I'm looking at the name Gabe, as analternative name to Gaybba, as an Irish colleague of mine pronounces the names the same! It appears from my initial search that Gabe possibly originates in Ireland. My great, great, grandfather originated from Scotland born 1830, arriving in South Africa in 1850, where his name became Gaybba.

His journey to South Africa could have been an escape route, or just an adventure. As yet we do not know. However, there is a strong belief he stowed away aboard a ship, then bribed someone to allow him to jump ship in Saldhana Bay, South Africa. A port that is known more for industrial shipping like iron ore etc. Which leads more to the possibility he sought adventure. Its believed there were two brothers with him in South Africa, but as yet there is no evidence to prove this.

Are there any Gabe's out there, who have a James who dissappeared around 1849 with two brothers?