Perth Courier Obituaries
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Some entire issues were illegible and had to be skipped.
Death of Old Residents—The death of John
Preston, one of the pioneer settlers of Drummond, took place on the 16th
inst. He distinctly remembered the Irish
Rebellion of the last century. Mr. John Radd
(or Badd??), an old and respected resident of
Murdoch—Died, at Township Ross on Friday, 9th inst., after a lingering illness born with exemplary patience and fortitude, Miss Isabella Murdoch, beloved and only daughter of James and Mary Murdoch, aged 24 years and 5 months.
Sym—Died, at North Sherbrooke on the 12th Sept., Alexander MacKenzie Sym, infant son of Mr. Walter H. Sym, aged 5 (?) 6(?) weeks.
Manahan—Died, of diphtheria at Lanark on Friday, 23rd Sept., Edward Manahan, aged 4 years, 7 months and 21 days; and died, on Sunday, 25th Sept., Margaret May Manahan, aged 6 years, 3 months and 23 days and Harriett Jane Manahan, aged 7 years, 3 months and 8 (?) days, all children of Thomas and Eliza Manahan.
Croskery—Died, on Tuesday night, 4th Oct., Mr. Robert Croskery, Perth, aged 38.
Elsewhere in the same newspaper: On Wednesday morning, the people of Perth were startled by the news that Robert Croskery, boot and shoe merchant, had died suddenly about 11:00 the preceding evening. Inquiries led to the knowledge that Mr. Croskery had worked hard in the shop that day from morning until late in the evening, it being fall fair day, waiting on customers and that having missed his dinner had taken a hearty meal later before retiring to bed after 10:00. For some time he had been suffering from enlargement of the heart and the fatigues and excitement of that day, with the irregularity of the meal referred to doubtless brought on this mournful crisis which carried him off so terribly suddenly before the close of the day and only a few minutes after retiring. Medical aid was summoned by his wife as soon as the attack was known but as with all diseases of the heart, it was useless. Mr. Croskery passed away almost in a moment and apparently without a pang. Mr. Croskery was a native of the north of Ireland but came to Perth with his late respected father when quite young. He was an excellent and upright businessman and as such was widely known both in Perth and far back in the county. Though comparatively young, 38, he was a trustee in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and one of its most active and liberal members as well as devoted Sabbath School teacher. When his health failed he was fully prepared for it and we believe the King of Terrors held no terrors for him. He will be missed not alone by his widow and family who receive the sincerest sympathy of all in their bereavement but by his fellow townsmen and customers as well. The congregation of St. Andrew’s Church will feel also that one of their best members will be with them no more.
Tait—Died, at Perth, on Sunday, 2nd Oct., Mr. William Tait, aged 41.
Elsewhere in the newspaper: On Sunday evening last Mr. William Tait of this town was found dead in the street opposite the residence of Mr. John Keays. Deceased had been for some months in delicate health.
McKenzie—Died, at 967 Albert Street, Ottawa, on the 30th Sept., Maria McKenzie, widow of the late Mr. Donald McKenzie, M.A., formerly of Perth, aged 83.
Blake—Died, near Sycamore, Illinois on the 24th inst., of typhoid fever, Mr. William H. Blake, formerly of Almonte, aged 29.
Stewart—Died, at his residence, Rosebank, on Thursday, 15th inst., Mr. John Stewart, Sr., aged 89.
More—Died, at Ramsay on the 27th inst., Mr. Simon More, son of Mr. William More, aged 17.
Cromwell—Died, at Perth, on Monday evening, (date illegible), Roberta G. Cromwell, daughter of Mr. J. M. O. Cromwell of Perth, aged 16 (?).
Kearnes—Died, at Glen Tay on Monday evening, (date illegible) inst., Margaret Kearnes, wife of Mr. James Kearnes, aged 51 (?) 54 (?).
Cram—Died, at Carleton Place on the 4th inst., Mr. John Cram, aged 84, a member for one half of a century of the Beckwith Church.
Morris—Died, on Sunday, 9th Oct., at 1 Jarvis St., Emily M. Morris, youngest daughter of the Hon. Alexander Morris, M.P.P. for East Toronto, aged 14 years and 11 months.
McMillan—Died, at the residence of Mr. Robert Anderson, Carleton Place, on the 12th Oct., Catharine McMillan, relict of the late Mr. Robert McMillan, in the 86th year of her age.
Cuthbertson—Died, on Saturday, 8th Oct., Mr. William Cuthbertson of Dalhousie, aged 91 years, a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Cram—Died, at the 11th Line Ramsay on Tuesday, 11th inst., Mr. Henry Cram, aged 19(?) 49(?).
McArthur—Died, at Almonte, on the 12th Oct., Mr. Peter McArthur, aged 47 (?).
Rea—Died, at his residence, Ramsay, on the 11th Oct., Mr. James Rea, Jr., aged 31.
Dunlop—Died, at McDonald’s Corners on the 17th inst., Mr. Robert Dunlop, son of Mr. Thomas Dunlop, aged 21.
Publow—Died, at Perth, on Tuesday, 18th inst., Margaret Elizabeth Publow, daughter of Mr. G. G.. Publow, aged 11 months.
Hart—Died, at Perth on Sabbath morning, 23rd Oct., Mr. John Hart, Sr., aged 73 (?).
Campbell—Died, at Rosetta on the 14th Oct., of inflammation of the bowels, after a short illness, Malcolm Campbell, son of Mr. David Campbell, aged 10 years, 9 months and 11 days.
McMillan—Died, on Wednesday, 12th Oct., Catharine (?) McMillan, relict of the late Mr. Robert McMillan, in the 86th (?) year of her age.
Note: One
death in this issue was totally illegible and could not be transcribed.
Adams—Died, on Perth on Monday morning, 31st Oct., Jane Adams Finlay, relict of Mr. George Finlay, Sr., aged 83(?).
Noonan—Died, on Saturday, 29th Oct., Lady Laverne Noonan, wife of Mr. Dennis Noonan, Sr., Bathurst, aged 77. Deceased was born in Lower Canada but had lived over sixty years in Bathurst.
Miller—Died, at North Sherbrooke, on the 27th Sept., Isabella Miller, youngest daughter of John and Mary Miller, aged 13 years, 11 (?) months and 21 (?) days.
Dearest Bella thou has left us
And thy loss we deeply feel
But ‘tis God who has bereft us
He can all our sorrows heal.
Hensley—Died, of typhoid fever, at Or- - - l Forks City, Dakota Territory, on the 8th Sept., Daniel Hensley, formerly of Westport, Leeds County, aged 25.
Our hopes are gone that his life we can save
As we gently lowered him down to his grave
Amid a crowd of mourners with heads lowered to Thy will
Of our dispensing kind Father who whispers ‘be still’.
But life for life of the work that is to come
That we may secure for our souls a sweet home.
McLean—Died, on Sabbath morning, 6th Nov., Mr. Robert McLean, aged 56.
Proctor—Died, at Almonte on the 27th October, Edith Allen Proctor, daughter of Mr. James Proctor, aged 3 years, 2(?) months.
Campbell—Died, at R - - - ts, on the 14th Oct., of inflammation of the bowels, Malcolm Campbell, son of Mr. David Campbell, aged 15 (?) 16 (?) 18 (?) years, 9 months and 11 days.
Ha - - a—Died, at S. Sherbrooke, on the 5th inst., Mr. William Ha - - a, aged 26 (?).
McPortland—Died, on Sunday afternoon, the 6th October, Catharine Quinn McPortland, wife of Mr. John McPortland, North Burgess, aged 36.
Donald—Died, at Carleton Place on the 3rd November, Marion Donald, wife of Mr. Frank Donald, aged 37.
Ritchie—Died, on Wednesday, 23rd Nov., Mr. William Ritchie, in the 77th year of his age.
Palmer—Died, suddenly at Oso (?), on Sabbath morning, Richard Palmer, aged 20 (?) 29 (?).
Perth Courier, December 2, 1881
Rice—Died at Fargo, Dakota Territory on Friday, 25th Nov., Ida Rice, youngest daughter of Mr. Charles Rice, Esq., County Court Clerk, Perth, aged 20.
Kidd—Died, at his father’s residence on the 2nd Concession of Beckwith on the 17th inst., William York Kidd, aged 17 (?) 37 (?) years, 8 (?) months and 16 days.
Templeton—Died, at Sault Ste. Marie, on the 6th Nov., Minnie Ethel Templeton, youngest daughter of Mr. Allan Templeton, aged one year and nine months.
Thompson—Died, on Sat. morning, 19th Nov., Mr. George Miller Thompson, Perth, aged 29.
Hawkins—Died, on Sunday, 20th November, in the 38th (?) year of her life, Sarah Ann Frost Hawkins, wife of Mr. William Hawkins, Dalhousie, leaving an infant son two weeks old and another of 3 years.
Dick—Died, at the Township of Grattan, County Renfrew on Monday, 14th Nov., Margaret Turnbull Dick, wife of Mr. David Dick, Esq. The deceased was born in the village of Bankfest (?), Aughtergaven (?) Parish, Perthshire, Scotland in 1821 (?), 1824 (?), and arrived in this country in 1933 (?) and has resided in this township for 27 years.
Hamilton—Died, at Listowel, on the 23rd ult., of typhoid fever, Mary Leckie Hamilton, wife of Mr. George Hamilton, government road overseer, formerly of Comarty (?), aged 60 (?) years, ten months and fourteen days. Deceased was born in Park Head (?), Scotland and came to Canada when very young, settling in Lanark County, where she was married. In 1848 the family moved to the Township of Hibbert where they resided until about three years ago since which they have lived in Stratford at Listowell.
Poole—Died, at Drummond on Saturday, the 26th November, Maggie Edith Poole, infant daughter of George and Susan Poole, aged 30 days.
Neilson—Died, at Perth on Saturday (date illegible), Elizabeth Neilson, aged 73(?). (note, unsure of this surname.)
Greer—Died, on Thursday, (date illegible) December, Mr. John Greer of Ono (?), aged 83 (?) 88 (?). (note, unsure of this surname.) Deceased was born in Connaught, Ireland and came to Ono (?) over 43 years ago. He leaves a wife with whom he enjoyed the long partnership of (number illegible) years. A number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren survive.
Lamont—Died, at Lanark on Sunday, 11th December, Isabella Lamont, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Lamont, aged 27.
McLaren—Died, at Carleton Place on the 11th December, Susan McLaren, wife of Mr. Duncan McLaren, aged 83 years, 11 months and 23 days.
McCaffrey—Died, at Carleton Place on the 10th Dec., of heart disease after a few years illness, (first name illegible) McCaffrey, daughter of Mr. James McCaffrey, in the 25th year of her age.
An old and respected resident of Almonte, Mr. John Patterson, Esq., J.P. Clerk of the Division Court, died at his residence last Friday at the age of 72 years. He was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery on Sabath, the funeral being one of the largest ever held in Almonte. Deceased was a native of Scotland and father of Dr. Patterson, mayor of Almonte.
Cromwell—Died, at Perth, on Wed., 14th inst., Mary W. Cromwell, daughter of Mr. J. M. O. Cromwell, aged 23 (?).
Miller—Died, at North Burgess on the 19th inst., Grace Golightly Miller, wife of Mr. Charles Miller, age d73 (?).
McEachen—Died, at Drummond on the 16th (?) Dec., Ellen Jane McEachen, youngest daughter of Mr. John McEachen, Esq., aged 3 years, 5 months and 23 days.
Keays—Died, at Ashton, on the 24th December, Sophia Ann Keays, aged 14 years and 6 months.
Munro—Died, at Heron’s Mills, Lanark Township on the 2nd inst., Elizabeth Nelson (?) or Hudson (?) Munro, wife of Mr. James Munro, aged (illegible, two numbers, the second number was a’1’).
Car- - Died, at Smith’s Falls on the 23rd Dec., Ethel Isabella Car - -, youngest daughter of Og- - and Isabella Car - -, aged 4 years and 6 months.
Car- - Died, at Smith’s Falls, on the 13th Jan., George Henry Car - -, youngest son of Og - - and Isabella Car - - aged (illegible, but was in years and months.)
Jordan—Died, on Saturday night, 28th Jan., Mr. Robert Jordan, Esq., 3rd Line Bathurst, aged (illegible, two numbers, the second is a ‘7’). Deceased was a native of Northumberland, England and came to Canada with his family 45 years ago. He taught school for many years in this county.
Bradley—Died, on Sat., 28th January, Mr. Thomas Bradley, Beckwith, aged (illegible, two numbers, the first is a ‘2’).
Campbell—Died, at Montreal on the 30th Jan., Mr. John Campbell, aged 69 (?).
Elsewhere in this same newspaper: About three weeks ago Mr. John Campbell of Montreal and an old resident of Perth was run over in that city by a horse driven at a reckless pace in the street. His leg was broken at the thigh and he sustained other injuries which caused him severe suffering and he was removed to the hospital for treatment. On Sunday last he died from the effects of his injuries and his remains were buried in Montreal on Wednesday. The deceased was a native of Glen Lyon, Argylshire, Scotland and came to Canada when young. He was well known not only in Perth where he lived many years but also over a large district of the country in eastern Ontario. He was a consistent advocate of temperance and delivered hundreds of lectures on behalf of the cause in many places. Latterly, he invented and perfected the well known Monitor Churn, which afforded him quite a revenue within the last few years. The deceased was the father of Mrs. Schaffer a well known professional vocalist and now choir leader in the First Presbyterian Church of Almonte.
More—Died, at the residence of his son, 7th Line Ramsay, on the 13th (?) 18th (?) January, Mrs. John More, aged 90 (?). (note, unsure of this surname.)
Egan—Died, on the 25th (?) inst., Ann Margaret Gibson Egan, widow of the late Mr. John Egan, Esq., M.P. Aylmer, P.Q., aged (illegible, two numbers, the second is a ‘4’).
Miller—Died, at his residence in North Burgess on Thursday, 2nd inst., Mr. John Miller, aged 34 (?).
Adams—Died, on Monday, 30th Jan., Helen Gregory Davidson Adams, wife of Mr. John W. Adams, and mother–in-law of Rev. Thomas Henderson, former pastor of the Baptist Church, Perth, aged 63.
Fyfe—Died, at Dalhousie on the 4th inst., Mr. Patrick Fyfe, Sr., aged 82.
Wood—Died, at Smith’s Falls, on Wed., 4th Jan., Mr. William James Wood, aged 23.
Scott—Died, at Carleton Place on the 1st Feb., Mary W. Scott, aged 31 (?).
McDermott—Died, on Thursday, 2nd Feb., Mr. Hugh McDermott, aged 46 (?). Deceased was born in the County Armagh, Ireland and came to Canada in 1842 and settled with his father in Dalhousie, then removing to Bathurst.
Bre- - - Died, at Lanark Village on the 11th Feb., Agnes Umpherston (?) Bre - - - , wife of Mr. Charles Bre - - - , aged 29 years and 7 months.
McKay—Died, at Almonte on the 29th of Jan., Mrs. Joseph McKay, aged 32 (?).
Hudson—Died, at Drummond, on Sunday, 5th Feb., Mr. James Hudson, aged 63 (?).
Lambert—Died, at Drummond on Wed., 8th Feb., Mr. William James Lambert, grandson of Mr. James Hudson, aged 18 (?).
Proven—Died, near Watson’s Corners, Dalhousie on Wednesday 8th inst., Mr. Alexander Proven, aged 32 (?). (note, unsure of surname.)
McIntyre—Died, at Balderson, on the 1st Feb., John McIntyre, eldest son of Mr. John J. McIntyre, aged 19.
The death is announced of Ormand Jones of Brockville, Registrar of Lanark County, 70 years. His father was Hon. Charles Jones of Brockville in which town the deceased was born in 1811. Mr. Jones was, from 1858 to 1864, Registrar of North Lanark but in the latter year was appointed Registrar of Lanark County. He was a Conservative in politics.
Eganville—Our obituary column contains today the notice of the death of a former much respected resident of our village, Dr. Jas. P. Lynn. Many of our readers will remember him as the kindly friend and genial gentleman and successful physician. From our village he sought a larger sphere for practicing his profession in Renfrew and thence in time removed to the Dominion Capitol where his abilities speedily won him a foremost place. The civic authorities selected him as their physician to the Sanitary Commission and the Ottawa College found in him a fit person to look after its interests on the Ontario Medical Council. Failing health rendered a milder climate indispensable and Toronto, the place of his demise, was chosen. Here too, he won in a short period a place of mark and the R.C. Separate School chose him as its trustee in his ward. Called away in the prime of life by that terrible disease, Bright’s Disease of the kidneys
Ross—Died, at Pakenham on the 3rd inst., Mr. Donald Ross, aged 50.
Stevenson—Died, at McNab Township on the 9th Feb., Agnes Bell Stevenson, beloved wife of Mr. James Stevenson, aged 72.
Waugh—Died, at Arnprior on Monday, 13th inst., Kathleen Fraser Waugh, daughter of Mr. Richey Waugh, aged 16.
Manion—Died, at Bathurst, on the 21st inst., at her brother’s residence, Elizabeth Manion, aged 74. Deceased was a native of County Galway, Ireland.
Forbes—Died, at Dalhousie on Friday evening, 17th inst., Mr. D. Forbes, Sr., aged 73.
Sims—Died, at his residence in North Sherbrooke, Mr. Walter Sims, aged 85 years, and 9 months. Deceased was a native of Perthshire, Scotland and immigrated to Canada in 1821.
Graham—Died, at his residence at the Township Westmeath on Sat. the 18th Feb., Mr. Robert Graham, Sr., in the 82nd year of his life. Deceased was a native of County M - - th, Ireland.
McArthur—Died, on Tuesday morning, 28th (?) Feb., Jennie McArthur, infant daughter of Mr. William McArthur, aged 15 months.
Sullivan—Died, at her residence at Eganville on Tuesday, 14th inst., Ellen Sullivan, beloved wife of Mr. Dennis Sullivan, after a long and protracted illness which she bore with true Christian resignation. She was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland and came to this country about thirty years ago.
Bilby—Died, at the gaol on Wednesday, 1st March, Mr. Thomas Bilby, aged 63.
Playfair—Died, at Bathurst on Tuesday morning, 28th Feb., Christina Playfair, wife of Mr. James Playfair and daughter of the late Mr. John Brown, Dalhousie, aged 47.
Newton—Died, at her residence, 274 Poplar Street, Wilmington, Delaware, Annie Newton, eldest daughter of William and Margaret Lowther and wife of Mr. William Isaac Newton, surveyor, late of Thorold, Canada, but now of Bathurst, England. (no age was given.)
Perkins—Died, at S. Sherbrooke, on Tuesday, 14th Feb., Mr. George Perkins, aged 74.
Pigatt—Died, at his residence, Arnprior, on the 24th Feb., Mr. William Dewalt (?) Pigatt, Esq., aged 91 (?).
Baird—Died, at Pakenham, on Monday, 27th Feb., Lila Lett (?) Baird, wife of J.G. Baird, M.D., aged 34 (?).
Thornton—Died, at Campbellford, Sunday, 10th Feb., Mr. Moses (?) Thornton, at one time a resident of Perth and brother to Messrs. John and Thomas Thornton, aged 68.
McVean—Died, at Hibbert, on Friday, 3rd inst., at the residence of Mr. Peter Campbell, Katie McVean, daughter of Mr. Neil McVean, North Sherbrooke, in the 20th year of her age.
Ferguson—Died, at Franktown, on the 8th (?) March, Mr. Duncan Ferguson, Beckwith, aged (illegible).
Robinson—Died, at Perth on Thursday morning, 9th March, William Robinson, son of Mr. John Robinson, Bathurst, aged 16 (?).
Kent—Died, suddenly, at Buffalo, New York, on the 7th inst., Catharine Kent, wife of the late Mr. Thomas Kent, aged (illegible). Deceased was at one time a resident of Perth and sister of the late Mr. Murdoch McDonald, Esq.
Last Name Illegible (T - - - an -)—Died, at Almonte on the 21st (?) inst., Ettie Ethel T - - - an -, only daughter of Mr. J.R. T - - - an -, aged (?) years and 11 months.
Whitelaw—Died, at Bennie’s Corners on Wednesday, 15th March, Mr. William Whitelaw, aged 83 (?).
Graffe—Died, at Fort William on Saturday night, 4th inst., Johnnie (?) Graffe, only son of F.T. and Sarah E. Graffe, formerly of Kemptville, aged 1 year, 10 months and 15 (?) days. (note, unsure of this surname.)
Fraser—Died, at Amable de Fond, of apoplexy, on the 8th (?) March, Mr. Donald Fraser, carpenter, late of Renfrew, aged 56 (?).
Locke—Died, at Smith’s Falls on the (date illegible) March, Mr. Richard Locke, architect and contractor, etc., aged 68 (?)
Elsewhere in the same paper: On Monday our citizens receive a painful surprise on learning of the death of Mr. Richard Locke of Smith’s Falls, the well known builder and contractor and one of the license commissioners for this riding. Deceased was a worthy citizen, an energetic businessman and one who will be missed in the community. About 4:00 on the morning of his death, he complained of illness and after some perseverance from his wife, a doctor was sent for but before he arrived Mr. Locke had passed away. His death was caused by heart disease or apoplexy. The deceased was a member of Rev. Mr. Crombie’s (Presbyterian) Church and being a Mason his funeral was largely attended by brethren from other parts, including a number from Perth. He leaves a wife and six children who are comfortably provided for and insurance of $1,500 on his life will help to swell the amount.
McArthur—Died, on the 10th March, at her residence 3rd Line Ramsay, Elizabeth Thompson McArthur, widow of the late Mr. Andrew McArthur, aged 74.
Dunlop—Died, at his residence at Dalhousie on the 7th inst., of inflammation of the bowels, Mr. William Dunlop, Sr., aged 67.
Kelly—Died, at Renfrew on the 15th (?) inst., the infant daughter of Rev. Samuel Kelly, aged 4 days.
Kelly—Died, at Renfrew on the 19th (?) inst., in her 27th year, Mrs. Samuel Kelly, wife of Rev. Samuel Kelly, Baptist missionary, after a short illness resulting from a recent “confinement”.
Stedman—Died, at Verona (?) at the residence of her son William Stedman, on Tuesday, the 28th inst., Susanna Stedman, relict of the late Mr. Nathaniel Stedman, Drummond.
Haveson—Died, at Perth on Tuesday morning, 28th inst., Margaret Haveson, aged 47. (note, unsure of this surname.)
McDonald—Died, at his residence in Drummond on the 17th March, Mr. Henry McDonald, Esq., ex-Treasurer of the Township, aged 92 (?).
Elsewhere in the newspaper:
On the 17th March, Mr. Henry McDonald the Elder, Esq., one of the pioneers and early settlers of the Township of Drummond, died at his residence in that township in the 93rd (?) year of his age. He was born in 1790 (?) at Capar Angus, near Dundee, Scotland and in January of 1807 (?) he enlisted with a recruiter as part of the 8th (?) or King’s Own Regiment, then stationed in Stafford, England. The same year he went with his regiment and was present at the taking of Copenhagen. He sailed from England to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1808; in the fall of the said year he went to the West Indies and was present at the taking of the Island of Martinique from the French; in 1810 he sailed from Halifax to Quebec. In the summer of 1812 after the War was proclaimed by the British and United States, he left Quebec with his regiment and proceeded as far as Kingston in the Spring of 1813 his regiment marched to York (now Toronto) and took part in the following battles: namely, York, Beckett’s Harbor, Stoney Creek, and other skirmished between Niagara, Ft. Erie and Toronto. On the 25th (?) July, 1814, he was present at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane and was taken prisoner by the Americans and marched to Great Hook (?). After peace was proclaimed he was released and found his regiment in Montreal after being imprisoned for a period of nine months and took his discharge. He was married in Montreal in 1816 (?) to Ann Hyla - - -, they both proceeded to the town of Perth the same year and settled in the Township of Drummond where his wife died in 1874 after having a family of 5 boys and 4 girls. Three of the sons and two of the girls are still living, who are all married. At the time of his death, the deceased gentleman left 27 grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. The deceased, after struggling under the privations of the early settlers for many years, became possessed of a good far and was in good circumstances; was one of the magistrates of the County of Lanark and held the responsible position of Treasurer of the Township of Drummond. From January, 1851 (?) until a short period before his death, both of which affairs he discharged in a highly creditable and efficient manner. His son Henry succeeds him in the office of Treasurer. The deceased gentleman during his lifetime occupied various other public positions—he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was proud of his nationality. He was a quiet, unassuming man, generous, a warm and sincere friend and his death is deeply regretted by his family and a large circle of friends.
Smith—Died, on Thursday morning, 30th March, Mary Jordan Smith, wife of Mr. Ralph Smith, North Elmsley, aged 83 (?).
L- - - ard (Leonard???)—Died, at Bathurst, on Tuesday, 11th March, Mr. James L - - - ard (Leonard?), aged 74.
Almonte: The late James Snedden—The chronicler of local events has at no time had a sadder duty to perform then when called on to record the death of those will known to the generality of our readers and who have to a certain extent identified themselves with the history of the locality. No face was more familiar on our streets than that of the gentleman whose death it is our duty to record today. A few of our readers in Almonte and the surrounding neighborhood but can recall the good humored countenance of the man who was so well and favorably known as the “Banker Snedden” but whose smile will be seen no more. The late Mr. Snedden was born on the 11th Line Beckwith in 1821. About 55 years ago the father of the deceased removed to Ramsay, settling at Rosebank and building the grist mill there. He afterwards went into the lumbering business and died at Quebec of cholera about 1834. At the time of his father’s death, James, who was the eldest son, was about 14 years of age and from that day he acted as a father to his brothers and sisters. The three brothers, James, William and John, continued to work harmoniously together until the younger brother was about 30 years of age, but although they were then working……each for himself, the elder brother never lost his fatherly interest in their well being. Like his father, the deceased engaged in lumbering and speculations of other kinds and was very fortunate in his pursuits but the hard times in the lumbering trade and heavy expenses he had been led into to improve the passage from his timber limits cost him heavy losses. It must be supposed that he was not straightened in his resources as the widow and family are well provided for. The deceased attended church at Rosebank on Sunday as usual and on Monday he harnessed his horse to come to Almonte. He went into the house to wash his hands and coming out of the washroom he placed his hand on his head, exclaiming “Oh, my head” and fell on the floor in an apoplectic fit and only rallied for a brief time in the evening and died on Tuesday morning about 6:00 in the 61st year of his age. The deceased was borne to the 8th Line Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, the funeral being attended by a large concourse of friends and acquaintances and neighbors who were unanimous in the opinion that a good husband, loving father, and kind and worth neighbor has been called away.
McDonald—Died, at Perth on Monday, 17th inst., Alexander Allan McDonald, son of the late Sergeant Alexander McDonald of the Canadian Fencibles and nephew of Captain Ronald of the West India Regiment, aged 7 (?).
D - - - - - (Deacon????)—Died, at Beckwith on the 18th (?) inst., Mrs. Mary D - - - - - , aged 94 (?) years and four days.
Halt—Died, at the village of Forrester’s Falls (?), on the 18th (?) April, Mr. Noah Halt, Sr. aged 34 (?) 84 (?) years and 7 months.
Poole—Died, at Carleton Place on the 20th April, Maggie Poole, daughter of Mr. James Poole, Esq., aged 19.
Elsewhere in the same paper: Maggie Poole, daughter of Mr. J. Poole, Carleton Place, died Thursday, 20th April of consumption at the very early age of 19 years.
Ledgerwood—Died, at Arnprior on the 29th inst., Agnes Ledgerwood, second daughter of Mr. D. Ledgerwood, aged (illegible).
Swain—Died, at Scot Corners, on the 30th ult., Mr. John Swain, aged 73.
Kil - - - - Died, at Beckwith, on the 28th April, Mrs. F. A. Kil - - - - , aged 36 (?).
Brady—Died, on Friday, 21st April, of paralysis, Mr. Patrick Brady, Smith’s Falls, formerly of Perth, aged 77. Deceased came to this country in 1836 (?), living in Perth until ten years ago when he removed to Smith’s Falls. He was a native of the County Meath, Ireland.
Died, at his late residence Lot 4 on the 4th Concession Beckwith, on the 24th April, Mr. Donald McLaren, aged 67 years, 10 months, after a short illness. The deceased was born at Achra near Lochhead (?) in 1814 and was baptized in the Parish Church at Balqskidden where his forefathers worshipped. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1818 and settled with them on the present homestead in 1819 and lived there uninterruptedly with the exception of a little time he taught school in the vicinity, until the time of his death. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church during the incumbency of four clergymen, viz., Reverends Smith, Morrison, McHeich - - - - and Ross and I daresay himself and others looked expectantly forward to his further services and usefulness under the ministry of the present minister, Rev. D. McDonald. But, Heaven declared otherwise and called him to his rest. Mr. McLaren was also president of the Franktown branch of the Bible Society and had been a teacher of the Sabbath school and performed the duties of his offices diligently, conscientiously and with ability. He was a very liberal contributor to the schemes of the church with which he was contracted and for an individual in his stage of life, he gave to the Bible Society a great deal. He will be greatly missed in the church and in the neighborhood. He was for some years a councilor in the Township of Beckwith. The pioneers of the county are fast passing away.
A former resident of Perth, Mr. Robert Lowther, died last week down South.
Leach—Died, at the residence of Mr. William Warren, Pembroke, on the 14th inst., Ann Leach, sister of Mr. James Leach, aged 30.
Stephenson—Entered into life eternal on the 12th (?) May, at St. Paul’s parsonage, Almonte, Emelia Rose Berford Stephenson daughter of Rev. F. L. Stephenson and Lily Berford Stephenson, aged nine months.
Heffron—Died, at Perth, on the 23rd inst., Mr. William John Heffron, aged 21.
Tomlinson—Died, at Beckwith, on the 14th inst., Janet Tomlinson, aged 20.
Eaton—Died, on the 25th April, Mathilda Eaton, daughter of Mr. Robert Eaton, Jr., aged 4 months and 15 days.
Sheppard—Died, on the 10th May, at the Township of Clarendon, Pontiac, Mr. Thomas Sheppard, aged 53.
Daly—Died, at the Township of Clarendon, Pontiac, on the 25th April, Mrs. Ellen Daly, aged 63.
Caldwell—Died, on the 14th May, Mr. Anthony Caldwell, Township of Clarendon, aged 56.
Duffield—Died, at Upper Pakenham on the 13th (?) May, Hugh Albert Duffield, son of Martin and Jane Duffield, aged 13 years, 4 months.
Patterson—Died, on the 10th inst., at the residence of Mr. William Miller of the Township of Alice, Isabella Patterson, in the 19th year of her age.
Sheppard—Died, at Cordova, Le Seuer County, Minnesota on the 28th (?) April, Ellen Sheppard, formerly of Beckwith, aged 75 years, 3 months and 29 days. Deceased was a resident of Lanark County for 60 years.
Boyd—Died, at Dalhousie near Hopetown on the 17th May, James Boyd, aged 89 (?) years, formerly of Pollackshire, Scotland and father of Rev. Jas. Boyd, C - - - kill (?), Ontario.
Quigley—Died, on the 18th (?) inst., Mr. Peter Quigley, North Burgess, aged 64 (?).
Ferguson—Died, on Saturday, 27th May, Mr. Duncan Ferguson, 4th Concession Bathurst, aged 83 (?).
Ferguson—Died, at Perth on Wednesday, 31st May, Mr. J. P. McPherson, aged 22 years, 8 months and 13 days.
Smith—Died, at Lanark Township, on the 19th May, Mr. James Smith, in the 96th (?) year of his age.
Park—Died, at Watson’s Corners on Tuesday, 23rd May, Jannet (?) Nairn Park, wife of Mr. Maxwell Park, aged 23.
Campbell—Died, at Arnprior on the 13th inst., Lillian Amy Campbell, third daughter of Mr. A. D. Campbell, aged 5 years.
Kavanagh—Died, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. John Tierney, Arnprior, on the 30th inst., Mrs. M. Kavanagh, aged 83.
Ward—Died, at Ward’s Farm, Dakota, on the 17th May, William Stillwell Ward, 7 years old, only son of Mr. William Stillwell Ward and Jennie H. Ward, late of Smith’s Falls.
Creighton—Died, at Eaton’s (?) Mills, T - - - - - - ph - - -, on Sunday, May 14, Mr. John W. Creighton, only son of Rev. William Creighton of Almonte, aged 21 years and 8 months.
Lee—Died, at Kingston, on the 30th May, Mr. Edward Lee, aged (illegible).
Major—Died, at Glen Tay, on the 24th (?) May, Margaret Cordelia Major, aged 19 years, 9 months and 24 days.
McDermott-Died, on Sunday evening, 5th June, Mr. Peter McDermott, Perth, aged 42.
Dunlop—Died, at Pembroke on the 5th June, Alfred James Dunlop, eldest son of Mrs. A. H. Dunlop, aged 24 years and six days.
Rankin—Died, at Hopetown, Lanark Township, on the 29th May, after a long and severe illness, Mr. Peter Rankin, aged 52 (?).
Thomas—Died, at Clarendon, Pontiac County, on the 11th inst., Mr. Charles Thomas, aged 87.
M - - - - - (Menson?? Munson??)—Died, at Ottawa, on the 19th inst., Martha M - - - - - , wife of Mr. W. H. M - - - - - , aged 37.
Art - - - - Died, at Appleton on the 21st May, Mary Agnes Turner Art - - - - , wife of Mr. Thomas Art - - - - , Jr., aged 21.
May—Died, at Winnipeg on the 28th (?) 29th (?) May, of typhoid fever, Mr. James May, son of Mr. William May of Dalhousie, aged 26.
Templeman—Died, on the 13th (?) 18th (?) inst., Clarence Templeman, youngest son of Mr. George Templeman, Perth, aged 8 (?) 3 (?) years and 4 months.
Adams—Died, at Burgess of diphtheria, on Tuesday, 23rd May, Bridget Adams, daughter of the late Mr. Michael Adams, aged 18 years, 3 months and 21 days.
Hevron—Died, on the 9th June, John Hevron, Bathurst, aged (illegible).
Crawford—Died, at Bathurst on Tuesday, 27th June, Charles Crawford, aged 23.
Gone in his early manhood
Gone in the golden morn
Of life, hope and ambition
And loved ones left forlorn
From over the silent waters
Where life’s dark shadows fall
A warning voice came to him
And he answered to the call.
Then the busy hands grew powerless
And the active voice grew still
And the bounding pulse beat faintly
And the bright, warm voice was stilled
And the brave, true heart that swiftly
Beat the hours of joy or pain
Stood still with an awful stiffness
Never to beat again.
Why grieve for the departed spirit
Or why for the form of clay?
He is not dead but sleeping
To wake on the Judgment Day.
Not dead but softly crossed
O’er life’s treacherous run
Not dead but passed from death
To immortality.
Like a favorite star in the Heavens
On which we like to look
Like a sweet and touching poem
Marked in some favorite book
Like a line that comes to us only
In the silent clearness of night
Like a picture on the page of memory
Of childhood calm and bright.
Katie M. Russell (?)
Galway--Died, at Oatway (?), Burgess on the 18th June, Mr. Richard Galway, son of William and Agnes Galway aged 7 months. (note, unsure of this surname.)
Drysdale—Died, at Lanark Village on the 14th inst., Mr. Robert Drysdale, Sr., aged 93 (?).
Carleton Place: Death of Dr. Moffatt—Last Saturday word reached Mr. William Moffatt by letter that his brother Peter Moffatt the eldest son and second child of the late Mr. Robert Moffatt, had died in the Far West. He was educated in the Carleton Place grammar school under Messrs McLaren and Haight and other teachers and about 1866 (?) he went to New York Hospital for training as an army surgeon. He became qualified in about a year and dispatched to Idaho. He accumulated quite a fortune and one or more of his brothers may have to undertake the perilous journey of reaching the States to look after their brother’s affairs in a journey of 3,600 miles. The deceased was about 43 years of age.
Cockfield—Died, on Saturday, 22nd July, Mr. Joseph Cockfield, aged 62 (?).
McPherson—Died, at North Elmsley on Tuesday, 20th July, Mr. John McPherson, aged 36 (?).
Duncan—Died, at Dalhousie, on the 14th June, Mrs. Duncan, widow of the late Mr. William Duncan, in about the (illegible number) year of her age. Deceased was a native of Scotland. Her end was peace.
McLaren—Died, at Pilot Grove, Dakota, on the 23rd July, Finlay Robert McLaren, son of Mr. William McLaren, formerly of Perth, aged 19 years and 10 months and much beloved by all who knew him.
Harris—Died, at St. Thomas, Ontario in the 47th year of his age on the evening of the 27th July, Mr. Robert Fanning Harris, second son of the late Rev. Michael Harris, first rector of Perth.
Memoir of a Lanark County Pioneer
Drysdale—Died, at Lanark Village on the 14th July, Mr. Robert Drysdale, in the 91st year of his age. The deceased, who is the father of Mr. Robert Drysdale, Town Clerk of Renfrew, was born on the 15th July, 1791 in the M - - - of Dollar, -sek- - - - - - shire, Scotland. He was educated in the village of Dollar and after leaving school served an apprenticeship in the Cartwright (unreadable word). Subsequently he removed to the village of Renfrewshire in Fifeshire, there he worked for two years at (unreadable word) making and at (unreadable word) entry. Then he married in the year 1817, Miss Thompson, who still survives him. She owned some property in the village which she sold (and having then one son) removed with her husband to Glasgow in 1818. He worked there for about five years in one of the larger cabinet making shops. However, the prospects were not encouraging in those days as wagons were small and work often was at half pay. The government was petitioned to send out to Canada as many persons as possible and to give grants of land to them. This was done in the year 1820. 900 was all the government could provide at that time and although the subject of this memoir was not one of the number chosen still, having some means he came out along with them on the ship Connaught (?). After eight weeks passage the emigrants landed at Quebec and proceeded from there to Perth and from that town to their destinations in the newly surveyed townships of Lanark and Dalhousie. It was in the month of August when they arrived and not a very good season to land in the woods as it was too late to put in any crops. This was the cause of much distress to the settlers. 100 acres of land was the amount given to each emigrant but a (unreadable word) could have a village lot of one acre or a 25 acre or a 100 acre lot. He took a village lot and a 100 acre lot within three miles of the village both of which he kept until his death. The deceased carried on in said village in the business of cabinet making for about forty years. He had a family of fourteen , nine sons and five daughters of whom seven sons and two daughters survive. He either built or superintended the building of nearly all the principal buildings in Lanark Village and which are monuments to his architectural abilities. He was for many years a school trustee and also librarian of the Lanark library. He was well read in history, in particular ancient history, and had a good memory and could repeat many parts of the Bible, Psalms, hymns and poems with ease; but of late years it was hard to converse with him because of his deafness and for the last few months his eye sight had failed him so much that he was unable to read and he was consequently desirous at times that the Lord would call him away. His death took place on Friday about 12:30 pm. On the afternoon of Thursday he was laid out of doors, being in the habit of going out and remaining in the garden for hours, on a sofa arranged so that he could either sit up or lay down. His son William thought he looked somewhat strange that afternoon and took him into the house. Some time afterwards he made an attempt to rise from his chair but in doing so he fell to the floor. His cries were heard and William immediately went to assist him and he was immediately put to bed but never afterwards spoke a word to anyone. He breathed with difficulty all night until death came the next day. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon following and was attended by a very large concourse of people. The Rev. Mr. Wilson, Presbyterian minister, conducted the funeral service. The deceased was brought up a Presbyterian and continued on until his end. He was always a strong adherent of the Reform Party. Renfrew Mercury.
Bell—Died, at Perth on Wednesday evening, 9th inst., Mr. Andrew Bell, aged 48.
Wilson—Died, on Tuesday, 8th Aug., Miss Elisabeth Wilson, Perth, aged (illegible).
Smith—Died, on Thursday morning, 10th Aug., Isabella Smith Spaulding, relict of the late Mr. William Smith, aged 89 (?).
Sinclair—Died, on the 26th (?) July, Mr. Donald Sinclair of Drummond, aged 62.
Stone—Died, at Perth on Wednesday, 9th inst., Abigail Stone, infant daughter of Mr. George Stone, aged 2 months.
Chaplin—Died, at Bathurst, on the 8th (?) inst., Thomas Oswald Chaplin, infant son of Mr. James Chaplin, aged 6 (?) 8 (?) months and 6 days.
Given—Died, at his residence 613 Mary Street, Montreal, on the 15th inst., Mr. Patrick Given, aged 42. (note, unsure of this surname, it could also have been Guan or Gwen.)
Taylor—Died, on Sat., 13th August, Mr. Malcolm Taylor, aged 79.
Elsewhere in the newspaper: An old resident of Perth and latterly a resident of the Perth gaol, died in the person of blind Malcolm Taylor, a pauper. He died in that institution on Saturday last aged 79 years. An inquest was held on the remains by Dr. Fraser, coroner, and a verdict was returned of death by natural causes.
Waugh—Died, at Winnipeg on the 13th (?) inst., Mr. Richey Waugh, late of Arnprior, aged (illegible).
Broughan—Drowned, at Ramsay on Sunday, 6th Aug., Mr. James Broughan, aged 27. (note, unsure of this surname.)
White—Died, on Tuesday, 8th inst., at Pembroke, Mrs. Frances White, relict of the late Mr. Richard White of Aylmer, aged 42 (?) 62 (?) 82 (?).
Waugh—Died, at Carleton Place, on Sabbath, 27th
inst., the infant child of Andrew and Elizabeth Waugh.
McCane—Died, at Kingston on the 12th (?) inst., Mr. William McCane, former lock master at the lower locks, Smith’s Falls. (no age given.) (note, unsure of this surname.)
Butler—Died, at Perth on Thurs., 27th inst., Edith Jane Butler, daughter of Mr. Thomas Butler, Bathurst, aged 4 years, 3 months and 14 days. (note, unsure of this surname.
Sullivan—Died, on Friday, 28th inst., Mary Ann Sullivan, youngest daughter of Michael and Mary Ann Sullivan, aged 12 (?) years and 6 months.
McLean—Died, of scarlet fever, on (date illegible) August, Annie McLean, aged 2 (?) years, and on the 13th August, L - - Elizabeth, aged 5 years, 6 months and 13 days, both daughters of James (?) and Annie McLean, Winnipeg.
Giles—Died, at Perth on Friday morning, 1st Sept., Mr. James Giles, aged 66 (?). (note, unsure of this surname, it could also have been Genn.)
Munro—Died, at Lanark, on the 1st Sept. Elizabeth Munro, relict of the late Dr. Alexander Munro, aged (illegible—65????)
Moir—Died, at Smith’s Falls on the 4th inst., Elizabeth Moir, wife of Mr. John Moir. (no age given.)
Scott—Died, on 22nd Aug., Jane Armstrong Scott, relict of the late Mr. James Scott and mother of Messrs. John Scott and William A. Scott, 3rdConcession Bathurst, aged 91.
Allan—Died, at Arnprior on the 7th Sept., Maggie Allan, daughter of Mr. John Allan of Cumberland, aged 20 (?).
Scott-Died, on Monday, 11th Sept. Mr. Robert Scott, Perth, aged 49 (?).
Elsewhere in the newspaper: We regret to announce the sudden death Monday last of Mr. Robert Scott, proprietor of the West Ward Livery, from inflammation of the bowels. Mr. Scott leaves a large family behind.
Stay—Drowned, at Arnprior on the 4th inst., George Stay, second son of Mr. William Stay, aged 9.
Riordon—Died, at Chippewa, Wisconsin, on the (date illegible—20th ???) August, Mrs. William Riordon, eldest daughter of Mr. Edward L - - - - - g, Almonte, aged 35.
Gillies—Died, at Braeside, on the 8th inst., Alexander M. Gillies, son of Mr. David Gillies, Esq., aged 1 year, 3 months and 18 days.
Broughan—Died, at Perth, on Tuesday morning, 19th inst., Annie Ethell Broughan, daughter of Mr. William Broughan, aged 3 months and 16 days.
McGillivray—Died, at Ottawa, on the 17th inst., Mr. William McGillivray, eldest son of Mr. John McGillivray, Esq., Smith’s Falls, aged 48.
Acheson—Died, at his residence in North Burgess on (date illegible), Stewart Acheson, a native of County Leitrum, Ireland, aged 75 (?) 79 (?). (note, unsure of this surname.)
Deagnan—Died, at Lanark Village on the 13th (?) inst., Mr. Thomas Deagnan, Sr., aged 86 (?) 88 (?). (note, unsure of this surname.)
Dittrick—Died, at Port Elmsley, on (date illegible), Ellen Jane Dittrick, relict of the late Mr. Alexander Dittrick, aged (illegible).
M - - - - Died, at Smith’s Falls on the 21st (?) Sept. (first name illegible) M - - - - , wife of Mr. Daniel M - - - - , in the 37th year of her age.
Wedge—Died, at Carleton Place, on (date illegible) Sept., Mrs. Catharine Wedge, aged 25 (?) 26 (?) years, eleven months and 26 (?) days. (note, unsure of this surname.)
Robinson—Died, at Carleton Place on the 23rd Sept. Mrs. Janet Robinson, aged 66 (?).
Campbell—Died, at Drummond on the 23rd Sept., Mr. James Campbell, aged (illegible).
Moir—Died, of heart disease at Smith’s Falls on the 6th Sept., Elizabeth Shields Moir, beloved wife of Mr. John Moir, Smith’s Falls, a native of L - - - ick, Scotland and daughter of the late Mr. Peter Shields, Esq., Montague, and sister to Mr. John Shields, Esq., Smith’s Falls, who came to Canada with a good many others in June of 1820 (?).
Bade farewell to Lanark Mills
And in the Prompt did go
To settle on Dalhousie line
O’er 60 years ago.
Her friends they will miss her,
Her neighbors will mourn,
For when they were sick,
She was sure to be,
Her warm, sympathetic heart
Felt for them
When they were afflicted
But now she is home.
Farewell my dear partner,
Until that we meet
In that better country
(illegible verses follow)
Smith’s Falls, J. Moir
Posted: 04 August, 2003.