This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: GordonPertJohnson Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/21643.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Legal adoption did not start until 1930. Prior to that, a child or children would be taken in by close relatives (usually) or friends (occasionally). If the girl was on her own and age 13, there is a strong possibility that she got financial help as a pauper. The surviving Poor Law records (which can sometimes be incredibly helpful) should be with the local archives; in the case of Montrose this would by the Angus Archives at Forfar (they have a website). Gordon Johnson. 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.