Dewar Masterton (1767-1797)
Advocate
Dewar Masterton as a young man assisted his father Dougal in an Edinburgh writing school. He later became an advocate. He married Helen Gibson, daughter of a wealthy family, the Gibsons of Pencaitland, in 1787. This may have been all the information available on the nature of this couple's relationship, had it not been for the chance find by researcher Marion Davie, of a hand-written note in an old directory in Edinburgh's Central Library. Finds like this are a genealogist's gift from above! Marion sent this to me and it certainly spices up the story of Dewar and Helen. Whether we can rely on the anonymous author, who can say, (not helped by the confusion of Dewar with his uncle Allan), but that never stopped us enjoying the waspish stuff of scandal and hearsay. Suggestions on a postcard please of ways in which you think Helen Gibson could have tormented her husband to death!
Marion reports that she showed it to a librarian on the day who said that this note may have been written by a 'notorious' previous Edinburgh librarian (notorious for writing on the books, but a meticulous researcher) Charles B Boog Watson, FRSE, FSA (Scotland), one of Edinburgh's most noted historians and antiquaries. If anyone has another example of his handwriting, this could be validated.
Genealogy
Dewar Masterton's parents were Dougal (Dugald) Masterton and Ann Lothian, which makes him a nephew of Allan Masterton, writing master at Edinburgh High School, and friend of Robert Burns.
Williamson's Directory - with anonymous annotation
1782/83 - date of annotation unknown
Image by Marion Davie
Annotation Transcript
Allan Masterton eloped with Miss Gibson of Pentland - he passed Advocate - but his wife tormented him to death - She married next a Lieutenant in the Navy - By neither of these persons had she children - She was more successful in her third espousals for by Mr Anderson - originally a common soldier - but who after his marriage became a Captain in the Edinburgh Militia - she had an only son who married Miss Bringloe - has issue.
Williamson's Directory
1782/83
(actual copy in Edinburgh's Central Library)
Index
Caledonian Mercury
BEG leave to inform their Friends and the Public, 'That they have taken a commodious house in the High School Yards, in which, at Whitsunday first, they will open a SCHOOL for WRITING. This is only with a view to accommodate such of their Scholars, or others, who would wish to be under their care, and may think it inconvenient to attend their School in the High Street. Their present School here will therefore, at the same time, be kept open at the different hours as formerly'
N. B. Dewar Masterton's Copy-Book for writing, being now published, may be had at the School, or from the Booksellers.
It is believed, that this book, which is the performance of a very young man, will be of considerable utility in inititiating youth, as well as improving those who have made some progress in writing; being solely calculated for that purpose, and not intended to display useless or unnecessary ornament.
Caledonian Mercury
Edinburgh
14th March, 1785
MR DUGALD MASTERTON, Writing-Master in Edinburgh, begs leave to inform his Friends and the Public, That he has taken into partnership, DEWAR MASTERTON, his son, in the place of Mr James Farmer, deceased. Mr Farmer was solely taught by Mr Masterton, and his method of teaching has been approved of by those who honoured him with their emplyment; he therefore flatters himself, that his son will give the same satisfaction, having been for some time past in the practice of Teaching Writing, and that the Copy Book which he has lately published, will be a proper specimen of his knowledge in that very useful art. The book may be had at the booksellers shops, and at Messrs Mastertons School, High-Street, and High School Yards; in which latter place they, at Whitsunday last, opened commodious rooms, for the introduction of those who may find it convenient to attend there.
Caledonian Mercury
Edinburgh
30th November, 1785