Re: Name changes help needed!
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In reply to:
Name changes help needed!
3/18/98
Back then a legal name change meant obtaining a decree or order from, depending on the locality, the local courthouse, or it may have been a predominant church (back then, ministers could 'bless' a name change just like a marriage, etc.). Generally, political bodies (city or county governments) could not issue name change orders. The third possibility is that if he was in military service, a commanding officer could sign an order changing someone's name. If you have more information about him, you can probably track it down in old church or court records. A reference librarian (if you know the county - as it was named back then) for that county/city might be of assistance.