Research is not only exciting, it can also be downright frustrating. I was born with the name McGregor, commenced research, received copy of g.grandparents marriage cert - "Robert Taylor Webber McGregor, age 25, Mariner, born Montrose Forfarshire Scotland, parents Robert Taylor McGregor (mariner) & Elizabeth Willcock. In April 1854 at St.Peters Church in Melbourne he married Alice Moore, 21, born Dublin to John Moore (Publican) & Matilda Briscoe". (All very straightforward, until you try to find information in Scotland).

Following marriage of RTW McGregor & Alice Moore, they went to the Victorian goldfields where my g.father William Webber McGregor was born in 1856, followed by another 5 children. I could never understand, on the birth certs. of his children, father's birthplace was shown as Plymouth, Devon England.

Not being able to find information in Scotland, I sent out a plea for help - a reply said look for the name Webber in Devon, I was given a link. There I found them, "Webber" not McGregor. Marriage solemnised in the Parish of Charles, Plymouth Co.Devon - "Robert Webber, bachelor of this Parish, upward of 21 yrs & Elizabeth Wilcocks of this Parish, spinster, upward of 21 years, married in this Church by Banns 19 Dec.1822 (signed with their marks)". Children born were William Wilcox Webber b.May 1823, Robert Taylor Webber b.July1830, Mary Webber b.1832. Children were all christened Morrice St. Wesleyan Devonport. 1871 Census for Devonport shows Robert Webber, 69y, retired Gunner Royal Navy ???

My g.grandfather Robert Taylor Webber McGregor, his children born in Victoria were William Webber McGregor, Elizabeth McGregor, Robert John McGregor, twins Henry & George, & Charles. The older three fit the naming patterns usually followed.

Does anyone have information on this family in Devon. If my research is correct, the families of Willcocks & Webber are in the 1841 Census, under the name John Luscombe in Tavistock Street. The next census 1851, Robert is 21yrs & is sailing the seas.