This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: paclark155 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.robinson/10221/mb.ashx Message Board Post: In our tree we have Field Robinson Sr., b. 1720 in Henrico Co., Virginia who married Obedience Bradshaw, b. 1725. His father was John Robinson, b. 1688 in Henrico Co., m. Tabitha Jones, b. 1702. John's father was Thomas Robinson, b. 1658, in Henrico Co., and he married Elizabeth Robinson, b. 1666, in Henrico Co. Elizabeth was the daughter of William Robinson, b. 1634 in Virginia, and Elizabeth Tully, b. 1638 in Norfolk, Virginia, so her maiden name was Robinson, and she married a Robinson. But the parentage of Thomas raises questions we've been unable to resolve. In every tree I have found, Thomas' parents are given as the Rev. William Robertson, b. 1620 in Scotland, and Eleanor Pitcairn, b. 1634 in Scotland. They married in 1652 in Ayrshire, Scotland, and after the first couple of children emigrated to America where they had 7 or 8 more. The problem for us is the name Robertson. If Thomas Robinson is the son of the Robertsons, he is the only one of their offspring to have changed his name. But did he change his name, or have people plugged him in there because the Robertson's had a matching son? After scanning through 496 board entries brought up by asking for "Robertson/Robinson," I understand that there has been frequent name changing, and or confusion about the two names even well into the 19th century. But how do we know that this Thomas Robinson is the son of the Robertsons? I can find no reference to wills or other documents that might help. Family trees focusing on other children of the Robertsons which happen to list all the children have Thomas, but with Robertson as a last name, and since he isn't their focus, no further information is provided, such as his spouse, which might tie them together. To further confuse maters, Thomas and Elizabeth's children are frequently given as Robertsons, except for our John who is always a Robinson. But in the will of John Robinson, it consistently refers to him and his children with the name Roberson. And this will was found in the desk of Field Robinson Sr. Sorry this was so long, but can anyone shed any light on this? Is the Thomas Robinson who married Elizabeth Robinson really the son of William and Eleanor Pitcairn Robertson? 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.