Hello Maureen,

Further to my message below, in which I listed information available on the Assisted Immigrants index [under Subject: "Information on Australian BMD certs"] I have now found that the two families did indeed travel to Moreton Bay on the same ship, as did William Burton aged 19.

The voyage is dated 3 May 1855, and there are scans of the passenger details on the ship 'John Davies' at: srwww.records.nsw.gov.au/ebook/list.asp?Page=NRS5316/4_4792/John%20Davies_3%20May%201855/4_479200118.jpg&No=1

The Burtons are put as an insert in the margin on p.2, and in full at the end of the alphabetical list of families on p.8.
George & Margaret Leng are on p.5.

William Burton aged 19 is with single men on p.10. He gave his "Native Place & County" as Leicester, whereas Matthew gave his as Lancaster.

Both Matthew Burton, 27, & George Leng, 24, were (occupation) Joiners, with George b.Durham. Both could read and write.

Both their wives were b. Isle of Man, so Jean's theory about their relationship could well be correct. Margaret Leng aged 22, and Sophia Burton aged 24 (so deducted a few years from her age). Both could read and write. John Davies Infant was born on board at Liverpool.

Sorry, but I don't see what the problem is with Sophia. It was common in the Isle of Man to call a child by her second name. You just need to be aware of this when looking for a baptism - to look for a second name, if not found as the first name.

Sue