31/05/2026
What was making the news in Fraserburgh 150 years ago in May 1876
A Sick Seaman
On Sunday 21 May 1876 a French lugger came into the bay, and some of the crew came on shore for a doctor to a sick man. Dr. Napier went off in the boat, and had the man removed to the Hospital building on the links, at the request of the crew. Heart disease and dropsy are the complaints the poor man is suffering under. The lugger belongs to Boulogne.
Elizabeth Taylor, aged 63, died suddenly in Broadsea on Sunday 14 May 1876 evening.
The wrecked “Judith” was sold, by roup, on Saturday, to T. D. Will for £15.
Gunboat Aground
Her Majesty’s gunboat Tyrian, while entering the harbour on Monday evening 24 May 1876 about six o'clock, grounded on the Outer Bush Rocks. Fortunately, the tide was flowing at the time and the water was quite smooth, so that, after the lapse of an hour and a half, she floated off. After landing an iron tank for the Rattray Head Coastguard Station, she steamed out of the bay, seemingly nothing the worse for her mishap.
Man Overboard
The schooner Resolute of this port (Fraserburgh) has arrived at Le Moule, West Indies, all well, after a fair passage.
Capt. Stephen reports that while on the passage off Oporto, an accident of a most exciting character occurred, by which one of the seamen belonging to the vessel narrowly escaped drowning.
During a severe gale and in a heavy sea, one of the seamen, W. Fiddler (belonging to Fraserburgh), was working at the mainsail when a big wave struck the vessel, causing her to lurch so heavily that the man was pitched overboard. Capt. Stephen, who was at the helm at the time, immediately brought the vessel to, and raised the cry, “Man overboard; call all hands!” He at once threw a life buoy in the direction of the poor fellow, which fell within about fifty yards of him.
Fiddler, who is a good swimmer, was seen at this time battling bravely with the large waves for dear life, and making in the direction of the buoy which, fortunately, he had observed. A boat was, with very great difficulty, lowered under the captain's superintendence, and manned by three of the crew. When the boat left the vessel, Fiddler could not be seen, so Capt. Stephen took to the rigging and directed those who had gone to the rescue by signs.
The boat and the vessel rapidly separated from each other, and for twelve minutes—minutes which seemed hours to the anxious minds on board the vessel—the searchers could seldom be seen. The vessel was put about, and, after sailing for some time, the boat came into full view, and, to the great delight and relief of all, the man in the rigging called out, “He is saved; they are all in the boat!”
The boat at last reached the vessel, but the heavy sea running smashed it rather badly, and the work of getting the rescuers and the rescued on board was very dangerous. When all had safely reached the deck, a hearty British cheer was given by the crew, three times three. Fiddler was in the sea a half-hour before the boat reached him, and had he not been a strong man and a good swimmer, he must have perished. The boat was twice filled by the heavy seas before the rescue was accomplished.
Aberdeen Board of Trade Navigation School.— The following candidates, who were instructed this school, passed their examinations before the Local Marine Board on Tuesday 23 May 1876— Master—James Milne, Peterhead. First Mate— Peter Knox Barnet, Fraserburgh.
At a meeting of the Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners where the following were present: Sir Alex. Anderson, Messrs. R. Anderson, Bruce, Tarras, Stephen, Dickson, Cruickshank, Mellis, Cardno, A. Davidson, and McAllan
* Cement Dues: A letter was read from Messrs. Murray, Urquhart, & Co. requesting a reduction of harbour dues on cement imported for the breakwater. Agreed to.
* Aberdour Shore: A letter from Mr. Barclay, Aberdour House, anent taking sand from Aberdour shore was read, and ordered to lie on the table.
* Pier Repairs: It was submitted by Captain Tarras that the causeway of Balaclava and South Piers are in a bad state, and require to be grouted with lime, sand, or cement. Remitted to the Engineer to report.
* Harbour Accommodation: It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Stephen, that 10 additional gangways be obtained for the accommodation of the trade of the harbour.
The Late Captain Joseph Stephen
On Thursday week, the funeral of this well-known and much-respected citizen took place at 2:30. The deceased being a member of the Solomon Lodge of Freemasons, the brethren, to the number of about 60, dressed in masonic attire, and each carrying a palm leaf in his hand, accompanied the funeral cortege to the churchyard, when the leaves were deposited on the top of the coffin, and laid on the grave.
The funeral service was conducted in the deceased’s residence by the Rev. Mr. Paterson, F.C. [Free Church], and in the Masonic Lodge by the Chaplain, the Rev. Mr. McLaren of the Established Church.
Captain Stephen was bred a sailor. He went to sea when about 14 years of age, and whether as master or seaman, he was greatly esteemed and much loved by his shipmates and the seafaring community generally, with whom he had an extensive acquaintance. For the last nine years he was master of the schooner "Teaser," and so much satisfaction did he afford to the owners, that arrangements were made to provide him with a larger vessel, had he recovered from his illness.
The cause of death was consumption, arising from a severe cold which he caught in the winter of 1874, and which had settled upon the lungs, but no particular symptoms of that fell disease were noticeable until about 8 months since. He took to bed about 10 weeks ago, and beyond an occasional day or two, it can scarcely be said that he ever left it. Captain Stephen leaves a widow and eight of a family—7 sons and one daughter, to mourn his loss.
Death of Dr. George Park
Many will learn with sincere regret the melancholy tidings lately received of the death of Dr. George Park. He died on board H.M.S. Himalaya, when off Ceylon, and was buried at sea. Dr. Park embarked at Penang on the 19th April in fair health, but shortly after took ill and died as above stated. He was well known here, and his career has been a credit to the town.
He received most of his education in Aberdeen. By diligent application to his studies, he acquired the degrees of A.M. and M.D., and, having passed the required examinations, he entered the army in 1858, and was ordered to India the same year. Soon after his arrival out, he became assistant surgeon in the 52nd, and remained so until sent home in 1865 in charge of invalids. He was again sent out to India attached to the Artillery, but had to return home on sick leave. After serving at different stations in England from 1871 till 1874, he was ordered to Singapore to join the 10th as Surgeon-Major, and he was returning to England with the regiment when his death took place, five days after leaving Penang.
It was very sad to be cut off so young, and when returning home to enjoy comparative ease after a long and arduous service in the East. He was a universal favourite with all with whom he came in contact.
Dr. Park was married to Miss Williamson, daughter of the late Bailie Williamson of Aberdeen, who accompanied him to India about two years ago, leaving two sons at home for education. Mrs. Park, with their third child, is expected shortly to arrive home. All will sympathise with the relations in this bereavement, which has not been the only one of late in their family.
Art Examinations
The art classes under the Science and Art Department, meeting in the Academy under Mr. J. M. D. Smith, were examined in model drawing on Tuesday]evening week, and practical geometry on the succeeding evening. There were in all 24 papers taken, the results of which can only be known a matter of some months hence, after being overhauled by the examiners at South Kensington. G. Gray, Walker, and the Secretary, Mr. R. Murray, and the whole were under the supervision of Captain Arthur Alexander, R.E., who came here expressly for that purpose.
Fraserburgh Musical Association
The Fraserburgh Musical Association gave a concert on Tuesday week, in the Harbour Commissioners' Hall—Mr. Robertson Buchan, conductor. There was a small but very select audience. The programme consisted of selections from Haydn, Mozart, and Handel, and were rendered with much spirit and no little ability. Solos were sung by Miss Maggie Russell, Miss Davidson, and Mr. Hay sen, and Miss Wi******er presided at the piano. The instrumental music—which would have done credit to professionals—was rendered by Mr. Wilson, Mr. George Hay, and Mr. Robert Sutherland, junior. Miss Wi******er also accompanied on the piano. At the close of the concert, Mr. Cameron addressed the audience, giving a history of the Association, and emphasizing that]music needed to be cultivated in Fraserburgh.
Theft of a Watch and Chain
James Black and George Black, both butchers belonging to Aberdeen, were brought before the Aberdeen Sheriff Court, charged with the theft of a silver watch. George pleaded guilty, and James not guilty. This plea was accepted, and James was liberated, and George was sentenced to imprisonment for 60 days.
The above parties had gone to Mr. Mortimer's in Shore Street, with Mr. Shivas of Aberdeen, a hide merchant, to buy a pig. While the two latter left them for a little, the temptation to sn**ch a watch and chain they saw hanging up was too much for George Black. The items were afterwards discovered by our police under a water cask close to his lodgings.
Police Court
Before Dr. Mellis, on Monday, John McIntosh, who failed to appear on a charge of being drunk and incapable, forfeited bail.
James Simpson, carter, residing in Frithside Street, was charged with attacking and assaulting William Elphinstone residing in Manse Street, at an early hour of 2nd May, on the road between College Bounds and Broadsea Farm, by seizing hold of him and dashing him against the side of a wall, and striking him with the handle of a whip, and also on the hands with a thorny stick, whereby his hands were severely cut to the effusion of blood. The accused pleaded guilty.
Dr. Mellis: Was the man much hurt?
Procurator-Fiscal: His head was cut and bleeding. The accused struck him with a thorny stick and whip handle. This was his first offence.
Dr. Mellis fined Simpson 5s., or two days' imprisonment, and hoped that, as this was the first charge of the kind against him, it would also be the last.
