My grandfather (David THOMAS b. 1848, Manchester) and two ggf. (Samuel THOMAS and Samuel EVANS ) were boatmen. I have still to confirm the date and birthplace of Samuel THOMAS, but it is likely he was born in Ashton-under-Lyne in 1802. In the mid to late 1800s both David and Samuel lived near the junction of the Rochdale and Ashton canals, Manchester. I did not know my gf. as he died the year after I was born. At that time he was living at Woodhouses, Failsworth, Manchester. From what I learned from my father, before my gf.retired, he was managing the Hollinwood branch of the Aston canal. It would appear that both Samuel and David THOMAS were working day boats in and out of Manchester. Samuel EVANS in the late 1880's was living within walking distance of the Hollinwood basin of the Ashton canal. I have not been able (as yet) to confirm his birth date in 1825 or that he was born in Knutsford - the place he gave in the 1881Census.Knutsford seems a long way (walking distance) from any canal system. If anyone has access to any canal company records, would they be good enough to check where these men may have worked. Thank you David Thomas, Toowoomba, Australia