Hello Haven't posted for a while but was wondering if any of you lovely folks might be able to help - I'm still struggling with my Martins! I recently got the birth certificate of my ancestor John Richard Martin, born in Thurmaston in 1843. His parents on the birth certificate are listed as John Martin and Elisabeth Martin, late Sibson (or poss. Gibson), formerly Smith. I can't find them in the 1841 census, and in the 1851 census John Richard is living with his widowed Aunt, Maria Cook, in Thurmaston. I know from the 1851 census that Maria is listed as coming from Mansfield, but I don't know whether she is John's aunt on his mother's or father's side. I'm not sure where to look next? I don't even know whether John Richard was orphaned or just abandoned... Has anyone got any ideas? I'm seriously considering bringing in a pro.. Thanks in advance, and wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Em -- http://schnozzles.blogspot.com/