When a Scottish landowner died, the heir could not succeed to the lands until his claim had been formally recognised and he had been served nearest lawful Heir. These records are indispensable to the genealogist, because they record authentic history by inheritance of the greater part of the landed property in Scotland, and the descent of most of its leading families.
This CD contains the 4 volumes produced covering the period 1700-1859, and is a companion to the 'Retours of Services of Heirs 1544-1699 (Volumes 1-3)'.
There are five Principal Decennial Indexes in volume 1 on the CD. These indexes cover a period in all of fifty years, beginning with the year 1700. In regard to the Principal Indexes, the surname of the heirs are placed first, in strict alphabetical order, and according to the spelling used in the original Services, without any attempt at correction, because the differences in spelling a name are often intentional.
A short description of each Service is given in the second column under the heading 'Distinguishing Particulars' - a terms used to indicate, that although the description given may not be complete, it will probably be found sufficient for a searcher's guidance.
In the last two columns of the Index, the date of recording is given, with the monthly number of the Service. These are referenced which lead directly to the original Service, and also directly to the Record. The original Services are put up in monthly bundles, and are marked on the back with consecutive numbers. The number marked on the back of each is called the 'monthly number', and the same number is written on the margin of the Record.
Volume 2 to 4 continue in the same fashion, and cover the period 1750-1859.
Example:
Name of the Person Served
Andersone--John
Distinguishing Particulars
to his Grandfather Thomas Scott Merchant and Bailie of Dundee -- Heir Portioner General -- dated 4th Sept. 1703
Date of Recording
1703 24th Sept.
Monthly No.
8
Dated before 1700, viz. in.
-
Contents:
Volume 1
Preface
Explanations regarding the Indexes and Supplements
Explanations regarding the Nature of a Service as Heir and Terms of Law and Contractions used in this Work
Five Decennial and Supplementary Indexes for 1700-1749
Retour of the General Service of Duncan Forbes
Retour of the Special Service of Andrew Fletcher
Volume 2
Five Decennial and Supplementary Indexes for 1750-1799
Volume 3
Three Decennial and Supplementary Indexes for 1800-1829
Volume 4
Three Decennial and Supplementary Indexes for 1830-1859
Related Products:
Retours of Services of Heirs 1544-1699 (Volumes 1-3)
