Hey all, Detective work needed lol. Benjamin Burns born circa 1839-1841 (according to census) married jane HOWELLS 14th July 1861 at St Matthews Church, Wolverhampton. According to the marriage cert they both lived on Willenhall Road and Benjamins father was also Benjamin and he was deceased. No age was given other than of full age. I have searched all the census prior to the wedding and cannot find a Benjamin Burns that fits the known facts anywhere. The only one that would fit is a son of Thomas and Sarah however when one searches through that line that Benjamin marries an Emma in 1861. On ever census he gives his borthplace as Bilston yet I cannot find any birth on the indexes from 37 to 41. I appreciate that birthplaces can be way of the mark due to first memories. If anyone has any ideas where to go with this one now I would be greatful Rob

Rob, What indexes are you using? The very first possibility on FreeBMD is Births Jun 1838 (>99%) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- BURNS Benjamin Wolverhampton 17 311 Wolverhampton is the Registration Office for Bilston. So that all fits. I can't find a possible death of his supposed father. It could be he was in military and died overseas, but I'm wondering if he might not be illegitimate. Purchasing the above certificate would tell, but it won't show mother. I also can't find him in 1841, 1851 or 1861. But it was only a quick look. I suspect his mother remarried and he's under different name. There is a Sarah Burns marries 1840 in Wolverhampton as an example. But there's five possible spouses. While the certificate will give some information, I'd also look on Family Search for his birth or possible marriage of his parents c1837. Sorry. I have people paying me for research. There's a limit to what I can do for free. Peter