Genealogy Chat

I wonder if someone can explain to me something on my great grandfathers, Thomas Proctor's army papers. He joined at Leeds 21/2/1880 and is stated as being 19years and 3 months old. One of the questions asks 'Did you receive a notice and do you understand it's meaning? - to which the answer is 'Yes'. The next question is 'Who gave you this notice?' - to which the answer is 'ditto'! However it could be that this refers to '21st Hussars' which was the unit he was being enlisted to. I didn't realise that men were being called up at that time, I thought it was voluntary. Can anyone enlighten me and also if 'notice' was given were cpoies of these kept and is it possible to see them? Thanks Stella Timewell

Dont know enough about this, but it seems to me that it is likely just his papers to say he had passed for enlistment. When I was looking through some enlistment lists of hubbys GGF in 1871 - it showed the amount they had been paid to travel to the barracks and surprisingly quite a few of the young men had scribbled next to them 'Discharged - unfit'. If you really want more info then you could ask someone to look up his papers at Kew, although you seem to have quite a bit of detail already.

Thanks Heather, Yes I actually have his papers which is where I noticed the questions. It was my vain hope that these 'notices' were in existence and might have an address on them. Although the Army papers give the town of birth for Thomas I can't find his birth registered, even allowing for a false age given. However, what are these documents you mentioned looking at? Could they be a source of further info for me? Regards Stella

I don't believe that conscription was introduced until around 1917. As for the unfit enlistees, I'm not so surprised if they came from big towns and cities. The industrial era initially resulted in a decrease in people's standard of living, and the pollution must've been pretty dire in some areas. And public health wasn't very high on the agenda until the 1860s or so.

You could be called for service in the Militia, They were chosen by ballot from among the male inhabitants of each parish. Drawn men could avoid service if they got another man to replace them. If this was the case you should have his Militia release form with his service papers if he went on to join the regular army. Its more likely that he had a notice to read or be read for him than notification of being called up. Keith

Where does it say he was born? There is this birth for a Thomas Proctor that would be at the right time, for the age given on enlistment:-:- Name: PROCTOR, Thomas Record Type: Births Quarter: December Year: 1860 District: Thorne County: Lincolnshire West Riding of Yorkshire Volume: 9c Page: 475 These are the places that would be covered by Thorne registration district:- Thorne Created 1st July 1837. Mainly in Yorkshire West Riding, but also included parts of Lincolnshire. Sub-districts : Crowle; Epworth; Thorne GRO volumes : XXIII (1837-51); 9c (1852-1930). Althorpe, Amcotts, Belton, Crowle, Eastoft, Epworth, Keadby, Wroot. Kath. x

I doubt it would have been posted to him. Youll probably find at the end of the trial enlistment, they all got a paper telling them the service length and stuff and just signed it and gave it back. (hence, the hasty 'ditto'). Dont forget, if he came from a small village, likely he would give the nearest big town as birthplace.

Kathleen It says on his papers he was born in 'Appletown' near York. The best I can come up with is Appleton Roebuck just south west of York which at the time came under Bolton Percy, Tadcaster. I know there are some other possibles for Appletown but not really near York itself. However, coming from Portsmouth I could be wrong!! I did do a check when trying to get his birth certificate and they came back a blank ( including the one you suggest) as the fathers name was wrong. However I might just have to order all possibles regardless and see for myself. However if anyone comes up with a Thomas Proctor born November 1860 or after with William as the father I would leap around the room and send big hugs down the line!! Thanks for your interest Kathleen Regards Stella

I guess you have seen this chap, not yours I know, but address looks good (check out image, not sure about second word) Sorry, pushed for time or I would have checked further for your chap. This is possibly a rellie of his though - uncle? Edward Proctor abt 1858 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Son Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire Elizabeth Proctor abt 1839 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Wife Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire Isabella Proctor abt 1861 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Daughter Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire >>>>>Thomas Proctor abt 1832 Appleton Roebiro, Yorkshire, England Head Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire Jane Thackray abt 1851 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Son-in-law Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire Jane Thackray abt 1858 Hull, Yorkshire, England Niece Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire Sarah Thackray abt 1836 Cricklar, Derbyshire, England Son-in-law Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire William Thackray abt 1837 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Brother-in-law Brightside Bierlow Yorkshire

Hi Heather, Have searched and searched and can't find definate on 1871 cencus either although a possible as staying with a rellie. Have a strong suspicion that his mother died some time after his birth and dad later remarried but no proof as yet. Thanks for your info, will add to list of possible rellies. Off to dancing now - not me but daughter! Thanks again for help. Stella