In a message dated 12/7/2002 3:23:47 PM Central Standard Time, ShemyaSandy@aol.com writes: > Slaves often took the surnames of their "owners", or of people they admired. > > There are probably lots of Black Mitchell's because there are lots of > Mitchell's. > Hi Sandy, I find that so interesting. Living in Minnesota most of my life and Illinois part of my life, I have only met 3 other people in my entire life with the surname Mitchell and I am in my 40's. Must not be as common here in the North. I must tell you, researching my family in Scotland is another matter. On top of that my brick wall is William Mitchell of Aberdeen b. Abt. 1828. When I do a search of William Mitchell in Scotland, it is hopeless!!! Liz