John Leggett (1820 – 1895) was my 2 x great grandfather. He was born in Huntingfield, Suffolk and died in County Durham. He married Harriet Syrett on 25 April 1850 and they had 5 children
Samuel, Eliza, John, Anna Maria and Louisa (my great grandmother). I have the family on all the census returns from 1851 onwards.
In 1867 there is a conviction notice (on Ancestry) for a John Leggett from Huntingfield for 2 weeks hard labour for deserting his family. I’m sure this is my John Leggett as the details fit his age and number of children.
He is with his wife and children on the 1871 census. On the conviction notice it says he was previously a soldier with the 97th Foot Regiment for 9 years. I am wondering if this is the reason I cannot find him in the 1841 census. Would soldiers have to register in the 1841 census?
Chrissie