US-SHIPSLISTS-POST1820-L Archives

From: "Bill Martin" <>
Subject: [US-SHIPSLISTS-POST1820] Robert Taylor & Co. Engager for IrishImmigrants
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:32:29 -0600

Do you know where I might find a list of the persons who engaged the McCorkle Lines in 1865 for passage of Irish persons traveling to America?



In the 1800s, a company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, "Robert Taylor & Co.", provided a service arranging ship's passage for Irish Immigrants to America. The process was called "engaging" the shipping line.

The procedure was for some person in America to pay the fare [to Robert Taylor & Co.] to allow someone in Ireland [possibly a relative] to travel to America.

Robert Taylor & Co. would then find a steamship line offering passenger service, and pay for a ticket from Ireland to America.



For example:

The McCorkle Lines were Engaged, on 9 March 1865, by Robert Taylor & Co., to carry John & William Martin from Londonderry to New York.
They sailed on the ship "Stadacona", leaving Londonderry 25 April 1865.

I am trying to learn the name of the person in America who paid for the passage of John and William Martin, since that may give me a clue for further research in America.

The Ulster Historical Foundation was unable to find records of those persons who engaged the McCorkle Lines. The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland told me they do not have such records. The book "Irish Passenger Lists, 1847-1871, Londonderry to America" by Brian Mitchell has good information but not the name of the "engager" in America.

Do you know where I might find a list of persons who engaged the McCorkle Lines in 1865 for passage of Irish persons traveling to America?



Thank you for the advice.

Bill Martin Denver, Colorado, USA

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• [US-SHIPSLISTS-POST1820] Robert Taylor & Co. Engager for IrishImmigrants by "Bill Martin" <>