Charles Wilson born about 1850

Trying to trace my great great grandfather, Charles Wilson (or Vilson perhaps) born about 1850 in Norway. His father was also called Charles Wilson. They were both Mariner carpenter's I am assuming that the 1st Charles was perhaps Norweigan or his wife was as the 2nd Charles (about 1850) married a Margaret Nicholson in Liverpool in 1875. Their daughter my Grandmother used to say that the family came from Norway but changed the name to Wilson to make it sound more English!!! On the English cenus's for 1901 1891 1881 his place of birth is always Norway. On his wedding certificate his father's name is given as Charles Wilson. It's a long shot anybody got any idea's???