Robert Knox Masterton (1829-1882)
Cotton Merchant
Robert Knox Masterton was born in Larbert, Stirling and became a highly successful cotton merchant, trading between Scotland and America and Canada. The firm of W. & A. Johnston, with whom he began his career, is listed in the 1865 Stirling Directory as drapers and outfitters at 78 King Street, Stirling.
Genealogy
Robert Knox Masterton was the last of eight children born to Alexander Masterton, blacksmith, and Helen Honeyman, who had married in 1813 in Larbert. Robert Knox Masterton belongs to the large group of Mastertons that originated in the Culross area. He was the younger brother of William, who became a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, and David, who emigrated to Australia and set up a crushing plant.
His son, Robert Knox Masterton seems to have inherited his father's wealth before he possessed the good sense to keep it! Fuller details of the extended family can be found at this link.
Stirling Observer
PRESENTATION.- On Wednesday evening, the 11th inst., the young men in the employment of Messrs W. & A. Johnston met in the Royal Hotel, when they presented Mr Robert Masterton, previous to his leaving the above firm, with the "Memoirs of R. M. McCheyne," in two vols., "Romaine's Trial and Triumph of Faith," and a chronological New Testament. The books bear the following inscription:- "Presented to Mr Robert Masterton by the young men of Messrs W. & A. Johnston, as a mark of esteem, previous to his leaving for America. - Stirling, 11th February, 1852."
Stirling Observer
19th February 1852
Liverpool Mercury
LIST OF PASSENGERS BY THE AMERICA.- Miss Ritchie, Mrs. Putnam,.......R. K. Masterton, Robert Lowe,....
Liverpool Mercury
29th June 1857
Liverpool Daily Post
Arrival of the North Briton.
The North Briton arrived in the river yesterday morning from Portland. The news was telegraphed on Tuesday from Queenstown.
List of passengers -.... .....Mr. R. K. Masterton,...
Liverpool Daily Post
19th January 1860
Arrival of the Bohemian.
List of passengers -.... .....R. K. Masterton and Mrs Kidner of Hamilton....
Liverpool Daily Post
26th January 1860
Liverpool Mercury
LIST OF PASSENGERS BY THE R.M.S. AFRICA.- Mr. Norris, Mr. W. F. Murray,.....Mr. R. K. Masterton, Mr. W. Evans,....
Liverpool Mercury
19th December 1860
Glasgow Herald
MARRIAGES
At 27 India Street, on the 3rd instant, by the Rev. Alex McEwan, Robert Knox Masterton, Esq. Hamilton, C.W., to Hannah, daughter of John McLean Esq. (No cards.)
Glasgow Herald
Wednesday 4th March 1863
The Edinburgh Gazette
THE Subscriber, ROBERT KNOX MASTERTON, of Dahinda, Hamilton, Canada West, ceased as on the 8th day of March last to be a Partner of the following Concerns, vizt. :-
I. BUCHANAN, HARRIS, & CO., Montreal
I. BUCHANAN & CO., Montreal
ISAAC BUCHANAN & CO., New York.
Glasgow, July 24, 1865.
R. K. MASTERTON.
P. D. Moffat, Apprentice to Towers-Clark, Robertson, & Ross, Writers, Glasgow, Witness.
C. D. DONALD, Junior, Apprentice to the said Towers-Clark, Robertson, & Ross, Witness.
The Edinburgh Gazette
25th July, 1865
The Glasgow Herald
BIRTHS
At 13 Elmbank Place, on the 21st instant, Mrs Masterton; a son.
Glasgow Herald
Monday 23rd October, 1865
BIRTHS
At Hampton Court Terrace, on the 14th instant, the wife of Robert Knox Masterton, Esq. a son.
Glasgow Herald
Monday 15th April, 1867
DEATHS
At Nice, on the 24inst., aged six years and nine months, Theodore Alexander, youngest son of Robert Knox Masterton, Esq., 20 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh – Friends will please accept this (the only) intimation.
Glasgow Herald
29th December, 1877
The Scotsman
DEATHS
MASTERTON.- At Reigate, on the 15th October, ROBERT K. MASTERTON, second son of the late R. K. Masterton.
The Scotsman
17th October, 1927