Geoff, I cannot find any reference to William Dacier (seems to be also D'Acier, or D'acier) Baxter. Although there is considerable information on Dr. William Baxter who married (2) Swigo, I could find nothing about their children. I did come across several references that my be useful to you should you be able to prove the connection to this family. Ref: Eaton, Arthur Wentworth Hamilton; The History of Kings County (Nova Scotia); The Salem Press Company, Salem, Mass, 1910 Reprinted, Mika Studio, Bellevill, Ontario, 1972 p.p. 554, 555 THE BAXTER FAMILY " The Baxter family in Cornwallis was founded by William Baxter, M. D., M. P. P., son of Capt. Simon and Prudence (perhaps Fox) Baxter, Loyalists, who came from Alstead, New Hampshire, to Norton, New Brunswick, and settled there. Captain Simon's children were: Elija; Benjamin; Dr. William; Joseph; Dorothy; Abigail; Simon; Abram. William Baxter, M. D., b. in 1760, m. (1) Mar.13, 1783, Ruth, d/o Amos and Mary (Harrington) Sheffield, b. in Cornwallis, April April 22, 1762; (2) Julia Swigo. He d. Nov.22, 1832." Children by second marriage not given. http://www.nbgs.ca/firstfamilies/FAMILY-B-2006.pdf http://www.nbgs.ca/firstfamilies/FAMILY-B-2006.pdf Trust this is helpful, John, John D. Wilson Windsor, NS Geoff Baxter wrote: > Hi everyone, > > As far as I can tell my Gt Gt Gt grandafther ,William Dacier Baxter, was born in Nova Scotia, probably Cornwallis. He certainly gives NS as his place of birth in all UK cenuses. There is also a William Baxter, born in 1760, who has a son William Dacier, born 1796, by his second wife Julia Swigo.It seems a reasonable assumption considering Dacier is an unusual Christian name > > I would like some advice on how to gather any documentary evidence, bearing in mind that we live in the UK. Also, does anyone have an idea why a family should start using a French surname as a family middle name? > > Regards > > Geoff Baxter >