Since making this post I have found the army record for a William Parnell who says he was a labourer and born in Wendling, Norfolk. He joined the army in 1846 claiming to be aged 17 and was discharged (as a Sergeant) on 27 April 1868. Although his army record suggests he was born in about 1829 rather than 1825 I suspect he may be the same person as there was only one Parnell family in Wendling at the time.
What is interesting is that he gives his place of residence on discharge in 1868 as Mullingar, Westmeath. I have never been able to find the baptism of his father and although his father says in the 1841 Census that he was born in Norfolk there is a family rumour that he came from Ireland. It seems somewhat strange that his son who was born in Wendling, Norfolk and who served in the 36th Foot Regiment in the Ionian Islands, West Indies and East Indies should choose to settle in Mullingar, Westmeath if there was no family connection with the area.
Can anyone suggest what further documents or information I may be able to find on William Parnell's military service or life in Mullingar after 1868?
Nigel
Hello
John Parnell, William's father, is my wife's great-great-great-grandfather. We have never been able to trace any records for John prior to that for his marriage, or indeed for any of his ancestors.
Best regards
Dumpling2025
