Hi Shaun, ( & Co )
Thank you very much for your help. I was puzzled by the 1800 birth year, and had to check his gravestone, in the Navy Cemetery not far away. It has 1801, as I remembered, but the date is sure enough: 20 March. So either he had a good reason to make himself a year younger, or one of the sources is wrong.
But a bigger problem is the bride's Christian name Rachel. She could have Harriet as another, preferred name, of course. And 1822 is a very good year, since the first child is in June 1823. Also Emma's mother having Bill as her maiden name kind of settles it.:-) Isn't Bill a fairly uncommon surname, btw? (Apart from Buffalo Bill)
So it sounds very right, and I am very glad to have found Samuel's parents names, perhaps enabling me to go further. What helpful people you are,-Rosie and Cathy included here - I am quite overwhelmed. If I can be of help in finding your Viking ancestors, don't hesitate. OK, the censuses only start in 1787, and the church records often just before 1700. But still.
The witnesses at Christchurch, Newgate, are both named Bill. Would it be normal for the bride's parents to be witnesses, or is it more likely to be siblings? Any pointers on how to find her parents would be welcome. I have her photo, but not her place of birth.
So the Hikins most likely are both Londoners at that time, family tradition had Liverpool, but perhaps that might be further back, or during training as engineer.
Thanks again for your fast and useful help
