Author Topic: Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire  (Read 5491 times)

Offline ScottishAncestry

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Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire
« on: Tuesday 28 January 14 16:41 GMT (UK) »
Hello,

We have been gradually working through the south of Scotland indexing the 'paternity' cases found in the records of the Sheriff Courts.

These are cases where the mother pursued the father of her child for aliment or maintenance. She had to prove to the court who the father was - very useful!

We have now uploaded an index to the cases from 1830-1905 for the  County of Selkirk.

The index is free to search and gives you the name and residence of both mother and father.

http://maxwellancestry.co.uk/ancestry/resources/courtsearch.aspx

Hope this new collection helps you find those illusive ancestors.

Emma

Offline silaswall

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Re: Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 28 January 14 16:59 GMT (UK) »
I have just had a quick look. That could be really helpful. Thank you.
Wills Isle of Wight
Webb Hampshire & South Berkshire
Edmund Webb 1828 - 1901

Offline daval57

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Re: Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 28 January 14 17:15 GMT (UK) »
What a terrific database. 
Unfortunately it's of no known use to me as I don't have family from those areas that I'm aware of.
Well done in taking the time to collate and input the information.

Are you aware of any similar databases / sites?

Dave
-------------------
FORREST (Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Stirlingshire and Dunbartonshire)
ROONEY (Co Down, Co Antrim) 
BORTHWICK, FORTUNE, BARKER, SIVES (Lothians)
ANDERSON (Moray, Caithness)

Offline ScottishAncestry

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Re: Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday 28 January 14 19:17 GMT (UK) »
Thanks for your positive comments! I must acknowledge a lot of the work on this index has been done by a volunteer, Margaret has been absolutely marvellous. So if anybody has any time on their hands...

I don't know of anybody else doing this kind of thing, I wish I did. We generally stick to the south of Scotland but this is proving to be so useful that we may work our way across Scotland, we don't know yet.

If you have a specific case outside 'our area' that you think may exist, or you know exists from a birth certificate, you can look up either the court processes or the books of extracted decree. The books sometimes have an index which can save you time so always flick to the front and back of the book before you start searching. Any problems though just contact me and I'll help you find the references you need. Almost all this type of material is held by the National Records of Scotland.

Emma


Offline daval57

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Re: Paternity/Illegitimacy database now covers Selkirkshire
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday 28 January 14 19:49 GMT (UK) »
Thanks Emma (and of course Margaret).

Good to know the process.
Has to be said though, I'm always looking for the easy way out and find a solution online. 
Physically going to the archives has it's limitations for me, ie, I'm a lazy bugger :)  Seriously, I can also get a bit agoraphobic and claustrophobic.



-------------------
FORREST (Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Stirlingshire and Dunbartonshire)
ROONEY (Co Down, Co Antrim) 
BORTHWICK, FORTUNE, BARKER, SIVES (Lothians)
ANDERSON (Moray, Caithness)