In a message dated 6/26/2006 7:55:53 AM Central Standard Time,
jmparkhill(a)yahoo.com writes:
Naming children as you said might have been the case, but there were
always
exceptions.
Good morning Jim and all, Yes, it is those exceptions that make genealogy
interesting. The families that used the Irish naming patterns seem to have
discontinued the process after only a generation or two in this country. Also there
might have been children who died young with subsequent children given their
names so just really can't tell for sure. The children's names can often be a
clue though even if not the birth order. It is especially nice when the
mother's maiden name is used for the middle name of a son but then we have all of
these GILLESPIE names that we have no clue about -- probably a maiden name but
whose??? Then we have initials for middle names and absolutely no idea what they
may stand for. Sometimes an exercise in futility and sometimes you hit
paydirt. The fun of the chase. Take care all. Marilyn