Bill,
One of my ancestors wrote his will in 1733 in Isle of Wight Co.  In it he 
left one shilling to his son-in-law.  Other documents indicate that this 
person was what we would term a step son.  This implies that the same 
principle would apply to mother-in-law vs step mother terminology.
I can't comment on the possible terms used for grandmothers.
Bonnie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Davidson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:37 AM
Subject: [VA-ROOTS] Mother-in-Law versus Step-Mother


A document from the early-mid-1700s uses the term "mother-in-law,"
where it APPEARS that "step-mother" would be the term that would be
used today.  Have others seen this same use of the term "mother-in-
law" on "old" documents?

If the woman in question was actually the grandmother (versus a step-
mother), would "grandmother" have been the expected term in the
1700s?  Has anyone seen any OTHER term used for "grandmother?"
Thanks.

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html 

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html