Prizewinning Ploughmen

[Gene Genie Scotland]

Was your ancestor a prizewinning ploughman? A report in the Aberdeen Journal of 28th November 1810 names all the prizewinners at the Buchan Ploughing Match:

On Wednesday, the 21st November, in presence of Francis Garden Campbell, Esq. of Troup and Glenlyon, the Convener; George Gordon, Esq. of Hallhead; Patrick Stewart, Esq. of Auchlunkart - members of the Society; a most respectable meeting of Proprietors and practical Farmers of the District; the Presidents and many of the Members of the Buchan Agricultural and Deer Farmer Societies - the Ploughing Match for the Premiums given by the Highland Society of Scotland, in the district of Buchan, took place in a field of Auchtydonald, the property of James Ferguson, Esq. of Pitfour, and possessed by Mr Thomas Kilgour. Fifty Ploughs started, Forty-nine of which were drawn by single pairs of horses, and one by a pair of oxen. The Judges appointed were - Messrs James Gordon, Orrok; Thomas Laing, Haddo; John Geddes, Rattray; Robert Scott, Yokieshill; Alexander Irvine Ross, Tyrie; who determined the Premiums as follows: The first, of Three Guineas, and one of the Silver Medals, to Alexander Bonner, servant to Mr Alexander Bruce, farmer at Millhill of Kinmundy; the second of Two Guineas, and the other Silver Medal; to James Walker, servant to Colonel Hutchison of Cairngall; the third of Two Guineas, to Robert Ranny, servant to Mr James Bruce, farmer, of Middletown of Innerquhomry; the fourth of One and a Half Guinea, to William Carle, servant to Thomas Kilgour, Esq. tacksman of the farm of Auchtydonald; the fifth of One Guinea, to Andrew Paterson, servant to Alexander Harvey, Esq. of Broadland; and the sixth of Half a Guinea, to James Kynoch, servant to Mr John Mackie, farmer, of Oldtown of Coynach.

[SarahND]

I found this one a few years back and sent it to a cousin who is the great great grandson of the 9th place winner

Aberdeen Journal, 8 Jan 1840
Agriculture
PLOUGHING MATCHES
The Drumoak Parish Ploughing Match was held on Wednesday the 25th December, on the home farm of Drum, belonging to Alex. Irvine, Esq., when, by half-past 9 o’clock, 30 ploughs started, to perform their respective tasks allotted them, which they executed in excellent style; and, as the last plough was leaving the ground, the Judges -- Messrs Nicol, Over Angustown; Walker, Nether Angustown; and Davidson, Crathes-- made their appearance; and, after a careful inspection, awarded the prizes as under:

1. John Chullis, servant to Mr Cooper, Candyglirach
2. William Currie, Carrier, Drum
3. James Ross, servant to Mr Glennie, Kennarty
4. William Dowel, servant to Alex. Irvine, Esq., Drum
5. Wmn Anderson, servant to Mr Fullerton, Sunnyside
6. John Hay, servant to Dr. Lyon, Waukmill
7. James Tough, servant to Mr. Lawson, Milton of Drum
8. Deo. Simpson, servant to Mr. Walker, Upper Park
9. James Pirie, servant to Alex. Irvine, Esq.
10. C. Craignyle, servant to Mr. Milne, Cullonach
11. John Reith, servant to Mr. Philip, Quartwons
12. John Edward, servant to Mr. Glennie, Kennary
13., Tho. Aberdein, servant to Mr Leith, tersets
14. Jas. Stephen, servant to Mr. Glennie, Kennary
15. Jas. Smith, servant to Mr Craighead, Coldstream

After the prizes were distributed to the successful candidates, the members, along with the judges and others, retired to Mains of Drum Inn, where they partook of an excellent dinner, prepared by Mr and Mrs Machray-- Mr. Glennie, Kennarty, in the chair, who discharged his duties in the most kind and complimentary manner, making every one comfortable about him. A number of loyal and appropriate toasts were drank; and, perhaps, few meetings of the kind have ever been conducted and concluded with so much concord and agreement.

[Gene Genie Scotland]

The placenames in the Drumoak/Banchory area are pretty much unchanged today, though 'Quartwons' is better known nowadays as Quartwains.