Thankyou very much Jean, appreciated indeed. It looks as if we may be 2nd cousins once removed as they say. I certainly hope so.

I have tried very hard to make sure that Frederick really is Catherines child and as far as I can tell (without any confirmation from my little mum as yet as its a suprise for her) I believe I am on the right track.

I have begun to trace back and have found that their are two Catherine Jane Crebbin and that it is my Great Grandfather who married both ladies ? do you have the same information ? The first Catherine gave birth to all of the children bar the youngest Thomas Ernst. The second Catherine Jane Crebbin giving birth to him ?