Jerry Wear wrote: Hi everyone, Do you have weird ancestors in the Monongalia, Harrison or Randolph County WV, Washington Co. PA or OH areas? If so you will want to contact me. We have uncovered a name shortening of McGuire to Wire in Augusta County, VA in the late 1700s. Which lines changed their names and which didn't is known at this time. There are records for this family that include the following spellings so far: Wire, Wier, Ware, and Wear. In the following lawsuit filed in Augusta County VA, we find a treasure chest of information. The Francis, who is listed is the line, which changed their name. However, several other lines may have followed as well. As you read the suit ignore the McGuire name and substitute your spelling. I have much additional information and will share with anyone who thinks they may tie in. Please E-mail me at: jerry wear <[email protected]> Do not send attachments or html letters to this address. I have another for that purpose. Parsons vs. McGuire--O. S. 159; N. S. 56--Bill, May, 1808. Orator, James Parsons. William McGuire of Hampshire died testate in 1789; will dated 22d December, 1789, and proved in Hampshire; leaving widow, Rachel, sons, Robert and Francis, and other sons and daughters. William devised a tract which he had received from his father, Thomas McGuire. Rachel had since died. Orator bought the land from Robert and Francis. William's other children were, viz: Thomas, James, Nancy, Jane, Peggy, Polly, Annis. James is since dead. Robert McGuire's answer in Ross County, Ohio. Francis McGuire answers in Pendleton County. His grandfather, Thomas McGuire at a very early period had put his son William in possession of the land, agreeing to make him a deed or devise. William took possession when first married and lived there until his death. Thomas survived William and died testate, will dated 19th May, 1792, and recorded in Washington County, Pennsylvania. (There was a Francis McGuire living in Brooke County, uncle to defendant Francis.) Answer by Nancy in Brooke County and Jane McGuire in Muskingum County, granddaughters of Thomas. Bond by Francis McGuire of Muskingum County, Ohio, 1809. William McGuire's will of Hampshire County, dated 22d December, 1789, recorded in Hampshire, 11th February, 1790. Thomas McGuire of Township of Hopewell, Washington County, Pennsylvania, will dated 19th May, 1792. Sons, Thomas, Hugh, John, William; wife, Mary (formerly Mary Randels); daughters, Nancy and Betsey; wife's daughter, Margaret; son William's two daughters by his first wife; son Francis, bond belonging to Brian Brewin; son Robert's two sons. Proved in Washington County, Pennsylvania, 13th March, 1793. ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]