Hi List, Here is the situation: In my search for info on my ancestor, James JAKES ( JAQUES /JACQUES /JACKES ) I found what I looked like a new firstborn child, born in Haddenham in 1852, from the 1861 census of Barking, Essex, where they lived at that time. Before that, I thought all their children were born in Essex, from the 1871 and 1881 census records. I have not been able to find his marriage record anywhere, with wife Mary Ann Edwards, from Feltwell, Norfolk. In hopes of finding some clue, I decided to order the birth certificate for the birth of this child born in Haddenham in 1852. I just rec'd the certificate, and it lists the mother as Mary Ann JAKES ( formerly EDWARDS ) but it lists the father as a George Jakes. Now James did have a brother named George, who was 10 years older than him. Back in November, when I sent a message to this list, I rec'd a kind reply with a 1851 census record of a George Jakes and wife Mary ( born Feltwell, Norfolk ) in Townside, Haddenham with 3 children. I'm relative! ly sure this is James brother as George's occupation is listed as a ropemaker, and this is a JAKES family occupation. So, my question is: what are the chances of two brothers both marrying a Mary Ann Edwards from Feltwell, Norfolk? Could it be that George Jakes died later in 1851 or 1852/53 or so, and his younger brother married the wife? ( Or maybe never married the wife, thus no marriage record ) ? James and Mary had children born starting about 1854, in Barking, Essex. I have not found a death record for George around 1851/52 on the free BMD site. I was wondering if SKS could do a look-up in the 1861 census to see if George is still there with his wife Mary. I'm thinking if they are still there, then we know for sure there are 2 Mary's, as I already have the 1861 census record for James Jakes and his wife Mary. Thanking you all in advance for any help and/or suggestions about this. Judy Carleton, in sunny but cold Alberta, Canada