If I may add an anecdote to this discussion, from my experience. I trace my ancestors back to 1700's in Fairfield, Conn. To my surprise (and Delight) a few months ago someone sent me a lineage going back to a Sir Thomas Staples, in Ireland and on back to France. Further research seems to reveal that there is no truth to the story. I recently wrote to the DAR for a copy of an application which was filed in 1900. Surprise, here was the story of Sir Thomas. Evidently everyone used this story for 100 years. Bill Staples, WE (Worker Emeritus) Researching Family History of HOLMES, STAPLES, ELMS, BANKS, WYGANT lines