Robtrodes

Robert Emmett Rodes/Robert Emmet Rodes

Hi Hal,

To add to the discussion on the spelling of Rodes' middle name: Rodes's son was named Robert Emmet Rodes, as was his grandson, his great-grandson, and his great-great-grandson (me). All of his descendants have always spelled their name with one t. The understanding of our family is that we are named after the Irish patriot Robert Emmet, whom his father David admired. For these reasons, as well as the spelling on his gravestone and the VMI record, it seems to me unlikely that the correct spelling of the General's name has two t's, biographers notwithstanding. I'm not sure how the discrepancy began, but would be interested to find out. Perhaps there's a signature somewhere?

Best Regards,

Bob Rodes

(Robert Emmet Rodes V) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Robtrodes (talk • contribs) 00:02, 24 June 2010 (UTC)

Hi. That is an interesting data point. What reliable sources can we find that list the names of his descendants? Hal Jespersen (talk) 00:17, 24 June 2010 (UTC)

Got your lengthy comment. Thanks. I appreciate your interest in this, but be aware that Wikipedia relies on secondary sources for verifiability, not our sleuthing through primary sources and our best guesses. As to VMI, all I can say is to look at what USMA did to Hiram Ulysses Grant's name when he enrolled. And I have seen incorrect gravestones, too. Since the sources disagree, all we can do is present both sides of the controversy. It would be most helpful if you could find a secondary source that addresses the name issue. Hal Jespersen (talk) 03:42, 21 August 2010 (UTC)