Ronald Smith Fornication Penalty 1824 Skye of Curr Scotland

[Calleva]

I’ve been unable to find any records of a GGG Uncle Ronald Smith beyond his birth 2/10/1796, and a Fornication Penalty 13/8/1824 and would welcome any other information about him. To mention that I do have details of his parents and siblings - the gaps are in his life story, partner(s?) and progeny.

He was born in Bridge End of Curr which is about 3 miles south west of Grantown on Spey.

The Fornication Penalty (Cromdale, Inverallan and Advie Kirk Session Minutes 1803-1877) shows the sum of 16/0 but there are no other details including the partner and child; I’m assuming the Penalty was connected to an illegitimate birth not just the fornication itself!

I’ve looked on SP for any marriage of death records as well as Census information but found nothing conclusive.

Hoping someone can fill in the gaps.

Many thanks in anticipation.
Stuart

[garstonite]

is this him Stuart - baptised 2nd October 1796

https://gw.geneanet.org/dmacg18?n=smith&oc=1&p=ronald

if it is there is a birthdate saying 10th - I presume 10th September 1796

no marriage showing for him

[garstonite]

Name   Ronald Smith
Sex   Male
Birth Date   10
Father's Name   James Smith
Father's Sex   Male
Mother's Name   Isabel McGregor
Mother's Sex   Female
Event Type   Christening
Event Date   2 Oct 1796
Event Place   Cromdale and Inverallan and Advie, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Event Place (Original)   Cromdale and Inverallan and Advie, Inverness, Scotland

[Calleva]

Yes thank you that’s him (my mistake in putting 2 October 1796 for his birth date when it was the date recorded for his baptism).

In passing - one of his brothers shown on the website you kindly provided is shown as ‘McGregor Smith’ when his birth record has ‘Grigor’ (also Gregor.)

Finger crossed for any information on him/his partner in fornication/progeny coming to light!

Stuart

[MonicaL]

Hi Stuart

There is one marriage showing in the Marriage OPRs:

Ronald Smith and Margaret Thomson
0/07/1825
622 160 / 135
Barony

Can't see anything further so far for this couple. There is a birth in 1785 for a Ronald Smith in Barony, so could be him.

There is also a death for a 72 year old Ronald Smith in Dalmellington, Ayrshire in 1873. Mother's maiden name of McGregor. Can't see any entries for him in earlier censuses to get some additional details either!

Monica

[GR2]

Have you looked at this baptism in Cromdale, Morayshire?

Alexander Smith or McKinzie 1-2-1824, parents Ronald Smith and Isabel McKinzie

[Calleva]

I hadn’t seen the baptism GR2 tracked down, and very pleased to confirm I think he has found the illegitimate child associated with Ronald’s Fornication Penalty and mother which is terrific!

The record in SP states:

‘Alexander son to Ronald Smith Skey of Curr in fornication with Isabel McKinzie there was born 20th December 1823 and Bapt 1st Feb 1824.

I’ll follow up the leads Monica kindly provided in the next stage of investigations.

Somewhat relieved to discover, at least in this case, that the Fornication Penalty is connected with an illegitimate child rather than the sin per se!

Thank you both very much.

Stuart

[MonicaL]

A possibility for Alexander in 1841 from the details that GR2 has found:

Alex Clark 25 tailor
Margaret Clark 30
James Clark 7
Alexr Clark 5
Peter Clark 3
Janet Clark 1
Alexander Smith 15 Tailor Ap

Address Skey Of Curr/ Cromdale

Monica

[garstonite]

Great research Monica