As to Webb lines dying out, that doesn't have to happen. If a Webb family has girls only, the girls do NOT have to change their names when they get married. And their children can have the Webb name on their birth certificates, and can then pass on the Webb name to their descendants. In some cases, the daughter's husband can take the Webb name. Yes, it's rare, but absolutely legal. In most U.S. states, a child automatically is given his mother's name. This custom was used by my mother's Riddell ancestors, and for centuries was very common among other aristocratic English families. The Riddell family, one of the original families who invaded England in 1066 with William the Conqueror, has a tendency to have nothing but daughters. To preserve the ancient barony, when the girls married, the grooms took the Riddell name. Thus the line -- and the aristocracy with all its titles and priviledges (not to mention castles, annuities and estates) -- is still hanging on. The current baron, James Buchanan Riddell (the 23rd baron in the line, I believe) owes his title and his extensive land holdings to this custom. And yes, he has nothing but a passle of girls. Guess what they'll do when they get married? By the way, Webb is my maiden name. Although I'm married to a Welshman named Howell, I never changed my name and never will. Heritage means nothing to my husband (although I love him dearly), but it means a great deal to me. Betty Webb www.bettywebb-mystery.com Author of "DESERT SHADOWS: PUBLISHING CAN BE MURDER," "DESERT WIVES: POLYGAMY CAN BE MURDER," and "DESERT NOIR." All by Poisoned Pen Press. "Eye-popping." The NEW YORK TIMES. "Loyalty, compassion and a sharp sense of humor help Arizona PI Lena Jones survive as she continues to struggle with her troubled past in Webb's third socially conscious, thought-provoking mystery." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY