Michael Mahoney 81st Foot 1857-1870

[tom mix]

Michael was awarded Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-1858. Later, according to the 1861 census, he was in Rawalpindi. In January 1870 he marries Catherine Woods. He is down as a Musician in 81st Regiment.
I then have him in 1881 Census in Rothsay Street Everton Liverpool, though spelt Mahony, and having left the regiment.

Is there anywhere I can go to get details on Michael's background before and after  joining the 81st. If he lasted from at least 1857 to 1870 perhaps there is some documentation ? I suspect an Irish influence in his origins. However, Catherine was from the Isle of Man.

Thanks

Alan

[ShaunJ]

Yes FindMyPast has 10 pages of army records for a Michael Mahoney of the 81st regiment. Born Birr, Kings County in 1833. Attested for the 81st in 1848 from the Royal Military Asylum in London so presumably his father was also a soldier. Discharged in 1871, deferred pension from 1883.

[tom mix]

I have a subscription to FindMyPast. What am I doing wrong ? Or haven't learned to do yet ?
Please help me !

[ShaunJ]

Try this link http://www.findmypast.co.uk/army-service-records-show-image.action?sdrfnbr=131026021&pageNo=1

[gortonboy]

1841 census

Address:Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, Chelsea

County:Middlesex

MAHONEY, Michael   age 8  b 1833    {not born in county,,,but not noted as born Ireland}

[tom mix]

Thank you both. I will work on your information.
Alan

[tom mix]

Just downloaded 10 pages of information from the site suggested on FindMyPast.
I can't thank you enough !! So much detail !!
Alan

[km1971]

Hi Alan

Michael entered Chelsea Royal Military Asylum on 27 October 1840, aged 7. His father is listed as also being in the 81st Foot. Entry to Chelsea RMA was allowed if either the mother or father had died.

The service companies of the 81st Foot were in the West Indies in this period, but they would have retained a Depot somewhere in the UK, possibly in Fermoy - the last UK station of the whole regiment. If you can get to Kew you should research the muster books for the 81st starting with the months preceding Michael's entry into Chelsea to get the name of his father.

The 81st Foot were in Birr from May 1833 to October 1834. You could short circuit your task by asking on the Kings/Offaly section if access to Birr parish records are available. The birth was not registered on the regimental birth database, so you will have to look at Birr church registers. His birthday was almost certainly 22nd December 1833.

Ken

[tom mix]

Ken,

Much appreciated. Unfortunately, (or not), being situated in NSW Australia, I wont be visiting Kew in the immediate future.
The name of his father, as per his Marriage Cert. was also Michael.

Regardless of all the other provided information, he marries Catherine Woods on 7 Jan 1870. If he was born 1833 as you suggest, a marriage at 37 Or had he been married before ??

Can I proceed on line with my enquiries ?
Also, how are you almost sure his birthday was 22 Dec 1833 ?

Thanks

Alan