Charles Masterton (1799-1885)

Ploughman and poacher

Charles Masterton of Bathgate was convicted of hunting and killing game without licence, in 1825, and committed to gaol.

Genealogy

Charles Masterton was the son of William Masterton and Janet Barclay. Charles married Elizabeth Barron (or Barnes). They were the parents of Charles Masterton, suspected murderer and confirmed lunatic.

Fuller details of the extended family of Charles Masterton can be found in the following link.

Caledonian Mercury

GAME CASES, WEST LOTHIAN.- In a Court held by his Majesty's Justices of the Peace at Linlithgow, on Tuesday the 1st November current, two complaints were insisted in, at the instance of Mr Robert Jack Lang, writer in Linlithgow, Procurator Fiscal of Court, the one against Charles Masterton, residing in Bathgate, and the other against William Meek, journeyman baker, or servant to John Marshall, baker in Bathgate, for having hunted and killed game, without being possessed of the qualifications required by the act of Parliament 1621, cap. 31.; when, after proof taken in both cases, each of the defenders were found liable in the penalty of L100 Scots, imposed by the said statute, besides costs. Immediately after conviction of the party, Masterton was committed to gaol, upon a warrant by the Commissioners of Taxes, for non-payment of the mitigated penalty of L10. sterling, lately imposed upon him, for taking or killing game without the necessary certificate of licence, proceeding on complaint of his Majesty's Solicitor of Taxes for Scotland.

Caledonian Mercury
5th November 1825