Edward,

I am a great great grandson of Gervase Etchells and Rachel DeMeza (via John Barnes Etchells and Fanny Etchells). I did originally think that the IoM DeMezas and the DeMezas in Lancashire (including Rachel) were separate branches of the family. Postings on this thread (including IoM census) shows that they were in fact the same family. Looks like William (b c1801) moved to IoM around 1840. But I believe he had a brother John who stayed in the Manchester area and had several children.

The original DeMezas (Isaac and son Solomon) left behind several documents in the PRO and (I recently discovered) PCC Wills, now available on-line (which is why I have just been re-activating my interest). Isaac was a wealthy snuff merchant and Solomon began papermaking in the family with his own mill.

What is your descent from Rachel DeMeza?