In a message dated 12/31/02 8:34:51 AM Central Standard Time, JDDIHWRR@aol.com writes: > can you tell me when the difference in the Yon and Yohn family names? > My mother's first husband was a B. J. Yohn and I have a 1/2 sister from > that > marriage. > My mother is from just across the State Line in Geneva Co., and my father, > Alcus Dukes, was born and raised in Holmes Co. and married Margaret Jane > Andrews. > I still have a couple of cousins in Holmes. > The reason I was curious about the different spellings of Yon/Yohn is that > in > my research, I come acrosss both in basically the same area. Jerry, I've been looking for the answer to your question myself. I'm really don't know the difference between the two names. It seems to be a very difficult name to research. I do believe they have the same origin, however, I don't know the original spelling. Like many of our family names, we find different spellings in the same areas. I'm fairly certain that when we find Yon, Yohn, Yonn, Youn, etc. in the same areas and on the same migration trails, they are the same family. Janice responded in another message with some very good explanations for the different spellings. I agree with her completely. I've also found that people with one spelling will not consider the fact that they may be related to another person with a different spelling. I'm sorry that I could not be more helpful. I'll keep your info in my files and let you know if (or when) I come across something. I'll be happy to exchange and compare Yon files if you're interested. Liz ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Recipes from Family, Friends & Strangers," by Liz Gerlits (a cookbook with a genealogy flavor). Email me privately at DLizgerlits@aol.com for details.