Illigitimacy .....

Graham · Post by **Graham** » Mon May 22, 2006 10:54 am

Hi

I have a baptism record for Alexander GIBSON at New Deer, Aberdeenshire, on 5th February 1851. It reads as follows:

Janet Gordon from Methlick brought forth in fornication to Alex. Gibson in Peterhead a son on January 13th baptised this day and named Alexander, sponsor George Grieve in Old Maud.

Is it likely that the Kirk sessions records would give more information than this? I'd like, if possible to find out more about Alexander, the father.

Also I'm not sure how to interpret the information. Does it suggest the child was born in Peterhead, or conceived there?
Is a sponsor like a godparent?

Any information much appreciated

Graham

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Mon May 22, 2006 12:24 pm

Hi Graham
My reading of the phrase "brought forth in fornication to Alex. Gibson in Peterhead " would be that Mr Alex.Gibson was living in Peterhead at the time. Whether he was living there at the time of the conception or had moved there before the baby was born I don't know!

He is on the IGI
ALEXANDER GIBSON
Male
Event(s):
Birth: 13 JAN 1851 New Deer, Aberdeen, Scotland
Parents:
Father: ALEX. GIBSON
Mother: JANET GORDON

It certainly would be worth fidning out if any Kirk Session records exist as they may contain more info.

For your question about the the sponsor, this article may help give some general info:
http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4148

best wishes
Lesley