Where was this poor little soul born?

[valgeo]

I have a burial record (from the Devon FHS) for William Semain aged 10 months buried in the Parish of Plymouth St Andrews 26/3/1837

I went to my local LDS this morning to order the film, but they don't have it unfortunately, so I tried for a birth in 1836 - no joy with that either. They have earlier records for St Andrews, but nothing for the time frame I am looking for.|banghead|

I was wondering if there was anyone who could have a check through the parish records for me. We need to know just who his parents were.

We have a John Semain who was a soldier and a Protestant, and we think he married a lass who was Irish and a Catholic - this info came from another child born later in Ireland. John was discharged from the Army after a long career overseas, aged 40 in Plymouth in 1837 - so the timing and the place is right for young William.

So far we have been unable to find a marriage for them, so they may have been married in Ireland at a later stage.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thankyou|help|

[v.wells]

Don't know if this of any use but www dot plymouthdata.info/contents.htm and www dot genealogylinks.net/uk/england/devon/devon-parish-registers.htm. I looked on ancesspit but nothing registered until 1840 with a James Semaine. Findmypast army overseas birth might have William's birth registered. It might also be listed on John's army papers probably available from TNA - he is in the right time frame.

[v.wells]

Found this at TNA Documents online:

Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers Service Documents WO 97/542/8
JOHN SEMAINE Born DEAL, Kent Served in 37th Foot Regiment; 7th Royal Veteran Battalion Discharged aged 41 . JOHN SEMAINE Born DEAL, Kent Served in 37th Foot Regiment; 7th Royal Veteran Battalion Discharged aged 41 37th Foot: Saf - Yat Date range: 1808 - 1837.

So this could be the father?

[valgeo]

Vanessa - I do have all this paperwork, and no mention of family at that stage - when he was discharged.

We have a Hannah Semaine born in Plymouth in 1837 then an Elizabeth @ Macroom C.Cork 14/7/1840 parents John and Kitty Semain and later, in 1841 @ Macroom we have James Semaine baptised - parents John Semaine and Catherine nee Doyle.

I am thinking that Catherine could have been known as Kitty

The names William, Hannah, Elizabeth and James are all Semain family names, used repeatedly throughout that era, which is why I am so sure that baby William belonged to them. I just need some sort of proof. Originally John came from London which is where the Semain/Samain families were all living.

I will go through the websites you suggested, thankyou for those.

[Lizziejane]

Hi
I have just had a look at a cd I have called the Deanery of 3 towns that has baptism marriages and deaths it covers st.Budeaux, stoke damerel,
East Stonehouse, Plymouth St Andrews, etc but I could not find a baptism or a marriage with the surname Semain the only time I saw Semain was Williams death entery sorry

Good Luck
Lizziejane

[valgeo]

Many thanks for looking Lizziejane. I visited my local library yesterday and looked at their CD of Devon parish records, but it only went till 1809 - so of no use unfortunately. I think that for the time being we are just going to have to 'assume' that he belonged to John and Kitty - as Semain is such an unusual name for the Devon area.

I will keep digging for his birth record, and a marriage record, hopefully they will surface eventually.