Michael Gorman

BIRTH & BAPTISM
There is no baptism for Michael Gorman in the Gorsebridge register and there are no gaps in 1837 where he could be obscured or faded. However, the IFHF (Irish Family History) have a record of Michael Gorman /baptised 1837 father James and mother Cahill which - false alarm. Not our Michael at all.
The IFHF also confirm the record for Mary in 1838.

EVIDENCE
The definite references to Michael are this one - When Ellen Gorman married Thomas Morgan in 1877, the priest at St Peters records Ellen living with Michael Gorman at 10 Upper Duke Street, Liverpool. Could this be her elder brother brother? Yes it was, although he had died the previous year, probate record shows this as his address. Noted that he is her father, but that cannot be. AND he is recorded in the 1841 census in Sweeting Street Liverpool as son of James and Ellen and the 1851 census when he is a scholar aged 14yrs living in Naylor Street.

CENSUS
The 1841 CENSUS shows James, Ellen and Mary living in Sweeting St Liverpool with John, Daniel and Michael and Mary. Name: Michael Gorman Age: 4 Estimated Birth Year: 1837 Gender: Male Where born: Ireland Civil parish: Liverpool Hundred: Liverpool County/Island: Lancashire Country: England Registration district: Liverpool Sub-registration district: Dale Street Piece: 562 Book: 6 Folio: 16 Page number: 24 Household Members: Name Age John Gorman 40 James Gorman 35 Daniel Gorman 30 Ellen Gorman 25 Michael Gorman 4 Mary Gorman 2

Daniel and John are James' brothers. He has just arrived from Kilkenny with a wife and two toddlers. Staying with brothers makes sense. Michael is 4 yrs old and Mary 2 and Daniel Jnr would be born there.

1851 CENSUS
Name [Michael Gorman ] Michl Gormon Age 14 Estimated Birth Year 1837 Relation Son Father's Name Jas Gormon Mother's Name Ellen Gormon Gender Male Where born Ireland Civil parish Liverpool Ecclesiastical parish St Bartholomew Town Liverpool County/Island Lancashire Country England Registration district Liverpool Sub-registration district Howard Street ED, institution, or vessel 1w Neighbors Household Members 6 Others are Jas Gormon, Ellen Gormon, Danl Gormon, Mary Gormon and Ellen Gormon. This is unequivocally our James and Ellen and Michael is recorded as their son.
Name: Michl Gormon
[Michael Gorman]
Age: 14
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1837
Relation: Son
Father's Name: Jas Gormon
Mother's Name: Ellen Gormon
Gender: Male
Where born: Ireland
Civil Parish: Liverpool
Ecclesiastical parish: St Bartholomew
Jas Gormon 45
Ellen Gormon 40
Michl Gormon 14
Danl Gormon 14
Mary Gormon 12
Ellen Gormon 2

Another Michael Gorman b1837
Baptised at St Anthony's Catholic Church Liverpool on 18 June 1837, Micheal Gorman, born 15 June 1837 to John Gorman and Catherine Diver. His godparents/sponsors were Michael Derick and Julia Derick. See below See docs St Anthony's was our Gorman family's parish church from their arrival in Liverpool, and where Ellen and the girls are all buried and the families might have known each other. It is a Liverpool baptism, and the census shows the parents born 1807-1811, so ten years too young to be James' brother John, and all the children are born Liverpool. This Michael became a sergeant #3804, in the 50th Regiment of Foot on 21 Jan 1853, aged 17yrs. He was discharged as a Chelsea Pensioner at Birr, Co.Offaly, Ireland, on 10th April 1876, after serving in Malta, Crimea, Turkey (2yrs4mths), Ceylon (6yrs1mth) and the Australian Colonies (5yrs7mths). He was awarded medals for Crimea, New Zealand (Maori Wars), and Turkish wars.

1851 census: Name: Michl Gormon Age: 14 Estimated Birth Year: 1837 Relation: Son Father's Name: Jas Gormon Mother's Name: Ellen Gormon Gender: Male Where born: Ireland Civil parish: Liverpool Ecclesiastical parish: St Bartholomew Town: Liverpool County/Island: Lancashire Country: England Registration district: Liverpool Sub-registration district: Howard Street ED, institution, or vessel: 1w Household schedule number: 92 Piece: 2178 Folio: 674 Page number: 24 Household Members: Name Age Jas Gormon 45 Ellen Gormon 40 Danl Gormon 14 Michl Gormon 14 Mary Gormon 12 Ellen Gormon 2

Michael is not present in the 1861 census returns with any known member of the family because he was 24 years old and by then well established in the merchant navy.

ELECTORAL ROLL
Michael Gorman was a registered voter for many years at 25 Richmond Row, Liverpool which is beside Richmond Fair where James' father lived with the Wilson family until his death. Not our Michael because he was still there after both James and Michael had died, and our Michael was living at Upper Duke Street, a much more salubrious neighbourhood.

The cholera epidemics of 1849 and 1854 cut a swathe through Michael's family. His brother John died in 1849, and mother, sisters Mary and Catherine1, and uncle Daniel all died in 1854. Sister, Catherine2 died in 1855 aged 6 months. The family home was broken up and Ellen and James Jnr went to live with their aunt Bridget Flynn, and Michael joined the merchant navy in 1853.

In 1862 he had his mate certificate and was master mariner in 1872.

I HAVE FOUND MICHAEL AT LAST
When Ellen Gorman married Thomas Morgan in 1877, the priest at St Peters records Ellen living with Michael Gorman at 10 Upper Duke Street, Liverpool. Could this be her brother? Yes it was. Noted that he is her father, but that cannot be.
The property at 10 Upper Duke St was let out as furnished or unfurnished appartments so Michael would have had a lease to rent which passed to Ellen at his death until its expiry.Michael was living just around the corner from his uncle Daniel in Ranelagh Street. In 1871 it was to let as a house and greengroceries and provisions shop bringing a rent of 30 pounds pa. so perhaps Michael had an income from it. Also possible that Ellen was managing the shop.
In 1879 Thomas and Ellen Morgan were still living there and their first son was born there on 8th March.

Liverpool was a great trading port, Michael's father worked on the docks, so going to sea would be easy and obvious when he no longer had a home with his family.

MICHAEL IN THE MERCHANT MARINE
Historically a person wishing to become a captain, or master prior to about 1969, had three choices: to attend one of the three elite naval schools from the age of 12, the fixed-base HMS Conway and HMS Worcester or Pangbourne Nautical College, which would automatically lead to an apprenticeship as a seagoing cadet officer; apply to one of several training programmes elsewhere; or go to sea immediately by applying directly to a merchant shipping company at about age 17. Then there would be three years (with prior training or four years without) of seagoing experience aboard ship, in work-clothes and as mates with the deck crew, under the direction of the bo'sun cleaning bilges, chipping paint, polishing brass, cement washing freshwater tanks, and holystoning teak decks, and studying navigation and seamanship on the bridge in uniform, under the direction of an officer, before taking exams to become a second mate.

I have found an apprenticeship indenture for Michael Gorman dated 1847. The ship owner was Wm Sattler of Yorkshire, the ship Vernon reg 181 Stockton, and Michael seems to have joine in Cardiff. There is no evidence to establish this Michael is our Michael. He would have been 11yrs old at the time, a fairly usual time for a boy to sign up for a 5 yr apprenticeship at sea, and he would become an AB and possibly a petty officer. If he was our Michael, he would finish the apprenticeship at 16yrs in 1853 and have sufficient seagoing experience to apply to a company at 1ge 17yrs for training as an officer.However, I would be surprised if our Michael was indentured in Stockton or Cardiff unless someone in the family had contacts there to get him an apprenticeship. Only Thomas Morgan sailed to Cardiff and it would be another 20 yrs before he married Michael's sister Ellen, so it seems unlikely. I will put the indenture in docs in case it becomes relevant or some other Gorman family is looking for a mariner Michael.

The evidence I have found so far suggests the Michael went to sea abt. 17yrs as a cadet, however there is a Michael Gorman

First name(s) Michael
Series BT116
Last name Gorman
Piece number 38
Birth year 1836
Date range 1853-1857
Birth date ? ? 1836
Country Great Britain
Age 18
Record set Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857
Birth place Kilkenny
Birth county/country Kilkenny
[This records Michael enlisting in the merchant navy in 1854 at 18yrs. He was probably a cadet on the way to officer.]

UK and Ireland, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 Name: Michael Gorman Estimated Age: 25 Birth Date: 1837 Birth Place: Liverpool, Lancashire Issue Date: 25 Feb 1862 Issue Port: Liverpool Certificate Number: 25.274 Mates Certificate 1862 See docs

UK and Ireland, Masters and Mates Certificates, 1850-1927 Name: Michael Gorman Estimated Age: 35 Birth Date: 1837 Birth Place: Liverpool, Lancashire Issue Date: 20 Feb 1872 Issue Port: Liverpool Certificate Number: 25.274 See docs for his Masters certificate of 1872.

First name(s) Michael Last name Gorman Age 18 Birth year 1836 Birth date ? ? 1836 Birth place Kilkenny Birth county/country Kilkenny Archive The National Archives Series BT116 Piece number 38 Date range 1853-1857 Record set Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857
[He is born Kilkenny and sails out of Liverpool. This Michael sailed in the same ship (Arab) that took James Robert Richardson to NZ in 1842, and seems to have been in Savannah, Georgia, US, on 18 May 1858] See docs

BRITISH MERCHANT SEAMEN
Michael Gorman, Kilkenny, b.1836.
Sailed out of Liverpool in “Arab” out in 1854; Home in “Socrates” 1854: 1855 Home in “Arab” from Savanah Georgia: 1858 Home to Liverpool in “Arab” from Savanah Georgia – note about the master. Not stated the ship in which he sailed out.
[This might be Michael's first voyage after training. He enlisted at age 17yrs for international service in the merchant marine in 1853/54, and was on a path to be an officer.]

In 1854 Michael had his first voyage OUT (from Liverpool) in "Arab" #8155; and RET to Liverpool in "Socrates" #135504, a ship in the Lamport and Holt Line.
Lamport and Holt Line
The company started in 1845 with the sailing ship CHRISTABEL to operate in the cotton trade from Alexandria and off Lamport & Holtseason marble trade from Italy. Later voyages were made to other areas including New Orleans, Bombay, Australia and New Zealand.
The company started in 1845 with the sailing ship CHRISTABEL to operate in the cotton trade from Alexandria and off Lamport & Holtseason marble trade from Italy. The company was bought 1865 by Liverpool, Brazil and River Plate Steam Navigation Company to operate services to the East coast of South America. Michael might have continued with them through this period.

CORRINNE
Michael was master of the British barque Corrinne in the 1870's possibly since gaining his masters certificate in 1872, although it is also possible that he was captain of Corrinne earlier as certified Mate. If so, he might have been sailing in the 1860s between the Chinese Treaty Ports and America. I have found references to an American merchant writing letters to his wife from British barque Corinne : Yang-tse-kiang refers to the Yangtze or Yangzi River, Eng refers to the British quarter, and Fr. refers to France the French quarter. See Albert, on board the British Barque Corinne, to Abigail, Lancaster, MA, July 30, 1865. and Albert to Abigail, July 30, 1865 (Albert started writing the letter on July 30 while on board the British barque Corinne, but did not finish it until Aug. 13).
(Always possible there was another British barque named Corinne sailing in the Chinese Treaty Ports)

Of the reports below, I cannot be assured that the coastal shipping is our Michael. Captain Gorman (either Timothy, Daniel or Patrick) sailing out of Limerick seems more likely for coastal trade, with Michael registered for sailing overseas. The ones I am confident of with documentation are all overseas sailings. There seems to be a Gorman family of mariners based in Limerick who mostly sailed the Baltic, North Sea North Atlantic and coastal trade. There were also Gorman mariners sailing out of Waterford.

Here are the Gormans on Lloyds of London Captains List - includes Michael.

GORMAN, Daniel b. Co. Clare 1795 S40274 vol.6 1856-1866

GORMAN, Herbert b. Hamilton, Lanark 1882 038960 Glasgow 1909 vol.78 1909-1911 Extra Folio 7
GORMAN, Michael b. Liverpool 1837 #C25274 Liverpool 1872 vol.6 1872-1873; vol.19 1874
GORMAN, Timothy b. Co. Clare 1799 S72541 vol.6 1856-1858, 1869-1865

Shipping & Mercantile Gazette 16 Oct 1862
This might or might not be Michael Gorman, but he was a mate at the time and could be called captain of a smaller ship - more likely Timothy or Patrick.
Quebec
The Swordfish, Caren, Sept 17th from St John's (N.F.) which arrived in port on Wednesday evening, brings 30 passengers who were wrecked in the Challenger, Gorman, from Limerick. They reported that Captain Gorman and his men behaved admirable in standing by them until they all got on shore. They lost all their baggage, and are bound for Toronto. (C.W.)

Glasgow Morning Journal 12 April 1864
STRANGE FREAK OF A FISH
Captain Gorman of the "Belle Creole", which arrived here on Monday from Moulmein, reports that, on Friday 17th in Lat. 1 17S, Long 25 18W, at 6pm, a fish weighing 45lbs and 5 and half feet in length, jumped on board over the starboard side, abaft the main rigging. The leap must have been at least 30 feet. The fish was of the snuck species, and made two excellent meals for the whole crew of 24 men. [A small enough ship for a Mate to be designed captain and definitely our Michael who was sailing in the "Far East"]

Preston Chronicle 14 August 1869 (ditto Preston herald)
STRANDING OF A SCHOONER NEAR SOUTHPORT
Owing to the very heavy rain on Saturday evening there was a considerable amount of water near Southport, and to vessels the lights were not discernable. At an early hour on Sunday morning the Schooner Sir William Wallace, trading between Dundalk and Preston, commanded by Captain Gorman, was entering Southport in ballast, when she struck upon the sands. For a considerable time the crew remained in an exceedingly perilous position, owing to the state of the water. The schooner was seen by the Lytham and Southport lifeboats, who hastened to her assistance, and with their united exertions the vessel was got safely into the "Bog" with only slight injuries. [Probably captain Gorman from Limerick again]

I think it is very likely that Michael took his young brother James to sea after he passed his Mates certificate in 1862. James disappears from the records in 1862; there is a family story handed down from the daughter of Michael and James' sister, Ellen Morgan, Sissie. to Paddy Gorman, James' son, and then Jean Gorman, granddaughter to James that says James went to Canada aged 9yrs (1861) and returned aged 19yrs in 1871. He reappears in records on a passenger list in 1877 bound for Australia. My best guess is that Michael left James a legacy when he died in 1876, that enabled James to fund his emigration from Liverpool. There was possibly communication and contact in Canada between Thomas Patrick Gorman, Michael and James' uncle, and his nephews. In the 1860s and 70s Michael was regularly sailing to the 'Far east' and Australia which might have motivated James to migrate to Melbourne rather than Canada or the US.

CREOLE
1864: Belfast: DESERTING A SHIP: Thomas Hughes, a sailor, was charged by Messrs Phillips & Moore with having deserted the barque Creole, at Miramichi (Canada) Mr Phillips and Capt Gorman proved the charges. It transpired that several other members of the crew had deserted, and were now undergoing punishment. They had deserted in the hope of getting higher wages

JESSIE: 1856: Capt Gorman, 10 crew deserted in Quebec. Definitely Daniel Gorman from Limerick. He took famine migrants to Quebec in the 1850s. Timothy Gorman, capt of the Jane Black also sailed to the Americas in the 1850s from Limerick. Jane Black was lost in 1859 and the crew reascued.

CORINNE
1867: Corrinne in Valparaiso with produce, and wheat in tonnes for Liverpool
1869: The barque Corrinne, Laidman, of London, arr at Bimlipataan from Bombay, on May 18th, all well, to load for Marseilles.
1870: North Shields, barque Corrinne, Capt Laidman, for Suez via Suez Canal, arr Port Said, all well, on the 1st inst., 18 days from Marseilles.
1872: barque Corrinne, Capt Laidman, of North Shields, left Saigon for Hong Kong March 27th.
The ship sailed regularly around SE Asia and East Asia including Batavia, Saigon, Hong Kong, Chefoo, Kampirt, Charibon, etc. and south to Sydney. She also sailed to American ports including Philadelphia In 1872/3 its captain seems to be Laidman, and Michael probably took over as master in 1873.
1873: Sydney arrived: Corrinne from Batavia
1873: Algiers: Arr Sept 25 Corrinne, Wales, from Cagliari
1876: sailed, from Deal, Corrinne for Brisbane

Captain Michael Gorman was Master of "Corrinne" at his death in 1876, and sailed regularly to Asian and Australian ports..
Brisbane Courier 24 Oct 1867
TO BE SOLD AT HARRIS' BOND :
U over 206. 1 Package Cigars, 115 11-16 lbs., warehoused by J. and G. Harris, at Harris' Bond, February 18, 1864, ex Maid, of Riverton. ,
N over 212. 10 Cases Old Tom, 17 26-32 gallons, warehoused by J. and G. Harris, at Harris' Bond, on April 5, 1864, ex Flying Cloud.
-F over 225. 5 Cases Rum, 9 22 32 gallons, warehoused by H. Eden, at Harris' Bond, July 7, 1864, ex Corrinne.
E over 225. 5 Cases Whisky, 9 22.32 gallons, warehoused by H. Eden, at Harris' Bond, July 7,1864, ex Corrinne.
T over 238. 18 Cases Wine, 35 36 32 gallons, warehoused by Harris, at Harris' Bond, September 24, 1864, ex Queen of the Colonies.
B over 239. 2 Cases Cordials, '3 30-32 gallons, warehoused by Harris, at Harris' Bond, September 24, 1864, ex Queen of the Colonies.
C over 239. 1 Case Cordials, 1 26-32 gallons, warehoused by Harris, at Harris' Bond, September 24, 1864, ex Queen of the Colonies.
M over 239. 30 Cases Wine, 60 gallons, warehoused by Harris, at Harris'Bond, September 2 J, 1864, ex Queen of the Colonies.
Z over 208. 1 Package Tobacco, 89 lbs., warehoused by C. Munro, at Munro's Bond, on March 3,1864, ex Telegraph.
Rent and Charges Paid up to Date.
Terms Cash. 3320
: J n Auction Sales.

Express & Telegraph Adelaide 24 June 1873
Sydney arrivals: 22 June, Corrinne, barque from Batavia.

South Australian Register 17 Dec 1875
SPECIAL NOTICE.
LARGE SALE O? CHINA GOODS AT THE TOWN HALL.
HOURLY EXPECTED PER SHIP CORRINNE.
VALUABLE SELECTION OF CHINA AND JAPANESE GOODS
(To be sold bj auction immediately on arrival Without Reserve).
SOLOMON & SALOM
are instructed by the Importer, Mr. M. C. Davies, to sell by public auction, at the Town Hall, immediately on arrival—
A Large and Valuable Shipment of CHOICE
JAPANESE and CHINESE GOODS per Corrinne, consisting: of—
CANEWARE.
Chairs, Bets Clothes Baskets, Picnic, Market,
Fruit, and Office Baskets, Suites of Furniture.
PORCELAIN.
Handsome Vases, Jars. Toilet, Dessert, Tea, and Breakfast Services, Centre Card Receivers with Carved Ebony Stands, Enamelled Cups.
SILKS.
Finest China Twilled and Corded Silk Dress pieces
Rich Pina and Satin Striped Ball Dresses
Plain White and Fancy Washing Silks
Choice Sza-Chun Silk Coatings and Handker
chiefs.
CABINETWARE.
Japanese Cabinetwork Cigar, Glove, Handkerchief, and Fancy Boxes, Teacaddies, Chess and Draught Boards, Wine Trays, Chowcfeow Cups, sets of Ivory Draught and Chess Men, Ivory Napkin Rings, Glove Stretchers,
Pearl Card and Whist Counters, Cigar Cases, Boxes of Japanese Toys.
FURNITURE.
Camphorwood Chests of D:awers, Secretaires, and Boxes, Tables, Hatstands, kz.
JEWELLERY, &c
A large and Varied Assortment of Handsome Ivory, Sandalwood, and Feather Fans, set of Real Filagree Brooches and Buttons. Japanese Shirt and Solitaire SoulU and Bracelets.
SUNDRIES. :
Chinese Gong?, Stone Figures, Toys Cane Verandah and Window Blinds
Very Handeoma Brocza Ceatre-Siand and Ornaments ' -
Catalogues in due course.
The Auctioneers are instructed to stite that
EVERY U&E WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE. On TUESDAY, December 21, at 2 o'clock.

Express & Telegraph, Adelaide 23 Dec 1875
THIS DAY
THURSDAY DEC 23
[Before Mr G F Dashwood, S M] Richard Stewart, mate of the Corrinne, pleaded guilty to being absent from the vessel without leave, but at the request of Mr Webb, on behalf of captain Gorman, he was ordered onboard his vessel.
South Australian Advertiser: 1 Jan 1876
Corrinne must have been in Adelaide for the New Years Day regatta because the captain donated prizes for the Gig race for all comers.

Express &Telegraph Adelaide 15 Jan 1876
Cleared Friday Jan 14: Corrinne barque, 396tons, M. Gorman for Sydney. Passenger – Mr Robert Davies in the Cabin.

SMH Jan 27 1876
ARRIVAL _ 26
Corrinne, barque, 396tons, Captain Gorman, from Adelaide, 15th inst. Passenger -- Mr Davis, Captain, agent.

Mariners and ships in Australian Waters

CORINNE
of London, MICHAEL GORMAN, Master, Burthen 396 Tons
from the Port of ADELAIDE to SYDNEY, New South Wales, 27th Jan 1876

Surname Given name Station Age Of what Nation Status Comments
GORMAN MICHAEL CAPTAIN CREW
SMITH JOHN A. B. 43 FINLAND CREW
DETEREN HANS A. B. 26 NORWAY CREW
SCHMICK H. A. B. 29 GERMANY CREW
JOHNSON PETER A. B. 37 LONDON CREW
MATHIERON ALEX MATE 30 WICKS CREW
SMITH SAMUEL A. B. 24 COLCHESTER CREW
RICHMOND EDGAR A. B. 26 LONDON CREW
CHAMBERS W. A. A. B. 26 LIVERPOOL CREW
SWANSON CHARLES A. B. 26 DENMARK CREW
ALEXANDER HENRY C & S 34 JAMAICA CREW
DAVIS ROBERT PASSENGER CABIN

SMH 7 Feb 1876
CLEARANCES February 3
Corrinne, barque, 396tons, Captain Gorman, for Hong Kong via Newcastle, with part of original cargo.

SMH 14 FEB 1876:
Newcastle arrivals; Feb 10, Corrinne, barque, 396, Gorman, from Sydney.

Sunderland Daily Echo & Shipping Gazette July 1876
Corrinne left Sunderland for Brisbane

In Hong Kong Harbour arr. 25 Oct (year not clear, poss. 1876)
Corinne, Gorman, British barque 396; Wieler & Co London (shipping agents who owned or leased the vessel and employed Michael).

Newspapers show "Corinne" on Lloyd's List, with Captain Gorman, sailing regularly to Australia, Batavia (Indonesia), East Asia and Pacific Islands.
Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser of 20 March 1873 reports 'Corinne' arrived at Nantes from Liverpool, but no captain named.

DEATH & BURIAL
Liverpool Mercury 12 December 1876
FATAL ACCIDENT TO A SEA CAPTAIN. --We have been requested to publish the following particulars of the accident to Michael Gorman, late master of the British barque Corinne, in the hope that the circumstances of the transaction may meet they eye of some of the friends of the deceased, who are living in Liverpool. From the Hong Kong Daily Express of October 30 we learn that on the night of the 25th of that month deceased who was 38 years of age, and had a sister living in Liverpool, went on board his vessel off Hong Kong, after taking tea with Captain Partridge and Mr Alexander Matheson, the chief mate of the Corinne. Later in the evening it was reported that Captain Gorman was overboard, and before assistance could be rendered, he sank. The body was not recovered until the 28th. It is supposed that the captain fell asleep on the poop and tumbled into the sea. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death".

Liverpool Mercury 13 December 1876
Deaths
GORMAN:-- Oct 25, accidentally drowned, at Hong Kong, aged 39, Captain Michael Gorman, of the British barque Corinne.

[This is the right man.  Might this be why James decided to come to Australia the following year? Was James sailing with him which would account for the missing years?]

Shipping and Mercantile Gazette 13 Dec 1876
An inquest has been held in Hong Kong on the body of Michael Gorman, late master of the British barque Corrinne. On the night of Oct 26th the deceased, who was 38 years of age, went on board his vessel off Hong Kong, after taking tea with captain Partridge and Mr Alexander Matheson, the Chief Mate of the Corrinne. Later in the evening it was reported that Captain Gorman was overboard, and before assistance could be rendered, he sank. The body was not recovered until the 28th. It was supposed that the Captain had fallen asleep on the poop and tumbled into the sea. The jury reurned a verdict of "Accidental Death".

Full report of the inquest is now in docs. It shows that Michael had been drinking. A Malay seaman said he was not steady on his feet and the Chief Officer said he was sober but had been drinking. The court included representarives of Michael's employer, and seemed to be at pains ignore the contribution alcohol might have made to his ignominious death. Michael was able to swim but might have been dragged down by sea boots and heavy clothing - usually wool uniform jacket and trousers.

London & ChinaTelegraph 18 Dec 1876
HONG KONG
We regret to hear of the sudden death by drowning of Captain Gorman of the British barque “Corrinne”. The unfortunate man was sleeping on a grating over the wheel chains on a level with the top of the rail, and rolled overboard in his sleep. Every effort was made to save him, but without success.

Overland China Mail 9th Nov 1876
We regret to hear of the sudden death by drowning of Capt. Gorman, of the British barque Corrinne. The unfortunate man was sleeping on a grating over the wheel chains on a level with the top of the rail, and rolled overboard in his sleep about half past 8 on the evening of the 25th ult. Every effort was made to save him, but without success.

Overland China Mail 9 Nov 1876
INQUESTS
An inquest was held on the 28th at the Old Government Civil Hospital by Mr F Stewart Coroner, with Messrs O W Weiler, M E Sassoon, and L P Periera, as jury. on the body of Captain Michael Gorman, late Master of the British barque Corrinne, who died from falling overboard while asleep.
Dr Ayers, Colonial Surgeon, stated that the body of deceased was brought here this morning and he examined it at 11 o'clock. It was much decomposed. There were no marks of violence on the body. It had been in the water some days. The wounds on the body had been caused by the gnawing of fishes. He saw no other injuries on the body. He could not certify to the actual cause of death, but the body had all the appearances of death by drowning. Captain Richard Partridge, Master of the British brigantine Syringa, was called. He identified the body as that of Michael Gorman. The deceased was not married, and was a native of Ireland. On the 25th instant at 8pm, witness left the deceased's vessel, and he shook hands with him at the gangway. He was in perfect health then. As far as witness knew, the deceased was perfectly sober when witness parted with him. He arrived the same day from Haiphong.
Mr Alexander Matheson, Chief Officer of the Corrinne, was next examined and stated as follows: The deceased was about 38, born in Kilkenny, ireland. His parents were both dead, but he had a sister living in Liverpool. He had three brothers living. The ship arrived on the 25th inst. about 8.30am. He went ashore about 11 o'clock on the business of the ship. He returned about 6.30 pm with last witness. I had tea with him as also Capt Partridge. He was sober but he had been drinking. He went on deck with capt Partridge after tea. He was talking with Capt Partridge and seeing him off. I went below as I had business. Everything was quiet and I thought deceased had gone to sleep on deck as he always did. Shortly afterwards a Malay reported to me that the Captain was overboard. I ran on deck at once and alarmed the crew. I at once ordered a boat to be lowered. I saw the Captain a short distance from the stern in the water. He appeared to be struggling and apparently not conscious. I called the deceased by name and this raised him somewhat to consciousness. He replied "yes" "aye". I called out that the boat would be with him directly. I then went into the boat, but by that time, the deceased disappeared. from the time the first alarm was given to the time we got to the spot where I expected to find deceased, it was about three minutes. There was a breeze from the east which made the sea lumpy. We searched about but could not find him. I returned on board to get a grapple and endeavoured to find the body until10.15 pm, but without success. The body was found this morning at 8 o'clock. The Captain was in the habit of sleeping in a cain chair on the poop or on the grating ehich covered the steering gear. It was about two feet from the deck and flush with the rail. There was no protection around this railing. It was a very dangerous place to sleep on and deceased had been cautioning people from sleeping there. There was no sampan in the stern when the captain fell down. He could swim. There was nothing he could knock against in his fall. The crew consisted of eight Malay A Bs. The Captain, myself and the second mate were the only European officers. I have no suspicion of foul play. There was no ill-feeling against him on board.
Allee, seaman on board the Corrinne, stated that he was at anchor watch on the evening of the 25th about 8 o'clock. The deceased was walking the deck smoking. He did not walk steadily, and witness believed that he was under the influence of drink. He then sat down near the wheel on the grating. He then lay down. About ten minutes after he lay down, witness heard a splash in the water. He went to the place where he had seen the captain lie, but did not see him there. On looking over he saw deceased in the water swimming.He immediately reported to the mate. The mate came up and ordered a boat to be lowered. Witness went in the boat and assisted in searching for the body but failed. There was no-one on the same part of the vessel with deaceased before he fell overboard. Witness could not say how the deceased fell overboard. If witness was sober he could sleep safely where the captain had been sleeping.
The Coroner said that he would questionthat. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death from drowning.
[Only Daniel and James of Michael's brothers were still living]

Historically, the composition of the crew on UK ships was diverse. This was a characteristic of the extant of the shipping companies trade, the extent of the British Empire and the availability of crew in different ports. One ship might have a largely all British crew, while another might have a crew composed of many Indians, Chinese or African sailors. Crews from outside Britain were usually drawn from areas in which the ship traded, so Far East trading ships had either Singapore or Hong Kong crews.

Michael Gorman
in the England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
Name: Michael Gorman
Death Date: 25 Oct 1876
Death Place: Lancashire, England
Probate Date: 30 Jan 1877
Probate Registry: Liverpool, England

Michael Gorman Assets under 200L. 30 January. Administration of the effects of Michael Gorman, late of 10 Upper Duke Street Liverpool in the County of Lancaster Master Mariner a bachelor who died 25 October 1876 at Hong Kong in China was granted at Liverpool to Ellen Gorman of 10 Upper Duke Street Spinster the sister and one of the next of kin.

Marine Wills No C25274 ie Michael's will is registered to his Liverpool registration No as an officer #C25274

Michael's legacy gave his house to Ellen where her first child was born, and probably enabled James to pay the high cost of his voyage to Australia. I also imagine that Michael's reports of Australia might have influenced James to come here rather than the US or Canada. I have no information re what, if anything, went to his brother Daniel.