DJ, How are you doing out there? I have been reading some of your posts and have been quite for awhile . Been busy as you suggested earlier at the Library. The Death Record that I have is for Caspar Fetz and it list his wife a Leutgarde Braun. Who I have already established with their children's birth records being consistent in each case. I also have located a Lutgardis Braun on the same Renchtal Oberkirch 1759-1796 Totenbuch (book 2). of the Kirchenbucher. That prompted me to ask my question in the first place because I was actually searching for a Lutgardis Fetz instead of Leutgardis Braun. I found a record for Leutgardis Braun. This brings us back to your answer of yes, the maiden names stays with the woman throughout her life in Europe. (In most cases that is). Good to hear from you and as ever I knew I could depend on an old friend for an answer. Regards, Tony P.S. I'll copy that record next week on my visit to the library and have it translated just to get the information it contains. Not a very clear document as I recall. Will keep you posted. ----- Original Message ----- From: "djweber" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:46 PM Subject: Re: [Ortenau] names and maiden names