Perth Courier Obituaries
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Sudden Death—The many old friends of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Wright around Oliver’s Ferry will be grieved to learn of the sudden death of their son Amos as told by the Cantsworth correspondent of the Owen Sound Advertiser of June 13: The people of the neighborhood were startled on Monday morning on hearing that on the previous evening on returning from church, and while putting the horses away, Mr. Amos Wright suddenly dropped dead. It is supposed his death from the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain. He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Wright and was a very industrious, kind, sociable and highly esteemed young man. His aged father and mother as well as the younger members of the family have the sympathy of the community in their sudden bereavement.
Died-We regret to hear of the death of
Dr. Findlay McEwen, of
Death of Mr. David Wylie
The Brockville Recorder of Monday contains a lengthy obituary notice of Mr. David Wylie of that town, who died after a lingering illness on Dec. 21. In his death Brockville loses one of its oldest and best known citizens and the oldest newspaperman in the province. The late Mr. Wylie was born in the year 1811 in the town of Johnstone, near Paisley, Scotland and served his apprenticeship at the printing trade in Paisley and Glasgow, following the occupation of compositor, reporter, proof-reader and writer in Scotland and England for some years, until he concluded to try his fortunes in Canada. Coming to this country in 1845, he was employed in Becket’s printing office in Montreal until after the burning of the Parliament Buildings there, considerably distinguishing himself as a political writer and reporter and then removed to Brockville and bought the Recorder office. This was in 1850 and from that time until 1883 he was connected either as a whole or part proprietor with that journal. He had all the perseverance and steadiness of purpose generally accredited to his country men and under his management the Recorder became a power in the locality. Mr. Wylie was considerable of a poet as well as general writer and many of his “screeds” are yet existent here and there. In 1872 he was given the position of paymaster of the military district No. 4 but when changes were made in the districts he was retired with the privilege of retaining the title of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Wylie was a member and elder of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Brockville Board of Education and a freemason. He was twice married and his widow and son and daughter by her survive him. Mr. Wylie was always a staunch Reformer in politics.
Died—Harvey -- On the 21st Inst at the residence of her uncle, Mr. David Brownlee, on the 5th concession of Bathurst, Jessie Harvey, eldest daughter of William Harvey, age 10 years and 7 months.
Coulter—At Almonte, on Thursday, 17th December, Lily Maude Cole, wife of Mr. L. Coulter, town clerk, age 25 years.
Harper—In Smith’s Falls, on Tuesday, the 17th inst. Mr. Robinson Harper aged 82 years and eight months.
Doober—In Elmsley, on Wednesday, the 16th inst., Mr. John Doober, aged 79 years.
E. D. Clayes, a resident of Brockville for over 30 years, and reported its wealthiest citizen, died suddenly on Friday night last of apoplexy, in his 66th year. He was a native of the United States, and was engaged in the produce business successfully in Boston, Chicago, Lansing, Omaha and Brockville, his transactions being principally in wool. He leaves a wife and two sons. His wife was a sister of Messrs. John F. and Peter Cram of Carleton Place
After a lingering illness from consumption, Mr. James McDonagh departed this life on Thursday of last week, at the age of 39 years. Deceased was a quiet, studious young man, of good abilities and when able followed the occupation of a bookkeeper. Some years ago he was injured by a runaway horse and vehicle and was lamed for the rest of his life. He was a nephew of the late Rev. Father McDonagh of this town. His bereaved mother has the sympathy of a large number of friends.
Died—There are many in Perth who will learn with regret the death of Mr. Duncan Wardrofe, proprietor of the Wardrofe House, Westport. For some years he drove the stage and carried the mails between here and Lanark and was noted for his genial unassuming manner. His death took place on Monday and the funeral was at Westport on Wednesday.
Sudden Death
The Carleton Place Herald this week contains the following obituary notice, the deceased young lady being a sister of Mr. Simon McViety, of North Elmsley—The family of Mr. A.B. Lowe, of Cobden, was suddenly plunged into sorrow last Wednesday evening, by the death of the eldest daughter, Sallie M. (Lowe), an accomplished young lady of 18 years. Miss Lowe felt unwell the evening previous but was out as usual on Wednesday giving a lesson in music. On her return home she felt ill and laid down to rest. A sharp pain caused her to give expression in a manner that brought her mother hurriedly to her side. The mother raised the girl in her arms and gave some directions to obtain medical assistance but in a very few moments the spirit had taken its flight and soared beyond. The remains were brought to Carleton Place for interment in Cram’s cemetery on Friday. The bereaved relatives have the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends
Flett—At Vancouver, B.C., on Nov. 14th, Arthur A. Flett, son of John Flett, formerly of Carleton Place, aged 21 years.
Death of Rev. William Aitken The Smith Falls News of Dec. 8 notes the death of Rev. William Aitken, once Presbyterian minister there. It says: ‘Mr. J. M.. Clark on Monday last received intelligence of the death of Rev. William Aitken at his home in Levin, Fifeshire, Scotland on the morning of the 21st Nov. The deceased was the first minister of the Presbyterian Church here, now known as St. Paul’s, having been inducted as pastor at the age of 27 on 15 May, 1836, which pastorate he held until March 1868 almost 22 years during which time he was held in the highest esteem and respect not only by those of his congregation but of his fellow citizens generally, as he always took an active interest in the welfare of all. He was for many years an active member of the Board of Education and made himself very useful in formulating the educational interests of the community of the time. He excelled as a scholar and in literary attainment and was an excellent preacher. Upon his resignation of his charge here in 1868 he was appointed a lecturer in the Presbyterian then being established in Montreal, which position he filled acceptably for some time. Later on he was appointed missionary to British Colombia where he spent about three years and then he returned for a short time to Smith’s Falls, where he visited old friends and finally returned to his native town in Scotland, where he spent the remainder of his days.’
The subject of the following obituary was born in the township of Drummond and a brother of Mr. Henry McDonald, treasurer of that township. The notice was in the Smith’s Falls Record of June 30: ‘Just on the stroke of eleven last Saturday morning there passed away in the person of Mr. George McDonald, one of Smith’s Falls oldest residents and whose life was closely identified with the town’s progress for nearly half a century. Perhaps among the older portion of the community there was no more familiar figure to be seen on the streets and few could be found possessed of a kinder heart. Mr. McDonald was born in the township of Drummond in 1820 and in the year of 1844 he married in the town of Perth Miss Jean Armour Gordon, a most estimable and lovable woman who preceded him to the great beyond seven years ago. When quite young he learned the trade of a blacksmith and was in that business continually until a few years ago when he retired from active life to enjoy his well-earned savings. He came to this town in the fall of ’48 and has been a resident continually ever since. In 1869 he was appointed to the position of tax collector and that responsible office he held until his death, proving himself a faithful and upright public servant, respected and trusted by all. Mr. McDonald always enjoyed the best of health until a little over a year ago when the once vigorous constitution began to show signs of breaking up. During that time he has had a couple of serious attacks but recovered and was able to be around as usual until about three weeks ago when he was confined to his bed from which he never arose. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Church and in politics a staunch Conservative and leaves to mourn his loss three sons and three daughters, all grown up. The funeral which took place to the public cemetery last Monday afternoon was a very large one. Many friends came from a distance to pay respects to his memory and the town council attended in a body.
Honorable Judge Walter McCrea, judge of the district of Algoma, died at his residence last night, after an illness of four months. He was born on November 10, 1810 in Montague Township near Burritts’ Rapids, County Lanark. In his early career he engaged in commercial pursuits and it was not until 1850 in the 40th year of his life that he was called to the bar. He practiced in Chatham and his reputation as a lawyer earned for him an extensive practice, his name being freely quoted in the law reports. He was a staunch Liberal in politics and an active man in the support of his party, his services as a speaker being always in demand at election time. He represented Western division of Canada in the old Legislative Council from 1862 to 1868, when on Confederation he became a senator. He took part in the Convention of Canadian Statesmen at Quebec and St. John, N.B. which brought about the Confederation. He was a frequent contributor to the public press and his writing received great attention. He also an interest in military matters, having been a captain in the militia. It was while he was engaged in his career as a lawyer, politician, journalist and military man that he was appointed to the bench. He died at the age of 82, respected and venerated by every one with whom he came into contact.
We copy the following from the San Antonio, Texas News of March 9—John Blacklaw McLaren was born October 31, 1851 at Perth, Ontario; married Margaret Jean Gray at Canada, March 6, 1878 and removed the same year to Crookston, Minn., where he has since lived. December 25, 1892 he came to San Antonio, an invalid, and after a long illness, surrounded by wife and friends, died of consumption March 9, 1893, at 1820 Avenue C. A wife and five small children mourn the loss of a beloved husband and a kind and indulgent father. He was a highly respected citizen and an honored member of Crookston Lodge No. 141 A.F. and A.M, Crookston, Minn. and Pearson Chapter No. 41 R.A.M., St. Paul, Minn. His remains will be taken to Niagara N.D. for interment.
Died—McQuarry At Montreal General Hospital Feb. 25 Dugald McQuarrie of Smith’s Falls, aged 54 years.
Died—Boothroyd—At Innisville March 5, Nina Victoria Gordon, wife of Mr. Edward Boothroyd, aged 24 years and three months.
Died—Wilson—Near Merrickville, 6th March, of pneumonia, George Wilson, brother of the late James Wilson of Carleton Place, aged 73 years.
Died—Wardrope—At his residence 8 Queens Park, Toronto, on Wednesday, March 8, 1893, John Wardrope, aged 77.
Death of Robert Lees, Esquire, Ottawa
A telegram received by his friends here on Tuesday brought the news that Robert Lees, Esq., Q.C., Ottawa, had that day passed away to his long rest. His illness had extended over a year, and his death was expected. His brother, William Lees, Esq., Fallbrook, went down to Ottawa to attend the funeral on Thursday. A sister, Mrs. Robert Gemmell, of this town, preceded him to the grave last year. Deceased was one of the first pioneers of the township of Bathurst, where he came when but an infant. The Ottawa Free Press of Tuesday contains the following obituary: In 1852 Mr. Lees was married to Miss Jessie Dickson, daughter of Sheriff Dickson of Pakenham. Mrs. Lees died in 1886. Four daughters, Mrs. Preston of Toronto; Mrs. R.D. Brown, of Ottawa; and two unmarried daughters and one son, Mr. W.A.D. Lees, who was lately taken into partnership with his father, survive. Mr. Lees was born in 1816, and was 77 years and 5 months old. He was one of the charter members of St. Andrew’s society at the time of it reorganization in 1857, and was honored with the president’s chair on more than one occasion. He was also a member of the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and highly respected for his many Christian virtues. Politically he was a staunch Liberal.
Mr. Lees was appointed county crown attorney in 1857 on the resignation of Mr. F.C. Powell as clerk of the peace. This appointment was made subsequent to the passage of what is known as the County Attorney’s Act and Mr. Lees is therefore the oldest county crown attorney in the province of Ontario. The deceased gentleman was born in Dalkeith, Scotland, and with his father emigrated to Canada in 1817 and became one of the pioneer settlers of the County of Lanark at Fallbrook, near the town of Perth. Mr. Lees was educated and brought up entirely in Canada and was a thorough Canadian in patriotism and sentiment; in fact everything but birth. He received his legal training under the late T. M. Kadenhurst, then a distinguished member of the Canadian bar at Perth and one of the oldest parliamentary representatives of the old Bathurst district. He was admitted as an attorney in 1847 and called to the bar in 1848; and having located in Bytown at once commenced a law practice which he has since continued with marked success. When yet a very young lawyer he brought himself into prominence and popular notice by his very able and successful defence of a number of parties accused of murder and riot in connection with what has since been know as the 17th September Riots “Stony Monday” resulting from a public meeting called for the purpose of inviting Lord Elgin the new Governor-General to visit Bytown. Although possessed of a law practice requiring a large attention, Mr. Lees found time to be of service to his fellow citizens and represented St. George’s Ward as alderman at different times and one of such being the visit of the Prince of Wales, as the reception committee when H.R. H. visited Ottawa and laid the foundation stone of the Parliament Buildings in 1881.
Died—Ferguson—On Thursday evening 5th October, Violet McDongall, relict of the late Duncan Ferguson, North Sherbrooke, aged 81 years.
Died—McFarlane—In Beckwith on September 28, Martha McFarlane, aged 62.
Died—Flegg—At Carleton Place, on October 1, Ann Nolan, beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Flegg, aged 31 years and 3 months.
Died—McLellan—In Beckwith on October 8, Mr. Angus McLellan, in his 88th year.
Died—McTavish—At the residence of her brother Peter McTavish, in the County of Grey, on September 27, Christina McTavish, daughter of the late Peter McTavish, formerly of Beckwith, aged 11 years.
Died—O’Neill--At Playfairville—On the 7th inst., Mr. David O’Neill, aged 51 years.
Mrs. Harry D. Shaw—On Saturday night last, after a lingering and painful illness, Mrs. Henry D. Shaw passed away at the age of 58 years. Mrs. Shaw survived her husband some eight years, and leaves one son, Mr. H. M. Shaw, merchant, and three daughters. She was a woman of fine character and was greatly esteemed by her friends. She was the eldest daughter of the late Hon. Roderick Matheson.
Mrs. Robert Goodfellow—The many friends in this vicinity of Mrs. Robert Goodfellow, says the Smith’s Falls Record, will be pained to hear of her death which occurred about a week ago at her home in Grenfell, Iowa. During her residence here she did not enjoy the best of health, but after her removal to the West she seemed to recover considerably. The improvement was only temporary, however, and for some time past she had been gradually failing. Mrs. Goodfellow was a daughter of Mr. Evan Cameron of Arnprior, formerly of this town and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. She leaves beside her husband and little daughter about eight years of age. Deceased was born on the 2nd line of Drummond, near Perth. She was once well known here.
Mr. Peter McPhail—We regret to announce the death of Mr. Peter McPhail, ex-reeve of Lavant, which occurred near Brandon, Manitoba, on the 29th March, his funeral taking place on the 31st inst. The late Mr. McPhail was a man of fine presence, a grand specimen of the Scottish Highland race, and was greatly respected in the Lanark County Council for the six or seven years he was a member of that body. He was born in Montague township 53 years ago, but for a long time made his home in Lavant, removing from there to Manitoba two years ago. He was a school teacher for some years. He leaves a wife and large family. He was a Liberal and a Presbyterian. Deceased died from a lacerated stomach, and at his death was reduced in weight to less than one hundred pounds from his usual weight in health of 200 pounds.
Daniel Ledgerwood—Early on Saturday morning, April 7, says the Arnprior Chronicle, an old and highly respected citizen of Arnprior in the person of Mr. Daniel Ledgerwood passed into the spirit land. He had been sick only a few days although he had not been in good health since last Fall. The funeral took place on the last Monday afternoon from his residence on Vancourtland Street to the Arnprior Cemetery. Rev. McLean officiated. The deceased came into this world 64 years ago in Drummond Township Lanark County. His father John Ledgerwood, was a farmer. He died 26 years ago, 4 years after the death of his wife. After taking a common school course, the subject of this sketch attended the Perth Grammar School and finished up at the Toronto Normal School, where he obtained a second Class A certificate in 1857. He had been teaching a short time before graduating from the Normal School so that two years ago when he was superannuated he had seen about 40 years service. Among other places he taught at Ramsay, Portage du Fort, Pembroke, Forrester’s Falls, Beachburg, Mansfield, Stewartville, Cumberland, Yuill’s, Claybank and Alice. 16 years ago he removed his family to Arnprior, where they have since remained. Deceased was one of a family of eight. He had three sisters, one of whom is living, and four brothers, two of whom survive. The surviving sister is Mrs. Daniel McKay of the township of Ross, while the brothers who are yet in the flesh are Mr. James Ledgerwood of Pembroke, and Mrs. G.O. Ledgerwood of the township of Drummond,. The brothers dead are John and Angus, the latter having been the husband of Mrs. Ledgerwood who lives on Elgin Street, Arnprior. In 1858 Daniel Ledgerwood was married to Miss Mary Ann Templeman, at Almonte, who with eleven children, five sons and six daughters, are left to mourn their loss. The sons all reside in Arnprior and are married. Here also live the daughters, three of whom are wed, viz: Mrs. Jas. Whyte, Mrs. Chas. Kerr, and Mrs. Andrew Laycock. Deceased in religion was a Presbyterian.
Balderson—We clip from the Canadian Baptist the following obituary of the late Duncan Campbell, Drummond, who was well known to many readers of the Courier: Campbell, died April 26th, at his residence Mr. Duncan Campbell, aged 73 years. Mr. Campbell was born in Drummond Township, in 1821. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Miss Isabella McDermid of Glengarry, who departed this life three weeks before her husband. When about 12 years of age, our brother professed faith in Christ, and was baptized by the Rev. P.H. McKwen and united with the Drummond Baptist Church, of which he remained a member until his Lord said “Come up higher”. The funeral service was preached by the writer from Job v. 25 after which the remains were followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends and interred in the Drummond Seventh Line Cemetery. Our brother leaves behind him two brothers and three sisters to mourn their loss.
The Brockville Recorder of July 31st says—The sad news has been received of the death in Winnipeg, last week, of Mrs. Harry Drummond, daughter of the late Dr. Edmonson of Brockville. She was the youngest daughter and will be remembered by the name of Helen (Edmonson). She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Tarnbull and Mrs. Foster, both well known in Brockville. Deceased was sister in law of Mr. R. J. Drummond, agent of the Bank of Montreal, Perth.
Died in Montreal—On Tuesday afternoon last, Mr. William Abercrombie, 9th Concession North Burgess, died in the Montreal General Hospital, three days after an operation for cancer had been performed on him there. Mr. Abercrombie first became afflicted with this dreadful disease some time ago, it developing itself on the lip, but treatment had apparently driven it away. A month ago or more a small lump about the size of a bean appeared near the jaw, and not giving way to treatment, but getting worse, and very soon he at last went to Montreal and placed himself in the hands of a specialist in the hospital. An operation was decided upon but too late, as death was certain within a few weeks at most. However, the operation was performed on Saturday in the course of which the whole jaw was cut away and the throat exposed. No return of strength came when he came out of the influence of the anaesthetic agency and he could take no nourishment. Pneumonia also set in and on Tuesday he quietly passed away, his wife and nephew being present at his dying moments. Deceased was 62 years old and was born near where he died. He was a good neighbor and an esteemed member of the community and in religion a Presbyterian. His remains were buried in the old Scotch burying ground in Perth yesterday, a very large procession of neighbors and friends forming the gathering. He leaves a widow and two sons, one in Baltimore and one in Minnesota.
Death of a Centenarian—The Hukah Minnesota Sun publishes the following obituary of Mrs. Mary (McKay) McCallum, of that village, mother of Mr. John McCallam of Smith’s Falls and formerly of North Elmsley. Deceased was of the great age of 101 years, one month and 28 days and died on July 19, 1894, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John McKay of Hukah. The Sun says: Mary Henderson was born May 14, 1793, at Argylshire, Scotland and was married to Neil McCallum in 1817, emigrated to Canada in 1861 where she lived eight years, came to Hukah in 1889, where she has since resided. Six children have been born to them, four of whom are still living, a son and daughter in Canada, a son at Grand Forks, N.D. and a daughter in Hukah. She has living 48 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren. Wonderful changes have occurred in the history of the world and strange and memorable scenes have been enacted during the century lived by this woman. Events which we know only in seemingly remote history were to her living facts. At the time of the fierce struggle in 1812 she was a girl of nineteen. When the whole aspect of the world was changed by the battle of Waterloo she had seen 21 years of life. Crimean and Mexican Wars and the War of the Rebellion, effecting such material changes in the country and civilization generally were incidents in her life’s story. The triumphs which science and art have attained were truly wonderful to her who had seen the country in its youth. The adage ‘once a man and twice a child’ was indeed verified in her case and she was most tenderly cared for as second childishness came upon her. Her wants and wishes were lovingly complied with by the children and grandchildren until the end came. Services were held in the Presbyterian Church in this village and the remains were followed to their final rest in Mt. Hope Cemetery by a large number of friends and relatives.
Posted: 7 February, 2003.