In a message dated 06/07/2004 08:33:07 GMT Daylight Time, annehamilton@ntlworld.com writes: I'm in the middle of transcribing the 1861 census for Cotherstone, Hunderthwaite, Romaldkirk, Mickleton, Lunedale, Holwick & Eggleston. Off the top of my head, I seem to remember seeing various RAINE family members and I think Hodgson and Garthwaite as well. . . If you are doing any work at all on the records of Teesdale you will most certainly come across all these surnames, as they are all common Teesdale ones. In particular, I would mention Raine as being an extremely prolific family, the proportion of Raines in the population as a whole apparently increasing as one goes up the dale until in Romaldkirk parish they approach 50% of the total! Anyone having Teesdale Raine ancestors (as I have) should therefore be warned - when seeking a birth or baptism you will almost certainly find someone with the correct first name at about the right time. However, you should not stop looking at that point as there could well be many others, all of whom will "fit". Only a wide-ranging search will enable you to sort out the various different family groups and to know which one your own ancestor belonged to. . . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.

Some readers of the NDFHS Journal may remember an article of mine; "Durham - a 19th Century Shamrock County".( Autumn 2000 ). I followed this up with a second article which was not published but I think the conclusions may be of interest so I provide a very short summary below. I am prepared to send by Email the full article and tables ( the article requires Word 2000 or later and the tables require Excel 2000 or later ): The analysis is based on the IGI 1881 Census CDs In County Durham where Irish County of Birth ( ICoB ) was recorded in the 1881 Census, the breakdown by Irish County was: Tyrone 13.0% of total Down 8.7% Sligo 7.9% Armagh 7.5% Monaghan 6.9% Antrim 6.0% Mayo 5.3% Galway 5.2% Derry 4.7% Roscommon 4.5% The above account for 70% of the total with ICoB identified By area within Durham: Most Irish on Tyneside came from the Ulster Counties ( plus Galway ) Most Irish in the wider Consett area came from the Ulster Counties ( Tyrone and Monaghan in particular ) Most Irish on Wearside were from the Connaught Counties Most Irish around Teeside/Hartlepool also mainly came from Connaught though Armagh had a strong presence in Cowpen Bewley In some Census areas there were exceptionally high proportions from individual Irish Counties: Winlaton 50% from Galway Consett 50% from Tyrone Iiveston 50% from Tyrone Tanfield 33% from Tyrone Hedleyhope 50% from Tyrone Sunderland 33% from Roscommon Monkwearmouth Shore 50% from Roscommon Stranton 33% from Sligo Cowpen Bewley 33% from Armagh Whickham 33% from Waterford West Rainton 66% from Down ( especially Comber Parish ) So if you know your ancestors were Irish ( but not where from ) and where in County Durham they settled the above may help prioritise your researches

Hi I'm new to the list and wondered if I had any research links with other members: RAINE Mickleton, Cotherstone, Darlington STUBBS/ STOBBS Cockfield, Hamsterley, Wolsingham, Barnard Castle, Startforth areas SHAW Barnard Castle, Whorlton, Startforth HASTWELL Whorlton, Barnard Castle BRADWELL Rokeby, ?Alston (Cumberland) WATSON Hamsterley GARTHWAITE Hamsterley ? FORSTER Lynesack and Softly, Darlington HODGSON Cotherstone I am especially intersested in Cotherstone, NRY at present, and would love any historical information. I have found Jonathan RAINE, schoolmaster there early 1800's, his son Thomas a shoemaker, his grandson Thomas postmaster late 1800's. Does anyone know where burials would have taken place early 1800's? The cemetary only appeared to have later graves. Many Thanks Vicky joyce

I am trying to find a Peter Bland Jepson or his relatives b. about 1898 in Co. Durham. Kate

Thank you all for your responses to this request. I won't pay to check then!! Ann Lavery

Hi Geoff and Ann :) I have a friend in Australia who is English born. She's never had a passport and I think her parents migrated there some time around WW2, possibly earlier. She always boasted that if I wanted to visit England I had to have a passport, whereas she didn't! ;D So my guess is you're correct, that in those days there wouldn't be a need for a passport. Take care, Rob. IBSSG Stuttgart, Germany Honey's Home of Genealogy www.honeyshome.com ----- Original Message ----- From: GNicresearch@aol.com To: ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2004 5:31 PM Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] Re: Passports In a message dated 04/07/2004 11:00:49 GMT Daylight Time, Annathamble@aol.com writes: I see that there are some passports on line at the National Archivist. I have an ancestor who deserted his wife c 1870 and went to Australia ( so the story goes). Would he have had to obtain a passport or were these only for the gentry? Ann Lavery Ann . . While I don't know the definitive answer, my first thought is that since I understand that Australia was still a colony in 1870, it was still British soil and there would be no need for any British citizen going there to have a passport. Perhaps someone will correct me if I am wrong! . . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU. ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== To unsubscribe send the command unsubscribe to ENG-DURHAM-L-request@rootsweb.com (if in mail mode) or ENG-DURHAM-D-request@rootsweb.com (if in digest mode.)

In a message dated 04/07/2004 11:00:49 GMT Daylight Time, Annathamble@aol.com writes: I see that there are some passports on line at the National Archivist. I have an ancestor who deserted his wife c 1870 and went to Australia ( so the story goes). Would he have had to obtain a passport or were these only for the gentry? Ann Lavery Ann . . While I don't know the definitive answer, my first thought is that since I understand that Australia was still a colony in 1870, it was still British soil and there would be no need for any British citizen going there to have a passport. Perhaps someone will correct me if I am wrong! . . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.

Please note: Web address change for the 1901 Census for England and Wales The existing web address of www.census.pro.gov.uk is being replaced by a new address, in line with the re-branding of other Public Record Office websites to reflect The National Archives name. The new address is www.1901census.nationalarchives.gov.uk Please ensure you are using this new web address when you visit. Regards Stan Mapstone

In a message dated 04/07/2004 11:00:49 GMT Daylight Time, Annathamble@aol.com writes: Would he have had to obtain a passport or were these only for the gentry? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Ann, See Passport Records Domestic Records Information 60 http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=109 Before the First World War it was rare for someone travelling abroad to apply for a passport. Information held in The National Archives on individual passport-holders is scanty; the Office does not hold completed application forms, except for a small sample illustrating the treatment accorded to applications of various types. Regards Stan Mapstone

I see that there are some passports on line at the National Archivist. I have an ancestor who deserted his wife c 1870 and went to Australia ( so the story goes). Would he have had to obtain a passport or were these only for the gentry? Ann Lavery

Hello List, My Great Grandfathers brother was James Badenoch Robbie who married a Elizabeth Anderson in November 1884. My question is did they have any other children? As I have looked them up on the 1901 Census, they were living at 136, Ayton Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne. But I could only find them with Children born after 1890 onwards. My question is they were married for 6 years before their first child was born? Or did they have more children? I would also like to know who William Badenoch Robbie's parents were? I thought he was James Badenoch Robbie and Elizabeth Anderson's son, but I don't know now? If anyone has any information on this family please contact me. Alexander Robbie and Ann Jolly Badenoch were James Badenoch Robbie's parents I found them living at 18, Bell Street, Hebburn, they had their three grandsons staying with them on the census night, there names were John aged 7, was he John Robbie's son born 1870 in Aberdeen, also Alexander and Ann Robbie's son. Then there was Joseph aged 6, who was his parents? Then William aged 4, was this the William Badenoch Robbie born in Gateshead in 1896? Thank you in advance for any information I might receive. From Pamela J Groves

In a message dated 03/07/2004 19:14:10 GMT Daylight Time, lmmartin@rogers.com writes: I'd be interested in finding any connection to Mary and Isabella NICHOLSON born 1837 and 1839 respectively, in Ayres Quay, Sunderland. They are the sisters to my great grandfather Anthony George. Parents are George and Alice NICHOLSON, nee ROSS. The 1851 census shows them living at 139 Ford Terrace, with siblings Alice 7, Elizabeth Grace 6 and William James 2. A further sibling is born in November 1851 - Dorothy Hannah. Mary and Isabella do not appear with the family in 1861 when they would have been 25 and 23. I'm assuming they are married, or have died. I tried looking for a marriage registration, but with those two common names my choices are too many! If anyone has these two girls in their family I'd love to hear from you. Linda. . Linda: . . I have a pedigree of the family, which I shall send to you off-list. I have obtained references to it from three sources, one of them someone fairly well-known in local family history circles, so confidentiality demands I do not publicise it here. However, I have to say that it sheds no light whatsoever on what happened to the girls you mention! I have checked it against all the pedigrees of Nicholson of Sunderland and adjacent places such as Bishopwearmouth, Monkwearmouth etc in Rev Nigel Nicholson's two-volume compilation of Nicholson pedigrees but it is not covered by that. . . Geoff Nicholson 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.

Pamela, I can't help specifically with the John Fergus that your looking for. It may be possible to link with the following John and his family. If Elizabeth was born between 1839 & 1841, John below could be a brother. 1891 Appleton Wiske, Yorks. John Fergus Head Married 40 Duly Registered General Practitioner Scotland Ellen S Fergus Wife Married 35? Durham Elwick Etta E Fergus Daughter 8 Durham Greatham Eleanor S Fergus Daughter 4 Durham Greatham James S Fergus Son 3 Durham Greatham 1901 Appleton Wiske, Yorks. Belmont House John Fergus Head M 50 Physician & Surgeon Scotland Ellen Sheraton Fergus Wife M 48 Dur. Elwick Etta Elizabeth Fergus Daughter 18 Dur. Greatham Eleanor Sheraton Fergus Daughter 14 Dur. Greatham James Stanley Fergus Son 13 Dur. Greatham Gertrude May Fergus Daughter 7 Yorks. Appleton on Wiske Ken (In Appleton Wiske) > > Hello List, > > I would like some help please with finding out who my GG Grandmother Elizabeth Fergus mother was? All I know is Elizabeth Fergus was born between 1839 and 1841 in Scotland her father was John Fergus and Husband was Andrew Campbell > > John Fergus was born in Scotland in 1812 but where? > > He and his other children were living at 34, Fisher Street, Walker, Longbenton in 1871 next door to Elizabeth and Andrew Campbell who were living at 32, Fisher St, > > 34, Fisher Street, Walker, Longbenton > > John Fergus Head occupation Ship Carpenter aged 59 born in Scotland > > John Fergus Son Occupation Plater in Ship yard aged 19 born in Scotland > > Mary Fergus Daug home Keeper aged 17 born in Scotland > > Margaret Fergus Daug aged 15 born in Scotland > > Jane Fergus Daug scholar aged 13 born in Hartlepool Durham > > Although Elizabeth Campbell Nee Fergus was born a lot earlier than her siblings? > > Maybe she was by a different mother to other Fergus Children? > > I Have seen a John Fergus married to a Agnes Mcarther in Dumbarton, Scotland in November 1834 on the IGI so Could this be the same John Fergus living at 34, Fisher Street? > > Pamela J Groves

Hi: I'd be interested in finding any connection to Mary and Isabella NICHOLSON born 1837 and 1839 respectively, in Ayres Quay, Sunderland. They are the sisters to my great grandfather Anthony George. Parents are George and Alice NICHOLSON, nee ROSS. The 1851 census shows them living at 139 Ford Terrace, with siblings Alice 7, Elizabeth Grace 6 and William James 2. A further sibling is born in November 1851 - Dorothy Hannah. Mary and Isabella do not appear with the family in 1861 when they would have been 25 and 23. I'm assuming they are married, or have died. I tried looking for a marriage registration, but with those two common names my choices are too many! If anyone has these two girls in their family I'd love to hear from you. Linda.

Hello List, Have someone researching the Campbell surname seen perhaps a 1851 Census with a Alexander Campbell born between 1897 - 1800 in Scotland Shoe Maker His wife Agnes Campbell nee Kelly born between 1897 - 1802 Their Children were Jean Campbell christened July 1821 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Alexander Campbell christened October 1824 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland must have died Janet Campbell christened July 1826 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Mary Ann Campbell christened November 1832 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Alexander Campbell christened December 1834 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Andrew Campbell christened February 1837 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland William Campbell christened March 1839 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Gilbert Campbell christened March 1839 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland Isabella Campbell christened August 1841 Kirkcolm, Wigtown, Scotland I have come to a brickwall with my Campbell family and need help to go back further, so I will be able to send for a Birth certificate for my Andrew Campbell I need to find out if this Alexander Campbell's Occupation was a Shoe or Boot Maker please? Although now I know for sure my Gggrandfather Andrew Campbell's father was Alexander Campbell a Shoe Maker in November 1857 in Hartlepool, Durham when Andrew Campbell married Elizabeth Fergus, and know Andrew and Elizabeth were both born in Scotland from the 1871 Census and later Censuses. Thank you in advance for any information I might receive. Kind Regards Pamela J Groves

Hello List, I would like some help please with finding out who my GG Grandmother Elizabeth Fergus mother was? All I know is Elizabeth Fergus was born between 1839 and 1841 in Scotland her father was John Fergus and Husband was Andrew Campbell John Fergus was born in Scotland in 1812 but where? He and his other children were living at 34, Fisher Street, Walker, Longbenton in 1871 next door to Elizabeth and Andrew Campbell who were living at 32, Fisher St, 34, Fisher Street, Walker, Longbenton John Fergus Head occupation Ship Carpenter aged 59 born in Scotland John Fergus Son Occupation Plater in Ship yard aged 19 born in Scotland Mary Fergus Daug home Keeper aged 17 born in Scotland Margaret Fergus Daug aged 15 born in Scotland Jane Fergus Daug scholar aged 13 born in Hartlepool Durham Although Elizabeth Campbell Nee Fergus was born a lot earlier than her siblings? Maybe she was by a different mother to other Fergus Children? I Have seen a John Fergus married to a Agnes Mcarther in Dumbarton, Scotland in November 1834 on the IGI so Could this be the same John Fergus living at 34, Fisher Street? Thank you in advance for any information I might receive Kind Regards Pamela J Groves

In a message dated 03/07/2004 11:01:18 GMT Daylight Time, pamelaj.groves@ntlworld.com writes: John Fergus was born in Scotland in 1812 but where? . . Your best chance of finding him would be via a county-by-county search of either the IGI for Scotland (or try the LDS website) or - and this is what I would recommend you do first - a county-by-county search of the OPRs. The IGI includes some entries from churches of all denominations, but is far from complete and notoriously unreliable. The PRs, on the other hand, include only Church of Scotland entries, but they are as complete as possible to 1855, having been compiled from the parish registers which, by Law (Scottish Law, that is) had to be sent in to the Registrar Geberal for Scotland when Civil Registration began there in 1855. In my experience they are also reliable, having no "spurious" entries. Remember, however, that even if you find what you seek, you will only be given an abbreviated version of the entry. To find the full details, which may include the precise address, the father's occupation and perhaps even other details, you will need to refer to the original registers, now held in Edinburgh. . . Whichever method you choose, the main principal is that if he was born in Scotland his birth/baptism records will have been made in Scotland and will still be there. Even if he lived most of his life in England, those records will not be in England. If you find a statement from him (eg in a census return - but that is not very likely) about precisely where in Scotland he was born, it will only be an allegation by someone in later life, who may or may not have known where that place was, and who may or may not have thought it important to tell the enumerator the truth! . . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.

Am interested in any Hannaways in the Auckland area or Toxteth Park Can anyone help me, Thanks Margaret

Hello, Interests: Bailey, Robinson, Emmerson, Jury, Justham, Vogwill Am descended from 2 generations of large Bailey families originating from Devon (Samuel and Elizabeth and Henry and Dorothy) - details below -surely must be other descendants out there tracing the family tree?(*) Dorothy nee Robinson was dau. of James from Norfolk and Margaret nee Emmerson from Co. Durham, but prob. born Benwell, Newcastle. But as Anthony Emmerson b. c. 1837 in Benwell could have been her brother and his father Stephen was born South Shields, could well have earlier Co. Durham ancestors. Have a fair bit of info. on the Devon ancestors, v. little on the Robinsons / Emmersons, would love to learn more, happy to pass on what I know. (* - a Wm Bailey was an ironstone miner in Rosedale, living in "Low row of cottages" in 1871, aged 38, born Tavistock. Samuel has a brother Wm, b abt 1832 - seems likely they are one and the same) Other cousins moved up north about the same time to get work in the coal mines, so if you have Bailey / Jury / Justham / Vogwill ancestors who moved from the Tavistock / Whitchurch or Kingsteignton/Teignmouth parts of Devon to Co. Durham but who have no obvious connection with the people below I would still be interested in hearing from you. Teresa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bailey Families: 1 Samuel BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1837/8, Kingsteignton, Devon Occ: Coal Hewer; living in Grainger Terrace, Cocken in 1891; retired by 1901, then at Annfield Plain Spouse: Elizabeth JURY b 1841 in Whitchurch, Devon Marr: 17 11 1861, Whitchurch Parish Church Children of Samuel and Elizabeth: (all moved to co. Durham with their parents) William (1862-) b. Whitchurch, Devon Hannah (~1864-) Henry (1866-1947) - see below Emily (1867/8-) b. St. Budeaux, Devon Mary A. (1869/70-) b. Rosedale, Yorkshire John (1872-) b. Loftus, Yorks (1881 census) or Rochdale (1891) (Ironstone mining took place in Rosedale, but the mines were only active for a short while in the 1870s, there was also an ironstone mine at Loftus, Saltburn (North Riding).) Elizabeth (1873/4 or 78/9-) - possibly 2 Elizabeths b. Hetton le Hole, Durham / Hetton Downs; scholar (1891) Frank (1876-) b. Hetton le Hole, Durham Elizabeth (1878-) Samuel (1881/2-) b. Hutton Henry, Durham (dates as per 1881 census; swapped with Edith, 1891 census) Occ:Coal Miner Hewer Edith (1883/4-) b. Silksworth, Durham; scholar (1891) 1.10 Samuel BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1881/2, Hutton Henry, Durham (swapped with Edith, 1891) Occ: Coal Miner Hewer 1.3 Henry BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 16 4 1866, Loar, St. Budeaux, Devon Death: 1947, ?Whitburn Occ: Coal Hewer living at Wingate 1891; South Shields in 1901; Seaham by 1913, Seaham Harbour in 1917, Houghall sometime (in 1930s/40s?) Spouse: Dorothy ROBINSON Birth: 14 3 1870, 68 Washington New Row, Usworth, Co. Durham Death: c.14 1 1963, Whitburn Father: James ROBINSON (1828-<1891) from Norfolk Mother: Margaret EMMERSON (?1836->1901) - born Benwell, Newcastle or Washington Marr: 5 5 1888, Whitburn Parish Church Children of Henry and Dorothy Bailey (more info below): Emily (1889-196?) Henry? (1891-1892) Dorothy (1891-) Robert James ("Rob") (1893-) Samuel (1895-1917) Florence B (1897-?1986) Henry (1899-1984) Doris (1907-2002) Edith (1908-1913) Mildred (-1920) John (-1980) William ("Will") (-1980) 1.3.1 Emily BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: Q1 1889, Hetton Le Hole, Durham Death: 196?, Whitburn Spouse: POTTER Children: Henry Samuel 1.3.1.1 Henry POTTER ---------------------------------------- 1.3.1.2 Samuel POTTER ---------------------------------------- 1.3.2 Henry? BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1891, (Easington reg district - Sept) Death: 1892, (Easington reg district - Mar 10a 285) 1.3.3 Dorothy BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1891, ? reg Dec (Sunderland, 10a, 641) Death: died in infancy 1.3.4 Robert James ("Rob") BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1893, Station Town, Durham Death: 197? Occ: Coal miner Spouses: (1) ? SUMMERS; (2) Dolly ? 1.3.5 Samuel BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1895, Station Town, Durham Death: 20 9 1917, Ypres Salient (Belgian Flanders) Burial: na, on Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing 1.3.6 Florence B BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1897, South Shields, Co. Durham Death: ? 9 1986, Vauxhall?, London Spouses: (1) ? PRESTON; (2) George YOUDS 1.3.7 Henry BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 22 6 1899, 11, Stainton St., South Shields Death: 16 10 1984, Eastbourne Burial: Stoke Fleming, Devon Spouse: Florence Minnie HAMBLING Birth: 2 7 1900, Brentford, London Death: 24 1 1974, Eastbourne Father: James Bartlett HAMBLING (1876-1952) Mother: Minnie Ann COURT (1878-1952) Marr: 1 4 1929, Boston Stump, Lincs. Children: Brenda Evelyn (1930-2003) 1.3.8 Doris BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 10 4 1907, reg South Shields, Jun 1907 10a 902 Death: 29 11 2002 Spouse: SIMPSON 1.3.9 Edith BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 1908/9 Death: 19 8 1913, Seaham (tbc) have "In Memoriam" card 1.3.10 Mildred BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 190? Death: 1920s, Stoke on Trent, died of pernicious anaemia Spouse: ? JOHNSON 1.3.11 John BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 190?, prob Sept 1903 S Shields 10a 818 Death: 1980 Occ: Gardener (for council) lived at Cleadon. Married, widowed and remarried. 1.3.12 William ("Will") BAILEY ---------------------------------------- Birth: 190? Death: 1980 lived at Dalton-le-Dale Spouse: Emma, died abt 2000?

Hi everyone :) I'm new to the list, although not new to genealogy. I have two main lines in my tree as I was adopted, both of which are giving me major difficulties. On my adopted father's side I have an Elizabeth ARMSTRONG, my ggGrandmother, born about 1848 in Durham, England according to her marriage certificate in Bendigo, Australia. I am trying to find a record of her birth but it's proving difficult as there's so many Elizabeth Armstrongs around 1848!! If anyone can give me some advice on how to go about finding her and her parents I would be eternally grateful! :D Here's the information I have to date ... Elizabeth ARMSTRONG, died 1917 in Bendigo, Vic. Australia at age 69. This would put her birth at around 1848. Elizabeth married William Edward BYNON October 10, 1868 in Australia. William was from Llanelli, Wales. Elizabeth's parents were John ARMSTRONG and Dorothy WAUGH. I haven't been able to pinpoint John's death from the Victorian CDs, but I do have Dorothy's in 1891 aged 70, which puts her birth at about 1821. I imagine John would've been about the same age so I have 3 possibilities for his death. As I can't find any information on John, I have no idea who his parents were. He and Dorothy were married in England somewhere, not sure where but possibly Durham if that IS where Elizabeth was born. Dorothy's parents were John WAUGH and Ann UNKNOWN. What I would ideally like to find is Elizabeth's birth registration, her parents' marriage registration and her Grandparents' death registrations. I'm not sure about England but I know with Australian death certificates it will list the children. Do English death certificates have the same information? I'm glad they don't have the surname Smith, but Armstrong doesn't appear to be much easier to look up in Durham!! ;D Take care, Robyn Leeds (aka Rob.) IBSSG Stuttgart, Germany Honey's Home of Genealogy www.honeyshome.com