Ferguson Family articles & obituaries.
The following articles and obituaries have been gathered by many over the years
and we give credit to each and every one of them. Their names will be
shown at a later date.
Thomas
Ferguson and Mary Barr
FERGUSON Thomas Dalhousie con 3 lot 26E Mon 7 day 23 year 1821
"He was at Hunter's at
the time of his illness. For two days after he arrived at Hugh's his throat
swelled but the swelling fell immediately after and on the Wednesday before he
died he did he was doing considerably better for he was reading at Chambers
Journal more than half a day, but on the following day he was much worse for he
complained of stitches in his chest and body and on Friday night Hugh left home
and came to inform us he was making worse and on Saturday morning Hugh and I
left home to go down but to our great surprise when we arrived he was gone, a
lifeless corpse so there was no person there but Mother and Mary and the two
children when he died." On the night of Friday after Hugh left home, he
began to think death was approaching but had no idea that it was so nigh at hand
for he was quiet and considerably composed. He would not lie in the bunk nor
bed, but to his made at the fire. It was between 12 and one o'clock when mother
lay down to take a little repose for she was tired out. Mary lay down with the
children for they were both badly at the time, and she spoke several times to
her father but he gave all the time a sharp answer. Mother rose after Mary had
spoken too him but he had drawn his last breath and this was about two o'clock
in the morning....we removed his corpse home on the first of March and he was
interred on the 2 ND on the third line of Lanark beside his son James."
Dear Brother and Sister:
I received yours on the 17th
of March. I was down in Lanark when I received you letter and on the way home, I
was taken suddenly bad with pain in the stomach and bowels and in that state it
was tight times with me to get the home of Hugh Hunter on the night of the 17th
and on the 18th we found it prudent to send for Dr. Murray for we was afraid it
was inflammation but on his arrival he dispelled that doubt for he said it was a
windy colic and I am getting better. Mother and Mary is in some measure of
health when I parted with them on the 19th, for Mother has been with Mary since
the death of our Father and for a considerable time before it. Thomas came home
from the shanty on the 17th of said month and he has not been very well since
for I expect that it is the cold he has caught. You wanted to know if Thomas was
at home the time of the storm. No. He was at the shanty, likewise you want to
know all the particulars concerning the death of our Father.
He was at Hunters all the
time of his illness. He, for 2 days after he arrived at Hugh's, his throat
swelled but the swelling fell immediately after and on the Wednesday before he
died he was considerably better for he was reading at Chambers Journal more than
the half of the day but on the day following he was much worse for he complained
of stitches in his chest and body and on Friday he was still getting weaker and
Friday night Hugh left home and came up to inform us that he was making worse
and on Saturday morning Hugh and I left home to go down but to our great
surprise when we arrived he was gone; a lifeless corpse so there was no person
there but mother and Mary and the 2 children when he died., on the night of
Friday after Hugh left home, he began to think that death was approaching but
had no idea that it was so nigh at hand for he was quite and considerably
composed. He would not lie in the bunk nor bed but to have his made at the fire.
It was between 12 and 1 o'clock when Mother lay down to take little repose for
she was tired out. Mary lay down with the children for they were both badly at
the time and she spoke several to her Father but he give all at the times a
sharp answer and Mother rose after Mary had spoken to him but he had drawn his
last breath and this was about 2 o'clock in the morning and we removed his
corpse home on the 1st of March and he was interred on the 2nd on the third line
of Lanark beside his son James. We received a letter from Aunt Love on the 28th
of February. John Love is in very poor health, likewise Aunt Taylor and there
are some more particulars concerning Uncle Williams' death and widow but I have
not time at present to write them down. I wrote a letter--------this time a good
way on to Mysena to (Jane) Telling her what has happened likewise I sent one to
George (Sheare) and one to John Love and I was going to write to Uncle Nathanial
but you informed me that you was going to write to him which will save me the
trouble. I now commence to inform you that our Father died without making any
will and you will be heir according to law; so I want an immediate settlement
for Mr. D that is in Quebec, the creditors are pushing me pretty hard for it but
I will keep them at bay till I get things settled so I only hope you will
consider the matter and come up and we will make a definite settlement so I add
no more at present so I remain your Brother until Death.
Alan Ferguson.
At bottom of letter written
with different pen and ink and maybe by a different person, Allan Ferguson of
Dalhousie 1850, John Ferguson, Thomas Ferguson, James Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson,
Mary Ferguson, Jane Ferguson.
The original letter is in
the possession of Grant Davis
McFarlane R.R. #1, Lanark, Ontario.
From James Reid's Diary:
" March 21, 1863 -
Thomas Ferguson and Hugh Hunter here today asking for the privilege of a grave
at the Church for old Mrs. Ferguson who died yesterday at her son Allan's. I
gave them a grave beside J. Baillie." An impressive number of sleighs (15)
attended her funeral. This graveyard has recently been restored with a fence and
large granite marker giving the history of the St. James Ferguson Cemetery.
Kenwell Ferguson and Amelia Jean Ferguson were instrumental in doing this.
Sarah Ferguson
On Monday last the body of
Sarah Ferguson found frozen in bush near Drummond 2nd Concession. She had left
her brother in Montague Dec 14 for friends in Dalhousie. Aged about 40.
Unmarried. Family story says that
Sarah was going home for Christmas after a visit with her brother John in
Numogate. She was found sitting on a stump with her bag on the ground beside
her, frozen as she had died.
John Ferguson Sept 12th 1892
WRITTEN TO JOHN FERGUSON
MONTAGUE 8TH CON, LOT 25 BY SMITH FALLS
Dear Friends and Relatives
I write a few lines to let
you know that we are all well and in good health, hoping this will find you all
the same. This is the last letter I will write you in Dalhousie for a short
spell. I start for the Western District tomorrow, if health permits. I intended
to come down your way and see you all, but I could not get that much time. I had
so much to do getting ready to start. We had a bee on Tuesday, cleaning out the
swamp. It is cleaned out and about one acre bridged. I think two bees more of
the same hands would finish it. Tommy intends to have the thrashing machine on
Tuesday. We intended to get them either on Friday or Saturday, but they could
not come. We have them hired a week at ? per month. We got a letter from
Smellie, he said they were all well, only that Jean had been sea sick. I was
working a month with John Arnott. I was done with him about a fortnight ago.
Tell Grandfather that all his old acquaintances are well. We have got no word
from Carles this long time. There is a great many people away from this quarter
of the Country. Francis Hamilton, Peter Lee, John Barrie, James Barrie, Thomas
Dr. Ray and great many others. One of William Cuthbertsons sons goes with me
tomorrow. William Chalers goes with us to Perth to take our chests in. I said in
my last letter I would try and sell the lot for you, but Granny does not appear
to cord with it, and I am going to let it alone. Smellie left word with me to
pay the taxes this year, so you need not concern yourself about that. My mother
will look for an answer to this. I have nothing more to say at present, but
remain yours.
William L. Thom.
Perth Courier, August, 8,
1879 Ferguson - Died, at her residence, Montague on Friday, 11th (?) July, Annie
Stewart Ferguson, wife of Mr. John Ferguson, and a native of Lancashire,
Scotland, in the 70th year of her age.
Carol Bennett, "The
Lanark Society Settlers". 1991
Thomas settled in Dalhousie
Twp, Lanark Cty., Con 3, Lot 26E with his parents, moved to Con 2, Lot 26W
(adjoining his parents) previous to 1842, perhaps when he married in 1835. About
1852, he moved with his young family to Lavant Twp., Con 4 Lot 11, settling on
100 acres, beginning a new farm in an area that was not surveyed until ten years
later. They were, as were the Camerons, the first white settlers in the area.
Thomas was thought to have
been well off. However, at his death it was found that he owed more than his
assets were worth and caused distressing legal wrangles. The farm was willed to
Mary until her death when it would go to William Willis, married to daughter
Mary Ann. Because there was so much debt when Thomas died, the farm had to be
mortgaged to pay off the money owing. One executor quit very quickly and the
other had to spend a lot of his own money ($32) to settle the affair. This
executor appealed in court to be allowed reimbursement, but was granted less
than half what he claimed he had paid out.
Obituary: In Lavant Twp. on
Tuesday February 12th, 1901 Mrs. Thomas Ferguson aged 86 years.
"One of Lavant's oldest
settlers passed quietly away on Tuesday morning of last week in the person of
Mrs. Thos. Ferguson who died at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Wm. Willis.
Mrs. Ferguson, whose maiden name was Mary Mathie, was born on 9th April 1815 in
Glasgow, Scotland. She came to this country with her parents when she was six
years old and settled in Dalhousie. In Oct 1838 she married Mr. Thos. Ferguson,
also of the Twp of Dalhousie. The young couple started their married life on the
farm now owned by Thos. Easton, but afterward removed to this Twp. Her husband
passed away in June, 1890. One sister survives her - Mrs. James Knowles of South
Poland . She is also survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters - the sons being
Alexander and John this place (Thurlow) and Allen of Powassan. The daughters are
Mrs. Wm. Henry of Clyde Forks, and Mrs. Wm. Willis of Lanark town. The funeral
took place on Thursday at 11 o'clock to White's Cemetery. The Rev. J. McIlroy
preached the funeral sermon from St. John's gospel, 14th chapter, 1st and 2nd
verses. She is mourned by a great number of friends and relatives."
Mary emigrate from Glasgow
Scotland along with her family, The Barrowfield Road Society, Glasgow Crown Land
Grant Con 2 Lot 24 Dalhousie Twp, July 5 1837 at Perth Ontario.
1937, March William
Nicholson.
A respected resident of the
town of Smiths Falls passed away on Friday, March 12th, in the person of Mr.
William Nicholson, who was born in the township of Ramsay September 14th 1848
and died at the ripe old age of 88 years. Just previous to his death he suffered
a paralytic stroke and although he rallied to consciousness for a short time, it
was only a matter of hours till death ensued. Mr. Nicholson was an estimable old
man and lived for many years at Clyde Forks and was well known to the people of
Lavant, Darling and Lanark township. He was married to Jennie Ferguson who died
in March of 1919, having been an invalid for 20 years during which time Mr.
Nicholson was a constant and devoted husband as well as nurse. For a resident of
Smiths Falls, for nine years living with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bradshaw, who proved
themselves faithful friends, Mrs. Bradshaw having been employed with Mr. and
Mrs. Nicholson in her early girlhood and during the last part of Mrs.
Nicholson's illness. All of the deceased's relatives have passed on except three
nephews, Jim, Robert and George Gordon, who reside in Smiths Falls. Relatives of
Mr. Nicholson's wife also mourn his loss as he was a favorite uncle to all. The
funeral was held on Monday, March 15th, from Marshs' undertaking parlours to St.
John's Anglican church and the remains were deposited in the vault at Smiths
Falls. Interment will be made in Hopetown cemetery in the spring. The many
friends of that locality who wish to attend the burial may be glad to determine
for themselves the exact date of interment, which will be under the direction of
Mr. Robert Pretty.
Perth Courier, October 12,
1877 Nicholson Ferguson Married, on
the 8th inst., by Rev. Mr. Brown, Middleville, Mr. William Nicholson of Lanark
to Miss Jane Ferguson of Dalhousie.
December 17, 1930
Robert Legary Passes At Pilot Mound, Man. (Pilot Mound sentinel).
Death removed still another
well-known old-timer of Pilot Mound community, when Robert Legary passed away,
on Saturday, December 6th, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 72 years, 10
months, 3 days. Several weeks ago Mr. Legary became seriously ill, and despite
every effort of his behalf, gradually lost ground in his fight, until on
Saturday morning he breathed his last. He will be missed by many friends, in
town and country, being of a very quiet, friendly disposition. Mr. Legary was
born at Balderson's Corners, Ontario, in 1859, and had lived a strenuous
hard-working life, engaged at various times and places in his trade as mason and
bricklayer, and in farming. He came to this district some 28 years ago and
engaged chiefly in farming until retiring from active work but recently Mr.
Legary was married three times. His first wife (Elizabeth Ferguson) died six
weeks after the marriage. His second wife was Alice Ann Woods, and two sons of
this union survive; these are Anthony Woods Legary, of Wapelia, Sask., and
Robert Legary of Hamilton, Ont. His second wife died five years after the
marriage. Forty-three years ago on June 1,1887, at Prestonvale, Ont., he married
his third wife (Angela Draper) who survives him. Of this union there were three
sons and three daughters - all of whom with one exception survive. These are:
Mrs. Robert L. Clegg (Nakina, Ont.); Mrs. Frank Van Aystyne (Richie, Sask); Mrs.
Duncan McDonald (Winnipeg); George (Stranraer, Sask); Fred (Pilot Mound) and
Henry (who died last year). In addition to the above Mr. Legary is survived by
four sisters and three brothers. These are: Mrs. W. Smith (Lanark, Ont.); Mrs.
J. Carnegie and Mrs. John Pabst (Windsor, Ont.); Mrs. Sara Turcott (Chatham,
Ont.); John (Chatham, Ont.).; Archie (Toronto) and James (Lanark, Ont.). Funeral
services were held at the family residence, in Pilot Mound, on Monday, being
largely attended Rev J.L. Brown, M.P. conducted the services. Interment was made
in Pilot Mound Cemetery.
Friday August 23, 1889 The
Perth Courier Tragedy at Calabogie Lake Fatal Row Between Two River Drivers The
Inquest.
Kingston Ont., August 15 -
"I'll fight that fellow or I will be in hell tonight." These were the
remarks of an enraged river man in the village of Madawaska on Tuesday night.
About eight o'clock he was shot and after great agony died yesterday about 11
o'clock . It was Edward McLaughlin, river driver, who shot Robert Ferguson and
killed him. Madawaska is a small village in the Kingston and Pembroke railway,
fourteen miles from Renfrew. Both men were employed at High Falls by E. B. Eddy,
Hull Que. On Tuesday Ferguson and McLaughlin went down from High Falls to
Madawaska, and were soon intoxicated. Ferguson, ugly when in his cups,
interchanged some blows with McLaughlin, but they were speedily separated.
Ferguson, however, was not satisfied, he was most violent in his threats. The
blustering river driver could not be pacified. Almost an hour afterward he found
McLaughlin, quietly sitting on a verandah at Burn's Hotel. Stealthily he
approached the sitter, and when close to him struck him, knocking him over.
McLaughlin, exasperated, drew his revolver and shot Ferguson in the abdomen. One
person says that a fellow named Jack Lee had hold of Ferguson after he knocked
McLaughlin over, and the latter put his arms around Lee, and shot Ferguson.
Others say that McLaughlin used his weapon in self-defence. A Brockville
commercial traveller named Jamieson is of the latter opinion. After the shooting
McLaughlin appealed to Jamieson to know what to do. He was advised to give
himself up, but first go to his home at High Falls and see his wife and two
children. Jamieson helped him out with his boat and he started up the lake.
Ferguson was a native of Darling township, near Lanark, he was about 27 years of
age and was wanted for various offences in Lanark County. McLaughlin is aged 22
years, and is a quiet fellow. He was afraid of Ferguson and courted his
friendship rather than enmity. Ferguson, who was unmarried, had a bad
reputation. He was an outlaw, having stabbed a man, and a warrant was out for
his arrest. Some years ago, he attacked a pedlar and, after a beating terribly,
relieved him of some of his goods. For this crime he served a term in the Perth
gaol. An inquest is now in progress. McLaughlin is at his home and ready to
surrender when called upon. The character of the deceased was made evident by
his conduct before the shooting, he went about the settlement in search of
McLaughlin and roaring "I'll lick that fellow or be in h-1 to-night."
Further Details - The Kingston Whig Man Visits The Place
The thriving village of Madawaska, Calabogie lake, is located on a very
romantic and pretty spot on the line of the Kingston & Pembroke R.R. about
fifteen miles from Renfrew. When the wind is high and the log drivers in the
employ of E. B. Eddy, Hull, P.Q., cannot work at Calabogie lake they make their
head quarters at Madawaska. The gang is composed of fifty-three men, forty-seven
of whom work at the head of the log drive about twenty-five miles from the
village, and six men are located at the village to urge the logs on their way
down the river. Edward McLaughlin, who lives at the head of the lake, and Robert
Ferguson, of Dalhousie, were two of the drivers stationed at the village. On
Tuesday the weather was not suitable for the drivers to work so they gathered at
Madawaska. While loitering about some of them drank freely and became
boisterous. Ferguson drank more freely of liquor than the rest of the men and
soon worked himself into a fighting humor. He was quarrelsome and would not be
pacified. He made special effort to fight with McLaughlin who seemed peacefully
inclined. He and Ferguson were not good friends having fallen out on Monday
about the question as who should steer the boat they were using. Ferguson wanted
to settle the matter by fighting McLaughlin on Tuesday. They, with others, met
in the bar-room of Byrnes' hotel in the evening. While there Ferguson began
quarrelling with the men. McLaughlin tried to stop the disturbance and Ferguson
pitched into him. Both clinched and fell to the floor with Ferguson on top. Then
McLaughlin trolled Ferguson over, while in this position they were separated.
McLaughlin cut about the face, left the bar-room and went to the verandah. He
told the crowd that he would not stand Ferguson's abuse, and would not be
"chewed" by him. Ferguson went away, and failing to secure a revolver,
came back to Byrnes; hotel, and seeing McLaughlin sitting on the railing of the
verandah struck him a stinging blow in the face without a moment's warning.
McLaughlin was dazed for a second or more and Lee, a county constable, caught
hold of Ferguson. When McLaughlin came to himself he pulled a Smith & Wesson
revolver and discharged a bullet into Ferguson's body, while he was being held
by Lee. Lee's hand was scorched by the blaze. He had a narrow escape from
receiving the lead himself. Ferguson
was carried upstairs into Byrne's hotel where he died at 9:30 o'clock Wednesday
morning. McLaughlin was quite sober when he shot Ferguson, and expressed sorrow
for what he had done. He asked Mr. Jamieson, a commercial traveller, if he
thought Ferguson was fatally shot. Mr. Jamieson said he was sure he (McLaughlin)
had killed Ferguson. Then McLaughlin exclaimed: "My God, I did not mean to
kill him. I pointed the revolver at his legs." You should not have used the
revolver," said Jamieson."What shall I do," enquired McLaughlin.
Jamieson said: "Go home and tell your wife about the affair and then
surrender to the authorities boldly." At
ten o'clock McLaughlin rowed up to the head of the lake and had not been seen
since. It is said he is still at his home
and that he is afraid to come to the village. He labors under the idea that if
he comes down he will be lynched. No efforts have been made as yet to arrest
him, notwithstanding that a warrant has been issued for his capture. He is a
hunter, and the constable holding the warrant thinks it would be useless to try
to arrest McLaughlin where he lives. Mr.
Nicholson, Clyde Forks, married to one of Ferguson's sisters, laid the charge of
murder against McLaughlin before magistrate Eddy, of Renfrew. McGuire, agent for
Eddy, says since McLaughlin has been in his employ he has been a steady,
peaceable man. Ferguson was not an agreeable character. He had a very cranky
disposition and had to be discharged from the river gang last year for bad
conduct. He was only employed, latterly, in a temporary capacity. Dr. Galligan
and Mann, Renfrew, were called to attend Ferguson after he was shot. They found
it was impossible to save his life. Dr. Galligan remained with him until he
died. Before he expired he prayed frequently. The doctor drew up his will. In it
he left property worth $500 in Dalhousie, to a brother, Allan Ferguson. After
the post mortem examination was made by Dr McCormack, Renfrew, Dr Galligan order
the remains to be buried. The affair
caused great excitement in Madawaska and Renfrew. The residence of these places
talked freely about the participants in the affray. A great deal of sympathy was
expressed both for the murderer and his victim. Yesterday when the Whig reporter
arrived at Madawaska he saw the hotel, on the verandah of which Ferguson was
shot by McLaughlin. The hotel is a large frame building and is conducted by Mr.
Byrnes. The house stands prominently on a hill and faces the railroad, it can be
seen a long distance away. It was crowed yesterday with river man, who
discussed, in a vigorous way, matters pertaining to the murder. The streets were
crowded with people while the inquest was being held in the hotel.
The enquiry into the cause of Ferguson death was not concluded yesterday.
It was resumed to day at 12:30 o'clock . The principal part of the evidence was
however, submitted yesterday. Dr. Galligan corner, says he will not charge
McLaughlin before the jury with will full murder. E. McKay, of Thistle Carswell
& McKay, mill owners, knew McLaughlin well and considers him a quiet decent
man. Many people are indignant at
the position which County Constable Lee took during the process of the
disturbance which led up to the murder of Ferguson. They consider that Lee did
not do his duty when he failed to arrest the men who were acting disorderly. If
he had done this at the beginning of the quarrel, Ferguson would not have been
killed. This morning about 2:30
o'clock the coffin, containing the corpse of Ferguson, was placed on board a
K.& P.R. train and carried to Clyde Forks where it was transferred to a hand
car and carried away. The remains were accompanied by friends of Ferguson,
including two brother-in-law, Robert Craig and W. Nicholson. Two ladies were in
the party and seemed to be in great grief. The corpse was interred to-day at
Dalhousie in St. James church cemetery.
The
Evidence Presented
The coroner's inquest,
conducted by Dr Galligan, of Renfrew, began at 12:30 on Thursday. The following
Jurors were empanelled: S. Dempsey, foreman; Robert Box, J. McAdam, A. S.
Bradford, John McPherson, James Strong, G. Legre, A. Proux, W. Ramsay, John
Mahon, A. McPherson, S. Hunter, W. Hawley and P. Barry.
After the jurors had been sworn evidence was submitted. G. Armstrong said
he lived at Quio. He saw Robert Ferguson and others on Tuesday on a street in
Madawaska with their coats off. Lee was holding Ferguson. A short time afterward
McLaughlin appeared with a revolver cocked and pointed downwards. McFarlane, a
river driver, went towards McLaughlin. He (McLaughlin) told him to keep back
because he would shoot any man who would lay hands on him. Lee, foreman over the
river drivers, was seen conducting McLaughlin to a stable on Tuesday afternoon.
In the evening witness heard the discharge of a revolver and looking about saw
McLaughlin with his hands on his face as if drying blood on it. Matthew Tracy,
driver, lived in North Onslow. He saw Lee and Ferguson clinched in the
afternoon. Ferguson appeared to be under the influence of liquor, and says he
wanted to fight. Tracy heard a shot fired, then saw Ferguson stumbling around
Byrne's hotel, he said another river driver, saw McLaughlin with his revolver
pointed downwards. Witness said he did not understand enough of the English
language to know what McLaughlin said. Dalphes
parent saw Ferguson and McLaughlin on August 13th in the bar of Byrne's hotel.
There Ferguson hit a man named McPherson twice. McLaughlin tried to stop the
quarrel. Ferguson struck him. Then McLaughlin gave Ferguson a kick. The men
clinched and McLaughlin threw Ferguson. McLaughlin said he would not hit him.
Afterward McLaughlin had a revolver in his hands.
Gideon Labelle came from Hull, P.Q. He saw Ferguson trying to fight with
McLaughlin. Byrnes told McLaughlin if he wanted to fight to go outside.
McLaughlin went out of the hotel and said: "If Ferguson comes near me I'll
shoot him." Then McLaughlin flourished his revolver.
George Sylar, of Gatineau Point, saw McLaughlin holding Ferguson down in
the bar-room. McLaughlin did not hit Ferguson. Witness saw McLaughlin outside
the hotel with a revolver and heard him say he would shoot the first man who
laid a hand on him. McFarlane tried to take the revolver from McLaughlin.
Peter Kane, of Pontiac, Que., saw Ferguson strike McLaughlin in the face.
Then McLaughlin pulled a revolver. He aimed it a Ferguson and fired. When the
ball entered Ferguson's body he exclaimed "I'm shot." The men were
twelve feet apart when the shot was fired. Michael
Foran, Maynooth, saw Ferguson strike McPherson. McLaughlin stepped up and said
it was too bad for Ferguson to strike McPherson. Then Ferguson struck McLaughlin
in the face. McLaughlin kicked Ferguson. They clinched and both fell, with
McLaughlin on top. Both men had been drinking. When Ferguson was on top on
McLaughlin he said, "I will not hit you." McLaughlin said he did not
want to fight. Ferguson tried to force the quarrel. McLaughlin was seen by
witness in the yard at the back of the hotel with a pistol in his hand.
McLaughlin went to a store to get a shirt, and Ferguson followed him and asked
him to fight, he refused to fight. When McLaughlin was sitting on the railing of
Bryne's hotel Ferguson struck him in the face, and then McLaughlin fired at
Ferguson. David Milligan, Quio, Que., saw McLaughlin and Ferguson clinched on
the floor of Bryne's hotel, McLaughlin was on top of Ferguson held one of
McLaughlin's legs with his teeth. McLaughlin yelled that Ferguson was biting
him. Byrnes ordered the men outside. McLaughlin had a revolver in his hand at
this time. He told McFarlane he
would shoot any man that would lay a hand on him. Witness saw men carrying
Ferguson upstairs after he was shot. John
Lee, constable, Madawaska, knew McLaughlin and Ferguson. On August 12th Ferguson
was angry at McLaughlin because he did not take an oar and row the boat they
were in on crossing Calabogie lake. On the morning of August 13th Ferguson said
he would break McLaughlin mouth before night. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon
witness saw Ferguson at his pump. Ferguson was furious. He swore by his Maker he
would fight, then he went to Byrne's hotel and witness went after him. Ferguson
struck McPherson. McLaughlin told Ferguson not to bother the old man because he
was the worse of liquor. Ferguson then hit McLaughlin and broke one of his
teeth. Connors caught Ferguson and told him to be quiet. McLaughlin kicked at
Ferguson, they clinched and fell on the bar floor. Ferguson was biting
McLaughlin on the thigh when one Dillon separated them. McLaughlin turned
Ferguson over on his back and said if Ferguson kept quiet he would not strike
him. McLaughlin went to the door and Ferguson followed him and they clinched
again. Witness caught Ferguson and some other person seized McLaughlin. Witness
advised Ferguson to leave McLaughlin alone. McLaughlin then drew a revolver and
said: "The first man that lays a hand on me I will put a hole in him."
Witness called McLaughlin aside and asked him to give up the revolver. He
refused saying, "I'm alone here and the crowd is against me." He would
have surrendered the revolver if Joe Varneau had not told him to keep it.
McLaughlin went to Harris' store to buy a shirt. Ferguson went to look for him.
When Ferguson could not find McLaughlin he returned to the hotel and swore
"By the red roaring Irish - either McLaughlin or I will be a corpse before
morning." He said he would go and get a revolver. About 7:30 p.m.
McLaughlin came to witness house. Witness advised McLaughlin to keep out of
Ferguson way. McLaughlin said he would, that he was a married man and had a wife
and family, and it would not suit him to fight. He said he and Ferguson came to
Madawaska together to get men to work in the mine. Witness and McLaughlin went
to the hotel and sat on the railing. Ferguson came along with a panel in his
hand and walked up to McLaughlin swearing that he would settle the row now.
Witness stepped between them and told Ferguson to stop fighting for McLaughlin
did not want to fight. Ferguson acted as if he was not going to fight, but
suddenly struck McLaughlin in the face. Witness caught Ferguson and pushed him
back against the wall, saying that he would have to stop. Instantly the pistol
was discharged. Witness let go of Ferguson and he shout "I'm shot,"
and walked into the kitchen. Witness saw McLaughlin afterward. He said he was
sorry for shooting Ferguson, but he could not help it as he was afraid of him.
Dr. Norman McCormack, Renfrew, performed the post-mortem examination on
the body of Robert Ferguson. The doctor found slight bruises about the elbows,
and a slight bruise on the left shin. A small wound was discovered on the left
side between the seventh and eighth ribs. On the body being turned over on its
side blood came out of the wound. When examining the wound in the chest he could
not get the probe to enter, he made very slight attempts to enter the wound. On
opening the abdomen blood issued. On laying the abdominal cavity open he found
it full of blood, and a perforation was in the diaphragm. The right side of the
heart filled with clotted blood. The doctor could not trace the bullet any
further than the diaphragm. The bullet went first through the chest at the
junction of the diaphragm and thorax, then from the thoracic cavity into the
abdominal cavity. All the organs examined were healthy. The death of Ferguson
was caused by internal hemorrhage from a wound caused by a bullet, it was found
in the abdominal cavity. The inquest was then adjourned until to-day at 12:30
o'clock .
The following is the verdict
of the Coroner's inquest: - "That Robert Ferguson came to his death from
the effect of a pistol shot, fired by Edward McLaughlin, and we find Edward
McLaughlin guilty of manslaughter in the third degree."
This verdict rendered in the above case - manslaughter in the third
degree against McLaughlin. The Kingston News says is tantamount to acquittal
because there is no law dealing with such a charge. There is manslaughter in the
second degree, but not the third.
1889, August 23
The Calabogie Victim -
Robert Ferguson, the victim of the Calabogie tragedy, is well known in
Dalhousie, where he was born and brought up. His father, Allan Ferguson, and
Mother, were both quiet, decent Scotch Presbyterian, and the brothers and
sisters are also personable, respectable people. Robert was also looked upon
when a youth as a harmless boy, but on attaining manhood he became a liquor
drinker and the 'demon of the bowl' involved him in many a trouble,
calmininating finally in his violent death by a peaceable man whom he evidently
intended to kill himself. Some thing more then a year ago. Ferguson and a
companion met Mr. Neil Me Vean, of North Sherbrooke, near Fallbrook, and by
force and threats compelled him to give up to them what money he had about him,
and after this exploit the bandits broke into the Methodist parsonage at
Playfair for burglarious purposes. No punishment
followed these crimes. Whiskey made Ferguson the demon he was, for we do
not hear of him committing any offence against society or individuals when he
was sober. Boys, beware of intoxicating drinks, "for the end thereof is
death."
1889, August 23
Given Himself Up - After the
jury rendered a verdict of manslaughter against Edward McLachlin for shooting R.
Ferguson at Madawaska, McLachlin, living at the head of Calabogie Lake, sent
word to the authorities at Madawaska that he would give himself up to a
constable. The prisoner was driven to Renfrew and then went to Pembroke where he
is in gaol awaiting his trial. A subscription was taken up in behalf of his wife
and family and $75 were collected - Whig.
1889, September 6
The Calabogie Tragedy Lavant,
August 28th, 1889 To The Editor of The Courier.
Dear Sir, - Permit me to
correct a few misstatements made in your issue of the 23rd August with regard to
Robert Ferguson who met his death at Calabogie in the late tragedy there. Your
informant says he was a native of Darling and that he was about 27 years of age.
He was not; he was a native of Dalhousie, being born on Lot 26 in the 3rd con.
of said township in the month of January, 1866, and was consequently about 23
years of age. Your correspondent says he was an outlaw, having stabbed a man. I
would like to know who the party was, and where it happened, as such a thing
never occurred in the county of Lanark . Your correspondent also says that some
years ago he attacked a pedlar and, after beating him terribly, relieved him of
his goods, For this crime you say he served a term in the Perth gaol. Well, Mr.
Editor, Robert Ferguson was never in Perth gaol in his lifetime, that I can
testify to. I have known him from infancy, and for the last 12 years lived
within a mile of his parents residence. I must also state that here were several
charges laid against him there was no truth in. I must admit that he had lived
rather a wild life, although he had a very respectable parents. His funeral was
one of the largest that ever passed through Lavant township. The corpse was
interred at Dalhousie, in St James' church cemetery, where the funeral service
was conducted by Rev Mr. Mcllroy, Presbyterian Minister of Poland, Dalhousie.
After the burial there was a floral wreath placed on his grave by a young lady
whose name I withhold, I am Sir, Yours & C A Friend.
[Note. - Our esteemed
correspondent is in error in thinking the narrative first published in our
columns of the Calabogie tragedy was written by a COURIER correspondent. The
account was taken from The British Whig and The Toronto city dailies, we have no
reporter at the place to write upon the event. Upon enquiry we learn that the
deceased, Robert Ferguson, never was in Perth gaol, and it seems that other
stories going about in reference to the unfortunate young man were equally
without foundation. But the assault, etc., told in our columns last week appears
to be true enough. One thing is quite clear - if he had never touched whiskey,
young Ferguson would be alive and well to-day, and probably a good citizen. -
Ed. Cour.]
James Ferguson:
Guardianship: Application of
September 5, 1872 to have Samuel Cameron of the Township of Lavant appointed
guardian of, as uncle of, James Ferguson, Harriet Ferguson, Mary Ferguson,
Robert Ferguson and Agnes Ferguson infant children of the late James Ferguson
who died in Lavant Township on March 15, 1867.
BROWN - "There passed
away at the home of her son, Nelson R. Brown, Calabogie, on Friday, Jan. 12th,
1917, Jeanette Cameron, beloved wife of James Brown. Deceased was born in
Dalhousie Township, on Jan. 4th, 1840. For some weeks Mrs. Brown had been in
poor health - suffering from a complication of troubles. On Dec 13 when good
hopes were entertained for her recovery, she was suddenly seized with a
paralytic stroke which affected her speech, and from which she never seemed to
rally. Mr. Brown was stricken in the same manner almost two years ago, and still
remains an invalid. Her daughter, Mrs. Sam Thurlow, was with her when the end
came. Besides her husband there are left to mourn her loss three sons and four
daughters: James and Robert Ferguson, Edmonton, Alberta; Mrs. Sam Thurlow, Mrs.
William Thurlow, Mrs. Peter Thurlow, Mrs. J. H. Echlin, all of Midland, Mich.;
and Nelson R. Brown, Calabogie. The funeral, which was held in the Presbyterian
church Sunday, Jan 14th, was largely attended. Mr. H. J. McFadden of Queen's,
Kingston , conducted the services. Her remains were laid to rest in Calabogie
Cemetery . Those attending from out of town were her sister, Mrs. D. McDonald,
and a niece, Miss Ethel from Snow Road . Mrs. J. H. Echlin, Midland, Mich.; Miss
Gertrude C. Lyon, Perth; Mr. J. A. Ferguson, Edmonton, Alberta.; Mr. John Brown,
Sturgeon Falls; Rev. H. T. G. Brown, Toronto; Mr. W. Playfair, Lanark; Mr. Thos.
Cameron, Flower Station."
Death of Alexander Ferguson
1908 December (1908).
Ann Williams, wife of the
late Alex Ferguson passed away on May 14th at her home in Lanark Village . Last
Saturday she visited Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Labell and in going about the house
she fell into the cellar receiving a bad shaking up and it is thought some of
her ribs were broken. The shock rendered her dazed in which condition she
remained until removed to her own home After a while she rallied and regained
her senses but was not able to leave bed and finally she got worse and the end
came. The funeral takes place tomorrow at one o'clock to Hopetown Cemetery Anne
Williams was born in Perth in 1842. When very young she went to Rosetta and
resided with an uncle Mr. Wm Aitken, for a number of years. 52 years ago she
became Mrs. Alexander Ferguson settling with her husband at Thurlow. A family of
five sons and four daughters were born. Her husband died three years ago last
Christmas. Mrs. Ferguson and her daughters moved to Lanark village last fall.
She was a fine old Christian lad a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Lanark Era Wed Feb 7 1917.
In Perth on Feb 5th , Frank
Drysdale, in his 73rd year. He was born in Lanark Village , in 1845, the son of
the late Robert Drysdale, and was a carpenter by trade, a skill which he learned
from his father. He was married three times. First to Janet Park, by whom he had
one son Allan of California. His second wife was Lizzie Ferguson, who died many
years ago. In 1911 he married Mrs. James Wilson of Perth who survives. Of a
family of fourteen brothers and sisters, but one brother and one sister survive.
William Drysdale of Lanark and Mrs. Abram of Renfrew. Buried in Lanark Village
Cemetery .
At Thurlow Monday April 29th
John Ferguson aged 63 years buried in Hopetown Funeral Thursday May 2nd. (1912).
Obit: John Ferguson; an old
and much esteemed resident of Lavant Twp., Mr. John Ferguson, passed peacefully
away at his home in Thurlow Settlement on Monday April 29th. The deceased was
born in Dalhousie Twp. in 1843 and came to Thurlow in 1892, having lived ever
since on the farm where he died. Besides his wife, he leaves to mourn his loss
nine children; viz John, of Thurlow; Mrs. O'Leary (Jane) of Sudbury ; Mrs. Eward
Raymond (Mary) : Mills of Winnipeg; Mrs. Herron of Carleton Place (Katherine
Katie); James of Carleton Place; Mrs. Potter (Jessie), Esterhazy , Sask ;
Nellie, of Winnipeg ; Thomas and Alva at home. His wife and three sons were
present at his bedside for some days previous to his departure. They mourn the
loss of a devoted husband and father, whose aim was to do the best for his
family. He was a man of upright character, kindly disposition, and one who was
never heard to speak unkindly of anyone. He was indeed a peace maker. The
funeral service was conducted in the home on Thursday last at 11:00 by R.J.
Wilson, interment afterwards taking place in Hopetown cemetery. Those present
from a distance were Mrs. E. R. Mills. Mrs. Herron and Mrs. Potter, daughters of
the deceased, and Mrs. J. B Ferguson, daughter-in-law, Carleton Place ,,.
Lanark Era Wed Sept 12th
1923
Lanark Era Sept 1 1915 Obit;
Flower Station - a number of persons from that place attended the funeral of the
late Mrs. O'Leary, formally of Thurlo Town Friday.
Winnipeg Free Press; May 4th
1927
Newspaper article December
19, 1906 in the Lanark Era:
In his 65th year William
Willis of Thurlow settlement, Lavant Twp., passed away last Saturday night at 10
o'clock . For nearly two years Mrs. Willis has been steadily failing. Although
the greatest care was bestowed upon him by a devoted wife and daughter, yet one
could hardly fail to perceive in his physical condition that it was only a
matter of short time here he would be called away.....William will was born in
Co. Fermagh, Ireland and came to Canada when but a child 5 years old. He
accompanied his parents from the old land here. It was a year of great sorrows
and trials. Fever raged in the district and carried off in the same twelve
months father, grandmother, a brother and a sister. The family settled down upon
a fertile little homestead on the place now occupied by Mr. Hughes on the Lanark
and Perth road. When a young man William was attracted to shanty life in which
he received ready employment for Mr. Alexander Caldwell and later W. C.
Caldwell. He will be remembered by many of the shanty men of his day as one of
the "The Caldwell's" most trusted, teamsters. He had a quiet
disposition with a fund of gentle humor that betokened his Irish parentage.
During the time he worked with the Caldwell concern, he lived in Lanark. About
twenty years ago he moved to Lavant township and the Willis farm was known far
and wide from its commanding position, which made the steading visible for miles
around. Miss Mary Ann Ferguson became the wife of Mr. Willis some thirty-six
years ago and to them were born three daughters - Mrs. H. H. Sherwood, Kenora ,
Ontario ; Mrs. Wm. McPhail, Forest Station, Manitoba and Mrs. P. McPhail at
home. The only brother of Mr. Willis now left is James, the well-known farmer of
Drummond. The funeral took place yesterday at 10 o'clock to White's cemetery.
Rev. John McClung conducting the services.
Obituary, Kenora Miner and
News, March 5, 1952 , Pioneer Citizen Passes.
March 6, 1952 Funeral of
Mrs. M. J. Sherwood Friday, March 7.
The funeral service for the
late Mrs. Mary Jane Sherwood will be held in the chapel of the Brown Funeral
Home at 2 p.m. , Friday, March 7th. Rev. Harry Parker of Knox United Church will
officiate.
The late Mrs. Sherwood
passed away on Tuesday in the Kenora General Hospital . She was the widow of the
late Hiram Sherwood who predeceased her in 1933. She was in her 82nd year, and
was born in Lanark County , Ont., August 1st, 1870 , and has been a resident of
this community for over half a century. She was a member of Knox United Church .
Surviving are five nieces and four nephews in Brandon , Vancouver and San Diego
. Pallbearers will be G. Klabunde, C. Langford, W. Freeman, W. Fawcett, C. J.
Reid and R. J. Bodger.
Obituary, Kenora Miner and
News, Wed Feb 22, 1933, HIRAM SHERWOOD PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY MORNING
Well-Known Resident for Past 35 Years to be Laid to Rest Thursday
Afternoon. The death took place on Tuesday of Hiram H. Sherwood, a well-known
resident of Kenora for the last thirty-five years, who passed away in his
sixty-first year. The late Mr. Sherwood came to Kenora in 1898, and has been a
resident of the town ever since. He
is survived by his wife, to whom deep sympathy will be extended and by two
brothers in the east and one in Vancouver . The funeral will take place on
Thursday afternoon at 2:30 , from his late residence, 322 Seventh Ave. , with
interment in Lake of the Woods Cemetery .
THE HISTORY OF GRANDFATHER
ALLAN FERGUSON'S VIOLIN
I am not an original Amati,
but a copy. My history begins in Italy . Sometime in the mid-1800's I arrived in
Canada to stay with Allan Ferguson, who lived in Dalhousie Township, Lanark
County, Ontario Canada I provided music and entertainment for the hoe-downs and
lumber drives up the Pontiac and Madawaski Rivers and shanty parties, barn
raising and other such social events in the counties of Dalhousie, Lavant, and
Darling. I accompanied my owner Allan Ferguson, son of Thomas Ferguson and Mary
Mathie, to the Lake Nippissing area where Allan, a friend and Sir Hugh
McIntyre's nephew, went survey and purchase land for the Canadian Pacific
Railway. A condition of the land grant, ie, granted by the crown, was that a
residence had to build on the land. The lumber and building supplies had to be
shipped up the Ottawa River from Ottawa (Bytown). Since they ere on the north
shore of Lake Nippissing , why not name the spot North Bay Ontario . So that's
how the city of North Bay received its name In 1918, my owner, Alan Ferguson
died in North Bay and I was passed on to his son, James Allan Ferguson, I was
later brought back to Lanark County by James Allan Ferguson, known by friends as
Jim A" In February, 1921, the home of Jim A was burned in a terrible fire,
in which he nearly lost his life rescuing me. I suffered damage, which was
repaired by Uncle Thomas Elliott, who was a violin and bag piper maker in White
Lake, Renfrew County, Ontario Upon the death of Jim A, I was passed on to his
son, Allan James, and upon Allan's death to his sister, Jean Ferguson Allen of
Ottawa Ontario. She had me restored by Charbonneau, a violin-maker in Braeside
Ontario . She gave me to Keith Ferguson, the son of John Eldon Ferguson. We live
in Point Clair,
Obit from The Lanark Era,
Wednesday, April 1, 1925 issue Winnipeg , MB , Mar. 2, 1925 , Robert Craig, aged
76 years. He was born in Lanark Twp the eldest son of Stewart D. Craig. Survived
by his brothers & sisters; Charles B. and William R. of Hopetown; John of
Redvers , SK ; Mrs. Agnes Wilson of Lanark and Mrs. David Blackburn of
Middleville.
Obit: Mrs. Stephen Park, Ellen Ferguson was born a Lammermoor, Feb 28th, 1858
a daughter of Mr. Allan Ferguson. She married on Apr 17th, 1878 and is survived
by her husband and seven children; Agnes (Mrs. R Pretty) of Hopetown; Jean (Mrs.
C Craig) of North Battleford Sask; James of Mazenod Sask; Eulelia (Mrs. Matt
Tullis) of Drummond; Mary (Mrs. Murchison) of Mazenod Sask; Margaret (Mrs. W
Cameron) of Watson's Corners and Charles at home. One daughter Annie May
deceased. She also leaves two sisters and one brother; Mrs. David Napier, Mrs.
Gould of Winnipeg , and Allan Ferguson of Watson's Corners. Burial in Watson's
Obituary: Edmonton Journal, March 6, 1925
Funeral services were conducted for James Ferguson on March
4, 1925 at the parlours of Wainwright and Jackson Strathcona with Rev. Eaton of
Leduc Presbyterian Church conducting the service. Mr. Ferguson had been a life
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ferguson had resided in Strathcona for 27
years. Left to mourn are four daughters, Mrs. Brown of Ohio , Mrs. O. P. Klien
of Leduc, Mrs. Gibson of Carson , and Mrs. R. M. Walker of Waskatenau. A brother
Nelson of the Perth Ontario area and four sisters all of Midland Michigan . Mrs.
Harriet Thurlow, Mrs. Mary Thurlow, Mrs. Agnes Echlin, Mrs. Anna Gates. Mr.
Ferguson was interred beside his wife Agnes in Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Edmonton .
Midland Republican Thursday, January 25, 1934 Tuesday rites
for pioneer, 77
Samuel
Thurlow, 77, Midland County resident for the past 52 years, died Sunday morning,
January 1, at 7 o'clock, as the result of a lingering illness from cerebral
sclerosis. He had been in poor health for several years and was confined to his
bed for six weeks. The Midland home was at 307 Gordon Street . Funeral rites
were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 , in the First M.E. Church with Rev. W. J.
Dudgeon officiating, and burial in Midland Cemetery . Clinton and Ray Garrett,
Ross and Kenneth Thayer, Rollin C Closs and Arthur Thurlow, six nephews, were
pallbearers. Mr. Thurlow was born in Lavant , Canada , Jul 25, 1856 . On April
22, 1878 in Lanwick [sic] Canada , he was united in marriage to Harriet Ferguson
who survives him, with two daughters, Mrs. Henry Harrison of Midland and Mrs.
Lon Gegenheimer of Sanford . Four sons, Henry Thurlow of Midland , Ben and
Edward Thurlow of Ingersoll Township , Elmer of Saginaw. There are two brothers,
Hugh of Mapleton and William of Saginaw, five sisters, Mrs. Arthur Thayer,
Ingersoll, Mrs. George Garrett of Saginaw County, Mrs. Mary Stranahan, Fenton,
Mrs. Annie Garrett, Midland, and Mrs. Lizzie Closs of Canada; also twenty
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Midland Daily News, Monday, May 19, 1975
, J.
Gegenheimer Mrs. Janet (Thurlow)
Gegenheimer,
81, formerly of 693 Chippewa River road, died Sunday at a local nursing home.
She was born Aug . 1 1893, in Ingersoll township. The former Janet Thurlow, she
married Lorenzo H. Gegenheimer, in Midland , Feb. 1, 1920 . He died Oct. 29,
1969 . She was a member of Homer Methodist Church . Survivors include six
nephews and eleven nieces . Services will be 1 PM Wednesday at the Ware Smith
Funeral Home. Burial will be in Midland Cemetery .
Midland Republican Thursday, August 27, 1936 Former resident dies in Saginaw
William Thurlow, 75, brought here for burial Friday afternoon; sudden
death William Thurlow, 75, former resident of Midland, died last Wednesday night
in Saginaw, at the home of his son Arthur, of 2912 State Street. His death
occurred suddenly from myocarditis, after several months of failing health.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock , in the Saginaw
home, with Rev. R.R. Feuell of Midland , and interment was made in Midland
cemetery. Mr. Thurlow was born in Canada , Jan 2, 1861 , and lived for many
years in this country. Surviving are four sons: Arthur and Glenn of Saginaw,
Coleman of Flint and Herbert Thurlow of Ingersoll.
Midland Daily News, February 18, 1952 Coleman M. Thurlow, Dies
Coleman . Thurlow, 64, of Bay City Road , died at 6:15 a.m. today in
Midland Hospital . Born Aug. 12, 1887 , in Ingersoll Township , Mr. Thurlow had
lived in Williams Township , Bay County , for the past two years. Prior to that
he had lived in Flint where he was employed at the Gibson Hardware here and had
also operated a grocery store at Rodd and Main streets where Roberts Women's
Apparel shop is now located. Surviving Mr. Thurlow are one son, J. S. (Clair)
Thurlow, 2509 Bay City Road ; two granddaughters, Patricia and Peggy Thurlow;
and three brothers , Herbert of Ingersoll township, Arthur and Glen, both of
Saginaw . Funeral services will b e held at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the Wilson
Funeral Home with Dr. V.V. Nicholas, pastor emerit us of the First Presbyterian
Church, officiating. Burial will be made in Flint Memorial Park . Friends may
call at the Wilson Funeral Home until time of services.
Obituary: Midland Daily News October 18, 1957
Ex-Midland Woman Dies Saginaw - Mrs. Pearle E. Thurlow, 66, wife of Glenn
Thurlow of Saginaw, and a former Midland resident, died early today in Saginaw
General Hospital after a long illness. The former Pearle E. Stearns was born Jan
12, 1891 in Midland county and moved to Saginaw 38 years ago. She was married to
Mr. Thurlow in Midland in 1913. For 20 years, she served as district deputy of
the Women's Benefit Association. She was also a member of the Maccabees.
Surviving besides her husband are her mother, Mrs. Lottie Stearns of Lansing ;
two brothers, Earl Stearns of Midland and R. Dewey Stearns of Saginaw ; one
sister, Mrs. Frank Seehase of Lansing . Funeral services will be held Monday at
1:30 p.m. from the Harold A Cederburg Funeral Home, 408 North Michigan , Saginaw
. Dr. Henry W. Fischer will officiate and entombment will be in Saginaw .
Friends may call at the Cederberg chapel after 7 p.m. Saturday.
Obituary: Edmonton Journal, June 19, 1950
ROBERT JOHN FERGUSON On
June 18th, aged 85 years, Robert John Ferguson of Belmont, Alberta, passed away
in St. Joseph's Hospital. He is survived by one son, Robert J. Ferguson, Jr., of
Belmont, Alta.; two daughters, Mrs. C. R. Barker of Melville, Sask., and Mrs. H.
L. Nix of Edmonton; one sister Mrs. Annie Thurlow of Flint, Michigan; one
brother in Perth, Ont.; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren .
Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Howard and McBride, Funeral
Service.
Obituary: Edmonton Journal, Mar 12, 1906
Mrs. R. J. Ferguson, of Fort Saskatchewan succumbed to an attack of
typhoid and pneumonia at the General hospital on Saturday evening last. The
funeral started from the city this morning at eleven for the fort, where
services and interment will take place at two this afternoon. Messrs. Moffat and
McCoppen had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Obituary
"Mary Ferguson,
beloved wife
of R. J. Ferguson, North Edmonton passed away in an Edmonton hospital December
16, age 67 years. She is survived by her husband, one son, Robert, North
Edmonton; two daughters, Mrs. H. L. Nix, Red Deer; Mrs. C. R. Barker, Pembina,
N. D.; two sisters, Mrs. P. H. Reid of Winnipeg and Mrs. E. Caldwell of Clyde
Forks, Ont., and three brothers, Alexander Deachman of Flower Station, Ont.;
Thomas Deachman of Clyde Forks, Ont.; and William Deachman of Lincoln, N. H. The
funeral service will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Howard and
McBride's chapel. Rev. W. T. Young will officiate and interment will take place
in the Edmonton Cemetery . Howard & McBride, funeral service."
Obituary: The Midland Republican, Midland, Mich., July 1935 MRS. ECHLIN DIES AT MIDLAND
HOME Had
Resided In Midland Since 1914 Mrs. Agnes Echlin passed away Saturday, July 20,
at her home at 610 Rodd Street, Midland after a heart ailment from which she
suffered for two years, but which became serious within recent months. The
funeral was held at her home July 23rd at 2:30, Rev. V.V. Nicholas of the
Presbyterian church officiating and burial took place in the Midland cemetery.
Born August 20, 1867 in Lanark County, Ontario, and educated in the schools
there, Miss Agnes Ferguson was married to James W. Echlin. They lived on a large
farm which he operated until his death 24 years ago. In June 1914 Mrs. Echlin
moved with her family to Midland and a short time later built the Rodd street
home where she resided at the time of death. The survivors include her brother
Robert J. Ferguson of North Edmonton, Alberta; three children, Mrs. Walter
Thorsberg of Crystal Falls, Mich., Mrs. William E. Kirst, Woodbury, N.J. and
Mrs. Grover F. Johnson, Midland. Her only son Merville, died in infancy. She had
one grandchild Betty Ruth Kirst. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had lived at the home of
Mrs. Echlin since shortly after their marriage.
Death of James Ferguson Aug 18th 1915
There died at Ottawa on Wed 18th age 48 years. He had been ill since
Christmas with anemia. To those of his friends who have not seen him for a
number of years, this will come as a surprise as Mr. Ferguson was the last
person in the world one would think of having that trouble. He was always robust
and had a rudy complexion such as one sees in few men. James Ferguson was born
in Thurlow Settlement Lavant, in 1867, a son of the late Alexander Ferguson, In
1888 he married Margaret Burns and to them were 6 children five of whom died in
infancy, one son Allie surviving and now a young man. For many years Mr.
Ferguson followed farming and lumbering. He was well known in the township and
Lanark Village. A man of cheerful disposition, he maid many friends. Living
quietly at Hopetown, he was known there as a kind hearted man, and a good
neighbor. One who had lived through a large measure of adversity and yet whose
life remained kind and true. He will be greatly missed in the little Hopetown
community. The Interment Hopetown Cemetery.
News Clipping Mar 1926 Death of Mrs. James Ferguson
Many friends and neighbours at Hopetown and surrounding district learned
with deep regret of the passing to the Great Beyond of Mrs. James Ferguson on
Wednesday, March 3rd, Mrs. Ferguson was a sufferer of heart trouble for some
time and not withstanding the utmost that medical skill and loving hands could
do, she passed away on the above mentioned day, Deceased was born in Darling Twp
in 1856, and her maiden name was Margaret Burns, a daughter of the late Mr. and
Mrs. James Burns. In 1888 she became the wife of Mr. James Ferguson, who
predeceased her eleven years ago. She is survived by one son, Allie; one sister,
Mrs. Wm. McKinley, of Edmonton Alberta; and one brother, Wm. Burns of Vanguard
Sask. , to mourn her loss. The funeral was held from her late residence on
Friday last to the United Church in Hopetown, thence to the Hopetown Cemetery,
Rev. Mr. Plant conducting the services. The pallbearers were Messrs. Geo.
Stewart, Thomas Prettie, Jas. Rankin, Albert Warren, Wm. Belisle and Jas.
Proven, The late Mrs. Ferguson has been a resident of Hopetown for the past 23
years. A spray of flowers was placed on the casket by Mrs. John Gunn. Those from
a distance who attended her funeral were two nephews, Robert and William Burns
of Vanguard Sask.
May 1975 Deaths
Ferguson-- At the G.W.M Hospital, Perth Ont. On Sunday May 4th, 1975,
Alexander Ferguson, husband of the late Jessie Gunn, In his 85th year. Rested at
the Young Funeral Home, where the service was held Wed. May 7th, at 2 pm.
Interment Hopetown Cemetery.
Newspaper Clipping Jan 19th 1962
Mrs. Alex Ferguson passing in her 59th year. Mrs. Alex
Ferguson a resident of Lanark Village for the last 22 years, passed peacefully
away at her home, Princess St, on Monday, Jan 22, in her 69th year. Her illness
extended over a period of several years. Deceased was born at Hopetown, Feb 21st
1893. She was the former Jessie Gunn, daughter of the late Findlay Gunn and Anne
Baird. In Dec, 1940, she was married in Carleton Place to Alex Ferguson, and
they made there home in Lanark. Surviving are her husband and two nephews,
Ernest Park of Lammeroor, and Ervin Park of Belleville. Her only sister Annie,
Mrs. Alfred Park, predeceased her in 1938. Funeral Service was held on Thursday
Jan 25th from the chapel of Youngs Funeral Home, with internment in Hopetown
Cemetery. Rev George Empey, Pastor of St Andrews Church Lanark, officiated,
During the service a favorite hymm "The Old Rugged Cross" was rendered
by Harry Stead and Alfred Yuill. Pallbearers were Thomas Ferguson, John Burns,
Floyd Duncan, Edgar McDougall, Ervin Gunn, and John Dobbie. Numerous floral
offerings were contributed by friends and relatives in respect to one who
possessed a quiet, kindly and sympathetic disposition. She was member of St
Andrews United Church, and in former years a member of the Women's Association
of St Andrews Church.
James Ferguson:
Braeside Ont., Friday morning, James Ferguson, aged 28 years and 6 mos,
third son of the late Wm Ferguson and Mrs. John Love of Clyde Forks. He is
survived by his bride of a few months, Sadie Bethune and two brothers and two
sisters. Arthur of Detroit, Elmer of Bradside, Mae (Mrs. Jas. Rodger ) of Lanark
and Ellen of Clyde Forks. Burial in the Arnprior Cemetery.
Lanark Era of the 1940's. (Peter Anderson)
In Issue, Wed. 20th May 1942
there is a announcement and an obituary for L\"Long John" Ferguson.
"At Folger Station Wed. May 13th, 1942, John Ferguson, formerly of Clyde
Forks, at the age of 74 years and 7 months." From the obit: He was born 6
Oct. 1867, son of John Ferguson and Jean Burns and was the eldest of a family of
ten. He had been living with his brother Thomas for a few years and died very
suddenly while taking a walk. The funeral service was conducted at the home of
Thomas Ferguson and the interment was made in Clyde Forks Cemetery.
The community was shocked
when it learned of the sudden passing of Mr. John Ferguson of Folger Station.
Deceased was in his usual health and had been out and around Wednesday forenoon
and after dinner had walked a short distance across the house to see the cattle,
when he was behind a clump of bushes, and a neighbor happened to notice he did
not continue on his way, immediately investigated and found he had been suddenly
stricked. He passed away without a struggle. Deceased was born on the 6th day of
October 1867 to Mr. John Ferguson and his wife Jean Burns (both deceased) and
was the eldest of a family of ten. Jennie- Mrs. Joseph O"Leary (deceased);
Mary- Mrs. E Mills of Vancouver; Anges-(deceased); Kate- Mrs. E Herron of
Carleton Place (who was ill and unable to attend the funeral); James of Winnipeg
Manitoba; Nellie- Mrs. McDonald; and Jessie- Mrs. H Potter (both deceased);
Thomas of Folger Station and Alva of Clyde Forks. During the past few years, Mr.
Ferguson had made his home with his brother Thomas and will be sadly missed in
and around the home. Funeral was held May 15th at the home of his brother Thomas
and thence to Clyde Forks Cemetery, where interment was made.. Funeral service
was conducted at the home and at the graveside by Miss Paddock, United Church
missionary of Canonto church, who spoke words of comfort to the bereaved on the
text "If a man die, shall he live again" The music was in charge of
Mrs. Davis of Ompah and the Canonto Church Choir led the singing ' What a friend
we have in Jesus' and " Rock of Ages". casket was borne Messrs, Allan
Ferguson, Hugh Stewart, George Stewart (relatives of the deceased) and James
Dunn, James Ried and John Closs. Beautiful floral tributes and many expressions
of sympathy were testimony to the respect in which the deceased was held.
Attending the funeral from a distance; Miss Tena Middleton of Napanee, Mr. and
Mrs. N Stewart of Perth, Mr. J Burns of Lanark, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Ferguson of
Watson's Corners and Messr. Hugh and George Stewart of Perth, and Misses May and
Birdie Stewart of Hopetown
Herman Ellis: Sioux
Lookout Wed Nov 14th Herman Ellis aged 38 yrs . He was born in Lanark and is
survived by his mother Mrs. Ferguson of Minto Man and a sister Mrs. J.M. Hall of
Lanark . Buried at Transcona cemetery
Vancouver Sun Mills, Mary Mathie
Late of 2145-200th St Langley BC., passed away April 6th 1959, aged 88
years. Survived by one daughter, Mrs. WE Ramsay of Langley, two granddaughter,
four great grandchildren, two brothers in Ontario. Funeral service will be held
in Columbia Funeral Chapel, Langley, Thursday April 9th, at 1:30 pm. internment
Valley View Memorial Gardens, Surrey BC.
Thomas A. Ferguson
Thomas A. Ferguson Following a short illness Thomas A. Ferguson of Snow
Road dies at the Great War Memorial Hospital, at the age of 87 Thomas Abel
Ferguson was Born on February 24th, 1889, at Joe's Lake, a son of the late John
Ferguson and his wife Jean Burns, he grew up at Joe's Lake, and later farmed for
many years at Folger, Ontario. He attended Mizpah United Church, Canonto
Ontario. On June 9, 1919 he was married at Canonto to Bessie Stewart. Mrs.
Ferguson predeceased him several years ago Surviving are his three sons, Stewart
Ferguson of Van Nuys California, Roy Ferguson and Ellard Ferguson, both of
Toronto also his two daughters Arleen MacDonald of Oakville and Axie Johnston of
Burlington. There are twelve grandchildren The funeral was held at the Morrow
Funeral Home, Perth, on Thursday, July 15th, at 2.00 pm. the services being
conducted by Rev D. F. Sharpe and Mary Simpson Gifford. Interment was in
Crawford's Cemetery and the pallbearers were Eldon Ferguson Brock Ferguson,
Newall Stewart, Lennis Stewart, Allan Stewart and Cecil Herron.
Mrs. T.A. Ferguson Passes Away
On May 26, 1961, after a lengthy illness, Mrs. Thomas A. Ferguson passed
away at the Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth. Death was caused by cancer.
Greta Elizabeth (Bessie) Stewart was born at Canonto and was the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Allen T. Stewart who predeceased her. She was in her sixty-fifth year.
On June 9, 1919, she was united in marriage to Thomas A. Ferguson at the Canonto
Church. Their home was at Folger until last year when they built a house at Snow
Road. To this union were born three sons and two daughters: Stewart of Van Nays,
California; Roy of Cayuga, Ont.; Ellard of Toronto; Arleen (Mrs. Douglas
MacDonald) of Toronto; and Axie (Mrs. Roy Johnston) of Waterdown, Ont., who with
their father mourn the passing of a devoted wife and mother. Three brothers
Lenus of Toronto, Charles of Buckport, Maine, and Robert of Wassiac, N.Y. also
survive. Another brother, Newall, of Halifax, N. S. predeceased her a few weeks
ago. The funeral was held from Young's Funeral Home, Lanark, with interment at
Crawford's Cemetery, Elphin. A memorial service was conducted by sixty-six
members of the Rebekah Lodge on Saturday, May 27th, at eight o'clock. Elder
Glynn Davis of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kingston, officiated at the
funeral, assisted by Mrs. Mary Simpson of the Free Methodist Church, Whitby. The
casket was borne by Elmer Gemmill, Max Miller, Bob Balfour, Merville Brownlee,
Delbert North and Wellington North. Among those from a distance attending the
funeral were: Eldon Ferguson, Montreal; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stewart, Wassiac
N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Henry, Heuvelton, N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Newall Stewart,
Heuvelton N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Lenus Stewart, Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Allen Stewart,
Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCarthy, Toronto; Mrs. Stan. Allen, Hamilton; Mr.
and Mrs. Harold Burns, Grimsby; Mrs. and Mrs. Jack Dafoe, Napanee; Mr. and Mrs.
Allen Killingbeck, Kingston, Mrs. Art Snare, Kingston; Mr. and Mrs. William
Shanks, Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shanks, Madoc; Mrs. Tena Middleton, Napanee;
and Mr. Cyrus Middleton, Belleville. The many other friends who attended as well
as the many floral tributes and other offerings gave testimony to the high
esteem in which she was held by all who knew her. Mrs. Ferguson was an active
member of the Jolly Makers Club, Canonto, and was always a faithful worker at
the Canonto Church. At the time of her death she was Noble Grand of Portia
Rebekah Lodge No 370, Snow Road. Her bright and cheerful disposition won her a
circle of friends wherever she went. There are some people that God can trust
with the ministry of suffering.
1990, August We wish to
extend sincere thanks to our family, friends and neighbours for all their good
wishes, cards and gifts, as well as the wonderful meal and music to celebrate
our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Thanks also to all those who helped in any way and
to the Snow Road Snowmobile Club for the use of their hall. We sincerely
appreciate everything Roy and Gen
Ferguson Buttermilk Falls, Snow
Road, Ontario.
1990, October The Perth
Courier (clipping) (from Snow Road column, by Hilda Geddes) Roy and Gen Ferguson
arrived home from their vacation on Oct 1st. The had a motor trip to Toronto,
Sarnia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, back to Winnipeg then
returning home via the northern Ontario route. Except for about of sickness at
Winnipeg, they enjoyed their trip. Their guest for the Holiday weekend were
Richard and Sally Clarke and Sam Craig of Gloversville, N. Y.; Barbara Clarke of
Nyak, N.Y; sister Anne from California, Len Stewart of Toronto, Axie and Jim
Elliott, Burington; George and Joyce Balharie, Ottawa; Jen Robertson, Ottawa.
Fourteen in all, including Flurry.
ALLEN, Jane Amelia "Jean" (nee Ferguson)
Peacefully on January 14, 2001 in her 89th year at the Queensway-Carleton
Hospital. To mourn her passing, she leaves " her stepdaughter, Yvonne
Allen; stepson, John Allen and his wife, Sandra; step-grandchildren, Timothy,
Michael and Christopher; step-great-grandchildren, Brendan and Tyler; her
devoted cousin, Axie (Ferguson) Elliott and her husband, Jim; Cara Leigh and
Mark Siska; Rhonda Patterson and Peter and their families; and her devoted
nephews, Phil and Richard Allen and their wives and families. Jean was
predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. John Stanley Allen; her parents, James
Allan Ferguson and Jane (McCallum); brother, Allan and infant brother, Lloyd.
Jean was born on September 23, 1912 in Lanark, Ontario. Her parents were
descendants of Scottish settlers who emigrated to Upper Canada from Paisley,
Scotland in 1821. Jean grew up in Lanark, attended high school in Carleton Place
and moved to Toronto in 1934, where she attended business school and night
classes at the University of Toronto. She was a 35-year employee of Eaton's in
Toronto and Hamilton. Jean spent many years researching her Ferguson and Burns
Family history and in 1991, fulfilled a lifelong dream of a Ferguson Family
reunion, attended by 163 people. Jean was a longtime member of St. Lukes
Anglican Church in Hamilton and on moving to Ottawa, became a member of St.
Barnabas A & M Church. Friends may pay respects at St. Barnabas Church, 70
James Street, Ottawa Thursday January 18th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday
January 19, 2001 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church for Celebration of the
Eucharist at 11 a.m. Cremation. Interment will follow at a later date in
Ferguson Family plot in Drummond Centre Cemetery. In Memoriam donations to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation or St. Barnabas A & M Church appreciated.
1991, Monday, October 14 The
Lanark Era Ferguson Clan Gathering Landmark pine tree still marks site of 1830's
pioneer cemetery By Gloria Currie.
On Saturday, September 21st
crowd of over 150 people gathered at the Watson's Comers Community Hall to
celebrate their family heritage. They were all descendants of the pioneering
family of Thomas and Mary (Barr) Ferguson who sailed to Canada in 1821 on the
Earl of Buckinghamshire and settled in Dalhousie Township. This was the first
ever gathering of their descendants. In
a speech incorporating old letters and newspaper clippings, they were taken on a
historical journey through the events in the lives of that first family.
They learned how the eldest son of the family, John, moved to Montague
and founded the settlement of Numogate. Another son, James, died young in 1835
and was buried under the old pine tree in the family cemetery, to be later
joined by his father in 1846. They
learned of a daughter Sarah who died in 1860, frozen to death in a snowstorm on
her way from Montague to Dalhousie. Her sister, Mary Ann, moved with her family
to P. E. I, in 1865, while sons Thomas and Allan stayed in Lavant and Dalhousie
to raise their families. Each child
of that first pioneer family was represented by descendants, some attending from
as far away as Saskatchewan, Florida, Quebec, and northern Ontario. As well,
many local families were represented with such familiar names as Ferguson,
Allan, Rodgers, Hannah, Tullis, Napier, Pretty, Johnson, Allen, and MacFarlane.
Special guests of the day included Mrs. Eileen McNicol, Mr. Angus
Ferguson, president of the Clan Ferguson Society of North America, and Reverend
Larry Paul. Note was made of the fact that there are only three surviving
great-grandchildren of the pioneer Thomas, and his wife Mary, Mrs. Audrey Allen
of Balderson, Mrs. Marjorie Lally of Perth and Mr. Kenwell Ferguson of
Dalhousie. The highlight of the day
was the trip from Watson's Corners Hall to the pioneer cemetery. A massive pine
tree, first described in a letter in 1846, still dominates the site and has, in
fact, been its only. A granite
boulder with two brass plaques was recently dedicated at the Thomas Ferguson
pioneer cemetery. Seventeen family members are thought to have been buried here
after 1835 landmark for 150 years.
The area sees little traffic nowadays and the forest has enveloped it in a
fitting silence. Part of our day's
celebration was the dedication of another landmark - two bronze plaques set in a
large granite boulder. They serve to acknowledge our ancestors and honour their
contribution to Dalhousie Township. As
guests arrived at the cemetery, they were greeted by a kilted piper playing
traditional Scottish songs. The monument with its bronze plaques was sitting in
the center of the cemetery encircled by a ribbon of Ferguson tartan.
When all were assembled again, a poem of the pioneer days entitled
"If You Had Lived in Lanark 60 Years Ago" was read by Bob Ferguson.
This was followed by a very special dedication by the Reverend Larry Paul.
Finally the ceremony was completed with the cutting of the Ferguson tartan by
Mrs. Jean Allen. Following the ceremony, guests returned to Watson's Corners for
an excellent afternoon tea served by the Watson's Corners U.C.W.
This was a very special day for all Ferguson descendants - a
once-in-a-lifetime event which was very exciting to be a part of.
That it came about is the result of one woman's dream, Jean Ferguson
Allen. She has spent years, time and effort tracing the family from its arrival
in Canada to the present. She has been responsible for the restoration of the
cemetery, the erection of the stone and plaques and the first reunion of
Ferguson descendants. She has realized her dream and in doing so has made all of
us proud of our Ferguson heritage.
John Stanley Allen:
June 19,1989 The Hamilton Spectator Practice
Mirrored His Conviction
Dr John Stanley Allen, who died of heart failure May 30 in Ottawa, was a
longtime resident of Hamilton and previously of Montreal and Vancouver. Allen
was a brilliant scientist who was ahead of his time in believing that the
teaching of chemistry and physics could not be separated from social and
political questions. His own practice mirrored this conviction, not always to
his personal advantage. Born to a family that numbered among its members the
brilliant Manitoba Scientist, Dr. Frank Allen. Allen won two coveted National
Research Scholarships and completed his Ph.D. with the highest honours at McGill
University. He was said at the time to have been one of few Canadians to
understand Einstein's theory of relativity.
A popular progressor at Sir George Williams College (now Concordia) which
he helped found, he was involved in community and political affairs as he was in
academic. By 1940 he was a member of the Montreal city council.
In the course of the 1930s he was closely associated with Frank Scott,
David Lewis, Eugene Forsay, King Gordon and others of the league for social
reconstruction and the Fellowship for a Christian Social Order. The CFF and the
NDP became the cause of his life. Allen organized the Canadian Literature
Service to promote progressive social and political works and became one of the
parry's best-known publicists.
He also became the president
of the Quebec council of the CFF, and contested the Mount Royal riding, in the
federal election of 1945. The CFF had been riding high in late wartime public
opinion polls, and won power in Saskatchewan and nearly so in Ontario, but Allen
and most federal CFF candidates went down to defeat before a withering Liberal
propaganda onslaught which sought to link the party to communism.
Defeated he moved to Hamilton and the more promising Ontario political
scene only see the CFF collapse there in 1948. He continued to devote his time
to the CFF, working for several years as a publicist for the labour movement.
Among his more notable electoral contests of these years was his hard
fought battle with Lloyd D. Jackson for the mayoralty of Hamilton in 1952.
By the late 1950s the CCF seemed to be "a protest movement
becalmed" and offered little prospect for person like Allen moving further
into national or provincial leadership position. Needing a secure income, Allen
turned to real estate in Hamilton and the ownership for a number of residential
rental properties.
His marriage to Thelma
Sanford, a gifted musician was a casualty of the move to Ontario, in 1950, Allen
married his second wife, Jean Ferguson, who worked for many years at Batons and
shared his political commitments, and was a active member of St. Luke's Anglican
Church, in the North End. Although
more constrained, Allen remained influential in NDP politics in Hamilton,
especially in Hamilton West where he was the chief fundraiser for many years and
where his nephew, Dr. Richard Allen, won the provincial seat in 1982.
His last passion was a massive genealogical project on the Allen family
roots, extending to some 7,000 names and to such notable forebears as Roger
Williams, the great American prophet of civil liberty, the LeMoyne family of new
France fame, both sides of the Magna Carta struggle, Alfred the Great and St
Vladimir of Russia. A link with King Fergus of Scotland makes him a distant
cousin of his wife Jean, Queen Elizabeth II, and Sarah Ferguson, now Duchess of
York. Recently moved to Ottawa, he
is survived by his wife Jean, by his son John in Montreal who continues his
'tradition' of teaching science in the context of social issues, and by his
daughter Yvonne in Ottawa, who is an executive with Bell Canada. Richard Allen,
MPP Hamilton.
Above articles provided by: Melanie Mason - [email protected]