Birr,Reid family late 1700s

[suzyf]

Can anybody give me any pointers to finding info about a John Reid/Reed who was born about 1798 and became a soldier in 48th Foot.Army records say he came from Birr.In 1841 hes a pensioner on Isle of Man with wife Mary Ann,son Edward aged 10 .2 more children born there Alfred 1844 and Henrietta Mona 1846 ,then they vanish until 1861 Census in Bury lancs . By 1871 census he's a widower and the enumerator has put his place of birth as Kent ,county cant remember .Is there a town or parish that sounds anything like this?
If they were back in Ireland in 1851 would it be possible to trace them ?
Also son Edward is possibly born Ireland around 1830 was the 48th based in Ireland then ?
So many questions ,any suggestions welcome
Thanks

[Pat Reid]

Susyf:
Here is link to whereabouts of the 48th. Looks like they were in Ireland in 1837

http://www.regiments.org/deploy/uk/reg-inf/048-1.htm

Check this also for details about their time in Australia. http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/%7Egarter1/48thfoot.htm

The census for 1851 in Ireland was destroyed except for some of Antrim so no luck there.

Good luck,

Pat

[suzyf]

Thanks Pat
As I see your interested in Reids,do you know anything about a Thomas Reid who was Chief constable in Ramsey Io Man in 1840s a long shot..
Suzy

[Pat Reid]

You are welcome Suzy.
I haven't run across Thomas since I haven't been doing any looking in the IoM but I will keep an eye out for him. 
Good luck in your searching,

Pat

[Oboran]

Suzyf

I was interested in your post regarding John Reid of Birr, Offaly, Ireland.  I am a descendant of Sgt. John Reid.   I have a photograph of him and additional information.