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I'm looking for Ellen Elizabeth HARTLEY, born approx 1838 in 'Cape of Good Hope' (according to the 1881 UK Census).  The 1871 UK Census shows her place of birth as 'South Africa' but the words 'British Subject' were added by the ennumerator.

She married William James Watkins, born January 1828 in Devon, England, who was posted to South Africa with the 85th Light Infantry and who held the rank of Bugle Major. 

Their first son, William, was born in approx 1857. 

Their second son, Edwin, was born in December 1860 - I have found a record of his baptism in January 1861 on a UK Military Births register.

Their third son was born in England in 1866, so they must have moved back when William's posting ended.


I'm keen to know whether Ellen's family were there for missionary or military reasons and any other data that will take this line in my research further back.  I'm hoping to find:-

- a birth record for Ellen;
- a marriage record for her and William Watkins;
- the birth of their son William;
- any other evidence that allows me to trace where her parents originated from.

A tall order, but any help and information gladly received!

Lisa

Gerald

I've recently started pulling together my husband's complete family history (both parents and all 4 grandparents) and his paternal grandmother was a Peskett.

The furthest back I've been able to get so far is his gt gt grandfather, George Peskett (b. 1830 in Godalming).  If I have the right christening record, it appears that his parents were William and Sarah Ann Peskett.

I'd be grateful for any help and information that might help me to confirm this and provide a bit more detail.  It sounds like you have lots of stuff, but I might be able to fill in some more recent gaps for you.

I'd also be interested to know how and where you fit into the grand Peskett scheme!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Lisa