McIsaac, Mary
A Memorial of /
Mary /
Wife of /
Angus McIsaac Esquire /
DIED /
October 6 1867 /
AE 30 years /
She was a daughter of
The Hon. John McKinnon /
M.L.C. and [illegible] die /
May her [illegible] /
A Memorial of /
Mary /
Wife of /
Angus McIsaac Esquire /
DIED /
October 5 1867 /
AE 30 years /
She was a daughter of
The Hon. J. McKinnon /
M.L.C. and was dis /
tinguished for her /
many Christian virtues
May she rest in peace /
Amen. /
Mary McIsaac’s death is recorded in the NS Vital Records.[1] The date of death matches that of the headstone and her husband Angus and her parents Hon John McKinnon and Janet are also noted. The cause of death is listed as typhoid fever, a disease caused by the salmonella bacteria most often found in tainted food or water. It is a disease characterized by fever, abdominal pain, headache and fatigue becoming progressively worse over time. Left untreated it could result in delirium and infection coursing through the body resulting in death. Today, good hygiene practices, vaccinations and antibiotics have improved rates of survival from this dreaded disease. Mary McIsaac is buried in the same cemetery her young son, Colin.
Angus McIsaac is widowed with two young sons in his care. Within a couple of years, 1869 we find Angus re-marrying Margaret McIntyre. Many important facts are revealed about Angus on this marriage document.[2] His age 42; parentage Angus and Christy; occupation tailor; birthplace Fraser’s Grant; residence Hallowell Grant. He serves his community as County Warden.[3]
A blended household with children from Angus McIsaac’s first marriage to Mary McKinnon and those of a second marriage to Margaret McIntyre are listed on the 1871 census:
- McIsaac, Angus | Age 43 | Occ: Tailor
- McIsaac Margaret | Age 30
- McIsaac John | Age 13
- McIsaac Peter | Age 12
- McIsaac Mary Jane | Age 7 / 12months
- McKinnon John | Age 22 | Occ: Law Student
- McIntyre Sarah | Age 31 | Occ: Tailoress
- McDonald Sarah | Age 35
- McGillivray Christy | Age 35 | Occ: Servant.[4]
More info on Mary McIsaac’s Obituary Post [5]
Angus McIsaac is widowed for a second time when Margaret dies. An obituary is reported Mar 22 1906 for Angus.[6] Mr. Angus McIsaac, J.P., an aged and respected resident of the Town died last night, after a brief illness. It is expected the funeral will take place from his residence, Main Street, at 9:30 tomorrow.
For further information on children of Mary McIsaac see the entry for Colin Francis McIsaac.
[1] NS Vital Records – Death (Year: 1867; Book 1802; Page 17; Number 137).
[2] NS Vital Records – Marriage (Year: 1869; Book 1803; Page 23; Number 91).
[3] A Century Ago at Arichat and Antigonish by Douglas Somers Ormond. Pg 57.
[4] Library and Archives Canada – Census 1871 – Antigonish Div 2 Household #75
[5] The Casket – Obituary – Feb 13, 1902
[6] The Casket – Obituary – 54-1906-12-8