21st Light Dragoons in South Africa 1806 onwards

[Westee]

Now that is very interesting - because there is another Louisa born to Richard and Ann back in UK in Dec. 1822 and baptised in 13th April 1823.  An earlier birth is recorded of a sister also born/baptised in Crossgate named Harriet in April 1820.
So leads me to think that perhaps some of the children died (certainly Louisa must have as they have had another child named Louisa in 1823.)
Hmmm  -  So would the deaths be recorded somewhere?  This will help immensely.

[Westee]

Would they be in the Regimental Registers for Deaths (overseas)?

[Neale1961]

Where did the family live in UK when they came back from Africa?

[Neale1961]

Could this be Louisa?
https://www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5817e05ae93790ec757ff4bf/louisa-bell-burial-durham-sunderland-1818-06-18?locale=en

[Westee]

I would certainly bet on it.  How amazing. Another piece to the puzzle. But didn't expect that.
Yes, they lived in Durham afterwards.  His brother's death was also registered at the Holy Trinity church. 

[Ashtone]

In Find My Past's Gro Regimental Birth Indices (1761 To 1924) collection:

Year: 1818
Name: Ellen Bell
Place: Cape Town
Country: South Africa
Archive ref: REG1

The image might be the GRO index list, as opposed to a birth/baptism record. No idea if she's anything to do with your chap. You'd have to view the FindMyPast record image.

[Neale1961]

Which of those children born in Sth Africa can you account for in the census or in burials?

I notice a Richard Bell born 1810, Cape of Good Hope (unmarried) appears in the London / Middlesex census from 1851 to 1881, working as a private tutor.

Henry Bell burial.
https://www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5817db6ce93790ec7579d262/henry-bell-burial-durham-durham-1822-05-31?locale=en

[Westee]

I cannot account for any of them; apart from the Louisa which you found a burial for at Holy Trinity   Very very odd.  And I have tried and tried to find them.

The only information I have on them is the 1841 census: Richard 65 yrs; Ann 55 yrs and Louisa 15 yrs.  Living at Brougham Street, Bishopwearmouth. 

Then Richard's death in 1843 Nile Street, Bishopwearmouth. "Troop Sergeant Major in the 21st Light Dragoons"  Informant Elisabeth Young, present at death No. 52 Nile Street.  I have followed her somewhat and cannot find a connection to Richard.

That is probably Henry's death.  Oh my goodness.

Now, I'll take a look at the Richard Bell b. Cape of Good Hope which you found in London/Mddx as a private tutor.  I hadn't picked the 'where born' status of this one.  Excellent - making progress.

[Westee]

I'd say with much certainty that this is him in the census living in Mddx.   Found a possible death in Sept qtr 1884 in Marylebone; 1a page 413.

Considering the father's death in 1843, I am now wondering whether they all moved away from Durham (those that survived).  Can really expand my search looking for the others now.