Posted on: York County, VA -- Query Forum Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/USA/Va/York/417 Surname: Blagrave, Blagrove, Blackgrave, Blackgrove, Ballard, Mansell ------------------------- Does your research show any connections between the early Ballards and the Blagrave (Blagrove, Blackgrave, Blackgrove) family? I have a Henry Blagrave (b. c1655, York Co.) with a wife named Sarah who I suspect was a Ballard. Henry and Sarah settled in New Kent Co., but his mother, Mary (Mansell) Blagrave Heard/Hoard/Hard lived in Williamsburg. "Ballard" is used as a given name among Henry and Sarah's descendants. A 1686 deed from Henry and Sarah Blagrave was witnessed by a William Ballard, and in 1719 a Matthew Ballard willed a suit of clothes to Henry Blagrave (this might have been the son of the Henry and Sarah, since both Henrys would have been living at that time). What was the connection for Matthew Ballard to leave a bequest to Henry Blagrave, and for the Blagraves to use Ballard as a given name? Michelle Taunton mtaunton@mindspring.com 1805 Crystal Drive, #903 Arlington, VA 22202-4420