Illegitimacy in Scotland
In Presbyterian Scotland, illegitimacy was looked upon with considerable disapproval. Yet, it did happen and quite often. The local society's concern was first and foremost financial, as they would have to assume the responsibility for an infant born without a father's support. In order to avoid this the church father's held periodic "Kirk Sessions". During these sessions a known unwed mother was called before this church council to be questioned, counselled, and admonished for her error. This could vary in degree from place to place and in some times, a woman could be placed in the stocks for public humiliation.
Margaret's Experience
In Margaret's case, it does not appear to be too horrible. She was first called before the Galston Kirk Session on the 12th of October, 1862. Mary Young was also brought up on this day also and appeared first. Margaret Baird's was the second case. Here's the exact wording recorded on this day: "Compeared Margaret Baird and confessed that she had been guilty of the sin of fornication and accused John Wilson residing in Kilnknowe as the person guilty with her. The officer was directed to summon the said John Wilson to appear before the Session on Sabbath first to answer the accusation of Margaret Baird and she was also summoned (?) to attend. Session closed with prayer, Robert Stirling, Moderator.
Kirk Session #2
The purpose of this session was to question the accused father, get his admission of guilt, and make him take responsibility for his error. Here's the wording from the records of this session: "Galston Kirk 19th October 1862 Which day the Kirk Session met and was constituted: - Sederunt the Rev. Dr. Stirling, Moderator, Messes John Hendrie, Matthew Brown and George Paterson, Elders. Compeared Margaret Baird who adhered to her accusation against John Wilson. Compeared according to citation the said John Wilson who being informed of the accusation brought against him by Margaret Bard and admonished to tell the truth as in the sight of God acknowledged his guilt. The Session thereupon agreed to take them under discipline whereupon they were solemnly rebuked for the sin directed to wait upon and converse, with the Moderator during the week and appear again before the Session next Sabbath. Session closed with prayer.
Kirk Session #3
At the third session, the two accused fornicators met again with the Kirk Elders and again rebuked. Having been counselled the previous week, the were absolved of the scandal. The wording of the records: "Galston Kirk 2 November 1862 Which day the Kirk Session was met an `d was constituted: Sederunt Dr. Stirling, Moderator, Messers. John Hendrie, John Wilson, Matthew Brown and George Paterson Elders. Compeared Margaret Baird who was again solemnly rebuked for the sin of fornication and absolved from the scandal thereof.
Thomas' Birth
Thomas Baird was born on 19 November 1862. His birth was not registered until early 1863, and the label "illegimate" prominently written under his name. This was his stigma for life. We can't know the emotional toll this took on him, but at least he was physically well cared for first by his mother's family, then by his adopted father, Robert Mitchell. However, by moving to America he was able to leave behind this deep dark birth secret- or so he thought!