Genealogy Chat

I've just found a birth cert. from 1799 registered in the Parish of Kilconquhar, Fife, Scotland. The father, Angus Kerr, is stated as being a Smith in the Methel.

Smith, probably means blacksmith, but what does "Methel" mean.

I really hope someone can be of some assistance.

Elaine

Metal?

No Christina, it definately says "Methel". If only the more recent documents were as legible as this one, I would be laughing.

Elaine

This is from Wikipedia...is it a place?


Earl of Wemyss (pronounced "Weemz") and Earl of March are two titles in the Peerage of Scotland, created in 1633 and 1697 respectively, that have been held by a joint holder since 1826. The Scottish Wemyss family had possessed the lands of Wemyss in Fife since the 12th century. In 1625 John Wemyss was created a Baronet, of Wemyss in the County of Fife, in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia. In 1628 he was raised to the Peerage of Scotland as Lord Wemyss of Elcho, and in 1633 he was further honoured when he was made Lord Elcho and METHEL and Earl of Wemyss, also in the Peerage of Scotland.

There is a place called Methel in Fife

Betty

Thanks girls for all your help. You have saved me from a night without any sleep.

I thought that it could have been a part of the Breadalbane Fencibles in Earlsferry as he was there a year prior to Methel.

Thanks again.

Elaine

It's now called Methil.

Alistair

As I read that I assumed it meant "in the Bethel" - as in the local prison - but I guess thats an English word and you are talkign Scotland.

Alistair -

Thanks for the update on the spelling of the town. I am going to try and find a little more about what was going on there in 1799.

---------
Heather -

You never know, your assumption could well and truly be correct, but I think Christina and Betty got it right when I take other information into consideration.

Thanks again - you've all been a great help.

Elaine