Dear Rosalie,

Here are two census 1871 and 1891 for Douglas. Correct age, but the 1891 census has William here as a photographer, not a seaman.

1871 Census Parish Onchan Douglas

James Bridson Head 41 Coachman Douglas
Ann Wife 41 Wife of Ballasalla
James Son13 Telegraph Messenger Douglas
William Son 12 Scholar Douglas
Paul Son 2 Douglas

1891 Census Parish Onchan Douglas

James Son Head Single 33 Post Office Clerk Douglas
William Brother Single 32 Photographer Douglas
Ann Mother Widow 61 Malew
Lenora Fariner Great Aunt widow 84 Living on own means Michael

I found another William 32 on board the 'Volga' as a mate in 1891 born Arbory with an Arthur Bridson.

If you have a look on Brian Lawsons website www.lawsons.ca you will see that Bridson have their own categories.

Have you tried buying marriage and death certificates in Australia as I have found that we have lots of information on our certificates.

Also if you contact the National Archives www.naa.gov.au they can search immigration passenger lists, you need as much information as possible for them to search, I found it better to phone and talk to them.

Kind regards Diane