I'm sure you've probably been through this process - but are you 100% sure the William Smith on the 1861 and the one on the 1871 are the same? I've been 'caught out' before with Smiths! The reason I ask is because between 1861 and 1871, William only aged 3 years, and Mary, his wife, only 3 years, although their daughter Margaret is the right age. Also his occupation has changed drastically, from Traffic Manager to Pitter. Mary's birthplace is the same, but his has moved from Westbury (sub-Mendip) to Devonshire - Westbury (near Wells) even isn't close to Devon. Sarah's age is also inconsistent, but that could be because the first Sarah died, and they had another daughter they named Sarah. I know our forebears could be a bit cavalier with their ages, but a difference of 7 years is quite a lot. That gives William's birth anywhere between 1817 and 1824, and Mary's from 1819 - 1826. He's on the 1841 in Aberystruth, district 8, living as a lodger, occupation hawker (I think). Do you have any documentary evidence that these two families are the same? -Jean. At 20:36 17/04/2007, you wrote: >Can any one please help as we appear to have hit a brick wall > >Unable to locate a William Smith who was born approximately 1817.. > >The 1861 census for Blaina Monmouthshire states that he was born in >Westbury Somerset.We have checked all the Parishes around Westbury >in Somerset to no avail. The 1871 Census Blaina Monmouthshire >states he was born in Devonshire.Unfortunately we cannot locate him >on the 1851 and he was deceased prior to the 1881 census..Any ideas >would be appreciated