This memorial tablet for Thomas and Nannie Garland can be found in Christ Church in Laxey.
The tablet is white marble with an attractive "Celtic-style" pattern surrounding the inscription. The tablet is inscribed in black-lettering (red initials)with the following dedication:
"TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND THE DEAR MEMORY OF
THOMAS AND NAMNIE GARLAND.
1846-1920. 1842-1918.
WHO WORSHIPPED IN THIS CHURCH
FOR MANY YEARS.
BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD"
Shown below is an obituary from The Manx Quarterly:
"CAPTAIN THOMAS GARLAND.
Died October 25th, 1920.
Very general regret is felt in the village of Laxey, and in a much wider area, because of the decease of Capt. Thomas Garland. Less than two years ago his wife died as the result of an accident. She was returning from the house of her sister, Mrs John Davies, at Rencell, at night, and she stepped over the edge of an unprotected road and fell down a brow. Captain Garland was in his usual health on the Sunday. It was not until Monday morning that untoward symptoms manifested themselves. He was dressing at about seven o'clock, and his daughter heard him cough a great deal. She went up to his room, when he told her he felt bad, and said he was afraid the end was coming, and he asked her to got somebody in, and send for a doctor. Death took place, however, in about half-an-hour. A letter was received from Capt. Garland at the "Examiner" Office on Monday morning, and he was dead when it reached the office. The funeral took place on Wednesday.
Capt. Garland was born near Aberystwyth, Wales, in 1816. At that place he succeeded his father as manager of East Warren Lead Mine, which position he held for a considerable time. He came to the Isle of Man in 1900, as manager of Snaefell Lead Mine, and continued in charge until the mine ceased working. Soon after that he was appointed local secretary, to Great Laxey Mines, which post he held at the time of his dearth.
The deceased gentleman was a Village Commissioner for thirteen years, once or twice being chairman. At the time of his death he was Vicar's Warden at Laxey Parish Church, and he was a regular worshipper in the church. One of the most kindly and upright of man, he enjoyed the affectionate respect of all who knew him." (
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The following obituary appeared in the Mona's Herald on Wednesday 27th October 1920:
"DEATH OF CAPT. GARLAND
Captain Thomas Garland, Secretary to the Great Laxey Mines Ltd., died suddenly on Monday, at his residence, Bramble Brace, New-road, Laxey, the cause of death being heart disease, an ailment for which he had been medically treated for some time, Capt. Garland was a native of Cornwall, and came to the Island many years ago, as captain of the Snaefell Mines, a position he held until they were closed. He was then appointed second in command at the Laxey Mines, under Captain Roberts. Latterly he ad charge of the local administration of the affairs of the Company. Some few years ago, Capt. Garland lost his wife under tragic circumstances. Mrs. Garland was returning from a visit to her sister, Mrs Davies, of Laxey, one evening, it being exceedingly dark at the time, when she lost her way and fell over the brows, just below the "Firs," Laxey, and sustained injuries which resulted in her death. The late Captain Garland was a man who was highly esteemed in Laxey; he was of a quiet retiring disposition, and had resided so long a time in the village that he was always look upon as a native. He was for many years a member of the Village Commissioners, and took a great interest in the affairs of Christ Church, Laxey, of which he was a warden. He attended church twice on Sunday last, being apparently in his usual health; but he passed away quietly on Monday morning. Deceased had only one child, a daughter, who resided with him at Laxey, and much sympathy is felt for the young lady who has within a short space of time been bereft of both parents. The funeral will take place to-day (Wednesday)."
The following is a report of the inquest which appeared in the Peel City Guardian on Saturday 16 March 1918:
"Tragedy at Laxey
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AGED LADY FALL OVER EDGE OF QUARRY
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On Saturday High-Bailiff Gell conducted an inquest on the body of Mrs Nannie Garland (70), wife of Capt. Garland, secretary of Laxey Mines. Mrs Garland died at Noble's Hospital early on Saturday morning from injuries recieved through falling over the edge of a quarry below the New Road, Laxey, on Wednesday, when returning from her sister's (Mrs Davies) house. The two ladies had been to church earlier in the evening, and shortly after nine o'clock left for home from her sister's. She was accompanied part of the way by Mr Davies, who wanted to go right home with her. This she refused as she considered that the worst part of the road was over. The night was very dark and apparently the unfortunate lady got off the road at a place where there is a gap in the fencing, and then wandered down a "broo" for about 70 yards, until she reached the edge of the quarry. Mrs Garland was found at the foot of the quarry by her husband, who along with some others were searching for her. She was quite conscious when found, but on being put on the stretcher immediately loss consciousness. Next morning she was removed to the hospital, where she died on Saturday. Dr Marshall said the case was a hopeless one from the start. When he arrived at Laxey early on Thursday morning Mrs Garland was quite unconscious. The face was very much swollen, and there was bleeding from the top of the head. There was a depressed fracture of the skull. She was taken to the hospital and an operation was performed,but she never regained consciousness. Death was due to a fracture of the crown of the skull.
A verdict of accidental death was returned."