James Masterton (1810-1900)
Blacksmith, Calder Ironworks
James Masterton, blacksmith, was born in Biggar, Lanark, Scotland, and was a blacksmith in the Carron Ironworks, Coatbridge, Scotland. He appears in official capacity in a number of contemporary newspaper reports, including his election as treasurer of a Total Abstinence Society. Perhaps that accounts for his remarkable longevity for the time!
Genealogy
James Masterton was the fourth child and second son of William Masterton and Rachel Hamilton. He therefore belongs to the large group of Mastertons that flourished in the Biggar area, of the same family group as the novelist John Buchan's mother Helen. He married Janet (Jessie) Vallance in 1837 and they had at least five children. Fuller details of his extended family can be found at this link.
Glasgow Herald
CALDER IRON WORKS.
Upwards of fifty gentlemen sat down to supper in Mrs. Crookstead's Inn, Brewsterford, to celebrate the centenary of Scotland's immortal bard. Mr. Alexander Turbayne ably filled the chair - supported on the right by Mr. Jas. Millen, on the left by Mr. Alexander Mitchell. Messrs Watson and Scott officiated as croupiers, supported by Messrs. John Wallace, James Masterton, John Robertson, and John Mitchell; and after an excellent supper, which reflected great credit on the hostess, the chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honoured. Mr. Salmond afterwards sung "There was a lad was born in Kyle." The chairman then gave the toast of the evening, "The Immortal Memory of Burns," in an excellent address, concluding with an ode, composed for the occasion by one of the company, which was received with the greatest enthusiasm. The following toasts were given and duly honoured: "The Peasantry of Scotland," by Mr. James Millen; "The Poets of Scotland," by Mr. John Wilson; "The Land of Burns," by Mr. Salmond; "Prosperity to the Calder and Govan Ironworks, coupled with the health of William S. Dixon, Esq.," by Mr. Watson; "The Admirers of Burns," by Mr. John Black. Mr. John Kelly next gave some excellent comments and illustrations from Burns, in a very able manner, which called forth the most unbounded applause, on which he was presented by the chairman with a centenary medal. Mr. Alexander Mitchell next gave "The Lasses," replied to by Mr. Gavin Whitelaw. Mr. Jamieson gave "The Educators of Scotland," replied to by Mr. Andrew Baird. "The Chairman" was next given, and duly acknowledged. Some of Burns' best songs were sung by Messrs. Watson, Torrance, Mitchell, Maxwell, Buchanan, Wallace, and Muir. The evening was spent in a remarkably happy and agreeable manner, and before separating all joined together in singing the heart-stirring song of "Auld Lang-syne," after which they departed, highly gratified with the night's proceedings.
Glasgow Herald
31st January, 1859
CALDER IRON WORKS - TOTAL ABSTINENCE. - On Thursday evening a meeting was held in the Calder School Room - Rev. William Stirling, U.P., Coatbridge, in the chair - when addresses on the important subject of total abstinence was (sic) delivered by Mr. Buchanan, missionary, and Messrs. White and Murdoch, at the termination of which upwards of 35 individuals came forward and joined the society jsut formed. A working committee was elected - John Black, president; James Dunlop, secretary; Mr. Masterton, treasurer; and Mr. Sloan, vice-president. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.
Glasgow Herald
22nd July, 1861