Many thanks BumbleB, Ruskie and Davidft for your prompt replies to my enquiry. The only information I have about the birthplace of John Whitfield is from census records. The 1841 census not born in the county of Durham, 1851 census born in Winlaton, 1861 census born in Yorkshire and 1871 census born in Stockton. Quite an assortment. He died in 1878 aged 64 years so sadly no more information available. I only have one of his childrens birth certificates but nothing mentioned there. I have looked for his birth in the area of Winlaton, Parish of Ryton but nothing found there. Yarm was only a shot in the dark. He married his wife Mary Robinson in 1833 so sadly no marriage certificate. I have the record of his marriage at St Pauls, Winlaton but no information there either. Its a bit of a dilemma, but thanks again.