In a message dated 14/03/2005 15:31:38 GMT Standard Time, derek.phillips2@ntlworld.com writes: I have a William Elder from Whitburn a former Stone Mason owning a Gold Mine -any ideas on how or where >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> More than likely in Australia, see The Australian Gold Rush http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/goldrush/ He does not seem to be in the 1871 Census. He could have retired to his birth place after making his pile in Australia. Regards Stan Mapstone www.mapstone.org