Obituaries - Perth Courier & Others
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Died, on the 1st inst., at his residence
in
Died, on the 9th inst., Mary (Allan), infant daughter of the late Mr. James Allan, aged 7 months.
Died at the residence of Hon. James Shaw, Smith’s Falls, on Tuesday the 17th Sept., Roderick Matheson (Shaw), infant son of Henry D. and Flora M. Shaw, aged 11 months and 14 days.
Take down the painted pictures,
From off the nursery wall,
Put by the little carriage,
From its place within the hall.
Send the little cushioned chair
From out the mother’s ken;
For the darling of the household,
Will n’er sit there again.
Fold up the little garments
Made up with so much care;
With bright, bright hopes and happy smiles;
And thoughts of meikle cheer.
The angel light is burning bright
Upon the baby brow.
The little form is dighted
With glorious raiment now.
We’ll look to hear thy baby voice,
At morn, at
We’ll think we see the blue eyes smile
And we’ll turn aside to grieve.
But the baby boy is radiant now
Amidst the cherub train,
And we would not, if we could, call back
Our boy to earth again!
Died, at Bayfield, on the 7th ult., Mrs. Catherine (Thompson) Whitten, second daughter of Mr. James Thompson, of Dunnville, formerly of Lanark, C.W., in the 40th year of her age.
Died, at his late residence in this town, on the 11th day of Oct., inst., at his residence after a severe illness of a few weeks, William Brooke, Esq., aged 73 years and eight months.
The deceased was a native of
Died, suddenly, on Sunday morning, the 5th
inst., at his residence on
Died, of consumption, in
Died, in this town on Sunday, 27th inst.,
Charles H. Sache, Esq., aged 69 years.
Mr. Sache was one of the oldest residents of
Died at his residence in
Died, in Lanark, on the 27th inst., after
a long and painful illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude, Joseph
Lamont, Jr., aged 52 (?) years. He
had for many years been a resident of the
Died on the 31st of May, at Westmeath, Angus Ledgerwood, wagonmaker, 28 years old, third son of John L. Ledgerwood, Drummond.
Died at his residence in Drummond after a few days illness on the 3rd inst., Thomas James, Esq., in the 69th year of his age.
Died, in Pakenham on the 26th of
September, after a long and severe illness, Henry Clark,
aged 63, a native of
Died, in this town, suddenly, on the 21st at the residence of her son-in-law Donald Fraser, Esq., Mrs. Isabella McFarlane, relict of the late William McFarlane, Esq., of Pakenham, aged 59 years. The deceased lady was much and deservedly esteemed by a large circle of relatives and friends who will deeply mourn her loss.
Died, in Boyd’s Settlement, on Wednesday the 19th inst., after a short but severe illness, but in great peace, Mr. Fossy Sterne, aged 69 years.
Died, in
Death has again been making havoc in our midst. A few short months since we recorded the demise of one of the sons of our confrere of the Telegraph: we now have the mournful duty of announcing the decease of his wife. The public at large sympathize deeply with Mr. Merrill in his loss and we heartily and sincerely join in the feeling of condolence—May He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb comfort him in this hour of his troubles and bereavement.
Died, at
Died, on the 30th November, at the
residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Smith,
Died in
Died, Suddenly, at
Died, at
Died, at Almonte on the 21st of August inst., after a protracted illness, Jenny Shaw, third eldest daughter of John Shaw, Esq., leaving a large circle of friends and all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance, to lament her early departure, but we have the fullest confidence that for her to die was gain and after a protracted illness, and much severe suffering, having glorified her God and her Saviour by her meek submission, her joy in the promise of the Gospel, her faith and patience, her repeated testimony on behalf of vital piety, her readiness to depart, and her triumphant confidence in Him who is the resurrection and the life, she fell asleep in Jesus. C.P. Herald
Died, in
Died, at
Died, at Almonte, on the 31st August, Catherine Jane (Anderson), youngest daughter of Matthew Anderson, aged one year and three months.
Died, at
Died, in the
Died, in
Died in
Died in
Died at Port Sarnia on the 9th inst.,
after a few day’s illness, James Hall (Gemmill),
fourth son of J.R. Gemmill, formerly of
Deplorable Accident
We regret to say that an accident occurred on Monday
last, by which a man named John Huddleston lost his
life. The unfortunate man, who lived in the
vicinity of Port Elmsley, on the cars arriving at that place, attempted to get off before
the train had completely stopped, but in doing so missed his footing and fell back, the back
of his neck striking one of the rails, the cars stopping almost at the same moment that the
wheel touched his neck. On being taken from
thence and brought into the cars, his neck was found to be broken, having caused his death
instantaneously. The body was taken on into
Died, at Pembroke on the 14th inst., Catherine Johnstone, daughter of James S. Johnston, Esq., of that place, aged 8 years, 7 months and one day.
Died, on Friday morning, 30th Oct., at
Died, on Thursday, the 29th October, 1863, Thomas McDonald, Esq., aged 78 years late of the Ordnance Department.
Died, at Almonte, on the 15th inst., of congestion of the lungs, Duncan Campbell, Esq., aged 47 years.
Died at his residence in the Township of McNab, on Saturday evening, the 28th of November, after a long and painful illness, Mr. James Miller, Sr., aged 85 years.
Died, on the 17th of December, in McNab, John Stewart, sawyer, of diphtheria, in his 35th year of his age. He left a young widow and a large circle of friends to mourn his premature loss.
Died, in Smith’s Falls, on the 1st January, Joshua Bates, Esq., at the age of 62 years.
Died in Smith’s Falls, on Monday night last, Ebeneezer Frost, Esq., of the firm of Frost and Wood, who for several years past have carried on a large and expensive business in the foundry and the manufacture of agricultural implements. Mr. Frost was very much respected and leaves behind him a large circle of friends who will severely mourn his loss.
Died, at the village of Renfrew, on the morning of the 2nd last, Mr. Orange Wright, aged 42 years, much and deservedly regretted.
Died, in the Township of McNab, on Tuesday 27th January, James Morris, Sr. County of Renfrew, an old and respected resident, aged 81.
We have to record the death of Captain J. Adams, who expired on Tuesday the 13th last, at the house of his son-in-law Lt. Morehouse, Esq., Perth, from the effects of an accident. The funeral started from his residence in Adamsville, where his remains had been removed, and was joined at the late residence of Captain Leslie (?), by the volunteer companies of Perth, and a large number of citizens, ranking one of the largest funeral processions of Perth. The Volunteers took the lead in the procession, Captain Fraser’s Company reversing arms, and the whole proceeded to the Wesleyan Burying Grounds, where after the funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr. Ross, three volleys were fired in his memory by the firing party. The deceased Captain was a gentleman very much respected and esteemed by all who knew him and especially by the poorer classes whom he materially assisted as far as he was able, in the hard times some years ago. He died at the advanced age of 84 years.
Died, on the 31st ult., Rev. Samuel Johnson, M.A., Trinity College, Dublin, Assistant Minister, Barrie, aged 33 years. The deceased was for some years the grammar school teacher in Smith’s Falls.
Died, at Franktown, on Friday the 8th inst., James Burrows, Esq., of Franktown, aged 52 years.
Died at his residence in Bromley, on the 8th inst., Bernard Reynolds, aged 71 years. For the last 20 years he had been a resident of Bromley, where he held several offices of trust. He leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.
Died, in Renfrew on Saturday, the 20th inst., George Ross, Esq., aged 42 years. He was the son of a first rate commissioned officer in the 71st Regiment of the Line. The deceased gentleman had many friends in the county as well as out of it and leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss.
Died, in Montague on the 11th last, Mary, the beloved wife of John Wilson.
Died, at Renfrew on the evening of the 23rd last, John Harper, Esq., Renfrew, Provincial Land Surveyor.
Coroner’s Inquest in North Elmsley
William McMullen Found Dead
Full Particulars by our own Reporter
On Saturday morning, Wm. McMullan, an old resident of North Elmsley, whose house is located on the north eastern side of Otty Lake, about five miles from Perth, was found dead in his bed, under circumstances which led to the supposition that his death had not resulted from natural causes. From expressions made use of by the deceased, and the fact that he was living in a miserably neglected state, his neighbors maintained the opinion that in a fit of despondency the unfortunate man had taken poison and to satisfy the public mind, Dr. Howden, Coroner, was requested to hold an inquest, with a view to determine, if possible, whether these suspicions were founded.
Brief Sketch of the Deceased
A native of Ireland, from which country he immigrated many years ago, William McMullen, at the time of his death, was about 60 years of age. For a considerable time his domestic relations have been very unhappy, he and his wife frequently quarrelling and at time separating. She left for the last time just two weeks before his death and took up her abode in a neighboring house, leaving her husband to get along as best he might. Though in the habit of occasionally imbibing pretty freely, the deceased could not be called an inebriate; nor was he a person of idle habits. His attainments were very low, he being unable to read, as the natural result of which, he was not distinguished for intelligence. He leaves no children to mourn the sudden removal of a father.
The Discovery
At about one o’clock on Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Luke McMillen, sister-in-law of the deceased, feeling uneasy concerning him, and fearing he might be in want of provision, proceeded to his house to ascertain his condition. She found the door partly open and a pig in the apartment, near the bed on which her brother-in-law was lying, apparently asleep. Calling to him and receiving no answer, she gave him a shake, when to her horror she discovered he was dead. Giving the alarm, some of the neighbors quickly arrived and it was resolved to send for a Coroner.
Appearance of the Body.
Dr. Howden having been notified, agreed to hold an inquest on Monday evening, pending which everything remained undisturbed, the deceased being left as first discovered. The body lay stretched at full length on a rude straw bed, the mouth and eyes closed and the hands, on one of which was a little blood, lying on the breast; the whole position being quite easy and natural. The face presented the livid hue of death and the left side was discolored, indicating the corruption had begun. The deceased had on his every day pants and shirt; his boots were laid under the table; his coat thrown on the bed and the most likely supposition is that arriving from the bush, whither he had gone to chop firewood, and finding the house cold and comfortless, with no supper cooked, or fire wherewith to prepare any, he had lain down on the miserable bed feeling chilly, hungry and fatigued, in which condition he had died amid the gloom of his cheerless habitation, unattended and alone.
Transcriber’s note: There follows a list of witnesses, all of whom state the deceased was in a depressed frame of mind. These are not reproduced her.
Verdict: Dr. James S. Nichol of Perth swore: Examined the thoracic and abdominal cavities; found the entire tract more or less inflamed; the stomach was empty; the heart and lungs seemed healthy; the lungs being engorged as in the case of sudden death.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased had died of natural causes.
On Friday last, an old resident of Perth, Miss Mary Barber, died at the residence of her nephew, Mr. John McCullough, at the age of 83 years. Deceased was born in Glasgow, Scotland and came with her father, Thomas Barber, to Perth in 1816. The family slept under a hemlock tree at the site of the Oliver estate house, on Gore Street, lately torn down, opposite Spalding and Stewart’s distillery, there being but two houses built in Perth then. She was a sister of the late Mr. Barber, of Glen Tay, and aunt of Mr. Christopher McCullough, blacksmith, Lanark.
Drowning accident British Columbia: Dispatch from Vancouver recalls a drowning accident that will be read with a sad interest by many of our citizens who were acquainted with the parents. On the 18th inst., two children of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Spillman, once of this town, went to bathe in the water about three miles from Vancouver. The girl was about 16 years of age and the boy 12. The dispatch says they were warned by Mr. Dalgleish not to bathe there, as it was dangerous, but they ran laughing past him, plunged in, and were swept away by the treacherous undercurrents before aid could reach them, and were drowned. The bodies had not been recovered when the news was sent East. Mr. Spillman is the decorator of the new parliament buildings in Victoria. Mrs. Spillman (once Miss Mary McDonnell) has many relatives in this town.
The Late Mrs. James McLeod, Almonte
The subject of the following obituary was taken from the Almonte Gazette, was a sister of Mr. John Riddell, of Perth, and mother of Mr. James McLeod of the Gazette. Last Thursday evening, July 19, after a long period of acute suffering, Mrs. James McLeod entered into the eternal rest for which she had been long prepared. Mrs. McLeod had been in delicate health for years and the illness that finally carried her off began about a year ago. The late Mrs. McLeod, whose maiden name was Jane Riddell, was born in Roxboroughshire, Scotland, but came to Canada with the rest of her father’s family when she was six years of age and therefore had been a resident of this county for the long period of seventy years. Her father settled in the neighborhood of Perth, where the deceased lived until her marriage to Mr. James McLeod, who died 32 years ago in the immediate vicinity of Pakenham. After her husband’s death, Mrs. McLeod removed to Almonte, where she spent the balance of her life. Of her father’s family there are still living two: Mr. Walter Riddell, residing near Seaforth and Mr. John Riddell of Perth—and two sisters: Mrs. Warner, living in the North West and Mrs. Foster, in western Ontario. She leaves behind her five sons: Norman, who is living in British Columbia; James, of this journal; William K. proprietor of St. Mary’s Argus; Robert, living in Galt; and Walter, one of the proprietors of the Banner Fireworks here. Naturally of a kind and affectionate disposition, Mrs. McLeod’s early Christian training caused her long ago to be marked by those who knew her as an exemplary Christian woman. During the last few weeks of her illness she suffered keenly, but no murmur ever escaped her, and she patiently waited for the hour when the Savoir, upon whom she had long leaned on for support, would release her. The funeral took place on Saturday to Pakenham, where she was buried by the side of her husband. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Mitchell of St. John’s Church, of which Mrs. McLeod was a member. The pall- bearers were Messrs. Jas. Forgie (?), Wm. Young, P.C. McGregor, D. Campbell, John Carter and Jas. D. Robertson.
Another old resident passed away on Monday last in the person of Mr. Edward Rice, at the residence of his brother Frederick, having died from cancer in the neck, after suffering from the disease for about a year. Deceased was born in the township of Drummond, near where he died, in 1825 and generally speaking followed the occupation of lumberman, having been a foreman for the Messrs Caldwell, Lanark for many years. About ten years ago he removed to Dakota and engaged in farming but in January 1893 he returned to Drummond to end his days. Deceased was a magnificent specimen of manhood physically being over six feet high and built in proportion. He was never married. He leaves two brothers, Mr. Charles Rice of Perth, county court clerk, and Mr. Frederick Rice, Drummond.
The Late Mr. Gemmell—Mr. Robert Gemmell, lately deceased, was born in Pollackshaws, a suburb of Glasgow, in October, 1809 and came to Perth when little more than a lad. He was a partner in the mercantile business, in the early days of Perth, of the late Hon. Malcolm Cameron and afterwards was a partner in the firm of Porter and Gemmell. He followed lumbering in his day and took many a raft of lumber cut on the Tay to Quebec, losing a raft one summer on the stormy Lake St. Peter. He was also deputy sheriff for Lanark and Renfrew or for the old Bathurst District, in Sheriff Dickson’s time, and was one of the most active, fearless, efficient officers in that line that the Ottawa Valley ever knew. In those days the office was no sinecure, for the district was full of tough cases, lawlessness and litigation and no one but a man of Mr. Gemmell’s courage and determination could fill it with efficiency. Mr. Gemmell was a subscriber to the Courier from the first number sixty years ago and until semi-helplessness struck him about a year ago, always paid for it on New Year’s Day, in advance. This is but one sample of his orderly and methodical habits. He was a strong Liberal from the first until the last and in religion a Presbyterian.
Smith’s Falls Echo:
Mrs. (Miss King) Bisonette, residing in
Mr. John MacLean, reeve of Lanark Village, received word a short time ago of the death of his aunt, Mrs. Duncan McLean of Strathlorne, Inverness, Cape Breton, on the 19th of May, in the 72nd year of her age, 49 of which she spent in that place. Deceased was greatly esteemed by all her friends and acquaintances. She leaves a husband and seven children to mourn her loss.
From the column Lanark Links:
We with sorrow relate the death of Mrs. Peter McMannus,
who died at
The Late Robert Purdon—A
Stonewall (
More on the Late Robert
Purdon—One of Dalhousie’s earliest settlers, Mr. Robert Purdon, was laid to
his long bed of rest, in the Highland Line Cemetery on Thursday of last week, his remains
having arrived from Manitoba a few days before. Deceased
was either born in
Posted: 04 March, 2003.