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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Essex => Topic started by: rwenman on Sunday 06 March 11 17:37 GMT (UK)

Title: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: rwenman on Sunday 06 March 11 17:37 GMT (UK)
I am attempting to locate the history of my great-grandfather James, David Wilkins, b 1857.  I believe he was born in Wiltshire. (please let me know if I should post this on another site.) I live in the U.S. and am amazed to find this useful website, so I hope someone here might be able to help me.

His birth entry on FreeBMD appears to be:
James David Wilkins 1857 Wilton Wiltshire
Quote

I am attempting to find church or other records or citations of his baptism, marriage and death if at all possible. Does anyone have access to church records where I can search for James.  I do not know what church he attended, but I do know where he lived from the census:

1871 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, St John The Evangelist, Westminster
WILKINS, David James Head 1836 Portsmouth Hampshire Steward Royal Navy
WILKINS, Sarah Wife  1833 Wiltshire
WILKINS, James D Son 1857 Wiltshire
WILKINS, Mary Ann Dau 12 1859 Westminster Middlesex
WILKINS, David Son M 3 1868 Middlesex
(Sarah is shown as a widow in the 1881 census).

And possibly with his parents on 1871 census

David James Wilkins, (my great, great grandfather)
11/11/1835 St. Thomas Portsmouth
father James mother Elizabeth

I have heard that James Wilkins was in the Irish Guard, so I was wondering if anyone could help me to locate his military history of that time as well.

any help is much appreciated.

thanks

Rob



Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Tati on Sunday 06 March 11 17:43 GMT (UK)
Hi Rob,

Have a look for christenings here:
http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/

James David Wilkins, 20 Mar 1857, St Mary's, Portsea, Hampshire
parents David James and Sarah

David James' christening in 1835 is there as well.

 :)
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: rwenman on Sunday 06 March 11 17:54 GMT (UK)
you have been so helpful. will do, thanks

Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Monday 07 March 11 07:55 GMT (UK)


His birth entry on FreeBMD appears to be:
James David Wilkins 1857 Wilton Wiltshire

1871

Vauxhall Bridge Rd, St John The Evangelist, Westminster
WILKINS, David James Head 1836 Portsmouth Hampshire Steward Royal Navy
WILKINS, Sarah Wife  1833 Wiltshire
WILKINS, James D Son 1857 Wiltshire
WILKINS, Mary Ann Dau 12 1859 Westminster Middlesex
WILKINS, David Son M 3 1868 Middlesex
(Sarah is shown as a widow in the 1881 census).

I have heard that James Wilkins was in the Irish Guard,

**Confirmed **

this is your James David Wilkins

WILKINS    James David 1860    Salisbury, Wiltshire    Royal Artillery

I'm wondering if this is James on 1881 census
- not him as he was in R.A.

1881 Ewhurst House, Ewhurst ,Hampshire
RG11 Piece:1266 Folio:26 Page:11     
WILKINS, James Servant Single M 21 1860 Footman Dom Wilton Somerset
Head of the household
RUSSELL, Alexander G Mar. 59 1822 Lord Lieut. General Woburn Bedfordshire





Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: rwenman on Friday 11 March 11 06:42 GMT (UK)
I received this inquiry from a researcher in Wiltshire and was wondering what you might make of this:

"I found JAMES DAVID WILKINS was born in Wilton, Wiltshire in March 1847 and died in London in 1901.  He married Lucy Ellen Riley who was born in March 1862 at Rochford, Essex on 13 July 1883 at Woolwich, Sagadahoc, Maine, US.  (This is the first reference re anything in the US, seems odd!!) They had five children.  Information about births etc. I can give you, but I expect you already have them.
 
We have not transcribed the parish registers for Wilton, so I suggest you contact our Local History Center at Chippenham, as they hold all the records that exist for Wiltshire.  Their email address is archives@wiltshire.gov.uk    They do make a charge for any indepth research.
 
I too was unable to find the family on the 1861 census."

Ladyhawk;  I have sent an email request to the archives in wiltshire to see where that may take me. I am perplexed about the reference to Maine, US. since that hasn't been posted before, but I am interpreting this as Woolwich Maine is where they married!  And that James wilkins died 1901 in London.  So I wonder if this is where his death is registered, and if he maybe died at sea? ::) ???
 
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: trish1120 on Friday 11 March 11 09:21 GMT (UK)
Hi rwenman,
They Married in Woolwich, KENT where they both lived at the time;

Marriage Cert;
13 July 1883, Register Office, Woolwich, Kent
James WILKINS, 24, Bachelor, Occp, Gunner R A, Residence R A Barracks, Woolwich,
Father David WILKINS (deceased), Fathers Occp, Ship Steward
Lucy Ellen RILEY, 21, Spinster, Residence 3 Ordnance Road, Woolwich,
Father John Lee RILEY, Occp Shoemaker

1871 Census you found is correct and the Christening Tati found is right as well :)
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: trish1120 on Friday 11 March 11 09:54 GMT (UK)
1861 Census
Stoke Damerel, Devon
RG9/1456/35/30
David J Wilkins, 28, Head, Mar, Captains Steward R N, born Hants, Pickworth   
Sarah Wilkins, Wife, Mar, Stewards Wife, born Fisheston, W Salisbury    
JAMES D Wilkins, 4, born Westhampton, W Salisbury    
Mary A Wilkins, 2, Daug, born London, Middlesex
Emily Wilkins, 4mths, Daug, born Piddletrenthide, Dorset

Wow some place names there ;D
Emily must have passed away by 1871 Census.

Trish :)
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 09:59 GMT (UK)
Thanks for finding that trish1120, that now confirms  the right James on 1871 census with his father and even better you have found him in 1861  :)


Marriage Cert;
13 July 1883, Register Office, Woolwich, Kent
James WILKINS, 24, Bachelor, Occp, Gunner R A, Residence R A Barracks, Woolwich,
Father David WILKINS (deceased), Fathers Occp, Ship Steward
Lucy Ellen RILEY, 21, Spinster, Residence 3 Ordnance Road, Woolwich,
Father John Lee RILEY, Occp Shoemaker


1871
Vauxhall Bridge Rd, St John The Evangelist, Westminster
WILKINS, David James Head 1836 Portsmouth Hampshire Steward Royal Navy
WILKINS, Sarah Wife  1833 Wiltshire
WILKINS, James D Son 1857 Wiltshire
WILKINS, Mary Ann Dau 12 1859 Westminster Middlesex
WILKINS, David Son M 3 1868 Middlesex

and possibly his father's baptsim

David James Wilkins
11/11/1835 St. Thomas Portsmouth
father James mother Elizabeth


Back to James’ birth according to the census he’s on he was born abt. 1857 Wilton, Wiltshire

Your info. says March 1847 – should that be 1857 ? This would link with the entry on FreeBMD

James David Wilkins
Mar qtr. 1857 vol 5a page 212

rwenman get ever closer linking all the family info. together - now if only we can get details as to whether your Arthur George  has been christened as a Skelton or Wilkins

here's a link to rwenman other post as not too duplicate info.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,518272.0.html

rwenman -


marriage details from Trish1120 confirm all the census info. I have sent to you via PM for Lucy Ellen Riley her father was John shoemaker, so it looks as if you are more of less up-to-date with her, apart from 'Herbert Baker' & her son Albert George's birth record

1881 13, The Hill, Northfleet
RG11 Piece:877 Folio:8 Page: 9
RILEY, John Head Widower M 38 1843 Boot & Shoe Maker Springfield Essex
RILEY, Lucy Daughter Single F 18 1863 Housekeeper Rochford Essex
RILEY, Frederick Son Single M 12 1869 Scholar Northfleet
RILEY, Joseph Son Single M 9 1872 Scholar Northfleet
RILEY, Robert Son Single M 7 1874 Scholar Northfleet
RILEY, Thomas Son Single M 6 1875 Scholar Northfleet
PENNELL, Lucy Mother In Law Widow F 81 1800 Pauper N K Kent


Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 10:05 GMT (UK)
familysearch

James David Wilkins
Christened 20/3/1857 St. Mary's Portsea, Hampshire
father David James Wilkins mother Sarah

marriage entry (FindMyPast)
1855 Dec qtr. St. Pancras vol 1b page 68
David James Wilkins name on same page
Sarah Bryant
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: trish1120 on Friday 11 March 11 10:16 GMT (UK)
Someone has David James Wilkins Death possibly 16 June 1878, Drowned whilst on the Ship "JOSHUA"
Maybe on FindMyPast but I cant access it.
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 10:22 GMT (UK)
Unfortnately I don't have full access to look either  :(
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 10:41 GMT (UK)

Marriage Cert;

13 July 1883, Register Office, Woolwich, Kent

James WILKINS, 24, Bachelor, Occp, Gunner R A, Residence R A Barracks, Woolwich
Father David WILKINS (deceased), Fathers Occp, Ship Steward

Lucy Ellen RILEY, 21, Spinster, Residence 3 Ordnance Road, Woolwich,
Father John Lee RILEY, Occp Shoemaker

from marriage record this now looks as if it is James service record

WILKINS    James David 1860 Salisbury, Wiltshire Royal Artillery 1883-1900    

hopefully someone can give you more details

here's some info. on the Woolwich Barracks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Artillery_Bar
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 11:10 GMT (UK)
rewenman

I don't know if this relates to your David James Wilkins
you can order the document on line from National Archives if it is

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/navy.asp

choose Registers of Seamen's Services (click 'search')

enter name David Wilkins schroll down to his name



Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: trish1120 on Friday 11 March 11 11:12 GMT (UK)
Going back a bit we have;
David James Willkins Christening you found 11 Nov 1835 and on the same Batch is;
James Brindley WILKINS, 30 July 1837, Saint Thomas, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Died 25 February 1838
Parents James Brindley WILKINS and ELIZTH
(IGI Extracted)

Marriage IGI Extracted;
James Brindley WILKINS
Elizabeth COOPER, 05 September 1834, Holy Trinity, Gosport, Hampshire

So we have now more info on James!

As there are only 2 Children maybe James died young;
BURIAL;
James Buidley WILKINS, 24 March 1837, Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire
(Source Familysearch Pilot)

Has anyone access to his age please :)
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 12:58 GMT (UK)
Familybeta search

James Brineley WILKINS
Christening 29/5/1814 Southampton, Hampshire England
father David Wilkins mother Mary Anne

Mary Ann Wilkins
26/1/1817 St. Mary’s  Portsea, Hampshire
father David Wilkins mother Mary Ann

IGI extracted marriage familysearch

David Wilkins
Mary Ann Brindlay
28/12/1812 Alverstoke, Hampshire


Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Friday 11 March 11 13:28 GMT (UK)
Someone has David James Wilkins Death possibly 16 June 1878, Drowned whilst on the Ship "JOSHUA"


trish1120 if nobody comes back with any further details you have found

could rwenman get further info. from these details from familysearch

Name:         David J. Wilkins
Gender:         Male
Death Date: 16 Jun 1878
Death Place: Merchant Marine, At Sea, Great Britain
Indexing Project (Batch) Number:    B05196-6
System Origin: Great Britain-EASy
Source Film Number: 1419470
Reference Number:    329, 3129
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: rwenman on Saturday 12 March 11 07:01 GMT (UK)
wow, I'm excited to search for the ship Joshua. to learn more.  Have you seen any more details on the death of his son James David Wilkins, in prior to 1902 as shown?  Or did you post it and I missed it (I need to admit I am a bit mixed up in the postings, since I'm new to how you do this, but eager to learn!)

I have a feeling that maybe James Wilkins, b 1857 was possibly lost at sea, and listed as deceased in his daughter Ethels marriage as a seaman. 
this is what I posted on Lincolnshire forum site about Arthr Wilkins/George Skelton: :)

Still, if he was a seaman (ship steward), is there a way to confirm his death for a seaman?  If he was lost at sea, was there a waiting period (7 years)?

I also know now that Skelton was around for awhile (on 1901 census, and involved with d Ethel's marriage.  Also David Wilkins was witness to the marriage of  Sarah Skelton in 1906.

And Arthur was born in 1896
Still, I am confused why we may have two different references to Arthur's birth one as Wilkins and the other as Skelton:

WILKINS, Arthur
Caistor Lincolnshire 1895 Jul-Aug-Sep
Volume No: 7A Page No:  640

SKELTON, Arthur George
Caistor  Lincolnshire 1896  Jul-Aug-Sep
Volume No: 7A Page No: 626
FreeBMD has this birth - any use?
Arthur George Skelton
Sep 1896 Caistor 7a 626
(Caistor district covered Great Grimsby until 1897)

I have a feeling we are closing in!

The other remaining mystery is whether there was a Herbert Barker (as stated in a letter by Lucy's daughter Amy to be Arthur's father!).  ???

Do you have parrish records for Grimsby? (is it possible that Arthur is baptized at Old Clee Parish Church Grimsby?)

I think I have a lead on Parrishes in Lancashire, so I see if I can find the same for Lincolnshire.
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 12 March 11 09:25 GMT (UK)
Have you seen any more details on the death of his son James David Wilkins, in prior to 1902 as shown?

Or did you post it and I missed it (I need to admit I am a bit mixed up in the postings)


I don’t think you have missed anything -  death of James D Wilkins not established

What’s been established from rootschat members Trish1120, Tati & myself so far is....

FreeBMD birth entry
James David Wilkins
Mar qtr. 1857 Wilton Vol 5a page 212

Familypilot search
James David Wilkins 20 March 1857 St. Mary’s Portsea Hampshire
Parents David James Wilkins & Sarah

1861c
 living Devon James D Wilkins 1857 Westhampton, W Salisbury with parents
Sarah & David J Wilkins 1833 Pickton Hants Captain’s Steward

1871c
 living Westminster James D Wilkins 1857 Wiltshire parents Sarah & David James Wilkins 1836 Portsmouth Hampshire Steward Royal Navy

James’ father died David James Wilkins Death possibly 16 June 1878
drowned whilst on the Ship "JOSHUA"

from IGI family search (which confirms above)
Name:           David J. Wilkins
Gender:         Male
Death Date: 16 Jun 1878
Death Place: Merchant Marine, At Sea, Great Britain
Indexing Project (Batch) Number:    B05196-6
System Origin: Great Britain-EASy
Source Film Number: 1419470
Reference Number:    329, 3129

1881c
James D Wilkins  not with his widowed mother Sarah & brothers David  & Walter Wilkins in Westminster

James married 13 July 1883, Register Office, Woolwich, Kent

James WILKINS 24 Bach Occ Gunner R A, Residence R A Barracks, Woolwich,
Father David WILKINS (deceased), Fathers Occ Ship Steward
Lucy Ellen RILEY, 21, Spinster, Residence 3 Ordnance Road, Woolwich,
Father John Lee RILEY, Occp Shoemaker

this looks as if it could be James service record from FindMyPast you would need further details to confirm
WILKINS  James David 1860 Salisbury, Wiltshire Royal Artillery 1883-1900   

1891

living in Lambeth James D Wilkins 1858 Painter Wilton Wiltshire with wife Lucy E & children Ethel M, David John Son & Amy E S Wilkins,
two other children born to James & Lucy both died in infancy Walter Frederick 1887 & Winifred Daisy Dec. 1891 Lambeth

1901
Has James D Wilkins died by 1901?
his wife Lucy WILKINS surname is now SKELTON children Ethel, David & Amy WILKINS step children to George SKELTON

1902
Ethel Wilkins married her father named James WILKINS Sea Steward deceased
Sarah Skelton witness (I think she would be George’s daughter)

1906

Sarah Skelton (George’s dau.) married witness D. Wilkins  (probably her‘stepbrother’)


Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 12 March 11 09:28 GMT (UK)
Some info. National Archives for a David Wilkins
you can order the document on line from National Archives if tou think this is your David
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/navy.asp
choose Registers of Seamen's Services (click 'search') enter his name

David James Wilkins Death possibly 16 June 1878
drowned whilst on the Ship "JOSHUA"

This info. relates to James’ father David James Wilkins

David James Wilkins christenings 11 Nov 1835 and
James Brindley WILKINS, 30 July 1837, Saint Thomas, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Died 25 February 1838
Parents James Brindley WILKINS and ELIZTH
(IGI Extracted)

Marriage IGI Extracted
James Brindley WILKINS
Elizabeth COOPER, 05 September 1834, Holy Trinity, Gosport, Hampshire

Familybeta search christenings

James Brineley WILKINS
29/5/1814 Southampton, Hampshire England
father David Wilkins mother Mary Anne

Mary Ann Wilkins
26/1/1817 St. Mary’s  Portsea, Hampshire
father David Wilkins mother Mary Ann

IGI extracted marriage familysearch

David Wilkins
Mary Ann Brindlay
28/12/1812 Alverstoke, Hampshire
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 12 March 11 20:20 GMT (UK)

13 July 1883, Register Office, Woolwich, Kent

James WILKINS, 24, Bachelor, Occp, Gunner R A, Residence R A Barracks, Woolwich
Father David WILKINS (deceased), Fathers Occp, Ship Steward

Lucy Ellen RILEY, 21, Spinster, Residence 3 Ordnance Road, Woolwich,
Father John Lee RILEY, Occp Shoemaker

WILKINS    James David 1860 Salisbury, Wiltshire Royal Artillery 1883-1900    

This confirms that the record above is for James
1881 census 102, Vauxhall B Rd
WILKINS, Sarah Head Widow 45 1836 Ironer   Salisbury Wiltshire
WILKINS, David Son Single 13 1868 Newspaper Boy London
WILKINS, Walter Son Single 9    1872 Scholar LondonMiddlesex

1871 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, St John The Evangelist, Westminster
WILKINS, David James Head 1836 Portsmouth Hampshire Steward Royal Navy
WILKINS, Sarah Wife  1833 Wiltshire
WILKINS, James D Son 1857 Wiltshire
WILKINS, Mary Ann Dau 12 1859 Westminster Middlesex
WILKINS, David Son M 3 1868 Middlesex

marriage IGI extracted
David James WILKINS / Sarah BRYANT
02 NOV 1855      Old Church, Saint Pancras, London, England

James David Wilkins joined the Royal Artillary age 20 at Dover on 7/10/1880 - 30/6/81, next of kin mother Sarah 102 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Plimco he was discharged at Aldershot,

He served in India 7/12/80 to 7/5/83 this explains why he's not on 1881 census. He marries Lucy not long after his return July 1883, also explains daughter Ethel's birthplace Aldershot 1887
Will send further info. via PM
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: davidwilkins on Tuesday 03 January 12 09:16 GMT (UK)
i cant believe what im reading my name is david james wilkins
Title: Re: James Wilkins b 1857, Wiltshire, Essex
Post by: rwenman on Tuesday 03 January 12 15:05 GMT (UK)
Hello there Wilkins, do yo think you might be related?  Where does your Wilkins family originate from?