Just a plea to anyone scanning PR's, particularly non-conformist, around 1796-1800 in the broad area of North Shields to keep an eye out for my John Stoker FORREST.
He consistently states in censuses, 1851-1871, that he was born in North Shields, was married in Christ Church, 29 Jan 1825, and his first son, John Scott, was Christened there 9 Aug 1826. He died 18 May 1872 and calculating back he was probably born in 1797. The family has a history of non-conformism, with that son being a well known Methodist lay preacher in the town. His family are not around 1830-1841, when he is probably doing military service; I can't find his second son's Christening, Tom b. about 1830, nor any of them in the 1841 census. His widow is described as "Muster Roll Annuitant" in 1881. Otherwise, he seems to be a seaman or scullerman. Given the consistent family naming conventions, his mother was probably a STOKER, so a FORREST-STOKER marriage prior to 1797 would be a bonus!
