Hello Alan I have found Hepzibah on the 1861 in East Donyland [near Colchester] with mother Margaret and siblings Margaret 15, Benjamin 10 and Sarah 6. Margaret senior is shown as a 'Mariners Wife' so presumably father is away at sea. All the children shown born in E.Donyland. In 1871 Hepzibah [this time with an 'E' added for a second name] is the only child living with Margaret Snr and she is shown as wife of a smack owner, born in Gt Bromley, Essex. Once more father must be away at sea. In 1881 Hepzibah is living with a 'Mrs James Clark' who is a widow and is the right age and born in Gt Bromley Essex to be Margaret snr of the previous returns. Going back to 1851 to see if there were any older siblings before Margaret jnr, there do not appear to be any but there are two additional children, James aged 5 and William aged 3. Once more James Snr seems to be away at sea. I can't find a marriage for Margaret and James, if Margaret's maiden name had been Erner it would have answered your query! I have an itnterest as I have the unusual surname of 'Awner' in my ancestry which has been mistranscribed many times so thouguht it worth trying to trace your Hepzibah! Anyway hope this helps a little. Best wishes, Gwyn 2008/9/23 The Taylors <gemat@83bramcote.freeserve.co.uk>: > Hepzibah E Clarke b circa 1859- my gt grandmother -- Gwyn Bailey OPC for Springfield, Essex