For the past 25 years, I've been trying to track down the origins of one of my greatgreatgrandfathers, George AUSTIN but, so far, without success. George AUSTIN married Grace JONES at Llanbeblig (Caernarfon) in 1838. They had three daughters in Caernarfon and, on the records of their births and baptisms, he is variously described as gentleman, half-pay officer, military officer, captain in the army. His father is given as William AUSTIN, military officer. His second child, Mary Ann(e) who was my greatgrandmother, was born in 1840 and the birth was registered by him on Mar 11, 1840. The baptism was performed the same day according to the PRs, so he was almost certainly present. He is described as Captain in the German Legion. Despite hours of searching through military records, I've been unable to find him. Tne Spratton, Northants, connection is this: his first daughter (for whom there is no civil birth record) was baptised at Llanbeblig on Nov 10, 1838. The officiating clergyman was Edw. Evans, Curate of Spratton, Northants. This was the only ceremony this clergyman performed in Llanbeblig, so far as I can determine. So, I was wondering if, perhaps, this curate was a family friend who -- a stretch I admit -- might have been from the same area as George AUSTIN. On the other hand he could have just been on holiday in N Wales and found himself roped in to help the local incumbent! If anyone on the list has access to Crockford's Clergy Directory could I ask for a look-up for this curate. We are talking about 1838 or thereabout. I've asked this question on the Northants list but, the Rootsweb situation being what it is at present, I have no idea (or replies) if anyone on that list has seen my message. TIA Dave Burton Winnipeg, Canada __________________________________________________________________ David N. Burton, B.Sc., Ph.D., 95 Thatcher Drive Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R3T 2L6 Phone: (204)-269-8774 EMail: [email protected] "My play was a triumph but the audience was a disaster". Oscar Wilde __________________________________________________________________