Elizabeth Gun in Wester Latheron

 

13 May 1764

James Sinclair Younger of Latheron can now be seen as a serial predator. Katherine Forbes baby was born in March 1764 (she confessed to have been frequently guilty with Sinclair). But before that baby was even born Elizabeth Gun in Wester Latheron was known to be pregnant to Sinclair.

The session discussed Elizabeth Gun on 13 May 1764 and called for her to be charged to appear by the next Lord’s Day. She didn’t appear.

20 May 1764

On 20 May 1764 the session made a second request for Elizabeth Gun to appear so they could charge her in person. Again ‘no show’ by Elizabeth. Keep in mind that being charged with ‘uncleaness’ before the elders was an extremely intimidating and shameful matter.

Note: In the records a different session clerk records her name as Elspet Gun – a common variation to the name Elizabeth. Elspet Gun and Elizabeth Gun are the same person. There is no indication that this is the same Elspet Gun recorded in 1761. 

 

12 June 1764

Elizabeth Gun in Wester Latheron finally appeared before the court session and was  delated or denounced for ‘uncleaness’.

Elizabeth Gun in Latheron was cited to the session for the ‘sin of fornication’ and being asked who was the father to her pregnancy gave James Sinclair of Latheron as Father.

She is desired [by the session elders] to give ‘publick’ satisfaction in face of the congregation.

The Modr is enjoined by the Session to speak to that ‘unhappy man’ Mr Sinclair with respect to the said Elizabeth Gun’s pregnancy. Closed with prayer. 

 

Double Standard

Again we see the double standard that was applied to Sinclair versus his victims. The moderator of the session went off to have a chat with the ‘unhappy’ Mr Sinclair. Unhappy! That is just a polite statement by the elders to describe Sinclair. But Sinclair’s not unhappy. He seems to be the most opportune man in Latheron. Knowing well enough that his actions will sooner or later become ‘publick’ knowledge with the arrival of yet another child makes no difference to his actions with unfortunate young women who get caught by him.

19 August 1764

The session met and being constitute Modr & Elders.

Anna Don in Balintra delated for uncleanness.

Elizabeth Gun in Plontoch (Strath of Dunbeath) for the same and also

Elizabeth Suthd alias Gravich in Lappan for the same.

 

These three are to be summoned to compear before the session against this day. I think the Elizabeth Gun in Plontoch is the same as the Elizabeth Gun above. The records, depending on the clerk recording, are not always entirely consistent with details.

What of Mr James Sinclair Younger of Latheron?

Unfortunately there is a gap in the records. Page 242 states  “The most material part of the session minutes since August 24 1764 until 8 August 1766 are ingrossed in the other register”.

So there is no record of any consequences for Sinclair for Elizabeth Gun’s pregnancy but that makes no difference to him. He continues in his predatory behaviour. 

 

Not Presented for Baptism

There is no record that the baby of this pregnancy of Elizabeth Gun was presented for baptism by James Sinclair.

https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/ Latheron kirk session, Minutes 1734-1776 pages 232-237