Stuck with a Scottish problem

[JudiSutherland]

Hi Tom

Yes, that is the correct Joseph.  He did marry a much younger woman but that was after he fathered the child with Catherine.  He must have been looking for a wife and heir but decided Catherine was unsuitable.  Peter did not inherit anything - he's not mentioned in Joseph's will depite being his firstborn son.

regards
Judi

[ikas]

Hi,

Did Catherine have a married sister?
Outside chance he might be on 1851 census living with his aunt and uncle using her married name.

Lots of reasons birth certificate could be missing given presumed date of birth - not member of church, went with the free church in 1843 split, mother was sent away from area to have illegitimate child etc.

 

[JudiSutherland]

That's a good thought about family members - I'll give it a try.  It has struck me that he might have been Free Church or Presbyterian but there isn't any trace in non-conformist records.  As regards birthplace, in the census he always insists he was born in Wick - unless he is wrong about that.

thanks
J