Obituaries - Perth Courier & Others

supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.

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Bathurst Courier, April 18, 1851

Died At Perth on the 3^rd inst., much regretted by all her friends and neighbors, Isabella, wife of John Ferguson, aged 55 years.  She died as she had lived, in the exercise of that faith that overcomes the world, purifies the heart, and removes all fear of death. 

Died, at Pembroke, on the 28^th of March, of measles aggravated by disease of the liver, Mrs. A. H. Dunlop, aged 29 years.  The deceased was much and deservedly esteemed by a large circle of friends.  In her the poor have lost a benefactor, the afflicted one ever ready to alleviate distress, the bereaved husband and four orphans one who was indeed the “desire of their eyes”.  Her remains were followed to the grave by a very large concourse of people all anxious to testify to the worth of the departed.

Died at Westmeath, on Monday, the 7^th inst., Mr. John Robertson, age 31.

Died at North Sherbrooke , on the 9^th inst., of measles, Jane Warnock, in her 23^rd year.

Bathurst Courier, May 9, 1851

Died, at Napanee on the 21^st ult., Robert (Walker), son of Mr. Walter Walker, aged 8 years.

Died, in Perth , on the 6^th inst., Grace (Fairbairn), only daughter of Mr. J. K. Fairbairn, aged 19 months.

Bathurst Courier, May 23, 1851

Died on the 4^th day of May, Agnes (Dunlop), youngest daughter of A. H. Dunlop, Esq., aged 18 months and 20 days.

Bathurst Courier, August 5, 1851

Died, In this place on the 27^th inst., after a protracted illness, Grizel (Gemmill), wife of John Hall, Esq., and eldest surviving daughter of the Rev. Dr. John Gemmill, formerly of Dalry, Argylshire , Scotland , in the 58^th year of her age.

Bathurst Courier, August 12, 1851

Died, At Adamsville, near Perth , on the 11^th inst., Mary Adalaide (Aleerhouse), daughter of Mr. Henry Aleerhouse of that place.

Bathurst Courier, September 19, 1851

Died at Glenhaven , New York , on the 10^th inst., of consumption, Catharine Murray, wife of Mr. Henry Hoffenden, Smith’s Falls, aged 20.

Bathurst Courier, October 3, 1851

Died, at Sand Point, on Sunday, 29^th day of September, inst. at half past eight o’clock pm , Alexander Roderick McDonell, aged 9 years and 8 months, after long and severe suffering, whose departure is severely felt by his parents and relatives and deeply regretted by a large circle of friends.  “Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the North Wind’s breath; And stars to set, but all, Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death”.

Died, on Thurs morning the 25^th inst., after a lingering illness, Caroline Stewart (Kerr), daughter of John Kerr, Perth .

Bathurst Courier, July 16, 1852

Died, on the 18^th ult., Mrs. Philip Ross, Senior, at #2 West Russell Street , Glasgow , Scotland .  Friends will please accept this notice.

Bathurst Courier, November 26, 1852

Mr. Editor:  Having returned from California, and knowing you would like to have an account of my uncle, Alexander McLaren’s death, I take the liberty of writing you a few lines on the subject.

Sir, having arrived in California and having traveled around for some time, viewing the country, we at length directed our steps to one of the mining districts called Foster’s Bay, on the Yuba River, distant 32 miles from Marysville.  We had not been there eight days when I became unwell, being laid on a bed of sickness for 5 weeks, throughout this period my dear departed friend watched over me with more than a nurse’s care.  Providence was restoring me to my strength, but new troubles were awaiting me of which I was unconscious, for just as I got up from my bed of sickness for the first time, and being scarcely able to stand, he that was dearer to me than any other in that far foreign land, was visited with sickness, and frail as I was, Providence enabled me, in turn, to administer to all his wants, the same doctor that attended me (Dr. Fitch) attended him also, he used all of his endeavors to restore him again to health by administering to him medicines that he felt fitted his complaint and which he called inflammation of the bowels.  But after having passed through a course of medicines, it had no affect whatever, the doctor being baffled in his attempts to restore him; called in another doctor for advice but by this time it was evident to me that the fell destroyer was fast gaining power over him, he gradually became weaker and weaker until, on the morning of the 7^th September, (the day on which he died on or about 12 noon), his breathing became more quick and heavy.  I had some conversation with him in the course of the morning and about ten minutes before he breathed his last, I put to him some questions which he answered satisfactorily, and proved a comfort to me in my weak state, and enabled me to believe he died putting his trust in God.  On the following day I was enabled with the help of a few friends to commit his body to the silent grave, where he now lies deeply lamented by his sorrowing and bereaved friends and where he will lie till the last loud trumpet shall sound to awake us to our judgment. He having been personally acquainted with you and with others in your immediate neighborhood I seek to add no more.  Yours truly, William Muirhead, Beckwith, November 16, 1852

Bathurst Courier, December 10, 1852

Died, in this town, on the 25^th inst., Mr. William Matheson, for many years keeper of the Perth County Gaol.  He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was interred with all the honors of that illustrious order.

Died at Carleton Place on Tuesday, the 30^th of November, Elizabeth, wife of John McEwen, Carleton Place , founder.

Bathurst Courier, December 13, 1852

At Ramsay on the 21^st ult., infant son of James Robertson.  Likewise, on the 1^st inst., Elizabeth , wife of same James Robertson, deeply regretted by numerous relations and acquaintances.  Also, on the 4^th inst., infant son of James Robertson.

Bathurst Courier, March 10, 1853

Died, in this town on the 8^th inst., Margaret, wife of Mr. Donald McDonnell, late of Paisley , Scotland , aged 72 years.

Died in this town on the 25^th ult., Rhoda McKay, relict of the late John McKay, age 67 years.

Died at Cobden, on the 18^th Feb., after a severe illness that she patiently borne to the end of her suffering, Mary Wade, in the tenth year of her age, much regretted by all who knew her.

Bathurst Courier, March 18, 1853

Died, here, on the 11^th inst., Mr. John McCallum, innkeeper, aged 42

Died at Lanark on the 15^th inst., Amanda (Glossop), daughter of Mr. Daniel Glossop, in the 7^th year of her age.

Died, at Brockville , on the 9^th inst., much regretted, James Matthie, father of W. Matthie, Esq., of that town.

Bathurst Courier, April 15, 1853

Died, at West Killingby , Con., Rev. William Dick, formerly of Lanark and recently pastor of the Baptist Church at the former place.

Bathurst Courier, April 29, 1853

Died, at Dunkohl Manse, on the 1^st March last, David (Wilson), son of the Rev. T.C. Wilson, formerly for many years pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in this place.

Bathurst Courier, June 5, 1853

Died at Bathurst on the 26^th ult., aged 69, Mrs. Duncan Brown, relict of the late Duncan Brown, formerly of the parish of Dunoon , Scotland .

Died on the 20^th May, at his father’s residence, Aaron Blackburn, second son of John Blackburn, Bathurst , aged 29 years.  (transcriber’s note:  a long poem follows, not reproduced here.)

Bathurst Courier, August 26, 1853

Died on the 14^th inst., Janet (McLaren), daughter of Daniel McLaren, Bathurst , aged 15.

Bathurst Courier, September 9, 1853

Died, at the Scotch Line Bathurst, on the 24^th ult., William Old, native of Suithness , Scotland , one of the original settlers in that township. He was 61 years of age.

Bathurst Courier, September 16, 1853

Died, in this town on Friday the second inst., Catherine (Thompson), infant daughter of James Thompson, High Sheriff of the United Counties of Lanark and Renfrew.

Died, in Belleville , C.W., after a very short illness, Mr. James Hammond, teacher of the grammar school in that place, native of Boyd’s Settlement, Lanark.

Bathurst Courier, December 9, 1853

Died on Saturday 3^rd inst., at Lanark, Mr. John Hall, Esq., merchant, aged 50, one of the most respected inhabitants in this section of the country.

Bathurst Courier, February 10, 1854

Died, on the 28^th January, Alexander Spence (Nichol), infant, son of Dr. James S. Nichol of this town.

Died, at Pakenham Mills, on the 4^th Feb., inst., Jane Dickson, aged 76 years 8 months, widow of the late William Dickson, and mother of Andrew Dickson, Esq., late sheriff of the United Counties of Lanark and Renfrew.

Bathurst Courier, March 3, 1854

Died on Montague on the 16^th ult., Mrs. Amanda (Vandeson), wife of Mr. Ashael Vandeson, aged 61 years.

Bathurst Courier, March 17, 1854

Died at the residence of his brother-in-law, Drummond, on the 10^th inst., Thomas Leslie, in the full hope of the Gospel, aged 74, native of Montrose , Scotland .

Bathurst Courier, April 7, 1854

Died on the 26^th ult., Thomas O’Neil, Esq., Postmaster of Castleford, Horton, aged 56 years.

Bathurst Courier, April 21, 1854

Died on Sunday 16^th inst., James Robert (Gemmill), aged 6 weeks, son of R. Gemmill of this town.

Bathurst Courier, May 5, 1854

Died, in Bathurst , on Monday last, George Wellington, grandson of Mr. Samuel Dowdall, aged one year and five months.

Bathurst Courier, May 26, 1854

Died in Drummond on the 19^th inst., James Morris Sr., 73 years of age.  The deceased was one of the oldest inhabitants having settled in this place in 1820.  He was a native of Scotland .

Bathurst Courier, July 14, 1854

Died, in Bytown on the 6^th inst. of cholera, Mr. John Goodwin of Fitzroy, aged 27 years, 7^th son of Mrs. Goodwin, of McNab.  The deceased was on his way home from Quebec , and felt unwell as the steamer arrived at Bytown.  He died in the Protestant hospital, in 13 hours of extreme suffering, sincerely regretted by all who knew him.

Bathurst Courier, August 4, 1854

Died at the residence of Duncan McDonald, Perth , on the evening of Saturday 29^th July, Sarah Ann, wife of J. M. G. Hall, Esq., and eldest daughter of John Smith, Esq., Lanark, in the 30^th year of her age.

Bathurst Courier, November 17, 1854

Mr. Editor:  As several of your readers have requested me to send the following article for publication in your newspaper, you will oblige by publishing it.

A few weeks since a person by the name of Allen Stewart died, who was living in the part of Dalhousie joining Lavant.  Being anxious to open him and obtaining permission from his relatives I dissected him and found in his bladder a stone which measure four and one half inches long—four inches and three eighths in circumference and weighed three and one half ounces.  C. G. Wheatley, M.D.

Bathurst Courier, December 1, 1854

Died, on the 25^th inst., in the 26^th year of his age, John Ferguson, Esq., of this place, much regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  He was a native of North Ulst , one of the western isles of north Scotland , and entered the army, when young, with his father.  In 1817 he came to this place, got land in Drummond, and with many others shared all the labors and hardships of a new settlement.  After he came to reside in Perth , his upright conduct, and kind and obliging disposition, made him favorably known and much beloved by the entire community.  For many years previous to his death he was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church (Rev. Wm. Bell) and he discharged his duties there in a faithful and efficient manner.  His piety was warm and active and he had long lived in a habitual preparation for death.  His last disease was short and attended with very little pain, so that when he expired, he seemed merely to have gone to sleep.

Bathurst Courier, June 15, 1855

Died, on the 8^th inst., Caroline (Lamont), eldest daughter of Joseph Lamont, Jr., aged 11.

Perth Courier, October 2, 1895

The Late Mrs. Couch—On Friday there passed away, Mrs. Richard Couch, at the residence of her son Richard, 2^nd Concession Drummond, at the age of 88 years.  Deceased was born in Wexford County , Ireland , but was brought by her parents to Canada when a child, the family settling on the 2^nd Concession of Drummond. She was a member of the Methodist Church .  Deceased is the mother of Mrs. N. McLanaghan and Mrs. Joshua Rothwell, Perth; Mrs. Robert Smith, N. Elmsley; Mrs. Richardson, Renfrew; Mrs. Cameron, Manitoba; Richard, on the homestead and two sons in Manitoba.

Last week we published a notice on the death of Mrs. Sarah Ryan of Winnipeg , a native of the township of Drummond and who lived in Perth and vicinity for over 50 years.  The Winnipeg Tribune of Sept. 3 publishes the following obituary:  Shortly after noon yesterday, the death was announced of Mrs. Sarah Ryan, a lady for many years well known and loved to this city.  The sad event occurred at her residence 174 James Street East .  For a month or six weeks past Mrs. Ryan had been suffering from a severe cold, but from this she had been gradually recovering up until a week of her death, when she ventured out and suffered a relapse.  Being of an advanced age, 74 years, this gradually took on a serious aspect until death ended it all.  Mrs. Ryan was the mother of the well known business men bearing her name—Messrs Thomas, George and James Ryan of this city; and Michael of Three Forks, B.C.; and also Mrs. John Stephenson and Mrs. R.D. Patterson of this city. Seventeen years ago, at which time she was a widow, she came with her family from her old home in Perth , Ont., to Winnipeg to reside.  Mrs. Ryan has always led an exemplary life, being up until the time of her death a devout Christian and a good mother.  Only those intimately acquainted with Mrs. Ryan knew her value, owing to the quiet and unassuming manner in which she went about and did the work that fell to her lot.  She had been a member of Grace Church since her arrival here and although attendance at service and work in her declining years was not characterized by her well known regularity, she will be greatly missed in the church circles.

Death of Mr. Thomas Cairne—A year ago or more, Mr. Thomas Cairne, postmaster of this town, was taken ill from heart disease and from that time has been more or less undermined in health.  Last week he was stricken down with paralysis that was on one side of his body, and on Wednesday morning at 6:00 he passed peacefully away.  The late Mr. Cairne was a native of Tyrone, in the north of Ireland , where he learned the trade of a printer.  He came to Canada and worked for a time in Kingston , where he married Miss Givens, who is now a widow.  After a time he moved to Perth and became foreman of the British Standard, and later on he and Mr. Thomas Scott (now Col Scott, ex-M.P. of Winnipeg ) started the Perth Expositor.  Four years later, in 1865, he was appointed postmaster and for thirty years intervening to this week, he filled the office faithfully and well, giving the utmost satisfaction to the public and to the department.  He was also a prominent member of the Methodist Church , a very liberal giver and for many years chairman of the Perth District, and an official of the local congregation.  He was also for some years a member of the Collegiate Institute Board and a good friend of progress in educational matters.  Personally he was a kind and genial man, of good judgment and excellent abilities, and a promoter, of any good cause in our midst, being prominent in temperance and in religion. Besides the widow he leaves a family of two daughters and eight sons:  Mrs. (Rev) Jamison, Sydenham; Mrs. Samuel Dowson, Kimaley; Thomas, post official, Vancouver, B.C.; Albert, post office inspector, Winnipeg; George F., barrister, Smith’s Falls; Walter, barrister, Newboro; Arthur and Harry in the post office, Perth; Charles, printer, Ottawa; and Herbert, druggist, Chicago.  The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon at 2:00 from his late residence, Gore Street , to the Methodist Church and thence to Elmwood Cemetery .

Perth Courier, July 16, 1897

Mr. J. McPherson, Mayor of Kincardine, has sent us a copy of the Kinkanline Reporter for July 1, from which we take the following report of a former Dalhousie settler:  Margaret Rolston, beloved wife of Mr. William Miller, Bervie, was called to prove the realities of another world on Saturday evening, June 10, aged 67 years, after a lingering illness borne with Christian faith, courage and fortitude.  Deceased was born in Scotland in 1830, emigrated to Dalhousie Township, Lanark County, Ontario, where she was brought up and after being united in marriage to Mr. William Miller at 20 years of age, moved in 1850 to Bervie, in this county, which was then in its virgin state, a vast wilderness, settling in the midst of the trees without clearing, home, money or comforts of life.  Yet faithfully they labored, step by step, until as the years passed they built a comfortable home, secured possession of a large farm, and always had God’s blessings and the necessities of life.  They raised a large family:  seven sons and three daughters who are scattered today far and wide.  William, John and Mrs. Dana are in the northern part of Dakota; George in Rossland , British Columbia ; James in Turtle Mountain , Manitoba ; Mrs. Pringle in Port Huron ; Mrs. Wm. Rutledge at Millarton; Charles and Matthew Virtue are on the homestead.  One son died some years ago in his ninth year.  Forty-four years the deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Bervie, always ready to do her part; kind, obliging, patient and exemplary; punctual and regular in her attendance at the prayer meetings and different functions of the church; took a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of the congregation of which she was a member.  The funeral was on Monday to the Kincardine cemetery, and was largely attended, her many friends in town and country were out in large numbers to pay the last token of respect to her memory.  Her removal will be much felt and missed.  Her mother, Mrs. John Rolston, who lived with her for a number of years, died two years ago, aged 86 years.  Her grandson, John Pringle, aged fifteen years, died suddenly four months ago at the home in Bervie.

The Late Mrs. John O’Neil

This estimable lady, the wife of Mr. John O’Neil, 5^th (or 6^th?) line Bathurst (Wemyss), died on the 7^th of July, after a long illness.  Eight years ago she was seized with the grippe, but she recovered almost wholly for the time, but two years ago she was taken with it again and the disease settled in her lungs, and carried her off, after an illness for that time, which she bore very patiently, age the age of 58 (56?) years.  Deceased’s maiden name was Margaret Kehoe.  She left three sons—John F., in British Columbia ; Peter and Daniel, at home; and one daughter Mrs. John Murphy, 3^rd line, Bathurst .  Her remains were interred in the R. Catholic cemetery, Perth , on Friday, six of her nephews acting as pall-bearers.  The funeral was a very large one, one hundred and ten rigs passing Glen Tay.  Her husband has the sympathy of the community where he lives.

Twenty-Three Yeas in Bed

On Thursday last Mr. Alex Dunlop, who for some twenty-three years has been confined to his bed from ankylosis, and who, during all those years has had to be fed and waited upon for every necessity of life, passed quietly away at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A. Duck, aged 68 years.  Deceased was at one time a farmer in Ramsay, where his wife died many years ago.  He has been a resident of Carleton Place for a long time, and always as helpless as though devoid of life.  He could turn neither hand nor foot, but could eat his meals as regular as though in good health.  His case has been a most remarkable one.  The funeral took place on Saturday to Cram’s Cemetery.

Posted: Feb 26, 2003