View Message

It's true. People often changed names back and forth. I'm having a similar issue. My great-great-grandmother went by the name Addie in later years, but was named Martha Adaline formally and used at least in the censuses as Martha when she was young. I found out that her grandmother is named Martha also, but her aunts are named Margaret and Mary (also my great grandmother's sisters name). So, Margaret is a family name. Later, I found some school records with the name Maggie for a girl the same age as her AND her same-age aunts are both there at the same time and her sister went there later, I think. So I'm thinking it's her. But Martha as Maggie? Seems a stretch, but I can't find anyone else in their area that fits having gone to that specific school. Frustrating! I just wish there was some proof -- but I'd go for someone confirming using Maggie as a nickname for Martha, even though I know it seems a stretch. But you're right, you never know!