This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: judyw0113 Surnames: Winket, Winkett, Wincet, Wincett, winship Classification: lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.mifflin/3072.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Do you think the family could have changed their surname to a more common one such as "Wingate" prior to the 1850 census? 1850 US Census Name - Home in 1850 - Estimated Birth Year - Birth Place Elizabeth W Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1809; Pennsylvania James R Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1832; Pennsylvania Jane B Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1772; Pennsylvania Jesse Wingate; Lewistown, Mifflin, PA; abt 1849; Pennsylvania Jessee Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1804; Pennsylvania Jessee B B Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1836; Pennsylvania John P Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1838; Pennsylvania Mary H Wingate; Armagh, Mifflin, PA; abt 1834; Pennsylvania When researching unusual or uncommon surnames I have found that when I review all censuses years from the time of the original immigrant coming to America until the 1930 Census, the number of persons with that surname has increased substantially from decade to decade. This, of course, is because the original immigrant has sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, etc. One such name I recently researched found 8 of that name on the 1810 census and by 1930 there were over 4,500. These were not necessarily all descendants of the original immigrant(s) but it does show a pattern that, at least in my experience, is not uncommon. A review of all census years for winket, winkett, wincet, wincett, etc., doesn't even find 20 of those names in any census year. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.