Dear List, 18 months on, mostly searching within B'ham, and my Great Grandfather still has all the characteristics of Houdini. I’d greatly appreciate any help whatsoever. Knowns: Thomas Owen Hastings was born in either 1874 (from his death certificate) or 1872 from his marriage cert. He married Louisa Ann Nerney on 22 Dec 1893 at Parish Church, Bishop Ryder, Birmingham, Warks. He was 21, she 19, residence given as Legge Street. Witnesses were Joseph Marsh and Mary Ann Shale. Louisa Ann Nerney was born 27 Aug 1876 in St Thomas, Birmingham and died 30 Oct 1955 in Sheffield Thomas used his middle name of Owen only on two occasions and his father Thomas was an Ostler. Thomas and Louisa had 8 children, Thomas William b4 Apr 1895 and Alfred Howard b29 Sept 1895, both born in Ladywood district with home address of Back 153, St Vincent Street. Thomas was a Brass Caster at this time. Sometime after 1897 and before 1900, Thomas and Louisa then moved to Sheffield and had William Henry Hastings b1900, Harold Joseph b1903, Florence b1906, Harry Charles b1907, Gladys Miriam b1914 and Doris Hilda b1921. Whilst living in Sheffield, Thomas was initially an Iron Moulder and then a Steel Moulder. Thomas died on 23 August 1958 in Sheffield aged 84 years. Having found his marriage and death certificates, plus all of his childrens birth certificates, his own birth certificate and baptism remain a mystery. A brickwall for sure. I've even tried researching Louisa Nerney and in order to discover a little more about Thomas but hit another wall. It is obviously proving impossible to get beyond Thomas Great Grandfather until I can find some reference to his parents. It's possible that Thomas's employer and/or trade union in Sheffield could cast some light on him but initial forays into this area hasn't been great. Any tips/guidance/inspiration or better a breakthrough would be v much appreciated. Regards,