Stranraer Army Pensioner

[Clones1818]

Hello

I am looking for more information on James Kelly, born around 1793 in Ireland.  He was living at Sun Street, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Scotland on the 1841 census with wife Elizabeth and children James and Helen.

It is possibly him again on the 1851 census in Girvan, Ayrshire as a widower with Helen/Ellen having married James Dunn.

I have not been able to find a military record that is definitely him or a death record although he may have died before 1855 registration started.

Can anyone find any more information?

Thanks

Steve

[ShaunJ]

There was a James Kelly of 21st Foot whose pension was paid in Ayr from 1852 until he died aged 64 on 20 July 1858. His pension was previously paid in Glasgow. He had gone on to pension in 1816.

Looking for more info.....

[ShaunJ]

Born in the parish of Leek in Co Tyrone, enlisted age 16 in 1809, discharged in 1816 having had his left leg amputated.

[Andy J2022]

I think this Chelsea entry ties up with what Shaun has already found. It shows him being admitted for a pension from 24 January 1816 with his residence being Stranraer, but later Paisley and even later Ayr.

[ShaunJ]

Almost certainly the James Kelly of the 21st Foot ("James Kelly 1") who was wounded at the battle of New Orleans.

[Andy J2022]

I agree with Shaun. Based on the date of his discharge I suspect he was with the 1st Battalion 21st Foot and received his injury at the Battle of New Orleans in the American War of 1812. The Battalion returned from North America in June 1815 and were garrisoned in England. Meanwhile the 2nd Battalion which had been fighting in Europe, had returned to the UK in 1814 and was disbanded at Stirling in January 1816, making it less likely that he was with this battalion.

[Clones1818]

Thank you

I had already found some records of the James Kelly of the 21st Foot born Leek, Tyrone and that he died 1858 but not the the one showing his residence as Stranraer.  The problem is the 1858 death certificate shows the informant as wife Lusanda Kelly which doesn't seem to tie in?

[loobylooayr]

Hi,

There is a marriage between James Kelly, Co. Tyrone and Lewinda McFadyan, Co. Armagh on 9th Nov 1853 at St.Joseph's RC Church in Kilmarnock.
They were married in the presence of Daniel Griffin.
Scotland's People have recorded the bride as Lewinda but looking at the original document the name could be a scrawled Lucinda - not a million miles away phonetically from Lusanda.

Looby

[Clones1818]

Yes.  Well spotted.  Thank you.