Hi Michael In that era in formal society the eldest daughter's given name was not used, but she was known as Miss Smith. Younger daughters were known as Mary Smith, Jane Smith, etc. Likewise the eldest son was Master Smith with younger sons being known by their given names. Bye Maureen M Leadbeater Adelaide Co-operative History http://www.ach.familyhistorysa.info/ From: < mjfitzgerald@iinet.net.au> Subject: [AUS-SAGEN] Which Sister Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:20:14 +1030 Dear All, If an 1880s newspaper in noting the people present at an official function listed a family as, for example, 'Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, Mary Smith and Miss Smith', who was likely to be the elder sister, Mary or Miss Smith? Many thanks, Michael