I respond here in part to Andrea's exhortation addressed to "Lurkers and a Browser." Technically I guess I'm not a lurker since I did post what I would call "an unrequited query," which I repeat here with additions. You must understand‹the justifiably stern focus of this list on EUROPEAN Huguenots and Walloons is rather intimidating for those of us whose search for our European Huguenot origins has reached a dreadful dead end. We have very little to offer those happy folks who have already established their European bona fides. Here then, is more than you may wish to read about my LAFFOON brick wall at this shore of the Western Ocean. Descendants of several branches of the LAFFOON family found in 18th century Virginia have preserved traditions that the early LAFFOONs in America were either Huguenot refugees or were descended from Huguenot refugees who had initially settled in England (specifics in # 4), Ireland (specifics in # 5), or elsewhere in Europe (no specifics). I seek assistance or comment on the following issues: 1. Can anyone provide documentation for the surname LAFFOON (this spelling, not a variant) in England, Ireland, or anywhere in Europe? Recent postings on this list have not included LAFFOON, nor have I found it in numerous published European surname lists or web databases. 2. Is there any documentation for LAFFOON in North America earlier then James LAFFOON who appears on the James City County Quit Rent Rolls in 1704 and later in the Blissland Parish Vestry Book in the colony of Virginia? 3. The surname LAFON(T or D) and variants are documented among Huguenots in France and England. However, I have not seen an etymological justification for the belief that LAFFOON derives from the this source. Although both LAFON and LAFFOON are found in 18th century Virginia, there is no indication that these families were related and they generally lived in separate counties. I am not aware of any instances when LAFON (T or D) was changed to LAFFOON although I can document a change in the opposite direction in the late 19th century, USA. A participant in the LAFFOON list has this to say: "The names Lafoe,Lafont,Lafon,Lafong and Lafond are all pronounced the same in French. 'Lafong' appears to be a concession to English spelling, however, to obtain a more nasilized 'o', as in French. 'Laffoon' is definitely an anglicization of this name." I am not able to evaluate this statement, and it isn't clear where it may lead, but comment would be welcome. 4. In 1702 land in Virginia was granted for "transportation of three persons" one of whom was "John LOOFFONE" (reading not yet confirmed). In 1759 Nathan and Matthew LAFFOON received a land patent from George II. These grants may vaguely suggest that the family passed through England on their way to Virginia. Someone once said they had seen LAFFOON in the IGI for Great Britain, but I have been unable to find such an entry. I have also looked at several of the folio publications of the Huguenot Society of London without success. 5. A member of the LAFFOON family, now deceased, produced an undocumented descent chart that went back to a father and son in Ireland as follows: a) Phillip LAFFOON b. 5 Sept 1632 in West Dublin, Ireland, d. 3 Dec 1703 in West Dublin. M. 23 July 1658 to Hyacinth BLENNERHASSETT b. 1 Aug 1632 in Kilkenny, Castlecomer Co. Ireland, d 1702 in West Dublin. They had a son: b) Bernard LAFFOON b. 1659/60 West Dublin, d. 25 April 1727 James City Co. Virginia. M. Hannah CARLISLE, daughter of Joshua T. CARLISLE and Katie McDONALD of West Dublin, b. 12 April 1660 West Dublin, d. 27 April 1727 James City Co. Virginia. ---And on for two generations in Virginia, with difficult problems that raise doubts. Apparently none of this information has been documented in Ireland or in Virginia. This autumn I will travel to Virginia and give it a whirl, but have no idea how to approach the Irish leads, if indeed they aren't mis-leads. Suggestions most gratefully received; look-ups in Ohio records offered. Cheers, Bill Sumner .