Thanks for all the replies . It explains things a little better. In rely to ; However, what I am wondering is how, if you didn't know what the list was, or even what date it referred to, could you have any idea as to whether the person you mention was your ancestor? I came across this book whilst searching for my ancestor within Jarrow at that particular time .I use a lot of old books for family research.I have been looking into Jarrow at the moment , hence how i come across the book . When I came across the name within this book in Jarrow and considering it is a uncommon name plus around the same time - i see it as a good possibility to be him. sue