Good Day Robert, While not "authoritative" perhaps I have an explaination for the "Dutch" designation. My ancestor (plus wife, two sons, and four daughters) settled in "Dutch Flats" near Norton in 1783/4 after arriving from New York City with the Spring Fleet. John Fritch and his family were German, also known as Deutsch. So Dutch Flats was probably actually Deutsch Flats and the designation about which you inquire "Dutch" is probablyDeutsch (or German). Best, Denise L. Moss-Fritch -------------- Original message -------------- From: Robert Davis <bdavis@sympatico.ca> > Why were so many of the loyalists and their descendants' families > designated "Dutch". I've never heard an authoritative explanation. > Have you? > bdavis@sympatico.ca