KILPATRICK, NICOLSON of Hamilton

[argyllshiregirl]

I'm hoping to learn more about Malcolm and John KILPATRICK, sons of James KILPATRICK and Isabella NICOLSON/NICHOLSON born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. John was born about 1877 and Malcolm around 1882.

One of them may be my great grandfather, although no father's name appears on my grandmother's 1907 birth registration. I was hoping to eliminate one as the possible ancestor by finding him married or living far away from argyllshire where the child was born. It would mean a lot to me to finally find that long lost missing puzzle piece. Thanks!

[CaroleW]

Presumably no fathers name is shown on your great grandfathers birth cert

[MonicaL]

Hi argyllgal

How have you identified this family and these two brothers? What do you have on certificates?

Monica   

[JMStrachan]

"They never married which is unusual at that time, unless the father was married/engaged already or of a higher class than the mother, as in the case of domestic servants."

I'm afraid that isn't true. Illegitimate births were far more common than many people realise, and only very rarely because the father was married or it was the result of higher class male and servant mother. The usual cause was two young people being human. My Scottish family tree is littered with illegitimate births!

However, a woman was not allowed to put the father's name on her illegitimate child's birth certificate unless the father accompanied her to register the child. But often they would use the father's surname as the child's middle name.

[CaroleW]

One of her brothers was in the area in 1907 as my great grandmother had a relationship with him and had a child in late December that year.

Is this fact or hearsay?  What does the birth cert say?

[argyllshiregirl]

The birth registration says nothing. An elderly relative who lived in the area, and knew the people involved, has known for many years.

[argyllshiregirl]

Hello everybody,

It has taken some time, but it is no longer hearsay. DNA testing just confirmed the relationship. I have found a 3rd cousin. Her great great grandparents are the same couple that I theorized were also mine - James Kilpatrick and Isabella Nicholson. If I could figure out which of their sons is my great grandfather, it would be great, but that will take more time if it is possible at all. Excited about this long-awaited find!