I have researched back to 1725 and I am now stumped... James Lockhart was 'begat in fornication' which I assume means he was illegitimate in 1725 in Lasswade, Midlothian to George Lockhart and Janet Pedan.
I cannot find any record of his father George other than the OPR birth certificate for James.
How do I find George's parents without his marriage certificate which shows his parent(s) names?
Any ideas?
What do I do now?
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paddyscar
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SarahND
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Hello Ex-pat,
If you are lucky, there may be more information about the couple in the Lasswade Kirk Session records-- George's occupation, perhaps, or where he was from... No guarantees, but might be worth a look. Unfortunately, the Kirk Sessions are currently only available for those visiting the National Archives in Edinburgh, but they will come online some time in the future (we hope not too distant...)
All the best,
Sarah
If you are lucky, there may be more information about the couple in the Lasswade Kirk Session records-- George's occupation, perhaps, or where he was from... No guarantees, but might be worth a look. Unfortunately, the Kirk Sessions are currently only available for those visiting the National Archives in Edinburgh, but they will come online some time in the future (we hope not too distant...)
All the best,
Sarah
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Grendlsmother
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The fact that James was given his father's surname may indicate that the couple were actually married. The phrase "begat in fornication" could also mean that a child was born less than 9 months after the marriage.
Unfortunately, I cannot quote my source, but I have read a long account extracted from some Ayrshire parish records (possibly Fenwick) where the kirk elders are complaining that there are too many quick weddings to avoid being found out and punished. They say that in future, if there is any doubt, the midwife will be consulted to give her opinion as to whether the child is premature or full-term. Therefore, a child born in such circumstances would be labelled "begat in fornication" even if the parents were married - albeit only for a few months.
You are probably aware that a pre-1855 marriage registration would be very unlikely to list parents of the couple. However, as Sarah says, more might be found out from the kirk session minutes.
Trish
Unfortunately, I cannot quote my source, but I have read a long account extracted from some Ayrshire parish records (possibly Fenwick) where the kirk elders are complaining that there are too many quick weddings to avoid being found out and punished. They say that in future, if there is any doubt, the midwife will be consulted to give her opinion as to whether the child is premature or full-term. Therefore, a child born in such circumstances would be labelled "begat in fornication" even if the parents were married - albeit only for a few months.
You are probably aware that a pre-1855 marriage registration would be very unlikely to list parents of the couple. However, as Sarah says, more might be found out from the kirk session minutes.
Trish
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hiszafer
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Will keep searching
thanks for the help, folks. I did search for a marriage between George and Janet without success. Will keep plugging away and trying different ways to get info. Will keep you posted.
Ex-pat