This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: carrellasc Surnames: Carroll, Carrell Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.carroll/7153.3/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Interesting question but not likely a one-time decision to change in most cases. EX, my research, censuses: (Not confirmed connection but likely) 1790 Richland Co. SC "oll" 1810 " "ell" 1820,30 " "oll" 1840 GA "oll" (my line from here) 1850 Oktibbeha Co. MS "oll" 1860 " "ell" 1870 " father "ell", son "oll" 1880 Lamar Co. TX "ol" 1900 Hill Co. TX "ol". mother "ell" 1910 " "ell" 1920 " "ol" since then "ell" Some earlier replies about inability to spell, etc. are one reason. Various original spellings might confuse in some cases - McCarrell (Scottish/Irish), O'Carroll (Irish), Carrol (English) for example. But how would anyone know the "orignal" spelling in any family? I find that cemetery, land, and military records are the most consistent and probably accurate, but still not always definitive. Ed 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.