In a message dated 98-01-06 18:29:30 EST, you write: << I'm confused. Or I find this confusing. John DODS was born in England. Son Jesse DODSON is born in VA. His son, Charles DODSON, is born in England? Jesse goes back to England to have his son and then returns with son? Why was the name changed to DODSON? Usually, names were shortened after coming to America. This time it was lengthened? Have any documents been found to prove the name DODS was changed to DODSON? Please post to list. We've all been curious about this and most will want to see any replies. Alley >> PLEASE NOTE DISCLAIMER PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED HERE WITH THE INTENTION OF BEING HELPFUL IN SOME WAY TO OTHER RESEARCHERS RESEARCHING THESE SURNAMES. DO NOT ASSUME THAT ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT - AS I AM NOT LIABLE FOR INACCURACIES - ALTHOUGH I WOULD HOPE THAT MOST INFORMATION FOUND IN RESEARCH BOOKS, ONLINE, OR PASSED ALONG TO ME WOULD BE COMPLETELY ACCURATE, SOMETIMES THAT IS NOT THE CASE. This is all I have and the source is plain to see, page number and all. Sorry I don't have the author: John Dods is listed as a labouror in the original 105 settlers of Jamestown with Capt. John Smith, and also a soldier in expeditions against the Indians. The Tax List of James City 16 Feb. 1623 lists John Dods and Mrs. Dods as living at the Neck of Land near James City, now Chesterfield, Va. in 1627. John Dods was born in England 1588 and came to Jamestown in 1607 at the age of 18 years. John married the Indian maiden Jane, daughter of Chief Eagle Plume of Colorado, of the Iroquois Indian Nation, and became the parents of William and Jesse Dodson. Jesse and William took brides from the Bride Ships about 1630. This gives some early background of the first of this line to enter the American Colonies. {"Marsh and Related Families "p. 55} Chuck Demastus