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, July 8th, 1835
On Tuesday last, as Robert Brown, gamekeeper on
the estate of Dunnottar, was shooting at Fowlsheugh, and was stepping
from a shelve of the rock into a boat, he was unfortunately thrown into
the sea, in fourteen fathoms of water. In consequence of the surge it
was not without much difficulty that his companions succeeded in
rescuing him from the grave which was apparently opening for him. It is
somewhat remarkable that, although he had his gun in his hand at the
moment of falling, he brought it safely into the boat again, having kept
it firmly in his hand all the while (about five minutes) that he was
struggling for existence in the watery element.
The Aberdeen Journal, July 22nd, 1835
Cowie - The decision of the case which has for
sometime past pended in the Court of Session regarding the succession to
this estate having been communicated to the tenants, they resolved
unanimously to testify the delight with which that decision has been
hailed by them, and the respect, esteem and attachment which they all
entertain towards their towards their new and generous and worthy
landlord - William Innes, Esq. of Raemoir - whose ancestors have been
proprietors of the lands for many years. Accordingly, on Monday the 13th
inst., the tenantry on this, and many of those on the neighbouring
estate of Netherley, assembled at an early hour on one of the highest
hills pertaining to the property, where a splendid bonfire was soon
lighted up, and the health and happiness of Raemoir and his family was
drunk with three times three by all around. After enjoying themselves
for some time at the bonfire, the tenants, their families, and many
others, repaired to WOOD INN, at the Limpet Mill, where they partook of
a dinner, and again united in reiterating the respect and esteem in
which they held their worthy landlord, and their joy at his triumph in a
cause where the question of his succession to his birthwright was
agitated. The greatest cheerfulness and harmony characterised the
proceedings of the day, the festivities of which were concluded with a
ball in the evening, which was kept up with much mirth to a late hour.
The Aberdeen Journal, September 5th, 1835
On Wednesday last, while passing the Bridge of
Glaslaw, near Stonehaven, one of the axles of the Defiance Coach gaveway,
and she fell on her side to the ground; and although she had a great
number of passengers, yet we are happy to say, no one sustained any
injury. The driver, being precipitated from his seat, was thrown among
the horses, and received a slight contusion in his side; and the four
beautiful greys were severely lacerated in several parts of their
bodies. On the news reaching Stonehaven two post-chaises were dispatched
for the passengers, and they went to Aberdeen. No blame is attached to
those connected with the coach.
The Aberdeen Journal, November 4th, 1835
Stonehaven, October 29 - The Storm - On the
night between Sunday and Monday last, the wind was very high and
tempestuous while the rain poured down in torrents - trees were torn up
by the roots and dashed about; and stacks of grain were blown down, and
the sheaves scattered upon the fields. By day-break the rivers were
rapidly swelling; and trees, spars, and other buoyant articles came
floating down the discoloured streams. At eight o'clock, the Carron
began to overflow its banks in different places; one body of water
rushed over the banks at Invercarron, went down the turnpike road by the
Mid Inn, and down to the Old Town, flooding the streets and houses to a
great depth; another body of it came over the bank on the south side of
the wooden bridge leading from Ann Street, and poured down Arbuthnott
Street, forming a junction with the other body of water at the Old Town;
and a third body of water, came over the bulwark of Cameron Street,
rushed down that street, along Barclay, Evan and Allardice streets, and
the Market Square. By nine o'clock, more than half of the town was
several feet below the water. In some places there was a depth of water
five feet; but, in general, there was three feet. Some fears were now
entertained for the stability of the range of houses in Cameron Street,
adjacent to the river; and a boat was got afloat, which plied about
extricating the inhabitants of that part from their perilous situation;
and the poor perishing people - the mother with the sucking babe, the
invalids from their beds of sickness - were carried to the houses of
their more fortunate friends. The dyke of Mrs Imray's brewery-yard,
close to the river fell down; and a cart, lying at the back of it was
carried away and dashed to pieces on the bridge; and several other
garden dykes gave way with a crash. The water was now rising fearfully
fast, and the strongest heart began to quake; but, luckily, at this
awful moment, it broke through a garden between the street and the
river; and the waters, which were accumulating on the streets, now found
a vent; and from this time it gradually subsided on the streets. The
damage done by the Carron is immense; but so many have suffered loss,
that we cold not state it all. The wooden bridge at Invercarron is
carried off; Cameron Street is literally dug out into a water-course; Mr
Mackie, merchant, has had goods destroyed to the value of £150 or £200,
and many other merchants have suffered very severely. The cowie was
simultaneously pouring destruction along its course. Some beautiful old
trees on the estate of Ury were torn up by the roots, and carried away.
The haughs at the Glenury Distillery were transformed into a sea-beach;
and a new channel for the river was cut directly through, one hundred
yards from the old course. Part of the Mill of Cowie was driven down,
and about 50 quarters of wheat carried down the river. In fact, this
flood, though not much higher than that of 1829, yet, form the now
confined nature of the channels of the rivers by bulwarks, dykes, etc.
has effected more damage than any former flood in the memory of any
person in this quarter.
The Aberdeen Herald,
November 11th, 1836
Stonehaven - On Tuesday last, as a man and two
boys, were employed in fishing off Fowlsheugh, a sudden squall overset
the boat and they were all thrown into the sea. The crew of some other
boats near them promptly pulled to their assistance and succeeded in
saving the man and one of the boys; but we regret to say that the other
(the only son of Lownie, sailor, Stonehaven) sank to rise no more, and
his body yet remains in the bosom of the deep.
The Aberdeen Herald,
December 10th, 1836
Stonehaven - This town, which has long been
plodding in darkness, has now the prospect of being partially brought to
light. So rapidly is the march of improvement progressing through the
public spirit of a few individuals, that a Gas Company has been
projected, to be called the "Stonehaven Gas Company," with a capital of
£1500, to be divided into 1500 shares at £1 each. So favourably has this
scheme been received by the inhabitants generally, that in less than two
days after the proposals were issued, upwards of 900 shares were
subscribed for, so that there is now little doubt but the formation of
the Company will be completed, and that the work will be in operation by
next winter. It is to be hoped that the inhabitants will see the
propriety of having the public streets of the town lighted, a thing much
wanted.
The Aberdeen Herald,
February 25th, 1837
Sudden Death - Mr Logie, late tenant at Haulkhill,
parish of Glenbervie, in returning home from Stonehaven upon Tuesday
last, fell down dead, a few yards beyond the Carron toll.
