Aaron, For what it is worth I agree with Kaye. I was at the national archives a few years back researching my family line. An older gentleman told me that from the mid 1800s and previous most people did not know how to read and write. The spelling of names changed based on the education level and dialect of the person writing down the name as well as the dialect of the person pronouncing the name. Today was a good example I was rushed and received a phone call. I answered the phone speaking quickly I said Hello this is Ernest Hill. The lady on the other end replied Hello Mr. Teal. I slowed down my response. It happens more than we realize. By the way I have been following your emails. We are from two different lines but find the information informative. I want to wish you the best of luck in your research. If I should happen upon any information on your family line I will forward it. Happy hunting! Ernest -----Original Message----- From: K Powell [mailto:grannytoad@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 12:36 PM To: HILL-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [HILL-L] Tidd or Teed Aaron, the many Tidds & Teeds I have in NY from 1700s are interchangeably spelled and often were, for no good reason I see, other than what one thought it should be written as at any given moment. I would not necessarily separate those families you'd mentioned. Kaye in Texas __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ==== HILL Mailing List ==== The HILL DNA PROJECT is helping researchers connect their lineage. Also you can eliminate many lines from the focus of your research. See what's going on at: www.hilldna.com