Genealogy Chat

Please can anyone tell me how l can find out if John Morris c1802 was born lsle of Malta John is the son of William Watch and Clockmaker of Albrighton. Shropshire and Margaret. All their other children were born and baptised in Albrighton where they appear in the 1841 census except for John They state he is born lsle of Malta. This is really confusing Regards Pam

Have you looked at the overseas records on 1837 online now renamed 'find my past' they have the overseas consular records on there

Things were happening in Malta at that time. 2 Sep 1798 Maltese rebellion begins; French lose Gozo, Comino, and parts of Malta. 9 Sep 1799 British troops begin invasion. 5 Sep 1800 Capitulation of Valetta to the British. 25 Mar 1802 French claim extinguished by Treaty of Amiens which stipulates Malta was to be restored to Knights of St. John and British to withdraw. These provisions are not carried out, British occupation continues. 25 Mar 1802 - 30 Mar 1814 Sovereignty over Malta disputed by U.K., the Knights of Malta, Kingdom of Sicily 'Naples' (as nominal suzerain), and later France. Horatio Nelson was a key figure in the eventful years of the siege, blockade and subsequent rule of Malta by England. He was one of the main masterminds behind the British takeover of Malta after the treaty of Amiens of 1802. Lord Nelson's fleet blockaded the French garrison within the walls of Valletta, thereby cutting off maritime routes for the supply of provisions and munitions. The French capitulation opened a new chapter of Malta's history and led to the island's long period of association with the British Crown.

Hi Shirley Thanks for that. l will give it a try Hi Paul Things were really happening but John's father William was a watch and clockmaker!! employed in Albrighton. Shropshire his birth place. l don't think he would have been involved in army type matters. But saying that l know not to discount any leads. Thank you both of you for your help Best wishes Pam

Maybe he was over there to repair an important clock damaged in the battle.

Hi Paul Ahhh so thats why you have the title special agent - you were there weren't you!!! Thanks for that light hearted comment. lt's a real pick me up. Happy hunting Pam

Pam if you look at http://www.maltafamilyhistory.com/ you will find the birth of John A Morris in 1903 with 6th Regiment beside it (presumably where his father was serving at the time??) I have sent off for a birth certificate from Malta and they are pretty detailed with the full name, occupation and place of birth of both parents. It might provide some clues as to why they were there - the address of the site where you order it is http://certifikati.gov.mt/?lng=en Hope this helps Helen

I'm so sorry Pam I misread your mail and thought it said 1902 (bit of a coincidence though that I actually found someone with the right name!). Still you might find the site useful anyway. Helen

Hi Helen Thanks anyway. l have been onto a Maltese site. l saw him there too. At first l just saw the name and thought wow he was born here then saw the date. Never mind. Hope l'll find the truth out one day as it does seem strange they would say he was born there if he wasn't. Another family mystery to keep me out of mischief while l try and sort them. Thanks everyone Pam

Sad really l just noticed a post on records for marriage in Malta Richard had replied to check on family search (never entered my head) l put in John's details and there he is in Shifnal Union (guess its some sort of workhouse) All old men aged 63/84 John has birthplace MALTA. So l'm thinking it must be right. All l have to do is figure out if his father was in the services then or there on business. Thanks for all the help guys Pam

The interesting thing is.... presumably his MOTHER was present for the birth;-) We can speculate as to all the reasons why the father was in Malta, but a woman in a war zone? Very intriguing. Is there any chance that she was actually Maltese?

The National Archives of Malta is the main repository where one can find records related to family history. But due to Malta's history, and the important role which the Roman Catholic church has played in Maltese society, most records of a genealogical nature are owned by the Church. For records listing baptisms, marriages, and deaths dating back to the 16th century one has to consult the following repositories Curia Archives, Floriana Cathedral Museum Archives, Mdina Parish Archives in each town or village The National Archives of Malta does not include the records related to births, marriages, deaths and wills. These form part of the Public Registry in Valletta, and the Notarial Archives in Valletta. I will PM you with some relevant web pages.