Thanks for this Judith.

Yes in 1851 at Exmouth there were 2 men named John Pine who were born at very similar time. They also died within a year of each other. I think I have them sorted.
Yes my John married Jane Smith who was baptised Venn Ottery. But oh, how I wish I could find where her husband was from. On 1851 census he said born Exmouth, when they attempted to get married at Ottery St Mary he said he was from Ottery St Mary and when they eventually got married at Exeter St David's, John said he was from Sidmouth!

How I get the alias 'John Woods' fitted into the story is my brick wall!