Are parish relief records available and what information might they provide? In 1832, Janet Law married Cunningham Shepherd (recorded at St Cuthberts). In 1833, Janet and Cunningham had a son named Cunningham (recorded at St Cuthberts). In 1834, Janet and son arrived in NYC after leaving Greenock, Scotland. (No mention of husband) In 1839, Janet married Alexander Meek (recorded at St Cuthberts). She states she is widowed (husband Cunningham was "afterwards in Connecticut"). Janet's father was Alexander Law, hairdresser. He was listed in postal directories up until 1834-35 but no listing after that time. When Janet married Alexander Meek, she also stated that her father was deceased. I'm trying to establish when Janet and her son returned to Edinburgh. With no husband or father for support, I'm thinking that maybe she relied on parish relief. Janet and son are living in the Meek household on the 1841 census. In 1851, Janet is living on parish relief----widowed again. Cunningham Shepherd isn't to be found! The 2 oldest Meek children are living in Peebles with their Meek grandparents while the 2 youngest Meek children are living with Janet. There's also a "cousin" living with Janet (James McDonald)---a "cousin" she later married! I would love to find anything on ANY Cunningham Shepherd. I also would like to know when Alexander Law and Alexander Meek died. (Of course, I want to know when Janet and her son returned to Edinburgh!) Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! (Much thanks to June and Bill, too!) Sandy Ellis