Having just returned from the Maryland Hall of Records, I have two discoveries to report that should clear up a lot of the confusion regarding Solomon Bradford of Worcester County - namely, whether there were two Solomons, and whether one of these Solomons died in 1788. The sole evidence for the presence of two Solomons comes from Ruth Dryden's book on Worcester County land records. Under the history of the tract JOHNS LOT she provides the following abstract: "17 May 1771 Solomon Bradford son of John sold to William Davis." It turns out this is twice an error, as I discovered by viewing the actual deed. First, the deed was not a sale, nor was Solomon's other deed on the same day (to William, Jr. of St. Martin's Desert) a sale. Both these were quitclaim deeds. William Bradford, Jr.and William Davis were already in possession of the tracts. In 1771 Solomon was simply selling them his rights to the land, as eldest son of the eldest son of John of Accomack, and therefore John's heir at law. Furthermore, in Solomon's quitclaim to William Davis he is not referred to as the son of John, but the grandson of John - meaning John of Accomack. Another error which has caused some confusion over Solomon is found in a widely-viewed abstract of Pharoah Warren's will, namely the one posted on the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum's website. The abstract reads as follows: ". . . Wit: isaac Evans, Solomon Bradford, he is now deceased, and Valentine Ryan. JW 13 202." But the actual record does not refer to Solomon as deceased. Since only 2 of the 3 witnesses appeared to prove the will, the abstractor must have extrapolated Solomon's death. That is a misinterpetation of the record. As only two witnesses were required for a will to be valid, Solomon's presence was not necessary. Evans and Ryan were sufficient for probate. This information should be of assistance to all of us trying to sort out these Worcester Bradfords. It's also more proof, if proof was needed, that it's always a good idea to check original records - every abstractor makes mistakes now and then. I'll eventually place full transcriptions of both these records on a website I've just started developing at www.delmarvabradfords.com.