Hi, Allen. A common misunderstanding in genealogical research is that the way the name was spelled had anything to do with anything. Usually, our ancestors here in America couldn't read and write anyway, and the name was spelled phonetically however the partidular court clerk or census or tax agent decided to spell it. The "Proper" spelling in England, if there ever really was one, was "Markham", and it apparently was a place name that came to be used as a surname when those came into fashion. Among the Virginia Markhams I have been researching for 30 years from original records ONLY, I have seen the name spelled at least a dozen ways referring to exactly the same people. Once, in a transcription error in recording the original deed/grant of 300 acres in Henrico Co, Virginia, the name was even spelled "Warren" rather than Markham throughout the entire document. Checking the original document itself ( a photocopy of it, anyway) it was easy to see what had happened, because if you weren't paying attention, it did look a bit like "Warren" in the old handwriting. My family now spells the name Marcum (since about 1870), but prior to that I have seen my same ancestors called Markham, Marcum, Markom, Markum, Markam, Marcham, Malcom, Markrum, Macrum, and a host of other things. You will find it a good idea always to check every index (or Soundex) for every possible spelling while you're in there. It saves a lot of expensive trips to the archives. I once even found a Pendergrass relative of mine under "S". His name was James, and someone had decided to spell his surname Spendergrast. The rule is : Don't get hung up on spellings. They don't matter a whit. Promise. Watch instead for deeds. wills, marriage bonds, Bible records and location, location, location ! (Also, don't beleive everything you read on the internet. A lot of the info is just a repeat of someone else's assumptions. Always check everything out for yourself from the original.) Best of luck. Call on me if I can help you out at all. Karen Marcum (etc.) Brandon -----Original Message----- From: a. allen <missionkid5@hotmail.com> To: MARKHAM-L@rootsweb.com <MARKHAM-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Sunday, November 19, 2000 8:10 AM Subject: [MARKHAM] Origination of Spelling "Markum" >It has been my understanding that the "Markum" family was originally in >England and originally spelled the name "Marcum." However, I have learned >there is a town called "Markum" in Holland, and have also seen references >with the same spelling in Eastern Europe. Does anyone have information with >regard to this? >_________________________________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > >Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >http://profiles.msn.com. > > >==== MARKHAM Mailing List ==== >Markham Associated Web Page >Check out Leslie Ashman's Home Page >members.aol.com/lkashman/frame.htm > >