Morton Kirk Session Minutes 1714 - 1870

Morton Kirk Session minutes are preserved in Dumfries Archives. The first volume begins on 13th May, 1714, at the Session held at Morton Kirk, which is thought to have stood on or near the site of the present ruined church at Greenhead. This church was built in 1781 and according to the Statistical Account of 1834-45 it was not inconveniently situated for the parish in general. However, the building was too small for the population of the parish and a new church building was built in 1841 at Thornhill.

The parish register of Baptisms and Marriages begins in 1691, the same year the hearth tax was implemented and collected in Dumfriesshire: several Milligans appear in the list for Morton parish. Number in bracket indicates number of hearths liable to be taxed.

Parish of Morton - 1691
Burn: - Alexander Milligan (1)
Bush: - George Milligan (1)
Morton: - Wm. Milligan & Heugh Douglas (2)
Thornhill: - Gilbert Milligan & George Scotlo, younger (2)
Goat Fraeboor: - James Milligan (2)
[All tenants to the Duke of Queensberry]


May 16, 1714
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. John Howie, moderator, John Mulligan, Robert Dalziel, Lawrence Carson, Wm. Ferguson and George Kellock, elders, John Mulligan, clerk.

July 25, 1714
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, as above with John Mulligan, clerk.

September 5, 1714
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. John Howie, moderator, John Mulligan, clerk and elders.

September 30, 1714
This day the Kirk session and a part of the heads of families being mett to counsel anet the settling a schoolmaster to �wach� the children in this parish with any others that shall come to the school. The session and parish fixed upon John Mulligan in Whitefold to �wach� their children as said is for the space of half an year viz from Martinmas 1714 to Whitsunday 1715 for which time he is to have for his wages forty pounds Scots, twelve pounds Scots, to be paid by the session and the Quarter wages to the uplifted by him with what baptismal money shall be gathered during this time and he is to have the equal share thereof with the Bedell (church officer) all which money foresaid is to be applied for payment of the foresaid sum of forty pounds Scots and the said John is to take up the school up the 10th day of October and to be careful �waching� the children to read and write and to be diligent in attending the school and to keep a list of the children from their entry to the said school.

At Kirk Session at Mortoun, John Mulligan appointed to and attend the Synod of Dumfries.

October 18, 1714
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. John Howie, moderator, and elders, John Mulligan, clerk.

January 20, 1715
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator with elders, John Mulligan, clerk.
This day it was debated to the Session that Mary Mulligan servant to George Mulligan in Burn is with child therefore the officer is to cite her against Sabbath first [p. 7].
Signature of John Mulligain, clerk.

January 23, 1715
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator, John Mulligan, clerk and elders.
Agnes Mulligan got 5 shillings Scots.
Mary Mulligan in Burn cited that the delation of her being with child called compeared and interrogated: if she is with child? Answered, yes. 2nd to whom: anwered, to John Mulligain in Burn. 3rd when was it begotten? Answered, she could not with. 4th were they frequently guilty? Answered, yes and particularly that day he returned from Slagston. 5th where were they guilty that day? Answered, it was upon the green at the back of the yeard in the night time, being further interrogated, if she had any more to add? Answered no. Which confession being said, she owned and because she could not write gave the pen to the clerk to subscribe for her. Signed by John Mulligain clerk. The said Mary was sessionally rebuked for her said sin of fornication and cited apud acta to the next session.
The officer is appointed to cite John Mulligain in Burn upon the confession.

January 30, 1715
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator, John Mulligan, clerk and elders.
John Mulligan in Burn being cited upon Mary Mulligan�s confession and called compeared interrogated are you guilty of fornication with Mary Mulligan? Answered yes. 2nd when was you guilty with her? Answered, about the latter end of June last. 3rd were you frequently guilty? Answered but once. 4th with her was it in the field or in the house? Answered, that he could not mind it in regard he was in drunk all which being read over he owned as his confession and subscribed the same �John Mulligain�. The said John was rebuked before he session and ordered to entre upon his publick satisfaction Sabbath first which he promised to do.

February 13, 1715
At Mortoun Kirk, this day John Mulligain stood in the publick place of repentance.

February 20, 1715
At Morton Kirk, this day John Mulligan having stood three several Sabbaths and paid the penalty was absolved.

May 29, 1715
At Morton Kirk, this day it was deletion to the Session that James Mallagain in Thornhill was excessively drunk upon 23rd day of the his month and cursed his neighbour in the his drunkenness by saying frequently God damn them Coaggening thieves therefore the session appointed him to be cited.

June 5, 1715
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Mulligan in Thornhill cited and called compeared and was interrogated, if he was drunk upon 23rd day of May last, answered, he was. 2nd did he say God damn his neighbours Couggening thieves? Answered, he minds none of those expressions and therefore cannot confess them, whereupon he was cited apud acta again Friday first and the officer appointed to cite George, James and William Kellock all in Thornhill witnesses to prove the same, the session closed with prayer.

June 10, 1715
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Mulligain cited last day apud acta and called compeared and his offence of cursing being laid to him he still said that he being in drunk did not mind the expressions he was accused of and sawing it was referred to prove them, the witnesses cited were called and none compearing but George Kellock the afore was delayed till Sabbath first the party and witness putt cited apud acta and the two witnesses to be cite pro 2nd against that day.

June 12, 1715
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Mulligan cited again with George, William and James Kellock witnesses to the incident and the witnesses submitted a judicial declaration on examination separately and all declared that the said James was excessively drunk the said day and that he swore frequently by the Holy name of God and this declaration they swore. The session found he was grossly guilty and the scandal was spread they appointed him to be publically rebuked before the congregation Sabbath next.

June 26, 1715
At Morton Kirk, this day James Mullagain in Thornhill was rebuked from the pulpit for offence of drunkenness.

November 20, 1715
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the minister appointed to write to the minister of Crawford to cause thereafter to cite Mary Mulligain sometime in Burn now residing in that parish.

June 24, 1716
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator with elders, John Mulligan, clerk.
This day Wm Ferguson is ordered to pay six pounds Scots of his rent to John Mulligan late School master and to take his receipt for it, and appoints him to cite John Hairstanes for 2d to make satisfaction before the congregation in sackcloath the first Sabbath there is sermon if James Lakup be not standing.

September 23, 1716
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James and Thomas Lorimer in Mortoun miln, Robert Grierson in Carronhill, Alex Mulligain in Laught and James Menzie in Gatlawbridge there edict being served this fifteen days and no objections made against all or any of them, the minister, after a suitable discourse, did present to their ordination and being all called by their names, none accepted but Ja: Lorimer who presenting himself asked the usual authority which he answered very satisfyingly where upon he was ordained a member of this session as a Deacon and received into it accordingly the session closed in prayer.

October 7, 1716
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk: John Mulligain, Rett Dalzyel and Lawrence Carson. George Kellock and Wm Fergusin Elders, James Lorimer Deacan with Mr. John Howie Modr and John Mulligain Clerk. This day Wm and John Mulligains not cite being out of the Country.

December 23, 1716
The Kirk Session at Motoun, being informed that James Sliman in Thornhill in the house of Robert Carson in [unclear] did a base two of the members of this session Robert Dalziel in Thornhill and John Mulligain in Laught. 1st when the said John reproved him for his horrid cursing and swearing, the said James called the said John Rascall and dog and a damned lyar several times. 2nd he said that Robert Dalziel was an Adulterer and that he would call him so git he did several times. 3rd he said that the session of Morton had no sense all which he said without any just provocation given him by any person as can be proven by Alexr Mulligain in Laught, George Dickson at Greenfoot, Robert Carson and his wife who were witnesses to these. The officer is appointed to cite the said James Sliman before the session this day eight days.

December 30, 1716
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator, John Mulligain, clerk, and the elders.

January 13, 1717
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Sliman being cited pro 3rd time called compeared and was interrogated: In the terms of the Delation given in against Dec. 6th & 23rd whereupon he craved a double of that libel, as he called it, to which the session laid that they had no formal libel against him, and told him that if is not practicable to give doubles of Delation, yet the said James still insisted to have a double that he might consider upon till the next session thereupon the moderator cited him to compeer to the presbytery of Penpont.
The session being informed that John and Wm Mulligains in Whitefold are warned to the country the officer is appointed to cite them and James Sliman to the next session Sabbath next.

January 20, 1717
Sederun at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator, John Mulligain, clerk and elders.
Delation of John and Wm Mulligain and James Slimans called pro 1st called compeared Wm Mulligain and being interrogate, if he was present at Morton mills when John Mulligain and James Slimans quarrelled; answered, he was in the house with them but declares that he knows nothing of what before. John Mulligain and James Slimans absent are to be called to the next session this day eight days, and Robert Dalzell in Mortounmill and John M�clig in Dobtoun as witnesses to the afore.
This day Mary Mulligain late servitrix in Burn being returned from �Crafoord� entered her publick satisfaction for her fornication with John Mulligain in Burn, was rebuked and ordered to go on in her satisfaction.

January 27, 1717
At Mortoun Kirk, this day John Mulligain and James Sliman called pro 2nd called compeared John Mulligain, James Sliman absent and therefore the afore is delayed till the day eight days the witnesses cited called compeared and they and the said John are cited again. This day also Mary Mulligain stands in publick for 2nd and is to go on the session close with prayer.

February 3, 1717
This day at Mortoun Kirk, John Mulligan in Whitefold cited for 2nd called compeared, being interrogated, if he was at Morton mill shortly with James Sliman; answered, he was. Asked if he minded miscarriage in himself? Answered, he was something the worse of drunk and if anything escaped his memory he was will to answer it to the witnesses. Whereupon was called John M�clig in Dobtoun and Robert Dalzell in Mortoun mill who comparing was interrogated upon their indicial declaration know that afore betwixt the said John and James Sliman was? Answered, that they know no more than what the said John had confessed. The said John was solemnly admonished to guard against that his infirmity for the time to come and so was dismissed.

November 22, 1719
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, Mr. Howie, moderator, John Mulligain, clerk, and quorum of elders. Signature of �John Mulligain�.

July 9, 1721 Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, absent John Mulligain, James Lorimer and George Kellock.
This day the session having spoken to James Menzie in Gatlawbridge, George Kellock in Carronhill elders and Robert Muligain in Dobtsoun in order to having them ordained members of this session and they are put forward to be ordained before the congregation.

August 6, 1721
Session at Morton Kirk: An Edict being served this day the moderator to ordain James Mason in Gatlawbridge and George Kellock in Carronhill elders and Robert Muligain in Dobtsoun a deacon and no objections being given, the minister after a discourse suitable to the purpose did call the named men, who presented themselves before the congregation, the minister asked again if any person present had any objection against these men their being ordained members of this session, no objection was made, where upon the minister after he had asked several questions, which they answered sastisfyingly did ordain the said James Menzie and George Kellock ruling elders and Robert Mulligain deacon.

January 21, 1722
At Morton Kirk, Robert Dalziel, John Herron and Robert Mulligan report to the Session they had received the poor relief at Drumlanrig.

March 10, 1723
At Mortoun Kirk, John Mulligain in Burn having a child to be baptised this day and the minister being informed that the said John had been guilty of quarrelling and fighting upon the Sabbath day with Thomas Gibson in Auchenbeck, did call a session Pro Renata betwixt sermons and the said John being called in the same was laid to him, he denied that there was any fighting between, but acknowledged frankly that ill words passed between them upon the Sabbath day, which he ownness was a break of Sabbeth, and is sorry for it; he being removed from the session, in regard of his frank acknowledgement of his fault, and there being no witnesses to prove what was further alleged, did appoint the said John to be sessionally rebuked and admonished, and so admitted to hold up his child, he being called in was rebuked and admonished accordingly.

Note: John Mulligain and Jannet Wilson, his spouse, had a son called George baptised this day (10 March, 1723).

March 24, 1723
At Morton Kirk, intimation was made from the pulpit to the poor that heir meal is to be distributed at Drumlongridge upon Friday first, they are to attend and the session appointed John Mulligain, James Lorimer and John Heron to received and distribute said meal and make report.

March 31, 1723
Sederunt at Mortoun Kirk, absent John Heron and Robert Mulligain.
John Mulligain, James Lorimer and John Heron reported that they had received and distributed the poor meal and is discharged the same for the crop 1721.

September 17, 1723
A Quorum of the Kirk Session at Mortoun called Pro Re Nata to choose a Ruling Elder for the Synod of Dumfries called also Pro Re Nata upon Thursday firstly and did unanimously chose John Mulligan in Laught and appointed him to attend the Synod with the minister.

October 31, 1723
Sederunt: Mr. John Howie, moderator, John Mulligain, Lawreance Carsan, James Lorimer and John Heron, elders, Alex Nivison, clerk, session pro Re nata.

This day Alexr Malligain in Laught desiring the right of baptism to his child, and it being alleged that he is guilty of saying God damn John Mulligain his neighbour and other unsuitable expressions at Thornhill April last, the session think fit to send out Lawrance Carson and James Lorimer to deal with the said Alexr to be ingenuous in the matter and not to trouble the session and witnesses, they return and make report that the said Alexr is willing to acknowledge his fault providing that his neighbour John Mulligain will acknowledge also that he gave him provocation, whereupon he was called in and interrogated, if he had said God damn John Mulligain and called him a damn liar. The said Alexr confessed both, but refused to submit that he had given him great provocation by an unreasonable abusing of him and his friends before a publick company in John Gilbson�s, parties being removed, the session finding that the said John had been unreasonable in beginning the strife and casting up to Alexr his friends, do unanimously agree that the said John shall acknowledge, sessionally his fault in so doing, and the said Alexr shall be sessionally rebuked and admonished, and so admitted to hold up his child, parties being called in the said Alexr was rebuked and admonished and the said John acquiesced on the session�s sentence and the session closed with prayer.

November 11, 1728
At Morton Kirk, this day an testimonial produced by James McCall in East Morton being that he and Henreta Milligane had given all due subjection to the Session of Closeburn for their sin of fornication and were absolved.

September 20, 1730
At Morton Kirk, this day there was a deletion made of John Kellock junior and Jas Milligan in Thornhill for cursing and swearing upon Sunday night last, about some person that fell between them. Officer appointed to cite both of them to next session.

September 27, 1730
At Morton Kirk, John Kellock and Jas Milligan cited called and compeared acknowledged that they had cursed and swore on a difference between them and after confessing, they were rebuked and it was to be intimated from the pulpit on the next Lord�s Day they had mutually acknowledged their wrong.

March 4, 1733
Session at Morton Kirk: This day John Milligan, John Carson and Robert Milligan were appointed to go to Drumlanrig to receive and distribute the poor relief.

October 4, 1738
At Morton, the Kirk session received 10L as the rest of Robert Milligan�s tenement from Whitsunday 1737 to Whitsunday 1738.

November 26, 1738
At Morton Kirk, this day Henretta Milligan in Ridding appeared as a witness in the case of John Dalziel of Ridding.

October 21, 1739
At Morton Kirk, this day the session appointed John Milligan to attend the Presbytery next.

January 6, 1740
At Morton Kirk, this day John Dalziel of Ridding and Alex Milligan deletion for giving great offence by quarrelling and swearing at Gillisland upon 27th October last.

January 9, 1740
At Morton Kirk, this day John Dalziel being cited called and did not appear. Alex Milligan being out the county is appointed to be cited as soon as he returns.

April 27, 1740
At Morton Kirk, the session ppointed George Hunter to attend the Presbytery, John Milligan having attended the last.

August 8, 1740
At Morton Kirk, this day the session met for the receiving the money in the Box and the accompts from John Milligan son to the deceased John Milligan our late treasurer and having gone through the said accompts and allowed several disbursements since December 9, 1739, which were ordered by the session for the relief of the poor .... after which the session made choice of John Carson for their Treasurer and delivered to him the aforesaid together with the key to the Box and he was desired to receive the weekly collections. The session was perfectly satisfied with the accompts of their late treasurer and discharged his son of all intromissions therewith.

January 25, 1741
At Morton Kirk, this day George Milligan in Burn gave in a lybel bearing that James Dalziel in Blairfoot had endeavoured to take away his good name by saying he had kept a pursue and money of his and not given it again. It was read but in regard of some difficulties that appeared in it they suspended their judgement and desired the moderator to take advice of the Presbytery.

February 15, 1741
At Morton Kirk, the which day the Moderator reported that he had taken the advice of the Presbytery with respect to George Milligan�s lybel and that after some reasoning they were of opinion that it was relevant and therefore the session might prove against the person lybelled. George Milligan cited called and asked if he adhered to lybel which he did, and consigned a crown in the treasurer�s hand according to a former act of the session. The officer to summon James Dalziel in Blairfoot to compear.

August 12, 1753
At Mortoun Kirk, this day Jean Wilson in Thornhill being cited upon a report of her being with child, and called compeared being interrogated, 1st, if she was with child, answered, she was. 2nd who was the father of her child, answered, James Milligane younger in Thornhill. 3rd interrogated when the child was begot answered, about the latter end of March Old Stile. 4th interrogated where, answered in the Barn. 5th interrogated if ever she told him that she was with child to him, answered, she never told him but upon Saturday was eight days, when he asked her if she could clean herself of all other men, and she told him she could, this being read over in her reading she adhered to as her confession, and because she cannot write as she asserts gave the pen to the Modr to sign for her. Sic Sub: �Arch Little Modr�. Upon her confession she was rebuked and exhorted to repentance and debarred from the sealing ordinance. She being removed, the session resolved to have a meeting here upon Wednesday first afternoon and ordered their officer to cite James Milligan to compear beefore the session the said day, she being called in this was intimate to her and she was cited apud Acta to compear the said day.

August 15, 1753
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the officer reported that he had cited James Milligane younger in Thornhill according to appointment and being called, compeared and Jean Wilson�s confession being read over to him, he denied the whole of it, being particularly asked, whither or not she told him of her being with child to him upon Saturday was eight days; answered, as he was passing by her that day in the town gate She said what do you think the folks are talking of you and me they say I am with child to you, and he answered her that he did not value what either She or they said, for he defied her as he was free of her and that was all that passed between them.
Jean Wilson being cited apud Acta was called in and parties being confronted She still adhered to her confession and he Still denied, and She was asked if She had any presumptions against him, answered, She had none, and after much pains taken upon both parties to be ingenious indicting without any effect. James was at last asked what way he would vindicate himself from this Scandal, answered, that he was willing to purge himself by Oath. Parties being removed, the session taking the affair into their consideration agreed to delay it until Sabbath come eight days, there being no Sermon here next Sabbath that day. Closed in prayer.

April 26, 1754
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Milligane and Jean Wilson being both cited apud Acta to confess before this diet of the session and called compeared and being dealt with to be ingenious in telling the truth, Jean was asked if She still adhere to her former confession, answered that she did. James Milligane being asked, if he would own the Charge brought against him by this woman, denied and declared as formerly that he was willing to give his Oath. Parties being removed, the session agreed to delay this affair till such times as the woman be delivered of the child and she interrogate in her pangs. Parties being called in this was intimated to them. Closed in prayer.

December 30, 1753
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the officer reported that according to the appointment, he had cited Jean Armstrong, Jean Mcbrair and Janet Shankland in Thornhill to compear before the session this day.
Jean Wilson being cited and called compeared and still adhered to her former confession. James Milligane not compearing the session according to their resolution las day proceeded to examine these women viz Jean Armstrong, Jean Mcbrair and Janet Shankland in Thornhill, and they all called, compeared and being dealt with to be ingenious in declaring the truth as if they were upon Oath and they were all removed but Jean Armstrong, who being purged of malice and partial counsel aged above forty and married, being asked if she was present when Jean Wilson was in child labourer answered she was and being interrogated, if she Questioned her concerning the father of her child, answered She did and that she declared that if she was going to die, no other was the father of her child but James Milligan whom she named before, and further declares she thought the child was come to the full time; this being read over to her she acknowledged it as her declaration and because she cannot write gave the pen to ye Modr to sign for her Subscribe �Arch Little Modr�.
Jean Mcbrair being purges of malice and partial counsel aged twenty three years unmarried, was asked if she was present when the Midwife asked Jean Wilson who was the father of her child, answered, she was and that Jean Wilson declared if she was going to die Jas Milligan younger in Thornhill and no other was the father of the child, being asked if she thought the child was come to the full time, answered she thought it was this being read over in her hearing she adhered to as her judicial declaration and because she cannot write as she assents gave the pen to the Modr to sign for her. Subscribed �Arch Little�.
Janet Shankland being purged of malice and partial counsel unmarried aged twenty one years, being asked ut supra, declared in everything as Jean Mcbrair which being read over in her hearing she adhered to as her judicial Declaration and because she cannot write gave the pen to the Modr to sign for her. Sic Sub: �Arch Little�.
Jean Wilson being removed, the Session taking the affair into consideration and finding difficulties in it resolved to defer the whole affair to the Presbytery and therefore did and hereby do refer this affair to the Presbyery of Penpont for Decision, to meet at Penpont upon Wednesday there sixteenth Day of January 1754, and ordered an extract of the whole process to be laid before the Presbytery, She being called in this was intimated to her and she was cited apud Acata to compear before the Presbytery the said day and the officer was ordered to cite James Milligan to comp before he Presbytery the said day also.

April 28, 1754
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the moderator reported James Milligan in Thornhill last Monday morning had confessed guilt with Jean Wilson the woman accusing him, and as the affair is before the Presbytery he acquainted the Presbytery of it by a letter with James Lorimer and he reported that the Presbytery ordered the session to take his Judicial confession, and to appoint his publick compearance, James Milligain being called in and interrogated if he owned guilt with Jean Wilson at the time She gave up, answered he owned guilt with her thought not at the time she gave up, answered he owned guilt with her though not at the time she gave up but at the latter end of May, this being read over to him he signed his confession Subscribed �James Milligen�. Upon his confession, he was rebuked and exhorted to repentance and being removed, the session resolved to appoint him to compear before the congregation next Lord�s Day. He was called in and the above intimated to him.

July 14, 1754
At Mortoun Kirk, this day James Milligan having made his public compearance for three several Sabbath days and having paid his penalty was absolved from the scandal.

April 6, 1755
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the Modr reported that the Presbytery had found James Muir lybel proved by the deposition of the witnesses but had delayed to consider what censure shall be inflicted on Jas Young in regard he had given in a paper to the Presbytery wherein he offered to prove by John Rae, Mrs. Dobson, James Paterson, James Milligane younger and George Mcbrair all in Thornhill that before the alleged scandal lybelled the said James Muir did himself acknowledge and declare in publick way that he was in bed with Famer Kelly on the night mentioned in the lybel. The Modr further reported that the Presbytery had appointed this session to examine the said witnesses upon Oath as to the fact contained in the said paper and that James Muir and James Young were both cited by the Presbytery to compear before the session next Sabbath to hear the witnesses examined. The session therefore ordered the officer to summoned all the fore mentioned witnesses to compear here that day.

April 13, 1755
At Morton Kirk, James Milligan younger aged twenty eight years unmarried purged of Malice and partial counsel desponed negative to the whole.

May 6, 1764
At Morton Kirk, an edict having been served ordered to ordain Andrew Gregor, schoolmaster, John Milligane in Laught, John Barrie in Bush, Thomas Edgar in Thornhill and James Barrie in Drumcork ruling elders in this congregation and no objection being made the minister after a short discourse called the said persons who presented themselves, ordained them ruling Elders in this parish.

July 5, 1767
At Mortoun Kirk, this day the Modr informed the Session that Isobel Milligane in Laught wanted to speak to them whereupon the Session called her in and asked her what she had to say to them; she answered that she had been guilty of the Sin of uncleanness in this parish with John Hamiltoun younger in Townhead of Auchinleck in the parish of Closeburn, and that She was with child, this being read over to her she signed as her confession. Sic Sub: �Isobel Milligane�. Upon her confession She was rebuked and exhorted to sincere repentance, and debarred from Sealing Ordinances till she give evidence of her repentance. She being removed, the session appointed the Modr to write to the Mins of Closeburn to cause the said John Hamiltoun to be cited to compear here before the session this day eight days, she being called in this was intimated to her and she was cited apud Acta to compear here before the Sessin said day.

July 12, 1767
At Mortoun Kirk, the minute anet Isobel Milligane in Laught being read the Modr produced an execution from John McCall kirk officer in Closeburn which was read and sustained bearing that he had cited John Hamiltoun junior in Townhead in that parish to compear here before the Session this day. They being called, both compeared and the said minute being read to them, she adhered to her confession, and John Hamilton acknowledged that he had been guilty with her and was the Father of her child this being read over to him he Signed it as his confession. Sic Sub: �John Hamilton�. Upon his confession he was rebuked and exhorted to sincere repentance and debarred from Sealing Ordinances till he gives evidence of his repentance. Parties being removed, the session considering this affair unanimously agreed to order them to appear before the Congregation upon the three Sabbaths days immediately following to be rebuked for their confessed sin of uncleanness. Parties being called in this was intimated to them.

July 21, 1767
At Mortoun Kirk, this day John Milligane Senior in Laught presented a paper entitled Petition, John Milligane Senior in Laught to the Session of Mortoun, which was read the tenor whereof follows.
Laught 21st July 1767 � Unto the Revd the Modr and eminent members of the Session of Mortoun the humble Petitioner of John Milligane Senior in Laught � humbly therewith � That upon the twenty ninth day of May last year Petitioner was necessarily called to be in the house of William Lorimer Dyre in Campbel in the parish of Closeburn in company with others, where and when a health was proposed to be drunk by some in the company, to the rich provider of the feast. Against which health, your Petitioner objected, Saying that he would not drink it, and when asked why he refused, he answered, that, in his opinion, if they drank that health, they might as well drink God Almightys, as he understood him to be the rich provider of every feast, they replied, they meant no other then William Lorimer, he answered, that hew was as willing to drink William Lorimers health as any in the company if they would propose it in plain terms. Yet so it is the verity, that some malicious detractors or detraitors hatlh defamed your Petitioner�s good name and Character by saying and spreading in a malicious and Clandestine manner that he was the proposer of the said health, and in orders more effectually to ruin his Character, have wickedly and maliciously altered the terms in which the foresaid health was proposed, Saying that he proposed to the company and drank a health to the Lord Jesus Christ. Your Petitioner therefore humbly begs that your wisdoms may take his most wickedly calumniated case into you serious consideration, and do what you judge proper in order to relieve him from the burden under which he groans at present:- And in so doing you�ll have the honour of relieving the poor oppressed, Sic Sub: �John Milligane�.
John Milligane being removed, the Session having considered this affair unanimously agreed to write as petition to session of Closeburn, desiring them to take the affair mentioned in the above Petition under their serious consideration and determine in it according to Justice, which Petition was written instanter and by appointment and in name of the Session, subscribed by their Moderator, John Milligane being called in the above was intimated to him and said Petition delivered to him in order to transmit it to the session of Closeburn.

August 2, 1767
At Morton Kirk, this day John Hamilton and Isobel Milligane appeared the third time before the congregation and were rebuked for their confessed uncleanness, and having paid their penalty were absolved from the Church censure.

October 25, 1767
At Mortoun Kirk, this there was collected for the Academy established by Mr. Eleazer Wheelock of Lebanon in Connecticut in New England for the Educating of Indian Missionaries the sum of �7 Stirling.

February 2, 1768
At Mortoun Kirk, the moderator produced a receipt from Provost Dickson in Dumfries bearing that he had received the sum of �7 Stirling collected in this parish for the use of Mr. Wheelocks Academy in America.

March 4, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, the Moderator informed the session that Janet Milligane in Longmyre had lately brought forth a child in uncleanness, whereupon the session ordered their officer to cit her to compeer here before them upon Friday next.

March 9, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, the minute anent Janet Milligane being read, the officer reported that he had cited her according to appointment, she being called, compeared and being exhorted to ingenuity was asked if She had brought for a child in uncleanness? She answered, yes. Interrogated, who is the father of her child, she answered, that late upon Thursday night after this Thornhill fair in May last as she was coming from Thornhill to Longmire, she met a man in the Midddle of the Cleugh betwixt there two places, who after having tyed he hands behind her back, got her with child, but that she did not know who he was, this being read over to her, she owned it as her confession and because she cannot write as she asserts gave the pen to the Moderator to sign for her. Sic Sub: �Robert Aitken Modr�. Upon her confession she was solemnly rebuked and exhorted to sincere repentance and debarred from Sealing ordinances till she gives evidence of her repentance. She being removed, the session considering this affair and finding difficulties in it unanimously agreed to refer it to the Presbytery and therefor did and hereby do refer this cause as it stands to the Presbytery of Penpont for Decision to meet at Penpont upon the first Wednesday of April next, and appoints their clerk to make out an extract of the minutes relative to this affair to be laid before the Presbytery. She being called in this was intimated to her, and she was cited apud Acta to compear before he Presbytery the said first Wednesday of April next.

May 6, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, the Moderator reported that the Presbytery had sustained there reference anet Janet Milligan, and had remitted her to the session in order that they might appoint her to appear before the Congregation to be rebuked as guilty of Adultery; and to appear as often as the session shall think tends for edification. Whereupon the session ordered their officer to cite her to appear here befoe them this day eight days.

May 13, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, the minute anent Janet Miligane being read, she compeared and adhered to her former confession, she removed and the session having considered this affair unanimously agreed to appoint her to appear before the Congregation next Sabbath day to be rebuked as guilty of Adultery, she being called in this was intimated to her.

July 22, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, the Moderator informed the session that Janet Milligane mentioned in former minutes had waited upon the Presbytery at their last meeting and had desired them to free her from further censure and that the Presbytery had admonished and remitted her to the session to be dismissed when they shall judge proper. Where upon the session ordered her to appear before the Congregation this day fourth might, and she is appointed to pay her penalty being 3s 6d betwixt and that day; and the officer is to acquaint her hereof.

August 5, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, as Janet Milligane above mentioned did not this day appear before the Congregation as appointed, the session therefore delay to do any thing in this affair till she herself shall apply.

September 13, 1770
At Mortoun Kirk, this day Janet Milligane appeared before the Congregation and was rebuked and waitned upon the session after dismissing the Congregation, and having paid her penalty and being exhorted to a more circumspect walk for the future, was absolved from censure, and the session agreed that the Moderator should intimate this sentence to the Congregation next Lords day.

February 3, 1771
At Mortoun Kirk, it was reported that Janet Milligane in Thornhill is with child in uncleanness, the session therefore ordered their officer to cite her to compear here before them this day three weeks. Session close with prayer.

March 3, 1771
At Mortoun Kirk, Janet Milligane cited apud Acta, compeared and adhered to her former confession, compeared also Robert Kennedy and acknowledged that he had been guilty of anteneuptal with said Janet Milligane, and that he is the father of her child, this being read over to him he owned as his confession and because he cannot write gave the pen to the Moderator to sign for him. Sic Sub Robert Aitken Modr. Upon his confession he was rebuked and exhorted to sincere repentance and debarred from Sealing Ordinances till he gives public evidence of his repentance. Parties being removed, the session having considered this affair agreed to appoint them to compear before the Congregation three following Sabbath days.

July 12, 1772
Kirk Session at School House, the session did by advise and appointment of the Presbytery admonish John Milligane mentioned in former minute, to be more upon his guide than he had been at a meeting in Campbel in the parish of Closeburn upon 29th day of May 1769, and the session did by advise and foresaid restore him to all the Christian privileges he formerly enjoyed, except the exercise of the office an elder and the moderator is by appointment of the Presbytery to intimate the admonition to the congregation.

December 17, 1775
At Morton Kirk, it being presented that Robert Kennedy and Janet Milligan his wife in Thornhill wanted to speak to the session and being present Janet Milligan said she was with child and that Robert Kennedy now her husband was the father of the child which Robert Kennedy likewise acknowledged. Upon their confession they were rebuked and exhorted to sincere repentance and debarred from seating ordinance till they gave repentance. They being removed, the session considering their affair found that hey had been guilty of Anteneuptal fornication, therefore agreed that they should appear before the congregation next Lord�s Day and be rebuked and that they pay six shillings and eight pence for the use of the poor.

August 1, 1779
At Mortoun Kirk, it was reported that Janet Milligan in Burn had lately gone to Dumfries and been married irregularly to Thomas Mcquachie in the parish of Closeburn. Therefore, the session ordered their officer to summon her to compear her before the session this day in fourteen days the fifteenth curret, and the Moderator is appointed to desire Mr. Yorstoun to cause Thomas Mcquachie to be cited to compear said day also.

August 15, 1779
At Mortoun Kirk, last days minute anet, Janet Milligan being read the officer reported that head cited her conform to appointment she being called compeared not. The Modr is appointed to desire Mr Yorstoun to cause both Thomas Mcquachie and Janet Milligan be cited to compear here before the session against this day three weeks and to return an execution in due time.

August 22, 1779
This day at Mortoun Kirk, Thomas Mcquachie and Janet Milligan mentioned in former minute compeared before the session and acknowledged their irregular marriage, took one another by the hand and adhered to each other as husband and wife. They were rebuked for this irregularity and exhorted to be more regular of the future and having paid a fine for the use of the poor were freed from further censure.

Ended 8th October, 1810

Volume 2: 1810 � 1870

Beginnings Morton Kirk 18th November, 1810

February 24, 1811
At Morton Kirk, compeared voluntarily, Mary Hunter a young woman in Thornhill, who confessed herself to be with Child in uncleanness � She was rebuked for her Sin by the Mordr, and debarred from Sealing Ordinances until she shall have made satisfaction according to the Rules of the Church. Being solemnly exhorted to ingenuity and interrogate who was the father of her child, she answered that William Milligan formerly residing in Thornhill, now in Sanquhar, was guilty with her, and is the father of the child with which she is now pregnant. She further declared that the guilt was committed in Thornhill in her own house, sometime in the month of September last. This being read over to her she adhered to it as her confession and declaring she cannot write gave the pen to the Modr to subscribe for her. Sic. subscrititum "David Smith Modr". The Session appointed the Clerk to write to the Modr of the Session of Sanquhar to cause summon the said William Milligan to appear before the session of Morton upon Sunday the 10th March to answer to this charge, and Mary Hunter was summoned apud acta also then to appear.

March 24, 1811
At Morton Kirk, the Modr informed the Session that William Milligan had waited upon him in the morning and had acknowledged himself guilty of the charge preferred against him by May Hunter, but said that he could not wait upon the Session, as he was on his way to England, which was sustained by the Modr and he was debarred from Sealing ordinances until he shall have made satisfaction according to the Rules of the Church.

January 9, 1814
At Morton Kirk, William Milligan in Sanquhar having appeared before the Congregation and been rebuked for the sin of fornication with Mary Hunter in Thornhill and having paid a fine for the benefit of the Poor was dismissed from censure and restored to church and privileges.

June 17, 1821
At Morton Kirk, compeared voluntarily Jean Paterson in Thornhill, who confessed herself with child in uncleanness. She was rebuked for her sin by the Modr, and debarred from Sealing Ordinances until she shall have made satisfaction according to the Rules of the Church, being exhorted to ingenuity and interrogated who was the father of her child, she declared that James Milligan shoemaker Thornhill was the father of her child, and that the guilt was committed at Thornhill at New-years day last. She adhered to this as her declaration and requested the clerk to subscribe it in her name.

June 24, 1821
At Morton Kirk, compeared James Milligan shoemaker Thornhill and Jean Paterson�s accusation being read over to him, and being seriously exhorted to ingenuity and interrogated by the Modr whether or not he was the guilty of the charge preferred against him by her, he acknowledged that he was guilty with her in terms of her confession, and signed this declaration according �James Milligan�. Upon his confession he was debarred from Sealing ordinances until he shall have made satisfaction according to the Rules of the Church.

July 8, 1821
At Morton Kirk, James Milligan, shoemaker, Thornhill having appeared before the Session as often as deemed proper and being rebuked for the sin of fornication with Jean Paterson, and having paid a fine for use of the Poor, was dismissed from censure and restored to the privileges of the Church.

June 9, 1863
At Morton Kirk, Comp�d James Milligan and Mary McMurry his wife for the sin of Antinuptial fornication, they having appeared before the Session as often as they thought fit were dismissed form censure and restored to the privileges of the Church.

List of Male Communicants, Head of Families in the parish of Morton 1834

No. 71: Jas Milligan, shoemaker, Thornhill.

List of Male Communicants, Head of Families in the parish of Morton 1835

No. 104: Jas Milligan, shoemaker, Thornhill.
No. 127: Robert Milligan, carter, Thornhill.

List of Male Communicants, Head of Families in the parish of Morton 1836

No. 102: Jas Milligan, shoemaker, Thornhill.
No. 124: Robt Milligan, carter, Thornhill.

List of Male Communicants, Head of Families in the parish of Morton 1836

No. 94: Jas Milligan, shoemaker, Thornhill.
No. 115: Robert Milligan, carter, Thornhill.

Lists of young communicates 1841 to 1870

Rachael Milligan, Thornhill � 1853.
James Milligan, Thornhill � 1862.





Morton Index Page