> On 2014-01-18, at 6:05 AM, Anne Burgess wrote: > >>> Given the "irregular marriage" of William McMinn and Ann Newton 2 Jul 1806, > I think it is reasonable to conclude that the birth dates of their children, or at >>> least that of the eldest child John, may have been fudged over the years. >> If it is the parish register record of the marriage, bear in mind that the wedding ceremeny, whatever form it took, couls have taken place some time before the parish caught up with it. The date in the register might be the date when the fact of the irregular marriage was entered in the register rather than the date it took place. >> >> I don't think there is any particular reason to 'fudge' the baptism dates. > > No, not the baptism dates, but dates reported on death registrations, but then information on death registrations is often inaccurate. >> >>> I think it is clear that since I find no one by the name of David in my branch of >>> the McMunns/McMinns (the mean are always James, John, Thomas and >>> William/Bill), I should write off David McMinn, the innkeeper of Auchencairn, >>> Kirkcudbright as an ancestor. >> I would certainly store him in the dustiest pigeonhole available for the present. > > Yes, indeed! > > Thanks again, Anne. > > Carolyn >