This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: yolewis Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.lewis/13623/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I noticed something strange. I have two instances in the family of John Henry Lewis of Tazewell county, VA... where a widowed child married a sister or brother of a deceased spouse. Was that a common practise in 1870's / 1880's? 1. Oldest son (David) died leaving his wife a widow. The second son (Allen) married the widow. Timeline Mar 1880 (Illinois) / Jun 1881 (Texas) 2. Oldest daugther (Ceilia / Cosby) died in childbirth, her husband married the second daughter, Mary Jane. Timeline Aug 1874 (Missouri) / Feb 1875 (Missouri) Families involved: Lewis, Barton, Pease. The Lewis' were in a witness protection plan, lol. Whenever I get close, the newspapers are missing and records do not exist. But seriously. Is it a custom to marry a widow or widower if you are unmarried sibling of the deceased? And if yes? Where is it common? England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland? These Lewis' came from one of those places... 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. <br>