Thank you David. Things seem to remain confusing but you raise some interesting points. I'm not familiar with IOM so you comment about Edward being a farmer and living on Duke St not adding up begs me to ask why. Is Duke street a residential area?
I had seen the Apr 21 birth note on the border crossing but in the 1911 Canada census he says Mar 1879 which matches much better with the record of Frances Cowan giving birth. Again any suggestions or conclusions you may have would be appreciated. By the way the sister was Isabelle Louisa (Lily) Clague and she married William Parkes Jan 10 1909.
Thanks again. Barry