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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Fresh Fields on Wednesday 18 July 18 22:51 BST (UK)

Title: Surname suggestions.
Post by: Fresh Fields on Wednesday 18 July 18 22:51 BST (UK)

Hello again.

The name Maria Harietta Duff..... appears on several deed and land transaction documents that I have looked up in our archives. The research period being the 1870's and 1880's following the land confiscations, and survey, with titles being issued to Militia and those who supported the crown.

Most were European, but some were to Maori and part Maori. Harietta could imply a Maori woman which would be rear, but not unknown to be involved in land title. The intrigue for me is that it is a name combination that has not already appeared in my research, nor can I pick it up in other contemporary records or newspapers. If she was a Maori she could have been known by several names and phonetic spellings.

Suggestions, from the underlined writting  would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Alan

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Treetotal on Wednesday 18 July 18 22:55 BST (UK)

I see Duffins or could it be Duffino?

Carol

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Skoosh on Wednesday 18 July 18 23:02 BST (UK)

Duffus?

Skoosh.

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Bookbox on Wednesday 18 July 18 23:05 BST (UK)

I agree with Duffus. Much more common in Scotland than England.

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Fresh Fields on Thursday 19 July 18 00:15 BST (UK)

Thanks for your suggestions.

More names to try for in my research quest.

Alan.


Bingo DUFFUS; Immediately got 14 references in our archives system.
As what I thought I read was 'slang' in my youth, I mistakenly dismissed it, instead putting in only the combined christian names, which did not generate any finds for me.  So many thanks. Another lesson learned the hard way.

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Fresh Fields on Thursday 19 July 18 00:52 BST (UK)

It would appear that one of our Satirical press targeted the surname. This attached clip some six years after a business building of the Duffus family, was washed down stream by a flood that did extreme damage along it's course. Was 20ft above what was deemed normal expected levels.

Thanks again.

Alan.

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Karen McDonald on Thursday 19 July 18 07:17 BST (UK)

Is it definitely Harrieta?

The reason I ask is because the 2 documents have been written by two different people, but in both cases, the dot clearly sits over what should  - if it is Harrieta - be an "e".

Karen

Title: Re: Surmane suggestions.
Post by: Fresh Fields on Thursday 19 July 18 08:05 BST (UK)

Well spotted.

Thanks.

A skip reader, and never confident speller does not help either.

Alan.

PS.  Also a relative of mine who spotted my title [now corrected] said "Surmane"

Title: Re: Surname suggestions.
Post by: Karen McDonald on Thursday 19 July 18 15:31 BST (UK)

I noticed it but didn't see a need to pick up on it.  :)
It was obvious what was meant.