Unsung Hero

So many times in life we see a young person's life has been cut short.  I find this a lot while researching the family tree.  Accidents, disease or war have been attributing factors to their deaths.

I have also read in fictional books many times where one might contemplate why they were born or the purpose of their life.

These two thoughts came together today like fast speeding trains heading for a collision.


Edward Adam Palin was born in 1851 in Barnton to Joseph Palin and Elizabeth Cliff.  In the 1861 census we find Edward with his family.  His father is listed as a waterman.

The next thing we find for Edward is enlistment in the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fusiliers).

In the 1871 census, Robert is living in the Verne Citadel Barracks.

Name Edward Palin
Age 21
Estimated Birth Year abt 1850
Relation Private
Gender Male
Where born Barnton, Cheshire, England
Civil parish Portland
County/Island Dorset
Country England
Registration district Weymouth
Sub-registration district Isle of Portland
ED, institution, or vessel Verne Citadel Barracks
Household schedule number 1
Piece 2007
Folio 29
Page number 18

Then we find his death in India in 1880.

First name(s)	Edward
Last name	Palin
Service number	1267
Rank	Private
Battalion	2nd Battalion
Regiment	7th Foot - Royal Fusiliers
Year	1878-80
Service	Royal Fusiliers
Campaign	Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-1880
Medal	Afghan War Medal
Remark	Died of Disease 8.5.80.
Country	Great Britain
Record set	Royal Fusiliers Collection 1863-1905
Category	Military Service & Conflict
Subcategory	Regimental & service records
Collections from	United Kingdom, Overseas / Unknown

Today, I found an article in the Northwich Guardian June 25, 1864 about Edward.  He would only have been 13 years of age.

If it wasn't for Edward would the child have died?  One of her descendants might have made a huge impact on the world!  Is that why Edward was born?  It makes me wonder if he also saved a comrade's or child's life while in India?  An unsung hero!

You can find Edward Adam Palin in the tree here