This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: DaveK62 Surnames: WHARTON, BENSON, FREEMAN, POWELL Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.delaware.counties.sussex/3234.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Nancy ~ Elizabeth is right that you should look in both Delaware and Maryland when searching for records concerning people and property near the borders of southern Delaware. The reasons are several. Colonial Maryland and Pennsylvania had competing land claims in southern Delaware for an extended period of time. During the period Maryland had a more pronounced governmental presence than the Penns. People in the Delmarva (including after Independence) also moved freely in the area, including crossing back and forth from Delaware, to Maryland, to Virginia, etc. This could be confusing today, looking back. You might want to consider joining the Lower-Delmarva rootsweb list if you aren't already a subscriber. The mobility of the area is a common topic of discussion, and underpinning of many other discussions, on the list. Dave Kearney 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.