Regarding the variations of the spelling of this surname, the following is an explanation by Gerald Van Sise RAYNOR, Raynor Family Genealogist (Edward RAYNOR Branch), as to the various spellings of the surname:

      Today, there are even more variations in the spelling than Gerald Van Sise Raynor addresses above.  Since there is strong disagreement as to the "correct" way to spell our surname, RootsWeb has created a variety of lists to reflect the various spellings and intends to keep the lists separate. 

      My advice would be to join all of the variant lists, since they cannot be combined. 

      My name is Karima, and I'm the administrator of this list (as well as the RAYNER list).  I'm responsible for keeping the list running as smoothly as possible and setting some rules and guidelines. 

      Read this message. Yes, I realize it is long but there is a lot of important information here. 

      You may see some new terms and phrases here along with exacting instructions about sending commands etc. You will get used to it soon enough - don't let it bother you.  In order to make things work well you must follow instructions - to the letter.  If you leave something out of a command or put something extra in, it won't work. This is because of the way computer programs work. 

      This list is for the discussion of Genealogy and History of the RAYNOR Family and related families.  Discussion of migration patterns, immigration, heraldry, historical sketches, RAYNOR settlements, census data, wills, family Bibles, vital records, web sites, etc. as relates to RAYNORs is encouraged as well as discussion of collateral families.  Public announcements of information of interest to Genealogists in general though it may not be RAYNOR specific is permitted but please use discretion. 

      OFF TOPIC subjects are not welcome.  By this, I mean messages which do not pertain to either genealogy or the history of the State of New York and the surrounding area. 

      Members who join in on these "off topic" subjects (this pertains to both pro and con opinions) may be put on "read only" status.  If you are in doubt as to the appropriateness of a subject, please contact me privately.

      Do not post virus warnings, test messages, chain letters, political announcements, current events, items for sale, personal messages, etc.

      For information on virus hoaxes and urban legends see:

HOAXBUSTERS ~ How to recognize hoaxes, what to do about them, and some of the history of hoaxes on the Internet.

      Please do not send file attachments (messages with files appended) to the list. If you have a file you would like to share with the members, announce what you have to offer, then send the file only to those who request it, via private email.  There are many RAYNOR branches and not everyone will want the data on your line. 

      No rude comments or flaming on the list!  No discussion of flaming on the list.  For definitions of flaming and related information see:

NETIQUETTE ~ What is a Flame War?

      Do not impose any other rules or conditions, expressed or implied elsewhere, upon this list. Rules of other forums may not necessarily apply here.  Do not try to regulate this list.  That is my responsibility as list administrator.  If you do not like the way someone formats their queries or responses, or the content of their subject titles, take it up with me personally, not on the list. 

      This list is for Genealogy and History - NOT for political or religious statements - this is a very strict rule and abusing it will result in immediate dismissal from the list.

      Try to keep quoting to a minimum. "Quoting" is repeating text of the message you are replying to.  Some quoting is necessary to remind other readers what the thread is about but do try to use good judgment. Quoting the previous writer's signature block or surname list is totally unnecessary.

      If you are subscribed in "digest" form, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you DO NOT just hit the reply button when replying to a message in the digest.  This will result in sending the entire digest back to the list.  If this happens, I will suggest that you change your subscription from digest to list mode. 

      Instead, you will have to "cut and paste" your reply into a new message window and then send it to the list.  If you are unsure how to do this, please contact me and I will help you with it.  You can also find instructions on how to "cut and paste" at the following web site:

COPY AND PASTE USING THE MOUSE

       Please do not send subscription/unsubscription commands to the list.  It won't work and you will not be unsubscribed.  They must be sent to the above addresses.  You can use CAPS or lowercase, it doesn't matter. 

      Please remember that it helps to put something in the "subject line".  Many people delete messages without any subject.  In addition, a new automated system at RootsWeb will most likely reject any posting without a subject line.

      Accuracy is important and sources are vital. Ancestor lists are worthless if the information is wrong. 

      All information need not be accompanied by source citations, but I do recommend strongly that posts either include sources or a note stating that they are available on request. 

      If information is speculation then label it as such until it is proven or commonly accepted as fact. 

      When posting your query try to give as much information as you know (i.e. dates and places of all vital events if known), along with enough other family members so that the reader can positively identify if they are researching the same family.  "Anyone out there researching RAYNORs?"  is way to broad and most likely won't get you any results.

      When posting your query it is helpful to make the message as readable as possible.  One paragraph, a page long, full of names and dates, is too difficult to decipher and most people won't bother to take the time to do so.

      Write surnames in CAPITAL letters.  They are much easier to read and are the generally accepted way to write surnames.

      When replying to the list (this also can apply to private replies) try to quote some portions of the previous message so that other readers are reminded what the "thread" is about.  Make it clear what is quoted material and what you are adding.  Most mail readers take care of this for you by inserting greater-than signs ">" at the beginning of each quoted line or possibly double brackets "<<" before and ">>" after the quoted piece.  Use standard Windows procedures to "cut" unnecessary material. 

      Post your query frequently if you have not yet found the information you are seeking regarding your ancestor. New people are joining the list all the time and they may have the info you need. 

      Please send all replies to the list, not just to the original poster.  Other members may benefit from the data that you provide. 

      Please visit the RAYNOR FAMILY WEB SITE (click on the  left icon at the bottom of this page.  If you have material pertaining to your branch of the family,  and would like to contribute it to the web site, please let me know.  You will retain all copyright privileges over any material you submit.

      See the following web sites for information on additional genealogy lists:

ROOTSWEB MAILING LISTS ~ A complete index to RootsWeb's 28,048 genealogy mailing lists!   John Fuller's Genealogy Resources On The Internet

Happy hunting . . . and good luck with your search!

Karima
RAYNOR Mailing List Administrator