granddad's dad James Kelly

[jesika jae]

Great granddad
My search for my maternal grandfather is frustrating and bewildering. Despite a tremendous amount of information, including his regiment and numbers, I still cannot, even with the help of Rootschat experts (many thanks) determine which of many possibles he is.
So – try for GREAT granddad.
Same name James Kelly
Same address 3 Bells Yard, Westgate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire at the marriage of his 20 year old son (Jan 1916)
Same occupation miner
Different regiment Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
And at least 20 years older which would surely make it easier – wouldn't it?
I have 14 possible medal card numbers relating to James Kelly, KOYLI or YLI
2 for James P Kelly
2 for J Kelly
and 2 for William J Kelly

They range from Royal Field Artillary to MGC, Rifle Brigade and Labour Corps (older men perhaps?), Royal Engineers (miner – tunnels?) and Training Reserve Battalions.

I have so much but can't go forward.

I am waiting for information from the KOYLI and mining museums one of which may provide the missing link, giving great granddad's birth date (estimate around 1870) or perhaps the name of his wife.

Larkspur (Nottinghamshire) and Cashew (WW1) have helped enormously and  I thank them, but that elusive final clue is still to be found.

I really hope someone can find great granddad James Kelly and through him, my grandfather.
Many thanks
jesika

James Kelly 1895-1927

[CaroleW]

Hi

Same address 3 Bells Yard, Westgate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire at the marriage of his 20 year old son (Jan 1916)

Just a small point - the address on a marriage cert is that of the groom - not necessarily that of his parents

[jesika jae]

Many thanks, hadn't considered that, but because of family information and because granddad was between trips "abroad" at the date of his marriage, I doubt he would have had his own home. But I suppose he could have been a lodger at this address.
Hopefully the KOYLI Museum or the Mining Museum will have more details

j

[CaroleW]

If grandfather James was born 1896 - he will be on the 1901/1911 censuses.  Although his address on his marriage cert was Nottingham - was he actually born there or did he just live there before/after his marriage?

The 1901 has a 5yr old James W Kelly b Notts with a coalminer father James aged 30 b Shropshire & mother Elizabeth 29 b Notts

Has this entry already been eliminated?

[jesika jae]

I think this James W was killed in the war.
My grandparents moved to Yorkshire before 1920. I have no idea where granddad was born, his life for me begins when he married grandmother in 1916 and ended 11 years later when he died.
Thank you
j

[CaroleW]

Where did you get the info from that James snr served with the KOYLI? 

[km1971]

You should check the address in the 1918-19 electoral roll. Serving soldiers are often listed, and it may give his number. You should also ask the local record office if there was an Absent Voters List for that area.

Ken

[jesika jae]

Carole, thank you.
On granddad's marriage certificate it gives his father's name and occupation as "James Kelly, private KOYL Infantry (coal miner).
Granddad himself is "James Kelly, private 1/3rd Batt Sherwood Foresters (Coal miner).
j

[jesika jae]

Ken, thank you. I didn't know about this route, presumably through Mansfield Council. Something for Monday, or can this be found on line if you know where to look?
j