NOTES on this new Index to the contents of "A History of Paisley, 600-1908", by W.M. Metcalfe; Published: Alexander Gardner, Paisley, 1909.

This Index has been compiled by me on account of the lack of an adequate index of persons in the original published book. I have split it into three seperate indexes: The main book; 1696 Poll Tax Roll for Paisley Burgh; and the Poll Tax Roll for Paisley landward area (the rural hinterland within the parish).

The results were affected by the way the book was written - the same person is mentioned in the text in different guises or positions. Where possible these have been amalgamated for simplicity; at other instances the different identity has been retained, where there might be confusion of any kind, such as a father and son with the same noble title.

Many of the index entries refer to mere mentions in passing, but others relate to specific incidents and may be useful historically. The book, while concentrating on the history of Paisley, has many mentions of persons farther afield.

In the original text of the Poll Tax Roll, the compiler used a variety of spellings for the same name and his own non-standard versions of many forenames and surnames. Where possible, reference has been made to other evidence to clarify doubtful names, e.g. Clayd has proved to be Clyde. Other names remaining unclear, such as Calther and Steick, have been left in the original, or a SEE or SEE ALSO reference used in the index to help the user to possible solutions. Another doubtful surname has been Pettersoune, which might be Peterson or Paterson, so it has been left as Petterson.

The main problem has been with surnames, but the original also has forenames with variable spellings, with Jennet a common spelling for Janet. In most cases, the modern spelling has been substituted to help the user.

Where a person is specifically named as a servant [meaning employee], that is used in the index, but where another form of employment is implied, through a term such as harvest fee, I have used [servant?] to indicate the person's status.

It is best to refer to the original book to see what persons make up which household, but if you have no access to the work, I can provide photocopies of the relevant pages from the printed version, at reasonable cost. Just quote the names and related page numbers. If an "n" appears attached to a page number, it refers to a footnote at the bottom of the page.

• The main book
• 1696 Poll Tax Roll for Paisley Burgh
• Poll Tax Roll for Paisley landward area (the rural hinterland within the parish)

Copy Service

Should anyone have trouble gaining access to the indexed volume, I am willing to photocopy pages as required if you quote me the index entries. The photocopies will be placed in clear plastic sleeves for protection, and sent in fully sealed brown manilla envelopes. You will be charged for this at the following rate:

Per page of text (A4) - 25 pence;
PLUS 5 pounds (GB pounds) per envelope of up to 15 sheets to cover airmail post and packing and my time for this.

The above scale of charges relate solely to copying material which is fully identified. Anyone requiring names or other information to be searched for in a vast range of Scottish historical source material should refer to my KinHelp pages, where my research fees are quoted, with a minimum fee of 50 pounds.

PAYMENT is by check/cheque in pounds sterling OR British (Scottish or English) currency, minimum payment is 5 pounds.

Gordon Johnson
KinHelp,
Glenorchy,
Papigoe ,
WICK,
Caithness KW1-4RD

Copyright 2004, Gordon Johnson