dear All I am new to this list. I am researching my ancestor James Laing born 1801 in Sunderland son of Hall Laing and jane Guthery. I was told he was a Master Mariner and I have found 1 information for a Master mariner aged 30 on the brig Salus of Sunderland sailing from Londerry on April 1833 - he was aged 30 so this would correspond. Maybe he married Isabella Cunningham but I cannot find a marriage. I found him on the 1881 census but I can't find him on any other census records in Sunderland - maybe FreeCen is not up to date in Sunderland? I think he died in 1884 and Isabella in 1881? any help would be greatly appreciated Alison Laing Lafon France

Alison, the IGI gives two records of James Laing's birth and baptism, born 16 July 1801, baptised at Bridge Road on 29 July 1801. The IGI gives 3 other children for Hall and Jane Laing, Jane Laing born 5 Nov 1803 and baptised on 8 Apr 1804. Isabella Laing born 23rd June 1805 and baptised 6 Sep 1807. Eleanor Laing baptised 9 Jul 1809, no birth date. The IGI gives a marriage between James Laing and Isabella Swan on 14 Aug 1825 in Sunderland. The 1841 census (HO107/299/17/31) Isabella with possibly her mother at Hallgarth Square, Isabella Laing aged 35 and Jane Swan aged 75, both born in County Durham. The 1851 census (HO107/2398/197/42&43) at 14 Barclay street, Monkwearmouth Shore, James Laing Head married 50 master mariner born Monkwearmouth and Isabella aged 47 born Monkwearmouth. The 1861 census (RG9/3773/65/61) at 5 Wall Street, Bishopwearmouth gives James Laing Head Married 59 Seaman (Master) MS born Monkwearmouth Shore and Isabella aged 56 also born Monkwearmouth Shore. The 1871 census (RG10/5007/49/21) still at 5 Wall Street are James Laing Head Mar 69 Master mariner born Monkwearmouth and Isabella aged 66 also born Monkwearmouth. Hope this helps Richard