Hello ROXBY researchers: Janis - it sounds like you might have done a lot of research on the ROXBY family. I'm looking for a John ROXBY born c. 1824 in Newbottle. This John married Mary Ann DEFTY in 1856 at Dalton le Dale. On his marriage certificate he gives his father's name as Matthew GUSTARD. Now Matthew is easy to find and trace but at no time does he appear to be associated with any ROXBYs. It seems likely that John ROXBY was therefore an illegitimate son. Since I don't know John's mother's name he's proving a bit difficult to find. I have John and his family on the 1861 census and all subsequent ones in Seaham Harbour. But even though I've trawled a lot in 1841 and 1851 in and around Newbottle I can't find a suitably aged John ROXBY who would be illegitimate. I wonder if he is a twig on your tree. Thanks very much, Irene PS It doesn't appear that John resented his parentage because he named a son Henry Gustard ROXBY after his (putative) paternal grandfather. PPS I've been recording 1841 ROXBY families just in case they happen to be relevant, if you are interested. -----Original Message----- From: Janis Noonan [mailto:2zpool@charter.net] Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 7:25 PM To: ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [ENG-DUR] Roxby, Walker, Readman Helen, I have Roxby's in my line. Your Margaret Jane Roxby's father's name is John She married a Yeoman Readman in 1878. That marriage certificate is available at the Bishop Auckland office or you can send for it at http://www durham.gov.uk/gro/search.nsf/search?openform. The 22nd of December 1888 she married 38 year old Thomas Walker, son of John Walker. That certificate is available at the Peterlee office or you can order at the same website as above. I have a different Margaret Jane Roxby (father Robert F.) in my line and not this one but not to say that somewhere on that tree your branch might be sticking out. Should you find that her father John Roxby is a brother to Edward b. 1798 in Washington, Co. Durham, then look me up again. Janis