Good evening All…, I have a marriage problem ! Lol…, not mine !
In fact I have two unknown marriages prior to 1815 for a certain Ralph Fraser and I am looking for his descendants. Born in Westminster, London abt 1780 according to his discharge papers in 1818.
A Chelsea Pensioner and also an Almsman at Westminster Abbey.
In 1818, this widower married Ann Leyton at the St John the Evangelist, Westminster on the 28 of April 1818 at the age of 38. (register Type; ‘Bishop’s Transcript’) She is down as Ann Tayton but I’m sure that’s a fault in the transcription. In the meantime, I don’t believe she interests me as this marriage probably didn’t produce offspring. (23 years later with the 1841 census it has no mention of any children by the name of Fraser)
As such, I’m crossing my fingers that it’s one or both of the prior marriages that interests me.
Ralph signed up in 1799 at the age of 19 in the 1st regiment of Foot Guards (Scots Guards) and became an 1815 Waterloo hero being the soldier with the most medals prior, to the battle. He was discharged in London 1818. (21 year’s service and ‘worn out’)
It has been rumoured he suffered from syphilis, being the reason why he suffered the loss of 3 wives…, however, that’s just speculation.
Can someone provide me with a hint or two…, it would be very much appreciated.
Kind Regards…, Iain.
PS
In the 1851 census he is at West Street, Pimlico, a 68 year old Chelsea Pensioner. Down with a certain Mary Ann Williams, 28, a dress maker.
Then there’s another Ralph Fraser and a Mary Ann Martin in Lambeth in 1814. (this Ralph was also a widower when he married Mary Ann. Nothing to confirm whether this is the same Ralph, but nothing to say he isn't)
