Why can't I find this marriage? William Barr and Margaret Borthwick

[alli_burnie]

Hi all,

I had been cruising along very smoothly researching a line of the Barr family and hit a brick wall.

William Barr and Margaret Borthwick had 10 children between 1810 and 1831 - all around the area of Kirkliston and Ratho in the West Midlothian area near Edinburgh.

But I can't find their marriage record anywhere in SP, and I dont know why.  Ultimately, I'm looking for more info about William and Margaret - ie parents, dates of birth (even circa).  Can anyone help me?

Many thanks!

[alli_burnie]

As an update, I have found information on WorldConnect which leads me to believe that Margaret Borthwick was baptised 2 February 1792, to James Borthwick and Marion Thomson, in Kirkliston, West Lothian.

William Barr was born 14 March 1791, to John Barr and Agnes Akeford, in Ratho, Midlothian.

I have found the birth registrations for both of these.

According to the same WorldConnect site - the marriage ocured 1810 in Kirkliston, West Lothian, Scotland.   But I still can't find this marriage rego anyway in SP.   Is there something I'm missing?

[maidmarianoops]

hello i checked family search
for just barr 1810 to 1830
still trying on the marriage
sylvia

family search

William Barr
Male
christening date:09 Mar 1823
baptism Ratho Midlothian
birth 14 Feb 1823
father William Barr

mother Margaret Borthwick
Mlot  Scotland
William Barr/ Margaret Borthwick


William Barr
 Births   Mlot  Scotland
William Barr/ Margaret Borthwick

Marion Barr
  birth 13 Aug 1815
Ratho
William Barr /Margaret Borthwick

Oct 1820
Ratho Midlothian
William Barr/ Margaret Borthwick

[sancti]

As an update, I have found information on WorldConnect which leads me to believe that Margaret Borthwick was baptised 2 February 1792, to James Borthwick and Marion Thomson, in Kirkliston, West Lothian.

William Barr was born 14 March 1791, to John Barr and Agnes Akeford, in Ratho, Midlothian.

I have found the birth registrations for both of these.

According to the same WorldConnect site - the marriage ocured 1810 in Kirkliston, West Lothian, Scotland.   But I still can't find this marriage rego anyway in SP.   Is there something I'm missing?

You really need to verify the information that is on WorldConnect

Is their anything in the names of the Barr/Borthwick children's names that would connect them to the above names?

Even if you find the marriage on SP it is unlikely that it will mention their parents names as most OPR Banns/Marriages are just a list of names. Occasionally it may mention a father's name

[sancti]

This looks like Margaret's death which should give her parents names

1875 BARR MARGARET   BORTHWICK Female aged 83 at RATHO /MIDLOTHIAN

[sancti]

And William's

1866 BARR WILLIAM     Male aged 75 at RATHO /MIDLOTHIAN

[alli_burnie]

Thanks guys.

Sorry - I should have made it clearer. I did find the corresponding birth registrations in SP for those mentioned in WorldConnect.  They verify all the information posted on WC. 

So now I just want to verify the marriage actually occured.    I can't understand why it wouldnt appear in SP.  I wonder whether it occured as part of a small, lesser known church which doesnt appear in SPs records?  I dont know how to check that kind of thing...

[sancti]

There was no requirement to record marriages at that time and many ministers didn't bother.

Irregular Marriages
Bear in mind that 'irregular' marriages, by exchange of promises before witnesses, by betrothal and consummation, or by cohabitation and repute, were forms of marriage recognised by Scots Law, yet may have taken place without any official record of the event

[alli_burnie]

Sancti - thanks!  This was the sort of detail I wasnt aware of and makes all the difference.  Thanks again!