Sailing Ships & Sea Captains of Portaferry

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)

1629

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

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.

20th June 1769A stout new vessel, Thomas

McCready master, will sail from Portaferry 27th June, wind and weather permitting to take

goods to the Chester Fair.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PortaferryFor a century or so Portaferry was a

busy thriving coastal town full of master mariners, shipowners and

shipbuilders, rope-makers and ships’ chandlers. Its fishermen too

flourished: sand smelt were sold in Belfast as ‘Portaferry chicken.’

Shipbuilding in Portaferry

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.’

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

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.)

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,

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

NOW IN PORT, To succeed the Earl of Aberdeen, for QUEBEC,

the fine fast-sailing Copper-fastened Ship,

THOMAS GELSTONJOHN LOWRY, Commander,To clear positively 5th May,

On which day Passengers are required to be inBelfast, to go on board.

This favourite Vessel is above seven feet highbetween decks, and being very roomy, is a most

desirable Ship for Passengers. Large stores ofFuel and Water will be laid in for the voyage,

and Captain LOWRY will pay every attention totheir 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.

• 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.

Ballyphilip GraveyardGELSTON

Erect. 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.

Captain James Pollock

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 & ELIZAFRANCIS 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

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.

1820

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*****

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 fromPORTAFERRY 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.

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.)

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

• James Conway• Nicholas Fitzsimons• Gelston(Samuel son

of Thomas) & Davis (John Redford, husband of Thomas’ daughter Marianne)

• James Pollock• James Porter• James Small• John Smith• Peter Hogan ( publican as well)

Portaferry Shipowners in 1824

Schooner

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.

MO 6/12/2006*

.William McCLEERYsenior

& junior Ballyphilipwoollen drapers in Portaferry in 1824 P

OD

.William McCLEERY juniorBallyphilip

of Portaferry; a merchant & shipowner; executor in the will of David McDonnell in 1833; organised a steamferry crossing to Strangford ; director of Co. Down & Liverpool Steamboat Company in 1836

IIW # 43206; LR 2009 p23

.William McCLEERY .Ballyphilip

will probated in 1836; executor was James McCleery of Portaferry

IIW # 44488

.William McCLEERY .Ballyphilip

a corn merchant & miller in Portaferry in 1846 P

OD

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.

Brigantine

1826

FOR ST. ANDREW'S NEW BRUNSWICKThe well known fast sailing fortunate ship

PORTAFERRY,Burthen 500 Tons,

Stands A. I. at Lloyd'sJAMES 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

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.

from Rev. John OrrThe 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.

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.

1828April 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)

1828

Arrived Quebec 1828 Oct 27— brig Hibernian, Pollack, PortaferryCapt. James Pollock sailed from St. Andrews with as

many as 135 passengers.

On Oct 29 1828 Hibernan set 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.

1830FOR 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 andWater provided. - Apply to

J. POLLOCK.PORTAFERRY, 22nd February, 1830.

March 1830NOTICE 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.

1833FOR 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.

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 placed

By 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 North

Was then built at Ardkeen."

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.

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.

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.

First steam ferry in Ireland – 36 years before Belfast had one on the Lagan!

Lady of the Lake

May 29th 1836 – new steamer, Lady of the lake, launched from Alexander McLaine’s shipyard in Belfast.

Built expressly to ply between Portaferry and Strangford.

‘A safe and comfortable passage every 15 minutes.’

Maiden voyage June 18 1836

Marriage of Selina, eldest daughter of Andrew Nugent of Portaferry House and niece of Viscount de Vesci and James Stronge, son of Sir. James Stronge of Tynan Abbey Co. Armagh.

***5

Lady of the Lake

Shipowners in 1842

• Thomas Gelston Jnr – ship agent

• William McCleery – grain merchant

• Hugh Wilson – tea, coal, iron, grain, timber

• W & J Maxwell – flour millers and farina manufacturers

1845 - 1847

Schooner – Hugh Charles Bowden

Captain – Robert CrangleOwner – Hugh Brown of

PortaferrySailed from Portaferry to

Belfast , Dublin, and to Liverpool, Greenock, Inverness and Glasgow.

Cargoes:• Coal

• Potatoes• Wheat• Pig iron

Wages: Robert Crangle ,Master - £4 a monthWilliam Kighey, Mate – 45/= a monthJames Murray, boy – 7/= a month

Portaferry 1851

Portaferry, is a thriving seaport and market town in County Down, twenty nine miles S.E. by S. from Belfast, situated on the Eastern shore of the strait to the sea that forms the entrance to Strangford Lough. From the strength of the current the name Strong-ford, and hence, by corruption, Strangford is derived. At Portaferry is a good quay, where vessels of light burden can discharge their cargoes. There is a considerable trade in corn and agricultural produce, and that in coal and timber is of importance, and the merchants and ship owners of the port are respectable. The embroidering of muslin is the occupation of numerous females in the town and neighbourhood. The herring fishery is carried on in the months of June to September inclusive. The town consists of a small square, three streets and a range of houses along the quay.

Men with the sea in their blood.

Royal Navy Personnel

Portaferry Men• Andrew Secombe –

1846• George Sweeney - 1858• Hugh McGrattan – 1859• John Jeffrey - 1862• Andrew Cord – 1863• Thomas Wallis - 1866• Thomas Cowan – 1868

• William John Wotherspoon - 1874

• Hugh Murray - 1883• Joseph McMullan -

1891• John Watterson – 1893• Andrew Smyth - 1893• James McGuan - 1899

HMS Nelson

Shipping News 1881 Date of Arrival at Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand Nelson

25/12/1880

52 passengers

HMS Nelson, Armour Belted Cruiser 1882

‘IF A SINGULAR BRITISH WARSHIP could be called the harbinger of the formation of the Royal Australian Navy, that warship is HMS Nelson.’

Ship: Nelson; Official number: 64460. • George Mulholland; rank/rating, Master; age, 40; place of birth, Portaferry;

previous ship, Nelson. • John Mulholland; rank/rating, Mate; age, 37; place of birth, Portaferry; previous

ship, Nelson. • Robert Gibson; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 31; place of birth, Portaferry;

previous ship, Nelson. • Samuel Echlin; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 33; place of birth, Portaferry;

previous ship, Nelson. • John Jeffrey; rank/rating, Ordinary Seaman; age, 19; place of birth, Portaferry;

previous ship, Mary Anne of Belfast. • William Cargill; rank/rating, Boy; age, 19; place of birth, Down; previous ship,

Nelson. • Patrick Connor; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 24; place of birth, Portaferry;

previous ship, Lock Ryan of Glasgow. • William Anderson; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 24; place of birth, Portaferry

1881

JamesMcCAUSLAND

Ballyphilip & Kilcoo

of Portaferry but working in Newcastle; owner paddle driven tug boat ' Flying Irishman' ; helped with rescue of 'Cannebiere' 15 Mar 1905 ; father of John McCausland who skippered the tug during the rescue & received a gold medal & diploma from French Government .

Portaferry – town of shipbuilders, sailing ships and sea captains – long long before Titanic!

PORTAFERRY - 1901Is a thriving little seaport and market town in County Down, twenty-three miles S.E. by S. from Belfast, situated on the Eastern shore of the strait to the sea that forms the entrance to Strangford Lough.  From the strength of the current the name "Strong-ford," and hence by corruption, Strangford is derived.  At Portaferry there is a good quay, where vessels of light burthen can discharge their cargoes.  A considerable trade is done in coal, timber, corn, potatoes, and agricultural produce.  The herring fishery is carried on from the month of June to September inclusive.  The Market-house is a commodious building, in which the magistrates hold Petty Sessions on the last Tuesday in each month.  The places of worship are - The Church of Ireland, Ballyphillip, a neat structure; a Presbyterian Church, one Methodist Church, and a Roman Catholic Chapel.  The public institutions consist of a dispensary and three public schools, all under the National Board.  Lieutenant-General Andrew Nugent, D.L., J.P., is the proprietor of Portaferry, and has a fine mansion and demesne contiguous to the town.  The market is held on Saturday, and the fairs on the 31st July and 12th December, and the second Tuesday monthly.  The town contained, by the census of 1891, 1,708 inhabitants. at the south end of the town. Post Office and Telegraph Office - Mrs. McFadden, postmistress & telegraph operatorR.I. Constabulary Station - Sergeant CraigPetty Sessions - S. F. L. Neilly, clerkHarbour Master - Samuel Nelson

1898 ‘White Star Line Steamers’ apply to Thos. Bailie, The Grove, Portaferry.

1908 – tickets for White Star Line available for boats Liverpool – New York & Boston from Robert McFadden, Post Office, Portaferry

Launched 1899: ss SAINT ANTHONY

ss SAINT ANTHONY built by Taylor & Mitchell Greenock, Yard No 2 Engines by Walker Henderson, Glasgow Port of Registry: Greenock Propulsion: C2cy (made 1893) 30nhp 110ihp 7kn Launched: Wednesday, 22/03/1899 Built: 1899 Ship Type: salvage vessel Tonnage: 115grt 49nrt (1907 40nrt; 1914 43nrt) Length: 80.5ft Breadth: 19.7ft Owner History: James McCausland, Portaferry 1915 John McCausland, Donaghadee 1917 The Neptune Marine Salvage Co Ltd, Glasgow 1922 William Browne, Lisburn 1925 Patrick McCausland, Belfast Status: Wrecked - 03/09/1931

Berringer William Ernest, Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy. The Admiralty have notified the relatives of William Berringer, High-street, who was on board H.M.S. Goliath, which has been sunk at the Dardanelles with a loss of 500 lives, that they are sorry that his name does not appear in the list of saved.

Collins, Michael, Mercantile Marine, First Mate S.S. "Eveleen" (Belfast). Son of the late Owen and Eliza Collins; husband of Jane Collins, (nee McGann), of 61, Corporation St., Belfast. Born at Portaferry.

Croskery John, Petty Officer Stoker, Royal Navy. Mr. William and Elizabeth Croskery, of Church-street, Portaferry, has been notified by the Admiralty that his son, John Crockery, Royal Navy, was lost at sea in recent operations.

Fisher Hugh, Stoker, Royal Navy. Son of Jane Berry (formerly Fisher), the late George Fisher of Ballyfounder, Portaferry, Co. Down. Mrs. J. Berry, has been notified that her son, Stoker Hugh Fisher, was lost in H.M.S. Vanguard. His eldest brother, Private George Fisher, Canadians, died of wounds receive in action about six months ago.

Hogan, John, Leading Boatman, Royal Navy, Tara War Signal Station. John was the son of John and Ellen Hogan, and husband of Catherine Hogan, of Derry Cottages, Portaferry. He is buried in Portaferry Roman Catholic Churchyard.

Tumelty Patrick, Mr. Notification has been received that Mr. Patrick Tumelty, son of Mrs. Tumelty, High-street, Portaferry, has been killed at sea.

M’Nally Hugh Francis, Surgeon, Royal Navy. Mr and Mrs Nicholas and Elizabeth McNally, of “The Shore,” Shore-street, Portaferry, have been notified that their eldest son, Dr. Hugh F. M’Nally, surgeon on the cruiser, Hampshire, was lost in the disaster off the Orkney Islands. A native of Portaferry, Mr. M'Nally himself was formerly a school teacher in Belfast, and after his retirement some time ago returned to live here. The Admiralty announce that the Hampshire was struck by a mine. She was accompanied by two destroyers until the captain was compelled to detach them at 7 o'clock on Monday evening on account of the very heavy seas. Just before 8 o'clock there was an explosion, and the Hampshire sank within 10 minutes. The Admiralty have given up hope of there being any more survivors.

Sumner John D., Chief Gunner Royal Navy. He was the commander of torpedo boat No. 96, which as officially reported on Tuesday, has been sunk in the Straits of Gibraltar, after collision, is a native of Portaferry. In the early morning of 1st November, while patrolling the Straits of Gibraltar in torpedo boat number 96, an auxiliary cruiser collided with and sank the torpedo boat. It was pitch dark at the time and neither vessel carried lights. Only eight men of the torpedo boat were saved. Commander Sumner married in 1907, Jane, youngest daughter of the late John Rutherford, Portaferry. The Admiralty states that two officers and nine men ate were drowned. John D. Sumner entered the Navy as a boy at 14 years of years and up till the time of his death had served 28 years in it. He was well known in the Portaferry district. He belonged to naval families both by his father's side and his mother's side of the house. Two of his maternal uncles were captains in the Navy, namely, the late Captain James M’Cullen, R.N., and the late Contain Frank M'Cullen, R.N.,. both of Portaferry. His only surviving maternal uncle is Mr. C. A. E. M’Cullen. R.N., chief officer coastguards, retired. Commander Sumner’s father was also a Navy man. Hence, it might be said that ‘the service’ was in his blood.

Portaferry – town of shipbuilders, sailing ships and sea captains – long long before Titanic!

JamesMcCAUSLAND

Ballyphilip & Kilcoo

of Portaferry but working in Newcastle; owner paddle driven tug boat ' Flying Irishman' ; helped with rescue of 'Cannebiere' 15 Mar 1905 ; father of John McCausland who skippered the tug during the rescue & received a gold medal & diploma from French Government .

And there’s more...Adelaide – schooner of 86 tons. Built Aberdeen 1830, owned by Alexander

McMillan of Portaferry.Betty – a smuggler’s ship running off Portaferry coastline c.1800.Blossom – schooner of 46 tons. Built Swansea, 1824, owned by Hugh Brown of

Portaferry. Wrecked 1874 bringing coal from Maryport to Portaferry.Broughty Castle – schooner of 59 tons. Built Berwick 1850, owned by Samuel

Wilson of Portaferry in 1877. Charlotte – brigantine of 75 tons. Built Prince Edward Island, 1844. Owned High

Brown of Portaferry.Dart – a revenue cutter, skippered by Captain Nelson of Portaferry c.1800.Diana – brigantine of 99 tons. Built Prince Edward Island 1852. Owned by Henry

Rowan Miller of Portaferry.Dispatch – oak built schooner of Portaferry. Auctioned 10 May 1845.Doctor – schooner of 85 tons. Built Ipswich 1841. Owned by James Foley of

Portaferry in 1877.Excel – brigantine of 100 tons. Built Whitehaven 1859. Owned by Thomas

Curran of Portaferry in 1877.

Fortuna – brigantine of 76 tons. Built Stocton on Tees 1821. Owned Henry Rowan Miller of Portaferry .

Harbinger – schooner of 87 tons. Built Prince Edward island, 1866. Owned by William McDonnell of Portaferry from 1877 to 1899.

Helen – a fishing boat built 1903. Sold to Ellison of Portaferry in 1909.Jessie Rae – schooner of 37 tons. Built Sunderland 1841. Owned George

Mulholland of Portaferry 1887. 1899 – master and part owner – H.McNamara of Portaferry.

Jin McCausland – salvage steamer out of Portaferry. Owned by McCausland family.

John & Joseph Richardson – a schooner for auction at Portaferry quay 1844.Lord Willoughby – schooner of 63 tons. Built Preston 1840. Owned by James

Elliott of Portaferry in 1887.Mary Anne – schooner of 86 tons. Built Bridport 1847. Owned by James Elliott

and James & Hugh Stewart of Portaferry from 1877 until broken up in 1915.Mary Anne – schooner of 95 tons. Built Bridport 1847. Owned Henry R. Miller of

Portaferry in 1877. Broke moorings in Portaferry and wrecked near Strangford.

New Quay – schooner of 84 tons. Built Bideford 1847. Owned by John McMullan & William Mahood of Portaferry and Elizabeth Lascelles of Ardglass in 1874.

Pioneer – a new Portaferry ship 27 August 1887.Portaferry – sailed to New York c.1780.Posie – brigantine of 187 tons. Built 1868 in New Brunswick, owned by John Curran

of Portaferry.Rose & Betty – sailed from Strangford 20 April 1783 with passengers for Norfolk,

Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.Sea Mew – wooden smack. Built Whitehaven 1870. Owned by James Elliott of

Portaferry in 1886.Success – brig of 168 tons. Built Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick 1854.

Owned by Hugh Donnan of Portaferry. Lost 1881. Captain D. Curran and crew saved.

Susanna – a brig. Master George Conway. Quebec to Portaferry Sept. 1832.Trader – brigantine of 68 tons. Built Ulverston 1813. Owned by Henry Donnan of

Portaferry in 1887.Wasp – smack of 30 tons. Built Isle of Man 1862. Owned by Hugh Finnegan & Mrs.

Caughey of Portaferry in 1884.Witch of the Wave – schooner of 47 tons. Built Garlieston 1854. Owned James

Elliott Jnr. Of Portaferry from 1902 to 1927.