POLICE - James Elliott

[Elwyn Soutter]

If normal RIC procedures were followed, he had to have served 7 years before he could marry, nor could he join if married. Consequently he could not have enlisted in 1858 – 1862. A marriage in Jan 1861 would point to enlistment in 1853 or earlier. Jan 1854 at the latest.

[halfpenny]

There are some records on the irish FindMyPast site showing a James Elliott SC, which I assume means sub-constable. It says residence of Noughaval Littleton. I am assuming Noughaval is the parish on Westmeath/Longford boundary. Could be worth a thought.


 

[howe02]

Can you tell me what the Irish FindMyPast site is? 

Just received today very brief information from Metropolitan Police and the records show he was born in Moydow, County Longford - which narrows down the search to a specific area in Longford. Unfortunately there is no birth date on the document

However it says he joined aged 26 years in January 1863 which suggests a birth year as 1837 although the 1861 marriage to Emily Fleeson in Killucan, Westmeath 1861 suggests a birth year as 1835 - marriage also says he was 26 years (but that was in 1861)

Any clues greatly appreciated, regards Alison - Australia

[halfpenny]

Hi,

The site is findmypast.ie , the irish leg of findmypast. It has the irish pettysessions and court registers so might be useful for tracking your James.


 

[annclare]

The records for James Elliott in FindMyPast petty sessions Longford start from 1866 so can't relate to your James Elliott who was in the police in England by 1863. Could be a relative though!!
annclare

Added- What denomination was James? - Had a look at Rootisreland.ie (pay site but have free searches) for baptismal/birth record in Longford  area and nothing showing -The existing R.C parish records for Ardagh & Moydow parish should cover his birth date - However if he belonged to the Church of Ireland (Anglican) those parish records do not seem to have survived the burning of the Four Courts in 1922.
annclare

[howe02]

Thanks for the info and suggestions - not sure of birth religion except to say that he married in Church of Ireland and their time in Australia was not in the Catholic church  ........

[howe02]

Have now been told his Service No. maybe 43542 London Police and his date of birth might be 29 March 1843, Moydow, Longford, Ireland - haven't seen actual details so can't confirm
He was with London Police from 1863-1867 then to Australia
Before that he was with Police in Ireland for just over 5 years  (RIC)    1858 - 1863 - I need his service number from the book behind the counter at Kew before being able to trace him further  ...... Alison

[annclare]

Is this a possibility?

James
Last name   Elliott
Age   19
Birth year   -
Place   Longford
Event year   1854
Service number   18404
Religion   Protestant
Appointment date   15 May 1854
Service ended date   01 Mar 1861
Emigrated   Y
Document type   General Register - Numbers 17751-19640
Archive   The National Archives
Series   HO184
Piece number   10
Piece year range   1853-1855
Record set   Ireland, Royal Irish Constabulary Service Records 1816-1922
annclare

[howe02]

Looks like a possibility however the birth date does not quite fit - the London Police information I was given (didn't sight a document) suggests a 1843 birth however it could be a typo and meant to be a 1834 and then that would fit with the information you found - where did you find the information?   It provides a service number for the RIC 18404    It is so difficult sometimes with a common name, need other information to confirm the details   - we think his father was Thomas
So I need to find a church record for the birth    thanks for the details, every clue helps solve the mystery, regards ............. Alison