Tribute to Harry Bruce

[shewhomust]

We seem to have spent a lot of time hanging around in cemeteries. What can I say? The sun was shining, the gates were open, there were things to see and stories to speculate about. With a fine synchronicity, Gail was reflecting on the recurring forms of words dutifully inscribed on memorial to people whose families had nothing to say about them, and I was taken by this anonymous tribute, apparently raised by nameless acquaintances who weren't obliged to say anything, but chose to do so:

This stone has been
erected to mark the
Remains of
HARRY BRUCE
The Tacksman of the
Mill of Rysa, a man who[se?]
Kindness of heart, and
integrity of life, render-
ed him alike the Object
of respect and affection
Died December...

and there my photograph (though not, as far as I can remember, the original) fades into illegibility.

(Also in Osmondwall Cemetery, the Longhope Lifeboat memorial and the Moodie mausoleum).

Comments

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

What's a tacksman?

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

Oh, good question. I'd just assumed it was a job, some technical task, but no - it seems (http://www.petestack.com/tacksman.html) he'd be the tenant who held (maybe farmed) the land. I'm glad you asked.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Interesting.

I'd assumed the same.