I received the following from another mailing list. It sounds interesting. Has anyone any experience on the following? "In the most recent issue of the Carolina Herald and Newsletter, the publication of the SC Genealogical Society, was this note: Clues from the Names of Deed Witnesses The following is from a Minnesota Genealogical Newsletter. "In the lower left corner of most old deeds you will find (the signatures of ) two to four witnesses. The first one is always from the husband's side, the next two from the wife's side. That is to protect her one-half dower rights under the law - Nothing you will ever use will give greater clues to maiden names."...." Hope it helps someone! Linda