Hello. Introducing myself as a new subscriber, and immediately asking for help! I have a collateral connection with James McLauchlan of Dumfries, 1798-1848. As many will know, he was a surgeon who ministered to the people of the town during two cholera epidemics, and there is a memorial plaque to him in the porch of St Michael's Church. On a recent visit to Dumfries, I was told that he was buried in Kirkbean kirkyard, though I failed to find the grave the next day. I wonder if anyone has a copy of the Kirkbean MIs, and would be willing to do a look-up for me (since I'm back in England now). A full transcription would be much appreciated. Thanks in anticipation, Peter Didsbury > > ===== There is a striking resemblance between the casual advice of the learned and the crackling of thorns under a pot (Evelyn Underhill) > > ===== There is a striking resemblance between the casual advice of the learned and the crackling of thorns under a pot (Evelyn Underhill) ___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

Peter, REF: `Memorials of St Michael's: the Old Parish Churchyard of Dumfries' by William McDowall, (published Edinburgh, 1876). The text at the top of page 357 reads:- "As a medical practitioner, no one was more popular in Dumfries than he, whose amiable character, general professional attainments, and great services during a season of special calamity, are faithfully depicted on another graceful tablet, which reminds us also that he perished at the post of duty when the Burgh was attacked by cholera in 1848. The memorial record runs as follows: `Sacred to the memory of James Mclauchlan, surgeon, Dumfries. His youth was spent in the successful pursuit of professional knowledge; his manhood was devoted to the unwearied, faithful, and benevolent exercise of his high art. His life was signalised by the virtues of the Christian. His death followed his ministrations amid a plague-stricken people, and bore the evidence of that faith in which he lived. Born 14th March 1798; died 10th December 1848.'" It appears that this memorial (transcribed above) is located within the porch of St Michael's Church. Eunice Smith Edinburgh, Scotland ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Didsbury" <pdconsarch@yahoo.co.uk> James McLauchlan of Dumfries, | 1798-1848. As many will know, he was a surgeon who | ministered to the people of the town during two | cholera epidemics, and there is a memorial plaque to | him in the porch of St Michael's Church. On a recent | visit to Dumfries, I was told that he was buried in | Kirkbean kirkyard, though I failed to find the grave | the next day. I wonder if anyone has a copy of the | Kirkbean MIs, and would be willing to do a look-up for | me (since I'm back in England now). A full | transcription would be much appreciated.