JoPro
proper brummie kid
Hello all. So exciting to see this forum exists. I'm writing a book on a convict from Birmingham named Joseph Wilkes (a silversmith/sailor) who arrived in Australia in 1820 and had a rather interesting life. He was convicted and sentenced to transportation in Warwick for larceny committed in Birmingham at the Summer Assizes 1817. For a bit more background, have a look here: https://wilkes.jorgprobst.com/
I'm really struggling finding this man's birth family. There are a number of candidates, there were a few men by this name, about the same age who were sent to Australia.
I've gone through Ancestry and MyHeritage records backwards and forwards, I've even been to Birmingham and Warwick to look at some records (including the various trade directories), but I still can't be sure, because the records I have of the various Joseph Wilkes (or Wilks) which include age references and descriptions are conflicting.
Does anyone have any insights/information or shares that special interest into the Wilkes families of Birmingham and surrounds around the turn of the 19th century?
I'm really struggling finding this man's birth family. There are a number of candidates, there were a few men by this name, about the same age who were sent to Australia.
I've gone through Ancestry and MyHeritage records backwards and forwards, I've even been to Birmingham and Warwick to look at some records (including the various trade directories), but I still can't be sure, because the records I have of the various Joseph Wilkes (or Wilks) which include age references and descriptions are conflicting.
Does anyone have any insights/information or shares that special interest into the Wilkes families of Birmingham and surrounds around the turn of the 19th century?