Ever wonder why so many of our ancestors used the name "Lafayette" as a name for their children? Here's why: ======================================== LAFAYETTE, THE MARQUIS DE (1757-1834) The Marquis de Lafayette was a French soldier and statesman who aided our country in its fight for independence. He was also a prominent leader in the early stages of the French Revolution. Lafayette's liberal ideas cost him his fortune and his social position, but his bold actions in support of his beliefs won him the respect of Americans and French alike. During the Revolutionary War, Lafayette served without pay, joining the staff of General George Washington. After the war, he made two trips to the U.S. in 1784 and 1824. During the second visit, he came to Nashville in 1825 where he was met by a crowd of thousands, including Revolutionary War veterans from all over the state. A dinner and ball were held in his honor and he went to The Hermitage to spend a day with Andrew Jackson. taken from web page at http://www.nashv.lib.tn.us/who.html