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My earliest certainly known ancestor is my 2xgreatgrandfather, John Luffman who died in Alford Lincs in 1823. He came to Alford with the Somerset Fencible Militia in 1794, and left his unit there to marry.
That much is certain, but a 25 year search has so far failed to find where he was born, and wh his parents. I have suspects, but am reluctant to disclose them it this posting to avoid "muddying the water."  According to his discharge documents from Kilmainham hospital (he had further military service after his marriage) he was born in 1776 at York, but this is unconfirmed.The fact that he was with a West country unit and had enlisted in Bristol suggests otherwise. The death notice in the Alford newspaper says he was born in 1762, no location given. His age on marriage in 1797 (21) apparently confirms the 1776 date.
Does anyone have access to something that I have missed or other newly published information?
Thankyou.

James, my great uncle was born at Lode in 1889 the 11th and final child of James Ayres (1844-1923) and Emily Cornwell (1850-1941). He appears in the 1891 and 1901 censuses there in Lode at the family home, but that is his final appearance in a UK census.
There is a story widespread across our family that he emigrated to Australia in 1903,and the date is clearly documented by this short anecdote. Immediately prior to his departure he visited his brother and sister in law Samuel Ayres (1868-1935) and Melinda nee Brignell (1872-1953) who was pregnant with her third child, my mother Emily (1903-2003), on leaving he said "If its a boy, call him James after me". My mother Emily was known as Jim throughout her life as a result!!
I was told that there had never been any contact between the families again.
     Until I started research and found:
1) that he had not left the UK until 20th December 1910, and arrived in Australia in 1911.
2) he had been in regular contact by letter with his older sister Elizabeth (1886-c1970) with whom we were also in regular contact.
    On arrival in Australia (Sydney) he was described as a farmer,
so the question now becomes where was James between 1903 and 1910?
I suppose there is a possibility that he tried to migrate between 1903 and 1910, it failed at he had a second go later, or alternatively that he worked on a farm in the UK during the interim period.
Any information would be very welcome. Thank you.

At sometime in the late 18th century the oldest son of one of my Ayres ancestors married his aunt, who was the youngest daughter of her husband's grandfather. The marriage therefore would be Ayres to Ayres, but though I recall entering it some years ago, I am quite unable to find it. I am wondering if the cause is the susceptibilites of Legacy or an error by myself? Anyone help please.

Accidentally marked 6 pages of unread topics as read. How do I get them back?

If anyone has access I am looking for a possible baptism of John Meatyard (Meechard or similar phonetic) possibly even Luffman. baseborn son of Betty from March onwards 1776,  Dade register. Details greatly appreciated. If its there it ends a 24 year brick (or granite?) wall blockage.