Genealogy Forum UK

I'm looking for a William Heard who apparently jumped ship. (to save confusion, this person was born Robert William Heard Underdown, but used William Heard as his name when he entered Australia.

Robert Underdown b. abt 1823 in Southleigh, Devon England, had a seaman's ticket #18287 issued London 6/3/1845. He went to sea as a cook and deserted 30/6/1845 in St John (presume Canada).

He made his way to Adelaide to his brother or with his brother Thomas Underdown - the only problem is - he used his middle two names as William Heard (not Robert William Heard Underdown). He married in Adelaide in the year 1852, so his arrival would have been between 1845 & 1852. I'd say closer to 1845/6.

I was given this information, HEARD William, (wife Eliza) arrived in SA by 1844-12-31 [Source:7] but as he didnt marry till 1852 in Adelaide, I dont think it could be him - although his wife was Eliza.


Judy

According to the Merchant Navy Seaman register his place of birth was Honiton in Devonshire which is about 6 miles from Southleigh.

On his baptism it says his parents were living in Southleigh.

He wasn't baptised wih those middle names.

He most likely came over as a crewman on a boat which is not as easy as finding a passenger.

According to the Merchant Navy Seaman register his place of birth was Honiton in Devonshire which is about 6 miles from Southleigh.

On his baptism it says his parents were living in Southleigh.

He wasn't baptised wih those middle names.

He most likely came over as a crewman on a boat which is not as easy as finding a passenger.

Thanks for that - well apparently he did jump ship - and used the name William Heard when he arrived in Adelaide, married under that name and then reverted back to Robert Underdown after the birth of his first child - the others were all Underdowns. (this was changed some how - again - to Underwood)