Regarding the Smoot Deed that was recently posted to the list--it is obvious that there is definitely some sort of close relationship between the William Smoot (md. to Jane) and Dorothy Durham. I agree with Michelle Ule on that. Also what Brian Walls said has some credence. Now Harry Wright Newman's book on the Smoot's lists William Smoot, Sr. as married to Grace. Then a son, William Smoot, Jr. md. to Jane. According to the dates given by Newman, William Smoot, Jr. who married Jane, is too young to be the father of Dorothy Durham. The William Smoot Jr. who married Jane is the one shown in this deed giving land to Dorothy and her heirs. Another thought I just had--do we know when Grace Smoot died? Could William Sr. have 2ndly to a Jane? Are we sure there is a William Smoot Sr. & Jr.--father and son? Could Dorothy be a dau. of Wm. Smoot Sr. by a 2nd wife (either a Jane or another wife after Grace?) I am inclined to put Dorothy and her 2 sisters as daus. of William Smoot, Sr.--but it seems odd that they were not mentioned in his will. Still no proof that they are Smoots. Glenn Gohr ggohr01@mail.orion.org