Narrative and Notes
Who was Wagtail James?
If we believe that James and Ann, living at Wagtail in 1841, were William's children, and we believe that Wagtail William was Serjeant William FORREST of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, then who was Wagtail James, aged 35-39 ?
Birth: The most likely baptisms were:
- 19 Feb 1804 in Blackburn St Mary the Virgin by Thomas and Betty FORREST of Blackburn. This James FORREST was born 19 Jan 1804. 1841: 37. Other potential children: Ellen (1803), James (1804), Alice (1805), James (1806), Margaret (1807), Ellen (1811) and Thomas (1813).
- 2 Oct 1805 in Blackburn St Mary the Virgin by James and Betty FORREST of Blackburn. This James FORREST was born 15 Sep 1805. 1841: 35. Other potential children: James (1790), John & Isaac (together 1792), Alice (Feb 1793), Samuel (May 1793), William (Nov 1793), Henry (1795), James (Jul 1797), Mary (Sep 1797), Thomas (1800), John (Jul 1802 Balderston), John (Jan 1803), William (1804), James (1805), Ellin (Feb 1806 Balderston), Ellen (1808), Thomas (Balderston 1808), Margaret (Balderston 1810), Roger (Mar 1811), Mary (Oct 1811), Margaret (Balderston 1814), and Jinny (1818). Clearly 2 or more families. (Perhaps one of the fathers was the James FORREST who was buried in Mellor on 14 Apr 1835, aged 52, suggesting a birth year of 1782/3.)
- 12 Jan 1806 in Blackburn St Mary the Virgin by Thomas and Betty FORREST of Blackburn. 1841: 35 (Possibly same parents as above, but no burial found.). Potential other children as above.
- Or he was born elsewhere. Was he Sergeant William's son, born while he was away with his regiment?
Military: No records
Emigration: No records
Census:
- None found that fit in Blackburn (aside from Wagtail in 1841): In 1851, only a Scottish block printer,48, and an Inn Keeper, 45, (also seen in 1841). In 1861, a farmer in Samlesbury, aged 60 (also seen in 1841). In 1871, in Clitheroe, Scottish block printer, 67.
- Macclesfield 1851: James FORREST, 46, hand loom weaver (silk), born Blackburn (but also seen in 1841).
Death:
The only death or burial found was a GRO death in Blackburn was Q1 1878 aged 74. This was likely the Scottish block printer.
