Howard wrote: <<In particular, was a John THOMAS Parish Clerk at Halifax parish church in 1844?>> Yes, he was- (information from Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion, a wonderful online resource always worth consulting for Halifax-related questions.) 'John Thomas 1804-18?? ironmonger and jeweller at 17, Cheapside 1851, clerk at Halifax Parish Church 1841-81.' (There is more info about his wife and children). regards, Lesley