Why was he born in France? (Wignall)

[Falleniceangel]

Having some difficulty with a John Wignall!

Ok, he was born in France around 1816, to Samuel Wignall and Mary (nee Heaton), but all other ties including wedding and census' findings are based in Lancashire. He was married to Charlotte Stafford in Standish and they lived in Chorley. His father was born in Poulton le Fylde and his mother in Preston, where they also married.

So....why was he born in France? Looking at the date I wondered if it had anything to do with the Nepolianic war, which ended around then. I doubt they would have been on holiday!

Does anyone know anything, or anyway of me finding out a bit more about who served in the war etc? I've tried many sites and can't find anything 

[suzyf]

Could this be his father ? maybe he was born in France and christened in Preston.?
You could look at the history of the regiment to find out where they served
#
Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers Service Documents WO 97/549/84

SAMUEL WIGNALL Born PRESTON, Lancashire Served in 38th Foot Regiment Discharged aged 30 .
Date: 1805 - 1818 Source: The Catalogue of The National Archives

Sue

[Falleniceangel]

oooh could well be, thank you I shall have a look into that

[Krisi]

I am actually likewise doing research to discover more about John and Samuel Wignall.  They are my 4 and 5 Great Grandfathers.  I would love to collaborate with you and learn what you've discovered and share with you what I've discovered with this family.  I am most interested in discovering if John had other siblings and who Samuel's parents and siblings are.  Do you have any info on this?

I know that Samuel died in 1840 (I ordered his death certificate), so that's why he doesn't appear on any censuses.  I know that Samuel was a shoemaker by trade, and John was a Clogger by trade.  Anyway, I have more info if you are interested, and if you can share anything you've learned, I would greatly appreciate it!

[Falleniceangel]

I've PMed you How exciting to find a distant relative!

[farrson]

I am also searching the Wignall family name.  So far, I have:
Samuel Wignall - 1785 (about)
Charles Wignall - 1815 (about)
Matilda Leah Wignall - 1841

I am really at a loss at this family tree, and would appreciate any help anyone would be willing to give me!  This is my maternal grandmother's line.  (Maude Ellen Bingham)

Thanks so much,

Tamra Jackson

[Krisi]

Hi Tamara,

I've been researching this Wignall line for the last 2 years.  Have you ever registered for the new.familysearch.org site?  or Ancestry.com?  I have the updated family trees on those sites.  I can tell you right now that Charles Wignall is not correct.  Matilda Wignall's father was John Geoffrey Wignall born November 1816 in France.  His father was Samuel Wignall born about 1785 in Preston, England.  Samuel fought in the Napoleonic war, and that is why John was born in France.  Samuel was married to Mary Heaton.  Anyway, I am happy to share more, but it may be more efficient to look at my shared family tree on Ancestry.com (which is the Church/Bushman family tree).

I am the great-granddaughter of John Bingham who is your ancestor Maud Bingham's brother.  I guess we're distant cousins!

-Krisi Summers

p.s.  Do you have any information on Maud and John's mother Mary Alice Lomax?  I want to learn her story and wondered if you have any further information on her life?

[farrson]

Hi Kirsi!

Sorry, I just found this message!  Have I written an answer to this?  Oh well, here goes again!

I am still in shock about this John Geoffrey Wignall!  Do you have documentation on this fact?  Who was his wife?  I don't have access to Ancestry, and I haven't tried on FamilySearch....but I would be SO interested in your family tree!

Mary Alice Lomax joined the LDS church, and was dis-owned by her family, and friends.  She worked at a home in Salt Lake City for 4 years to work off the price of her passage.  Since England wanted everyone to have a trade, Mary became an expert weaver.

I can remember my Mother telling me that she (Mary Alice Lomax) was really a tiny little thing, and was quite lively.  When she talked, her earrings would jump, and that facinated my Mom as a child.  Mom also said that she had a little brother whom she missed dearly, and I think she said his name was John.  They used to walk together, and she was so sad to leave him.

I would love to hear more from you if you wouldn't mind!  If you would like, please email me at farrson at gmail dot com.

Sincerely,
Tamra Jackson