James Davies Kelly VC

[stirling76]

I'm looking for information from the 1891or 1881 Edinburgh census, to see if James Davies Kelly is listed. Born Canongate1835, died Edinburgh March 1893. He may be under James Davies as he dropped the name Kelly on occasion. A soldier who won the VC in 1858 and was discharged/retired with a pension. I really trying to find out when he left the army. He is buried in North Merchiston Cemetery.
Any help with this guy would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[ev]

Hi ,

Could be DAVIS rather than DAVIES -

http://blackwatchforums.co.uk/showthread.php?4695-James-Davis-(aka-Kelly)-VC


ev

[Forfarian]

Only one possible James Dav* in 1881 census CD-ROM. James Davie, 48, printer's reader, wife Margaret and 9 children.

James Kelley, 46, born Leith, bottle maker, wife Helen and 3 children.

James Kellie, 46, born Edinburgh, gardener, wife Ann and six children.

No others in age range born in Edinburgh.

[tidybooks]

Hi stirling76,

I agree with ev, it can be Davis not Davies. Found this on wikipedia, I know it is not always the truth, but ties in with your remarks re burial in Edinburgh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Davis_(VC)

Footnote states awarded in the "  The London Gazette: no. 22268. p. 2106. 27 May 1859."

Tom

[ev]

There is a service record for a James Davis born 1835 Cannongate Edinburgh Midlothian on http://www.findmypast.co.uk/
Event date given as 1852 , could be when he signed up.


ev

[stirling76]

James Davis it is, not Davies, if he joined the 42nd in 1852 he would have been 17 which ties in. I think he retired out of the army still a private. The problem I'm having is that he dropped the Kelly part when he joined, and not sure if he used it again later in life, thanks to all who assisted.

[MonicaL]

Further reference to dates for him from his medal card here http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7231438

Just curious. Have any of the researchers checked the details on his March 1893 death registration? Might include details on wife/ next of kin reporting death etc. Scottish death regs are so informative it should help in trying to fiure what he did with his life when he left the army hopefully.

A mention of his death in the Scotsman newspaper on 4 March 1893, 'Death of a Black Watch Hero' which mentions he died 'last Thursday at Wright's Buildings, Bruntsfield Edinburgh'. See photos and map etc here http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/125653/details/edinburgh+bruntsfield+links+wright+s+houses+general/

Monica