This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Forfarian Surnames: Douglas, Smith, Brander Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.mor.general/2313.1.1.1.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: First thought is that divorce records are kept in the National Archives of Scotland www.nas.gov.uk. However the online index does not list any documents relating to Penuel Smith. It used to be the case that a divorce resulted in a correction being made to the original marriage certificate, so it would show up as a reference to the RCE and would automatically be flagged up on Scotland's People when you view the marriage certificate. I've come across quite a few of these, more recently that 1900, but I can't say for certain exactly when this began or ended. As I understand it divorce was hideously expensive in the 19th century because getting a divorce required an Act of Parliament, so divorces tended to be the preserve of the super-rich. I don't know exactly when this was changed, but I do have one fairly ordinary couple who were divorced in 1896. I found that from the newspaper report, which is indexed in LIBINDX. (the divorced wife's middle name was Brander, as it happens!) I have just searched the online index to the National Archives of Scotland to see if it has anything relating to this 1896 divorce, and it does not. I cannot say whether this means there is no record, or whether there is but it has not yet been indexed. (While doing this I stumbled on the divorcée's divorce from her second husband, whom she married just three months after her first divorce, so thank you for setting me on this track, even if it doesn't help you!) I don't know where the NZ reference to Penuel in LIBINDX came from. I'll re-check the Parochial Board entry when I get a chance just in case I missed it when transcribing the record. It is the sort of thing that the Inspector of Poor usually noted. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.