This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Johnston Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/hYl.2ACIB/4161.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Leonard, I think we all have to "assume" occasionally and as long as we make note of the assumption in our records I think it makes sense. Sometimes those "theories" eventually prove out and sometimes they get dis-proved, but in the mean time you may have to "guess." Genealogy is often a mystery that depends on such "clues." Your line and mine have a lot of given names in common. I sure wish my ancestors had used more unique names, since Thomas, William, etc. make it hard to figure out who's who sometimes! My Thomas Buford Johnston (b. 1774 VA) came to Adair Co., KY about 1812. His father was Henry Goodloe Johnston and grandfather was William Buford Johnston that married Mary Goodloe. I notice you have a Thomas G. Johnston in your line; any idea what the G. stands for?