Scotland

James Ducat was a lighthouse keeper in the year 1900. After that, James is not found in any traditional records. It was recently suggested that a lighthouse record may have more information on what happened to James. In the Scottish Archive Network site above, use the Digital Archives link to locate lighthouse records and answer these questions:

1. What happened to James?
2. What information does this document give us about James's life?
3. How might these records or similar types of records be useful for genealogists?

1. In the Scottish Archive Network site, go to the left column and select the digital archive option.
2. On the left side, select the virtual vault option.
3. In the left column, select "Lighthouse records."
4. Read all of the records. The record with the greatest detail will be the official report at the bottom of the page.

1. James disappeared on December 15, 1900. It is believed that he and those that were with him were swept away by a large wave and killed.
2. James was assigned to be a lighthouse keeper, but this was not his full-time place of residence. He was married, and he worked with the men listed on the record.
3. Many names are listed on this record. James likely didn't have a death certificate since his death time and place was uncertain, so the record provides information on what likely happened to him.
   (Contributed by Kaylee Lynn)