Robert Cawston born 1809

[Andro93]

Robert Cawston died in south London in 1862, aged 53. He said on censuses that he was born in Colchester and his marriage certificate says that his father was Joseph Cawston, farmer. Can anyone identify Joseph please?

[Mabel Bagshawe]

Well there is this - although date is a little out

Colchester All Saints
Baptism date    24 Nov 1816

Robert CAWSTON

Mother     Susan CAWSTON
Abode    Holy Trinity
Notes    A bastard child. Seax DP 200-1-14


Alternatively - two marriages nearby in Brightlingsea involving a Joseph - although no offspring found

Marriage date    29 Jun 1800
Groom    Joseph CAUSTON,    widower
Bride    Grace GOODCHILD, widow
Witness1  Mary UNDERWOOD
Witness2  John NURSE
Notes    By banns. They all mark except witness 2.


Marriage date    15 Apr 1808
Groom     Joseph CAWSTONE,    widower
Bride    Sarah BRIGHLIFF
Witness1    John GREEN
Witness2    Mary GREEN
Notes    By banns. They all mark except the bride. She signs "Corson" - presumably her version of "Cawstone". Her marital status isn't in the register.

Or maybe not - burials found for Sarah in 1827 aged 77 and Joseph in 1829 aged 67!

[Andro93]

Mabel,  many thanks for the information. The marriage of Joseph Cawston in 1808 looks hopeful. I know about Susan, but 1816 is too late for Robert's birth!

[nannyj]

I’ve looked through all the Colchester Parish registers from 1807 to 1812. No Robert cawstons or any other cawstons for that matter, other than the illegitimate one to Susan. Dates could be right as census ages were rounded.

[Andro93]

Thank you for doing that. Maybe by 1851 he was uncertain as to his precise place of birth. I think he is connected with the Joseph Cawston of Brightlingsea, but we shall see!!