The future of Dr Muir’s diaries

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Postcard, The Ettrick from Howden Scaurs, Selkirk, No. 892, by A R Edwards, Tower Street, Selkirk, no message or postmark.
Scottish Borders Archives PSC/93/10.

26 April 1904 diary of Dr John Stewart Muir (1845-1938) of Selkirk

Rather milder today + a few showers. Jean1 had a drive round by Rink + Yair. She has been alone the last 2 nights. Cycled to Philiphaugh (Grace2 leaves for Germany tomorrow) + Thirladean (Flo3, sciatica) + in afternoon to Haining + Henhouse. Had a very pleasant call from Maggie Chalmers4 + Loo (Mrs H G Anderson5) formerly Ashkirk Manse. The latter’s husband is Chairman of the Buenos Ayres Western Railway6

1 Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Muir, later Pike (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter, recovering from pneumonia at this time..

2 Assume Grace Strang Steel (1884-1954), daughter of William Strang Steel of Philiphaugh and Rosetta Edith Barber.

3 Jane Florence ‘Flo’ Alexander née Turnbull (1877-1962), wife of David Carnegie Alexander (1856-1928). She was the daughter of James Turnbull, Writer to the Signet, and Jane Scott.

4 Maggie Chalmers is so far unidentified.

5 Neither of the Andersons has been identified in detail yet, though there are numerous fugitive references to him as a banker, investor, chairman etc.

6 There is a vast literature about the Buenos Ayres Western Railway which was owned locally at first but later bought out by British capital.

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/7, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1904]