Robert Masterton (1862-1940)

Farm servant

Robert Masterton, a farm servant from Torryburn, had a narrow escape from a charge of culpable homicide as a youth when his horse knocked over a labourer who died a month later. He was released, the case being found to be "not proven".

Genealogy

Robert Masterton was the fifth child and second son of John Masterton, merchant seaman, and Janet Westwood, which places him as part of one of the groups of Mastertons in Culross. A fuller genealogy of Robert Masterton can be found at this link

Glasgow Herald

10 November 1880

DUNFERMLINE. - Alleged Culpable Homicide. - Robert Masterton, a farm-servant at Templehall, and residing at Puddledub, near Aberdour, was at the same Court charged with culpable homicide. The indictment set forth that accused, while riding a horse on 2d September last - harnessed only with a stall collar, and with no bit or other appliance whereby he could properly control the horse - in a fast and furious manner, he came in contact with Donald McLeod, a labourer, knocking him to the ground, whereby he sustained several wounds about the head. About a month after the accident McLeod died, and it was alleged that his death was the result of the injuries received. The jury found the charge not proven, and prisoner was accordingly dismissed from the bar.The witnesses in this case were extremely diffident, one lad having to be threatened with jail on one occasion.

Glasgow Herald
Glasgow
10 November, 1880