Hi Bruce - yes - I have reached exactly the same theory about my John and the coastguard Thomas Corkill born IOM living St Just. In fact at one point they were only the other side of the bay to each other. I feel this has got to be more than a coincidence but I dont know where to go from here - is it too vague a trail? Have such a blank background to work on for both men, would I even know if I was getting warm? I had wondered whether to try pursuing Thomas' employment with the Coastguard but have been told this will be difficult, time consuming, and usually gets you nowhere! Have you ever tried?

Its v interesting what you say about Thomas' son Samuel being a carpenter in Islington. This could connect him somehow with Kevin's "Corkills of Douglas"? Perhaps they got him the job in London? If this is right, and then if Thomas in St Just is connected to my John in Penzance, then theres the link between my Corkells (spelling of name changed starting with John and Ann's children) in Penzance and Kevin's in London.

KEVIN - what do you think about possible link?

BRUCE - would welcome any suggestions about what I can do about trying to establish link between Thomas and John, both born IOM but living in Cornwall

Have looked into John Blake Corkill and he isnt my John. As far as I know, no connection, or rather thats how it looks - but dont know for certain.