Thanks to Chris Phillps' gracious and competent help I have this transcription of a portion of the 1578 will of Jerome Thornton, Yeoman of Greenford, Middlesex: ".Item I give and bequeath unto my Bretheren Mr Thomas Thorneton and Mr Robert Dorsett to eyther of them eight pounds for and towards the Chardge wch they shalbe at in the bringinge upp my other twoo bretheren Richard and Roberte Thorneton nowe wth them uppon." Use of the word "bretheren" in this passage puzzling. First ,some background info and then my questions. Jerome was the son of Thomas Thornton of Great Greenford who died in 1573. I compare the list of Thomas' children from his will with that from the pedigree by Richard Mundy (Harleian Society, Volume 65, MIDDLESEX PEDIGREES, London 1914 (available as CD290 from Quintin Publications at www.quintinpublications.com <http://www.quintinpublications.com/> ): 1573 Thomas Will Mundy Middlesex Pedigree Elizabeth Catherine Margaret Margaret Dorothy Katherine Parson* John Richard Robert Peter Peter Edward Edward Henry Henry Jerome Jeromy Petronell Mary Thomas Note that Mundy has a son Thomas but the 1573 will doesn't include him. My questions: 1. Why does Jerome will say "Mr Thomas" instead of just "Thomas" ? Could it be that he wasn't Jerome's brother? 2. I never before encountered the use of "bretheren" (once capitalized and once not to add more confusion). Elsewhere in the will Jerome uses the normal "my brother Henry Thornton" and "my sonne." Anyone have a theory on that? 3. Why does Jerome include "Mr Robert Dorsett" as part of "Bretheren" when his surname is not Thornton. Could he have been a brother in law? Best regards to all, Bob Thornton Duluth, Georgia USA bob2626@charter.net