Your excellent response to 'middle names' was received with pleasure. HOWEVER, if you will consult Hinshaw or early Quaker records, you will find they very early did begin the practice of giving the mother's maiden name as a middle one amongst the children. Picky, picky, picky. The German use of usually Johann(es) + a middle name ought to be noted, and that this middle name eventually became the forename upon reaching maturity. But this is another matter. Good work. Genealogy is fun as well as a personal encounter with history. Regards, Erik P Conard Denver To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html