Hi Keyboard86,
Thank you so much for the information. The Alexander, who was b.c.1841 South Shields,son of John,grocer, doesn't appear to be my gr.gr. grandfather. This Alexander appears to also be a butcher and married by 1861 and is widowed by 1871.
The 2nd Alexander,b.c.1841 South Shields,was a son of William,shipwright. By 1851, the family is living in Newcastle on Tyne, Northumberland. In 1861, Northumberland, this Alexander is listed as a shipwright. At least I can rule out these 2 Alexanders.
I question the naming tradition of Alexander and Mary E. Ireland Baines children. On Alexander's 1862 Liverpool marriage record, his father is listed as John Baines,wheelwright. Alexander & Mary's first born son was named William Alexander (1865-1871). Shouldn't this child be named after his paternal grandfather? The 2nd and 3rd. sons,who were twins were named Joseph Daniels & Thomas Ireland Baines. Wasn't the 2nd son named after the father?
The name William, seemed to be important to Alexander and Mary. They named their youngest son, William Henry.
I wonder if Alexander's father was born William John(called John) or if Alexander was born as John Alexander or William Alexander.
I know Alexander returned to England in 1910. I haven't found record of him ever returning to the U.S. or him dying in the U.S. But I also haven't found a death record for him in England from 1910-1940,listed as Alexander Baines & various spellings.
This is my 2 sided brick wall,no birth or death record. I've heard he was a real bugger in life, and remains so in death.
Any further suggestions are welcome.
Best wishes
