William Henry King b Birmingham 1826

[Clive Blackaby]

I posted this one earlier on the Warwickshire general forum, but think I might be in the wrong place, as I haven't had any takers!!

I am trying to find further information on the early years of my great grandfather William Henry King, who was born in Birmingham in 1826. Not exactly the most unusual name in the kingdom, nor one of those nice cosy village communities where everyone knew everyone else (and was probably related to most of them) but I hope maybe S.K.S. will be able to give me some pointers.


According to family record and censuses he was born in Birmingham ca 1826, the (only) child of David King. (from 1881 and 1891 censuses, Hertford and his marriage certificate respectively)


William, a.k.a. Harry, was in the British Army during the Crimean War of 1854-1856. He enlisted in the 10th Light Dragoons in 1846 and was stationed at the Military Barracks in Maidstone, Kent. From that point onwards, his life is reasonably well documented (Military records, birth certs. of all 13 children, censuses etc.).

Prior to 1946, the only reference I, or any other member of the family, have been able to find to a William King, son of David King, born in the Birmingham area at about the right time, is a baptism in Smethwick on 23 April 1826, mother’s name Sarah, and for a while we were convinced that this was he.


However, there are census records for a William Kicord and censuses he was born in Birmingham ca 1826, the (only) child of David King. (from 1881 and 1891 censuses, Hertford and his marriage certificate respectively)


William, a.k.a. Harry, was in the British Army during the Crimean War of 1854-1856. He enlisted in the 10th Light Dragoons in 1846 and was stationed at the Military Barracks in Maidstone, Kent. From that point onwards, his life is reasonably well documented (Military records, birth certs. of all 13 children, censuses etc.).

Prior to 1946, the only reference I, or any other member of the family, have been able to find to a William King, son of David King, born in the Birmingham area at about the right time, is a baptism in Smethwick on 23 April 1826, mother’s name Sarah, and for a while we were convinced that this was he.


However, there are census records for a William King born Smethwick 1826 (censuses in 1881, 1891 and 1901) which gives the lie to this.
Also apparently he made a big thing about the fact that both he and his wife (Eliza Jones) were only children.

[Clive Blackaby]

Hi folks,
I'm still pretty much stumped on this one, so thought it might be worth re-posting as there seems to be a bit more census info about than there was when I posted it in Nov 2004. (Good heavens, was it that long ago - still totally brick walled )

Regards

Clive