Heritage Header
John Harding's (1881-1963) Scrapbook
Page 17
2 Feb 1884
NEWTON-STEWART
DREADFUL TRAGEDY NEAR NEWTON•STEWART

ON Saturday at noon the town of Newton-Stewart was put into a state of excitement on a report being circulated that a man had murdered his wife, and attempted to commit suicide. Most people were eager to get the facts of the case; and at first the reports were in many instances wide of the truth; but that such a diabolical act had been committed turned out to he too true. The place where the murder was committed is about a mile from Newton-Stewart, on the road leading from the Railway Station, and about 150 yards farther from the farm of Barbuchany (Mr McHarg's). The first to give the alarm was Mrs McHarg, who was spreading clothes on a hedge. Her attention was attracted by hearing screams, and she instantly called out her husband, and together they went to the spot and found a man named George Reid, and his wife (Jane Whan or Reid) both lying together in a pool of blood on the roadside. The woman was then quite dead, but the man was still alive. Dr Clark and Dr Dickson were immediately sent for, and informaton given to the police. Meanwhile Mr McHarg drew a handkerchief from the pocket of Reid and tied it round his neck, which was bleeding profusely. Constable McMillan was soon on the spot; also a number of the inhabitants, The ground bore no evidence of a struggle. Close at hand was found a small knife, white handle with two blades. The large blade (about 2½ inches long) was open, and the knife covered with blood. The doctors were both soon on the ground. The poor woman, it was found, had died from a large wound inflicted on the side of the neck. Reid's neck had several cuts on both sides. He was able to to speak, and alleged that his wife bad done it. He was carried into McHarg's, where his wounds were attended to, and where he was watched over by the police. A post mortem examination was held on the body of the woman, but it revealed no other injuries than that on the neck. A telegram brought Chief Constable Murphy and Mr Black, P.JF., from Wigtown, who took precognitions of the case.

Reid is a native of the parish, about 27 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches in height, pale complexion, strong marked features, of a muscular build, dark whiskers and moustache. He wore a dark tweed suit, and had altogether a respectable appearance. His wife appeared to be about 26 years of age, rather of a slender make, about 5 feet 3 inches, pleasant appearance, most respectably dressed, and is said to have borne an excellent character. It appears that Reid could not settle down to any business. His inclination has been for roaming. He was fleet apprenticed as a mason with Messers Agnew, builders, Newton-Stewart, but left before his apprenticeship was completed. He then went to Dalbeattie and worked in the granite quarry. He got married (his wife belonging to this neighbourhood), and they had one child, which died at the age of eleven months. He was jealous of his wife's fidelity, and in consequence they lived an unhappy life; and this unfortunate deed is believed to be the outcome of jealousy. They separated, and he joined the army and served in South Africa. After a lapse of about six years he returned, and much against her parents' wish, his wife went to live with him again, though she had been comfortable in her service. His last business was hawking tea about Dalbeattie, Last week they came to visit his parents, who have a small croft on the farm of Barlanchlan, about three miles from the town, and who are said to be most respectable and industrious people. From there they left on Saturday day forenoon, intending to visit some relatives residing in Minnigaff parish. They had gone by the old road leading past the clachan of Penninghame Although not now used as the public road, it is perhaps the shortest, and runs parallel with the Wigtownshire line. They had here walked together about two miles, when the tragedy took place. On Saturday evening the authorities handed over the body of the deceased to the parents, who had it at once conveyed do Creetown where they ...

    Return to Scrapbook Index