In a message dated 1/21/03 8:05:22 PM, [email protected] writes: <<Whether the Rev. R. G. Barrett's middle name was "Gallatin" or "Gatlin" seems to be in question as I've seen it both ways but my family has it as "Gatlin".>> I think I've written this before, but people named "Gallatin" were being named in honor of Albert Gallatin (1761-1849). He was a U. S. statesman, was Secretary of Treasury from 1801-1813. At the moment, I can't remember what exactly he was known for, but it was some sort of westward expansion project. He was greatly admired in his day, and many boys were named for him, as well as a town in Tennessee. Reuben's son David (my ancestor) named his oldest son "Albert Gallatin Barrett," and he was called "Gallatin" instead of Albert. It was sometimes misspelled as "Galitan." So, I'm quite sure that R. G.'s name was originally supposed to be Gallatin, and that it was corrupted along the way. Obviously, as time passed, people would have forgotten the original Mr. Gallatin, and probably wouldn't have known exactly what the name was supposed to be. In my records, I would write it correctly as "Gallatin" and then put (Gatlin) in parenthesis or quotation marks to show that this is what he was actually called or nicknamed. We should always note the nicknames of individuals in our family history, because often the names are used interchangeably even on official records. Hopes this helps a bit. Karen Hett

As an aside, the Gallatin River in Montana is one of three rivers that are the source of the Missouri, meeting near Three Forks, MT. The other two are the Jefferson and the Madison Rrs. This is a fact. I believe, they were named by either Lewis or Clark on their exploration 1805 and 1806, when they were in the area. (I know L & C began in 1804, but they did not get to MT until 1805). When I find my glasses I can do more research to refine the namers of the Rr. if it is important to anyone. Sheryn Welburn [email protected] wrote: > In a message dated 1/21/03 8:05:22 PM, [email protected] writes: > > <<Whether > > the Rev. R. G. Barrett's middle name was "Gallatin" or "Gatlin" seems to be > > in question as I've seen it both ways but my family has it as "Gatlin".>> > > I think I've written this before, but people named "Gallatin" were being > named in honor of Albert Gallatin (1761-1849). He was a U. S. statesman, was > Secretary of Treasury from 1801-1813. At the moment, I can't remember what > exactly he was known for, but it was some sort of westward expansion project. > He was greatly admired in his day, and many boys were named for him, as well > as a town in Tennessee. > > Reuben's son David (my ancestor) named his oldest son "Albert Gallatin > Barrett," and he was called "Gallatin" instead of Albert. It was sometimes > misspelled as "Galitan." > > So, I'm quite sure that R. G.'s name was originally supposed to be Gallatin, > and that it was corrupted along the way. Obviously, as time passed, people > would have forgotten the original Mr. Gallatin, and probably wouldn't have > known exactly what the name was supposed to be. In my records, I would write > it correctly as "Gallatin" and then put (Gatlin) in parenthesis or quotation > marks to show that this is what he was actually called or nicknamed. We > should always note the nicknames of individuals in our family history, > because often the names are used interchangeably even on official records. > > Hopes this helps a bit. Karen Hett > > ==== BARRETT-REUBEN-SC Mailing List ==== > Please remember to hit "Reply All" so everyone on the list can see your response. > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237