Many Thanks for all of the replies, - much appreciated.
Over the years I have tried all of the usual things... and have ordered many Birth Certs; which have not fitted with the info that I have.

I've tried reversing the christian names, and just ordering ones for William Wilson, - but there are so many:-(
CaroleW, - I have the Marriage Cert for William James and Margaret Wilson. William James gives his father as, 'William Wilson (deceased) Occupation: Mason'. Accordingly I searched through the Censuses and Trade Directories looking for a William Wilson, Mason, in and around Manchester. None fit the dates...
I have combed Parish Records/the IGI/Family search, The National Archives - et al...
Because I thought one explanation for William James Wilson being missing from the Censuses might have been him being in the Services, - I have trawled Army and Navy records, - but no joy.
Shizara, - until the 1911 Census became available, I thought the Kirkby Ireleth chap was him too. However, on the 1911 that one is still single and living at home, working as a Labourer, - whereas my William James Wilson is living in Swansea with my Grandmother and their six sons, & running 'Wilson and Co', a painting and decorating company.
My late Uncle, (William Havelock Wilson) told me that as a boy he had visited members of his father's family in Manchester, and that his father came from Manchester. My father died when I was five, and so I haven't been able to ask him for any info... and anyone who might have been able to help with this is long dead.

This is why I am wondering if I should just give up!
Romilly
