This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dboyce8 Surnames: Boyce, Dickson (various spellings) Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.ayr.general/6239.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Ann, I have tried sending this to the email address you sent without luck. You have been in contact with Irene Kennedy. it is from Irene that 'Joseph changed his name from Boyce to Dickson (his mother's maiden name) to avoid the Boer War" Not sure how a change in name would have avoided the Boer war. It is the only information I have re the name change. I do have a newspaper article about Joseph's youngest son William- Marshall of the RAF Sir William Dickson, b.1898 and.1987 Apparently the great-great grandson of Lord Nelson - would like to know the connection! Stay in touch, David Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.