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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Stirlingshire => Topic started by: suzilad on Tuesday 31 January 17 11:54 GMT (UK)
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I am helping a nephew research his family and have discovered his 3x great grandfather
William Watson born c 1803 on 1851 census was a jail keeper his wife Elizabeth Campbell was matron of prison. What would her duties entail ?
On William's death certificate in 1876 he is noted as a Sheriff Court Bar Officer.
Looking for more help and information on what this might be.
Thanks
suzilad
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Hi suzilad,
Bar Officer (in the Sheriff Court)
from Glossary of Legal Terms (2016)
by Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
A person who helps the judge and looks after people in court, for example, calling each witness into the courtroom and showing witnesses pieces of evidence. Also known as court officer.
Matron;
1) a married woman, especially one who is mature and staid or dignified and has an established social position.
2) a woman who has charge of the domestic affairs of a hospital, prison, or other institution.
3) a woman serving as a guard, warden, or attendant for women or girls, as in a prison.
Trish :)
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Hi Suzilad
My gg grandfather's brother George Graham was also a Bar Officer but in Ayr. He also died in 1876! In censuses from 1851 - 71 he is recorded as a bar officer and in 1851 also as keeper of the county buildings. He is also listed in Ayr Direectories as bar officer not only of the Sheriff Court but also for the Justices of the Peace. (You might equally find William Watson recorded in the directories of the time). In his will he describes himself as "macer of the Sheriff Court at Ayr". The term "macer" is, therefore, another one to look out for even though present day glossaries seem to associate it with the High Court.
William
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Hi,
Thank you both for your replies I have tried looking directories for William but can't come up with
anything .
suzilad
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I note that in the 1871 census, where he appears to be down as Wm Watson, his occupation is given as keeper of the county buildings.
William
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Millmoor ,
Thank you for that information on William
suzilad