witchcraft investigation of Janet McGown
historical event recorded in 16th-18th century Scotland
Withershins. She had a quarrel with a man who accused her of leaving a black cleise and three blue yearns under his milking cow (a charm). A man who was to confiscate their things found a black toad in his bed and died.
The record is just witness comments on their depositions, very patchy. She supposedly asked to borrow meal and was refused followed by cursing and malefice. I am not ticking Refused charity, because I think it was a request between equals and the word 'borrow' was specifically used. Implying that this was not 'charity'. Although she was called a 'pyker and a theif' I think this was slander, not an accurate description of her status. JC26 documents confirm definate neighbourhood disputes!She was seen with a black boy who was black all over but not specified as the Devil or supernatural in any way.Flyting, grazing disputes (removal of kercheif), ale, borrowed meal.a man refused to marry her daughter and married another, so the bride died.Possibly same person as Janet McGoane, e/egd/2335.