Are you certain you have the correct John Lonsdale? The name John Lonsdale is very common and provides many records through to quite recently (1950's), so you need to be very sure of your dates and place of birth in order to narrow the search down. It would also help if you can connect them without doubt to relatives you know for a fact are your ancestors. If your family has said he was born in Manchester, and this is a fact they are certain of, then that is the John Lonsdale you should be following. If you find John Lonsdales with conflicting birth dates/birth places, then they are likely not the person you are looking for. You have to careful not to merge different families into one tree. But if your family is guessing at his birthplace and date then without verifiable corroborating evidence your search will lead you down many paths, many will be wrong.
Within the time frame you mentioned, I have found 3 census records in 1911, showing 3 different John Lonsdales, 3 different birth dates/birthplaces/residence, but all having a wife named Catherine. Quite a coincidence to be sure. One of them is born in Ireland c. 1852, the other two are in England. One of those is Manchester, Lancashire, born c. 1858, the other born c. 1877 in Liverpool. You would have to look at the census records and see whether the names of any children are your relatives. There was also a strong tradition of naming children after themselves or their parents and siblings, so again it can muddy the waters.
Looking further into their marriage records, the Catherines all have a different maiden name.
Confusing as all heck, isn't it?
Start with what you know and work back from there. Pay close attention to dates and places so you don't find yourself running down the wrong path. Good luck!
