Help finding information on Thomas Stevenson, Major R.A. (abt 1799-1850), UK

Question

I've been exploring the geneology of a Stevenson relative, in England - but I seem to have hit a brick wall when reaching the couple Thomas Stevenson (Stevenson-11290) and Mary Ann (Unknown-627494).
The only records I have for him are Birth, Christening and Marriage registers of some of his and Mary Ann's children (births between 1822 e 1838 - FamilySearch, although I can't be sure all of them are of this couple). Mary Ann shows up (only) in "1851 England, Scotland and Wales census" (already as a widow; birth 1799, in Framlington, Suffolk) but I couldn't find him in any census. So no idea of place or date of his birth, and no parents for any of them...
The most promissing lead I have on him is the indication he was a Major R.A. - Royal Artillery, I suppose  (in registers of other likely children there is also the reference to occupation being Royal Artillery musician or RA band, the earliest in 1822...)

I have looked up all sources I know of - but I don't have much experience with UK geneology... Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hi Mariana, it is such a common name and populated area that I would suggest going back to the children. Add all their profiles and expand their biographies with every scrap of information you have (including sources). You may come across something important that will give clues to Thomas, but if not come back and ask again and it will give us more to go on. 

I started by looking at his grandson Walter to give you an idea of what I mean:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Stevenson-11288

Best regards,

Maddy

(Edited to fix typo)

Comments

Hi Maddy, great work on the profiles - thank you!! I'll look into it and see what I can add.

Answer 2

When trying to find the mother's LNAB - last name at birth - try looking up the children's birth registration at the GRO (General Register Office). A birth registration should show the mother's maiden name.

Registration started in 1837: I couldn't find George's birth in any district near Croydon. That may be because he was actually born before registration started. The other children were born before 1837, so no joy there.

There are 1871 & 1881 census records for George Stevenson, born 1838 Croydon, in Woolwich. He is head of the household, has a wife and children.

I would be careful relying on Family Search records - accuracy can vary!

Happy to help more if you get stuck :)

Comments

Thanks! It makes it quite difficult that the available birth/chistening registers don't have the mother's LNAB (or much information at all, actually)...

As for the Family Search, in this case I created and/or connected the records myself (except for some side branches), checking every source as well as I could

I supect the only hope of moving on is that maybe if someone knows of Royal Artillery records or anything that helps follow that lead... but let's see!