But the terms are perfectly logical--a mother BY LAW. The term brother-in-law for stepbrother is also quite common and misunderstanding it has sometimes led whole families astray. The will of a John Mason in Botetourt names his mother "Leah McKeachy"--and some researchers insist on assuming he meant wife--because a James McKeachy is named as brother-in-law. It seems fairly clear to me that the widowed Leah Mason married a McKeachy and James was her stepson--and James Mason's stepbrother. Certainly makes a world of difference in a pedigree chart! > Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:28:05 -0500 > From: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] Mother-in-Law versus Step-Mother > To: [log in to unmask] > > Yes, this is quite common. The use of terms to express relationships during that period, and earlier, is not consistent with modern day usage. > > Donald W. Moore > Virginia Beach, Virginia > 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