Thread: Francis Widdowson

Francis Widdowson - Cannot find birth/baptism. According to all census my Great Grandfather Francis Widdowson was born in Castle Donington, Leicestershire c 1818-20, or thereabouts. He married Mary Ann Chambers in 1838 and had 6 children, then married my Great Grandmother Elizabeth Sketchley in 1868 and had a further 4 children. On both marriage certificates he quotes his father as Thomas Widdowson (not showing as deceased on either). There are a good many Widdowsons in Castle Donington but I cannot link Francis to any of them. There is a baptism showing on IGI in Derby for a Francis Widdowson born 1815 and I checked this out and he was illegitimate, born to Elizabeth Widdowson. The other lines I have tried to follow through are an Elizabeth Widdowson married a John Smith in Castle Donington in 1818, and she also had a son prior to that marriage one Edward Widdowson born 1813 Derby, but I can't find that birth either. This Elizabeth states she was born CDon, apart from one which she states Normanton (Derby or Normanton-on-Soar?). I did try to follow one Thomas Widdowson born 1779 Castle Donington, and traced his army papers, with him being discharged in 1816, but have no further information on him after that. Any help appreciated.

Sorry for delay in responding, not very familiar with how the forums/threads work. I'm familiar with what you have found for Castle Donington and keep a note of them in case I can connect up in the future. The Edward Widdowson at Hathern looks interesting. Can you explain what the record means, ie. does it mean born in Normanton, baptised Hathern? Forgive my ignorance but what does OTP mean and is Susannah Freeman connected to this Edward in some way? Thanks very much so far.

Sorry, just realised that record relating to Edward is in fact a marriage. This then is not the Edward I have been looking at and trying to connect to my Francis, as the Edward I've looked at never married and remained in Castle Donington until his death.