Looking for a fresh pair of eyes on finding info about my great grandfather

[jonwarrn]

There is a militia record, or two records, in 1898 for a Joseph Twigg, 3rd Battalion, Border Regiment
Age 17 years 6 months / 17 years 8 months.
Grocer.
Born and living in Frizington, Cumberland.
Discharged in April 1898, medically unfit.

Maybe that was Joseph Henry Twigg, born around the same time in Frizington, and who may have a WW1 record (I don't have access to that at the moment)

Doesn't look like the Joseph Twigg who went to South Africa.

[jonwarrn]

1901 census - Twigg, Joseph
1st Battalion Irish Guards, Chelsea Barracks SW
Single, age 22 (1879)
Private soldier
Born Kimberley, South Africa

Again, how many Joseph Twiggs in South Africa? 

There is an army service record (in WO 97) for a Joseph Twigg, 13 November 1899
Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, number 6121
Born near Kimberley, Griqualand West, South Africa
Age 18 years and 3 months
He was a Stoker.

Currently in the militia, the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Lancs.
Physical description.
Next of kin Father William Twigg, 22 Tucker Street, West End, Kimberley, S.A.

Now this chap has a colourful record...

[jonwarrn]

Attested 13 November 1899
Appointed L/Cpl 23 January 1900
Reverted (misconduct) Private, 16 March 1900
Posted 22 April 1900
Absent 1 February 1901
Rejoined 5 February 1901
Deserted 30 March 1901
Rejoined & awaiting trial 22 August 1902
Sentenced to 84 days H.L. 4 September 1902

All prior serviced forfeited on conviction of desertion
In prison
To duty / Posted Pte 27 November 1902
Absent without leave 30 April 1903
In cilvil custody 1 May 1903
In guard room awaiting trial 2 May 1903

Tried and convicted 13 May 1903
i Desertion
ii Stealing goods + property of a comrade
Sentenced to 6 months in prison with H.L.
Discharged with Ignominy 18 May 1903

[heywood]

Joseph Henry Twigg has a military record (1916/17) but I can’t work out the regiment. It states though that he had been in 5th Border regt.
He was a clerk, b Frixington and living Hexham.

Is your recent post about the one ‘born S A’, jon?

[jonwarrn]

Hi heywood
Thanks for looking that up, I think the militia records in 1898 can be ruled out now.

Yes, the later stuff is about another Joseph Twigg, (allegedly) born Kimberley, S.A. With a father called William!

Bit more on him
It may be that when he deserted in 1901 from the Royal Lancs he went on to commit a crime in August in Lancashire. Stealing from a lady called Annie Sandham in Dalton. Sentenced at Ulverston to 6 months hard labour.

There are criminal records online for him in 1901 (age 19)

And some newspaper reports, possibly conflicting in some of the detail? I only can see a couple of free ones. Age 19 or 21. Did he really have service in South Africa?

[jonwarrn]

The children are listed in Mary Sarah’s probate record -1900

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2HT-KLXN

Her death certificate gives her usual residence as West End, Kimberley
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9Q97-Y3Q3-LC

Next of kin Father William Twigg, 22 Tucker Street, West End, Kimberley, S.A.

[mckha489]

Which South African one is this one?

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-share/fef6d912-7411-46de-b42d-0c0ee19a4666

[heywood]

That might be an error.
William came back in 1901 with several children - mentioned earlier.
William and some family
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XSV2-X28
Here is Primrose and Tilly
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XSV2-X2J

They arrived on the Dunvegan Castle in Feb 1901 along with a Mitchell family.

[deetur]

Lots to catch up on, thanks. Will take a look and try to digest 😉