Hello Anne, I've been away a month and just catching up on all the messages. You asked if anyone has anything to add regarding research. In response to the queries about the name Traill, those who have ready access to the archives in Kirkwall should take a look at the inventory of the Traill-Dennison papers. These are extensive estate papers regarding various properties owned by branches of the Traill families in a number of the islands. Among these are leases, daybooks, accounts and other miscellaneous documents. They have been utilized well by R.P. Fereday in his two books, Orkney Feuds and the '45 (Kirkwall: Kirkwall Grammar School, 1980) and The Orkney Balfours 1747-99 - Trenaby and Elwick (Oxford: Tempvs Reparatvm, 1990). However, a lot of work can still be done in these treasures. I would love to do so myself, but live in California and may not get to Kirkwall for another year or two. Best wishes, Doug Nicol Visit my personal Homepage at http://mail.ancestry.com/ancestry/users/ndnicol Get Your Free E-mail at Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com) Ancestry.com -- For all your Family Correspondence!