Hello Everyone, I want to thank everyone for setting me straight on the age required for a patent, etc. issue. Basically, from the point of conception is the answer. I've received numerous responses, including one (Andrew Moorman) where his father's will had his executors obtain a patent for the child his wife was carrying if that child was a boy (sigh). No one has answered my question about whether there was some accepted or required age for a child to be baptised in the parish church. I understand no one wants to give any categorical answer, but in genealogy we all must make some educated judgements. So, for all of you with much more experience than I, pretend this is a set of your ancestors' family. How would you answer this question for your own research purposes: Approximately how old were these three children of Daniel and Anne Bentley of North Farnham Parish when they were baptised: No Farnham Parish Records, ANN, daughter of DANIEL and ANN Bentley, 2 November 1717. No. Farnham Parish Records. SAMUEL, son of DANIEL and ANN, 30 December 1719, No. Farnham Parish Records. WILLIAM son of Daniel and Ann Bentley. 13 March 1720 (1721) As always, thanks in advance, Best Regards, Janet (Baugh) Hunter To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html