This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: CelesteHolly51 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lawson/6860.1.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Since these were probably Cherokee descendants many of the women had children out of wedlock - which was not looked down on by their relatives/people in this area. The Cherokee were matriarchal and heir customs were passed on with many descendants following the matriarchal/female dominated customs of the Cherokee. This led to many children having their mother's maiden name as their surname although they DNA match a male of another surname. i.e. your David who matches the Hooker male line. (If you are the Janet whose David does match this yDNa Q1a3 haplo.) Celeste Celeste Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.