Hamilton, John, of Whitehaven ( - 1649)

PROBATE (inventory & bond), but no abstracts

Son of Thomas Hamilton of St Bees. Born before 1621, probably around 1610. His baptism is not in the register, perhaps suggesting that his family came from elsewhere to St Bees in the 1610s.

Brother of David Hamilton of Whitehaven.

Probably a mariner and merchant. He died in his 30s/40s, without a will, so maybe an accident at sea. His probate inventory was dated 2 May 1649 and wasn’t particularly large (£60), maybe a reflection of an early death and capital tied up in the business, but his life looked comfortable - feather beds, pillows and 34 pewter dishes in his inventory. Very urban - a horse and a couple of cows, bur no farm stock.

He married in 1634 to Christabel Hynd. She remarried to John Woodside, who owned half of the ship ‘Unicorn’, so it’s tempting to see him as the owner of the other half.

His two probate bondsmen were Thomas Wilson and John Bibby of Birkby, so possible relatives.