Glad to be of help. Dialects and training of clerks can create such
variants in spelling of surnames.

I am not sure when I will have more time to look - today happens to be a
good day for it, but I will keep your request in mind.  As for the term,
"impotent," the meaning in this 17th-century context is "helpless." That
is, Lenham/Lynum was "helpless and poor." As for heirs, I wouldn't know.
He didn't not name any in the will, but it is possible that if he had
any, he gave them their portions long before. This was not always
recorded, however.

Good luck with your research.
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Keith Josef Adkins
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 2:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: LYNHAM HOUSE of NORTHUMBERLAND

Katharine. Wow. 

I've been using various sources [census, family histories, etc], but
never thought to look into Westmoreland or Lancaster County.
And I didn't think LENHAM was the same as LYNHAM or LYNEM or LYNAM or
LYNUM/LINNUM, etc.

The only info I had was that John and Jane Lynham sold and purchased
property with Major John Muttron Jr. 
and Paul Littlefield. That's it.

But now that I think of it... LYN and LEN have the same pronuciation.
Mmmm.

If you have anything else [AND OF COURSE THE TIME. LOL] shoot it my way.

Thank you so so much. 

However, I am curious about John being described as "impotent"... did
this mean without heirs? Mmm...