A Quarrel at the Inn of Balnabruich
February 1833 The Latheron Kirk Session met to hear the details of a quarrel of a very serious nature which had happened at the Inn of William Falconer and Mary Falconer in Balnabruich of Dunbeath between Alexander Gunn of Ouag and Robert Sutherland of Balnabruich.
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| Map shows Balnabruich near Dunbeath |
Witnesses: David Bruce, Matthew Waters both of Balnabruich, George Sutherland of Leodibist. All present were said to be Heads of Families. Plus George Falconer of Balnabruich.
Uag top left
Ann Waters, the wife of Alexander Gunn, was at home in Ouag with her baby. They were both innocently named by the Kirk Session subsequent to this quarrel.
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| Ouag was also known as Ouagbeg. |
Latheron Kirk Sessions
On 4th February 1833 Alexander Gunn of Ouag
Alexander Gunn appeared before the Latheron Kirk Session to answer to a quarrel that occurred several nights before between him and Robert Sutherland at the Inn of William Falconer and Mary Falconer in Balnabruich. As Robert Sutherland of Balnabruich and none of the witnesses came forward the Session adjourned.
On 8th Feb 1833 Alexr Gunn
The Session resumed consideration of the quarrel. Alexr Gunn was earnestly exhorted to tell the truth. He claimed that there were high words between him and Robert Sutherland that night at the Inn but there had been no fight only that Robert Sutherland had taken hold of his feet and pushed him off his chair.
Ruins at the Wag
Robert Sutherland
of Balnabruich
Robert Sutherland was then brought in and was also exhorted to tell the truth. He acknowledged having received great provocation from Alexr Gunn by abusive language and blows to the effusion of blood. He did rise from his chair and did strike Alexr Gunn in the face which brought him to the ground. Alexr Gunn immediately got up and stuck Robert Sutherland again upon which Robert Sutherland did strike Alexr Gunn again after which there were several blows given on each other. When they were separated and left the Inn two large stones were thrown by Alexr Gunn which fortunately missed Robert Sutherland or, he claimed, he would have been severely injured.
Ruins at Balnabruich
Alexr Gunn was again brought in
Alexr Gunn was again brought in and required to make a free confession. He denied all and stuck to his former declaration. The witnesses to the quarrel, namely Matthew Waters and David Bruce were now brought in. They were exhorted to tell the truth without the least partiality. They both confirmed in every particular the statement given by Robert Sutherland declaring that Alexr Gunn was the aggressor throughout the whole scene. They further stated that Alexr Gunn had been endeavouring to induce them to absent themselves from this meeting or if they should attend to not make the matter as bad as it was.
The Session considered that this was a very aggravated case and that was necessary by every possible means to discountenance such disgraceful and unchristian practices.
The Session were unanimously of the opinion that before the sacrament of Baptism could be administered to Alexr Gunn’s child he be required to make a public confession of his sin and be rebuked before the congregation, unless he could bring forward a satisfactory explanation for his behaviour.
On 4th March 1833 Alexr Gunn
At the Latheron church the Session met again. Alexr Gunn turned up again, this time accompanied by George Falconer as an exculpatory witness, who gave a declaration considerably more favourable to Alexr Gunn than had the previous witnesses given.
Suspended From All Church Privileges
The Session elders were unchanged. They unanimously agreed that Alexr Gunn should be suspended from all church privileges for the space of four months from the birth of his child (now about ten weeks old he said). If he confessed his sin and expressed penitence he would receive baptism for his child but if not be further suspended until he made such a confession.
Ann Waters, wife of Alexr Gunn, and the baby
The Session elders said that in the meantime if Alexr Gunn’s wife Ann Waters be willing to take the vows, the Session had no objection to the child be baptised to her.
The Old Latheron church
David Waters Gunn
The story seems to have a good ending. Alexr Gunn must have complied with the Session requirements as his baby (who was born on 17 December 1832), was brought to church on the 11th April 1833 by his father Alexander Gunn and his mother Ann Waters, both of Ouag, and baptised David Waters Gunn.
FreeReg Record
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