It was fairly common for people to deed property to relatives, friends and neighbors with the agreement that the grantee would care for the grantor in 'their old age'. Particularly if the grantee was young, and had little chance of gaining property of his own. Of course more common among family members, but not uncommon among friends and neighbors. Especially if the descendants had all previously been accounted for in past transactions and/or there were no male offspring. My ancestor had this arrangement documented in Sherborn, MA with his step grandfather. However, it is possible there was a relationship somewhere you have not you found. Stephanie Shenandoah Valley, VA [email protected] http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/w/a/l/Stephanie-J-Walker/index.html Currently collecting/sharing these surnames BARTHOLOMEW (<1800, NY), CLAYES/CLOYES, CUPPERNALL, CURTIS (CT), FAIRBANKS, GENT/JENT, PARKHILL, PEPPER, PHIPPS, THOMPSON (VT, CT), WALKER (MA,NY), WATSON (MA) **************************************************************** "Listen to the footsteps that echo behind when you walk alone." *****************************************************************