Albert Masterton (1854-1891)
Guernsey Cook and Seaman, drowned at sea
Albert Masterton, seaman, was born in Vale, Guernsey. He was a cook on a number of ships, including the "Caroline Saintz", the "Surprise", the "Augia" and the "Flora". But his life ended prematurely when the Baroud Juinpobes was lost between Sunderland and Santos in November 1891. Local records in Guernsey show that Albert was caught red-handed with some contraband tobacco, for which he was imprisoned for three weeks. Court records shows that petty smuggling seems to have been common practice amongst many of Guernsey's sea-faring community.
Genealogy
Albert Masterton was the sixth, and youngest, of the children born to Captain John Masterton, master mariner, and Mary Phillips, who had married in 1845 in Bridport. John Masterton was the first Masterton in Guernsey and was the eldest son of a butcher in Montrose. John had moved to Guernsey with Mary and two children in 1849 or 1850. Albert Masterton was the younger brother of James Masterton and John Masterton and all belong to the large group of Mastertons that flourished in the Forfar and Montrose area. Fuller details of his extended family can be found at this link.
The Comet, Guernsey
SMUGGLING
Albert Masterton, Cook, on board of the Guernsey vessel “Flora”, was produced at the instance of Messrs Thomas Washington and John H Le Huray, commissioned boatmen, stationed St Sampson’s for having attempted to smuggle 8lbs of tobacco, viz 4lbs of Cavendish and 4lbs of cut tobacco. According to the evidence of the said Officers of Customs, it appeared that yesterday afternoon the Flora being on the point of leaving for her port of destination, they proceeded as usual on board to rummage the vessel. The prisoner with the other members of the crew produced their stock, the man had over ¾lb over his allowance, they allowed it to pass with a caution for him to be more careful in the future, they then went into the main hold and under the cargo (Stone) they found the tobacco now before the Court. The prisoner on seeing the tobacco, at once admitted it as his property. On the accused being asked by the Queen’s Procureur if he had any thing to state for his defence, he replied that he was very sorry, and it was his first offence.
The Procureur remarked, no doubt that this was the first time he had been detected, and contended that it was a very serious offence, inasmuch as the prisoner had sailed from here for many years, and knew perfectly well that he was doing wrong, as was shown by the manner in which it was concealed. He prayed for a fine of double the value and duty, viz £4 16s, or in default to three weeks imprisonment. The fine not being forthcoming, the accused was taken to prison.
The Comet
Guernsey
11th February, 1888
The Star, Guernsey
Albert Masterton, Cook, on board of the Guernsey vessel “Flora,” was produced at the instance of Messrs. Thomas Washington and John H. Le Huray, commissioned boatmen, stationed at St Sampson’s, for having attempted to smuggle 8lbs. of tobacco, viz., 4lbs. of cavendish and 4lbs. of cut tobacco. According to the evidence of the said Officers of Customs, it appeared that yesterday afternoon the Flora being on the point of leaving for her port of destination, they proceeded as usual on board to rummage the vessel. The prisoner with the other members of the crew produced their stock, the man had over ¾lb. over his allowance, they allowed it to pass with a caution for him to be more careful in the future, they then went into the mainhold, and under the cargo (stone) they found the tobacco now before the court. The prisoner on seeing the tobacco, at once admitted it as his property. On the accused being asked by the Queen’s Procureur if he had anything to state for his defence, he replied that he was very sorry, and it was his first offence.
The Procureur remarked, no doubt that this was the first time he had been detected, and contended that it was a very serious offence, inasmuch as the prisoner had sailed from here for many years, and knew perfectly well that he was doing wrong, as was shown by the manner in which it was concealed. He prayed for a fine of double the value and duty, viz. £4 16s, or in default to three weeks imprisonment. The fine not being forthcoming, the accused was taken to prison.
The Star
Guernsey
11th February, 1888