I have this ancestor born 1806 in Langholm (1851 census), married John Borthwick of Langholm circa 1828 and died 1854 Langholm (reported surname Herdon). The 1861 census gives her mother as Joan Telford (John's mother in law). Known children are John, Peter, Margaret, Alexander, Janet and Joan. Horden / Herdon and variant surnames seem rare in Scotland; those in England are widespread but mostly in the south. Alternatively she was actually a Herdman (rare) or Horton or Hutton; in Langholm Hotson is more common. Anyway, any other information or suggestions welcome ! Thanks, Jim Graham

Joan doesnt have to be her mother, but if she is, then there is surely a good potential clue there. I haven't looked at the census record for any other clues but taking this as the starting point, Joan could be: a) the mother of an earlier wife b) the mother of a wife married after 1854 and died before 1861 c) also I *think* mother in law also means step mother so *perhaps* his own father's second wife If Joan really is Jane's mother then I think she is worth looking at further. What matches for instance are there in the 1841 census under (as Telford or Hurden etc) - or if you are very lucky a remarriage in the 1855-1861 time period. Also there may be a missing 'Joan' among the older children. I wouldnt put any weight at all on the rarity or otherwise of English names in Scotland as D&G is so close to the border and by this date transportation was starting to get a lot easier. Plus of course the whole history of the region south of the Antonine Wall. HTH Judy On 10 Jan 2010, at 11:10, Jim Graham wrote: > The 1861 census gives her mother as Joan Telford (John's mother in > law).