Hello List I've just joined in order to see if anyone can help me find any trace of my possible Bowles ancestors who lived in Wigan in the late 1700's to early 1800's. The only records that I have so far are a discharge document for a Michael Bowles from the 23rd Regiment of Foot in 1802 after serving for only 4 years. He is described as having been born in or near the market town of Wigan in the county of Lancashire and by trade a weaver. He was discharged at age 26 so he would have been born about 1776. Then I have a record from the Lancashire County Quarter Sessions (online record on the Lancashire Archives site) of a petition dated July 30, 1816 for the removal of William Bowles' wife Sarah and their children John and Ann. William Bowles is also described as a weaver so he would be a possible brother of Michael's. Would anyone have any further references for Bowles in the Wigan area, particularly weavers it seems, from about those times? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Tom (in snowy central Canada)