Dear List, Peter SCUTTS was the illegitimate son of Helen LAMONT and William SCUTTS. Helen's family were from Scotland and Peter was born there. William SCUTTS was shown as a footman on Peters marriage certificate and was alive in 1896 when the marriage took place. On the 1881 census I have found a William SCUTT living in Fife with his wife Isabella and it states he was a waiter, born in England and was 52 years old. I know that SCUTTS is definately an English name and I feel confident that the William SCUTT on the census is the father of Peter. In fact he is the only SCUTT in the whole of Scotland apart from Peter. The name Peter comes from Helen's brother who died two months before the birth so the name Peter is not associated with William. I have been unable to find a marriage entry on the IGI for William SCUTT and an Isabella and have also searched the BVR's with no luck. I cannot find births for any children to this couple. Which would be the best source to consult in order to find more clues as to whether this William is likely to be Peters father or not? A death certificate, 1891 census, 1861 census for the area where Peter was born? If you have any suggestions I would be very grateful for them. cheers Maureen