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Archiver > WHITNEY > 2003-04 > 1049905146


From: Margaret Swanson <>
Subject: [WHITNEY-L] Re: Laurie Skillern: Naming pattern 1800's
Date: Wed, 09 Apr 2003 09:19:06 -0700


The traditional naming pattern was to name the first born son after the
paternal grandfather. This custom was stronger earlier, and probably
stronger early in the 1800's than later. So to answer to your question
is "maybe". At least there is a reasonable chance that the pattern was
followed.. The possibility is greater if there are many other "family
names" present among the other children in the family.

Other possibilities were the son was named after an uncle who died
without issue or was killed in war or an accident.

Margaret Swanson


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