Just learning how to find and use SR

slighthouse · Post by **slighthouse** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:39 pm

Hello,

I have just begun to start researching my grandmothers family history and I have been managing to go up the tree a few generations. I have hit one marriage record that stopped me in my tracks and I do have a question.

It is a marriage record dated June 27, 1879 and the fathers name changes on the document. The father of John Anderson is listed as William Cameron and I was expecting an Anderson. I see on other registers I have where the parent is stated as (deceased).

My question is, would it be possible a step father was listed or is it possible that this is correct?

nelmit · Post by **nelmit** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:45 pm

slighthouse wrote:Hello,

I have just begun to start researching my grandmothers family history and I have been managing to go up the tree a few generations. I have hit one marriage record that stopped me in my tracks and I do have a question.

It is a marriage record dated June 27, 1879 and the fathers name changes on the document. The father of John Anderson is listed as William Cameron and I was expecting an Anderson. I see on other registers I have where the parent is stated as (deceased).

My question is, would it be possible a step father was listed or is it possible that this is correct?

First question - what was his mother's name?

Perhaps William Cameron was his father then his mother married Mr Anderson who 'gave him his name'.

Have you seen his birth entry?

regards,
Annette

slighthouse · Post by **slighthouse** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:54 pm

Ohhh, I didn't think of that. I have the record that I printed out from Scotland's people.

Marriage record for: John Anderson and Elizabeth Spalding on 6/27/1879, District of St Clement, Dundee.

John Anderson parents:

William Cameron
(can't read occupation)

Margaret Anderson
afterwards (can't read)

At least I think that says 'afterwards' beneath her name.

Post by **AndrewP** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:24 am

Hi Slighthouse,

I took a look at the certificate and here is my interpretation of it.

1879 on the Twenty Seventh day of June at Laurel Bank, Dundee
After Banns according to the forms of the Free Church of Scotland
(signed) John Anderson, Railway Pointsman, Bachelor; 24; Victoria Street, Carnoustie
(signed) Elizabeth Spalding, Jute Winder, Spinster; 23, 24 Dallfield Walk
William Cameron, Ploughman; Margaret Anderson, afterwards Nicoll
James Spalding, Yarn Bleacher (deceased); Elizabeth Spalding, M.S. Dewar (deceased)
(signed) James Ewing, Officiating Minister
(signed) William Lindsay Johnson(?), Witness; (signed) Maria Spalding, Witness
1879 June 30 At Dundee; Dav(?) Scott, Registrar

From that information, I would say that John Anderson was born to unmarried Margaret Anderson. The father has been named as William Cameron, and it looks like he never married Margaret Anderson. At some time after John's birth, Margaret then married a Mr Nicoll.

All the best,

AndrewP

slighthouse · Post by **slighthouse** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:39 am

Goodness, you make that sound so easy. And thank you so much! I thought it was afterward Nicholl and next time won't be so quick to doubt myself and that all makes sense and oddly, I had not considered that she might not have been married. That does answer questions and my many thanks!

Sharon

nelmit · Post by **nelmit** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:03 am

From info on the 1881 Census -

Dwelling: 16 Victoria St
Census Place: Barry, Forfar, Scotland
Source: FHL Film 0203476 GRO Ref Volume 274 EnumDist 5 Page 4
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
John ANDERSON M 25 M Monikie, Forfar, Scotland
Rel: Head
Occ: Railway Servant
Elizabeth ANDERSON M 25 F Monifieth, Forfar, Scotland
Rel: Wife
Occ: (Railway Servants Wife)
Elizabeth I. ANDERSON 11 m F Barry, Forfar, Scotland
Rel: Daur
Isabella SPALDING 14 F Monifieth, Forfar, Scotland
Rel: Sister In Law
Occ: Linen Weaver

This looks like his birth -

JOHN ANDERSON

Birth:
03 JUN 1855 Monikie, Angus, Scotland

Parents:
Mother: MARGARET ANDERSON

regards,
Annette

slighthouse · Post by **slighthouse** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:21 am

Thank you Annette,

This is the first census return I have seen and there is a lot of information on there. I look forward to delving into those next!

This does make it seem she was not married. I look forward to finding his birth record to see if she names the father there.

Many thanks!

slighthouse · Post by **slighthouse** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:57 am

And I did find his birth record from the census information. I can barely read the document but very clearly under the father is "illegitimate" .. I wonder why he was named on the marriage document then, unless over the years a relationship was formed.

Thank you all for your amazing help and insight.

Sharon

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:43 am

Hi Sharon
To name the father on the birth entry, if not married, the father needed to go with the mother to register the birth. If the father did not do this, he could not be named on the birth entry as the father of the child.

However, on a marriage entry, the bride and groom are asked who their parents are.... all they needed to to was give names.

I've a few cases in my own tree where the identification of the father is only suggested at the time of marriage of the child.

Best wishes
Lesley

speleobat2 · Post by **speleobat2** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:33 am

Hi Sharon,

If you come up with a docuement that you have trouble reading, you can post it to the gallery here on TS and someone will try to help you deciphur it.

If it is one which you received from Scotland's People, you can also send them a contact form and ask for a clearer copy.

Carol

TalkingScot.com

Just learning how to find and use SR

Just learning how to find and use SR

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