There are a couple of influences at work here. Maiden surnames First, it was not unusual (at that time) for a widow to use her maiden name. Even married women might be known by their maiden name. In Scotland it was not common to take a husband's surname until the second half of the 19th century, and even then the more remote areas (such as Caithness or the Isles) often retained the old custom. "Single" Mothers This was not a rare situation. But the fact that the son has his father's surname means that if this were the case, there may be Kirk session records which record the fact that the father acknowledged his responsibility. You should find the text of the son's christening record and this may be revealed. "Spinster" A spinster was a woman who's livelihood involved spinning of some sort, and was often the only way that a widow could support her family (as she could work in her home and still take care of the children). In Caithness at this time (1840's) the fishing industry was large and many single/widowed women were employed in a cottage industry to "spin hemp" which was used to make fishing nets. In the census records the term is usually an occupation. In the church records, a "spinster" came to represent an unmarried woman as this was a common situation. Sheila Hopewell, NJ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pam Russell" <pamsrussell500@hotmail.com> To: <SCT-CAITHNESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 6:38 AM Subject: Re: Maiden surnames > Hi Sharon and listers, > I was also interested in the questions you pose here. I have also found it > curious that the wife is often listed in the census by her maiden name. One > census that I was looking at, had the wife listed by her maiden name, but > then it was lined through. I was wondering if they would just list the > maiden name sometimes on the census, or if the wife would continue to use > her maiden name after she was married. I had one mother who was living with > her daughter, and her occupation was listed as "retired spinster". I think > that must refer to the occupation of spinner. > Any insight appreciated, > Pam in Atlanta > > > >From: "The Nevilles" <trinev@rogers.com> > >To: SCT-CAITHNESS-L@rootsweb.com > >Subject: Maiden surnames > >Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 16:08:32 -0500 > > > >Hello listers > > > >I have found a possible 3x great-grandmother living with her son in the > >1841 census. She uses her maiden surname. Was this usual or was she > >possibly not married? She is also listed as a "spinster" - is this her > >occupation or her marital status? > > > >Thanks for your help. > > > >Sharon > >Ontario > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 >