Hello All…….am attempting to trace an Isabel Lamb who married William Calder (skip to the *** at the end of the message if you do not wish to view the background of this story). No record of the marriage; however, a James Calder (my 4th great) was born to this couple in 1785 Nairn, Nairnshire (the only “recorded” baptism indexed to this couple). Passed down information in my family indicates his parents as ?? Calder and Janet Lamb. He named his first son William so I assume this is the name of his father. All I know with certainty is that when he married Janet MacIntosh and had children, all events occurred in Nairn, Nairnshire. I am presently working on the theory that his mother - this Isabel Lamb was born to Peter Lamb and Florence Monroe in 1757 Nairn. No Peter’s or Florences’ in my early Calder family – actually all I have is James Calder mentioned above and Isabel Calder born about 1789. No other clues with regard to their roots. Isabella never married, came over to Canada with James in 1832. Although grasping at straws, I believe the progenitors of this Lamb family were Hugh Lamb / Lambie / Lammie and Isabel Montgomery. The task of proving is difficult as the mothers’ names were not recorded in earlier Nairn, Nairnshire baptismal records. The union is based on a circumstantial timeline….assuming every event was recorded….in a perfect world :-). As of yet, I have not viewed their marriage record from Auldearn - they were recorded as “contracted” in January 1706 Nairn, Nairnshire (testificate). At that time, Hugh was residing in Nairn and Isabel in Auldearn. A Peter / Patrick Lamb was born to this couple (Hugh Lamb / Isabel Mongomery) in 1718 Broadley, Nairn, Nairnshire and it is this Peter who may have married Florence Munro and may have parented my Isabel Lamb in 1757 Nairn……..too many “what ifs” to count. In looking at deaths on sp, I have run into Janet (1776-1855) and Elizabeth (1788–1863) Lamb – parents listed on these records are Peter Lamb and Anne McBain (although Janet was clearly born before they married in 1782). I am working on the possibility that this Peter was brother to my Isabel Lamb. A Peter is recorded to Peter Lamb and Florence Munro in 1753 Nairn, Nairnshire. So……assuming that they stay in the area…….and the son, Peter Lamb married Anne McBain…..I found four children; a Janet who never married; a Hugh who is MIA; an Elizabeth who never married and an Anne. Although I took the “scenic route” in this post, Elizabeth Lamb is the subject of this post. She seemed to be quite a harlot :-) *********** I believe that Elizabeth had one child out of wedlock with George McKay, an officer of excise in Alnes (?) Ross-shire. Their son, George baptized in 1822 Nairn, is listed as Janet Lamb’s nephew on her death record in 1855 Nairn, Nairnshire. Elizabeth is listed with Janet in the 1851 Census for Nairn as her sister. Another illegitimate entry exists for a Hugh Cameron born 1824 Nairn to John Cameron, mail coach driver and an Elizabeth Lamb. I am guessing that this is my Elizabeth as there were not that many Lamb’s in Nairn. In the 1841 Census for Nairn, Nairnshire, an Elizabeth Lamb is listed in the Nairn jail with “no prof occupation”. Does this wording allude to the fact that she had a shady occupation (professional) or that she had no "proof" of employment? Remember....the only stupid question is the one that is never asked :-) Would like to know your thoughts if you have some time. Kind regards, Sherry

It simply means that she had "no profession or employment". -- Jo-Ann -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "Sherry" <wiccanpt2@netzero.net> > In the 1841 Census for Nairn, Nairnshire, an Elizabeth Lamb is listed in the > Nairn jail with “no prof occupation”. Does this wording allude to the fact > that she had a shady occupation (professional) or that she had no "proof" of > employment? Remember....the only stupid question is the one that is never asked