My GGrandfather, Joseph Wilkinson (Pitman) was born 20 Apr 1849 and married Mary Johnson, age 19 in Hexham on 14 Dec 1870 in Lanchester Parish Church, County Durham. Mary's father listed as Robert Johnson, Miner. In subsequent census reports Mary lists her birthplace as either Tanfield, South Moor or Holmside. I would like to find her family prior to 1871 census(RG10/4956) and know who her birth parents might be. Joseph's father John Wilkinson, b. abt 1820 in Hexham, Northumberland, married Mary Ann Harrison, daughter of William Harrison(no occupation given), on 07 Aug 1847. John lists his father on the marriage record as Robert Robson, Chemist & Druggist. I have searched for a likely birth record for John, and also searched for a Robert Robson, Chemist or Druggist, and have found none in census reports. Does this indicate my GG Grandfather was illegitimate and/or adopted? Should I be looking for an illegitimate birth of a John to an unmarried Wilkinson woman? Hexham records for that time period are not online. I have checked Ovingham. Would like to solve this mystery, so any help would be greatly appreciated! Reid Cooper California, USA