Michael Cavan

Barbados and London merchant, partner in Cavan Brothers with James Cavan. The family's direct slave-ownership was lower in scale than might be suggested by the scale of the mercantile business and the wealth left by Michael Cavan. Michael Cavan was the vessel owner for the Perseverance on a slave-voyage between Barbados and Trinidad in 1806.

1. Death "At Barbados, in his 53d year, Michael Cavan, Esq. many years a resident merchant of that island."

2. Will of Michael Cavan of Regent Street proved 06/11/1832. Among his monetary legacies, he left £5000 to his 'dear and faithful friend' Louisa Keeling free woman of colour of Bridgetown, £3000 each to his three sisters, £5000 to his nephew James Neil [given as Niel in the will], and £2000 each to the six reputed children of his brother James Cavan. His residuary legatee was his brother James Cavan. In a codicil he left a further £2000 each to three nephews.

3. Effects sworn under £140,000.

1. Bristol Times and Mirror 21/07/1832.

2. PROB 11/1807/267.

3. Findmypast.co.uk, Bank of England Wills Extracts 1717-1845.

We are grateful to Peter Selley for his assistance with compiling this entry.