Thinking of Ancestors

       Everyone has thought from time to time about changing their name.  In my teenage years, I even tried a new first and last name.  Sometimes kids just want to change their first name (especially if their own is rather unusual). 

       During certain periods in history, such as after Wars, it was not unusual for men (especially men) to drop their name and take an alias.  Usually this was to avoid being found by a wife!  Often these men left behind not only a wife, but children too!  And before divorce laws were enacted, many never divorced before going on to create a new family.

       Supposedly it is harder now to drop out of sight and adopt an alias.  I've heard though that **as long as you are not trying to hide**, you can use any name you want! (Oh my!)  However, many people are inadvertently "changing" their name and "joining" another family!!!!  HOW??  And, not only that, but people are altering their ancestor's name also!!!!! HOW???

       Ellie Sanford has become Ellie SAMFORD.   Someone's grandmother Nancy Ann Lohr has become Nancy Ann LORH.  Another person's ancestors, PRIZE has become PRIZ. 

         HOW?  All those pesky typos.  For the experienced eye, a typo is recognized as such.  But, for beginners, it may be easy to mistaken a typo for a real name!  And, any person who does not know YOUR family, they may think the TYPO is CORRECT!!!!  A message board Administrator may see that you posted your SAMFORD post to the wrong board and the post needs moved.  The post will get moved to the SAMFORD board.  Right??  Well, what if your name is really SaNford??  One typo might put you with a whole other family!

        Don't erroneously "join" a new family or "change" your name.  Before hitting submit or send on any Message Board or List, re-read your entire post and LOOK for errors.  If you've already sent it, click REPLY TO and post the correct info (REPLY TO will attach the new post to the old post).

Happy Hunting!!

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