I've had a similar experience. In the 1851 census for Wick, Caithness, the widowed mother-in-law is listed in the household with her maiden name (Stephen) rather than her married name (Bruce). It may be the same for your listing. Don Munro Germantown, MD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stuart Saunders" <sjsaunders@eurobell.co.uk> To: <SCT-CAITHNESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2002 4:15 AM Subject: Mother-in-Law > Hello Listmembers, > > In the 1851 Census I have a Janet HENDERSON shown as 'Mother-in-Law' to the head of the household, John AULD. > Am I right in thinking this term had a different meaning then to its accepted meaning now as, to the best of my knowledge, John's wifes maiden name was SUTHERLAND? > Your help would be much appreciated. > > Regards. > > Stuart, > Edenbridge, Kent > >