The Scottish Antiquary

... or Northern Notes & Queries (and Replies)

The Scottish Antiquary was a magazine that began in 1886, and was modeled after the English Notes & Queries, and intended for archeologists (including genealogists and historical societies). It published many interesting historical facts, transcriptions of parish registers (often continued from one volume to the next), names of Watchmakers, Glassmakers, Merchants Company members, and many other lists of names. There are also replies to queries from subscribers. Some volumes have pedigrees or portraits...

In Vol III I found three mentions of my Tait ancestors... 

~ the marriage of my 10th ggf George Tait to Janet Bryden in the Perth register 1571
~ an apprentice of goldsmith James Tait passes his assay
~ James Tait witness to a runaway marriage

Runaway marriages are elopements. Like Gretna Green, the Holy Trinity Church in Haddington in East Lothian was a destination for those wanting to elope and the Reverend there had three volumes titled Runaway Registers. The marriage parties are from all over Scotland and England (I even spotted a groom from Virginia!). Use the search box to see if any of your ancestors are mentioned as a bride, groom or witness. Bartholomew Bower must have been a clerk of the church, as he is witness to many of the marriages.

Following are links to a few of the gems I discovered in these pages. Check the Contents at the beginning and the indexes at the back of the volumes to find hidden gems. Also use the search box for family surnames.

Relevant links

The Scottish antiquary, or, Northern notes & queries

Reply to query of Dutch or Germans in Glasgow (vol I)

Register of Old St Paul’s, Edinburgh

List of inhabitants of Stirling 1544-1550

Rebel prisoners at Inverness 1746

List of persons attainted and judged to be guilty of high treason - Rebellion 1745

Registers of Perth, Vol III… continued from Vol II

Runaway Registers of Haddington (Royal Burgh is in East Lothian)

List of Members of the Edinburgh Merchants Company 1687

Scots on Sweden

Registers of Scotch Regiments on service in Holland, mid 1700s

What will it take?

Everyone has stories worth telling. 

I grew up hearing stories from my grandparents and parents about incidents in their lives. I even find myself telling my children and grandchildren about stories of my childhood and my life. I also tell stories of my brother's life because he is not here to tell them.

My Dad had an accident with his hand and that gave him the time to write the stories his grandchildren were always interested in hearing. 

My Dad had never been one to sit around. He liked to keep busy and active. Even in his mid 80s he was playing golf and tennis, working out at the gym and taking walks in the beach. He scoffed at some of his friends who sat at their computers all day. Doing what, he didn't know. The scope of his technology was programming their TV box and wiring up the stereo throughout the house.

Then one day he was in the workshop and ran his fingers through the saw with the wood. Two were just nicked but one tip was cut off. At the hospital they were able to put it back with a thin rod sticking through and up to hold it together. No more golf, tennis or gym! 

My cousin's husband gave him his first computer, showed him how to use it, and that was the beginning of a 180 page biography of his life with family and friends.

He did it all on Word, with help from family from time to time to show him how to add images and fix something he messed up because of worsening glaucoma. He then had copies made and spiral bound at Staples.

For me it was a Christmas gift from my daughter of Storyworth that started me on that journey. I answered a year of questions and added photos to make books for my children, which they got the next Christmas.

What will it take for you to write YOUR stories?

   

Never Give Up!

You may remember I posted a couple of years ago about finding out that the grave rights of an ancestor relative in Adelaide, Australia, were let lapse and the grave taken over by another burial. I had written to the Cemeteries Authority and they explained their policy of reusing a plot when the interment rights are not renewed. 

That was the end of that. 
...or so I thought!

A few days ago I mentioned this scenario on a Gould Genealogy Facebook post about Australian burials and another reader told me that, having ancestors in Australia, she and her husband have researched this. Then the kicker... that it's possible the Cemetery Authority took photos before dismantling. Hope springs eternal!

I went to the Cemetery Authority website and emailed, asking if they took photos. I was hoping for a reply in days, at the most weeks. I received a reply within the hour with four beautiful photos attached! A photo of the whole plot and area...

... and a close up of the main stone and the two little ones...

The whole family is listed there! 

After another query about what happens to the headstones, I was told that families are encouraged to claim headstones of unrenewed leases. When they are not claimed "the headstones are reduced to small gravel pieces with the material reused by the cemetery."

So I am eternally grateful to the reader that commented on my comment and gave me another path to follow, and to the Cemetery Authority for having the foresight to take the photos before redevelopment of expired grave sites in 2006. 

Never give up on your quest!