Hi there
Ellen Cooke's father Thomas Tacey was my 5th great Uncle.
Many years ago I received the following information from a contact on Genes Re-United; you may find it interesting.
"attached to a settlement/Removal order 3rd feb1803.
Examination of Thomas Tacey. Thomas says he's born at Sheepshed where his late father James lived under a certficate from Hathern. When Thomas was about 4 and a half his father died at Sheepshed. Thomas and his mother went to live at Hathern where they continued for about 5yrs. When Thomas was about 10 he bound himself apprentice to John Barrowdale of Sheepshed fwk. for 7yrs; after 6yrs 10 mths his master died and his wife gave up indentures. The cert also states he has a wife Elizabeth and two children Eleanor and James 6 yrs and 2 . I believe Elizabeth was pregnant at the time with a daughter Elizabeth*. Eleanor states she was born Portsmouth on census returns as does James. James baptism is found at Portsea no sign of Eleanor's. I think Thomas may have been in Portsmouth due to the Napoleonic Wars returning in 1802 due to a period of peace. I have spoken to a researcher who is an expert on the Napoleonic wars who also believes so, but !! I've searched all records I can muster rolls etc and cannot find Thomas at all. I dont think he recieved a pension. All I have found was a John Tacey#.
He turns up in the workhouse minute books 1838. Thomas Tacey 71 widower a fwk living at Long Whatton earning 2/- a week son James 35 a fwk one child one unmarried daughter.
Oct 27 1840 Thomas Tacey widower infirm and unable to work recieves 3/6 per week from sick club till last week recieved 7/- is living with his son James 39 fwk and wife and one child he has a daughter Ellen Cooke with 4 children in the workhouse. To be relieved with 4lb bread a week. Aug 31 1841 Thomas Tacey 74 widow resident Long Whatton. The pay from his club reduced to 1/-to be allowed additional ? bread per week.
1841 Loughborough workhouse minute books Oct 12th Thomas Tacey 74 relieved with 6 and 8lbs bread also recieved 2/6 from club which has now stopped in payment to be relieved with 1/-"
*this child was named Mary as shown in the Leicestershire Baptisms records on FindMyPast (a great source for Leicestershire Parish Records).
#Research of the Napoleonic Wars period and its affect on Portsea shows that there were many persons moving there as well as the militia, including tradesmen etc. This was shown on the WDYTYA episode for Brian Blessed whose stationer/bookseller ancestor moved there to trade.
My brick wall is finding a link between the Taceys of Shepshed /Hathern with those of Barrow on Soar/Quorn. These towns and villages are only about 5 miles apart as the crow flies so there must be a connection! The problem is finding one that can be proved.
The person who shared Thomas's info said she had records going several generations further back on his maternal ancestors side (Hutchinson) but we lost touch.
