MELDRUM, Leith

[Lindyloowho]

Having found a burial for Robert Meldrum in 1795 in Leith South I am wondering what the reference to the “ground” is in each entry?

It gives a very exact position i.e. 2 yards West of the S.W. Corner of McHoven’s (spelling?) ground. Each entry shows the same detail in referring to a “ground”. Is it referring to another persons grave?

Robert died age 75, after marrying Isobel Russel in 1767. Their child John was baptized in 1781, after being born in 1768 - any idea why they would have waited so long to baptize him? There is a note on the entry stating his birth date.

Thanks, Linda

[Little Nell]

Is it referring to another persons grave?

Yes, exactly that.  Perhaps that one was particularly noticeable and therefore a good reference point.

No idea as to the answer to the second question.  Perhaps they were unable to prove his baptism to the satisfaction of the kirk elders.  Have you looked to see if there is any reason given in the Kirk Session records? 

Nell

[Lindyloowho]

Thanks Nell.  I am quite new to Scottish research - where would I find the Kirk Sessions records?

[Forfarian]

Thanks Nell.  I am quite new to Scottish research - where would I find the Kirk Sessions records?

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

[hdw]

People often rented a churchyard plot or "lair" in Scots in which to have themselves and their descendants interred, and that was their "ground".

I've known cases where a couple didn't bother to have their children baptised, but if for any reason they needed a favour from the church, like falling on hard times and needing hand-outs of money from the kirk session funds, the minister would insist that they had their children retrospectively baptised first.

Harry

[Unë kthimi i papenduar]

I think the ground is most likely to be " Mr Horn's ".

[shanghaipanda]

I am presuming this grave will be in South Leith Parish Church.  A beautiful place which you can see here ...

Click on the "virtual tour"

https://www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/dod/south-leith-parish-churchyard/

[Little Nell]

A beautiful place which you can see here ...

Click on the "virtual tour"

https://www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/dod/south-leith-parish-churchyard/

That's a terrific link - wonderful for those unable to get to Leith themselves.

Nell

[Lindyloowho]

Harry, that does make sense re the children getting baptized.

The link to Leith church - amazing!  I’m in Canada so probably not likely to ever get to Leith! It’s a beautiful church and cemetery.

Thank you everyone, it is appreciated.

Linda