Hawkins of Devonport, Devon, UK

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Permalink Reply by Selena Cliassi on July 12, 2009 at 11:50pm

I have the same kind of issues with my research. My ancestors came from Plymouth. My great grandfather came to Canada, we think after spending some time in the USA. He married my great grandmother in 1899 so he arrived before that. Census records state 1893 but I don't know if that is when he arrived in the USA or Canada. I think probably USA. The records I have found have conflicting information to what a family member thinks are the facts. I found his marriage record which states his mother is Olivia Roberts and his father is Walter Williams. My great aunt says this cannot be right. The other mystery is why he came to Canada in the first place. Family legend says he came over in a hurry and his father paid a lot of money to get him on the first ship out of Plymouth. I would love to find out what happened (I have heard it involved a Duke's son). I find research is difficult when you do not have access to original documents.

From what I understand, dates back then are sometimes wrong. That might explain the dates. The census records are a good clue as, if the names match up to what you know, it gives you a good clue as to whether these are the right parents. It would be good to find additional documents to back up your theory that John and Ann are James' parents.
Hopefully other more experienced genealogists will have ideas.

I wish you the best of luck in your search!
Debbie Thompson

Permalink Reply by Maureen Kenchington on July 13, 2009 at 12:42am

The Deanery of the Three Towns CD (from DFHS) also gives the following possible marriages:

East Stonehouse
12 09 1814
HAWKINS JOHN
REDDINGTON PHILIPPA

Plymouth St Andrew
09 05 1814
HAWKINS JOHN
TOMS JANE

17 01 1815
HAWKINS JOHN
HENSLEY EMBLIN


However it doesn't give any baptisms for a James Hawkins.