Hello Sharon, Pam and Listers. I also have a curious case somewhat on those lines. In the 1851 census, I have Janet HENDERSON, described as a mother-in-law and pauper, living with her son-in-law and wife, John and Elizabeth AULD(nee SUTHERLAND). When Janet HENDERSON died in 1855 (said to be aged 80) her parents were shown as William HENDERSON, farmer, and Margaret HENDERSON(nee BAIN). I have not been able to confirm this marriage. However,on Elizabeth AULD(nee SUTHERLAND)'s death certificate her parents are shown as John SUTHERLAND, ploughman, and Janet BAIN of Halkirk. Again, I have not been able to actually confirm this marriage either. Although I have several theories I can't quite understand that Janet BAIN and Janet HENDERSON are both Elizabeth's mother. Anyone any rational suggestions please or is this some devious Caithness plan to confuse an simple Southerner? Many thanks. Stuart, Edenbridge, Kent
I seem to recall reading somewhere that "in-law" in some places and times could have meant what we call "step", i.e., stepmother. Sharon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stuart Saunders" <sjsaunders@eurobell.co.uk> To: <SCT-CAITHNESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 10:37 AM Subject: Maiden Surnames > Hello Sharon, Pam and Listers. > > I also have a curious case somewhat on those lines. > > In the 1851 census, I have Janet HENDERSON, described as a mother-in-law and pauper, living with her son-in-law and wife, John and Elizabeth AULD(nee SUTHERLAND). > > When Janet HENDERSON died in 1855 (said to be aged 80) her parents were shown as William HENDERSON, farmer, and Margaret HENDERSON(nee BAIN). I have not been able to confirm this marriage. > > However,on Elizabeth AULD(nee SUTHERLAND)'s death certificate her parents are shown as John SUTHERLAND, ploughman, and Janet BAIN of Halkirk. Again, I have not been able to actually confirm this marriage either. > > Although I have several theories I can't quite understand that Janet BAIN and Janet HENDERSON are both Elizabeth's mother. > > Anyone any rational suggestions please or is this some devious Caithness plan to confuse an simple Southerner? > > Many thanks. > > Stuart, > Edenbridge, Kent > > > > > >