Canonby Kirk Session Minutes concerning Alexander Litle

Date: 1741 to 1747
Location: Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Surnames/tags: Litle Scott

Alexander Litle was mentioned in the Canonbie Kirk Session minutes as the father of an illegitimate child conceived by Helen Irving, and the alleged father of another conceived by Janet Scott. His father’s name was affirmed as Mathew Litle. He was further mentioned as having irregularly married with Isabel Thomson in Carlisle.

Contents 1 Alexander Litle and Helen Irving / Irwin 2 Alexander Litle and Janet Scott 3 Alexander Litle and Isabel Thomson 4 Further consideration Alexander Litle / Little and Janet Scott 5 Sources

Alexander Litle and Helen Irving / Irwin

“Canonby Kirk Oct 25 1741 … Alexander Litle being summoned compear’d and denyd guilt with Helen Irving tho’ earnestly dealt with to confess the truth whereupon he was summoned apud aita to the session this day fifteen days and the woman order’d to be summoned to that diel...”

…”Canonby Kirk Nov 8 1741 … Alexander Litle summoned apud aite compeared not and Helen Irving being called adhered to her former confession and being asked if she could prove the guilt upon him or could remember any circumstance or conversation that might be a presumption against him answered she remembered nothing only that she had told him she was with child by him and that he had replied he could not deny but he was guilty and further that he had promised to marry her but no person was privy to what passed betwixt them.

”The Session considering Alexander Litle had contemptuously absented himself as appeard from his being in Church this day and refusing to compear when called by the Officer and more by a most outrageous letter he had written to the minister found him contumacious and referr’d as hereby they referr to the Presbytery for appointing his censure.” ^[1]

“1741 Nov 22 …The minister produced an extract of the presbytery sentence concerning Alexander Litle which is that he be laid under the sentence of the leper excommunication for his contumacy when the session shall find it convenient…”^[2]

”Kirk Decemr 20 1741 … Alexander Litle in Windiehill desir’d to speak with the Session and being called in acknowledged his contumacy and declared his readiness to submit to the Session. He owned guilt wt Helen Irwin whereupon he was rebuked and order’d to appear in the publick place of repentance Sabbath first.”

”Decemr 27 1741 … Alexander Litle was this day rebuked a first time for fornication with Helen Irwin…” ^[3]

”Canonby Kirk January 10 1742 … Alexander Litle was rebuked last Sabbath a second time…”

Alexander Litle and Janet Scott

“…The minister reported that he had caused summon Janet Scott in Broadsidgelandside to the diel. which the session first aired and she being called compeared and being interrogated is with child acknowledged she was and said that Alexander Litle in Windiehill was the father of it. That the guilt was committed at Broadndgelandside in July last. She was rebuked and Alexander Litle to be summoned to next.” ^[4]

”Canonby Kirk January 17 1742 … Alexander Litle in Windiehill compeared and denyed guilt with Janet Scott. He was much dealt with to acknowledge it but in vain. Whereupon he was summoned apud aita to the next diel this day se’ennight and the woman appointed to be summoned to the same.”

”Canonby Kirk January 24 1742 … Alexander Litle and Janet Scott compearing were confronted and she affirmed in his face that he was the father of her children which he positively denyed and said he would give his oath he had not been at Broadsidgelandside these two years. The woman was desired to condescend upon some conversation that had past betwixt them or upon any circumstance that might be a presumption of his guilt whereupon she said that about the Langholm Summer fair she had an appointment with him beneath their yeard foot at Broadsidgelandside That she told Margaret Knox now servant to John Murray in Newtown to watch & overhear their conversation. That at that meeting he said to her that the reason of his coming in the night time was because his sister was so lately dead and he did not care to be seen. That he affirmed with solemn oaths that he would marry her and she asking him what would become of him if he should break such solemn oaths He answered he would expect to be damned That a great dale more passed betwixt them to the purpose at that meeting. That Thomas Ferguson in Mumdie hirst likewise knew of his being there at that time. All this Alexander deny’d and insisted he had not been at ye place for two years.

”Thomas Ferguson and Margaret Knox to be cited as witnesses to the next diel this day fifteen days and Alexander Litle and Janet Scott were summoned apud aita to the same… ^[5]

”…Canonby Kirk January 31 1742 … Alexander Litle and Janet Scott appeared and in their presence Margaret Knox being sworn (aged nineteen) purged of malice and partial counsel deposed that Janet Scott told her about the last Summer fair that she was to meet with Alexander Litle and desired her to stand at some distance and listen to what should be said. Accordingly she came and saw Janet Scott and a man with her but it was so dark she did not know him nor could she hear what they said. This to the best of her knowledge was the Thursday night after the said fair. She knows nothing more of the affair and has not seen Alexander Litle at Broadridgelandside these two years Says she cannot write …

”Thomas Ferguson being sick notice to be sent him to attend this day fifteen days. Alexander Litle and Janet Scott summoned apud aita to that diel…

”Can Kirk Feb 14 1742 … Thomas Ferguson not being recovered did not attend. Alexander Litle and Janet Scott being summoned apud acta compeared not. The consideration of their contumacy delayed till next.”^[6]

”Canonby Kirk March 7 1742 … The affair of Alexander Litle and Janet Scott is referr’d to the Presbytery for advice.

”Thomas Ferguson being recovered is appointed to be summoned as a witness to the next diel…

”March 14 1742 Canonby Kirk … The Minister reported that the Presbytery had appointed Alexander Litle to be Summoned from there Pulpit which is to be done Sabbath next And the Session being satisfy’d that Janet Scott’s not compearing upon an apud acta Summons proceeded from ignorance think fit to overlook her conyumacy…

”Canonby Kirk March 27 1742 … Alexander Litle having been summoned last Lord’s day to this diel and called compeared not. The Minister is to report to the Presbytery…

”Canonby Kirk April 13 1742 … The Minister reported that Mathew Litle father to Alexander had appeared before the Presbytery and offerd that if they would delay proceedings against his son till the first of June he would be surety that he should then submit to the Session since he was gone into England and would not return before that time. Which the Presbytery agreed to.

”Thomas Ferguson appeared and being asked if ever he saw Alexander Litle and Janet Scott together at Broadridglandside he neither saw them nor heard them together at any time whereupon he now dismissed.”^[7]

”Canonby Kirk June 13 1742 … The Session being informed that Alexander Litle in Windiehill was waiting at the door ordered him to be called in, and he was again interrogated about the guilt of fornication with which he was charged by Janet Scott and earnestly dealt with to acknowledge the truth and she being also called in and both confronted she adhered to her former confession and he to his denial and he begged the session would not insist upon his appearing again before them till summoned because he had necessary business in England and could not be home before that time. The Session granted his request and appoint this affair to be then laid before the presbytery if he does not appear and satisfy them.”^[8]

”Canonby Kirk August 15 1742 … The Session being informed that Alexander Litle is returned from England and waiting at the door thought fit to call him in And he appearing and being again seriously dealt with to confess if guilty of fornication with Janet Scott still persisted in his denial whereupon the session did and hereby do refer the matter to the Presbytery for advice and an extract of the process to be laid before them at their next meeting…

”Canonby Kirk Septr 5 1742 … In answer to the reference about Alexander Litle the Presbytery advise to give him a copy of the oath of purgation and report to them. The said Alexander is appointed to be summoned to the next session…

”Canonby Kirk Septr 12 1742 … Alexander Litle compeared and still deny’d guilt but would not take the copy of the oath. The Session allowed him till this day seven night to consider of it and he was summoned apud acta to that diel…

”Canonby Kirk Septr 19 1742 … Alexander Litle compeared still denyed guilt and refused to take the copy of the oath of purgation alledging that since the woman Janet Scott had fail’d in the proof of which she had undertaken of him being seen with her one night at Broadridgelandside he ought to be absolved. Whereupon the Sexton did and hereby do refer the case to the Prsebytery for decision to which he was summoned apud acta to appear and he is to get timely notice when they are to meet. He craved an extract of the process which the Sexton is appointed to give him.” ^[9]

”Canonby Kirk Novr 21 1742 … The Minister reports that the Presbytery has appointed Alexander Litle’s process to be dec’d from the pulpit since he refuses to purge himself by oath if he does not submit before this day four weeks.” ^[10]

” Canonby Kirk Decemr 19 1742…Alexander Litle desiring to speak with the Session was admitted. He said that Janet Scott had been seen in indecent manner with another man about the time she had said he was with her at the yeard fool (page 52) and named some person who should have seen her, and craved that they might be examined before the process be read from the pulpit. He was told that tho’ this were true it would not exculpate him,. That the Presbytery had appointed the process to be read whom they were bound to obey. However they should delay reading it till the Prebutery met and he might lay the affair before them and receive their answer. In the meantime they appoint some of their number to enquire at the persons named by him concerning Janet Scott her being seen with a man at the time aforementioned…”

”Can: Kirk January 2 1743 … The Elders appointed to enquire into the affair concerning Janet Scott report that the persons named by Alexander Litle declared that they saw her speaking to a man at the time mentioned beneath the yeard at Broadridglandside but it was in the day time and they saw not the least indecent behaviour between them. The Session does not think this any ground of a process against the said Janet Scott…” ^[11]

”Canonby Kirk January 20 1743 … The Minister reports that Alexander Litle had been at the Presbytery and that they [???]d again appointed the process concerning him to be read from the pulpit…” ^[12]

“Canonby Kirk Feb 27 1743 … The process against Alexander Litle was read from the pulpit.

”Janet Scott to be warned to enter upon satisfaction now that the process against Alexander Litle was at an end…” ^[13]

Alexander Litle and Isabel Thomson

”Canonby Kirk Novr 20 1743 … The Minister informed the Session that he had caused the Officer summon Alexander Litle in Windiehill and Isabel Thomson in Thoronwhals to this diel upon a report that they were irregularly married, which the Session sustains and the said persons being called in said they were married irregularly, and produced a Testimonial thereof dated August 15 1742. The testimonial appearing evidently to be a forgery and several of the Elders declaring that Alexander Litle’s parents had told them that they were married on,y Thursday last at Langtown, and that the whole country was of the same opinion, therefore the Session appoint to produce some satisfying proof of their marriage and by whom they were married, with all convenient speed, with certification that otherwise they will be censured as fornicators. And in the meantime they inhibited them all converse together as man and wife. All which was intimated to them.” ^[14]

”Canonby Kirk Decemr 18 1743 … Compeared Alexander Litle and desired William Litle in Roads in the parish of Kirkandrews who was at the door might be examined as to his marriage. The said William being called in declared that Alexander Litle came to him at Carlisle fair 1742 and urged him to be a witness to his marriage with Isabel Thomson; but that he refused. And this is ll he knows of the matters Alexander was summoned apud acta to the next Session and appointed to adduce them more satisfying process and Isabel Thomson was appointed to be summoned to that diel.”^[15]

”Canonby Kirk Decemr 25 1743 … Compeared Alexander Litle and Isabel Thomson and produced a declaration signed by Jonathan Thomson and John Elliot bearing that they saw Alexander Litle and Isabel Thomsonmarried at Carlisle August 15 1742; and that if this did not satisfy the session, they were willing, tho’ they lived at a great dis-^[16]

”stance, to come and declare the same upon oath. The Session considering the difficulty of annulling this alledged marriage unless they were to follow the same method with all other irregular marriages (which in their present circumstances they are afraid they would not be able to accomplish) resolve to call in the said Alexander and Isabel and ask them to dec,are upon oath that they were not married lately at Langtown; but not to take their oath. And they being accordingly called in and asked as above; declared their willingness to swear, and being desired they both held up their hands. Whereupon the Session not thinking fit to proceed any further, appointed them to appear Sabbath next before the congregation to be rebuked for their irregular marriage & to dec,are their adherence to one another.” ^[17]

Further consideration Alexander Litle / Little and Janet Scott

” 1748 Canonby Kirk Janry 10 … Compeared Alexander Litle (p 61 & before) and laid before the Session an extract of a decree of absolvitur obtained before the Commissary of Dumfries in the process between him and Janet Scott and craved that he might thereupon be absolved by this session. The Session considering that Alexander Litle refused to purge himself by oath, and still refuses do not think themselves bound to absolve him from the scandal because the Commissary of Dumfries has absolved him of the sum craved by Janet Scott for the expenses of her in-lying and maintain the child; the rather that the said decreet sums to be founded on this single circumstance that Alexander Litle had deposed that he never offered to the Session of Canonby to purge himself of the scandal by oaths which does not affect the process against him before the Session.” ^[18]

”Canonbie Kirk 10th March 1754 … This day Alexander Little in Windyhill desiring to speak with the session was admitted and gave in a petition craving to be absolved the session taking the same to consideration thought fitt the whole minutes relating to the affair if Alexander Little should be brought to the session next Lords day and read over before him he was desired to be present.” ^[19]

”Canonbie Kirk 16th March 1754 … Alexander Little compeared this day and insisted to have his absolvitor and after the minutes of the session were read over to him he was advised to petition the Presbytery if he thought fitt.” ^[20]

Sources

1. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=48 Canonbie Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 48 1741 accessed 19 Apr 2024
2. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=50 Canonbie Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 49 1741 accessed 19 Apr 2024
3. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=50 Canonbie Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 50 1741 accessed 19 Apr 2024
4. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=52 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 51 1742 accessed 19 Apr 2024
5. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=52 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 52 1742 accessed 19 Apr 2024
6. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=54
7. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=54 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 54 1742 accessed 19 Apr 2024
8. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=56 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 56 1742 accessed 19 Apr 2024
9. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=60 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 59 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
10. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=62 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 61 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
11. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=64 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 63 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
12. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=64 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 64 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
13. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=64 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 65 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
14. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=76 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 76 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
15. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=76 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 76 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
16. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=76 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 76 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
17. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=78 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 77 1742 accessed 20 Apr 2024
18. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=130 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 130 1748 accessed 22 Apr 2024
19. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=246 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 245 1754 accessed 22 Apr 2024
20. ↑ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/volume-images/volume_data-CH2-1582-1-2/GAZ00332?image_number=246 Canonbie kirk session minutes 1734-1760 [A church court that sat within the presbytery of Langholm and the synod of Dumfries]. Page 246 1754 accessed 22 Apr 2024