As I've said in Alexander Moffat's and John Moffat's pages, this being a genuine direct ancestor of mine, relies upon the evidence I've gathered for these two being correct. That evidence is circumstantial, but compelling, so I am happy to say that this is probably a genuine direct ancestor.

That, I think, is probably where this line stops. I have found two James Moffats born in Peeblesshire on realistic dates, but there is no evidence to demonstrate that either of them are correct. Of the two, the James born in 1712, seems the more likely as his father's name was John and he could have named his first son after him. Also, he was born in Peebles, which is a lot closer to Innerleithen, where he was married, than Broughton, where the other James was born. That James was born in 1821 and his father was called Thomas. There are no Thomas's in this line, so that could be a clue. Both were of an age at which they might reasonably be married - 30 and 22 respectively - but none of this can be construed as evidence of anything.

KEY EVENTS AND DATES

16th May 1742

James Moffat married Margaret Brown, on this day in Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. The record indicates that James was of the parish of Innerleithen, whilst Margaret was of the parish of Stow. The record shows that they paid the sum of 14 shillings for the proclamation.

View record.

1st May 1743

James's daughter, Helen, was born in Peebles. At this stage I have not acquired the actual record, but have this information from ScotlandsPeople.

20/01/1745

James's son, Alexander, was baptised in Peebles on this date, although the record states that he was "born three months before this". Alexander's parents are recorded as James Moffat and Margaret Broun (sic.). James's occupation is recorded, but it is indistinct - it looks like "Cert Gfo - Balli ker", but that doesn't make much sense.; (click on the record link below to see for yourself.) The witnesses were James Hodge and Alexander Brunton.

View record.