1876 Drowning of my Great Grandfather
I recently visited Goole in search of records of my maternal ancestry. I discovered that my great grand father Bernard Knowles Brook and his 6-yr-old son George from Goole were drowned at Keadby on 9 July 1876. I understand that his wife and probably also my then 1-yr-old grandfather Matthew Moorhouse Brook were nearby on the "Eagle" when the drowning occurred from a small boat from the "Eagle".
I would like to know more about what happened. Is it possible that they were affected by the bore? The records in a Goole newspaper suggest that a strong wind gust overturned the boat at the time when a strong current was running.
Any further information on Bernard Brook and his family and particularly about Matthew Moorhouse Brook would be most welcome.
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RE: RE: 1876 Drowning of my Great Grandfather
Dear Bryan, Among the paintings I have at home there is one that belongs to my family since 1940. It's a portrait of a blonde young man, blue eyed and with beard. Behind the canvas it is written "Mr Bernard Knowles Brook drowned in the River Trent July 9th 1876 Aged 33 years. The son of the above was drowned the same time. Aged 6 Years". I would be glad to mail you a picture of it to be added to your research. By my side, I would be really interested to know more about this man standing in my living room since such a long time! Your sincerely Francesca
Comment from Francesca Buonagurelli on Sunday, 3rd January 2010.
RE: RE: 1876 Drowning of my Great Grandfather
Bernard Knowles Brook was born in Castleford in 1842. Married Jane Smith, a seaman's daughter, in 1866 in Goole. Had 3 daughters and two sons. Matthew, born in 1875, became my grandfather. Bernard was Master of the 'Albert' and 'Edwin' and then the 'Eagle'. He and 6-year-old George William died in the Trent at Keadby in a small boat from the 'Eagle'. Inquest recorded death by 'accidental drowning', 14 July 1876. Left Jane, 3 daughters and 1-year-old Matthew.
Comment from Brian Deverall on Monday, 4th January 2010.
RE: RE: 1876 Drowning of my Great Grandfather
I have a picture of the "Eagle" and now a picture of Bernard Knowles Brook sent to me by Francesca in Barga, Tuscany, Italy.
I would like to know who painted the picture of Bernard and how it got to Bologna, Italy, where Francesca's grand-mother obtained it for the family home.
The picture of Bernard is very impressive.
Please contact me with any information on Bernard and his son Matthew Moorhouse Brook who became First Officer on the "War Perch" and other vessels on the Atlantic after 1918.
Comment from Brian Deverall on Friday, 8th January 2010.
RE: RE: RE: 1876 Drowning of my Great Grandfather
Bernard Knowles Brook was also my great-grandfather, my grandmother was Lydia Brook who lived with my mother and me until her death in 1949. My mother was Edna Brook Wilson, one of eleven children of Lydia Brook and John Wilson who married in Goole in 1889. In the 1901 census Jane Brook (nee Smith) was visiting my grandmother in Goole.
Comment from Edward Horsley on Wednesday, 4th August 2010.