Help with my illegitimate great grandfather

[stephenharvey]

Hello, my great grandfather William Lennon/Douglas was born on the 12th March 1897. His birth certificate says he was born in my great great grandmothers Helen Reids house which a few years later is the recorded address of my great great grandfather Frederick Douglas. His father on the birth certificate is marked as William Lennon (Snr).

The Census in 1911 has william lennon/douglas living in his birth address at 14 years old and is described as fredericks douglas' stepson.

So - it looks as if frederick douglas has taken him in as his own despite his wife (not sure if married at the time) having him with another man.

Is this unusual?

anyway the reason for my post - on the birth certificate there seems to be text added at a later date saying something like

*dont know* paternity of child found by dec of court *dont know* reg of cor entry vol XIV 1st October 1897

Now i think if i can get my hands on a copy of that document it will answer some questions but i dont know how to even start to get a copy of that document. Could someone give me some advice? thank you very much

[PaulineJ]

see register of corr(ections) struck through with initials.


..by Dec(ision) of court  - See REgister of Corrected Entries. Vol & Page?

[avm228]

Welcome to Rootschat 

It’s a long time since I did any Scottish research, but last time I was on ScotlandsPeople - albeit before it was revamped - the RCE (register of corrected entries) extract would come up as viewable alongside the relevant main register entry.  Is that not still the case?

[Mabel Bagshawe]

For info William and family are in Aberdeen in 1901

Not sure about the legal position in Scotland. Here down south I would guess some attempt to seek maintenance from the purported father via the courts which was not successful in proving parentage

[stephenharvey]

see register of corr(ections) struck through with initials.


..by Dec(ision) of court  - See REgister of Corrected Entries. Vol & Page?

thanks - thats helpful

[stephenharvey]

Welcome to Rootschat 

It’s a long time since I did any Scottish research, but last time I was on ScotlandsPeople - albeit before it was revamped - the RCE (register of corrected entries) extract would come up as viewable alongside the relevant main register entry.  Is that not still the case?

ah - yes - i have that - i didnt put 2 and 2 together - its very difficult to read but now ive taken some time i can work out that is indeed the document - thanks - now just need t work out what it says lol - thanks

[Girl Guide]

Here is what I think the corrected entry says:-

With reference to Entry No. 504 in the Register Book of Births for the year 1897, insert the following note on the authority of a Certificate in the Form of Schedule F?
    In an action relating to the paternity of a male child born 12th March 1897, at the instance of Poor? Helen Reid, Millworker, 71 West North Street, Aberdeen against William Lennan, Machineman, 119? Union Grove, Aberdeen The Sheriff of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff at Aberdeen on the 8th day of October 1897, found that the said child was the illegitimate child of the said Helen Reid and William Lennan.
    October 12th 1897 at Aberdeen – Charles Stronnah? Registrar