William Masterton (1843-1864)

William Masterton (1843-1864)

Iron moulder and drowning victim

William Masterton was the unfortunate victim of drowning in the Forth and Clyde Canal, after a good-natured tussle went wrong, reportedly fuelled by liquor, which also led to William's subsequent fall.

Genealogy

William Masterton was the eldest son of Joseph Masterton and Margaret Henderson. This places him as part of the large group of Mastertons in and around Culross. A fuller genealogy of the extended family of William Masterton can be found at this link


The Glasgow Herald

MAN DROWNED. On Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, a labourer named William Masterton, residing at No. 3 Springfield Place, and a blacksmith named John McKillop, residing at No. 417 Garscube Road, quarrelled in Garscube Road, Springbank, and fought. The quarrel commenced in jest; but the combatants were separated before many blows were struck. Masterton, who was under the inluence of liquor, then went to the Canal bank and sat down, and shortly afterwards his mother, who had been informed of the fight, made her appearance on the Canal bank.

One of the persons present then called out, "There, the police are coming," whereupon Masterton rose and stumbled into the Canal. A young man named Henry Carr, residing at 420 Garscube Road, leaped into the water and endeavoured to rescue the drowning man. He caught hold of Masterton; but after struggling for a short time he was obliged to let go his hold, in order to save his own life. Masterton was rescued in a short time afterwards by Robert Neilson, bridge keeper, Old Basin. The poor man, who was still in life, was conveyed to his mother's house, and Dr. Miller sent for, but he expired before the doctor arrived.

The Glasgow Herald
Monday, 18th July, 1864.


The Daily Review

MAN DROWNED IN GLASGOW. - On Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, a labourer named William Masterton, residing at No. 3 Springfield Place, and a blacksmith named John McKillop, residing at No. 417 Garscube Road, quarrelled in Garscube Road, Springbank, and fought. The quarrel commenced in jest; but the combatants were separated before many blows were struck. Masterton, who was under the inluence of liquor, then went to the Canal bank and sat down, and shortly afterwards his mother, who had been informed of the fight, made her appearance on the Canal bank.

One of the persons present then called out, "There, the police are coming," whereupon Masterton rose and stumbled into the Canal. A young man named Henry Carr, residing at 420 Garscube Road, leaped into the water and endeavoured to rescue the drowning man. He caught hold of Masterton, but after struggling for a short time he was obliged to let go his hold, in order to save his own life. Masterton was rescued in a short time afterwards by Robert Neilson, bridge keeper, Old Basin. The poor man, who was still in life, was conveyed to his mother's house, and Dr. Miller sent for, but he expired before the doctor arrived.

The Daily Review
Tuesday, 19th July, 1864.