"Squire" was but a contraction of "esquire". Shakespeare used the term to mean an asst. or attendant to a judge. (Don't ask me for play, act and scene; I simply do not remember. :-) Genealogy without documentation is nothing. Paul Drake JD Genealogist & Author <www.DrakesBooks.com> ----- Original Message ----- From: Don Trent To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 3:09 PM Subject: Re: Fw: "Gentlemen" Along the same lines I would like your opinion about the use of the term Squire. William Marvel in his book "A Place Called Appomattox", refers to one of my ancestors as Squire Trent. In several places he is addressed as Squire Trent while other prominent citizens are addressed by their first and last name. The time period is 1850 and an excerpt is, ".William Trent, a substantial farmer who lived a couple of miles south of the courthouse; Nelson Kelly, a wheelwright in his late fifties. Squire Trent, a former Whig, ran without party affiliation." In your opinion why do think he would be the only person addressed as Squire. His brother, Thomas Trent, lived nearby and was also a farmer with 26 slaves and was referred to as simply Thomas Trent. Regards, Don Trent Family History Web Page: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/t/r/e/Donald-Trent-TX/index.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.3/209 - Release Date: 12/21/2005 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html