Listers, Further to my epic sending regarding my tree herewith a few further observations. A couple of people have mentioned a Jane Ritchie which I had missed so I must look for her. Joanne mentioned that Jane's mother is listed as Isobel so I'll see if I can dig that one out. Gwenda doesn't think my Isabella Carlyle fits but I really like the sound of it. I admit that I don't have the definitive connection but I'm trying. Linda,on the other hand,who is researching the Carlyles seems to like it. Incidentally Linda,when I discovered the possible connection to the Carlyle name I admit I bought a biography of Thomas Carlyle (by Julian Symons;Publ.Victor Gollancz Ltd - 1952) only to discover that he and his wife,Jane Baillie Welsh,remained childless. I did uncover the Thomas that you mention and his spouse,Katherine Kirkpatrick,but couldn't connect him to his famous relative.I also purchased a copy from the Old Parochial Register of the extract showing the marriage of John Ritchie & Isabella Carlyle,married July 6th,1849 but,unfortunately,haven't been able to decipher the name of where they were married. That's why they have transcripts of course but I couldn't resist getting a copy of the old document. To Frank - thanks for looking up Martha Carruthers although our Martha was still alive at the 1841 Census. Irene I think I confused you with the jumbled way I presented everything. The Walter who married Martha Carruthers was an older ancestor,my Gr Gr Gr Grandfather if the connection is legitimate. Thanks again everyone. Ian Ritchie