Thank you Barbara for the welcome message, I have belonged to the list before but am back to look for my MINNS ancestors. I am also still looking for the Bapt. of John BLACKFORD about 1791. 1851 says born Highclere the 1871 says born Bo(U)hurst but I cant locate him at either place. I have his marriage, death and children. I have Matthew MINNS married Mary NEVELL 14 April 1692 at Baughurst. I think he was the father of Matthew MINNS who married Elizabeth ? and had 7 children Bapt. at Pamber between 1724 and 1737 One of their descendants married John BLACKFORD's daughter Elizabeth 28 May 1849 at Hook I would also be interested to know how others feel about continuing research back beyond the 1700's when you cant check with the census for back up of what you have found. Mine all seem to be Ag Lab's, don't write wills but don't seem to go broke or get into trouble, well only one poor chap who is recorded in the criminal records, but was found Not Guilty but there his name remains to this day. Not fair is it. I would love to hear from anyone researching these names. Regards Sheila NSW Australia