Hi there Gerry

I'm still working on the origin of the surname. It could be that it derives from the French forename ETIENNE; it could be that it's from the surname AYTON and the original families came originally from North East England or that it just appears as a surname for those known as AYTON or AITON in the run up to the eighteenth century something a kin to the Amelias and Millies born at the turn of our recent Millennium. Anyway, we are related you and me - 2nd cousins once removed - your great-grandfather George Alfred EIGHTEEN (1856-1914) is my 2xg grandfather. I can send you details of our relatives. I'll contact you off board with my details, but it's great to hear from you. Our relative George Alfred was one of 15 children (not all of them survived infancy) but most of the EIGHTEENs around now are related to one of his siblings - usually his younger brothers born when George Alfred was in his teens. I "meet" (via email) very few who have George Alfred as their ancestor.

Best wishes
Love


Julie Williamson