India, Cawnpore. Birth Joseph THOMAS around 1823

[OzzieJoan]

I've done the right thing and searched all the posts on here. Also each link given in the Resources for India posting. And still I can't find this man.

In censuses in England 1861-1881 incl. he states born either E.Indies, Cawnpore or India, Cawnpore and puts his age consistent with a birth of 1823. I thought I had him in 1891 but can't find it at the minute. However, in 1901 he states (surprisingly) that he was born Clifton, Bristol.

Any help sorting him out would be appreciated.

OzzieJoan

[brionne]

Hi,found him in both 1881,and 1891,both images FindMyPast,state his birth East Indies,Cawnpore.

1881,Joseph Thomas 58 general labourer b India ,wife Mary three sons, Edwin 17,Christopher 14,and Albert 9,at Blacknest,Binstead,Alton,Hampshire.
1891,Joseph Thomas,68,married,coal labourer,born India.
Living with his son Charles 39,coal miner,with wife Ann 38,plus their family at ,
South Row,Hugglestone and Donington,Ashby de la Zouch,Leics.

Was he a soldier,or from army family,there are numerous records for same name,earlier time frame.
Brionne.

[brionne]

Here he is 1871.
Joseph Thomas 50,married,inmate, tinker, born India Cawnpore,at Alton Union Workhouse,Alton Hampshire.
Do you have a death for him yet,  possibly 1904 Bristol Glos,age 80.

[ShaunJ]

Have you got his father's details from the marriage certificate?

[brionne]

This is a long shot but there is an India Office Record for the following,,,,

     Joseph Thomas birth 18 Oct 1825 St Helena.
     Father,   John, slave of Alexander,,Mary.
     Baptism, 19 Aug 1832 St Helena.
     Ref, N/6/3 f.198

 Believe slaves came into Bristol.
 1851 Pension record for a J Thomas, Fort St George,Madras,[but only a possibility].
 
 1861 he is 38,married to Mary 31,working as a Marine Store Dealer,at Chawton,Alton,Hants.
  For all his varied life this guy lived to a good age.Hope this helps,Brionne.

[OzzieJoan]

Brionne - Unfortunately I know nothing of his time in India so not sure if his father worked as a civilian or Army. That record for the birth in 1825 at St.Helena is interesting. Am I reading that right? John (the father) was a slave of Mary ALEXANDER? Or was Mary ALEXANDER the slave of John? Yes, we have his death cert. He died in the workhouse Sep 1912 at Ashby de la Zouche at the age of 90. An exceptional age for those days.

Wikipedia makes mention of an 1817 census for St.Helena. If there was a later census (say, 1827) it's possible I might find him mentioned on that. Any idea where I could find that, please?

ShaunJ - Such a pity his marriage cert says that his father is deceased.

Thanks again,
OzzieJoan

[ShaunJ]

Such a pity his marriage cert says that his father is deceased.

Does it not show the father's name?

[brionne]

The on line records of India Office Family Search, show up the following with an advanced search by using the surname Thomas only.     Maybe same family,another sibling.

              Baptism for James Thomas,14 Jan 1821 Cawnpore,
              Parents, Joseph,Sgt 24th Ft,,,,,Maria.       Ref,N/1/11 f 639.

              Burial for James Thomas, 12 Aug 1821,Cawnpore,
              Son of Joseph, Corp, 24th Reg.        Ref,N/1/11,f 703.

[OzzieJoan]

Again, thanks, Brionne. I've made a note of that and it could certainly be a sibling. Unfortunately, there is no connection between that record and the one you sent me for St.Helena - so not the same family.

And do you know the exact meaning of "John, slave of Alexander,,Mary." please?

OzzieJoan