James Thomson

James Thomson was born in the Wannon District, Victoria, Australia in 1855. Occupation: labourer. James lived in Tahara, Victoria, Australia. He married Christina Elizabeth McPherson at Christ Church in Hamilton, Victoria, Australia on April 18, 1881. Christina Elizabeth McPherson was born in 1857. She was the daughter of Angus McPherson and Betsy Oliver. Christina died in Hamilton, Victoria, Australia on April 26, 1937. Christina resided in Branxholme, Victoria, Australia before her death in 1937. James Thomson was admitted to the Lunatic Asylum in Ararat, Victoria, Australia on October 20, 1902 at 4.30 pm. The case notes upon admission note that James had suffered from `crynsemtal aipusing?` all his life, and that his brothers were affected similarly. He had become much worse in recent times. In January the chorea form movements were not so violent, but very little change in his condition generally. By March he was going downhill and became thin and feeble. James died from exhaustion at the Lunatic Asylum in Ararat, Victoria, Australia on April 19, 1903 at 8.55 pm and was buried on April 22, 1903 in Ararat, Victoria, Australia. A customary inquest was held into the death of James Thomson on April 20, 1903. John Thomas Rigg, attendant, gave evidence to the magisterial inquiry: The deceased patient, James Thomson, came under my care on the 17th day of April 1903. He was very weak and nervous. He was put to bed. He gradually got weaker and weaker. He was given Brandy, Eggs, Sago and Milk. He died about 8.55 pm on the 19th day of April yesterday, in my presence. Walter Barker, the Medical Superintendent reported that James had been suffering from chorea, the result of spinal disease, and that his family history showed that a brother similarly affected died at the Asylum some years ago, and another brother with the same form of congenital disease was also in the Asylum.