Auchtermuchty, Fife, Scotland Genealogy

Auchtermuchty #406                     [Return to parish list.]

This is a guide to the history and major genealogical records of Scotland as they pertain to the parish of Auchtermuchty. To learn more about how to use these records to search for your ancestors, go to the Scotland: Research Strategies.

= History =

This parish is four miles long and 1 to 2 miles wide. The burgh and town of Auchtermuchty is situated about a mile from the southern boundary of the parish by the river Eden. The road from Stirling to St. Andrews passes through the southern end of the town, and the road between Perth and Edinburgh also passes through the town, and a coach has now been established on the road for several years. The boundary with the county of Perth is less than a mile from the town of Auchtermuchty on the north. The population of the parish in 1811 was 2403 and in 1841 was 3352. In addition to the burgh and town, which has a populaton of 2550, there is a village of Dunshelt with a population of 601, and in the landward part of the parish the population is 293. The number of families in the parish is nearly 750 of which Dissenters form about one-half.

The parish church was built in 1780 and added to in 1838 so that it now accommodates 900 sitters. In addition, there are three dissenter meeting houses in the parish: two in connection with the United Secession Church and one belonging to the Relief. Together they seat 1200 and are well attended.

There are six schools in the parish of which five are in Auchtermuchty and one at Dunshelt. One is the parochial school and three are village schools. The number of imperial acres cultivated in the parish is nearly 2600.

The above extract comes from the account written in January 1843.

Source: The New Statistical Account of Scotland, for Fife. FHL book 941 B4sa, 2nd series, vol. 9. Also available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Browse the scanned pages via the parish reports.

= Census Records =

A census is a count and description of the population, taken by the government, arranged by locality and by household. Read more about census records.

Here is a list of the Family History Library microfilm numbers for the census records of Auchtermuchty as well as the library numbers for any surname indexes available:

= Church Records =

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: There are no birth entries December 1661–March 1663, August 1667–September 1702. After 1794, blank spaces occur apparently intended for neglected registration. Marriages: There are no entries December 1661–August 1663, July 1667–October 1702, except five for 1794, June 1786–April 1795. From this date until 1817 the entries are of proclamations, and these are incomplete until April 1797. Entries of sums mortified by bridegrooms before marriage 1701–1794 are in volume two. Deaths: There are no death entries February 1662–February 1663 and June 1667–November 1744. Mortcloth Dues from November 1744–January 1817 when a record of death again begins. From 1704–1799 there are occasional entries relating to the funeral expenses of paupers which are mixed with other matters in volume two. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. FHL British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1649–1658, 1701–1799, 1832–1923 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH2/24.

Auchtermuchty Free Church
History— This congregation was formed at the Disruption and services were at once provided. A church and school were built in 1843. Membership: 1848, 194; 1900, 180. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 Vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1843–1923 Accounts 1844–1859 Baptisms 1843–1862 Marriages 1843–1861 Communion Rolls 1843–1922 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH3/604.

Auchtermuchty East (Associate Burgher) United Presbyterian
History— The Breach in 1747 affected the Seceders in Auchtermuchty and Collessie in common with those elsewhere. Those adhering to the General Associate Anti-burgher Synod continued to form part of the congregations at Abernethy, Ceres, and Leslie. Those who adhered to the Associate Burgher Synod separated from them and obtained supply of sermon for themselves at Auchtermuchty. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are begiven in the source including ministers.

Records—          Years Covered       FHL Film Number  Baptisms            1748–1806              0889482 item 3 Account Book     1839–1850              0889482 item 3

Other: Session Minutes 1752–1827 Account Book 1752–1838

Minutes 1846–1872 Accounts 1854 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, records CH3/436, 601.

Auchtermuchty West (Relief) United Presbyterian Church
History— The parish church of Auchtermuchty became vacant in 1762 and the patron and parishioners disagreed over the appointment of the new minister. A portion of the parishioners applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Relief Presbytery of Edinburgh. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source including ministers.

Records— The extent of pre-1855 records is unknown.

Auchtermuchty North (Anti-burgher) United Presbyterian
History— This congregation was formed by members of the congregation of Abernethy, resident in the parishes of Auchtermuchty and Strathmiglo, was disjoined from Abernethy and formed into a separate congregation in 1783. The first church was built that same year, the second church built in 1850. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source including ministers.

Records— Minutes 1844–1910 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH3/603.