Benjamin Hillery/Hillary 1790-1854

[Emsworthy]

Hi all,

I'm on home turf here, being in Northamptonshire myself, but I'm looking to get further back with this guy above!   Not my tree, but my boss's tree!

Benjamin Hillery/Hillary bc1790 - d1854.  I have his wife Mary Ann Dunkley and his children, but can anyone please find his parents for me?

Many thanks,

Emma

[mgeneas]

There is just one baptism of a Benjamin HILLARY in the baptism index.
He was bapt at Northampton All Saints 13th Jun 1801 [born 24th April] parents John and Mary

[Emsworthy]

Brilliant, thanks!  I am not sure where I've got 1790 from...seems 1800 would be more accurate.  I really wish they'd started census records 100 years earlier...would make life so much easier!

Thanks again!

Emma

[The Crow]

Hi Emma,

I can't add anything to your search for Benjamin, but I have an interest in his son John. John married into the Pinckard family and after a spell in the marines they moved to Poplar in the East End. In the 1861 census the Pinckard's are using the name Westbury and Sometime after 1862 and before 1871 John adopted the name Dunkley, which you found out was his mothers maiden name. After Johns' death his family reverted to Hillary. My interest is with his friend and work colleague William Thomas Crawford, my ancestor. William also married into the Pinckard family and also used an alias Cummin/g/s but he retained the name even for a subsequent marriage. (My family still continues to use the name today).

Bit of a long shot but has your bosses family have any idea why John adopted an alias?

David  

[Emsworthy]

Hi David,

Unfortunately I don't know, nor does my boss!  She is only just uncovering her history.  Maybe it was something to do with the law?  Or breaking of it?  Hmmm...intriguing!  Good luck with finding out - it would be interesting to know!

Regards, Emma