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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Midlothian => Topic started by: Lindyloowho on Tuesday 24 August 21 14:03 BST (UK)

Title: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Lindyloowho on Tuesday 24 August 21 14:03 BST (UK)

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Little Nell on Tuesday 24 August 21 14:07 BST (UK)

Quote

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Lindyloowho on Tuesday 24 August 21 15:01 BST (UK)

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Forfarian on Tuesday 24 August 21 18:34 BST (UK)

Quote from: Lindyloowho on Tuesday 24 August 21 15:01 BST (UK)

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

www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: hdw on Sunday 29 August 21 21:30 BST (UK)

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Unë kthimi i papenduar on Monday 30 August 21 10:06 BST (UK)

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: shanghaipanda on Monday 30 August 21 13:30 BST (UK)

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/

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Little Nell on Monday 30 August 21 15:20 BST (UK)

Quote

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Lindyloowho on Monday 30 August 21 16:20 BST (UK)

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

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Hibee on Thursday 02 September 21 09:35 BST (UK)

I have Rev William Swan's book of extracts from the South Leith Kirk Session records, but the baptism is not amongst these extracts.

Hibee

Title: Re: MELDRUM, Leith
Post by: Lindyloowho on Thursday 02 September 21 13:11 BST (UK)

Thank you for looking!
Linda