Like all family researchers, we also find our `hiccups', those ancestors who either disappear or don't materialise from parish records as expected. Sometimes, we find, there can be a quick and simple answer to one of the `missing persons', usually by playing the good detective or going by hunches. At other times, the block seems to be total. And we have some of these ! So, what do you know about any of these missing persons below? Can you help us by identifying them from perhaps, your records or even family knowledge passed down through generations?

Martha Joyes, baptised in 1811, has become a real mystery to us. Martha married a John Hanson...... Martha Joyes HAS BEEN FOUND ! Thanks to kind subscribers to the Berkshire List we now know that Martha raised her family in Reading. For more information click here

And then, there is our Thomas Joyes born about 1760 and died 1837. His marriage entry at Slinfold, West Sussex, states that he was resident in Billingshurst at the time prior to his wedding which was in 1794. We know that he was buried in St Mary's church graveyard at Shipley, West Sussex. Does anyone out there recognise Thomas? We have searched most of West Sussex and the borders of Surrey with no luck whatsoever We would be extremely grateful………………….

Photo by Bev and Rob Joyes Calling all visitors from Kent..... this photo was taken in Folkestone about 1990 and we are hoping that someone out there can cast some light on why this street was named JOYES ROAD. If you know please contact us.

We seek news of Hugh Joyes................. Hugh Joyes HAS BEEN FOUND !! Many thanks to newly found relatives for coming to the rescue with news of Hugh and Alice Joyes and their descendants. We now know that with Hugh's sons showing little or no interest in milling, Hugh decided to retire to Sompting and later Worthing. For more information click here on Worthing Page

Martha's older sister, Kesiah Joyes, baptised in 1800, married in 1818 at Billingshurst a James Greenfield. In the 18th and 19th centuries, `Greenfield' was one of the stronger names in that area of Sussex and there must be descendants who have researched their families and found a link with Kesiah. Can you contact us please?

Click for a closer look

Now then.... what about these 5 ladies? We think they might be Margaret Ross, Constance Joyes, Mrs Frank Joyes, Marjorie Joyes and Miss Kathleen Joyes. The two older ladies occupying the double brick house built on the site of the old barn in West Street, Storrington. Or do you know better ? If so, please get in touch.

We seek news of Peter Wadey, married Jane Joyes................. Peter Wadey and lots of his descendants HAVE BEEN FOUND !! Many thanks to Wadey Experts Kathy and John: we are much obliged.

We seek news of a William Henry Joyes,....... WILLIAM HENRY HAS BEEN FOUND !! Thanks to Adele Schoombie in South Africa, a prodigal son has returned. Adele informed us of the S African Archives site at www.national.archives.gov.za and it was here that we found William Henry Joyes. Adele then retrieved and forwarded the Death Notice providing us with vital information. We now know that he worked as a fitter for S Africa Railways, that he married Sarah Elizabeth Martin and that he died 16th July, 1946 in Germiston. We also think that his father Albert William may have served in the armed forces in S Africa, as a result of information found at this site. Thank you Adele.