I AM compiling a family history and I would like to contact descendants, relatives, or other persons who have any information about my second, great-grandfather and his family.

He was Joseph Ainsworth, born on December 24, 1804, in Darwen and the son of Thomas Ainsworth and Mary Briggs.

He married Jane Cottam on September 20, 1825, at Blackburn. They had seven children -- Betty, Joseph, who died at birth, James, Catherine, Hannah, another Joseph and Sarah Jane.

My chief interest is in finding more about Jane Cottam, who, according to census records, was born in Over Darwen, as, so far, I have been unable to trace her birth.

B EASTWOOD (Mrs), 1/18 Ti Tree Grove East, Parkdale, Victoria, Australia 3194.