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John Keenan/Thomas Wear
Valerie Bhargava
Hi Everyone, the two people mentioned are my forefathers. John Keenan was a Superintendent of the Coastguards in Blyth Northumberland. In the Census he states he was born in Louth, Ireland. His daughter, Ann, married Thomas Wear (Master Mariner) in 1854. His father, Thomas Wear, was also a Coastguard from Ireland. In 1851 Census he's in Kent. I was told he came from Cork.
I've found an appointment, in the newspapers, of Lieutenant John Keenan to the Coastguard Service in September 1826. As the information is in 'Naval Intelligence' it would appear he was in the Royal Navy. Anyone know anything about this?
 
crimea1854
Hi Valerie, and welcome to the Forum.

There were two Lieut. John Keenans' in the navy in the early 1820's, but neither is your man. The first died in 1841 and the second, who did enter the CG Service in 1826, was discharged in 1829 from Southampton. However, the good news is that I have traced the movements of your John Keenan (also spelt Kenan).

On 26 February 1822 he was nominated from Carlingford to serve at Kinnagoe CG Station, from where he made the following moves:

6 February 1823 promoted Commissioned Boatman remaining at the same station.
30 September 1825 to Sheephaven
5 April 1832 to Melroy
29 April 1833 to Alnmouth
29 November 1847 to Hornsea
Discharged 25 March 1848 on a pension of £30/annum.

Since men were normally nominated close to where they lived, you can assume that John lived in, or near Carlingford.

I did a similar exercise for Thomas Wear (also spelt Weir).

Nominated on 20 February 1823 to Clare Island. According to the CG Index Book (ADM 175/99 pdf 122 of 140) he was born in Castletown, Sligo, was aged 21 and was married but without any children, and had been working as an Extra Man at Castletown prior to his nomination. He made the following moves:

31 January 1828 to Achill Beg
31 October 1828 to Keem
5 July 1833 to Dunkeehan
10 October 1833 to Freagh Point
31 August 1837 to Newgate
3 January 1849 to St. Nicholas, Kent
Discharged 2 July 1851 on an annual pension of £32/annum.

Hope this is of some interest and help.

Martin

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Edited by crimea1854 on 24/03/2011 20:48
 
Valerie Bhargava
Oh my, thank you so much!!! That's absolutely wonderful. Just glanced at it as family have arrived. Yep, was a bit of an idiot trying to work my way around the site. Can't wait to have a good look. I'm so excited. Thanks once again. Val.
 
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