Search for my Great great great Grandfather - John Rowlands

Ceflin · 07-10-2007, 23:16

Hi;
I am researching my Great great great Grandfather. What I found so far: He was born in 1808 in England and his wife was from Killkenny in Ireland. By the age of 44, he is listed as a Chelsea Pensioner after having served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He had 3 children; one born in 1841 in North America, one born in 1842 also in North America and one born in 1845 in Southern Canada.
I am assuming from this that maybe he was on duty with the Royal Welch in this area at this time. So what I want to know; was the Royal Welch Fusiliers serving in this area during the 1840's and why? Any info is appreciated. Thank you.

**ap1** · 08-10-2007, 17:42

Hi Ceflin, and welcome to the Forum. What was your ancestors name, and do you know where he was born?

Ceflin · 08-10-2007, 19:58

Hi;
Thanks. His name was John Rowlands and he was born in Cressage in Shropshire.

Regards; Ceflin.

**ap1** · 08-10-2007, 22:16

He would have been part of the 1st Battalion. They were based in Canada in 1841, Montreal to be precise. In 1843, they were replaced by The Reserve Battalion, which had arrived from the UK. The 1st Bn then proceeded to Barbados. It would appear your relative remained behind with the Reserve Bn until at least 1845, going by the birth of the 3rd child. The regiment served in different areas of Canada, I can identify some areas if required.

Coincidently the regiment arrived in Kilkenny on the 21st Sept 1836, which would account for the families Irish connection and elements began to sail for Canada on the 25th Mar 1838. So if you need to find the wedding, a start point would be 1836-1838. Do you know what his final rank was?

Ceflin · 09-10-2007, 19:39

Hi;
Thats great! Everything seems to fit, that information gives me a lot to go on. As for his rank, I don't really know, the only thing I have to go on is in the 1871 census, where it states under profession that he is a retired Welch Fusilier and is down as a Chelsea Pensioner. His background is working class, so I con assume he was not an officer.

Best regards and thanks for the useful info; Ceflin.