Hi Diane and all, I should have mentioned that there are also "classic" town histories that might give you some clues or starting points. History of Southold, L.I.: Its First Century by Rev. Epher Whitaker (1881) This was reprinted in 1931 with a title of Whitaker's Southold. Early History of Southampton, L. I., New York, With Genealogies, by George Rogers Howell 2nd ed. (1887); reprinted 1989. Also the town records have been published: Southold Town Records by J. Wickham Case (1882); reprinted 1989; 2 vols. The ___ Book of Records of the Town of Southampton: with other ancient documents of historic value, including all the writings in the town clerk's office from 1639 to 1660 / transcribed with notes and an introduction by Wm. S. Pelletreau ; and compiled by the undersigned committee, chosen at town meeting, April 1st, 1873, and published at the expense of the town by its authority, Henry P. Hedges, Wm. S. Pelletreau, Edward H. Foster. [where instead of ____, there is inserted First, Second, etc. for 6 in all, I believe] Contents : 1st book. 1639-1660 -- 2nd book. 1660-1717 -- 3rd book. 1717-1807 -- 4th book. 1809-1870. I believe that the 5th book then goes back to the mid 1600s and has "Historical Documents". I think some (or all) are online at HeritageQuest. The indexes of these town record books are very inadequate; ie. they don't come anywhere close to listing all the occurences of a name. Hopefully, the search on HQ or maybe someday Googlebooks could keep you from having to skim the whole book. Regards, Howard hswain@ix.netcom.com