Robert Smith's Parents

[s58roads]

According to his death certificate Robert Smith, Linen Weaver of 33 Dundee Loan Forfar,
died aged 66 on 27 August 1874.
His parents were named as William Smith, Master Meal Miller, (Reputed)(deceased) and Elizabeth Ritchie, Housekeeper(deceased). The informant was John Watt, Brother-in-law.
So far a brickwall surrounds William Smith and Elizabeth Ritchie. Any information gratefully received.
Geoff

[CaroleW]

Was his wife Rebecca?

If so - 1861 shows birthyear 1810 and 1871 shows 1811

[s58roads]

Thanks Carole, yes, his second wife was Rebecca.
1841 has him 33
1851             43
1861             51
1871             60
1874             66
But who were his parents and where did they reside?
Geoff

[Forfarian]

Well, if his father was 'reputed'. this means that he was illegitimate, so you won't find a marriage or his parents living together, and there may not be a baptism record.

The census should tell you his parish of birth. You can then check the records of the Kirk Session of that parish, if they have survived, to see if they make any reference to his birth.

[s58roads]

Hi Forfarian,
Yes his Death Certificate does state that he was illegitimate and his birthplace is given as Forfar, Forfarshire on 1851/61/71 census.
Geoff

[Forfarian]

Ah. I am not sure where the Forfar Kirk Session records are. They're not with the majority of the Kirk Session stuff in the National Records of Scotland, and they don't show up on www.scan.org.uk

[luciacw]

I wonder if this is Elizabeth Ritchie? We know she died before 1874.

From 1871 Census (Ancestry)
Address: 105 Scouringburn, Liff and Benvie
Elizabeth Ritchie, 78, born Dundee, Housekeeper
Margaret Ritchie, 40, born Dundee, Mill worker

She appears to have died before the 1881 census as no sign of her there.

[s58roads]

Hello, Many thanks for the 1871 census info. for Elisabeth Ritchie. It certainly looks interesting.
I have obtained a copy of the Image from SP. which shows Elisabeth as a "Widow", "Unmarried" appears to have been erased. Margaret appears as an "unmarried" daughter.
I have tried to find a record of this Elisabeth's death between 1870 and 1875 but no joy.
Geoff

[jennywren001]

Hi,
Did you get anywhere with this chap?
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=661287.0
I think in 1851 his widow and son are living with his married daughter, Margaret Bell at North Street, Newtyle, Forfar.
Jen