Greetings
Please can anyone advise me where I might find 1864 birth records of St Helena and information on those who were part of Napoleon's escort to St Helena?
My great-grandfather, William Henry Brann, lived and died in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Information on his death record indicates he was born on the island of St Helena (of British parentage) in about 1864, but I have not yet managed to find any record of his birth or baptism which might give me a clue to the names of his parents. I also have no idea of when he arrived in South Africa as the first record I can find is of his marriage when he was 21.
An intriguing note in my mother’s birthday book reads “Bella’s grandfather Brann came to St Helena as escort to Napoleon. Hailed from Kent.” (Bella was William Henry Brann's daughter).
I have searched the parish registers held at Wits and found the marriage of a David Brann in 1832 and baptism records of three of his children between 1837 and 1841, but have not been able to link them to my great-grandfather in any way. I have also looked for Branns who were involved in the Napoleonic wars and found 4, but again, have found nothing that connects any of them to either my great-grandfather or to St Helena.
Any pointers would be most appreciated
Regards
Margaret