History of the Parish and Burgh of Laurencekirk

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ...dignity: May 5,1817.--No public business came before them, unless an irregular petition from twenty-five burgesses, claiming a share of the spare water from the fountain-well, can be reckoned such. As it did not come through the clerk's hands, it was rejected; it also contained improper language. But it was in his last will and testament that the shrewd practical sense of Dr Fordyce came out in strongest relief. His thrifty living and saving habits had enabled him to accumulate a goodly sum, the residue of which was left to certain legatees. To insure a peaceful settlement, a proviso was added that his residuary legatees were bound to accept the statement of executory accounts tendered to them, without production of any vouchers. If they refused to do so, and employed any lawyer, or other troublesome person, he empowered his executors to put the whole money into their own pockets, and give no account to anybody. It needs hardly be added that the estate was wound up very quietly. Dr Fordyce died in 1833, and was buried in the churchyard of his native parish, Ncwhills. CHAPTER XXVI. CHARLES STIVEN AND SON. Many years ago an Aberdonian in India met an Englishman, who asked him if Aberdeen was in Scotland. Being informed that it was, he rejoined, Oh, you come from Scotland; do you know a Mr Laurence Kirk who makes snuff-boxes? The man, to whose ingenuity is due the world-wide fame which has so long connected the name of Laurencekirk with the manufacture of snuff-boxes, was Charles Stiven. He was born in the parish of Glenbervie in 1753, and was a name-son of the young Pretender. His father was spoken of as a gryte Jacobite, and the principles implied in that distinction seem to have been engrafted in the family. When the Duke of...