Robert Dempster b.1808 Cupar

[Beppy]

There seems to be some confusion in family history forums/ databases online about the exact birth and parents/ wife of a Robert Dempster who was charged with murder in 1830 near to Cupar [details online but no birth date]. He died in 1839 aboard a prison hulk.

Edith Dempster [a well known socialite and of the peerage], a descendant claimed that it was the Robert Dempster who was born 2 March 1808 in Cupar. If so, was he married to Sarah Lawrence [Laurence] and had two children Robert [b.1828] and some say Elizabeth [b.1835] was his daughter too. However Elizabeth used the FORRET surname [mother's second marriage to Thomas Forrett] in the 1861 census. In 1871 she reverted to the Dempster surname [probably because of her brother doing well with a gas company].

Online there are confusing/ conflicting details. I need some confirmation that the 1808 Robert was THE murderer AND husband of Sarah Lawrence!!
Beth in sunny Sydney

[MonicaL]

Beth, the National Records of Scotland have the following records for him. Not sure if you have seen these. You can order photocopies of papers, on request, from them:

AD14/31/13 - Precognition against Robert Dempster for the crime of murder on the road leading from Craigrothie, Ceres, Fife to Ceres
Dates 1831
Accused Robert Dempster, junior, slater, Address: Cupar, Fife
Victim George MacDonald, Dundee

Also,

JC26/1831/15 - Trial papers relating to Robert Dempster for the crime of murder on the road leading from Craigrothie, Ceres, Fife to Ceres. Tried at High Court, Perth
Dates 12 Apr 1831
Accused Robert Dempster, junior, Verdict: Guilty, Verdict Comments: Guilty in terms of own confession - culpable homicide, Sentence: Transportation - Life
Victim George MacDonald, Dundee

http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/search.aspx

Monica

[MonicaL]

Not sure if it answers the questions, just additional references:

http://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/14582/transcript/1

Have you followed through on the references here? http://archmusicman.blogspot.co.uk/2014_11_01_archive.html

Monica

[Beppy]

THANK YOU SO much Monica. I really appreciate your time to put together those references. The 'musicman' website I referred to in my post as Edith Dempster does suggest there that her father was 2 years old when her g/father was charged. I will look at your other references as I just want official confirmation either by detailing his age or marital status in the government docs!!
Very kind of you to assist. Will let you know how I go.