James G. Cheyne

     James G. Cheyne was baptized in accordance with the procedures of the Church of Scotland, 13 January 1826, in Mormond, Strichen Parish, Aberdeen, Scotland. The following is a transcription from the Register of Baptisms, Parish of Strichen, 1820-1854, Page 16, "January 13th (1826) Alexander Cheyne (532) and his wife Jean Cardno (558) in Mormond Village had a Son baptised, and named James (562); Witnefses were James Robertson and Alex'r Fraser, both residenters in Said Village.”.¹

Jean Cheyne, James G. Cheyne, Jean Cheyne, Agnes Cheyne, Isobel Cheyne and Alexander Cheyne were listed as in the household of Alexander Cheyne on the 1841 Scotland Census, at Fridayhill, in Strichen Parish, Aberdeen, Scotland. He was 15 years old and born in Aberdeenshire.²

James G. Cheyne immigrated about 1851 to USA..³

James G. Cheyne married Mary M. McAlvie about 1860. The marriage probably took place in Wisconsin. Both parties immigrated to the USA in the early 1850s. The 1900 United States Census, listed him as married 40 years; her 43. She was on another page. There may have been an error on the immigration data.^4,5,3

Capt. J. G. Cheyne was found on a passenger list, dated 8 February 1875, at New York, New York, USA. He was on a manifest of steerage passengers aboard the Anchor Line ship Ethiopia out of Glasgow and Moville, Ireland. He was 48 years of age and a mariner. He was a citizen of Scotland and his permanent destination was the USA.⁶

James G. Cheyne and his wife Mary M. Cheyne were listed on the 1880 United States Census, at East half of Eighth Ward, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He was head of household and a sailor. Also present were his children, James Cheyne, Maggie Cheyne and Mary G. Cheyne. In addition, his mother-in-law, Margaret McAlvie, was also present.⁷

From the "History of Milwaukee, Wisconsin", published by The Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1851 (Must have been later edited). "CAP'T. JAMES G. CHEYNE was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, January 13, 1826. When about fifteen years of age, went on a whaling and seal hunting voyage, to Greenland seas, in the bark 'Hannibal,' during which about 17,000 seals were taken and two whales captured. After his return from the voyage as above, Mr. Cheyne shipped in the British merchant service, making three voyages from London to Van Dieman's Land and New South Wales; spent about eighteen months in the coasting trade of New South Wales; next voyaged up the Mediterranean; then to the Baltic Sea; spent some time sailing in the coal trade, from the north of England to London, and two years on the steamship line on the east coast of Scotland. Came to the United States in 1851. After having sailed on the salt water eleven years, commenced sailing on the lakes. In 1855 was master of the schooner 'Sacramento'; schooner 'Wm. H. Stephens'; brig 'David Ferguson'; schooner 'Fred. Hill', and the schooner 'Shanghai.' In 1859, took command of the schooner 'Arcturus', and has sailed her twenty seasons. Of the latter he is two-thirds owner. Residence, No. 484 Pierce Street".

James G. Cheyne was in the household of Edward Wechselberg and his wife, Mary Wechselberg, and listed as father-in-law on the 1900 United States Census, at 3301 Clybourn Street, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He was also listed as having immigrated to the USA in 1851, been here 49 years and was a naturalized citizen. His age was 75 and the occupation entry was blank. His wife, Mary M. Cheyne, was also present.³

James G. Cheyne died 13 September 1906 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.⁴

James G. Cheyne was buried 15 September 1906, in Forest Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA..⁸