born in Hitchin

[robweldon]

Thomas Dawborn died 1855 in Portsea aged about 90. He had enlisted with the 10th Royal Hussars in 1806 at Portsea claiming to be born at Hitchin, but I can't find a Thomas born anywhere in Hitchin around the mid 1760s. Would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanking you, Rob

[Vance Mead]

There's a will of Ann Dawborne, widow, of Ickleford formerly of Hitchin, 1776, that might help.

[Jeuel]

It's possible that Dawborn has been misrecorded.  Or he might be lying/confused about where he was born.  Or he may have been a non-conformist - Hitchin was a hot-bed of non-conformity with sizeable Quaker and Baptist congregations.

Let me know if I can be of local help - I live in Hitchin.

[Jeuel]

If Thomas was born mid-1760s wouldn't he be a bit old to join the Hussars in 1806?  He also says he was born Hitchin on 1851 census and is recorded as a Chelsea Pensioner.

[chempat]

These 2 are living in Hitchen in 1851 - wonder if related?

Edward Dawborn   91 Head  Tailor (pauper)  born Hitchin
Thomas Dawborn   65  son  ag. lab.  born Royston.

Added:
Edward Dawborne was baptised on 31st July 1763, son of William (glover) and Elizabeth, in Hitchin.

[chempat]

In 1762 together were baptised Sarah (1754), Hugh (1756) and Henry (1761), children of William and Elizabeth Dawborn.

Perhaps they forgot Thomas.

[chempat]

There is a Thomas Dawborn Serjeant being recommended for the Chelsea Pensioners, having served 26 years in the 40 (49?) th, including West Indies (up to 1800) and then 2 years 3 months Independent Company of Invalids (??) to 1802. 
  There is some extra information on the side that I cannot read.
This is from the F MP transcription:
Thomas Dawborn  Birth year 1752 at Hitchen
Service number   -
Regiment   Princess Charlotte Of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment) - 49Th & 66Th Foot
Attestation year   1802  Attestation date   ? ? 1802   Discharge date   24 Dec 1802
Discharge corps   Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment) - 49th & 66th Foot
Document type   Discharge
Series   Wo 121 - Chelsea: Pensioners' Discharge Documents 1760-1887

[LizzieL]

1851 census in Portsea Thomas Dawborn widower age 86 born Hitchin.
Piece number 1659 Folio 484 Page 13

[LizzieL]

There's a marriage for a Thomas bach in Hitchin 8 nov 1808 to Lucy Butterfield,
Looks like him in Hitchin in 1861 born Royston
Piece number 818 Folio 57 Page 27

There is a marriage of a Thomas Dawborn in Portsmouth in 1819 to Mary Higgins, that Thomas also a bachelor.  Might have married late.

A Thomas Dawborn married Elizabeth Ford at Portsea on 05 Oct 1822, transcription doesn't say whether bachelor or widower.