I am interested in any information about Thomas MATHER. He was born in Northumberland and married Jane CRAWFORD on 9 June 1805 (Northumberland IGI, unverified) Shortly afterwards he moved to Sutherland Durness Parish Register gives: Births 1806: Thomas Mather, shepherd in Balmnaceil...& Janet Crawford both from Northumberland, Edward 12 November After Edward came John (1809), James (1811) and then 1814: Thomas Mather, shepherd in Balamulich...& Janet Crawford, Margaret 5 April Almost 9 months to the day after Margaret was born, Hannah MATHER was 'born in adultery' at Balamulich to Thomas MATHER and Kit McKENZIE. Kit was 31, hardly a naive maiden, and Hannah was given the name MATHER and in later years had her cousin John MATHER register the death of her son, so she was openly acknowledged. I think she must have been the housekeeper or some such to whom Thomas turned when his wife was temporarily 'inavailable'!! 9 months later again Janet produced another legitimate son! Hannah's marriage OPR entry lists her father as Thomas MATHER, shepherd of Kerscaig, and her death certificate says her father was the 'manager of a sheep farm'. Does anyone recognise the names as I would like to know who Thomas' employer was and whether there would be any estate records. I have no idea where or when he died. Sue Mackay