Birthplace? (at sea) 1881

[Dalum]

This is part of an 1881 census household in Sheffield (UK). The second line is for Thomas HART and the ex soldier above is his father Richard. Can anyone make anything of the word before 'at sea' in the birthplace column?

In about 1846 a sibling was born in Calcutta. As you can see, this military family moved around a lot. Both parents were born in Ireland.

TIA,   Hugh

[bbart]

I looked at the census, and it looks like Algobay  (there is a g and b on the full census page that match), so I'm thinking it supposed to be Algoa Bay.

[Dalum]

That's an interesting possibility. Thanks!

[Rosinish]

Agree with bbart but do you have him on later census' which give anything likely i.e. country?

Have you tried to find Army records for father Richard?

Annie

[majm]

Born at sea ... so mum had likely been on tour with dad the soldier & his regiment in 1860 .... so where was dad's regiment in 1860 .... perhaps sub continent ...

And ...mum gives birth at sea ... so likely at end of a tour not at beginning ...agh .... so Suez canal not yet opened,  so India back to UK ... via The Cape .... agh  ... Algoa Bay ....   

I could be wrong

JM

[Dalum]

This is the only census giving a clue to the whereabouts of the ship. I haven't looked at military records yet.

Hugh

[bbart]

His service records don't say WHEN he was in the East Indies, only that he served there for 5 and a half years with a total of 21 yrs service.   

However, Leticia, his sister 2 yrs younger, was born at Portsmouth Barracks, so they (like Majm was pondering) had returned prior.

And the hunt goes on!

[bbart]

Found him, correct parents and all!

Name:    Thomas Hart
Gender:    Male
Baptism Age:    0
Event Type:    Baptism
Birth Date:    21 May 1860
Baptism Date:    28 Jun 1860
Baptism Place:    South Africa
Father:    Richard
Mother:    Honora
Church:    St. Francis, Simon's Town
Officiant:    MA Colonial Chaplin Edward Judge
Witness 1:    Henry Cox
Witness 3:    Thos Wm Hart
Witness 5:    Margaret Hart
Collection:    St. Francis Simon's Town Baptisms, 1813 - 1932

[Dalum]

That's brilliant thanks.

In 1861 they were in married quarters in Raglan Barracks Devonport. The census doesn't give his regiment but newspapers show the 53rd and 61st regiments were stationed there at the time. I found a Richard Hart in a medal roll for the 61st in India. After the Rebellion the 61st went to Mauritius in 1859 for a year and then returned to England.