linell wrote:HI Nick, William Toy born about 1788. I really think you will have to leave it at that, just write in Wm's notes that you believe his parents are Wm and Betty. The records all run out at some point, unless you want to spend days in the Archives looking through dozens of Parish Registers. I really don't think you will get any further back. I am stuck on one of my Gt x 3 Grandfathers. I have him born Halesowen about 1796, but have no idea who his parents were. I would do some research on one of your other lines, leave it for awhile something may turn up.
Linell.
I appreciate the advise, but I'm really not prepared to give it up just yet.
If my family name was Jones then I would have given up a long long time ago, but it's not a popular name, there will be connections. I look at it as a process of elimination. Sure it's a challenge, but its something worth doing.
These are the facts I have.
I know that a Wm and Betty married in 1786. I also know that they had a son called Wm who was baptised in 1790. I also know that my Wm Toy was born around 1788. If I have to go down to the Archives in the Midlands I will do.

However, something in this thread has sparked my interest, this Winnifred Toy, who could have been the mother of my Wm Toy b 1820, son of Wm Toy b 1788. I don't currently have a mother as yet, so that could be something I could investigate too.
Thanks for all your help though. Much appreciated.