William Tasker; Swansea, Wales

Photo of William Tasker (1879-1934) taken when he signed on as a cabin boy with Sterling Co., in Glasgow, Scotland. He was born in Pembroke Dock, Wales but his family was living in Swansea when he signed his contract. He sailed on the Eagle Crag and the Glen Bank.

Copy of contract between William, aged 16, and Sterling & Co. in Glasgow for William to become an apprentice (his age: 16) as reads: " It is contracted, agreed and ended between Sterling Co., 19 St. George Place., Glasgow on the one part, and William Tasker, Swansea, son of George Tasker Swansea, a native of Pembroke, in the County of Pembroke, and now residing in Swansea, with the special advice and consent of George Tasker, ....that is to say, the said William Tasker with advice and consent aforesaid hereby binds himself Apprentice unto the said Sterling & Co., his Heirs and Assignees, for the term of 4 years from the date thereof; .....In consideration thereof, the said Sterling & Co. hereby binds and obliges himself...to provide the said Apprentice with sufficient Meat, Drink, Lodging ("washing" crossed out), Medicine, and Medical and Surgical Assistance, and pay to the said Apprentice the sum of "36" pounds, in the manner following" six pounds for first year, 8 pounds for 2nd year, 10 pounds for 3rd year, 12 pounds for 4th year. The said Apprentice providing for himself all sea-bedding, wearing apparel, and necessaries (except such as are herein-before specially agreed to be provided by the said Master).

Ledger sheet covering expenses for William during his Apprenticeship ends with: Glasgow, 13th Day 1900: This is to certify that the within Indenture has been fulfilled to our entire satisfaction"...signed by Sterling Co.

Per his "Shipping Federation " license, Benefit # 1614, West Hartelpool: William was 5ft. 4in., brown eyes, brown hair, dark complexion, - two tattoos: I.V.(initials), star on other arm. In 6/19/1900, he lived at " 13 Marlborough Rd., Swansea, Wales". He was an "apprentice" at that time.

Sailed on the ship Eagle Crag (official # 102461), which docked in Leith, Scotland 3/17/1903... "Barque: "Eagle Crag", Leith, Feb. 14th 1905: This is to certify that W. Tasker served with me in the above named vessel as A.B. from October 10th 1903 to the present date during the whole of which time he proved himself strictly sober (underlined), a good sailor, willing and attentive to his duties at all times and I can recommend to anyone requiring his services. (Signed) T.N. Hugo, Master"


William was the son of George Tasker and Ellen Southwell. He married Mary Ann Jones in Southampton in 1905 when he was serving in the Merchant Marine. William and family later immigrated to the States, where he died in West Seattle, Washington, January 22, 1934.