Re: Strange Names
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In reply to:
Strange Names
Ronald Couch 4/02/08
We must be related----I too am descended from "Unknown." Some have tried to replace him with Robert, William, John, or the ubiquitous Finney. Supposedly he was born in TN in 1825, and left for California in 1850 (before the census was taken of course) and was, as the story goes, killed by indians along the way.
He never appeared by name on any census, never owned land apparently, and the courthouse in the county in which he was rumored to have been married burned, and all records destroyed. Even his wife, in official documents, referred to him as "Rutherford" only, no first name mentioned.
I have concluded that "Unknown" is an honorable name, passed from generation to generation with pride.