I've just received the following email from a lady at the Pembrokeshire record office:
'On looking at the family tree of the Higgon family of Scolton Manor, Spittal, I cannot see an Evan Higgon in the main family line.
The entry in the Walton East parish register for the baptism of Charles Higgon in 1813 is interesting because, even though Charles was illegitimate, only his father’s name appears in the register. Evan Higgon is described as a minor, which would mean under the age of 21 at that time. Using our indexes to the censuses, I can see only one Evan Higg* in Pembrokeshire in 1841. This was an Evan Higgin aged 45-49, of independent means, living in the parish of Treffgarne [just west of Spittal parish]. He appears again on the 1851 census, aged 54, living as a lodger in the parish of Llanstinan [just south of Fishguard] and born in the parish of Lampeter Velfrey [east of Narberth on the Carmarthenshire border]. Unfortunately, the baptism register for Lampeter Velfrey has not survived for the period prior to 1813. However, there are Bishop’s Transcripts for Lampeter Velfrey for most years in the 18th century. These are held at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth [email holi@llgc.org.uk]. There is no evidence that Evan ever married in Pembrokeshire. His death is recorded in the July/September quarter of 1853.'
You're correct in saying that Charles remarried. And Martha was indeed baptised as you say.
I found what you say about the Higgon estate interesting. I wasn't aware it spread across '3 counties of Dyfed'. This gives me a better understanding of Evan.
I am curious if anyone is aware why one would move to Castlemartin at this time? And also, the above email says 'the baptism of Charles Higgon in 1813 is interesting because, even though Charles was illegitimate, only his father’s name appears in the register.' Why does this mean he would be illegitimate?