Hi everyone, A few weeks ago I posted a query re William FINCHER born about 1800 in England, married to Barbara GARDEN 8th April, 1826, Nigg Kincardine and immigrated to Australia 1849. He had nine children, all born in the Newhills and Old Machar areas. I also posted a query re Isabella FINCHER who married Alexander WATT 20th June, 1851 in Old Machar, Aberdeen. I can only find one son to this couple John WATT christened 5th February, 1854, Old Machar, Aberdeen. I have been ploughing through the 1851 census for Old Machar in search of Isabella FINCHER and I found her. But thoughtlessly (I think) she was not born in England. She claims she was born in Old Meldrum. The entry was in Lower Middlefield: Lucy INGLES Unmarried 60 Proprietor of Houses Mains, Forfarshire Isabella FINCHER Servant Unmarried 30 House Servant Old Meldrum, Aberdeen Lucy INGLES is not listed as the head. That column is blank. Living right next door is the TAYLOR family. James TAYLOR a farmer of 73 acres, employing 3 labourers. One of the labourers is Alexander WATT, Servant, Unmarried, aged 40, Farm Labourer, Cairnie, Aberdeenshire. Between 1800 and 1855 I have only found two FINCHERs. William FINCHER (and, of course, his family) and Isabella FINCHER, born around 1821. She does not appear with his family in the 1841 census and the name Isabella does not appear in the next couple of generations in Australia. (They were very keen on renaming their children after their parents and siblings). I am a broken woman!!! I thought Isabella FINCHER would lead me to William FINCHER. Instead I now have a second mystery. I would appreciate any ideas as to why a girl with the surname FINCHER would be born in Old Meldrum where there are no other families with the same surname. Anyone with any interest in the surnames WATT, GARDEN or HILL feel free to contact me and I can give you what I have transcribed from the 1851 Old Machar census. Also some ALLANs and FRASERs. Have also copied from the Nigg, Kincardine Parish Register deaths from around 1800 for GARDEN, ALLAN, and a few FRASERs. These are probably available elsewhere, but may help someone from overseas, like myself. On the bright side I have been reading the 1845 Statistical Accounts of Scotland for Nigg, Old Machar and Newhills (online). They make fascinating reading and give you an understanding of your ancestors' lives and living conditions. Someone please help me!!! (Apologies to those who have to read this three times). Regards, Rhonda Thompson, Sydney, Australia