Genealogy Chat

I found the following on ancestry in regards to one of my ancestors. But I am not quite sure what it says or what it means. Can anyone help. details are as follows: Midlothian: Edinburgh - Roll of Burgesses and Guild Brethren 1761-1841, (Huison-Ziegler) Volume 5. The Register of Marriages. Roll of Edinburgh Burgesses, 1761-1841. 1820, January. County: Midlothia Country: Scotland Paterson, Hugh, mason, B., in r. of fr. John P., mason 12 Sep 1810

Siobhan I googled the following and lots of pages appear. Roll of Burgesses and Guild Brethren 1761-1841 I'm not sure if this is a similar register to those used in UK to note people eligable for active duty? Hopefully someone can explain Elly

thanks it is more the bit below that I was wondering if anyone can help me decipher what it means Paterson, Hugh, mason, B., in r. of fr. John P., mason 12 Sep 1810

Paterson, Hugh, mason, B., in r. of fr. John P., mason 12 Sep 1810 --- In the context of marriage records, that 'B.'would normally be 'Bachelor' In the context of a church event 'fr. John P.' would normally be 'father John P.' The reference to 'mason' may tie in more with the 'Guild of Brethren' - i.e is that The Masons? although it seems odd in the context of a marriage. Do you have access to any other records from the same source, so that you can compare the use of abbreviations? Christine

This looks similar to freedom of the City of London, which you can gain in various ways: by apprenticeship, by patrimony (and probably by purchase). In this case, it looks as if this man has gained his eligibility to vote by patrimony, ie because his father was entitled to vote.

On my Parish records B is usually bachelor, fr is usually father of either the bride or groom who sometime stand as bondsmen. Unfortunately don't know (can't figure) what the 'r' means. Sorry not more help. Regards Jan :-))