Genealogy Chat

Am i right in assuming the RM stands for Royal Mariner?
I'm looking for details of a William Collins, b1853 Plymouth. I've just received his marriage certificate (to Louisa Mary Clinnick, md May 10 1880 in East Stonehouse). His father's name is John, and is down as a labourer. His profession is Private RM.
In 1880 would his father show as deceased if he was? I'm having difficulty finding him on the census. The only William I thought it could be is with his widowed mum in 1861, who is called Lucy. However, Lucy is nee Pulham and married Robert Collins, it seems.
Looking on National Archives I can find 3 records for a William Collins of Plymouth, two are far too late dated in the 1860s but the other one is dated 1855 do you think that could be him?

Thanks
Laura

I'm wondering if he was invalided out or something, but don't want to spend £3.50 on the details if not likely to be him! lol - scrooge i know.

1881
William Collins
Age: 30
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1851
Gender: Male
Where born: Plymouth, Devon, England

Civil Parish: Vessels
County/Island: Devon
Country: England

Street address: "Royal Adelaide"
Condition as to marriage: Married
Education:

Employment status:

View Image
Occupation: Pvte R M L I

Registration district: Stoke Damerel
Sub-registration district: Morice
ED, institution, or vessel: Royal Adelaide No 2

This looks like a possible for 1891 but not sure...
1891 England Census
about William Collins
Name: William Collins
Age: 39
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1852
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Louisa
Gender: Male
Where born: Devon, England

Civil Parish: St Mary Extra
Ecclesiastical parish: St Mark
Town: Woolston
County/Island: Hampshire
Country: England

Street address:

Occupation:

Condition as to marriage:

Education:

Employment status:

View Image

Registration district: South Stoneham
Sub-registration district: St Mary Extra
ED, institution, or vessel: 5
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Margaret Bettle 39
Louisa Collins 32
William Collins 39
Thomas Toogood 2

View
Original
Record

View original image

and the info you mention from 1871

William Collins
Age: 19
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1852
Relation: Private
Gender: Male
Where born: Plymouth, Devon, England

Civil Parish: Vessels
Town: Hong Kong
County/Island: Royal Navy
Country: England

Street address:

Occupation:

Condition as to marriage:

Disability:

View Image

Registration district: Royal Navy
Sub-registration district: Royal Navy
ED, institution, or vessel: Princess Charlotte (2)
Neighbors: View others on page
Household schedule number: 1

Yes sorry, that's him in 1881 not the other one. Confusing! lol.

Still can't seem to get further back though, or find out his parents. There are quite a few William Collins' births around that time in plymouth so not sure whether to try for a certificate or not!

Pretty sure his middle name may be John, after his father, same as his sons, but not sure. Think I will buy that mariner record...

Thanks for the help. I'm going offline for a few hours (maybe till tomorrow) but will check in then if not before.

Laura

RM equals Royal Marine. Prior to some time in the 1920s the Marines were split into Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) and Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Hope this clarifies your search. Good Luck Keith

Hi Keith
Thanks for that. I haven't yet bought the record but when I do it might say which of those it was.

Laura