My 3 X great grandfather, Hugh Shields, was born @ 1782 in America, according to the 1851 Census. However, his first child, Elizabeth, was born @ 1825 in Penrith, Cumberland. His other children were born in Penrith, Wigton and Lancaster, Lancashire. His wife, Ann O'Neil was born in Ireland! I haven't been able to find a record of the marriage yet.
My question is about British troops who fought in the American Revolution. I understand that some soldiers brought their wives and families with them. My supposition is that Hugh returned to Cumberland with his parents when the war ended. Either that, or Hugh's family were Loyalists who returned to England. Would there be any records of British soldiers who fought in the war? Hugh's first son was named Joseph, so it's possible his father was also Joseph.
Any help would really be appreciated, as I've hit a real dead end here!
Thanks, Seattle
