I am looking for information on Finlay McMartin and Helen Martin who were the parents of my g-grandfather Alexander Robert McMartin (born in 1835 in Dumbarton). I have been unable to find Finlay and Helen ever actually living with their children: Helen, Mary, Finlay, Barbara Marion, Alexander Robert and Peter. To explain: In the 1841 Census the children Mary, Finlay, Barbara and Alexander were living in Church Street Dumbarton with Duncan and Catherine McArthur who were born in Argyleshire and were aunt and uncle to the children. In the 1851 Census Alexander was again living with the McArthurs at 139 Castle St. Barbara was living with Flora McInnes (who was also from Argyleshire) somewhere in Castle St, West Bridgend. So, where were Finlay and Helen while their children were growing up and where do I start looking? On 2 of Alexander's marriage certificates (he married 3 times) he describes his father as farmer and landholder. On his death certificate his father was listed as Army Officer. It has been suggested that perhaps they had both died, or perhaps the mother died and the father was in the Army. I have also been unable to find death details for either parent. Without an Army Regiment I think I'm also sunk. Any advice as to how to proceed would be most appreciated. Diane Riley Sydney Australia ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com