Dear David, Could that grave marker for James MOSS buried in Oct 1859 in Gt Stambridge possibly give his age as 53 rather than 58? A rather worn 3 could have been read as 8. Then you would be searching for James MOSS born 1806 (or maybe 1805) in Hatfield - though it might not be Peverel! You may have some other information on that. It could just be Hatfield Broad Oak or Hatfield Heath though I agree Hatfield Peverel is nearer and therefore likely. I have just looked for the family in 1841,1851 and 1861. James was a farmer in Rochford in 1851 and 1841. Maria his wife continues to farm at High House Gt Stambridge as a widow of 40 with son James 17 and 6 younger children. In 1841 the eldest child was Maria aged 2 and her mother was 21. So the marriage could well have been after 1837 and so findable in P.Rs somewhere - probably Rochford. James' age was given as 35 in 1841 (and the enumerator was kind to us and gave all the ages exactly it seems, contrary to their instructions that year - supposed to round down to nearest 5 years above 15). In 1851 James' age is given as 44 - so this all seems to tie up quite well with my suggestion above. I do hope you manage to find the birth in PRs and hence James' parents. Carole Woolley -----Original Message----- From: david moss [mailto:mossdavid1@gmail.com] Sent: 13 April 2013 02:06 To: Essex mailing list Subject: [Ess] Moss of Hatfield Peverel Here I am, back again after a long time and still with much the same problem. James Moss death certificate says he died 20th October 1859 registration district Rochford, aged 58 years (confirmed on his grave marker in Great Stambridge Parish churchyard) therefore birth date would be 1801. Census 1851 says he was born in Hatfield (probably Peverel). After looking everywhere I can think of, I still cannot find his birth certificate so I can get his parents and make some progress. So frustrating! Please, can anyone help? I have received a lot of information from mailing listers in the past, but I believe I must have his birth certificate in order to not continue on guesswork. Anyone with any advice?