Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 4 September 1846
The Marquis of Clanricade, her Majesty’s Postmaster-General, on the application and recommendation of James Duff, Esq, M. P. has issued directions for the establishing of a Post-Office at Edinglassie, parish of Glass and a daily post to and from that place to Huntly. This will prove a great boon to the inhabitants of the district.
Elgin Courier 4 January 1850
GAME CONVICTIONS –
At a Justice of Peace Court held within the Fife Arms’ Inn, Craigellachie, on Saturday last, James Gauld, junior, Nether Demeath, was convicted for trespassing in search or pursuit of game, in the parish of Glass and fined in the mitigated penalty of 10s. with expenses and failing payment, sentenced to be imprisoned for two months with hard labour.
Morning Post 14 March 1850
SERIOUS ACCIDENT
It is with extreme regret that we announce a very serious accident which has occurred to Mr J.A. Cameron, of Banff and his mother-in-law Mrs Grant of Beldorney Castle, with whom he is at present residing. It appears that on Monday, last week, Mr Cameron and Mrs Grant accompanied by a servant, drove out in a double seated phaeton, towards the fishing in the Deveron, at some distance above Beldorney. At a sudden turn in the road leading to Loin Bain, and at a point where it overhangs a steep declivity, the horse having taken fright, the vehicle was upset, throwing all the parties with great violence down the precipice. Mrs Grant, escaped with some sever bruises, but happily sustained no serious injury and is convalescent. Mr Cameron, we regret to learn has been fearfully bruised, one of his sides being very much injured and several of his ribs broken. He was able, however, to walk to the farm house of Mill of Loin Bain, where he was put to bed and still lies in a somewhat precarious state, although the last accounts represent him as in a fair way of recovery. The servant was also very severely bruised but he is also recovering.
Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 12 April 1850
JURY TRIALS
On Friday last, James Smith, jun. residing at Upper Mill, Parish of Mortlach, at the instance of the Procurator-Fiscal for the county of Banff, was tried before Sheriff Currie and a Jury, for an assault committed on Alexander Fraser, blacksmith, residing at Haugh of Glass and his wife on the 27th of December last. The panel pled Not Guilty and a Jury was impanelled. The indictment set forth that, on the day mentioned, at or near Haugh of Glass, in the parish of Mortlach and county of Banff, now or lately occupied by Alexander Fraser, blacksmith, now or lately residing there, the said James Smith, jun., did violently, wickedly and feloniously attack and assault Jane Sheriffs or Fraser, wife of, and now or lately residing with, the said Alexander Fraser, and did, with his fist or fists, strike the said Jane Sheriffs or Fraser one or more blows about the breast or other parts of her person. Likens (2) time and place above libelled, the said James Smith, jun., did violently, wickedly and feloniously attack and assault the said Alexander Fraser, and did, with a clasp knife, or other lethal weapon, to the complainer unknown, strike and cut the said Alex Fraser one or more times on his hand, or on one or more of his fingers, whereby the said Alexander Fraser was cut and wounded, to the injury of the person and effusion of his blood. A number of witnesses were examined, those for the prosecution being subjected to a rigorous cross examination by Mr Wm Grant, solicitor, Banff, by whom the panel was ably defended, and who succeeded in elucidating a number of extenuating circumstances in favour of his client in the course of the examination. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict of Guilty, but accompanied with a strong recommendation to mercy. After a suitable admonition, the Sheriff sentenced Smith to 3 months’ imprisonment in the jail of Banff. The case occupied the court from eleven o’clock in the forenoon till nearly seven at night. On the same day, Robert Grant, sailor, pled Guilty to having, on the very day on which he was liberated from Elgin Jail, committed two separate acts of theft at or near Keith, and was sentenced (being habit and repute) to 9 months’ imprisonment.
Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 23 January 1852
FATAL OCCURRENCE
As a little boy, four or five years of age, the son of Mr Smith, Mains of Asswanly, Glass, was amusing himself about a sledge for sledging stones, which lay on its edge at the side of a wall, he accidentally capsized the heavy sledge, which fell upon him and crushed him to death.
WOMAN PERISHED
We regret to learn that the report of a woman having perished in the late storm, in the parish of Glass, is correct, her body having been found among a field of turnips belonging to Mr Gordon, Upper Hiltown. Her name is Elizabeth Robertson, a native of the parish of Aberlour. She was advanced in years and of rather weak intellect.
About Glass the roads were completely filled up with snow, and many of the farmers were blocked up in their houses. Deveron became a sheet of ice. The storm was very violent at Dufftown and many sheep were lost; one farmer it is said had 50 destroyed. Little damage was done in Glenrinnes. In the neighbouring district of Morange, however, a great number of sheep were lost.
Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 11 June 1852
NEW ROAD FROM GLASS TO KEITH
We made notice in a paragraph lately in the Journal, that petitions had been sent to Mr Duff and the other Trustees on the Fife estates, soliciting them to open a new line of road between Keith and Glass parishes. We are now glad to state that letters have been received from Mr Duff intimating that the execution of the line and the improvements in Newmill, will commence forthwith, and that one of the factors and a surveyor, will be on the ground immediately. This ready response to the application speaks well for the parties concerned – Banffshire Journal
Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 18 March 1853
DISPLENISH SALE OF FARM STOCKING ETC. AT NETHER HILTON, PARISH OF GLASS
There will be Sold, by Public Roup at Nether Hilton upon Tuesday the 22nd March next
The Whole Stocking and other Effects, on that Farm, which belonged to the Deceased John Green consisting of;-
6 Milk Cows, Calved and in Calf
11 Two and Three year old Stots and Queys
4 One year old Stots and Queys
3 Young Calves
2 Work Horses
1 Work Mare
1 Filly, rising Three year old
1 Fat Pig
9 Stacks of Oats and Fodder; 2 Stacks of Excellent Hay; from 30 to 40 Quarters of Oats; and a Quantity of Turnips and :Potatoes. Also, 3 Box Carts, 2 Ploughs, Turnip Sower, 1 Drill Harrow, 5 Common Harrows, Barn Fan, Corn Bags, a lot of Mason’s Tools, and 2 Stacks of Peats and Turfs, and various articles of Household Furniture etc. Likewise, as excellent Thrashing Mill, driver by Water.
Owing to the number of lots to be disposed of, the Roup will begin at ten o’clock forenoon and Credit will be given.
- Cantlie, Auctioneer,
Nether Hilton, 12 Feby. 1853
Elgin Courier 20 May 1853
TOMORROW – TO MASONS
CONTRACTORS ARE WANTED FOR ERECTING A STONE BRIDGE of 53 Feet Span across the RIVER DEVERON AT PARKHAUGH, Parish of GLASS, according to Plans and Specifications, which will be shown by Mr Andrew McPherson, Builder, Huntly on and after Friday, the 13th current; and Duplicates thereof will also be shown by Mr Duff, at Parkhaugh, on and after Monday following, until Saturday the 21st instant, when Tenders will be received at Old Manse of Glass, at One o’clock p.m.
The lowest estimate may not be accepted.
3 June 1853
The following article appeared in the Dundee Perth & Cuper Advertiser: Dumfries & Galloway Standard: Herts Guardian, Agricultural Journal & General Advertiser: Fife Herald: Leicestershire Mercury: Falkirk Herald: Wells Journal, Somerset: Inverness Courier
JANE OF CAIRNARGET
One of the most singular cases which has ever occurred in the Free Church is that of Jane McIrvine, Cairnarget, parish of Glass, which has this week been decided by the Free General Assembly. The case is the following:-
A report arose in Jane’s neighbourhood detrimental to her good name. The fama was taken up and inquired into by the minister and Kirk Session of the Free Church in Glass. So far all well. In obedience to their summons, Jane appeared in the Session, but after examination of witnesses, no charge could be established against her. Some of the witnesses even declared that they believed she led “a very religious life.”. The evil report, however, did not die away, and the Moderator brought before a subsequent meeting something to Jane’s prejudice which had been told him privately by one of the witnesses; but then this witness, when formerly interrogated before the Session, could allege nothing against her, and yet he admitted that what he now told the minister was a thing known to him at the time of his appearing in the Session. His statement was in other respects such that no weight could be attached to it. Like one conscious of innocence, and feeling aggrieved, Jane challenged investigation, and wished her character cleared. This not being done to her satisfaction, she appealed to the Presbytery (the famous Presbytery of Strathbogie), and from the Presbytery, whose decision did not suit her, she appealed to the Free Synod of Moray. The case was discussed in the Synod with closed doors. Jane appeared in propria persona, duly furnished with all the requisite apparatus of extracts and papers, and pled her own cause. It is said that she there made a speech three quarters of an hour long. Two motions were made in the Synod, but the one which carried did not so completely clear her as she wished, and she appealed to the General Assembly. She accordingly made her way to Edinburgh – appeared personally in the Committee of Bills – got her papers printed – took her place at the bar of the Assembly ready to argue her own cause. Very prudently the case was referred to a select committee and fully considered, and the report given in by the convener of the committee, Mr Wilson of Dundee, was entirely favourable to Jane. Bravo! Jane of Cairnarget. You fought the Kirk Session of Glass; you fought the Presbytery of Strathbogie; you fought the Synod of Moray; and, though the odds were against you, you have vanquished them all in the Free Assembly. The ecclesiastical heroine is a person in the humbler ranks of life – of about 40 years of age – and modest and respectable in her appearance. At the bar of the Assembly she appeared considerably agitated.
Elgin Courier 2 September 1853
MERANCHOLY ACCIDENT –
On the 20th ult. A melancholy accident occurred at the farm of Parkhill, parish of Glass, in the county of Aberdeen, occupied by Mr George Gall. A young woman named Margaret McRobb, went out to clean milk pails in the dam and shortly afterwards being missed, search was made and her dead body found in the water, the depth about 7 feet. One of the pails was floating in the dam, whence it is inferred that the poor girl had slipped her footing and fallen in after the head. About half an hour elapsed before the body was recovered, when all exertions to restore animation proved unavailing. Deceased was about 16 years of age and was the daughter of a crofter residing in the parish of Grange, Banffshire.
Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser 30 September 1853
James Gauld, junior, Nether Demeath, George Shearer, shoemaker, Haugh and Alexander McBey, farm servant, Backside of Beldornie, all in the parish of Glass, were, after a lengthened proof, found guilty of a trespass, on the 26th July last, on the Muirs of Tomnaven and Hillocks, in the parish of Cabrach, the property of the Duke of Richmond, in pursuit of game, having their faces blackened and were fined, Gauld in £1 of penalty and £2 of expenses, Shearer in 10s of penalty and 20s of expenses, and McBey in 5s of penalty and 10s of expenses. The same parties were also found guilty of having, at said time and place, killed 5 brace of muir fowl and were fined, Gauld and Shearer in the sum of 10s sterling or six days’ imprisonment and McBey in the sum of 5s or three days’ imprisonment, for each of said birds, being £5 against Gauld and Shearer and £2.10s. against McBey or two months’ imprisonment against the first two and one month against McBey, against whom a less punishment was awarded, of consent of the prosecutor, than against the others, in respect of its being his first offence. The three last-named parties, Gauld, Shearer and McBey, thus incurred the penalties of the act against trespassing, and also that against killing game out of season. Mr Falconer, solicitor, appeared for these parties and the Ogilvies and Mr Simpson for the whole of the prosecutors
Elgin Courant & Morayshire Advertiser 3 March 1854
ACCIDENT TO A CARRIER
The other day, as Mr Bremner, the Glass carrier, was on his way from Huntly, his cart got upset at the Bridge of Cairnborrow, the carrier, with horse and cart, being pitched over the declivity. The cart partly fell upon Mr Bremner, and he was very much injured. He was immediately conveyed to the farm of Cairnborrow, where every attention was paid him by Mr and Mrs Edwards. He has since recovered.
Elgin Courier 9 June 1854
ASSAULT –
Peter Mantach, an old offender and well known to the police of Banffshire, was apprehended in the parish of Mortlach and taken before Sheriff Watson at Aberdeen on Wednesday for assault on a servant of Mr Findlater , Balvenie at or near the Market Hill of Glass in Aberdeenshire, when he pled guilty and was find in the sum of 10s or thirty days’ imprisonment in the prison of Aberdeen.
Glasgow Herald 9 June 1858
A DOMESTICALLY-DISPOSED MUIRCOCK
One evening lately, while the people at Bogforth, Glass were sitting sound the fire about ten o’clock, down the chimney, all of a sudden, came a fine muircock. Such an odd incursion by one of the wildest of the feathered tribes excited great surprise, which was still increased when the animal seated itself quite composedly on the hearth, and, without showing the least alarm, allowed itself in all quietness to be handled and sympathised with, After getting some refreshment, and a night’s lodgings, the poor bird returned in the morning to his companions on the moors.
Elgin Courier 20 January 1860
TO CARPENTERS AND BUILDERS
Offers are Wanted for the Building of a Shooting Box in the Parish of Glass. Plans and Specifications life in the Office of the Factor oat Fife-Keith for Inspection. Mr John McPherson, Wright, Dufftown, will meet with intending Offerers to point out the site (Which is near the Glebe) at 10am on the 1st prox. (Wednesday) and Tenders will be received by the Factor the following day, at 12 o’clock.
Elgin Courier 7 March 1862
ASSAULT ON AND DEFORCEMENT OF AN OFFICER
We (Banffshire Journal) mentioned in our last that the police were on the track of Charles Lobban, Creylots, Grange. We learn since, that on Sunday morning, the 23 ult. A police constable from Keith, accompanied by Constable Findlay, Glass, arrived at Haugh of Asswanlie, of which farm Lobbans father is tenant, and where Charles had taken up his residence some short time before. Seeing the constables coming, he attempted to hide himself in the top of the house in a temporary garret composed of loose boards, with no stir up; but after a search he was found out and came down when a desperate scuffle ensued,. Charles’s father, a man of 72 years, fought most valiantly, inflicting several severe bruises on both police, especially on Findlay. During the struggle, the son effected his escape, just as they were about to place the handcuffs on him. The old man was taken up for the assault and is now in jail. The son has since been apprehended.
Dundee Advertiser 28 March 1862
POETICAL ADDRESS
A monster letter passed through the post-offices of Huntly and Glass, the other day, on its way to the Cabrach, with the following address:-
The Cabrach is the parish and Milton is the toon,
And Robie Robson is the man, a handsome clever loon.
Now Charlie, man, tak’ care o’ me, and ye shall never want,
Hae me up to the Haugh o’ Glass, gie me to Peter Grant.
An’ Peter, man, ye ken yersel’, that I gae by Dummeth,
Sae never lose a grip o’ me, till ye gang past Forteith,
And leave nae me at Drywells, Boghead, nor yet the Mains,
But gie me unto Bob himsel’, or ane o’ Milton’s weans.
Elgin Courier 8 August 1862
THEFT
John Lamb, labourer, was apprehended by Constable Donald Findlay, on Friday last, on several charges of theft from bleaching greens in the parish of Glass. Lamb was conveyed to Banff on Saturday and lodged in prison. He is a native of Daviot, Aberdeenshire and has been several times convicted for theft, two of the convictions being before the Circuit Court in Aberdeen.
Elgin Courier 15 August 1862
SAGACITY OF A SHEPHERD DOG
Mr Horn, farmer, Bodylair, parish of Glass, about ten days ago, had a boy attending along with his dog, a flock of sheep upon the hill pasture of the farm. About mid-day while the boy was counting the sheep, he had occasion to observe that one of the lambs was missing. After a fruitless search during the afternoon by the boy, along with several of Mr Horn’s family, the lamb could not be found. They gave up the search as hopeless, as they imagined that a fox or some ravenous animal had carried it off. Next day, while the boy was loitering a considerable distance behind the flock, his dog came up to him, springing upon him, howling and barking and fawning, running backwards for a short distance towards the flock, then returning to the boy again, repeating his former gambol. The boy looked upon the dog with surprise at his unusual conduct and at last became suspicious that he was mad and ordered him to be gone. The dog with some reluctance left the boy, bending his course homewards to the farm. He came up to one of Mr Horn’s servant lads, who was in the act of tethering his horses in the field. The dog immediately commenced with the lad as he did with the shepherd boy, fawning, barking and using every means to induce the lad to follow him. The lad not comprehending the dog’s wild-like freaks, ordered the dog to desist; but colly was not thus longer to be put aside. Taking hold of the lad’s clothes in his mouth, he led him onward for a distance of about a quarter of a mile. Bounding to a covered drain that runs below a road, the dog stopped and immediately commenced scraping and digging with his feet upon the top of the drain. The lad, upon looking into the end of the sewer, observed the missing lamb in the centre of the drain, closely jammed between two stones, where it had fix itself the day before in its endeavours to pass through the opening. The lad had to return to the farm for assistance and implements to remove the covers from the drain before the lamb could be extracted; but the faithful dog remained firm, like a tru veteran, to his charge of watchfulness, until the party returned and relieved him from his anxious cares.
Elgin Courier 5 September 1862
CABRACH
MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN JAMES WILLIAM GRANT, ESQ., OF BELDORNEY
The tenantry on the Beldorney estate being determined to show respect for, and do honour to their worthy proprietor on the happy occasion of his marriage with miss Isabella Jane Carny, youngest daughter of the late Provost Carey, Macduff, they accordingly resolved to hold a public dinner, which took place at the farm of Belcherie, Cabrach (which is occupied by Mr Charles Simpson), on the 28th ult., the day on which the marriage was celebrated at Cobairdy, the residence of Robert Simpson, Esq., brother-in-law of the bride. The hour of assembling was 4 o’clock pm by which time the whole of the tenantry, with several of their friends and neighbours, and a few strangers from a distance met, and sat down to a most excellent dinner prepared by Mr Gordon, innkeeper, Glass. Mr Charles Simpson, Belcherie, occupied the chair and the Rev. Dr Duguid, Glass and Mr Alex. Smart, Mains of Beldorney, acted as croupiers. Grace was said and thanks returned by the Rev. Dr Duguid. Dinner over, the chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, after which he rose, and in a neat and complimentary speech gave the toast of the evening, Mr and Mrs Grant of Beldorney, which was drunk with great enthusiasm. A great number of local and other toasts having been given and responded to, the company dispersed to their several homes, having spent a delightful evening. The valley of the Deveron was also lighted up with two bon-fires, one on Craigdorney and the other on the Galahill.
Elgin Courier 29 May 1863
DESTRUCTION OF A DOG
For some time back a number of sheep In the parishes of Gartly, Glass, Cabrach and Rhynie, had been destroyed by dogs; and though the shepherds and others succeeded in killing many of the depredators, a certain bitch, which was unanimously considered the lead of them, up till a week or two ago escaped pursuit. She was, however, caught with a number of pups in a hole at last and had summary justice executed on her and her offspring for her many offences.
Elgin Courier 7 August 1863
FATAL ACCIDENT
On Thursday last, Mr Walter Peterkin, servant to Mr Craigen, Backtack, Glass, was returning from the moss with two horses, a boy being in charge of one of them. When below the farm of Balnaboth, the one which Peterkin had the charge started and Peterkin, in attempting to hold him, was thrown down, and the cart passed over his body. He was taken home and the doctor was sent for, but he only survived till five next morning. Deceased was a very quiet steady man.
Elgin Courier 23 June 1865
In the month of May 1864, a stout widow lady, in the prime of life, was seized with a stroke of Paralysis, which deprived her of the use of both legs and rendered her unable to walk, or even to stand: both arms were also affected, although not quite so bad as the legs. Her general health, however, was quite good. In this helpless state she was brought into Banff, a distance of about thirty miles from her home, in the month of July last year, in order to get Galvanism applied by Dr Harthill of Glasgow. The Galvanism was administered regularly every day for about an hour at a time and persevered with for fully a fortnight. Its good effects gradually began to appear after three or four days and by the end of the period stated, the patient was able to stand and also to walk with very little assistance. After going home (in consequence of Dr Harthill’s leaving Banff) she still continued to get better and in a very short time recovered the complete use of her limbs. It is but right to state that the Galvanism was applied from no less than six pairs and occasionally from twelve pairs, of Silver and Zinc plates, without any shock or pain being given. A most gratifying feature of the case is the permanence of the cure. A letter from the patient, dated May 22 1865, states that Galvanism has proved not only a complete, but a permanent cure and that she desires the case to be made known for the good of others. The address is Mrs Taylor, Farmer, Backside, Glass, near Huntly.
Dundee Courier 7 June 1866
THE OLD GORDONS
A correspondent who loves to be particular, with reference to a paragraph in our last number, informs us that the Gordons of Wardhouse are not the “Old Gordons of Beldorney”. Alexander Gordon of Tirriesoule, having bought up the debts on Beldorney, got the estate adjudicated to himself after the death of the fifth laird. The sixth of the family then went to America, and the place knew the “Old Gordons” no more. Alexander Gordon’s son, James, married a daughter of Wardhouse, in whose right, failing nearer heirs, her grandson Charles succeeded to the last-named estate, and he not long afterwards sold Beldorney to Buchan of Auchmacoy, who sold it to Sir William Grant. Gordon of Wardhouse is supposed to be the representative of the Old Gordons of Cluny, descendants of Alexander Gordon of Strathawin, the third son of the third Earl of Huntly, who exchanged that estate for Cluny, which remained in the family for about two hundred years, when it was sold by adjudication, and bought by John Gordon, merchant in Fochabers, commonly called the Curator, whose great-great-grandson is now proprietor of it.
Elgin Courier 7 June 1867
GLASS
The tenantry here celebrated the event by a dinner and ball. At the dinner upwards of 80 gentlemen were present. Rev. Dr Duguid occupied the chair and the croupiers were – Rev Mr McDonald, Free Church; Mr Stephen, schoolmaster: and Mr Wanse, Belnaboth. After a sumptuous dinner, the loyal and patriotic toasts were given from the chair and warmly responded to, after which the Chairman, in felicitous terms, gave the toast of the evening, “Health and happiness to Mr Hope and Lady Ida Hope”. The Chairman next gave “The health of the Earl of Fife, the Lord of the Manor.” Amongst the other toasts during the evening were “The Countess of Fife” by the Rev, Mr McDonald; “Lord Macduff” by Mr Stephen, schoolmaster: “The Marquis and Marchioness of Townshend” by Mr Wanes: “The Ladies Alexina and Agnes Duff” by Mr Gray, Waterside: “The Honourable George Skene Duff” by Mr Gauld, Edinglassie: “Lady Catherine Ricardo” by Mr Bremner, Westerpark: “Sir Richard Brooke” by Mr Gall, jun., Edinglassie; “W.J. Taylor, Esq. of Glenbarry” by Mr Archibald, Suckoch; “The District Factor” by Mr Mitchell; “The Members of Parliament for Aberdeen and Banff” by Mr Bennet, Parkhall; “The Agricultural Interest” by the Chairman; and responded to by Mr Gauld, Edinglassie; “The Clergy” by Mr Gartly, Auchinhinack; “The Neighbouring Proprietors” by Mr Duff, Parkhaugh etc etc
In the evening a grand ball was held, at which a large number of the youth of the district assembled and danced with great spirit till an early hour in the morning. Among those present were – Ladies – Mrs and Miss Gauld, Edinglassie; Miss Smith, Asswanley: Misses Gordon, Markethill: Miss Craig, Lettoch; Miss Duff, Parkhaugh; Miss Archibald, Dumeath; Misses Thompson, Playland; Mrs and Miss Robertson, Haugh; Miss Bowie, Markethill; Miss Grant Haugh; Misses Innes, Old Manse Inn; Mrs Wilson, do; Miss Lamb, Broadbog etc etc
Gentlemen – Messrs Gauld, Edinglassie; Bremner, Westerparks; Smith, Glenmarkie; Archibald, Suckoch; Grey, Waterside; Gordon, Pyke, Cabrach; Archibald, Dumeath; Bonnyman, Blackbog; Robertson, Tomnaven; Duncan, Lynebog; Thompson, Playland; Robertson, cattle dealer; A. and J. Smith, Asswanley; Bennet, Parkhall; Duff, Parkhaugh; Craig, Lettoch; Robertson, Boghead; Wm Cran, jun. Lesmurdie etc etc
During the day flags were displayed from many prominent places in the district and the rejoicings altogether were marked by great enthusiasm.
Dundee Courier 11 December 1871
THEFT OF A GUN
Before Sheriff Comrie Thomson on Friday, John Stewart, labourer, Loanhead, parish of Glass, pleaded guilty to the theft of a gun, a powder flask, and a leather shot bag, which he had got on loan from a labourer residing in Huntly, on a day unknown between the 1stOctober and 15th November. He was sent thirty days to prison.
Aberdeen Evening Express 27 October 1879
FARMER DROWNED NEAR HUNTLY
Robert Stronach, Little Gouls, Glass, was found drowned in the mill dam there between five and six o’clock on Saturday morning. Deceased was the youngest son of the late George Stronach, Townhead, Glass. He was 53 years of age and unmarried.
Aberdeen Evening Express 5 August 1881
A QUARRELSOME SHEPHERD
William Simpson, sheep dealer or shepherd, residing at Howe Mill, Glass, pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace near Market Hill, Glass on 26th July. Six previous convictions were recorded against accused, who was sentenced to pay a fine of £2, the alternative being fourteen days’ imprisonment. He was further bound over to find security for his good behaviour for the next six months, failing which he would have to suffer an additional week’s imprisonment.
Aberdeen People’s Journal 11 October 1884
GLASS ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF GAME.
James Morrison, crofter, Chapel Hill, Glass was convicted before Sheriff Wilson at Aberdeen on Thursday – of having been found at Huntly with twenty grouse and ten partridges in his cart, which, there was reason to suppose, had been unlawfully obtained. He was fined £3 with the option of three weeks imprisonment. Accused is a carrier and the Sherriff said it was people like him who encouraged poaching by carrying game which had been illegally obtained.
Aberdeen Evening Express 8 September 1884
SAD CASE OF SUICIDE
A sad affair occurred at Chapelhill, Glass, on Friday. Alexander Robson (40) mason and crofter, Timberford, committed suicide in the loft above his byre. He had placed the muzzle of a loaded single-barrelled gun close to his face, a little below his right eye and discharged the piece, when the whole of the small shot, with which the gun was loaded, TOOK EFFECT, BLOWING OFF PART OF THE SKULL AND SCATTERING THE BRAIN A DISTANCE OF FIVE YARDS. Robson had been in a desponding state for about six weeks, but no one had the slightest idea of such a melancholy termination. He leaves a widow and five children, the youngest being born on the morning of the day of the sad event.
Falkirk Herald 4 May 1887
MAN BURNED TO DEATH AT HUNTLY
Late on Friday night the dwelling house on the farm of Backtack, Glass occupied by Mr John Craigen, was burned to the ground, and John Craigen, uncle to the farmer, was consumed in the flames, being actually burned to a cinder. The house, which was but recently erected, consisted of two storeys, and it appears the unfortunate man had gone to rest for the night in the upper storey where the fire originated. His cries were heard by the other members of the family, who had gone to rest on the ground floor, but before his bedroom was reached the flames had such a strong hold on the upper storey of the building that all efforts to rescue the doomed man proved futile. Deceased was 81 years of age and was much esteemed in the district.
Aberdeen Evening Express 1 June 1887
THE GLASS BREACH OF PROMISE CASE
JUDGMENT FOR PURSUER
In the action which was raised in Aberdeen Sheriff Court by Maggie Cameron, Bogforth, Glass against Alexander Dawson, farmer, Glenshee, Glass for £200 in name of damages for breach of promise of marriage, Sheriff Brown, it will be remembered, assoilized the defender with expenses. This judgment was appealed from to Sheriff Smith, who has now issued an interlocutor in which he “recalls the interlocutor, finds it proved that the defender seduced the pursuer, and promised and engaged to marry her, and wrongfully failed to implement his said promise: Therefore, finds him liable in damages, and assesses them at the sun of £20 with expenses.” In a note his Lordship says:- “The pursuer was seduced by the defender when in his service in the spring of 1880. She left at Whitsunday, but a correspondence followed in language of the warmest endearment. The intercourse continued, and the result was the birth of a child on 17th February 1881, and another on 3rd February, 1883, for both of which the defender is paying aliment. The defender pleads that he used no artifice or false promise, for in making his advances the pursuer met him more than half way. But at the time she was living under his roof, and entitled to his protection, and when a master takes advantage of his position to rob his maid servant of her purity, willing or unwilling, this is seduction. The defender writes in one instance in a strain of such incredible and unredeemed coarseness as to lead strongly to the belief that he was the chief offender from the first; but in whatever way the relationship began, it is evident that it soon ripened into a close attachment, which in the view of both of them, certainly in the view of the pursuer and her mother, was to end in marriage. At the birth of the second child the defender appears to have become suspicious that the pursuer was not faithful to him, and although the intimacy continued, his visits became fewer, and save when he was much the worse of drink, they rarely took an amatory form. But the defender, in my opinion, has not been able to prove that there was any substantial foundation for his suspicions, and the subsequent coolness which arose was legally insufficient either to amount to a release from his engagement, or a discharge of the claim of damages to which the pursuer had become entitled. In the circumstances, it is not a case of heavy damages, but the pursuer appears to me to be fairly entitled to some compensation.
Pursuer’s agent – Mr A.J. Brander, solicitor; defender’s agent – Mr J.M.I. Scott, solicitor
Aberdeen Evening Express 25 January 1889
THEFT BY A DOMESTIC SERVANT
Mary Gordon, domestic servant, Old Town, Newmill, Keith, was charged – before Sheriff Wilson at Aberdeen today – with having, on 24th November, stolen a jacket from the dwelling house of Backtack, Glass, occupied by John Craigen, farmer. Accused – a young girl – pleaded guilty. The Sheriff in passing sentence of ten days’ imprisonment, mentioned that accused had been previously convicted.
Aberdeen Evening Express
ROBBERY AT MANSE OF GLASS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP
John Gordon (18) and Alexander Gordon (14), farm servants from Huntly, were charged at a First Diet Sheriff and Jury Court at Aberdeen today – Sheriff Brown on the bench – with having on 30th June, in the men’s sleeping apartment on the farm of Manse of Glass, occupied by Rev. D.M. Ross, forced open a lockfast trunk and stolen a bag containing £4.4s.6d. Both lads pleaded guilty and a previous conviction for theft was recorded against John Gordon. Mr J.B. Barclay, advocate, in speaking on their behalf, said that persons in the relationship of accused should, in the commission of crime, act in concert was not a very common occurrence. That close relationship was usually the medium of better results. This offence was committed upon a Sunday, when all the inmates of the manse were at church, and when the accused had an opportunity of rambling over the place and in an evil moment THEY GAVE WAY TO TEMPTATION.
He pleaded for both lads that a light sentence might be passed upon them, in order that their young lives might not be contaminated by a long stay in prison. The Sheriff said it was always an aggravation of theft when lockfast premises were opened, and he could not do less than send John Gordon four months to prison and Alexander one month.
Peterhead Sentinel & General Advertiser for Buchan District 9 September 1890
THE BOUNDARIES OF ABERDEENSHIRE AND BENFFSHIRE
The Boundary Commission under the Local Government Act have issued a draft order annexing the detached portion of Banffshire in Newmachar to Aberdeenshire, placing the whole of the parish of Glass in Aberdeenshire and the whole of the parish of Cabrach in Banffshire and detaching the Banffshire portion of the parish of Cairnie from that parish and annexing it to the parish of Keith.
Peterhead Sentinel etc. 20 January 1893
FRASERBURGH – Death of Mr Alexander Macdonald
Much regret has been caused in Fraserburgh by the death of Mr Alex. Macdonald, sen. Of the firm of Alex. Macdonald & Son, grocers, Cross Street. Mr Macdonald belonged to the parish of Glass but came to Fraserburgh many years ago. He carried on a very successful business and was much liked by all with whom he came in contact. He retired from the firm, which is now carried on by his sons, several years ago. Mr Macdonald had been in delicate health for some time back, but he was able to be out a week ago. He suffered from lung disease and his end came very suddenly.
Dundee Evening Telegraph 30 May 1901
IGNORANCE AND SIMPLICITY
ENDS IN THE COURT OF SESSION
Lord Low gave judgment in an action raised in the Court of Session by Mary Smith, 5 Castle Street, Huntly, against Robert Dow, crofter, Timberford, Glass. Pursuer sought reduction of a receipt for £51, which she said defender had altered from £3. Lord Low granted reduction, with expenses, holding that the defender took advantage of the pursuer’s ignorance and simplicity and obtained her signature to an incomplete receipt, which he afterwards filled up.
Peterhead Sentinel etc. 10 August 1901
SCOTTISH NOTES AND QUERIES
For August has as its premier article an account of the Bannermans of Elrick, Watertown and Ralmacassy (Ellon), the biographical notes coming down from “Donald Banyrman, the beloved physician of David II” to Alexander Bannerman, who succeeded to the estates “before 1609. The article on “The Scotch and English in East Prussia” is continued, as are also the notes on “Notable Men and Women of Berwickshire” and the “Bibliography of Edinburgh Periodical Literature”. There are interesting notes on a Spanish coin recently picked up by a farmer’s wife at Ythan Wells, the discovery of antiquarian relics in the parish of GLASS, the Innes family and the Pitts, and the meaning of the word “Presbytery”.
Peterhead Sentinel etc. 14 December 1901
PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
A meeting of Peterhead Parish School Board was held on Monday – Mr Wm. Taylor, chairman, presiding. Miss Strachan, assistant, Tortorston School, wrote resigning her appointment, having been appointed under the Burgh Board. Several applications for the vacancy were submitted, and it was agreed to appoint Miss Jemima Niven, Public School, Glass, Huntly
Peterhead Sentinel etc. 27 September 1902
Miss Betsy Taylor, ex-pupil teacher, has been appointed by the Glass School Board to teach in the Central School there.
Dundee Evening Post 14 November 1903
FARM SERVANT’S ESCAPADES IN ABERDEENSHIRE
OUTRAGEOUS CONDUCT
In the Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, John Massie, farm servant, Bogforth, Cairney, was sent to prison for sixty days for having forced open the widow of the females’ sleeping apartment at the Mains of Artloch, Huntly, to the terror and alarm of two female servants, who in an undressed condition, rushed out of the bedroom for protection, and also with having in the darkness of the night, broken panes of glass in the window with stones.
Massie was further charged, along with James Barron, farm servant, Boyndie, and Forbes Tough, farm servant, Mains of Edinglassie, with having in the Old Manse Inn at Glass, stolen three flour vases and a whisky cruet containing about four gills of liquor. Barron and Tough were each sent to prison for thirty days.
Edinburgh Evening News 30 April 1915
SCOTTISH LAIRD KILLED IN FLANDERS
Captain John Geddes, the Laird of Blairmore Estate, Glass, Aberdeenshire, has been killed in Flanders. He was attached to the 16thInfantry (Canadians). Captain Geddes, who was associated with a grain company in Winnipeg where he had been resident for some years, was the son of the late Mr Alexander Geddes of Blairmore and a nephew of the late Principal Sir William Geddes of Aberdeen University. Apparently Captain Geddes had fallen in the famous charge of the Canadians, when as Sir John French said, they suffered heavily, but saved the situation.
DUNDEE EVENING TELEGRAPH
24 June 1915
MR ALISTAIR GEDDES OF BLAIRMORE
Lieutenant Alastair Geddes, Royal Scots Fusiliers, and younger son of the late Mr Alexander Geddes and of Mrs Geddes of Blairmore, Glass, Aberdeenshire, has been killed at the front. He was at first reported as missing, but later information indicated that he has been killed in a more recent engagement. He was 23 years of age. His older brother, Captain John Geddes, was killed in France a few weeks ago. Both brothers had spent the greater part of their lives in Winnipeg. They were nephews of the late Sir William Geddes, of Aberdeen University.
ABERDEEN EVENING EXPRESS 7 April 1916
APPEAL TRIBUNAL
INVERMARKIE DISMISSAL
An appeal was down in the name of Thomas Gauld, land steward and manager on the farm of Invermarkie, Glass, against the refusal of his claim in respect of William Jamieson, ploughman, Invermarkie. The military representative had not assented to the claim, on the ground that the work on the farm might be reorganised, thus releasing the man for military service. The farm was staffed in excess of the average in the district. In these views the local Tribunal concurred.
There was no appearance on behalf of appellant of the man, and the appeal was dismissed.
Dundee Courier 26 July 1916
STIFF TRADE AT ABERDEENSHIRE HORSE MARKET
The annual horse market was held yesterday at Glass, Aberdeenshire. At midday a short thunder-storm broke over the district, accompanied by torrential rains, which dispersed the market early.
Close on 150 horses were stanced – much under the former average. Business was exceedingly stiff, most of the horses being immature animals. The sprinkling of fully-developed draught horses realised £70 to £80: three-year-olds, £55 to £77: two year-olds, £35 to £50 – extreme to £60: yearlings, £24 to £40.
BIRMINGHAM DAILY POST 25 September 1916
LIEUT. G. MACPHERSON DIED OF WOUNDS.
Lieutenant George Macpherson of the Machine-fun Corps, who died on 15th inst of wounds received in action earlier in this day, was the only son of Mr and Mrs George Macpherson of the Lloyd House, Wolverhampton and Edinglassie Lodge. Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Lieut. Macpherson was educated at Lockers Park and at Winchester, where he was in the Officers’ Training Corps. Leaving Winchester in July 1915, he obtained a commission in the Buffs in September and in April 1916 was transferred to the Machine-gun Corps. He was given his second star in July and went to the front at the end of last month.
Dundee Evening Telegraph 24 July 1933
SHEPHERD’S DEATH IN FIELD
Dog Attracts Attention
Cycling on the main road on the estate of Beldorney, Glass, Huntly, Mr George Gray, mason, 76 Gordon Street, Huntly, saw two sheep dogs moving restlessly about in a field and concluded that there was something amiss.
On searching he came upon the body of Walter Hall McWilliam (23), shepherd on the estate, lying face downwards on the ground.
The body at the time was quite warm. Mr Gray immediately communicated with the farm. The Huntly police were informed and the body was removed to Huntly Cottage Hospital, where examination revealed that death was due to heart failure.
Dundee Courier 28 March 1935
A NOVEL TRACTOR
A Novel Tractor has been constructed by an upland Aberdeenshire, farmer, Mr Dick Gauld of Parkhaugh, Glass. It is of the caterpillar type and has been built entirely from scrap. It is yoked to an ordinary plough, with reins attached to levers.
The family are well known for inventions and patents and Mr Gauld has experimented with several tractors built by himself from scrap. He intends to build another of similar construction but lighter in weight. In the course of recent tests it has given great satisfaction.
From “As We See It” Column of Sunday Post 16 October 1949
“WHEREOF WE ARE GLAD”
In the rural parish of Glass, Aberdeenshire, stands a memorial to 30 men who fell in the 1914-18 War. On its base these words have now been inscribed –
“Also of the 55 men and women who offered their lives in the Second Great War and who returned safely. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad”
Perfect in its simplicity