This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: drewharrisonnc Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.johnston/2758.1.1.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Dear Cindy, I have looked over the name change document carefully, and I have realized that it is exactly that, a name change document. It is not an adoption record. The name change document of 1804 does not legally prove that James A. Harrison was adopted. As the document states, names were changed for many reasons, including the need to legitimize illegitimate children. Unless someone discovers an adoption record that proves James A was adopted, I think it is unsafe to claim that James A. Harrison was adopted. Even I had a legal name change, but I was never adopted. My daughter also recently changed her last name to Harrison by the General Assembly Statuates, but she was never adopted. In order for Lisa to change her name BOTH BLOOD PARENTS had to approve, and I am sure the same was the case back in 1804. So, to change James' name from Youngblood to Harrison, both BLOOD parents would have to approve, and this opens the door for a legal argument that no adoption occured and James' name was changed to Harrison by the General Assembly with consent of BOTH BLOOD PARENTS, John Harrison and Delilah Youngblood. It is possible the name change document does not have anything to do with James A. Harrison. Afterall, the name on the document is "James" and not "James A." Legally, when a name change occurs in North Carolina, the middle name must also be registered. As our cousin Thomas Duane Poole always says, you never really know. If you ever find an adoption record for James A. Harrison, please let me know, but I seriously doubt it exists, and the name change document in nothing more than what it is. One last important point: Why would John Harrison adopt the children of Delilah Youngblood two years before they were married in 1806, unless they were his blood? Sincerely, Drew Harrison Great-great-great-great grandson of James A. Harrison 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.