Death of David Barron

In a late paper, we copied a paragraph respecting the deceased David Barron, late officer of Excise in Aberlour, whose body was found in the Spey, about two miles above Fochabers. - It was therein stated, that strong suspicions existed "of his death not happening altogether accidentally".  For the satisfaction of the public, we have to mention, that very soon after Mr Barron's body was discovered, the Sheriff-substitute of the county of Elgin, accompanied by the Collector of Excise for the district, and the Procurator Fiscal, proceeded to the immediate neighbourhood of the place where the deceased lost his life, and made a most minute investigation into the causes of his death, from which it satisfactorily appeared that his death was entirely occasioned by accident.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 28th October 1818.

Accidental death in Old Deer

On Saturday the 13th current, Mr Gilbert Beedie, at Lintmill of Quartalehouse, parish of Old Deer, a man nearly 70 years of age, while crossing the Mill-lead, on a plank, unfortunately fell in, and was carried down the stream a considerable way, when he was observed by some people passing at the time, who instantly went to his assistance.  Medical means were immediately used, but we are sorry to say without effect, the vital spark being extinct.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 17th January 1816.

Fire at Kinbattoch, Towie

A most alarming and destructive fire happened lately in the parish of Towie, which burnt to the ground a fine square of Offices, consisting of the Kiln and Barn, Stables, Byres, Cart-shade, &c. belonging to Mr Meston, Farmer at Kinbattoch.  The fire was not discovered until the flames had got to such a height that all attempts to arrest their progress proved fruitless; and so rapidly did the devouring element spread, that the whole was soon consumed, the roofs of the several buildings, covered with slate, being of the best resinous Highland fir wood, tending to strengthen the conflagration. - Seven fine Cows and a Bull fell victims to the flames, and by their dreadful bellowing and noise, added to the awfulness of the scene: two of them were got out alive by a passenger, with great hazard to himself, but both died afterwards.  A variety of Farming Utensils, Cloaths, &c. were consumed; as also, a considerable quantity of Grain, part of it on the Kiln, which, being overheated, is supposed to have occasioned the accident.  Fortunately the men servants, who were accustomed to sleep in the lofts near the Kiln, were at the time engaged as Local Militiamen, otherwise the consequences might have been more tragical.  Mr Meston's loss, we regret to learn, is very great, as none of the premises were insured; but it was prevented from being still more considerable, by the accidental circumstances of his Horses, and some other Cattle, being neglected to be taken from the grass parks the night the fire happened.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 29th July, 1812.