This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: suzibrent Surnames: Downing Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.downing/2211/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I wonder if anyone can help me with this brick wall? I am researching the Downing family from Southminster, Essex, and am stuck on the above individual. I know he is in Southminster by 1772 when he gets married but was not born there. I have checked the parish records for Southminster and surrounding towns and a few of the bigger places in Essex but with no luck so far. There were no other Downings in Southminster or anywhere nearby at the time. I did find some Downings in Manningtree, Essex at the right time but couldn't link them up. (The 1742 baptisms for Manningtree seems like it might be incomplete as there are not many entries compared with other years) Does anyone know where he came from and who his parents are? Thanks. 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.