John Masterton (1823-1872)
Licensed Grocer, Dundee
John Masterton, grocer in Murraygate, Dundee, was born in Falkirk to Alexander Masterton and Jean Rankin and moved from Carron to Dundee around 1862. He died suddenly in his shop at the age of 49.
Genealogy
John Masterton was the fourth of eight children born to Alexander Masterton, ironfounder, and Jean Rankin, who had married in 1815 in Larbert, Stirling. He was the elder brother of David Masterton, who also relocated to be a grocer in Dundee, and died at the even younger age of 38. John and David Masterton belong to the large group of Mastertons that originated in the Culross area. Fuller details of their extended family can be found at this link.
The Dundee Courier
SUDDEN DEATH OF MR JOHN MASTERTON, GROCER. Mr John Masterton who has for several years carried on the business of grocer in the Murraygate, died very suddenly yesterday forenoon. While standing behind the counter, and speaking to a person who had come into the shop, he became ill, and after placing his hand on his chest, cried as if in intense pain, and instantly expired. Drs Baxter and Coupar were sent for, but they could not render any aid, as life had expired. Mr Masterton had returned from a short stay in the Highlands a few days ago, and was in his usual state of health. He was greatly respected in the trade, and much sympathy is felt for his widow and family in their heavy bereavement.
Dundee Courier
31 July, 1872
The Falkirk Herald
REMARKABLY SUDDEN DEATH.- A most striking instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred on Tuesday week last within a shop in the Murraygate, Dundee. Mr John Masterton, grocer there, was at his business in the morning, apparently in excellent health and spirits, having only a few days ago returned to town after a sojourn in the country, but by afternoon he had gone the way of all the earth." Shortly before twelve o'clock he was engaged behind the counter serving some customers, when he suddenly coughed in a deep and strange manner, and almost immediately fell back and expired. Drs Baxter and Coupar were quickly called, but there [sic] services were of no avail. Heart disease is believed to have been the cause of death. Mr Masterton resided in Rustic Place, and had been a grocer in the Murraygate for the last fourteen or fifteen years, during part of which time he and his brother were in company. The deceased, who was between forty and fifty years of age, was, though of a rather quiet and retiring disposition, highly esteemed by many friends and acquaintances for his kind and obliging manner. A widow and young family have been left to mourn the sad and unexpected event. - Dundee Advertiser.
Falkirk Herald
8 August, 1872
DEATHS
MASTERTON - At Murraygate Dundee, on the 30th ult., Mr John Masterton, grocer.
Falkirk Herald
8 August, 1872
The Dundee Courier
BIRTHS
MASTERTON - At 3 Rustic Place Dundee, on the 15th inst., the wife of the late Mr John Masterton of a son.
Dundee Courier
18th January, 1873