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Archiver > ESSEX-ROOTS > 1997-12 > 0881243270


From: "jr" <>
Subject: Surnames
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 08:47:50 -0500


Just a note to all,
I have been researching the REYNOLDS line and now have about 10, 000 names.
The spelling of Reynolds varies greatly, RENNOLD, RUNOLD, RAYNOLDS,
REINOLDS, RYNOLDS and RUNELLS just to name a few. Remember that the literacy
rate was a lot lower in the 1700 and 1800 hundreds and fourieng accents may
have made it difficult for others to interpet.
I have also been researching early cemeteries in Essex Co.. and have found
various spellings of names within an immediate family. For example; Capt.
John B. Smyth Sr d. 1785, Mary Smith widow of Capt John B. Smith Sr. d.
1796 These stones may be right next to each other. It is more common for the
name to change between parents and children than between spouces but it does
happen. So keep in mind,
1. Vowels seem to have been interchangable- Smith, Smyth, Reynolds, Runells
2. Any double letters could be singled and single letters doubled- Basset,
Baset, Basett
3. Mulpiple spelling of a Surname may be in use at the same time in the same
family.
So keep an open mind.:)
Joyann
Reynolds of M'Gen

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