Most times research into our ancestors turns up birth, marriage, death and census records, however occasionally other records are discovered that give an insight into our ancestor's life and character. John Inglis is one such person.
The first record of interest is a Lanark Sheriff's Court Decree from 1868. John's family were living in Bells Wynd, Douglas as were the family of our Great Great Grandmother Helen McLellan. About 1866 John and Helen had an affair resulting in the birth of our Great Grandmother Jane McLellan in 1866. For whatever reason Helen 'pursued' John in the Sheriff's Court for maintenance of daughter Jane:
On 27th July 1868 the Lanark Sheriff Court hears the case brought by Helen McLellan (or Short) asserting that John Inglis is the father of her daughter Janet McLellan. John fails to attend the court to defend the action and the court deems him to have confessed to being the father. The court orders John to pay Helen's expenses of £1 11s 6d and to pay maintenance of £5 per annum until Janet McLellan reaches 10 years of age. The court further orders John to pay the court's costs of £3 3s 8d and a further 6s for the issue of the decree.
The next record is a 1910 North Lanark Poor Law Application Record for John:
John who is wholly disabled from paralysis and partially destitute applies for poor relief. John is described as a protestant and mason by trade. The application for poor relief also details the circumstances of all his immediate family:
- wife Margaret Renwick, 65 years of age, born in Douglas, the daughter of Robert Renwick, gardener and Catherine Aitchison, both deceased
- son Robert, 36 years of age , born in Douglas, single, working as a labourer with Campbell and Binnie, wages of 21s weekly, he also blows the organ in the Free Church for £5 par annum, he resides with his father
- daughter Barbara, 29 years of age, born in Uddingston, single, living with her father (been in ill health for 7 years)
- son James, 34 years of age, born in Douglas, single, a joiner and living in Canada
- daughter Catherine, 32 years of age, born in Uddingston, married to Alexander Pedan a police constable, no children, resides Braidwood
- daughter Margaret, 27 years of age, born in Bothwell, single, a domestic servants in North Berwick, wages £24 yearly
John is awarded poor relief of 5 shillings weekly which continues until his death in 1912.
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