Hi Listers I have already posted this message on the Southampton list but thought I would try here also as you can never have too much help. I have been trying in vain for some years to solve a riddle regarding my great grandmother and would welcome any assistance no matter how small you can give. The information I know to be true is that when she married my great grandfather, Charles THORN in 1890, her name was given as Alice Phillips FORD aged 26 and her father was Joseph FORD (deceased). The marriage was witnessed by Katie FORD (who I presume is a sister) and Ernest NICHOLLS. I have been unable to trace anyone on the 1881 census by that name and likewise have drawn a blank on the BDM fiches at the local library. Now it starts to get a little confusing...... I have found on the 1881 census, living at 39 Amoy Street, Southampton with the family of William SAUNDERS, a Jane FORD and among her children are listed a Katy Sarah FORD and an Alice PHILLIPSON. Furthermore I have found the IGI record for Catherine Sarah FORD with parents Joseph FORD and Jane Sarah (tantalisingly no surname - typical!) so I am pretty sure this is my family. However I have drawn a blank searching for both Alice PHILLIPS and PHILLIPSON on the BDM fiches. I have thought of the possibility that Jane Sarah may be a sister of William SAUNDERS but have also drawn a blank searching for the marriage of Jane Sarah SAUNDERS to a PHILLIPS (at the right time) on the fiches and IGI. What I need now is a way to confirm all of this and tie up the loose ends. This is where I hope that sks out there can help. TIA Andrew Thorn Researching: THORN OSMAN MUNDAY FORD MARSH GRANT