Perhaps not quite as cold. In the sun it was certainly warmer but there was a bite in the wind which was first N. + then east. There was a slight shower in the morning + another in afternoon. I saw Mrs Hall¹, Southport + Mrs Sim², Martha Ingles³ + old Lamb⁴ at the Home + went to morning service. After [?] I called for Robert Currie⁵, Rockville + walked out to the Gala Rigg where, in the lea [sic] of the wood [?] it was quite pleasant. Saw a good deal of snow on Cheviot. Went to evening service with Helen⁶. There was a church parade of the Girl Guides.

¹ Catherine Gray Hall née White (1864-), married Robert Hall, millworker, 3 June 1897 at Leslie Cottage, Selkirk, daughter Elizabeth Margaret Gray Hall (1898-), born Columbarian Cottage, South Port, Selkirk; in 1922 Robert Hall, millworker, was Proprietor Occupier of a house and garden at 19 South Port, Selkirk [1922 Valuation Roll, VR007900012-/287, Selkirk Burgh, page 287 of 644]

² Assume Mrs Isabella Hunter Sim née Ballantyne (1865-1925) of Tweed Knowe, Scott’s Place, Selkirk, wife of Robert Sim senior (about 1859-1936), “Scotch Tweed Manufacturer” and hosiery manufacturer; the couple had married 3 September 1889 at Innerleithen – she was the daughter of David Ballantyne, woollen manufacturer, and Isabella Milne – and by 1922 Robert Sim junior (1894-) appears to have taken over responsibility for some of their property

³ Assume Martha Scott Ingles (1873-1945) on whom Dr Graham operated 11 April 1922

⁴ This may be the same unidentified Mr Lamb (he is named as Peter Lamb in 1 May 1922 diary entry) who consulted Dr Muir for an “enormous Hernia” at Viewfield 2 March 1922 when Dr Muir noted that he was “a connection of the Blaikies of Comiston”

⁵ Robert Currie junior (about 1847-1923), woollen hosiery manufacturer, he lived at Rockville, Hillside Terrace, Selkirk and was the fourth of five generations at Selkirk with the given name Robert

⁶ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

Very little doing. Saw a few town cases walking + the rest of the day did little or nothing except to wallow like a hog in the filthy morass of animal appetite.

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

Michael Glendinning died this morning¹

Went to Edin. at 10.29. Travelled to Gala with Hamilton², Murray³ + in the same compartment was a man who was pointed out to me at Gala as Smith the laird of Broomhill⁴. In the train with me to Ed. were Rodger⁵ + a very voluble person, Tait⁶, a painter + decorator in Gala to whose daughter McKenzie [?] of Kirkhope⁷ was engaged. Walked out to see Jean⁸ via Young’s⁹ and the Meadows¹⁰. It was a fine day + seemed warmer than here. Took tram back to Princes Street. Got lunch at the Picture Ho. Left my gold watch at H. + I.¹¹ + attended meetings of Insur^ce Sub Com^ttee + Branch Council from 2.15 till 6. Went to Pict. Ho. + the new P.H.¹² + came out by last train. It was agreed to hold annual meeting of Branch Com. at Galashiels¹³.

¹ Michael Glendinning died at Peelburnfoot, 29 April 1922, death certified by Dr J S Muir M.B.. A retired farmer, tenant occupier, house and garden at Peelburnfoot, Caddonfoot parish [1919 + 1920 Valuation Rolls] and formerly the tenant at Williamhope [1905 V.R.], he was the son of William Glendinning, shepherd, and Alison Glendinning née Scott and the widower of Euphemia Riddle (about 1837-1915).

² Hamilton is unidentified.

³ Murray is unidentified.

⁴ Walter Smith proprietor of a house and garden, plantation and part of the farm Broomhill and proprietor of the farm St Helen’s, all in Selkirk [1922 Valuation Roll, VR011700009-/386, Selkirk County, page 386 of 611].

⁵ Rodger presumably refers a member of the Rodger family of Selkirk which included Dr Muir’s wife Andrina who had died in 1902.

⁶ Perhaps George Hope Tait (1861-1943), master painter, poet and bailie who married, 11 June 1897, Catherine Isabella Riach and had four daughters (allegedly five): Catherine Taylor Tait (1898-), Christina Gordon Tait, later Hunter (1901-1969), Leonora Hope Tait (1903-) and Edith Helen Tait, later Imlah (1905-1979).

⁷ It has been impossible to identify a McKenzie (assuming the reading is correct) who fits this description.

⁸ Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Pike née Muir (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter, possibly still at Lutton Place, Newington.

⁹ Presumably Archibald Young & Son, medical instrument makers, at 57-61 Forrest Road, Edinburgh.

¹⁰ Dr Muir has travelled in the direction of George Heriot’s School and the University before walking through The Meadows to Newington.

¹¹ Hamilton & Inches, celebrated Edinburgh silversmiths.

¹² Picture House rather the Public House presumably.

¹³ Perhaps Dr Muir is referring to the Scottish Rural Practitioners’ Sub-Committee of the British Medical Association (B.M.A.).

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

A miserable day with blasts of rain + sleet from N.E. + intervals of bright sunshine. I had a town list of 4 + nothing else! having worked up on the idea of a cycle run with Nancy + the children¹: but first of all came a message to Mich. Glendinning² whom I found nearing the end: then when I got back I found a message to see Geordo³ at Kirklea + after that a message to Fauldshope⁴. I had them all done by 1 p.m. + was the rest of the day in the house. Pollok⁵ called + told me all about his delightful trip.

¹ Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948) and whichever of her children would be on a cycling trip in 1922: Andrina Barbara Henderson ‘Barbara’ Roberts, later Thwigg (1902-1996), John Stewart ‘Jock’ Roberts (1904-1950), Louisa Jane Roberts, later Rutherford (1906-1982), Stewart Muir ‘Little Stewart’ Roberts (1908-2003) and George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts (1911-2005)

² Dr Muir had been regularly visiting Michael Glendinning, a retired farmer, tenant occupier, house and garden at Peelburnfoot, Caddonfoot parish and formerly the tenant at Williamhope

³ George Thomas Anderson ‘Geordo’ Ogilvie (1912-1995), living with his family at Kirklea, Ashkirk; son of W H Ogilvie (1869-1963), author, journalist and one of Australia’s great Bush poets, and Katherine Margaret ‘Madge’ Scott Anderson (1879-1965)

⁴ Fauldshope, Kirkhope

⁵ John Pollok (1858-1938), sometime Town Clerk and Procurator Fiscal, Selkirk

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

A nicer day again with some sun + no wind to speak of. I started a little after 9 + cycled to Forest Road, Wellwood (Louisa¹, sore back) + Curror Street. Then I motored to Beechwood² + stopped Minty’s³ hydra[…]. Dav.⁴ had diagnosed empyema but he was wrong.⁵ From there I went to Yair + Bogle House, returning by Beechwood + Yarrow Terrace. Saw Roy Dees + his father⁶ at 4 in surgery + then motored over to Lilliesleaf to see old Leitch⁷ + back in time for concert. Helen⁸ had her “Brownies” in⁹ + she + Barb.¹⁰ (in Girl Guides uniform) went along to County Hotel.

¹ Louisa Jane ‘Louise’ Roberts, later Rutherford (1906-1982), one of Dr Muir’s granddaughters.

² Beechwood, Linglie Road, NNE of Philiphaugh Saw Mill, see Ordnance Survey 25 inch Selkirkshire Sheet XI.8, published 1899.

³ Miss Jemima Colville (1857-1932), presumably known as Minty, was occupier of a Villa and ground ‘Beechwood’, Linglie Road, Selkirk [1921 Valuation Roll, VR011700009-/326, Selkirk County, page 326 of 611]; born Lanarkshire, she was the daughter of David Colville, steel maker, and Jane Colville née Barr, and died 1932 at the Crichton Royal Institution, Dumfries, usual residence Beechwood, Selkirk.

⁴ David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner.

⁵ Empyema is the collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space) and the word that the Editor has been unable to transcribe is presumably the treatment Dr Graham had specified.

⁶ Robert Irwin Richardson ‘Roy’ Dees (1904-about 1988), son of Robert Irwin Dees (1872-1923) and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson.

⁷ Bella Scott Leitch was tenant of a house and garden at Lilliesleaf 1920-1922 [sources include 1922 Valuation Roll, VR011600033-/887, Roxburgh County, page 887 of 993].

⁸ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper.

⁹ The Brownies had started in 1914 and, though it is not known how long they had been operating at Selkirk, they are still enough of a novelty to Dr Muir in 1921 for him to put them in quotation marks!

¹⁰ Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’ Roberts, later Twhigg (1902-1996), Dr Muir’s eldest grandchild.

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]

Editor’s note: there was enough in this entry that could be improved that it was decided to republish.

The cold culminated in a heavy fall of snow today between 12 + 1 which however lay no time. It was from N.E. + fell in large soft flakes. Later there were some heavy rain showers. I had hoped to cycle + had actually gone along to the bank when rain came on + I took the car to Curror Street, Hospital, Lindean, Fairnilea Lodge + Peelburnfoot. Mich. Glendinning¹ is still living + conscious but very emaciated. Witnessed for X on a cheque. Was called out in afternoon to see a man Wright² in Victoria Crescent, a patient of Menzies³.

¹ Dr Muir had been regularly visiting Michael Glendinning, a retired farmer, tenant occupier, house and garden at Peelburnfoot, Caddonfoot parish and formerly the tenant at Williamhope

² Alexander Wright, joiner, was Tenant of a house at Victoria Crescent, Selkirk, 1922 [1922 Valuation Roll, VR007900012-/305, Selkirk Burgh, page 305 of 644]

³ James Morris Menzies (1871-1926), M.B., Ch.M. Edin., M.D., medical practitioner, of Ettrick Lodge, Selkirk

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

N.W. wind exceedingly cold but there was no rain + a lot of sunshine after midday. Messages to Lindean Herd’s Ho. (Peter Robertson¹), Riddell + Kirklea². Walked to Rockville³, Heatherlieburn, Ettrickhaugh Road (McKay⁴) + Buccleuch Road + motored to Lindean, Kirklea (Geordo⁵) Madge gave me ½ doz. eggs. David⁶ motored to Edin. to make purchases for the Home + called for M Glendinning⁷. Helen⁸ dined at Elmpark⁹ with the Kennedys¹⁰. Got cheque from Insur^ce Com^ttee for £95 7 11 which will clear off our overdraft from buying Morris Cowley¹¹ + leave us with a balance.

¹ Peter Robertson, farmer, is listed at Lindean on the 1922 Valuation Roll but is otherwise unidentified

² Kirklea, Ashkirk, home of the Ogilvie family (see footnote 5)

³ Rockville, Hillside Terrace, Selkirk was the home of Robert Currie ‘junior’ (about 1847-1923), hosiery manufacturer, the fourth of five generations at Selkirk with the given name Robert

⁴ McKay is unidentified (as he was in Dr Muir’s 24 June 1921 diary entry) though it may be possible to do so when the 1921 Census is published later this year

⁵ George Thomas Anderson ‘Geordo’ Ogilvie (1912-1995), son of Katherine Margaret ‘Madge’ Scott Ogilvie née Anderson (1879-1965), daughter of Thomas ‘T’ Scott Anderson of Ettrick Shaws and wife of William Henry ‘W H’ or ‘Will’ Ogilvie (1869-1963), poet

⁶ David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner

⁷ Michael Glendinning (d.1922), farmer / retired farmer, tenant occupier, house and garden at Peelburnfoot, Caddonfoot parish and formerly the tenant at Williamhope

⁸ Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper

⁹ Elmpark, Selkirk, home of Dr Muir’s friend Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946)

¹⁰ Assume Mary Balfour Kennedy née Alison (1889-) and William Nicol Watson Kennedy (1888-1961), O.B.E., M.D., D.P.E., medical officer of health and school medical officer for Selkirkshire, 1921-about 1924

¹¹ The medical co-partnership had acquired the Morris Cowley in the February of this year, see diary entry for 24 February 1922

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

New house at gingerbread cake¹ roofed + visible from here

Much colder again: strongish N.W. to N. wind: one or two slight showers. Feeling pretty well but perhaps a trifle weakened. Took my food much better: Saw a small town list walking in forenoon. Banked some money. Our overdraft down to £50 odd. A lot of people I at night: there was a queue outside from 6 till 7.30 + I had to send away several as I had to round to Mrs Jeffrey, Chapel Place (Mrs Bell’s daughter²) who turns out to a former 2^d coachman at Philip^h.

¹ Gingerbread Cake Field is the area north of Dovecot Park, Selkirk which was developed after 1897 see Ordnance Survey 25 inch Selkirkshire Sheet XII.5, revised 1897, published 1899

¹ This appears to be Elizabeth Lauder Agnes Bell née Richardson (1872-), a widow (previously married, 1897, Prestonpans, to George Andrew Bell a retired schoolmaster 50 years older than herself) who had married Peter Jeffrey, then a retired farmer of Bowden, 14 May 1903 at Denholm [Cavers parish] but some of Dr Muir’s comments are rather unclear and though the 1921 Census may make sense of this in due course Dr Muir’s handwriting and numerous mistakes do not help at all; there must be a connection with Peter Jeffrey, millworker and Tenant Occupier of a house at 3 Chapel Place, Selkirk, 1921 Valuation Roll but it is not yet evident [VR007900012-/105, Selkirk Burgh, page 105 of 644]

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

Had breakfast in bed of porridge. Pain entirely gone: urine still dark but improving¹. Went out during Church to Clark², Marion Crescent, Turnbull³, Yarrow Terrace + Elmpark. Was not out again. It was a day of sunshine + showers. Nancy⁴ called + so did Mrs Mack⁵ with a bottle of White Horse Whisky.

¹ Dr Muir had been unwell the day before

² James Clark, designer, was Tenant Occupier at 4 Marion Crescent, Selkirk [1921 Valuation Roll, VR007900012-/272, Selkirk Burgh, page 272 of 644]

³ Presumably either Euphemia Turnbull, widow and mill worker or Robert Turnbull, roadman, both tenants at Yarrow Terrace [1922 Valuation Roll, VR007900012-/352, Selkirk Burgh, page 352 of 644]

⁴ Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s second daughter

⁵ Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]

2 hours of agony took a hypo of morphia. Just before taking it however I passed a little very dark urine full of uric acid crystals which I think had been causing an obstruction in the ureter. I remembered that in the forenoon I had felt a dull ache in my right side which I put down to a fall I had from the bicycle on Wed. I spent all today in my bed very drowsy + occasionally sick from the Morphia but had no return of pain. Took no food but took plenty fluid. Fortunately I had almost nothing to do having left the coast clear for the day at St Mary’s with Sam Steel¹.

¹ Samuel ‘Sam’ Strang Steel (1882-1961), 1st Baronet, M.P., J.P., T.D., Lord Lieutenant of Selkirk 1948-1958

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/25, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1922]