Hi Patt, I tend to think that the (Taylor) in Chalkley's was put there to identify the man. Often the clerks would identify someone by their occupation or some physical characteristic to differentiate the varying men of the same names. I have spelled it Steel/e, as I have not seen John Steel/e's signature. His daughter Mary (1777-1837) spelled her name Steele. The clerk at the Pendleton Co. KY court spelled it Steel when dealing with John's probate. Since my John just "appeared" in KY, and I can't find a pattern to go along with his neighbors or in-laws, I am still searching every possible John Steel/e in the timeframe. If I get enough information, I'll surround and capture him. In Pendleton Co., KY, 1790/1800 era, after the RW, folks migr. to KY in droves. He could be from anywhere... Wish I could help, but I will keep your Taylor Steele in mind, as I also follow a Taylor line... Kathryn Patt Steele wrote: > > I have been looking for a Taylor Steele,VA forever.He's been part of my > brick wall.You have it spelled two different ways;could his first or > second name have been Taylor?I would be glad of any help.Thanks Patt >