This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Genealog1st Surnames: BUTCHART Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.ans.general/5919/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am looking for information on the death of William BUTCHART (born 2 Nov 1824 in St Vigeans) His death record shows he died 6 Nov 1860 "in the River Tay". His occupation is given as Agent at Monifieth Railway Station. Could this have been a rail accident? Or a suicide? Any information would be gratefully accepted. Thanks Jan Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

There is a paragraph in the Glasgow Herald of 9 November 1860, and one in the Leeds Mercury of 13 November 1860. I can't give you a verbatim transcript for copyright reasons, but the gist of it is that William Butchart was set upon and robbed on his station platform on 2 November 1860, and he was found drowned the following Tuesday. It was thought that he had killed himself while the balance of his mind was disturbed by the worry over the stolen money, which amounted to a little over £31. He had been very dejected since the robbery, and he left a note saying that neither he nor any of his family had spent any of the missing £31. Anne