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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Stirlingshire => Topic started by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 15:41 GMT (UK)

Title: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 15:41 GMT (UK)
Hi all

I was hoping someone would be able to read this register and help decipher the handwriting.  I think I have most of it but am very confused by the last line.  It seems to read 'presented by Ann Aitken'  but she isn't the mother as listed.  Why would someone 'present'? I could however be totally wrong and it says something else.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  The reference for the register is 03/02/1820 Carr, James (O.P.R. Births 483/00 0070 0004 Kilsyth).  Unfortunately, I can't upload it, as the file is too big. Thanks, Nina
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: CaroleW on Monday 16 November 20 16:49 GMT (UK)
If this is an entry on Scotlands People - somebody would have to pay or use their own credits to view the register
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Gadget on Monday 16 November 20 16:57 GMT (UK)
  Unfortunately, I can't upload it, as the file is too big. Thanks, Nina

Can you do a snip of it so that it would be a smaller size. You can upload a file of up to 500kb. Otherwise you coud use Dropbox or similar.

Gadget
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 17:20 GMT (UK)
Hi Carole

Gadget has kindly offered to upload it for me.
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Gadget on Monday 16 November 20 17:31 GMT (UK)
I've made it smaller and tried to adjust the contrast. It's very odd. I might use some of my credits if it is still poor quality.
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 17:34 GMT (UK)
Thanks so much Gadget.   
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Forfarian on Monday 16 November 20 18:43 GMT (UK)
I think your reading is correct.

The usual reason for a child not being presented for baptism was that the parents were unable to do so, for example they had died.

Sometimes a parent was under discipline by the church for one or other 'sin', and was not entitled to the services of the church, including baptism of children.

It is possible that the Kirk Session records might shed some light on this.
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 18:46 GMT (UK)
Hi Anne

Thanks.  Where can I find these Kirk Session records?  What do I look for?
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: GR2 on Monday 16 November 20 19:10 GMT (UK)
James Carr Greenbank & Jean Buchanan
had a natural Son born 17th Novr 181[ ]
& baptised 3rd Feby 1820 named James
presented by Ann Aitken

As Forfarian says, the minutes of the kirk session should contain some information. "Natural" means illegitimate here. Until the parents had satisfied church discipline, they were not allowed to present a child for baptism, so would ask a "sponsor" to do it on their behalf.

Unfortunately access to the kirk session minutes is via the National Records in Edinburgh or via certain other archives in places such as Aberdeen or Kilmarnock. These are all closed at the moment because of the coronavirus.
Title: Re: Deciphering birth register 1820 for James Carr/Kerr
Post by: Axamfam on Monday 16 November 20 19:34 GMT (UK)
Thanks GR2