I was not absolutely sure  that I had seen a
reference which indicated that illegitimate
children were supported by their father for
only five years, so I looked it up.  In case
anyone needs such a reference, here it is:

Tazewell County Order Book No. 1,  p. 157.
    12 October 1804.  "James Lockhart appears
in discharge of recognizance.  On motion of
court he must enter into security bond of $38.00
annually from 27 July last for 5 years for
maintenance of a male illegimate chld of which
Peggy Brooks was delivered on 27 July and
charged him with  being the father.  His securities
are Audley Maxwell and John Davis."

I think this suggests that there is a good
possibility when a child is bound at the age of
five that he is illegimate although it is not
proof of this.   The Order Books of the county
will usually record illegimate children in a
manner similar to the above. Parish records,
if they are available, give this information as well.

Netti Schreiner-Yantis

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