Thanks Bob You are right. I have a bad copy of a copy of their record. Very hard to read. I have had a wonderful offer of help when we are in NS. Thank you to all who responded. Maybe I can finally get this cleared up. Regards, Deanna I read the father's occupation as a ship carpenter. Omitting the surname is common if it as the same as given for the child. John Thomas was born in Kempt. bob gillis