Friends of Hastings Cemetery

KE C24

Henry Zebulon Harman

Who died August 16th 1907

Aged 71 years

Also

Rachel

Wife of Above

Who died March 2nd 1898

Aged 60 years

"Peace, Perfect Peace"

Rachel Hyland was born about 1836 in St Leonards, the daughter of James Hyland and Rebecca (Breeds) Hyland. She married Henry Zebulon Harman — in October 1855 in Hastings.

They had six children, Rachel, Ellen Elizabeth,[who seems to disappear from the records after her birth and christening in 1859]. Mary Ann, Henry Zebulon, Zebulon and Elizabeth.

There is a record for Ships in Port 1881 - Sussex - Part 2 Newhaven, Sussex
Vessel: "Thomas & Sussannah" [sic]

Henry HARMAN       M 44  M Hastings, Sussex, England Master

William ADAMS        M 39  M Hastings, Sussex, England Fisherman

Henry HARMAN        U 17  M Hastings, Sussex, England Fisherman

They lived at 2 Albert Cottages.

Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 24 August 1907

 MR. HENRY ZEBULON HARMAN.
A much regretted loss in Hastings fishing circles has been caused by the death of Mr. Henry Harman, which occurred after a short illness, at Primrose House, Emmanuel-road, Friday morning.

He was 71 years of age. He first went to sea when 10 years old and all his life was much respected by his comrades.  He was born in East-street, and was a hardworking sea-faring man.  About 30 years ago he took the [then] Duke Edinburgh out to sea in a fishing boat called "Thomas and Susannah" from the Hastings beach.  At that time some of the Royal Family were staying at St. Leonards.   He also had the credit of saving "Lassie" Burton's life 27 years ago, when the yacht "Minstrel" was wrecked in high sea near Hastings, and Jim Swain and two gentlemen who went out fishing wore drowned, Mr. Burton being the only one saved.

Mr. Herman once lost three lots of gear valued at £20 in a high sea.  He also lost a boat, the  "Charlotte" when he was struck by lightning, which burnt his clothes down one side, and a thunderbolt smashed through the deck the boat.  Mr. Harman, who was the only man on board at the time, with great presence of mind put the flag at half-mast, and assistance was rendered from the shore, tbe boat being towed into Rye.

He also had another bad experience when he was again the only man on board.  A candle burnt so low that it set the boat alight.  Once more he obtained assistance, and the craft was towed to Bopeep.  The other men of the crew had gone ashore to sell the fish caught, and left Mr. Harman in charge.

............

He also rang the bell at the Fishermen's Church, and was for several years treasurer of the Fishermen's Society, and a prominent Freemason.  Sixty years ago he went fishing for herrings in the North Sea, near Scarborough, and afterwards was captain of one of the trawling boats at Hastings.

Mr. Harman, it is thought, died from the effects of a chill caught working on a steam trawler off Hastings three weeks ago.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Borough Cemetery, there being a large number of fishermen present.  The chief mourners wore: Harry and Zebulon (sons) Mr. and Mrs. Tindall. Mr. and Mrs. Heather, Mrs. Breeds (sister), Mr. W. Selman, and three grandchildren.

 Wreaths were sent by Harry, Zebulon, Rachel, Mary, and Lill (sons and daughters). Samuel and Polly Hyland, Mrs. Picknell (niece), "In remembrance of our old chum, Henry Harman," from his old chums and boys (local fishermen), "In loving sympathy - Our Dear Grandfather," from Jim nnd Annie, and a spray from Mrs. Annie Breeds.  The service was conducted by the Rev. H. H. Breton.

As a token of respect, the boats at the fishing quarters had flags at half-mast all day.