Hullo I usually try to post things that [I hope] are of general interest in order to promote discussion or, at least, so as not to be too much of a bore. However, at the invitation of Andrea Vogel: My surname is BLIGNAUT and I have, with the help of the Marne Archives, traced my ancestors to the small commune of Monthelon in the Marne Department[51]. It seems that the name can also be spelled: BLIGNOT; BLIGNAULT; BLIGNON; BLIGNOD; BLIGNEAU [I have ruled out BLINOT]. My questions, which seem to lead to a brick wall, are these: What is the origin of names which have BLIGN... as their stem? Where have they all gone? [even idle speculation is wecome!] So as not to be accused of being "off topic" [a popular discussion stifler!] I'll add that many of the bearers of the name must have been Huguenots. Martin Blignaut -- Martin moslins1@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - Choose from over 50 domains or use your own

Hello With Tony's help, I've been able to confirm that my Du Soleil ancestors were Huguenots. The only thing that I'm trying to find out now, other than trying to get further back.... which is more a dream than anything I think, is to find out their occupation. How do I do that? I know that Thomas Dusolei was a cooper, through his wife's death certificate in 1838. Well, I think that's her, cos she did die down in Brighton, when the family are always in London.... bit confusing.... Were Huguenots usually coopers?? I didn't think they were. I know that they were descended from Huguenots because Thomas and Sarah's daughter, Jane, was enrolled at the Huguenot School, and you had to prove your ancestry, Thomas also went there too. Any help appreciated. Thanks Chloe (Perren.... another possible Huguenot surname, as they were in Soho around the 1750s.... only possible though!)

Hi Chloe Don't get too hung up about what Huguenots did for a living. When you look through the analysis of the Quarto series volumes by place and occupations there are dozens - my ancestors were wig makers, wine merchants, haberdashers all sorts of things. And as with French names, the Huguenots came from all walks of life so being a cooper, especially so long after the Refuge, isn't at all odd. Regards Tony Fuller