James Sinclair Tailor

NigelBurch · Post by **NigelBurch** » Fri May 25, 2007 4:18 pm

Hello
I'm looking for some leads on James and Janet/Jannet/Jennet Sinclair originally from Scotland but by 1841 census were in Woolwich, England. James was a tailor. They were both born around 1787-1791. They had (at least) three children. James b c1808 (Scotland), Janet b1822 (Woolwich) Elizabeth b 1822-1826 (Woolwich). James junior was in the army and I have found that someone matching his description was in 91st Foot Regiment and originated from Canongate, Edinburgh.
If this rings any bells with anyone, could they get in touch? I would like more information on James Sr and Janet Sr's family as well as confirmation of my research to date.

Thanks

Post by **paddyscar** » Fri May 25, 2007 5:12 pm

Hi Nigel and Welcome to TalkingScot [talkingscot]

As compulsory registration didn't begin until 1855, could you give us an idea of where you've already looked. I've done a quick search on ScotlandsPeople and there are 29 James Sinclairs born in Scotland 1787-91, but only 1 of them is in the Edinburgh area. There are 29 James Sinclairs born 1806-1810, but only 1 is in Edinburgh.

There is a Janet White marrying James Sinclair 17 NOV 1810 South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland on the International Genealogical Index.

Thanks,
Frances

NigelBurch · Post by **NigelBurch** » Sat May 26, 2007 12:31 pm

Frances

Thanks for the prompt reply. Please bear in mind that I am guessing that James Sinclair (Senior) and Janet (Senior) are from Edinburgh as I have found a James (Junior) who in 1851 England census appears with his mother as a 'Chelsea pensioner'. I have then found a match in the army records for a James Sinclair from Canongate in Edinburgh who, upon enlisting quoted his profession as a Tailor (which matches James Senior's profession). So that is why I am guessing Edinburgh for his parents. I also had a look on ScotlandsPeople and found two matches - 1st match - Janet White and James Sinclair in Leith South (profession of James either a 'Sailor' or 'Tailor' but it looks more like Sailor and given Leith's proximity to docks it is more likely to be that?).
The second match I have is James Sinclair and Janet Duncan (does not quote profession of Tailor but lists Inverness Militia - do you know what this is?) but gives location of Canongate which would match up with where James Junior was born.
Janet White was daughter of Robert White, Sailor
Janet Duncan was daughter of William Duncan, Weaver which again is associated with the clothing trade.
Thanks for your interest. If you can piece this together then it is appreciated. Regards.

Post by **paddyscar** » Sat May 26, 2007 6:20 pm

NigelBurch wrote: I also had a look on ScotlandsPeople and found two matches - 1st match - Janet White and James Sinclair in Leith South (profession of James either a 'Sailor' or 'Tailor' but it looks more like Sailor and given Leith's proximity to docks it is more likely to be that?).

If you would post a copy of the document to the gallery, someone may be able to confirm his occupation for you. http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6496

The second match I have is James Sinclair and Janet Duncan (does not quote profession of Tailor but lists Inverness Militia - do you know what this is?)

There will certainly be some here who can help with that, but you might like to post that query in the Armed Forces thread. http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=32

You may also find some useful information and direction in our list of sites http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic. ... highlight=

Hope this helps,
Frances

NigelBurch · Post by **NigelBurch** » Sun May 27, 2007 10:19 am

I have found the Inverness Militia to be the Inverness, Banff, Elgin and Nairn Militia founded in 1802

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Sun May 27, 2007 11:16 am

NigelBurch wrote:I have found the Inverness Militia to be the Inverness, Banff, Elgin and Nairn Militia founded in 1802

I've seen some Kew records relating to men who served with the Invernessshire Militia, but please appreciate that these Napoleonic Era records are very early, so that the survival rate for individuals isn't that good.

Worth a check on the TNA Catalogue at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cata ... lt.asp?j=1 to see if his name pops up; but I'm unsure about the extent to which Militia as opposed to regular army records have been added to this on-line catalogue. It could be worth commissioning a military records expert to have a look in the Kew records ........

David

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Sun May 27, 2007 12:23 pm

Hi Nigel
Having come across mention of Militia lists before in the NAS catalogue, a look at NAS suggests there might be some related documents there too, though not being a military person, I'm not sure of their usefulness or content, though David may be able to advise:

GD26/9/154 Papers (94) relating to Inverness-shire Regiments of Militia. 1807-1813
GD248/444/2 Militia lists for Strathspey and elsewhere in Inverness-shire 1803-1804
GD248/414/3 Miscellaneous local militia papers, including lists of men in parishes of Cromdale and Advie. live and dead stock in parish of Inverallan, correspondence on the Inverness-shire volunteers, etc.
GD248/659/6 Miscellaneous lieutenancy papers of the Inverness-shire militia 1803
GD248/664/6 Lieutenancy letters and returns Oct 1803
GD248/669/2 Lieutenancy letters and papers Apr 1801
GD248/689/2/3 Miscellaneous papers relating to local defence and raising militia in Inverness-shire 1794

There are many more records which seem to have some connection. To have a look yourself, just go to
http://www.dswebhosting.info/NAS/
and use as search terms
Inverness Militia - in word options select AND so that any records containing those two terms appear in the results.

Hope this is of some help.
Best wishes
Lesley