RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Wiltshire => Topic started by: saints442 on Wednesday 17 September 08 19:39 BST (UK)
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Hi All,
I have hit the proverbial brick wall.
I am not having much luck trying to find the baptism records of my earliest ancestor -
DORCAS FORD.
She was born in Wilton circa 1809 to a JOHN FORD, carpet weaver..
I have tried St Mary's Parish records with no luck.
My only hope is that she was a non-conformist.
Does anyone know what the non-conformist chapels were in Wilton?
I may have to try and get in touch with them direct to see where the records are if they are not at the Wiltshire RC.
many thanks,
Glen
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Hi
I know that there was an Independent Chapel in Wilton around the time you are interested in. I think it was later a Presbyterian one. There was also a Methodist Chapel there.
Until around 5 years ago there was a joint United Reformed (which is a later amalgamation of the Presbyterians and Congregationalists) and Methodist Church who met in St Edith's in Wilton. This building was also used by the Roman Catholics in Wilton. I think that before the free Churches met in St Edith's the chapel was in Crow Lane, Wilton. However, the building was in quite a bad state of repair and the Church closed and the remaining members went to worship elsewhere (I don't think there were very many by this time). Before the Church closed down the URC/Methodist part was part of a joint pastorate with the URC Church in Salisbury and had the same Minister. I am a member of the Salisbury Church and have just done an extensive hidtory of the Church and been through all the records held both in Chippenham Records Office and the few bits that were still in the Church. However, there was no records among them pertaining to Wilton. However, there may well be records of the Wilton Church held seperately at Chppenham. I would have thought it was worth a look. Have you tried searching the A2A site, which you can now access through the National Archives website? You could also try some of the Anglican churches on the edge of Wilton, for example the one at Fugglestone (St Peter's??). There may be records held by the Methodist Circuit too.
Hope this helps point you in the right direction!
Fiona
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Hi Glen
There were probably several non-conformist chapels in Wilton.
Several of my ancestors were baptized in Crow Lane Independent. Baptismal register is available on IGI for 1763 to 1836. Unortunately there are no entries for Ford.
There is a marriage of Dorcas Ford to James Morris 27 July 1831 in St. Marys.
Best wishes
Colin
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I notice DORCAS MORRIS is living with her 6 children in 1841 census,South Street Wilton but with no husband.Dorcas being a fairly rare name,probably correct person.
Possible death ref JAMES MORRIS Dec 1838 Wilton 8 - 283.
This death cert may give you a clue re Religous origins.
Brionne.
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Hi Brionne, Colin and Fiona,
Thanks very much for all your replies re my enquiry. Sorry for the late reply.
I travelled to Wilton today and found Dorcas's gravestone in St Mary's churchyard buried alongside her husband James Bennett. She was his 2nd wife. Interestingly his 3rd wife was also buried under the same headstone as well !
Still no luck with her baptism record. I checked the Baptist Church off Wilton square but it was closed.
I know for certain that she wasn't baptised at St Marys.
I plan to take your advice and travel to Chippenham and see what records I can find there.
You have given me a few avenues to follow, so many thanks for your help !!!
BTW James Morris was Dorcas's first husband. I did know about him. Unfortunately her and his death records do not help with the religious aspect.
Once again thanks for your help and advice,
Glen