Bill, et al: You are correct in that many children adopted by others were given the surname of the adopters. The famous case I like to reference is that of the late Sen Robert BYRD (D-WV). He was born in Wilkesboro, NC, Cornelius Calvin SALE Jr. When his mother died when he was an infant, he was sent to live with his mother's sister in WV. She had married a BYRD. These situations surely cloud up our "digging" don't they? Charlie To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html