1632

 

April 8th : It is ordered that Meg Hunter (illegible) and Patrick Harlaw's wife should be summoned for slandering Johne Merkhouss.

Meg Barker in Yeaster appeared accused of slandering her neighbours.
Regarding Agnes Scott, she confessed that six years ago she gave Agnes Scot six shillings to charm her daughter.
She had asked for it back again since then, but never got it.

April 28th: Meg Hunter in Yeaster and Patrick Harlaw's wife satisfied publicly for slanderously accusing John Merkhous of witchcraft.

1646

 

July 12th : Thomas Carfrae appeared, having been summoned previously, aid declared that he put a live toad round a ewe's neck,
because of sickness among them, but did not use any words.
He also declared that he was told about this by Jeane Deanes, a parishioner of Bolton.
He is referred to the Presbytery for investigation.

1650

 

March 17th: Intimation was made concerning fugitive witches who have fled from the parish of Carriden - Janet Kennedie, Agnes Penny, Isobell Simpson, Elspeth Thomesone, and Andrew Anderson.

 

July 2nd : Some reports of rnalefice (i.e. evil-doing through witchcraft) were given in against Margaret Turner...
(This entry has been cut off at the foot of the page.)

July 7th : Margaret T(urner?)_, midwife in Newtoun appeared, having been summoned to answer the declarations pf certain persons given
with reference to an accusation in our hands of malifice committed by her. She denied it.
Because of the inconvenience of apprehending her and investigating the matter, and the troubles that would result from it, she was asked to
find surety that she would answer when called for.
She could not find anyone to stand surety, and so the business is postponed until a more opportune time.

1651

 
October 24th : It is reported that John Watherstoune in Yester consulted the parents of the dumb boy about some stolen money.
He is ordered to be summoned to the next Season day.
 

November 2nd : John Watherstoune appeared, summoned for consulting the parents of the dumb boy in Paistoun. and for abusing his own parents.
He confessed consulting but denied the other scandal.
He was sent out and after considering his fault and his ignorance, the Session ordered him to make a public acknowledgement
of consulting, next Sabbath.

It was also ordered that if he was found guilty of this sort of offence again, he would be liable to church censure and to whatever sum of money
the Session should think fit to fine him.
The other scandal is to be investigated.

 

November 16th : John Watherstone in Yester made public acknowledgement of consulting the parents of the dumb boy about his lost money.

 

December 23rd : Issobell Breddin : complained against Bessie Heriot that Bessie had called her a witch.
The first two witnesses called as proof did not appear. The case is therefore postponed.