>> In an old (1934) family letter there is reference to "Uncle Wicta". >> It is written quite legibly, but it certainly seems like an unusual >> first name. So I'm wondering if it is right, or if I'm mis-reading >> it somehow. If not actually 'Wicta" what could it be, or is it some >> kind of nickname? >> >> "Uncle Wicta" was born Abt 1820 and came from Prussia Bef 1850. >> >> jsents@stny.rr.com (John Sents) > > >It's certainly not a common name, but is a name in its own right and >has some spelling variations. See: > >http://www.cyberstudia.com/ogmios/texts/simpson/catstane/catstane.html > >for some information. > >Robert Heiling <robheil@attbi.com> Bob-- I've read the reference you cited several times now... and don't know quite what to make of it. One thing that makes me wonder is that the name 'Wicta' (and it's variations) refers to a surname. In my letter, I believe the "Uncle Wicta" refers to a given name (because of the context in which it and other family members' names were written). 'Tho I admit Wicta is unlike any of the other family names, which were more common (like, Casper, Jacob, John, Peter, Adam, etc.). And, whereas the more common names were passed-down to descendants, Wicta, was not! This is what makes me think I may be mis-interpreting the handwriting, tho it seems quite clearly written. But, as your other replies seem to infer I shouldn't, I'm not ready yet to just assume that Wicta == Victor. :-) Thanks. --John. jsents@stny.rr.com (John Sents)