Philip, As for the second "d", it is a difficult call. For my related family, some of the later generations use the second "d" version. My direct line has been consistent with the description that I gave regarding "X" signatures. I have copied the original signatures of my earliest ancestor in VA, John Davison, and his sons. They used the Davison spelling. I do not believe there is an absolute right and wrong for surname spellings. We are whatever our family handed down to us, albeit some ancestors may have used something else. Several years ago, I looked at a book about surnames in a library in London, UK. It essentially said Davison was most prevelent in England, especially the region NE of London. Davidson was most prevelent in Scotland. Some of each name could be found in both locations. And, of course migrations caused both to be found in Ireland. Let me know what you develop on your Scott Co, VA family. Best regards, Hollis