Genealogy Chat

I know my gg grandfather, Elijah Daniel NEWMAN and his family spent some time over in India because two of his daughters were born there. He married Mary Edwards CHISWICK in 1875 in Medway, his occupation is 'Army - 16th Regiment' I can't find this regiment anywhere on the internet! I know that one family member has a description of her grandfather when he joined the army in 1890s (not Elijah) and I was wondering if there is any place that keeps these records still. Elijah was born in Castle Hedingham, Essex in 1843. He is there in the 1851, can't find him in 1861 or 1871 or 1881 (in East India then) but find him in the 1891 and 1901. Where did he go?! Please help!!!! Chloe

Chloe It is possible he was in the Indian Army. Not sure where their records are kept, maybe also at Kew? Just mention as an avenue to explore. Ian

Thanks Ian. :-D Chloe

Hi Chole the 16th Regiment of Foot became The Bedford Regiment in 1881 If you want me to look up to see where they were between 1851 - 1891 let me know. Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm. Have emailed you.

Don't know if its any help but I have a similar situation with a soldier. He was possibly in the 93rd Highlanders. One of his children was born in Aden, Yemen in 1875, another in Pembroke, Wales in 1877, another in Gibraltar in 1881 I finally found the family on the 1901 census, but the only cert records I can find are for the Pembroke birth which I have sent for...so I'm hoping it will give me more info By the way he married in India too..found his marriage in the index to Bengal marriages...might be worth a look, its name searchable good luck, Sylvia

Thanks Lyla, Sylvia and June. As for the Bengal marriages - already have Elijah NEWMAN's marriage, he married in Chatham, Kent in 1875, just these two kids he had over in India that puzzle me. We think that the ring my grandma once owned (now belongs to my mum) is from India. It belonged to 'Aunt Cissie' who we think is Phillis NEWMAN (dau of Elijah and sister to Grandma's father Frederick). It's not hallmarked, just says 18ct on it..... morelike wishing the impossible though! Chloe

Was talking to a lady in Warwick Records Office the other day and she said that she ordered Army records from the PRO and they were sent to her!? Does anyone know how you go about it as it would save me a trip to London. I'm looking for two soldiers from the 71st Regiment of Foot who served in 1850's-60's. One died and one was pensioned off. If I have to go where do I find what records I need to see? Any advice appreciated.

Chloe, The National Archives holds SOME soldiers records at the Purblic Record Office (PRO) in Kew - if he survived to collect his pension, that is .... if you didn't survive, the government didn't need your records. The pre-WW1 files are in loads of boxes, filed alphabetically and catalogued by regiment. There is an online catalogue - PROCAT - which might help you to establish the likelihood of your Gt Gt Grandfather's records surviving. www.pro.gov.uk. Also, there's a website with lots of useful military stuff - www.regiments.org - this should help with the regimental stuff. Good luck, Jane

Thanks will do that. I'm looking for a soldier who died 1850's and possibly his marriage entry and children - can't find them in the 1837 so presume they are under Army records (his descendants are in Australia) His widow then married my husband's ancestor who was another soldier in the regiment and was pensioned off. Have this marriage certificate. The Regimental Museum have been very good and sent us information regarding where the regiment served during the time and the likelihood of whether he was killed or died to disease/accident. Unfortunately the museum had a disastrous fire a good few years ago and they lost a lot of material that might have been useful too. So its to the Kew records I go - hopefully if I can locate the right ones and they can send them to me I can forward them to the other branch in Australia!!!

Bit dim on a Monday morning. But how do I access a thread no?

Thanks Just thick as two short planks this morning. Better get on and go to work I suppose - that's the trouble this genealogy is so addictive - house has gone to pot!!!!