Education did not really catch on until the 20th century ,my grandfather had a third grade education. My grandmother went to the 6th grade, neither one was an avid reader and wrote few letters. Having this information, I thought of an experience that I've had in my research. If you will check the IGI at your local Family History Center, you will find all the "Vance's" that FHC has on microfilm. Follow the various spellings, write down every possible spelling and run them down in the IGI. For example, one of my surnames is KUSCHEL, the IGI has KUSCHELL,KISSEL,COSSEL,COSSELL, KOZZELL, KOZEL,KUSEL. Another of my surnames is FELTER, the IGI had FLEDER, FETTER, FIELDER,FELDER, FELDRE, FEDLER. Many people could not spell or write, so the spelling of the name was done by sounding it out. If you have hit the proverbial brick wall, check out all of the spellings, make up spellings of the surname, you just might hit pay dirt. Frances Rouse frfg@worldnet.att.net When a Loved One Becomes a Memory The Memory Becomes a Treasure