REID/PARKES family

[Oboran]

I have a good deal of information on Sergeant John Reid, b. 1798 Birr, Offaly, Ireland, d. 1872 Bury, Lancashire, England.  He was a soldier in the 48th Regiment of Foot, and served in Ireland, Isle of Man, England, Australia, and India.  He married Mary Ann Parkes who was from an Australian convict family.  I have a photograph of Sgt. Reid, but I have been unable to discover his parentage.  I would appreciate any information from anyone connected to the Reid or Parkes families.

[warncoort]

Did the family stay in Australia? If so you will find NSW Bdm will help

[alison2763]

Hi Oboran,
If you could locate his birth or death certificates they should list his parents -especially his birth certificate.
Where did they marry? Depending on which country the Marriage certificate may list his parents.
Which state was Mary Ann Parkes from ? There are no births listed for Parkes in New South Wales until 1849 and the earliest Mary A Parkes listed is 1862.
The earliest birth of Mary Parkes in Tasmania was in 1839 she also died the same year. There are 2 other Mary Parkes listed in Tasmania  one married a John Cole and the other wasn't born until 1862 and married in 1888.
Regards
Alison

[Oboran]

I appreciate the suggestions.  However, I have the Parkes family information fairly well documented for many generations.  I have Mary Ann Parkes, daughter of John Parkes and Margaret Southern, born in Australia, died in Lancashire, England.  My problem is with John Reid.  He was born in Ireland in 1798, but in Ireland birth records date from 1864, when the Irish civil registration system was introduced. Until this time, a child's arrival was recorded only by baptism (or christening, according to religious denomination).  It requires a search of church and parish records, and Irish records are sparse.  I have copies of John Reid's military records, which show his service in Ireland, Isle of Man, England, Australia, and India; it also contains his marriage record to Mary Ann Parkes in India.  But his parents remain elusive.  I appreciate any and all suggestions and you have been most generous.  Thank you.

[judb]

Hi Oboran

Rootschat have two Boards which may be able to help you with John Reid.  There is an Ireland Board and an Armed Forces Board, both of which have knowledgable peole who my be able to give you some pointers.

Judith