Dougal Masterton (c1740-1800)
Writing Master
Dougal Masterton established a writing school in Edinburgh, initially in partnership with James Farmer, and then, following the death of Farmer, with his son Dewar. He was the brother of Allan Masterton, also a writing master, and a friend and collaborator of the poet Robert Burns.
Genealogy
Dougal Masterton was the brother of Allan Masterton, writing master at Edinburgh High School, and friend of Robert Burns. Dougal married Ann Lothian and they had at least four children. Dougal's elder son, Dewar Masterton, joined him in partnership as a writing master but later became an advocate.
Caledonian Mercury
THat DOUGAL MASTERTON, who was bred with, and for some time an assistant to Patrick McKellar, late Writing-master in Edinburgh, has taken the School in Niddry's wynd, possessed by Mr. McKellar, where he teaches Writing and Arithmetic, after the plan followed by him, and hopes by his method of teaching to recommend himself to those who will be pleased to employ him. Such as were Scholars to Mr. McKellar at the time of his death, will be carried forward in their proficiency, and those who chuse a private hour, will be punctually attended.
Caledonian Mercury
Edinburgh
31st October, 1764
Williamson's Directory - with anonymous annotation
1782/83 - date of annotation unknown
Image by Marion Davie
Masterton Dougall, teach. of English, opp. the Guard
Masterton Allan, writing master, Stevenlaw's Close
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 employment; 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