The Aberdeen Journal (later to become the
Aberdeen Press & Journal) is one of the best sources of information on
local news in the NE of Scotland. Established in the 18th century with
almost every edition available to the public it represents a
treasure-house of information for family historians and researchers. In
this section we will record just a few snippets of local interest - some
trivial, some tragic, but all fascinating. Let's hope you find something
of interest - I'll be surprised if you don't!
The Aberdeen Journal, December 11th, 1828
At a Justice of Peace Court, held here on
Saturday, a poacher was fined in the mitigated penalty of £10 with £3
14s 6d expenses; and a townsman for curing bacon on the Market Square,
was fined 1s.
The Aberdeen Journal, December 17th, 1828
For some time past a man and a woman from the
sister isle have been gulling a number of the natives of Stonehaven, by
selling the GRAIN WHISKEY for Highland smuggled; and the same article
for foreign BRANDY, the flavour and colouring being given to it by some
pernicious mixtures. We think it right to put the inhabitants on their
guard against characters of this description.
The Aberdeen Journal, February 4th, 1829
Colonel Duff of Fetteresso has, as usual at this
season of the year, sent five guineas to the Kirk Session of that parish
to be added to the ordinary collections for the benefit of the poor, and
two guineas to be added to the collection for the Infirmary of Aberdeen.
Dr Morison of Elsick has also, as usual, sent
three pounds to the Kirk Session of Fetteresso, to be added to the
ordinary collections. This annual donation is given on the ground that
every non-resident heritor, ought to contribute to the poors' funds of
the parish in which his property is situated, as much at the least, as
if he were resident, and attending the parish church weekly.
The Aberdeen Journal, April 8th, 1829
Stonehaven, April 2 - On the night of Tuesday
s'enight, the whole of the prisoners confined in goal here (of which
there happened to be not a few present), in consequence of the
intoxication of the jailor, escaped from their confinement and sallied
forth to enjoy liberty and mountain-dew; but morning came, and with it
the senses of the jailer who succeeded in gathering together his strayed
charge, with only two exceptions. The one was a female named Jane Grant,
who at the Aberdeen Spring Circuit of 1827 was sentenced to be
transported beyond the seas, but was detained until the convict ships
went off, and confined here ever since. The other was and individual
under confinement for infringement of the Games Laws. And both have, as
yet, eluded the vigilance of Justice to reinstate them in their old
quarters. The jailor, as a matter of course, has been dismissed.
The Aberdeen Journal, June 10th, 1829
At the half-yearly meeting of the Mearnshire
Farming Society, held at Laurencekirk, on Monday se'enight, Mr Alex
Smart, writer, Stonehaven, was elected clerk to the Society in room of
Mr T Kinnear, deceased.
The Aberdeen Journal, September 2nd, 1829
On Friday last and unfortunate and fatal accident
occurred here, John Duncan, son of John Duncan, feuar here, and John
Imray, son of Mrs Imray, brewer, also here, went to the sea for the
purpose of bathing; when the former having gone beyond his depth, and
unable to swim, was carried off by the tide, and sank to rise no more,
notwithstanding his companion and his father (who was employed quarrying
stones on the beach at the time), used every exertion in their power to
save him. He was a very promising lad having got three prizes last
session at one of the Aberdeen Colleges, and the medal given by Mr Hume,
M.P., for good behaviour. The body has not yet been found.
The Aberdeen Journal, September 23rd, 1829
Died, at Stonehaven, on 11th inst., at the
advanced age of ninety-six, Mr Robert Duncan, late officer of the
Customs at that part; who, by a long and zealous discharge of his public
duty had recommended himself to his superiors in office; and whose
mineralogical pursuits and rare collections of specimens in that
department of natural history, were well known to most visitors at
Stonehaven, and had gained him the notice of many respectable families
thoughout Scotland.
Banchory - Notwithstanding the rigourous means
which have of late years been adopted to suppress illicit distillation,
it is much to be regretted that they have not had the desired effect on
the inhabitants of some parts of the country. On the 12th inst., an
Excise Court was held at Upper Banchory, where no less than fourteen
offenders were brought forward some charged with private distillation
and others having in their possession smuggled goods. Those convicted
were found liable in the several mitigated penalties of £25 and £50 -
the fines awarded that day amounting to between £300 and £400.
The Aberdeen Journal, November 18th, 1829
The Glenury Distillery Company have now nearly
completed a passage, for conveyance of water to their premises, of about
85 yards in length, cut through solid rock.
The Aberdeen Journal, January 27th, 1830
On Friday, 22inst., there was a Subscription Ball
and Supper at Stonehaven. Besides the principal ladies and gentlemen of
the town, the neighbouring country gentlemen's families attended, and
Mrs Abercrombie Duff of Fetteresso acted as Lady Directress. The dancing
took place in the County Hall, which was very tastefully decorated with
evergreens furnished from the fine shrubberies at Fetteresso Castle; and
an excellent band of music was brought from Aberdeen. The company supped
at Mr Collins' Hotel, where every delicacy was provided which could
please the eye or gratify the palate; and after much enjoyment there,
the company returned again to the Ball-room, and did not separate until
the morning was far advanced.
The Aberdeen Journal, March 24th, 1830
On Thursday, 11st inst., a fine schooner of nearly
80 tons per register was launched from the building-yard of Messrs Bower
& Leslie, Stonehaven, being the only occurrence of the kind that has
taken place there at least for the last century and a half. Considering
the growth of commerce in that town, there is little doubt that so long
a period will not again elapse before the occurrence of such another
scene. She glided in fine style into her future element amid the cheers
of hundreds of admiring spectators assembled to witness the novel
spectacle. She was, with the usual solemnities, named the "Defiance." It
is understood she has been purchased by a few individuals of that place,
and is to be employed in trading to and from the port.
The Aberdeen Journal, July 21st, 1830
Stonehaven - The prospect of our harbour being
completed is now about to be realised. At a meeting of the Council held
last week, it was intimated that arrangements had been made for getting
the necessary funds raised; and we may now expect soon to see this
useful structure completed.
A man named Angus, a servant to Mr Smart, Bridge
of Cowie, was tried before Sheriff Watson on Friday last, for forcing a
horse and cart through the crowd witnessing the proclaiming of the King
on the day previous, notwithstanding every remonstrance, to which he
pleaded guilty, and was fined £1.
