Martha Smith born 1831/2 in Hellingley, Sussex.

[PaulineJ]

So you were considering the father of that 1851 family unit?
(More being 5 miles or less from Bishop's Castle?)

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG6D-79W  (1851 census)

I can't find 'em in 1861, although a few of the baptisms are out there.

Jane Williams bapt 17 May 1846
Mary Williams bapt 14 May 1848
William Williams bapt 13 October 1850
Thomas Williams Bapt 6 March 1853 (same place, same parents)

It looked like kids should be registered in Clun?
MMN Robinson

[lorraineosborne]

Solidrock - Thank you very much for that suggestion. It would fit as far as place and year are concerned but there are births that would fit unfortunately.
Loz

[lorraineosborne]

Pauine J
Yes that's the one I started with.  Thought it possible that he could have left this family -why - I have no answer - there is the Richard Williams in London on the 1861 which says married but he is not with his family.  I have a feeling he did not marry Martha - unfortunately she did not make the 1911 census so we don't have a possible year of marriage.
I will another try at following up that family in Shropshire to see what happened to his wife Elizabeth - maybe that might help.
Loz

[lorraineosborne]

I have been trying to follow up my first family - Richard and Elizabeth living in Bishops Castle on the 1851 census. Still haven't find any of them on the 1861. I'll try the 1871.