Jane and Moira, Many thanks for your interest and suggestions. Yes, it is quite challenging but very interesting. My recent travels took me to Dumfries in search of an Alexander Murdoch who was drowned at Hull in 1868, about the time that 'my' Alexander vanished. The coroner's report made very interesting reading. I found that he was not mine but did have a cousin, also Alexander Murdoch ( a journeyman baker and a little nearer to the right age). Unfortunately (or fortunately, if I can find a connection), he seems to have left Dumfries between the 1851 and 61 censuses, without marrying. These Murdochs share an ancestor, Ebenezer Murdoch, with William McMaster Murdoch of 'Titanic' fame, so I am enjoying reading books on the subject, with a new interest! Yes, Jane, I have tried BURNETT and found several in the 1841 census for St Cuthberts Parish in Edinburgh, but no Charlottes. Yes, I also have details of the family in all censuses from 1861 to 1901. Alexander vanishes from the records after the birth of the last child in 1868, and I have not found a death for him in England. This child was born in Newcastle which is where the family remain. I also have a copy of one of the children's birth certificates but in England this gives only the parents names and not their marriage date. My latest thinking is that the elusive marriage may have taken place at sea. With a family of at least six brothers and cousins who were ships' captains, there would be no shortage of boats for either of the Dumfries' Alexanders! Perhaps, as you say, the '51 census for Edinburgh may help to locate Charlotte, when it comes online. Margaret.