Hi

I am looking for any information regarding the Whale/Wale family from Somerset - e.g. their names, parishes in which they lived etc - In particular I am searching for a Samuel Whale born during the period 1780 - 1785 possibly in the Felton, Bristol area. However I would be interested to hear about any one with the name Whale/Wale.

Any information however small would be much appreciated.

My G4 was John Hallett who married Mary Wale on 12th March 1799 in South Petherton. She was Christined on 27th May 1776 in SP Parish Church, and buried there on 23rd March 1813. Her parents were Joel and Anne Wale.
Mary had at least 7 children by John Haallett,and probably died in childbirth of Puerperal fever, as did my maternal G3.John's family were stone masons /builders.
A relative of Mary was Fanny Wale ( born about 1811) who married Samuel Hallett on 28th January 1830 in SP. Samuel was John and Mary's eldest son and also a Mason. They 'emigrated ' to Wales (Cardiff) and had at least 13 children. Fanny died in Cardiff (Canton District) in 1874.
John Hallett remarried , his second wife being Prudence (nee Groves). He died of Typhus Fever on 21st May 1843 , and Prudence on 31st May 1844 --both in South Petherton.
Samuel Hallett died in Cardiff in 1883.
I hope this is of interest to you. Much information was gained from micro fiches of the SP Parish Registers which were copied for me. I have therefore copies of the entries for the Wale family as linked to the Hallett name. It's pure luck that some vicars gave Birth days as well as the date of Baptism. Most only gave the latter. There is NO legal Birth Certificate for my Great Grandfather William Hallett, but in the Parish Register is written 4th March 1850 and the Baptismal one -12th April 1850.
Any info you can let ME have will be gratefully received , especially of the early period as I am unsure where John's ancestors came from.
All the best,
Robin H

Hi Robin

Thank you so much for replying - I am searching for the bap of my 3 x Gt Grandfather Sgt Major Samuel Whale born c1781-c1785 (according to his army papers he was born in Felton c1781 his death cert of 1837 states he was 53yr therefore born c 1784). I have searched the parishes around Felton with no luck no sign of any Wale events - so wondered even if he had been born in Felton the family might have come from further a field. Since posting my message I have discovered some transcripted entries from the Wellington Register of a marriage of a Samuel Whale and a Pheobe Parsons 1779 together with baps of their children Mary 1782 and Betty 1783 - As Samuel has been used as a family name I Have wondered if this couple might have been my Samuel's parents but have no proof.

Have also discovered other transcripted entries of Wale/Whale in this area, including Wellington, Pitminster, North Petherton and now with your information yours in South Petherton. I am beginning to wonder if there is a connection between all these families. Do you happen to know of any?

My thanks again for your help - my knowledge of earlier Whale/Wale is somewhat limited but if I discover any thing fresh I will let you know - if you do want the entries I have just let me know.
Regards
Frances

Dear Frances,
Thanks for quick reply. Candidly anything you have would be welcome from that early time. I'll check that info re Mary and Betty with my copy Fiches and let you know.
By the way ,the Parish Register for South Petherton for the marriages of both Mary and Fanny have the spelling 'WALE'.
Cheers ,
Robin