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 Herald,
March 24th, 1838
The propriety of this well-known Distillery have
much pleasure in announcing that one of the partners, John Windsor,
Esq., has been appointed "Distiller of Whisky to Her Majesty." The
present excellent arrangements and very superior Spirits produced at
this establishment are facts extensively and well known. The Distillery
has been lately greatly enlarged, and machinery has been added to it to
such an extent as to make it the first Distillery in the north.
The Distillery is situated near Stonehaven upon
the Cowie, a small stream which takes its rise a short distance above in
a mossy district, which renders its waters so peculiarly desirable
for the purposes of Distillation.
Note - The Glenury Distillery was originally
established by the late Duke of Gordon, with a view to put down
smuggling, then alarmingly prevalent, and to encourage agriculture.
Captain Barclay of Ury is now the head of the firm, and though that
celebrated sportsman has of late years retired to the "halls of his
fathers" he continues to devoted his best exertions to the advancement
of the general interest of agriculture. We wish the proprietors of this
establishment ample success in their spirited undertaking.
The Aberdeen Herald,
July 21st, 1838
On Tuesday, 17th inst., was opened here, the Free
School, established on the foundation of the late Mr Donaldson of
Quoscies, for the education of fifty scholars from the parishes of
Fetteresso and Dunnottar, of the full number of 50 scholars only one was
absent. Four of the governors - the Rev Mr Thomson of Fetteresso; Rev.
Mr Irvine of Dunnottar; Mr Fullerton, sheriff-substitute of the county;
and Mr Tindal, writer - were present; the other governor, Mr Stewart,
banker, being absent from indisposition. The business commenced with
praise and prayer; after which Mr Thomson, the chairman, delivered a
most appropriate and impressive address, in which, after alluding in
suitable terms to the extensive benefits to be expected from the
establishment not only to the present rising generation, but also, from
the permanent footing on which the establishment is placed to many
future generations, he pointed out and explained to the scholars, their
parents, and the teacher, the several duties incumbent on them, in their
respective situations, in reference to the institution and strongly
enforced the necessity of a strict compliance with the rules adopted for
its government. The rules and regulations were there read, and praise
having been again offered up, the proceedings closed by the solemn
benediction of the Rev Chairman. The children exhibited a very
interesting appearance, and it was pleasant to contemplate the prospect
of advancement in useful knowledge, and in the acquirement of moral and
religious instruction, which the auspicious opening of this seminary
holds out to so many young persons.
The Aberdeen Journal, September 8th, 1838
Stonehaven Fatal Accident - We regret to state
that on Friday afternoon a fine young boy of the name of Angus, the son
of a poor widow upon coming out of Dunnottar Free School, having gone
too near the bank of the Carron, lost his balance and fell into the
river almost opposite the school. As the water was very much swollen,
his body must have been immediately carried down by the current into the
sea, and as yet there has been no trace of him.
The Aberdeen Herald,
October 20th, 1838
On Friday se'enight, a child about 3 years of age,
belonging to John Mackintosh, crofter, Kempstanehill, having accompanied
him to a neighbouring muir, he very imprudently gave it a lighted
tobacco-pipe to amuse itself with, while he was employed casting turf or
sods at a short distance from it. It appears that, in consequence of a
spark from the pipe having ignited the faded grass and heath, the
child's clothes caught fire, and he was dreadfully scorched. Dr Bremner
was promptly in attendance, but the agonies of the little sufferer were
only alleviated by the hand of death on the day following.
The Aberdeen Herald,
July 27th, 1839
Stonehaven - On Saturday last, a beautiful
brigantine was launched from the building yard of Messrs Morgan. The day
being very favourable for the occasion, a launch rather an unusual sight
here, an immense concourse of spectators assembled along the quay, and
on the surrounding heights, to witness the spectacle. She was named "The
Rose," and is to hail from this port.
The Aberdeen Herald,
January 4th, 1840
Stonehaven - The following office bearers of the
Stonehaven Lodge of Freemasons were elected 27th December, 1839, viz:-
James Knox, R W Master; William Warden; John Balfour, Treasurer; William
Melvin, Chaplain; William Napier, James Young, Deacons; Thomas Nicol,
Tyler; Alexander Paul, John Garvie, Stewards; George Morice, David
Watson, Keybearers; John Beattie, Secretary; George Strathdee, Officer.
The Aberdeen Herald,
January 25th, 1840
Stonehaven - The merchants of this town lately
formed themselves into a society; and on Monday week they held their
general meeting in Mr Mackie's and afterwards supped together - Mr
Ramsay, druggist, in the chair; Mr Chapman, draper, and Mr Paterson,
druggist, officiated as croupiers. The principal intention of the
society is for charitable purposes, and we have no doubt it will be
successful. Arrangements are in progress for establishing a News-Room
for the mercantile class generally in connection with the Society,
although a limited number of respectable tradesman will be admitted as
subscribers.
The Aberdeen Herald,
October 24th, 1840
On the morning of Monday, 5th curt., Jean Morrice,
widow of the late Adam Scott, tailor, Stonehaven, was found dead in her
bed - at an advanced age. In her house there was neither meat nor drink,
nor anything to sustain life, with the exception of about half a
teaspoon of coffee.
The Aberdeen Herald,
January 23rd, 1841
Soup Kitchen, Stonehaven. - Several individuals
(philanthropists) held a meeting here last Monday, with a view to
establishing a soup Kitchen. The proposal was favourably received, and a
subscription entered into immediately, which is rapidly filling up. A
committee was named for conducting it, so that the hearts of the poor of
the old and new town will soon be cheered with a warm and wholesome
meal; many of the farmers in the neighbourhood have made offer of
vegetables for its use. Such generosity cannot be too highly
appreciated.
The Aberdeen Herald,
March 27th, 1841
Upon Tuesday last, a dinner was given in the Mill
Inn, Stonehaven, to Robert Barclay Allardice, Esq of Ury, by a select
party of gentlemen, previous to his departure to visit America - Hugh
Fullerton, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute in the chair, Chas. Munro, Esq. of
Berryhill, croupier. The Reverend John Stewart said grace; many loyal
and appropriate private toasts were given, and the conviviality of the
company was kept up to a late hour - all at parting wished a safe and
speedy return of their distinguished guest of the family mansion. The
dinner and wines, served by Mr Melvin, were excellent.
