William Wiggins

[kipperkev]

I believe my gt gt gt grandfather, William Wiggins was born appx 1779-1797-as oneof his sons was born 1818 defianately. The son was born in Leafield so I am assuming so was the father. The differences in years is that William could have been any age when he became a father, and I have estimated up to 40 years. I know most people say 25 but that is only a guestimate isn't it.?
Does anyone have any baptism records from Leafield covering these dates please..... long shot I know but would be very gretful for any help available
Many thanks
Kevin Wiggins

[Mutley]

Which Leafield?
Oxfordshire or Wiltshire?

[ChristineR]

The differences in years is that William could have been any age when he became a father, and I have estimated up to 40 years. I know most people say 25 but that is only a guestimate isn't it.?

Many men are fertile right up to 70, maybe even beyond. If he happens to marry a couple of times, and ends up with a young wife, then children can be born when he is quite elderly.

I have one of my girls as an example, born in 1880, her father aged 79! He was up to his third wife, and she was 34 years younger than he. My girl was the last of 12 children from that marriage. He had at least 9 children during his previous marriages.

So all one can say is 'probably born before 1800' as one can also go the other way, he may have been only 16 or 17 when the child was fathered. :)

[Peter Goodey]

I'm puzzled by the question because I don't believe you can be "definite" about the 1818 birth without having seen the parish registers.

You really need to get hold of the full set of registers for Leafield* because you'll also be interested in buirials and marriages. When checking the 1818 baptism you'll also want to note any additional information in the register.

Also was the father thoughtful enough to survive to be counted in a census? An approximate date of birth will be useful.

*whichever Leafield it is