Hi
I'm sorry I think I have managed to somehow confuse everyone.
The Thomas that I have from 1861 up to his death in 1927 is not in doubt. (The one in 1871 in Stranton = where he gives his pob as Yorkshire is definately the right one - the children on the one you found in Seaham Milly are not right)
He was an apprentice seaman in 1861 became a qualified seaman and later left to work in the steelworks - eventually ending up in the steel works at Consett. Despite being a steelworker for much longer than he was a seaman, his burial entry gives his proffession as reitired sailor. I have no doubts about this being the right Thomas.
However, because he was already independent of his parents in 1861 the only thing I know of his parents is that his father was John and a weaver (according to Thomas' marriage cert.)
The connection that I would hope to make is between my Thomas and the family in Leeds in 1851 where Thomas aged 8 appears with parents John and Margaret and other siblings (all born in Ireland). This is the first (possible) info I have for Thomas' mother but I don't know what I can do to be sure that the Thomas in Leeds in 1851
(HO107; Piece: 2320; Folio: 324; Page: 21)
and the Thomas on board The Romp of Whitby, aged 18, in 1861
(RG9; Piece: 4446; Folio: 176;)
are one and the same.
I do hope I haven't confused you further
Susan