In a message dated 12/9/2004 11:56:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, gboivin@telusplanet.net writes: In genealogy the use of ABT (about) BEF (before) AFT (after) or c (circa) are always assumed dates... No accuracy intended... Just to place the individual within a timeline. EST (estimated) is when mathematics has been used to calculate a day such as from a tombstone ( 72 years 8 months 31 days). The "d. AFT Jul 25 1635" comes from the fact that she wasn't listed as dead when Noel got married on m. Jul 25 1634/35 while the marriage registry states that the father was dead. The reason for Guillaume's death date being "BEF May 1634" is because he was listed as being dead "3 mois passés" (3 months ago) when Noel married. So July > June > May > April = 3 months. So if he died in April it was BEF May. ____________________________________ The data about dates, especially the use of ABT, BEF, AFT and C is most valuable. In 17th century Québec, the official record of births, marriages and deaths was the parish register. It is not uncommon to find the date of baptism noted, but not the date of birth. Similarly, the date of burial, but not the date of death. Or, the notation will include an expression such as "hier", "avant hier" (yesterday, or the day before yesterday). Please be careful not to confuse the dates. It is the birth that takes place a day or two before the baptism, and the death a day or two before the burial, not the other way round! Also, please take note that the Old Style - New Style dating system for the first three months of the calendar year was never used in French Canada, either in Québec or in Acadie. France adopted the Gregorian calendar immediately upon its proclamation in October 1582, and all years from 1583 forward begin on January 1, not on April 1. But Great Britain and its colonies did not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1752, so dates between January 1 and March 31 are notated thus: Feb 27 1697/98. [BTW, there would be no Jul 25 1634/35 on any calendar.] Fr Owen Taggart