James Mason, b. 1854, Liverpool, what uniform is he wearing?

[Rainbo38800]

I am so excited to finally come across a picture of my great grandfather, James Mason. I have spent 3 decades searching for him. There are no records of him after the 1891 census of West Derby, Lancashire, England where his occupation is listed as a donkey man engineer. His occupation at the time of his marriage in 1888 is listed as mariner. I am deeply grateful for any information you can tell me about this photo. Thank you so much!

 

[derekb]

Looks like The King’s Liverpool Regiment, I’m sure someone with an in depth knowledge will be more specific when they see your post.

[FROGSMILE]

He’s wearing a full dress tunic and undress glengarry cap with insignia of the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, as Derek has identified.  The date is somewhere between 1895 when the prancing horse collar badge become the preferred pattern and 1897 when the type of cap changed.  His general appearance suggests the mid to late 1890s.

[Allan1892]

The 1891 Census records that his occupation was that of a 'donkey engine man' - this would tie in to his declared occupation on his marriage certificate.

 

A donkey engine is described as :

 

 

''Steam donkeys acquired their name from their origin in sailing ships, where the "donkey" engine was typically a small secondary engine used to load and unload cargo and raise the larger sails with small crews, or to power pumps. They were classified by their cylinder type – simplex (single-acting cylinder) or duplex (a compound engine); by their connection to the winches (or "drums") – triple-drum, double-drum, etc.; and by their different uses.

A good deal of the cable-logging terminology derived from 19th-century merchant sailing, as much of the early technology originated in that industry. Common logging terms include high-lead yarder, ground-lead yarder, loader, snubber, and incline hoist.''

 

The 1901 Census records that his wife, Elizabeth, and three children were living at 48 Cottenham Street, West Derby, Liverpool. She declares herself to be married but there is no sign of James.

[DavidOwen]

Unfortunately this is outside of the time period covered by the forum.

 

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