Sergeant-Major Norris BELL - 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade 1854

[Bryan1]

On behalf of a friend: His g g'father is the above, b c 1841.  Family fokelore suggests he was born in Devon.
This is an extract from his obituary, 22 July 1890 from the Evening Post, Wellington, New Zealand:
"When quite a youth, the deceased in 1854 enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade, and shortly afterwards accompanied his corps to India, where he fought through the Sepoy mutiny, and at the conclusion of the insurrection he obtained the Indian medal. Bell served for ten years in India. In 1873-74 he was fighting in the Asbantoo War and during the campaign he distinguished himself in such a manner as to procure for himself that distinguished decoration known as the "commended bar" and also the rank of Sergeant-Major. Some 10 years ago the deceased was selected by the Horse Guards to proceed to this colony as drill instructor to the volunteer force, and in this position he remained up to the time of his death."
We believe his first marriage was not in New Zealand. At his death he was survived by his (2nd) wife and 9 children.
Could SKS suggest an avenue of further research for his military side, hopefully to lead to birthplace, next of kin and the like?
Thanks
Bryan
Christchurch, NZ

[Iria]

Hi

There is a Norris Bell b c 1841 Living in Lincolnshire

Saxelby

Thomas Bell 40 Labour b of c Yes
Lucy Bell 35                             Yes
Hannah Bell 11                        Yes
Sarah Bell 8                              Yes
Elizabeth Bell 4                          Yes
Etheldah                Bell 2                          Yes
Norris Bell 5ms                           Yes

Class: HO107; Piece 643; Book: 10; Civil Parish: Saxelby; County: Lincolnshire; Enumeration District: 16; Folio:  ; Page: 1;


Hope this helps

Regards

Iria

[Iria]

Hi

A Possible Marriage in Devon

Marriage 1869 Devon Stoke Damerel

Norris Bell
Mary Ann Bond or Elizabeth Ellen Morgan
Year 1869
Qrt Jan Feb March
Vol 5b
Page 506

Hope this helps

Regards

Iria

[Bryan1]

Thank you very much, Iria.
My friend confirms Mary Ann Bond as the wife.
Can you say why there is an alternative wife against his name?
And the births look right - is that a census record from 1840?
My friend says you're a whizz!
Regards
Bryan
PS I also realise now that there is a chat devoted to Armed Forces, so I've posted that side of my query there. Thank you.

[Iria]

Hi Bryan

the census is from the 1841 Census England

Do you need the 1851 Census England information for Norris Bell ?

the two female names for the marriage is How thay appear on the Free BMD Website and also Ancestry

Bell    Norris        Stoke D    5b   506    
Bond    Mary Ann         Stoke D    5b   506   
COLLINS    Joseph Henry         Stoke Damerel    5b   506   
Morgan    Elizabeth Helen         Stoke D    5b   506

The Other Lady must be the wife of Joseph Collins as You know that Mary Ann Bond is the Wife of Norris Bell

Hope this helps

Regards

Iria

[neil1821]

Hi there! 
Just popped over from the Armed Forces board where we're helping Bryan with the military side of his query.

Any chance you can find Norris Bell in the 1871 census? His battalion were certainly back in England at the time. I would look myself but don't have an Ancestry subscription 

The entry may then help us again back on the other board depending on what it says.

[Iria]

Hi

Heres Norris Bell on the 1871 Census

1871 Census

Castle Dover Dover Kent

Norris Bell Married 32 Br Sergt Rifle Brigade Lincoln Saxelby

Class: RG10; Piece: 1008; Folio: 105; Page: 24

With Other Soldiers

Hope this helps in some way

Regards

[Bryan1]

Thank you Iria for the extra bits of info. Our Sgt Major is really coming together now.
Regards
Bryan

[Iria]

Hi Bryan

Glad i could help 

Regards

Iria