Hello Your are facing a common misreading from old-french scripture. The sign that is almost like a greek-beta "ß" is not a "p" but a double s. So it is not "sujet de son Altepe" but "sujet de son Altesse" which means "subject of his higness ..." . In your case the name of the "highness" is obmitted as it must have been trivia for the people living here at that time. I suggest that you write to the mayor in Vauffelin (secretariat@vauffelin.ch) to have the historical background that is missing. Sincerely Guillaume > Sujet: > What does "Sujet de Son Altepe" mean? > Expéditeur: > "Dianne Esplin" <desplin@mstar2.net> > Date: > Sat, 13 Aug 2005 00:08:59 -0700 > Destinataire: > SWITZERLAND-L@rootsweb.com > > Destinataire: > SWITZERLAND-L@rootsweb.com > > >My ancestor, Jean Jaques BELLOT is identified on the baptism record of his two children as "Jean Jaques BELLOT Sujet de Son Altepe demerant sur la Montagne de Plagne". I've also noticed that the writing of the S in "Sujet" and "Son" are written differently (less elaborate) than other capital S's in this entry. I get that he is living on the Mountain of Plagne (which, BTW, is near Vauffelin, Bern, CH), but I'm clueless about this Altepe thingy. The year is about 1780. The helper at the Family History Library in SLC suggested it is some sort of political locality, but they didn't know for sure-- never encountered it before. I wonder about the "Sujet" (Subject)-- perhaps he was some sort of indentured servant to some guy named Altepe? Maybe a soldier? Is there anyone else out there who has encountered this phrase and knows what it means? Thanks! Dianne E. > > >