Help with terminology

[Fiona67]

Hi
I'm just reading the copy of my ancestor's will and I was just wondering what does the term my "natural son" mean

Thanks
Fiona

[v.wells]

biological son. It doesn't mean he married the mother, just the son is his, biologically.

[Lizzy9]

Hi Fiona,

I'm no expert, but think it means a child born out of wedlock, but recognised by their natural father. A child born within a marriage would be a legitimate son/dau.

[Lizzy9]

biological son. It doesn't mean he married the mother, just the son is his, biologically.

Better explanation than mine, Vanessa, but at least we agree :);)

[v.wells]

Better explanation than mine, Vanessa, but at least we agree :);)

Thank you Lizzy |hug|

[Fiona67]

Thanks everyone.......that actually helps me in more than direction. There has always been a bit of conjecture about the birth of this son......the age on the son's death certificate indicates that he should be legitimate but there is no christening record for him in that year (all other children in the family christened in the same church) but there is a christening for this son 5 years before they were married with only the mother's name. So it looks like he was probably illegitimate........thanks for your help

Regards
Fiona