I'm looking for my great-great-grandfather, Thomas Quayle, born abt 1838 on IoM. I have US records of him in IL starting in 1857 but he/they may have emmigrated earlier. He married Louisa, who was born abt 1842 on IoM. They had 4 children, all born in Illinois starting in 1862 (Alfred, Ella, Katie and Hattie). He is listed in US censuses (1870 and 1880) as a blacksmith and taught his son to be a blacksmith.

I have a list of 14 Thomas Quayle's born abt 1837 to 1839 from the 1841 Census. Any ideas on how to figure out which one is my relative? One of the fathers (Daniel Quayle from Maughold, born abt 1801) was a blacksmith and is not in the 1851 Census. Was it common to keep a skilled trade in the family? Or would a farmer's son switch to smithy?

I also cannot find a marriage between a Thomas Quayle and a Louisa anywhere (IoM or US). Any clues on where to look for that?

Lastly, I'm currently living in England and can make a trip to the IoM - how should I best spend my time on the island (in terms of geneology)?

Cheers for any assistance.