While William was in medical school in Edinburgh, he met Mary,his best friends sister, who originally came from Jamaica, where her ancestors owned a plantation.


(The letter below was sent to the Laurie sons in America, to advise them of the death of their mother, Mary Martin Laurie. It has been copied and typed from a copy of the original handwritten letter, written by their cousin, Mary Martin.)

Bagbie
Creetown, Scotland
25th April 1895

My dear Cousins-

It is with deep sorrow that I write to tell you that your dear Mother passed away yesterday morning at half past six. Influenza is very bad in this district. David, his wife, and little Mary have all had it. Poor Aunt. Your Mother was seized with it on Saturday night and she passed peacefully away on the Wednesday morning. Her life was always that of a true Christian and her end was perfect peace. All through her life she was thinking of others and doing her Heavenly Master's work. We all know that our loss is her gain in that now she is in the sunshine and glory of her Blessed Redeemer. Your dear wife and mother are now united never to be parted and may our Heavenly Father in his love grant us peace so to live that when we are called home we shall join the dear ones who have gone before. We have had a very cold and severe winter here, but until last week your mother never had a cold, and was quite in her usual but for many months past we have all noticed that she was gradually becoming weaker. In death she looks beautiful so happy and such a sweet expression on her face-She was 83 years of age. The funeral is to take place on Saturday the 27th when she will be laid to rest in the old church yard at Kirkdale beside your father and Brother William. As we do not know John' address or James' will you kindly send the enclosed to them. I will send all information to Frank and one for Martin but I thought I would write to you and then you would tell them all particulars. I hope you are well also all the others. Many changes have taken place since you left the old country. This is the lambing season. So far they have done pretty well with this (united?) kind. Love to you all in the far West.

I am ever your affec. Cousin,

Mary E. Martin

41983648 link to son,Martin in Kingman county Ks USA



(This is a letter mailed postmarked Creetown , Scotland carrying the news of Great Grandmother Mary Martin Laurie's death.)
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