Hold on with your research, you Chatters! There is no need for speculation on who the 'Frances' was and I have all the details on Frances Craven. She was the daughter of my 3xGGparents, John Craven and Elizabeth Lindores of Alnwick, Northumberland. The 1841 census information is correct and then she is shown as living with Adam (as Mrs. Gibson) in 1851 in Berwick on Tweed. A descendant in Australia has information that they married on 1 August 1847, and all hints now lead to the fact that they probably had an 'irregular' marriage, which I am still trying to confirm. Thomas was the 2nd youngest of the family and, as pointed out, had an extremely successful life in Australia. There was a niece or nephew who also emigrated but at the moment, my memory fails me as to who that was...watch this space.
Joyce, if you send me a PM with your e-mail address, I'll try and let you know what you need. The Craven family from Alnwick is quite extensive, all the way down to me but all documented where possible.
SelDen: I am intrigued by the wedding of Frances Creven to Machall King in Lamberton Toll...I had not found that one. I am inclined to think it may be the same Frances, as Margaret Davidson was Frances's sister-in-law - but not until 1847 (Margaret married John Hugh as his 2nd wife; his first, Hannah MacKenzie, didn't die until 1843. However, it is possible that Margaret and Frances were already friends and that's how John Hugh met her). It is possible there was a bigamous marriage? However, will further investigate this possible union too.
The intrigue builds, but I am 'safe' on my details of Frances in regard to censuses, baptisms, etc. up to her emigration.
