Hi Ian, Further to my finding Samuel Swain with a wife called Frances in the 1901 census living at Islington I found a marriage that looks very relevant on FreeBMD Marriages March Qtr. 1898 Reg. District Islington volume 1b page 464 Shows Samuel Stephen Swain where a Fanny Phillips is shown on the same volume and page, The other female on this same volume & page is Mary Ellen Gordon. A copy of the entry for Samuel Stephen Swain should show whether he was widower or not at the time of this marriage and of course show his father's name and occupation. Regards Jenny DeAngelis Spain. << Ref RG13 piece 174 folio 110 page 16 of the 1901 census shows living Islington London. Samuel Swain marr. 32 Painter & Paper Hanger born Maidstone Frances Swain wife 27 born Pemb. Could ths be the same Samuel as you are looking for but with a second >>