Items from local newspapers can bring to life events of long
ago. During my research into the fisherfolk of Kincardineshire I
came across many such articles. The discovery of your distant ancestors
in this way is a thrill that you never forget. Suddenly its no
longer just a story - its part of your history. Check out the
following newspaper pages. Are your relatives mentioned?
Only one way to find out, start reading!
The Aberdeen Journal, Thursday, 16 November 1898
Concealment of Pregnancy - Heavy Sentence Imposed
Mary Agnes Michie, a young domestic servant, residing at Ladybog, in
the parish of Auchterless, pleaded guilty in Aberdeen Sheriff Court
yesterday - before Sheriff Robertson - to a charge of concealment of
pregnancy on the 23rd October. Mr Emslie Smith representing the accused,
and submitted the case to the clemency of the court. Sheriff Robertson
characterised this as a serious charge, though, fortunately for accused,
the law had lately been regarded it with more mercy than in the past.
But the fact remained that, though it could not be said that the child
would have lived if the accused had imitated her condition, the course
followed by the prisoner rendered it impossible that the child could
have survived. He sentenced the accused to seven months' imprisonment.
A Mean Theft - Stealing £12 From a Labourer
In Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday - Sheriff Robertson presiding -
John Rattray, labourer, 30 Shuttle Lane, Aberdeen, was brought up on a
charge of having on 9th November, in the Albert Hotel, Correction Wynd,
Aberdeen , stolen £12 in money from Henry Forbes, labourer, Bridge of
Dee, Kincardineshire. The prisoner admitted the charge. Mr A Emslie
Smith, jun., advocate, represented accused. He said the theft was the
result of yielding to a sudden temptation. The two men, Rattray and
Forbes, were drinking together, and Forbes, in pulling something out of
his pocket, brought forth a bundle of notes, which dropped on the floor.
The sudden temptation overwhelmed accused, who was now exceedingly
penitent. Most of the money had been recovered, and he asked the accused
be granted the benefit of the First Offenders Act. A minister in town
had offered to stand security for him, and as accused had a wife and
children, he urged the court to deal leniently with the offender. On the
other side, the procurator-fiscal described this as rather a mean theft.
The theft was committed while Forbes was asleep, and after accused had
been drinking at Forbes's expense. The Sheriff said he was unable to
take that view of the case as presented by Mr Smith, and sentenced
accused to 30 days' imprisonment.
Boddam Fisherman Charged with Poaching
In Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday - Sheriff Robertson on the bench
- James Oldman, fisherman, Boddam, parish of Peterhead, was charged with
having, on 9th November, at Rothienorman Railway Station, been in
possession of 41 partridges and 4 plovers which he had obtained
illegally. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned till
Monday.
Poaching on the Don - Aberdeen Labourer Heavily Fined
In Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday - Sheriff Robertson, on the bench
- charges were preferred against Hugh Harper, labourer, residing at 5
Paterson's Court, Gallowgate, Aberdeen, to the effect that, on the
afternoon of the 4th November, he had in his possession on the south
bank of the river Don, about 20 yards below Mugiemoss Dam, a clip or
gaff under such circumstances that it was evident he intended to catch
salmon by means thereof, contrary to the Act. Accused was liable to a
penalty not exceeding £5, with expenses.
In the absence of the accused, Mr Arthur Brown, solicitor, prosecuted
on behalf of the Don Fishery Board.
W Rennie, a water baliff, residing at Woodside, stated that he was on
duty near Mugiemoss Dam - below the dyke - when he saw the accused on
the south bank of the river. He watched accused, and afterwards crossed
the river in a boat. Harper was working the gaff, but when witness came
within 20 yards of where accused was working, the latter threw the gaff
into the river and made off. He was caught, however, and his only remark
was that they had not a clear case against him.
Another baliff stated that he was along with the previous witness
when they saw accused working with a gaff. They charge him with
poaching.
Previous convictions were proved against the accused, and Sheriff
Robertson imposed a fine of £5, with £1 8s of expenses, the
alternative being 30 days' imprisonment.
