Thanks Jinx. I do understand the difference between tenancy in common and joint tenancy. And I understand that it is entirely possible that Thomas and William were brothers. Based on what I have seen in other deeds, however, I FEEL it is more LIKELY that they were father and son. That's why my friend asked her attorney husband who has an expertise in land deals to take a look at this to tell us what common practice was--aside from the legal terms. Again, these are my feelings and not proof, I know. I am a stickler for proof and documentation in my family research. Folks on this board probably wouldn't know that about me since I am fairly new here. But I also think putting facts together, coming to some reasonable conclusions, and then following up on them are all part of being a successful researcher. Not all "finds" jump out at you in one document, but have to be assembled from various sources. Some of my most successful finds have been based on this kind of detective work and "inspiration." I post my HUNCHES or GUESSES--labeled as such--in order to get new ideas from other folks. Because of a hunch I had posted on another board, another "cousin" and I put our work and our heads together, and that resulted in finding a lost grandmother no one ever had a last name for before. I have a feeling, though, that discussing ideas isn't as welcome on this board. I understand as well as anyone how many mistakes there are on the Internet. I just also thought boards were places to explore possible options. I won't make that mistake again, I promise.