1884

Entry 59 recorded James Innes Stewart, married to Catherine Sutherland, died on August Twenty Sixth, 6 h. 15 m. A.M., 1884, in the Village of Lybster, age 61 years. Parents both deceased. Then Cause of Death, Duration of disease, and Medical Attendant, by whom certified, Signature & Qualification of Informant, and Residence, If out of the House in which the Death occurred, and When and where Registered and Signature of Registrar.

What can be figured out from these dry notes ? His demise lasted longer than the diagnosis suggested by George Burns MD ; atrophy of liver, 8 months, sirrhus of pylorus, 3 months. These ailments develop over years.

Liver disease can be caused by minerals and metal in water, diet, diabetes, alcoholism, cancer, or combined factors. The second diagnosis, sirrhus of pylorus, an ulcer where the stomach joins the small intestine, turned into cancer. Both were detected late.

Likely James experienced discomfort, pain, irregularities, long before and decided to wait. Why ? His son was training to become a medical doctor. The diagnosis would have been free. Yet in column 7, GNS didn’t give his qualification, just his relation, son, and address in Edinburgh, 6 Montague Street.

His condition opened conjecture about his life style and prosperity. Did James need to keep working for his income ? These painful ailments would have cramped James’ ableness. When he became bedridden, his keep fell on his wife Catherine, with him in Lybster. His first and third daughters, Jane Alexandra (25) and Jessie (20), were married and responsible for their own families and houses in Wick. Were he and Catherine that close to the margin that his work came before his physical care and comfort ? Pain lapses into distress, another burden for family. Agony is infectious.

Had this registrar known James, giving him a beautiful cursive send off ? The entry is dated 2 days later at Latheron. Did this registrar get a styled entry when his turn came ? His hand writing was neat and precise, with a sharp nib, and a Flair for Curls and Serifs. Looking at James Innes Stewart’s entry in the death registry , the slanted neatness of an experienced pen writer, fit all the required columns without crowding. His name, occupation, wife, father, mother, cause of death, duration, witness date.