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We've tried some but I can't remember for which dates.
I will mention it as another possible source.

Oliver Richards was a fisherman so it could be he was lost at sea, or travelled to another port and just "disappeared"!

Both James and Elizabeth were in Hull in March 1876 and she was last seen prior to that in Whitby in April 1871 (census) married to Oliver Richards. Something between these two dates is the key to the mystery!

Hi - I've already been in touch with Steve about this one.

There might be a connection with my James Bibby, from Hull, who was born c1827 and who is described as Chelsea Pensioner. I do not have a marriage cert (despite looking for a very long time!) so do not know his father's name, nor anything about his early life.

There was a James Bibby (b1825) noted in the Ballymoney Parish records - son of Thomas. Searching through these (and nearby Kinneigh Parish) there are a few more Bibbys mentioned, including a John and a Thomas, both of whose fathers were named Thomas. (The mothers were names as Sarah and Susan although this could be a mistake and be the same name, I suppose).
 
In the 1846 Ballymoden Census (Boyle Street) there is a family: Thomas & Mary with sons William, John, Thomas, Frank & a foundling named Catherine.

I searched the 1861 census and found, in Croydon, both a John and a Thomas Bibby at Parchmore Farm - which is the place that James Bibby (Chelsea Pensioner b1824 nr Cork) said he was intending to go to on his Army Discharge record. I assumed they were brothers (or maybe cousins) but that is where my trail ends. John may possibly be in the workhouse in 1871, but Thomas and James I haven't found anywhere else in 1871. However a Thomas does appear in the 1881 census - again in Croydon.
 
If this James is my James I need to try and ascertain where he was between 1864 and 1876, when he turns up in Hull.
 
Of course it could all be wrong!!

Hi Wendi
We have exchanged info. already on this topic, see: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,156129.0.html

However, the details of this photo have only come to light since then and I don't know if it is or is not the person (James Bibby) that I am looking for. It seems a good bet, but I am trying to find out more from the family now.

I am hoping some "clues" from the photo, (such as the one posted above by SallyCat) might offer additional info. on where to look for more information.

Paul Bibby

Hi
I wonder if any army or uniform experts may be able to give us any clues from the following description of a family photograph (which unfortunately seems to have vanished).

The photograph (or portrait) is of a soldier. He is around 25-30 years of age.
The photo is a posed photo in matt black and white about 2 feet square (2’ x 2’)
He is sat on a chair.
He had, I believe, a high neck uniform jacket with “Sam Brown”- type Belt across his chest with a pouch attached.
He was wearing a “Sun helmet” (Pith Helmet with, I believe, a feather on one side - Left).
He possibly had a sword between his legs.
He was wearing boots and puttees.

The person (who may or may not be the person in the picture) I am trying to find information about is:
Chelsea Pensioner born around 1827/8.
Likely to have served a significant period in the army between 1845 and approx. 1875, possibly overseas for a good length of time.


Any clues (or hunches) as to when or where he may have served, what type of soldier he was or any branch/regiment would be gratefully received.
Paul Bibby

That sounds interesting - however I have found "other James Bibbys" before which have turned out to be not who I was looking for.

I've not had a lead for the 39th before and it seems a little out of the location I was expecting (i.e. some connection to Hull/Yorkshire.)

I'll keep a note together with my other possibles and would be interested in any more you find. I'll search at Kew next time for some more details.

Many thanks

Paul