This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: zinda1 Surnames: Parker, Britton Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.parker/15103/mb.ashx Message Board Post: My great-grandfather: Jairus Parker Britton (first name also spelled Jarius, Jerris, Jerius, Jervis; surname also spelled Britten and Brittain on various documents) was b. in MI, October 1855. On the 1845 MI census there's a Jairus Parker (from NY) and Jairus Parker, Jr., in Sturgis, MI, and the 1860 US census lists a Jairus Parker, 67, b. NY, living in White Pigeon, MI, with his wife Sarah (nee Whaley, b MA). Family tradition has it that Jairus was b. in White Pigeon. Jairus Parker Britton's parents were John (b. ca 1818-23 NY--approx. year of birth is all over the place on various documents) and Elmira Wilder or Wyldson, b. ca 1824 OH). John and Elmira and children are listed on the 1850 and 1860 census in Pittsford Twp., Hillsdale Co., MI. It seems quite possible that there's a connection between Jairus Parker and Jairus Parker Britton, either by marriage or some direct relationship. I suppose it's possible that John Britton admired Jairus Parker so much that he named his son after him, but who knows?? I understand that in some cultures (e.g., Irish) children born out of wedlock were named after the father even if the mother didn't marry him, but since Jairus was John and Elmira's 5th of 6 children, that seems unlikely. Today is my dad's 90th birthday, and I'm posting this in his honor. He's the one who started me on this family history journey when he started researching the Brittons the old-fashioned way (pre-Internet) back in the early 70s. This possible Parker-Britton connection has bugged him for all these years. I'd love to solve the mystery while we're still fortunate enough to have Dad with us! Thanks in advance for any help or clues anyone can give me. 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.