This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: paisleyjack1 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.ayr.general/14350.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Patricia, The birthplace in the 1878 Poor Law record is quite clear as West Ferry, Ayrshire. There was a West Ferry (also an East Ferry) in the Parish of Erskine, Renfrewshire. So I'm wondering if James (snr) the father of James (b.1841) just had a wee memory lapse? Perhaps it's James (snr) that was born in Ayrshire (his 1891 census says so). And there is this 1841 census that may be of interest. If James (jun) had been born 10 Feby 1841 you'd expect him to been on it (census date 6/7 June). So maybe February wrong and his birth month was later? Or even just missed off it for some reason. The wife of James (snr) is as Margaret though, not Maria - but she is as born England. The 1841 census has Mary (2) and the 1851 census of James & Maria has a Mary (11). James, as a railway worker, could've travelled all over the country (platelayer in 1871). Daur Mary as born Scotland in the English censuses. --- 1841 Census. 563. ED 4. p 4. Erskine, Renfrewshire. Address: East Bank Offices. James DICK, 25, Railway Labourer, b Outside Census County Margt. DICK, 20, --------------- b England Mary DICK, 2, ------------------b Outside Census County Sarah DICK, 20, Female Servant, b Outside Census County Elisabeth DICK, 60, ------------- b Outside Census County James DICK, 15, Railway Labourer, b Outside Census County Hector DICK, 20, Railway Labourer, b Outside Census County STEVENSON Agnes, 1, ------------- b Outside Census County CHRISTIE Alex, M, Unknown, Railway Labourer, b Renfrewshire NISBET Hugh, M, 25, Railway Labourer, b Outside Census County --- 1851 Census. South Mimms: Potters Bar St John. Middlesex. Addesss: Railway Square. James DICK, Head, 39, Watchman, Police, b Scotland Maria DICK, wife, 36, ------------------b England Mary DICK, dau, 11, --------------------b Scotland James DICK, son, 10, -------------------b Scotland William DICK, son, 4, -------------------b England Marion DICK, son, 2, -------------------b England Henry DICK, son, 3mos, ---------------b England Emma BARNETT, servt, 14, House Srvt, b England --- I thought Maria might've been a 2nd wife because of the age gap between James & William. But James (snr) on the P. Law record does say he and Maria were married 1838. It's not conclusive that the family in 1841 is yours, but no harm in knowing about it. Plenty Dick names to look at! Jack Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.