6 March 2011

Death of John Cowie, Bellman at Crimond

On Wednesday last, died in the 108th year of his age, JOHN COWIE, Bellman at Crimond.  In his youth he fought the battles of his country by sea and land ; and was discharged as worn out in the year 1739 ; but again took up arms in the memorable year of Culloden.  As he advanced in life, a considerable variation was observed in the use of his faculties.  For some time he was under the necessity of using spectacles ; again, and particularly during the last few years of life, he could read the smallest print without them.  When he was above 70, having secured to himself the affections of a woman who had some money, he thought himself too old, or too rich for being Bellman.  Another was appointed, who kept the office 25 years, at whose death John applied to be reinstated.  He discharged the duties of this office till within ten days of his death : and in the exercise of it, he recovered the use of all his faculties, which had become much impaired during the period of his inactivity. - He had two daughters (twins) by his last wife.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 6th March, 1811.

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