I have obtained a copy of the will of my 4XG grandfather written in 1830. At one point it says '....if either of my children should marry to any advantage.....'. He had 9 children and at the time the will was written at least six and probably eight were still living and none was married. Does the use of 'either' simply imply 'any' or have I got the wrong will (very unlikely) or the wrong children (also unlikely). I'd appreciate any help. Thanks, Angela Hamilton

Why not check out the Death Duty Registers (TNA IR 26 indexed in IR 27) - it is likely to clarify that for you. Chris ----- Original Message ----- From: "angela hamilton" <ag.hamilton22@skylinkmail.co.uk> To: <SOG-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 7:06 PM Subject: [SoG] will | I have obtained a copy of the will of my 4XG grandfather written in | 1830. At one point it says '....if either of my children should marry | to any advantage.....'. He had 9 children and at the time the will was | written at least six and probably eight were still living and none was | married. | Does the use of 'either' simply imply 'any' or have I got the wrong | will (very unlikely) or the wrong children (also unlikely). I'd | appreciate any help. Thanks, Angela Hamilton | | -- | This email has been verified as Virus free | Virus Protection and more available at http://www.plus.net

I checked my Webster's New International (a US dictionary admittedly, but still excellent!), and the word 'either' has four entries. The first emphatically restricts it to describing a choice of only two alternatives. The second entry begins: "1. (archaic) adverb: each of two or more ("at either of the three corners is an exquisite... bust" - W. D. Howells)... 2. One of two or more". And the third entry says the word "is used as a function word before two or more coordinate words". Lawrence Greenall. > -----Original Message----- > From: angela hamilton [mailto:ag.hamilton22@skylinkmail.co.uk] > Sent: 10 December 2005 19:06 > To: SOG-UK-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [SoG] will > > > I have obtained a copy of the will of my 4XG grandfather written in > 1830. At one point it says '....if either of my children > should marry > to any advantage.....'. He had 9 children and at the time > the will was > written at least six and probably eight were still living and > none was > married. > Does the use of 'either' simply imply 'any' or have I got the wrong > will (very unlikely) or the wrong children (also unlikely). I'd > appreciate any help. Thanks, Angela Hamilton > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/197 - Release > Date: 09/12/2005 > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Ha Haa! Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/197 - Release Date: 09/12/2005

The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary provides examples of the use of "either" in the late 16th and early 17th centuries: * Either = each of more than two (1588) * Either = any one of more than two (1616) Derek -----Opprinnelig melding----- Fra: angela hamilton [mailto:ag.hamilton22@skylinkmail.co.uk] Sendt: 10. desember 2005 20:06 Til: SOG-UK-L@rootsweb.com Emne: [SoG] will I have obtained a copy of the will of my 4XG grandfather written in 1830. At one point it says '....if either of my children should marry to any advantage.....'. He had 9 children and at the time the will was written at least six and probably eight were still living and none was married. Does the use of 'either' simply imply 'any' or have I got the wrong will (very unlikely) or the wrong children (also unlikely). I'd appreciate any help. Thanks, Angela Hamilton