RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Selkirkshire => Topic started by: ScottishAncestry on Tuesday 28 January 14 16:41 GMT (UK)
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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
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I have just had a quick look. That could be really helpful. Thank you.
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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
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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
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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.