Hi Charles, You've made some good points, and I can make a comment or 2. The maternal grandmother I've talked about tried to find out who her birth-parents were, and her daughters took on the project. When they no longer looked and I started genealogy 15+ years ago, I too my mother's typed up notes and a certificate or 2. Unfortunately, almost everything my grandmother had heard when she lived with the Adoptive couple for 8-10 years were all "lies." (no bending of the truth) Adding to that, on Mrs. Dexter's death certificate, I thought her mother's name was Lavair CLARK (as written). Years later I found out her full name was Mrs. Rhoda (MANCHESTER) (LAVARE) CLARK. And on my grandmother's marriage certificate she listed her birth-father was William CLARK, and I have -no- idea who that man was. Was she told that name as a very young child -- or overheard it -- and remembered it for those 10 years in "homes?" The only way I found out about Rhoda was by going to -- the Message Boards. I responded to a message posted 3 years before that and "found" a lady in CT researching Rhoda. She's the lady who just received the old picture of Rhoda (who lived 1800-1883?). Adding to the mystery? I had the Adoption File opened about 5 years ago. It stated that my grandmother's birth-name was Daisy WATROUS. I have -no- idea how that came to be. Adding to that? The only CLARK name I've yet to find is the Adoptive mother's father, James. And, he is one of my "concrete-block walls." I cannot find where he came from, or when he was born, and who his parents were, and whether Mrs. DEXTER had CLARK relatives around her. In regard to Message Boards, I have "found" both step-cousins and "distant cousins" by responding to messages posted 3-4 years before that. Or they have responded to mine. So, I always say, It doesn't matter how old the message is ! I just saw a message yesterday in the archives of a List or Board which was posted in 1998 ! That's 11 years ago ! And that lady was a very important researcher for Lubec, Maine. In fact, her nickname was "Lubec Pat." But, I haven't seen her posting for a couple of years, so she might have "retired." * So, I always recommend - post those queries ! Even post your "thoughts." But, make sure that you state in your query that they are only your - thoughts! I like to use the term, "educated guess." For me that means that I have good information which leads me to think something - but I cannot prove it. But, when you "search" the archives of the Lists and Boards and find something posted 7 years ago, make sure you understand that it was offered as proof - or thoughts. Betty (near Lowell, MA, USA) List Administrator (I think I've mentioned before about James. He "appeared" in RI ~1827 and married in nearby MA in 1829 and fathered a daughter there in 1836 and "disappeared" in 1840's. He was probably the James who got on a ship in 1844 which was heading to the Indian Ocean; he "deserted" in Australia. There was also a James who was on a small ship in the St. Lawrence River ~1825. Was he a "travelin' man?") (Or, was he part of a New England CLARK family?) * For the older postings, "the time is now" .. as .. researchers do "pass." So, respond when you have a chance.