OLD TEACHERS OF ABERDEEN

SHIRE, 1771-1853.

THE old S.P.C.K., in its educational work, had unquestionably an honourable share in the formation of our national character, particularly in the more remote districts of Scotland; and the Society's noble band of Teachers deserve to be remembered.

In 1616, "the King's Majestie, with advise of the Lords of his Secret Council, thought it necessar and expedient, that, in every paroch of this Kingdom, quhair convenient means may be had for intertayning a scoole, that a scoole sall be established." The parochial school, however judiciously situated, could not possibly meet the necessities of the numerous parishes of great extent; and thus the old "Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge," was incorporated in 1709, "to erect and maintain Schools in such places of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, as should be found to need them most." So early as 1711 the Society resolved to have two schools planted "in the Highlands of Aberdeenshire, in and about the Braes of Mar, on the heads of the rivers Don and Dee," and the salaries of the Teachers were fixed at 300 merks. For more than a century and a half this charitable Society carried on its great work most successfully, and for many years was instrumental in providing a good and useful elementary education to over 15,000 children annually.

The conditions imposed by the Society on a landowner or district, were, that there should be provided for the Teacher "a comfortable dwelling-house, a school-house properly furnished with glass-windows, tables and benches; a garden (or Kail-yard), fuel, a cow's grass, and fodder for the cow in winter, gratis." On a visitation in 1790, it was found that in many cases the Teachers "houses, or rather hovels, were mean, cold, and destitute of every comfortable addition, without a garden or cow's grass, or fuel, save what they paid for out of their small salary"-in some cases only £10 or £15. Yet even under such depressing circumstances, those devoted men and women conducted their schools in such a manner as to call forth the highest commendations from their Examiners. The motive to industry was certainly not the liberal remuneration, nor better prospects in the future; but a high sense of duty, and a real love of culture for its own sake; virtues, which doubtless had a salutary influence on the more thoughtful scholars, inspiring them with like high ideals of the nobility of honest work; for they daily

witnessed in their Teacher an embodiment of the wise injunction, that “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

The educational department of the S.P.C.K. was some years ago transferred, under an Act of Parliament, to a new body styled the "Trust for Education in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland."

The following brief notices of some of the forgotten and humbler Teachers of Aberdeenshire have been compiled from old Reports appended to the annual sermons preached on behalf of the S.P.C.K., and as those prints are scarce, the information in this form may be of some interest to the readers of Scottish Notes and Queries. Earlier notices might be obtained from the older MS. Minutes of the Society. The subject could be enlarged into a complete Fasti Schola Aberdonensis, by including the Parish, Assembly, and Adventure School Teachers; a work which might be appropriately undertaken by the New Spalding Club, under a competent Editor.

I. ADAM (Miss), MARGARET. Teacher for a short time about 1849 of the S.P.C.K. School for Spinning, Sewing, and other branches of female industry, at Barkhill, Cluny; Salary, £6.

2. BAIRD (Miss), MARY. Teacher for the year 1847 of the S.P.C.K. School for Spinning, Sewing, and female industry at Tough ;. Salary, £5.

3. BROWN, DUNCAN. S.P.C.K. Teacher at Tordarroch, Glengarden, from 1803 to 1821; with from 63 to 79 scholars, the greater number being boys; Salary for the first ten years, 13; thereafter, £15.

4. BROWN, Mrs. Wife of the preceding (No. 3), from 1810 to 1829 was S.P.C.K. Teacher of the Sewing, &c., School at Tordarroch, Glengarden; Salary, £5. Scholars about 25.

5. CALLUM, DAVID. (In 1784 written MacCallum), S.P.C.K. Teacher from 1784 to 1810). Stationed first at Craigielie, next at Camasour in Migvie and Tarland, and lastly at Clashmore. Commenced with 10, which was increased to £12, £14, £16, and finally to 17; from 1793 he was assisted by his son, but without separate remuneration. The number of scholars varied in different years from 31 to 62.

6. CATANACH, JAMES. S.P.C.K. Teacher at Tillyduke or Tilliduke, Strathdon, from 1810 to 1848. Scholars numbered from 66 to 81, of whom about a third were girls; Salary, £15.

7. CENTER, WILLIAM. Fifth Teacher in succession (see Nos. 9, 16, 45, 50), of the important School at New Pitsligo, Tyrie, jointly supported by the S.P.C.K. and the Clerk family of Pitsligo. From 1834 to 1838 the scholars numbered 130 to 152; Salary from S.P.C.K., £15.

8. CHISHOLM, JOHN. Conducted the S.P.C.K. School at Ardler for about 24 years-1822 to 1848; Scholars numbered 61 to 74; Salary, £15.

9. CLERK, JOHN. Encouraged by the Clerk family of Pitsligo, he raised the School at New Pitsligo, Tyrie, to one of great efficiency and importance. From 1810 to 1816 the Scholars numbered 142 to 169, of whom about 40 were girls; Salary from the S.P.C.K., £15.

10. COLLIS, Mrs. S.P.C.K. Teacher of the School for Spinning, Sewing, and other branches of female industry, at Bridge of Girnac, from 1832 to 1838; Scholars, 12 to 16; Salary, £5.

II. CRANE (Miss), ANN. From 1849 to 1853 conducted the School for Sewing, &c., at Touch; Salary, £6.

12. CRANN, WILLIAM. Succeeded John Chisholm (No. 8) as S.P.C.K. Teacher at Ardler from 1850 to 1853; Salary, £18.

13. CRUCKSHANKS (Miss), HELEN. For a short period in 1848 Teacher of the S.P.C.K. School for Sewing, &c., at Alford; Salary, £8.

14. CUMMING, ALEXANDER. For about 37 years a Teacher under the S.P.C.K. Appointed in 1793 to the School at New Park, Braes of Glengarden, at a Salary of £12; removed about 1810 to Aberarder, where he continued till 1829; Salary, £15. In 1821 the Scholars numbered 62; the highest numbers were in 1810, when there were 88 boys and 40 girls on the roll.

15. CUMMING, Mrs. Wife of the preceding; conducted the Spinning, Sewing, &c., School at Aberarder from 1814 to 1830; Scholars numbered from 16 to 28; Salary, £4.

16. FARQUHAR, Rev. ALEXANDER, M.A., of Aberdeen. Presented in 1804 by George III. to Pitsligo. See Fasti Eccles. Scot., Vol. III., pp. 637 and 644, in which Dr. Hew Scott does not record that Mr. Farquhar was S.P.C. K. Teacher at New Pitsligo for two or three years about 1802-3; 21 Scholars; Salary, 15. Besides taking charge of the School, he officiated as minister of a Chapel of Ease, erected and endowed by Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, Bart.

17. FERGUSON, Mrs. Conducted a S.P.C.K. Spinning, Sewing, &c., School at Falagie for a year or two about 1837; Scholars, 22; Salary, £4.

18. FLETCHER, JAMES. S.P.C.K. Teacher at various stations from 1773 to 1781-Coldrach, Crathie, Allanaquoich or Allanquaich, Castletown of Braemar, and Crathie; Scholars, from 64 to 83, the greater number being boys; Salary, £12.

19. FRAZER, ANDREW. Was stationed first as S.P.C.K. Teacher in 1803 at Achalader-Crathie and Braemar; was removed to Castletown in 1814; returned to Achalader in 1818, where he remained for about a year; Scholars in 1803 numbered 72; in 1818 only 17; Salary, £15.

Trinity, Edinburgh.

D. W. KEMP.

(To be continued.)

ABERDEEN - AMERICAN GRADUATES. (XII., 94, 127, 142, 159; I., 2nd S., 7, 31, 47, 59, 64, 95, 127.)

52. Rev. CHARLES ANDERSON, a Scotchman ; was missionary in Virginia, A.D. 1700-1719, and a great supporter of Commissary Blair as against the Governor. Was this the Carolus Anderson who graduated at King's College in 1693? (Perry, Hist. Coll. Virginia, pp. 117, 142, 152, 153, 154, 167, 176; King's Coll. Grad., 216).

53. Rev. JOHN ANDREW or ANDREWS, a Scotchman in Virginia, is thus commented upon by Commissary Dawson to the Bishop of London, July 23, 1753-" Mr. Andrew, another of the same country (Scotland), I lately gave a letter to, as he brought testimonials of his good life and conversation from several persons of distinction, and a title from the Rev. Mr. Robertson of St. John's parish, in the county of King William, who has engaged, on account of his ill-health, to employ Mr. Andrew as his curate, and to allow him £30 a year. He waits upon your Lordship by way of Scotland. But it is not to be dissembled, My Lord, that most of these Northern Gentlemen are bred Presbyterians, and I fear have seldom so great a regard for the church's interests as they ought" (Perry, Hist. Coll. Virginia, pp. 405-6). An anonymous letter to the same bishop says:-"I am informed that one, John Andrew, was recommended lately from Virginia to your lordship for holy orders. He is, I am told, regular enough in his morals, but nothing superior in knowledge to the meanest I have mentioned" (Ib., p. 408). He was rector of Cameron parish, Fairfax Co., Virginia, 175455 (76., pp. 413, 415, 427, 429). In this and many other parts of Perry's Historical Collections there is evidence of the unpopularity of the Scotch in Virginia in the last century-perhaps a religious jealousy.

54. Rev. WILLIAM BRAIDFOOT, a Scotchman ; became rector of Portsmouth parish, Norfolk Co., Virginia, in 1774; took an active part on the colonial side, and went out with the army as chaplain. After the war was ended he returned to his parish, and died at the glebe, in 1784 or 1785. He married a Miss Mosely, and left one son (Meade, Old Church in Virginia, i., 279-80).

55. Rev. JAMES BRECHIN or BREGHIN, a Scotchman; supported Commissary Blair, and was in Virginia, 1705-1719, being noted as absent from Convention in the latter year (Perry, Hist. Coll. Virginia, 142, 153, 154, 176, 200).

56. Rev. DAVID BROWN, Principal of the Free Church College, Aberdeen; graduated at Marischal College in 1821, at the age of 17, and received, in 1852, the degree of D.D. from Princeton College, New Jersey (S. N. & Q., viii., 103); Gen. Cat. Princeton, p. 190; Mar. Coll. Records, ii., 430).

57. Rev. JOHN CAMERON, D.D., was one of four brothers who went from Scotland to Virginia. John took his M.A. degree at Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 1767, and was ordained by the Bishop of Chester

in 1770, going to Virginia the same year. He received the degree of D.D. from William and Mary College in 1793 (Rec. Mar. Coll., ii., 335; Gen. Cat. W and M. Coll., p. 97). His first charge was at St. James's Church, Mecklenburg; thence, in 1784, he went to Petersburg, and, after some years, to Nottaway parish, and thence to Cumberland parish, Lunenberg Co., where he succeeded the Rev. James Craig, who had been minister there from 1759, and died in 1795, and where he himself died. He was noted as a teacher, and evidently belonged to the old school. "If for his strictness he was even then complained of, how would such a school as his be now endured by either parents or children? nature stern and authoritative, he was born and educated where the discipline of schools and families was more than Anglican: it was Caledonian. But he made fine scholars. His sincere piety and great uprightness commanded the respect of all, if his stern appearance and uncompromising strictness prevented a kindlier feeling. Dr. Cameron continued

By

to be the minister of Cumberland parish until his death, in 1815. He was buried beside his daughter, Anna M. Cameron, and a tombstone has been erected by his son, Judge Duncan Cameron, of North Carolina" (Meade, Old Churches, &c., in Virginia, i., 485-6). Dr. John Cameron was class-fellow at Marischal College with my wife's grand-uncle, James Craig, of Elgin; and his brother, Rev. William Cameron, was minister in Manchester parish, Chesterfield Co., Virginia, in 1790, and was there for four years (Rec. Mar. Coll., ii., 335; Meade, Old Churches in Virginia, i., 485).

58. Rev. ALEXANDER CRUDEN, native of Aberdeen, graduated at Marischal College in 1740, and went to America. He was rector of South Farnham, Virginia, from 1752 to 1773, when it is thought that he returned to Scotland. He is said to have been a fine preacher (Rec. Mar. Coll., ii., 312; Meade, Old Churches in Virginia, i., 390; Perry, Hist. Coll. Virginia, 413, 414, 427, 429).

59. Rev. WILLIAM DOUGLASS became rector of St. James's, Northam, Goochland Co., in 1749, and remained for 27 years, when he resigned his charge and retired to a farm in Louisa, where he spent his later years. He was a Scotchman, and had married Miss Nicholas Hunter in 1735. After his ordination he returned to Scotland, and brought with him his wife and daughter, in 1750. Two nephews joined him, and were adopted by him, but one of them returned to Scotland, and inherited a title (Meade, Old Churches in Virginia, i., 457-9; Perry, Hist. Coll. Virginia, 365, 377, 413, 427, 429). anything be made of the allusion to the succession to a title on the Douglas side or the Hunter?

Can

60. Rev. ARCHIBALD DUFF, D.D., son of Archibald Duff, dancing master in Aberdeen, was born there, April 23rd, 1810, and died at Putney, London, Nov. 19th, 1883. He was in the bajeant class at Marischal College in 1825, and some time after was apprenticed to the grocery business. At the close of his six or seven years' apprenticeship he

went to Canada, and pushed his fortune at Montreal, where he joined the Congregational Church. About 1836 he decided to study for the ministry, and went to Glasgow, where he studied under the Rev. John Morell Mackenzie, Rev. R. Wardlaw, and Rev. G. Ewing. Chancing to be in Fraserburgh during a vacation, he received a call, and remained in Fraserburgh for seven or eight years, as Congregationalist minister. In the winter of 1847-48 he was pastor of an Independent Church (New View) in Liverpool, and then went to Hawick, Roxburghshire. To give his family room to expand, he returned to Canada in 1856, aud settled at Cowansville, Missaquoi Co., Quebec. Then, in 1862, he removed to Sherbrook, where he continued to be pastor in the Congregational Church until May, 1883. In 1879 the University of Vermont granted him the degree of D.D., probably for the reason that Dr. Duff " was for years almost an archbishop in Congregational Home Missions, in Temperance work, in Educational Progress, and in all Helpfulness. This is simple fact (Rec. Mar. Coll., ii., 456; Gen. Cat., University of Vermont, p. 117; information from Rev. Archibald Duff, M.A., LL.D., Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Criticism and Exegesis, Yorkshire United Independent College, Bradford; and Mr. John M. M. Duff, Chartered Accountant, Montreal, sons of Dr. Duff).

61. Rev. ANDREW MARTIN FAIRBAIRN, D.D., LL.D., was born near Edinburgh in 1838, studied at Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Berlin, and was congregationalist minister at Bathgate in 1861, and at Aberdeen in 1872. He became principal of Airdale College, Bradford, in 1877, and of Mansfield College, Oxford, in 1886. From Edinburgh University he received the degree of D.D. in 1878, and from Yale University the same in 1889. From Aberdeen University he received the degree of LL.D. in 1894. He has published Studies in the Philosophy of Religion and History, 1876: Studies in the Life of Christ, 1880: The City of God, 1883: Religion in History and in Life of To-Day, 1884. (Gen. Cat. Yale Univ., p. 262: Aberdeen Univ. Cal. (1895-6), p. 354: Jackson's Conc. Dict., p. 284).

62. FAUNTLEROY FAMILY.-The familiar story of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" happily suggested some enquiries after the Americans of this name who studied in Aberdeen about the middle of last century. William Fauntleroy was at the Arts Classes in Marischal College, 1759-63 George Fauntleroy and Moore Fauntleroy were in the classes of 1760-64. None of them appears to have taken the M. A. degree, but Moore Fauntleroy received the M.D. degree at King's College, 1770 (Mar. Coll. Records, ii., 331, 332: Grad. King's Coll., 133). George may have been a brother or cousin, William and Moore were sons of Col. William Fauntleroy, son of William Fauntleroy, son or grandson of Major Moore Fauntleroy, who purchased land on the Rappahanack, April 4, 1651. The first William married Apphia Bushrod in 1713, and had three sons and seven daughters. Col. William by his second wife (Miss Murdock) had seven sons and three daughters, including the above-mentioned William

A CURE FOR EPILEPSY.-My father, at a fair held in the south of Caithness (perhaps about 1850), saw a man suddenly seized with an epileptic fit. The onlookers did what they could for the sufferer, and as soon as the fit passed proceeded to take measures to prevent its recurrence. They dug a hole at the spot where the patient had fallen, and with due ceremony buried therein a live cock. It is stated that the man was only once troubled again.— J. CALDER Ross.

THE IMPERIAL "ECU COMPLET."-Some months ago The Genealogical Magazine issued a request for "articles representing Colonial arms and badges," in order to the construction of an Imperial coat of arms in which all portions of the empire might be represented. The response has been most disappointing. On this, Mr. E. M. Chadwick has attempted the not very easy task of "the composition of the Queen's territorial ecu complet," which he hopes may attract attention to the subject, and perhaps invite discussion. The result is a shield with no fewer than 56 quarterings, of which he gives an illustration accompanied by a heraldic description. The whole is a tentative suggestion, and much of that without official sanction, but full of interest.

LADY JOHN SCOTT OF SPOTTISWOODE.-By the death at the extreme age of 90 of Lady John Scott Spottiswoode of Spottiswoode, Berwickshire, Scotland has just lost a gifted and characteristic lady—at once a poet, a musician, a composer, and an antiquary. She published a volume of songs with music, but the composition by which she will be best remembered is that of "Annie Lawrie." She was very conservative of old-time Scottish usages. An example of this spirit is given in her quaint Steek the yett," adopted in preference to the modern English style of "Shut the gate." Lady Scott Spottiswoode was addicted to the collection of antiquities, and her museum of relics is said to be a fine one. She was also distinguished for her great benevolence to the poor.

She was married to a brother of the late Duke of Buccleuch.

THE STONE CIRCLES OF SCOTLAND.-An interesting account of the stone circles of Scotland was given by Mr. A. L. Lewis before the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland in London last month. Mr. Lewis is one of our first authorities on the subject. Many writers have maintained that all stone circles are very much alike, and have a common origin and purpose; but Mr. Lewis considers that there are various types, each of which is characteristic of a special locality. This is more noticeable in Scotland than in England. He divides the stone circles of Scotland into four classes--namely, the Western Scottish type, consisting of a rather irregular single ring or sometimes of two concentric rings; the Inverness type, consisting of a more regular ring of better-shaped stones, surrounding a tumulus, with a retaining wall containing a built-up chamber and passage leading to it, or a kist without a passage; the Aberdeen type, consisting of a similar ring with the addition of a so-called altar stone, an oblong stone standing on edge between two upright stones, and usually having traces of a tumulus and kist in the middle; and, fourthly, sun-and-circle stones, represented by the ring of Brogar, in Orkney, and the circle with lines in a cruciform plan at Callarnish, in Lewis. It appears that there are no groups of circles with marked peculiarities in special localities in England as there are in Scotland. Those of Cumberland have a more specially marked entrance than others, while Avebury, in Wiltshire, Arborlow, in Derbyshire, and perhaps Mayburgh, in Westmoreland, are distinguished by being surrounded by a high bank, and having a shrine or sanctuary in the centre, Stonehenge is a special example, different from, and possibly more modern than, the others.

CALDER BRIDGE.-The old Roman Bridge across the Calder, near Bothwell, about to undergo some form of repair, is likely to create something more than passing interest among local antiquaries. The structure, while it must always rank second in importance to its better known historical neighbour, Bothwell Bridge, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting relics of antiquity to be found within a twelve-mile radius of Glasgow. The bridge consists of but one arch, with a span of about 20 feet, highbacked and narrow, and at first sight reminds one of the Brig o' Doon. Unlike the latter, however, it has not been sung into fame and popularity, and there is the possibility that, through indifference or want of knowledge, grievous injury may be done the structure during the proposed re-construction, if not

actually demolished. Though time-worn and somewhat dilapidated, the bridge on its own merits appeals for protection, and it is to be hoped that, in rescuing it from the destroying influence of "time's wasting hand" some local Hamilton Paul will see to it that the fate which at one time threatened the auld Brig o' Doon shall not overtake this interesting memorial of the past, as it has done to so many other interesting structures.

THE "SKELMORLIE AISLE."-The ancient mausoleum in the old churchyard of Largs, erected in 1636 by Sir Robert Montgomerie, Baron of Skelmorlie, known as the "Skelmorlie Aisle," is being restored at the instance of the Hon. Mr. Vernon, the Earl of Eglinton's commissioner. The old wooden ceiling, which was originally covered with paintings divided into some 41 compartments by panels and mouldings, has been completely restored to its original brightness. Minute details are given under Largs in the Gazetteer of Scotland, published by Fullarton. In many places the damp had got in and rotted the wood, and in these places new timber was put in and the painting restored as well as it could be from the most reliable sources. For the most part, however, the wood was sound, and the faint outlines of the painting were traceable below the dust and grime of ages. The whole has been carefully and artistically restored, and makes one of the most interesting objects of antiquity in the West of Scotland much more interesting. The artists to whom the work was intrusted were Messrs. Bennett Brothers, Glasgow, who can be complimented on their skill. Some years ago the monument contained in the aisle a stone erection 18 feet high, 5 feet broad, 52 feet long, minutely carved, which was coated with paint to help to preserve it. This paint has now been carefully removed, and is to be replaced by a transparent protective coating. Below this monument is a vault containing the remains of Sir Robert and Dame Margaret Montgomerie.

was Regent in 1655. Could anyone tell me anything about his descendants? whom he married? and what his coat of arms was? A. WHYTE.

49. PROFESSOR Masson's Reminiscences.-Are Professor Masson's "Reminiscences of Dr. Melvin," and of "The Society of the Friends of Italy (London)," published in separate form, as his "Edinburgh Sketches and Memories," and by whom? G. R.

50. ABERDEEN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, No. 2. The present Aberdeen Philosophical Society, founded in 1840, is No. 3 of the name. No. 1, the Society of Thomas Reid, James Beattie, Alexander Gerard, George Campbell, John Gregory, and David Skene, existed from 1758 to 1773. An account of its proceedings, based on the Minute Book (now in the University Library), and under the title, “A Society of Aberdeen Philosophers One Hundred Years Ago,' appeared in Macmillan's Magazine for October, 1863, from the pen of the late Mr. James Valentine. About No. 2 less is known, and I invite information. From the Marischal College Senatus Minutes of 27th December, 1834, it appears that "Dr. Knight requested leave to deposit in the College Library 134 bound volumes and 235 numbers of Scientific Journals of this and foreign countries, which he had lately received from Mr. Robert Taylor, secretary to a Philosophical Society held in Aberdeen from 1823 to 1831. Leave was unanimously granted." With the books came a small packet of vouchers, including receipts by Mr. A. Brown for the rent (£15) of "the westmost room on the floor in Union Buildings lately occupied by Mr. Mackie, together with the small closet; " and by Messrs. Philip & Moffat, bookbinders, Queen Street, for the cost (7s.) of a Minute Book, " containing 2 quires fine thick Post in 4to, half bound calf, elastic back, and lettered." Where is that Minute Book now? P. J. ANDERSON.