Alexander Masterton (1791-1860)
Blacksmith, Carron
Alexander Masterton was a blacksmith in Carron (probably the Carron Ironworks) from a line of blacksmiths originally from Culross. He was a devout Christian and this seems to have influenced his eldest son, William, who became a minister of the Free Church of Scotland. His third son David emigrated to Australia and set up business operating a crushing plant. His youngest son Robert Knox Masterton became a successful cotton merchant in Scotland and Canada.
Genealogy
Alexander Masterton was the eldest son of William Masterton, blacksmith, and Elizabeth Anderson. William Masterton was born in Tulliallan in 1766 and is one of that large group of Mastertons from the Culross area. A fuller genealogy of the extended family of Alexander Masterton can be found at this link
Aberdeen Journal
FREE CHURCH SYNOD OF STIRLING - The Synod of Stirling met on Tuesday, and was opened by a sermon preached by Rev. Mr Philip of Dunfermline. The case of the call to Mr Bonar of Larbert, from the Free South Church of Aberdeen, was taken up in the evening. The following parties appeared at the bar of the Synod, viz.- For the Presbytery of Stirling - The Rev. Mesrs Thomson, Dollar - Stevenson, Tullibody - and Adam, Alloa. For the Presbytery of Aberdeen - The Rev. Dr Brown, and the Rev. Mr Anderson of that city. For the Kirk Session - Sir W. Seton. For the Free South Church congregation - Mr Urquhart. For the Kirk Session of Larbert - Mr Alex. Masterton, elder; and Messrs Thomas Ritchie and James Gilchrist, deacons. Messrs James Walker and John Carmichael, for the congregation of Larbert. Rev. Mr Beith and Mr Bonar appeared for themselves. Mr Bonar as in the Presbytery, left the case in the Synod's hands. On the removal of parties, Mr Cupples spoke in favour of the translation, and moved that the finding of the Presbytery be reversed, and Mr Bonar translated to Aberdeen, which was seconded by Mr Doig of Torryburn. Mr Gilston moved, that the finding of the Presbytery be affirmed, and that Mr Bonar remain in his present charge. Mr Thomson of Paisley made a few remarks in favour of the translation. Mr Irving seconded the motion for sustaining the finding of the Presbytery. The motions were then put to the vote, when Mr Cupple's motion was carried by a majority of 10 to 7.
Aberdeen Journal
Wednesday, 14th October 1846
At Carron, Larbert, in his 70th year, on the 27th ult. ALEXANDER MASTERTON, smith. Naturally endowed with a mind of remarkable breadth and vigour, it appears to have been from a very early period sanctified by the grace of God, which was bestowed on him in abundant measure. Few men in his position had read so extensively and thought so deeply on some of the most important topics embraced within the range of theological science. Scripture prophecy was with him a favourite subject of study, in which he had made great progress. His acquaintance with Biblical history and antiquities, and with all that related to the topography of the land of Palestine, was very extensive and accurate. It was, however, as an elder of the church he particularly shone. For upwards of 40 years he held that important office in Larbert congregation, during the incumbency of three successive ministers; first of Dr Knox, then of Dr Bonar, with whom he left the Establishment in 1843, and next of Mr Macpherson, at present minister of the Free Church. He was indeed in all respects a noble specimen of a Scottish elder. While most devoted and exemplary in the discharge of all the duties of the office, the day of final reckoning alone will declare how numerous and abundant were his labours in visiting the sick and dying, imparting the consolations of the gospel to the bereaved, and administering maturely weighed counsel to all who needed it. Few indeed in his position have accomplished so much in this department. "Not slothful in business, he was fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He died as he had lived, rejoicing in the faith and hope of the gospel. His loss will be much felt by the Larbert Free Church congregation, and the whole community where he lived and laboured so long and so faithfully.
March, 1860
Falkirk Herald
THE LATE MR ALEXANDER MASTERTON, CARRON. - Our obituary of to-day contains intimation of the death of this truly excellent man. Naturally endowed with a mind of remarkable breadth and vigour, it appears to have been from a very early period sanctified by the grace of God. He sustained through life a consistent and elevated Christian character. Few men in his position as a working man had read as extensively and thought so deeply on some of the most important topics embraced within the range of theological science. Scripture prophecy had been with him a long and favourite subject, in which he had made great progress. His acquaintance with biblical history and antiquities, and with the topography of the land of Palestine, was very extensive and accurate. It was, however, as an elder of the Church he particularly shone. For upwards of 40 years, and during the incumbency of three successive ministers (Dr Knox, Dr Bonar, and Mr Macpherson, at present minister of the Free Church), he held that important office in the Larbert congregation, having left the Establishment in 1843. While most diligent and exemplary in the discharge of all the duties of his office, it is hardly possible to estimate the amount and value of his labours in visiting the sick and dying, imparting the consolations of the gospel to the bereaved, and administering maturely weighed counsel to all who needed it. Many an hour that was required for rest after heavy toil was devoted to these works of faith and labours of love. Few in his position and circumstances have ever accomplished so much in this department. He was a noble specimen of a Scottish elder. He will be greatly missed in the community where he lived, and in the Larbert Free Church congregation, the minister of which paid a fitting tribute to his memory from the pulpit on Sabbath last.
Falkirk Herald
15th March 1860