Hi Angela My initial reaction was that this meant step-son, frequently referred to as son-in-law in census/parish registers. But on re-reading your transcript, I suspect the explanation in this case is that James Breton was indeed the husband of John & Marion Archibald's daughter, who had probably died since the child was born (probably during child birth), hence she was not named in the parish register entry. Possibly James Breton was not local to the parish and so the Vicar/Rector felt the need to explain who he was and why the baptism was taking place in his church. If I wanted to follow this up I would be looking for 2 things: (1) a marriage record for James Breton and "unknown" Archibald (i.e. the daughter of John & Marion) and (2) a burial record for "unknown" Breton, shortly before the baptism. It wouldn't surprise me if you found no further mention of James Breton in the parish, and that David Breton, if he survived infancy, was left with his grandparents and took the name Archibald through his life. Hope this helps. Jon Baker -----Original Message----- From: Angela McMurtry [mailto:palmtreeqld@optusnet.com.au] Sent: 25 June 2004 05:04 To: ISLE-OF-WIGHT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Bap Question Thanks to those who replied off list re bap . General opinion favoured son in law as meaning step son . Can't see how myself .. the exact entry reads ' This day James Breton son in law to John Archibald and his spouse Marion Archibald had a son bap named David' I know mothers were sometimes left off bap details this isn't a problem . I am just wondering if perhaps the Minister put down the in laws in lieu of the mother not being documented ? If I am missing something I'd appreciate someone enlightening me Angela ______________________________