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« on: Thursday 23 November 17 10:55 GMT (UK) »
My 2 x Great Grandfather was James Magee. I only have proof of his birth date from his marriage certificate and death certificate. He was married to Elizabeth O'Connell on 19 November 1864 in Secunderabad, India whilst serving as a Quarter Master Sergeant in B Battery, D Brigade of the Royal Horse Artillery. His father's name is given as Felix Magee.
He and Elizabeth had 5 children, 4 of them born in India, Teresa Jane, Annie (my Gt Grandmother), James Felix and Felix (both died in infancy) and Winifred Hannah born in Woolwich in 1873 when the family had returned from India.
James Magee committed suicide on November 25 1873, two weeks after Winifred's birth whilst still a serving soldier. I don't suppose we will ever know why.
From his name I have always assumed he was from Northern Ireland but have never found any proof. Recently I discovered a James McGee (the name was often spelt in this alternative way) baptised in Dromore, Armagh, parents Felix and Margaret McGee. I also found a marriage for Felix Magee and Margaret Caulfield on 28 April 1831 also in Dromore.
My problem is that the baptism is in 1832, but James' age on his marriage certificate is 28, which tallies with his age of 37 on his death certificate. That would have made his dob 1836, not 1832.
I have the original marriage certificate so I know there is no transcription error.
I would dearly love to have proof of his date and place of birth so help would be gratefully received. I have posted about James on the India and Military sections some time ago.
Thank you
Carole