JONAH BOWERS was born in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1827. He moved to the Chatham area of Kent and enlisted in the army (94th Regiment of Foot) for 21 years.

In 1858. while still in the army, he married JANE CRIPPS IN 1858 IN Brompton, Kent, and they had 4 children, Edward (1859), Esther Jane (1860), William (1863) and James (1865). Jane died in 1867 at Colchester, aged 32 years. Jonah left the army in 1868, remarried the same year (to Harriet Morgan) and returned to live in Burslem.

Very little is known about Jane Cripps, apart from a census entry saying that she was born in Chatham, Kent (which may not be correct). On her marriage certificate, the name recorded for her father was William Haynes (a milk carrier). At her age, it is unlikely that she had been married before, so it is possible that William Haynes may have been a step-father or guardian.

Can anyone throw any light on Jane Cripps or provide any information on Jonah's years spent in Burslem.

Thanks.