Research Forum

Robert Graham - killed at sea 11th November 1844
published by on Sun, 09/10/2016 - 22:57

I'm a descendant of Robert Graham who was a ship owner/master out of Newcastle. He was killed 11th November 1844 when, heading for Bristol from Nantes in France in the ship 'Sarah' during a bitter storm, he fell from the foresail mast and crashed to the deck. The storm was so bad it took two days to make port. Robert Graham was buried shortly after in Burnham on Sea. I believe his gravestone, being exposed to the sea for such a long time, is unreadable.

If anyone can help me trace his burial records or any other information I would be very appreciative.

David Graham

Comments ..

Submitted by on Mon, 10/10/2016 - 15:21

He is Buried 16th November 1844 at Burnham, abode is blank but it is noted in the margin that he is a seaman. I don't know if any MIs have been done for this graveyard but I'm sure someone like Pat will be able to advise you.

Submitted by Pat Hase on Tue, 11/10/2016 - 14:39

Thanks for the vote of confidence Scottydog! You may already have this from the Bristol Mercury of 23rd Nov 1844

BURNHAM on SEA, Nov. 15.-The Sarah, of Newcastle, from Nantes, with a cargo of barley, bound to Bristol, arrived here last night. The above vessel, after a disastrous voyage and experiencing dreadful weather, with the whole of her crew nearly exhausted, made Lundy island about noon on Tuesday last. The master, Robert Graham, went up on the fore-topsail yard to make out the land clearly, when he suddenly fell and was killed on the spot. The mate, after.laying the vessel to for two days, with a jack flying for a pilot, without getting one, ran the vessel up channel until boarded by a Bridgwater pilot, who brought the ship off Burnham, for the purpose of interning the captain. It is expected that an inquest will be held on the body to-day, in which case the vessel will proceed to Bristol to-morrow.

He was buried at St Andrew's Church Burnham on Sea as can be seen from our transcriptions on this site. The Somerset & Dorset FHS have published some MIs for Somerset but as far as I know they do not include any for Burnham on Sea. You might try the North Sedgemoor Local History Group which meets in Burnham - one of their members may be able to help you - my contact for them is John Strickland - They would be interested in the story anyway.

Submitted by on Wed, 12/10/2016 - 11:46

Many thanks for the research. I didn't know the Sarah was carrying barley. New information for me. Also, I was unsure if Robert Graham was buried at St Andrew's or not. Now I know. I'll pass this information on to the family.

I'll send an email to John Strickland to see if he can find out a little more.

All the best.

Submitted by on Wed, 12/10/2016 - 11:50

Thank you scottydog. It's a fascinating piece of family history so I'll pursue it further.