Sometimes the leads are just so tempting but so out of reach

[gnorman]

Superb work everyone. I have ordered the birth certificates for Matilda & William. When I can figure out how to do it, I will also order a copy of Michael's military record.

Does anyone know how I might go about doing this?

Thanks, Luke

[jonw65]

Hi
The info on the worldwide army index for the census years is taken from muster rolls. So it's not an individuals service or pension record. There doesn't seem to be one for Michael? Still, the muster rolls will help keep track of him (if it is him)

Anyway, I can now give you the location of those two men in 1841, around census time
Michael O'Dea, 531, of the Royal Newfoundland Veteran Companies, was in St. Johns, Newfoundland.
And the other one, Michael O'Dea, 1081, of the 87th Foot, was in Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Your Michael O'Dea was not in the military when he married at least not indicated on his marriage certificate.

Royal Newfoundland Veteran Companies
Made up of former servicemen?

[gnorman]

Thank you all for all of your time and help.

I have birth certificates for Matilda and William now. William's is correct, it lists Abraham as her father and her mother as Ellen Hantwhistle (Entwistle) late O'Day formerly Wilson which is all correct. The record for Matilda has no father's details and just lists her mum as Ellen Oddie so may be correct but no concrete proof.

Thanks everyone, Luke

[Cas (stallc)]

Maybe no connection. Just putting this here as thought it interesting and may connect?

https://gw.geneanet.org/barryhenry56?n=o+day&oc=&p=margaret

Margaret b NF c1844 She names her father as James - officer in army. Possible she did not remember him?

Marriage - image online

Name   Margaret Oday
Event Type   Marriage
Event Date   1864
Parish   Musbury, Lancashire, England
Spouse   Mark Bury (Berry)
Father   James Oday
Register Type   Parish Register

1871 - Tan Pits, Musbury, Lancashire, England
Mark Berry 26   Head
Margaret Berry   27   Wife
Elizabeth Alice Berry 5 Daughter
Ellen Jane Berry 2 Daughter

Cas

[gnorman]

Thanks Cas, sounds like a very tantalising possibility!