What someone indicated was great-grandma’s “maiden” name may not have been the last name of her biological father. It could also have been the last name of her:
- step-father
- adopted father
- foster father
- first husband
- someone else that someone incorrectly thought was her father
Sometimes what someone thinks is someone’s maiden name may not be, especially if the person in question (or her mother) was married more than once.
One response
Or they may have been second or even third cousins. I have ancestors in VA/WV where that probably happened, if 150 year old records are believed. Also proven first cousins once removed and second cousins with the same last name married in more recent times. In strong ethnic communities two people with the same last name – Czechs – Swedes – Irish but more distantly related, or not, marry and it really is confusing.!