Hi Eric,

Thanks for your reply. I wonder if your ancestor Robert was maybe a brother of Thomas's father.
It is so frustrating not being able to find out anything certain about Thomas's parents.
He first appears on the 1841 census, married with his first two children and living in Liverpool.
His surname then is listed as Karley, a mis-spelling. His occupation was book-keeper.

I'll just keep searching and let you know if I find any family connection.

Jill.