Henry Oddie It is a pure coincidence that I am researching Hothersalls. Hothersall is my wife's maiden name and there is no blood connection. My Dawson lived in the East Ridingt of Yorks from at least the early 18th. century. We are stuck on my wife's grandfather who died in 1901 at Shoreham Sussex(he was a methodist minister) aged about 50. Hiis obituary stated that he was born in Lancashire but gave no other details. Family legend has it that he came of humble stock and we have on birth certificate but the dates are not quite right. The Preston area is wall to wall Hothersalls as you probably know so there may not be any connection. My info is clearly of no help to you although one day I migfht be able to make us of yours. Richard Dawson