Hi Richard,

Many thanks for your efforts.
The evidence is starting to point to the possibility of James being the son of Abraham Brooks and Bridget Quain. I just came across a note from my late aunt which mentioned he was born in Wallaroo. One of Abraham and Bridget Brooks' children was born in 1861 at Port Wakefield and they were living in Wallaroo when their next recorded child (Walter Jacob)was born in 1864. So plenty of time between these two births, right time span, right place and right father's name, but no record of his birth. Frustrating.

Your bigamy theory was something I hadn't considered but it wouldn't surprise me, although it would be more likely to have been Jame's wife Eliza who was the bigamist.(Three husbands and her eye on a fourth possibility until he bolted). Now three husbands at once I can almost understand, but three wives and probably a horde of children, how on earth would your ancestor have managed to support them all way back then?

Will check out the Boer war sites - it's worth a try. Thanks again.

Trish