Hi Jim and all, That was exactly my reaction when I first saw the chart. At that time, the Latin literate folks on our list informed me. Since then I have learned a few more from John Carmi Parsons on the GEM-MED list. d.s.p. = "decessit sine prole" = died without issue d.v.p.s.p. = "decessit vita patris sine prole" = died in father's lifetime without issue s.p. = as above, "sine prole" v.p. = as above, "vita patris" v.m.= "vita matris" (in mother's lifetime) Jim, I hope this helps you and others! I made my first visit to the FHC tonight--what a trip (Phyllis!!). That woman who helped me, whizzed through those screens as fast as a camera's flashbulb. I don't think I learned a thing!!! I did order four films, though. I think I like books better!! Something old you can touch and feel (she said, sitting in a dust cloud sneezing!) Carole ____________________ James Dutton wrote: > > Carole, > > I just received my copy of Lawson's chart, "The Duttons of Dutton > County Chester," and am overwhelmed at the amount of information > on it. I may have to ask you about some of it that I may not be able > to read or understand, such as initials, "d.v.p.," etc. ----------------major snip------------- > > Jim