David Masterton (1843-1883)
Quarryman
David Masterton was a quarryman in Aberdour, Fife, Scotland and it is likely that he is the David Masterton identified in this case of assault on a policeman. His father, also David and also a quarryman is another candidate although by 1871 he was 62 years old. One would expect the culprit to be a hot-headed young man rather than the more mature individual. Yet, anything is possible!
Genealogy
David Masterton was the eldest son of David Masterton, labourer and quarryman, and Margaret Lochtie which places him as part of one of the groups of Mastertons originating in Culross. A fuller genealogy of David Masterton can be found at this link
Fife Herald
MALTREATING A POLICEMAN. - On Saturday night last, Peter Gray, the police constable stationed at Aberdour, was so annoyed by two men making a melee in front of his dwelling house, that he went out to see what was the matter. He had little more than got outside when one of them struck him, while the other attempted to throw him over a paling, but Gray clung to him, and they went over the paling in company. On getting up, a stand-up fight took place. Two against one was, however, rather easy[?], and the policeman was rather severely handled, so much so, that he will be unable to be on duty for some time. The two quarrymen did not altogether escape nonetheless, but got several hard knocks. They were apprehended, and brought to Dunfermline on Sabbath. Their names are William Kellock and David Masterton.
Fife Herald
24th August 1871
MALTREATING A POLICEMAN.
Wm Kellock and David Masterton two quarrymen, were charged with having on the 19th ult., assaulted Peter Gray, police constable. They pled not guilty. On evidence, the charge was found proven and the panels were fined 30s, or thirty days imprisonment.
Fife Herald
31st August 1871