Most of the names pertain to names of farms, rather than to places. Exception: "Dowden's Branch" refers to a small tributary stream. The earliest maps 1808 Bond, 1858 Varle, and 1873 Titus show major property owners' names, but not the names of tracts. See the Frederick County Maryland Genealogical Research Guide (New Market, Md.: Catoctin Press, 1987) for details regarding maps. In order to determine the approximate location of a man's property, find out in which "hundred," "manor," or "district" he resided within the county. This information can be derived from real property tax lists, rent rolls, and debt books. in which land owners are listed by subdivision. See the Guide for more information on these types of lists. For obtaining a more precise location of a specific named tract you may obtain the location description as stated in the land deed and/or the original land patent record. This will describe adjoining property owners, waterways, and landmarks. For example: Harbin's Lott in Frederick County was patented to Joshua Harbin in 1752 and enlarged in 1754, and 90-acre Drought was patented to James Harbin in 1759. The respective certificates of survey should describe the locations. For a list of the churches in each locality, see the Guide. The book is available for $16 from Catoctin Press, P O Box 505, New Market MD 21774-0505. Keep in mind that the Frederick County of the 1760s covered a much larger area then than it does now. George Ely Russell, CG, FASG, FNGS, 5110 Garland Court IJAMSVILLE MD 21754-9630 E-Mail: GeorgeERussell@msn.com<mailto:GeorgeERussell@msn.com>