West Indies - British Subject

[raindear]

Hello i have also listed under the surname Adams.

On the 1851 England census my Great Great Great Grandfather is shown as being born West Indies - British Subject in 1822

Does this mean he was british but born abroard? Or he had become a british citizen by the time of the census?

He was married in London, England in 1847

[Rosaline Jeffrey]

Hello i have also listed under the surname Adams.

On the 1851 England census my Great Great Great Grandfather is shown as being born West Indies - British Subject in 1822

Does this mean he was british but born abroard? Or he had become a british citizen by the time of the census?

He was married in London, England in 1847

How I read it is: He was born abroad. Maybe his parents were posted there for Army reasons and the child was born there.

By now you've probably solved the mystery, but please let me know if I'm right. Thanks

[bimjim]

I just picked this up, I could have responded before... sorry.

A person born in either UK or a British Territory was a British Subject (the overseas birthplace did carry a few "penalties" in British society).

Subject to correction, as far as I know at the date of a Territory's independence a person born and living there had a choice to either patriate to the motherland and remain a British Subject or stay where they were born and become a citizen of the new country.

During the recent volcanic eruptions in Montserrat, many Montserratians went to the UK to live - and had the right so to do because Montserrat is still a British Overseas territory.

In that British census the place of birth and citizenship would be shown, and the combination you refer to wouild not be unusual. He was born in a British Territory and was therefore a British Subject.

HTH

[Rosaline Jeffrey]

Thanks bimjim.......I've learned something today.... I hope it helps the other poster...

[raindear]

Hello

I know its been a long time ! but i still havent resolved why he was born in the West Indies.

Recap Born in West Indies - British Subject 1822
1841 on census living with his to be in laws family. London

1845 marriage certificate a Clogmaker shows his father as a Cordwainer.

Doesnt suggest father was in the Army.

It will always worry me, thanks for the replies so far.

[bimjim]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordwainer

A Cordwainer makes shoes, a Cobbler repairs them.