In a message dated 11/26/2005 12:24:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Does anyone know if it would have been possible for a child born out of wedlock back about 1845 to be given the last name of the father even if being raised by the mother whom did not marry his father? thanks, christy Yes - it is possible. There were cases where the father claimed his baseborn children, especially sons, and left them part or all of his estate at death. Bev