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Archiver > ABERDEEN > 2000-05 > 0959487357


From: Irene Esson <>
Subject: Re: Anderson of Candacraig
Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 21:15:57 -0700


Hi again:

Kirkmichael is new to me. You may just have opened a wonderful new can of
worms. Thank you, can hardly wait until I see the OPR' of Kirkmichael.. I may
even find the birth of Christian Anderson my grgrmotherwhatever. The Andersons
were presbyterian but you never know. I think Alexander Anderson, 9th Laird
of Candacraig was a lecherous dirty old man. Irene

Stuart Mitchell wrote:

> Hi Irene,
>
> In a typical genealogical coincidence, I came across the baptism of one of
> Alexander Anderson's natural issue just yesterday! - when I was in Elgin
> Library working on the Kirkmichael OPR. To my great annoyance I discovered
> that I had NOT after all noted the details amongst my OPR abstracts as I
> THOUGHT I had feather-planting syndrome!), or I would have posted the
> information in response to Mary's request.
>
> If you have not yet come across this one of his 10, check IGI for an
> Anderson baptism in Kirkmichael OPR about 1805-15. Sorry I cannot remember
> anything whatsoever except my surprise at seeing the entry for Alexander
> Anderson of Candacraig and 'his party'.
>
> The 'his party'designation seems peculiar to Kirkmichael parish but its
> precise implication is unclear. It certainly refers to 'irregular
> relationships', many of which were long-lasting 'de facto' marriages that
> produced several children. While some of the 'his party' single entries
> may indeed be conventional illegitimate births from the usual 'short
> duration relationship', there are also normal recorded illegitimate births
> ("in fornication" or "in adultery") - granted fewer than one would expect
> to find. (But then, the 'his party' entries are far more prolific than are
> explainable by typical illegitimate births!)
>
> Given the significant RC population in Kirkmichael I suspect that 'his
> party' is a convenient short-hand for RC x Kirk 'mixed marriages' as well
> as a hard core of those who just did not bother going through 'the
> formalities' (several are known). Unfortunately I will not be back to
> Elgin or visiting FHS in the immediate future, but when I do will gladly
> note the entry details and send them on to you if you have not already
> found them yourself.
>
> Best regards
>
> Stuart
>
> ANEFHS 3195

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