Diary of Thomas Taggart junior of Kerrowkiel, Malew, written up in Renshaw's Diary and Almanack of 1877

Date(s): 1877

Scope & Content: The diary begins on New Year's Day 1877. Thomas describes the weather, and what garments he was making, for who, and where he went in the island. He includes references to older customs, people and many musical events . On Friday 5th January 1877 he writes, ' Old Christmas day - proposed working today but finding the rest of the family keeping holyday I did too, put panes of glass in cellar window. Betty and Anne dropped off geese for market tomorrow'. Thomas also gives information about how he worked the land, including 19th July, 'cut the Bwooilee Mooar Heose 1/2 past 5, cut Bwooilee Mooar Heesht till 1/4 past 6'. Thomas writes that Dr Clague was vaccinating at the Schoolhouse on 19th October. Throughout the diary he describes the worsening health of his father in law (William Watterson) and describes the care given him by the Taggart family, and later, preparations for his funeral and burial. There are also addresses in Liverpool and Manchester of relatives or friends.

Administration / Biographical History: Thomas Taggart was baptised 17 May 1846 Arbory, his parents being Jane Cooil and Thomas Taggart (tailor) of Ballagilbert, Arbory. Thomas married Isabella Watterson 2nd January 1869 in Malew. Isabella was buried 23rd May 1909 Arbory aged 73 years. Thomas died at Ballchrink Cottage, Malew, on 2nd December, 1933 aged 87 years, having been cared for by relatives who also lived there. Thomas was buried with Isabella. Thomas had played and led practices in Kerrowkeil Chapel on the fiddle cello, and had written wills for people. Thomas’s fiddle is in the Manx Museum in Douglas.

Language: English

Extent: 1 volume

Item name: Diary

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FONDS

ID number: MS 01498

Retrieval number: MS 01498 A

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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