A WOMAN is appealing to Market Place readers to provide her with information regarding the family history of Northwich resident James Lyons.

Margaret Jordan, from Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, wants to find out more about Mr Lyons, who was born in Liverpool in 1864, and his ancestors.

She knows he married Mary Agnes Walsh in 1896 at St Francis Xaviers Church in Everton before moving to Northwich to embrace a farming life. The 1901 census states him as living at 47 Tabley Street with his wife and first son James.

The couple went on to have a further eight sons and a daughter, who they named Agnes.

Margaret said: "I was told by Agnes, a cousin of my mother-in-law, that her mother was a member of a troupe of travelling players. The children were sent to Catholic childrens' homes, the boys in one and Agnes in another.

"I don't think this included James, because he would have been about 20 by then."

She added: "Agnes regained contact with her brothers several years later but the boys were then living in Canada and Agnes chose to remain at home in Liverpool.

"She met with her mother and was determined to complete her family tree but unfortunately died last year before this was possible, so I'm continuing her work for her."

If anyone knows anything about the Lyon family and could help Margaret to forge the missing links, email ecameron@guardiangrp.co.uk or ring the Guardian on 01606 813621.