Hi again Moira

I can't resist a cry for help. I have looked at the 1861 census and 1841 census for your John Kerr. 1841 shows him living at Tickhill with three children Thomas, Walter and William but there is no wife present. 1861 census he is living in Rotherham with wife Margaret and son William.

I see what you mean about their being hundreds of John Kerr's!! I had a quick look on IGI at the births then I checked for the marriage of a John to a Margaret, there was quite a few of them too!! So looking at his age with the census (this didn't compute with my brain before with his age at time of death) a marriage certificate would be out of the question.

I am sorry I cannot help your search any further other than have you been in touch with Scottish family history societies etc. See if any one has an ancestor who has moved away. Also have you tried Genesreunited? You may have tried all of these and I know they are long shots, but they have possibilities. I hope you solve your quest.

Kind regards
Joy