Drowning tragedy at Aberdeen beach

Melancholy Accident. - On Thursday last, two fine young men, David Watson, and David Greig, cartwrights, each about 25 years of age, were unfortunately drowned while bathing in the sea here.  David Greig had come out of the water, and was in the act of dressing himself, when he observed Watson struggling for his life; and rushing in to his assistance, lost his life in the humane attempt to save his fellow-workman.  There were several people on the beach, one of whom went in, and extended his hand to the sufferer, who attempting to grasp him by the neck, he was, for his own safety, obliged to abandon him to his fate.  Another lad went in, and threw the safety rope, kept by the proprietor of the Bathing Machines, towards the spot, but without effect; both the lads had already sunk under water, and were unable to see it.  The many accidents of this nature which we have occasion to notice, prove strongly the extreme danger of bathing on our beach, at low water, where the bottom is very uneven, and shelving into numberless holes.  The body of Watson was got out soon after the accident; and the usual means applied by a medical gentleman, to restore animation; but in vain.  The body of his unfortunate companion was not found until Monday night.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 12th August 1818.

James Gerard, Banff

JAMES GERARD,

CART and PLOUGH WRIGHT in BANFF,

BEGS leave to intimate to the Public in general, and his Friends in particular, that he carries on his business on a more extended scale, and entirely on his own account, in a large Shop the property of Provost Robinson, in the Street leading from the House and Premises of Mr James Brown, Manufacturer, to the Harbour.

As J.G. has provided himself with a Stock of good Materials for the Cart and Plough Work he solicits continuance of the Public favour.

Banff, 27th August, 1812.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 9th September 1812.

Accidental death of William Deans, cartwright

On Thursday afternoon, William Deans, cartwright in the new road to Bridge of Dee, was unfortunately killed by the following melancholy accident.  While crossing the road from his own door, a little dog run out of a neighbouring house; and fastening on the leg of a horse at that time passing, the animal became restive; and the unfortunate man laying hold of his head to stop him, the horse reared and threw him down among his feet; where he kicked and plunged most furiously; and before he could be extricated from his situation, he was so lacerated and bruised, that he died in the greatest agony in little more than an hour.  By this melancholy event, a widow and two children are left to deplore the death of an affectionate husband and father, and a worthy man.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 22nd January, 1812.