I have been tracking my wife’s ancestors for a number of years now and despite much investigation, I have been unable to satisfactorily resolve the origination of her GGG Grandfather James Edward Fewkes. A relation has told me that James was born in England. We do have a photo of him and this appears likely.
James Edward Fewkes married Eliza Deonies in Trichinopoly, India 10/12/1874. Records for this marriage show James 31, Widower, Municipal Inspector, Father William Ebenezer Fewkes. It is from this marriage that my wife descends.
James was previously married to Charlotte Soraine in Dacca, India 12/6/1863. Records show James, Full Age, Draftsman, Father William Fewkes, Baptist Missionary. Charlotte died 1874. This record is the earliest I can find for James in India or anywhere.
I have traced all Fewkes in India back to a William Fewkes born 1798, Leicester, Leicestershire, England. I am yet to locate his birth in England. He joined the India Army and a 1814 Muster Roll shows the entry Fukes William, England, Ship Moffat, Arrival 1813. William Fewkes married Elizabeth Badder 12/6/1823 in Vizagapatam, India. They had a number of children but I cannot find a direct record linking James Edward Fewkes to this particular William Fewkes. One of William Fewkes’ children was named William Ebenezer Fewkes, birth July 1838. Many names are common between the families.
I have tried all James Fewkes and variants born in England for five years either side 1843 but cannot pinpoint my wife’s direct ancestor. I have also looked closely at all Fewkes families in England for James and his father William’s era also to no avail.
Recently while overviewing the file again I noted that James Edward Fewkes’ first son from his second marriage was named William Henry Leopold (Henry) Fewkes. Coincidentally, in Apr-Jun 1843 the birth of a William Henry Fewkes was registered in Devon.
General Registry Office certified copy of entry showed William Henry Fewkes born 29/3/1843 at Compton Gifford, Father William Fewkes, Coachman, Mother Fanny Fewkes formerly Beale. Reg District Plympton St Mary Union, Sub District Plympton, Count Devon.
Records detailed William Fawkes, full age, Bachelor, Coachman, 15 Baker St, Father William Fawkes, Butcher married Fanny Beale, full age, 32 Exeter Street, Father Richard Beale decd, Farmer on 25/5/1842 Trinity Church, St Marylebone, Middlesex, England.
I have looked into William Henry Fewkes born 1843 and cannot locate any definite entries for him on any subsequent Census or Death Register. The same goes for William & Fanny and their families. Another brick wall!!!!!!
But at last, I have another avenue to ponder. The Birth Dates fit, father named William fits etc. And my lack of locating any record for James Edward Fewkes prior to his First Marriage in India may have a reason. Same for William Henry and family after his birth. Perhaps the later changed his name for some reason? Perhaps the family went to India?
Can anyone help me please?
Thank You.
