thanks so much Forfarian - I have decided not to hold my breath! Apart from dusty old box in forgotton corner, I have been hoping that his family knew something about his background, and that some clue could be found from his children. So I am keeping up to date with his extended tree, in the hopes that someone wrote a memoir, or a newspaper mention comes up. Apart from him drinking himself to death after his wife died, there doesn't seem to be much on him. the possible Spanish or portugese link may be possible. Like all my other apparent dead ends, I am keeping an open mind. If I ever win the lottery (unlikely, since I don't buy tickets) I will get some WDYTYA hot shot researcher to find him! cheers, Louise
