers, in the most comfortable manner possible.  For Freight or Passage please apply to THOMAS GELSTON AND CO (who will take care to provide a sufficient supply of the best water and fuel) or to Captains Pollock and Mortimer. Portaferry, February 1 1819

25. 1820 FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK, TO SAIL FROM PORTAFERRY Positively on the 18th March, THE WELL KNOWN FAST SAILING SNOW DORCAS SAVAGE Burthen 350 Tons, JAMES POLLOCK, Master. The high character of this Vessel, and Captain POLLOCK's humane conduct to his Passengers are so well authenticated, by the Letters and Certificates of those who have formerly crossed the Atlantic in this Ship. The Berths shall be fitted up in the most comfortable manner, and a large supply of Water and Fuel shall be provided for the voyage. For Passage, please apply to THOMAS GELSTON and Co., or Captain POLLOCK, on board the vessel. PORTAFERRY, Feb. 14, 1820.

26. 1821 First Spring Ship for New Brunswick  THE FORTUNATE GOOD SNOW  DORCAS SAVAGE JAMES POLLOCK, Master, Burthen 320 Tons  Will positively sail from PORTAFERRY for St. ANDREWS,in the British Plantations, first favourable breeze after SATURDAY, 24th March, on or before which day it is requested, the Passengers may be on board, as said Vessel, with her accustomed regularity, will proceed at the time mentioned, of which no further notice will be given. This Vessel is so well known, and the high character of Captain POLLOCK so fully established, that the usual [Puff?]is deemed unnecessary. As two-thirds of the Passengers are already engaged, immediate application is recommended.   Please apply to THOMAS GELSTON & CO. or to Captain POLLOCK, PORTAFERRY, February 8, 1821 *****

27. FIRST SPRING SHIP FOR NORTH AMERICA. FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK, The Well-Known Snow DORCAS SAVAGE, JAMES POLLOCK, Master, Will, with her usual punctuality, sail from PORTAFERRY for the above Port on WEDNESDAY, the 27th March. The character of the above Vessel, as well as Captain Pollock's attention to the comfort of his Passengers, are so well established, that any proof is deemed unnecessary. - Suffice it to say, that roomy Births will be put up, and that a large supply of Water and Fuel will be laid in for the Voyage. For Freight or Passage, please apply to THOMAS GELSTON and J. SHAW, Portaferry; Messrs. JAS. RENTOUL & CO. Downpatrick; or JAMES POLLOCK, on board the Vessel, or at his house. PORTAFERRY, 13th Feb. 1822.

29. The Montreal Herald To Captain James Pollock, Brig Portaferry. Sir - Your character for humanity to your passengers is already so fully established, that any attempt on our part to raise you in the opinion of the world may be justly deemed superfluous; possessed, however, with a just feeling of gratitude, we cannot look back on the many kind attentions you have paid us, without embracing the present opportunity of offering you our most unfeigned and heartfelt thanks for your gentlemanlike conduct and attention during our late passage of 29 days. You, Sir, not only give us the pleasure of being in a most comfortable vessel (that outsailed every other we fell in with on our voyage,) but at the same time gave us free liberty of the greatest abundance of fuel and water, and indeed, nothing was wanting on your part to make us even more comfortable than could on ship-board be expected. - Permit us then, kind Sir, to wish you many prosperous and pleasant voyages, and may your endeavours be crowned with the success which we, Your faithful Friends and obliged Servants, most fervently pray. St. Andrew's, May 1, 1824. For Ourselves and Families. (Here follow the signatures of 43 passengers.)

30. 1824 FOR SAINT ANDREWS, N.B The Snow PORTAFERRY, of Portaferry, 500 Tons Burthen, J. POLLOCK, Commander. This superior Copper-fastened Vessel has just arrived from SAINT ANDREWS, having landed her Spring Passengers,86 in number, in 29 days after leaving Portaferry (all in good health); and will positively sail again, from PORTAFERRY for the above Port, first fair wind after THURSDAY, the 22d July instant. - As a very few passengers will be taken this voyage, early application is recommended to J. POLLOCK, On board this vessel, or at his House, Portaferry. July 5, 1824

31. PortaferryShipowners in 1824 • James Pollock • James Porter • James Small • John Smith • Peter Hogan ( publican as well) • James Conway • Nicholas Fitzsimons • Gelston(Samuel son of Thomas) & Davis (John Redford, husband of Thomas’ daughter Marianne)

32. Schooner

33. McCleery’s WILLIAM McCLEERY – SHIPBUILDER – PORTAFERRY Shipyard below the old castle • 1801 – Schooner – ROSE • 1806 – SARA & ELIZABETH – sailed to Quebec & St. Andrew’s – 1813 boarded & looted by privateers. • 1813 – Brig – JANE McCLEERY – passengers to Liverpool in 1817. ( missing Newfoundland Nov. 1821) • 1826 – Brig 88 tons – MARIA • 1838 – Schooner 74 tons– SARAH • ??? - Ship- ‘MARIA McCLEERY’ left Portaferry on her maiden voyage, never to be seen again.

35. Captain William Henry McCleery – 1825 -61. • Son of William who was a well known and influential businessman, shipowner and shipbuilder in Portaferry. • Father also owned windmill, watermill and kiln in Portaferry. • William Henry – Master’s Certificate 6671 awarded 1852 in Belfast. • 1851-52 – Master of ‘North Esk’ brig of 208 tons. • 1852 – became captain of the barque ‘Ulidia’ – 263 tons – intended for China trade to carry tea to Belfast. • Last command – ‘Hilton’ 1860. Lost taking cargo of salt from Liverpool to Calcutta. Captain and crew of 34 all lost.

36. Brigantine

37. 1826 FOR ST. ANDREW'S NEW BRUNSWICK The well known fast sailing fortunate ship PORTAFERRY, Burthen 500 Tons, Stands A. I. at Lloyd's JAMES POLLOCK, Commander. Will positively Sail for the above Port on MONDAY, 20th day of March next.- For Freight or Passage, apply board the Vessel, or at his house, PORTAFERRY, to J. POLLOCK. PORTAFERRY, 6th Feb. 1826

38. 1826 ‘Andrew Nugent’ launched from Thomas Gelston’s yard ‘amid the cheers of thousands of spectators’ – two masts – 164 tons. ****4 (Captain Hugh Crangle – reared in the townland of Tara 2 miles from Portaferry. Crangle was also part owner along with William McCleery Jnr. ) This ship sailed for a decade from Sligo to British North America, principally Quebec. Lost on journey from Sligo to London.

40. from Rev. John Orr The great trade of our town was shipbuilding. Vessels up to 400 tons burthen were constructed. “Notice having been given that a very beautiful vessel of 300 tons would be launched from the shipyard of Mr. Thomas Gelston at one o’clock, the fineness of the day, and the novelty of the scene collected together an immense assemblage. On the signal being given the ‘Andrew Nugent’ glided majestically into her native element amidst the cheers of thousands of spectators.” I never saw so many people in Portaferry on any occasion. In the evening about 30 gentlemen sat down to dinner in Mr. Gelston’s. I had the honour of being one of the party.

41. 1827 Capt. James Pollock - captain of "Portaferry" . He was her master and owner and sailed her from Portaferry to St Andrews, New Brunswick until 1827. 1828 chartered by Henry Joy Holmes of Belfast from whence she sailed to Quebec under Capt. Donnan.

42. 1828 April 3rd 1828 The ‘Hibernian’ (Captain Pollock) sailed today for St. Andrews, with, I believe, about 135 passengers. Such a multitude as was on the quay, and along the shore, when she loosed off about 3 o’clock, I have seldom witnessed in Portaferry. Among the cabin passengers are Messrs, Samuel Gelston, Thomas Grey, John McBurney and William Warnock. The latter intends returning with her. We conjectured that the ‘Portaferry’ (Captain Donnan) from Belfast to Quebec passed the bar about an hour before the ‘Hibernian’ started, as a vessel was seen to pass with colours flying. (JO)

43. 1828 Arrived Quebec 1828 Oct 27— brigHibernian, Pollack, Portaferry Capt. James Pollock sailed from St. Andrews with as many as 135 passengers. On Oct 29 1828Hibernanset sail for Portaferry under the command of Thomas Pollock, 22 yrs of age and he unfortunately wrecked the vessel on Nov 7, 1828 in thick weather on the Island of Anticosti in the Gulf of St Lawrence. Capt Thomas Pollock later died of exposure and was buried there on Nov 16, 1828.

44. 1830 FOR ST. ANDREWS, NEW BRUNSWICK, The fine fast sailing British - built copper – fastened snow, PORTAFERRY, Burthen 500 Tonnes, J. POLLOCK, Commander, We Sail from PORTAFERRY for ST. ANDREWS first fair wind after SUNDAY the 28th March. The letters from the many Passengers that have crossed the Atlantic by this conveyance will best testify the comfort and accommodation afforded them. As the subscriber will go out in the Vessel himself, persons wishing to go to America in the PORTAFERRY, may rely on his pursuing that line of conduct which has procured for him so many friends in the Passenger trade during the last fifteen years. The Births will be most comfortably fitted up, and abundance of Fuel and Water provided. - Apply to J. POLLOCK. PORTAFERRY, 22nd February, 1830.

45. March 1830 NOTICE TO PASSENGERS. Those Persons who have engaged their Passages per the Snow, PORTAFERRY, of Portaferry, J. POLLOCK, Commander, for ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK, will please be in Portaferry on FRIDAY the 2nd April, as the Vessel will Sail positively the following day, wind and weather permitting. A number of Cabin and Steerage Passengers can yet be most comfortably accommodated, by early application to J. POLLOCK.PORTAFERRY, 15th March, 1830.

46. 1833 FOR CHARLESTON, South Carolina The well-known favourite Passenger Brig,  DORCAS SAVAGE,  J. LEMON, Commander, To Sail about 22d September. The above vessel will be fitted up in the most approved manner for the comfort of Passengers, with single berths. -Persons wishing to go out to the above Port, will find it in their interest to make immediate application, for Freight or Passage, to the Agents in the country, or to DAVID GRAINGER,Donegall-Quay.Sept.6, 1833.

47. Lady Dorcas Savage of Portaferry Lady Dorcas Savage, "the last of the Savages," had a ship named after her.  She was also known for her acts of charity.  Her name appeared in a poem written by Alexander McGrattan of Kansas who was from the area and remembered his hometown fondly.  The excerpt from his poem went as follows: "In eighteen hundred twenty five,A schoolhouse there was placedBy a Lady Dorcas Savage,Being the last of her race. As she did not limit cost,It is plain to be seen,The best schoolhouse in all the NorthWas then built at Ardkeen."

48. Portaferry - 1834 • A considerable portion of the town is along the shore of Strangford River, which makes the town a place of commune, from the number of vessels that are at all times at the quay. • The town is neat and contains some good houses. • The gentlemen’s residences are mostly along the shore, some of which are large and handsome for the size of the town.

49. 1834 • Communications between Strangford and Portaferry carried by a steamer – 62 feet long and 13 feet wide. Paid for by a company consisting of gentry about the country. • Harbour – vessels coming into port bring coals, timber and iron and take in exchange grain and potatoes. Vessels from Belfast and Dublin put into this safe harbour. • Good charts are in the possession of Thomas Gelston – Seneschal.

50. First steam ferry in Ireland – 36 years before Belfast had one on the Lagan! 18th April 1835 John and James Maxwell were partners in the Portaferry and Strangford Steamboat Company. So too were Thomas Gelston and William McCleery. Purpose to run steamboats between Portaferry & Strangford.