Thanks ... but actually, I'm looking for "evidence" about 100 years earlier than 1903. Carole In a message dated 5/16/2011 8:38:04 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: In the two cases I know of in my father's family, the children were given their mother's name even though the real father was known and shown on the birth records. My granddad had 2 children before he married my grandmother in 1903. 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