I have been trying to locate the origins of the Crothers family in Cornwall (alternate
spellings include: Crowthers, Cruthers, etc.).
It seems most, if not all, Cornish Crothers are descended from one couple, John and
Elizabeth (nee' Puckinghorn) Crothers, who were married in Stoke Damerel, Devon.
Elizabeth was born in Redruth, but John's birthplace is unknown, but the family
'story' is that he was Scottish. The marriage record of 1762 notes that the was
"of the HMS Drake". The couple settled first in Redruth, then Illogan and
Portreath.
They had eight children, including four sons during the 1770s. Another family
'story' says that three of the sons became privateers during the Napoleonic wars,
and when the hostilities ceased, they continued in this chosen 'profession'. No
documentary proof, but family stories confirms the Cornwall family were
'wreckers', too.. One son, John, drowned with three other men while salvaging a
ship off Portreath in 1807. Another Crothers descendant was shot by excise men near
Redruth around 1820.
This was sent to me from Dumfries Burgh jail book:
"On May 10th 1731, William Carruthers, son George and a James C. arrested for riot
robbery against Customs Officers, escaped to England ( Nr Penrith, Cumberland ).
Warrants issued for their arrest. All were smugglers." A descendant tells me that
the sons married Cumberland women and took up residence there, apparently continuing their
trade.
It seems to me there was another son who went with them to Cumberland. Some descendants
of this family use the name Crothers.
The Crothers may have been involved in the smuggling trade on the Isle of Man, also.
The John Crothers for whom I am searching may have been related.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone on any of the above.
Regards,
Kathy