Obituaries - Perth Courier & Others

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

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Bathurst Courier, July 20, 1855

Died, at his residence in Drummond, on the 1^st of July, David Davidson, Jr., 35, in the full hope of the gospel after a long time of distress.  He has left a widow and three children and parents to mourn his loss.

Bathurst Courier, September 7, 1855

Died on the 24^th, at her father’s residence, Village of Renfrew, Hughlus McKay, second daughter of John Munro, Esq., much and deservedly regretted by all who knew her, aged 15 years.

Bathurst Courier, November 2, 1855

Died, at sea, on his return to this country from Great Britain, on the 3^rd Sept., last, deeply regretted by relatives and all with whom he was acquainted, John Shaw, aged 29 years, third son of James Shaw, Esq., M. P. I., of Smith’s Falls.

Perth Courier, January 4, 1856

Died, on the 29^th ult., of sore throat, William Angus, three years, and nine months, 3^rd son of Rev. William Bain.

Bathurst Courier, January 11, 1856

Died, on Monday, December 31 at her residence in Bathurst , Mary, wife of William Lees, Esq., and third daughter of Col. A.W. Playfair, deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Bathurst Courier February 8, 1856

Died at the residence of his father, in Lanark on the 7^th inst., John, eldest son of John Craig, wagon-maker, aged 2 years and 5 months.

Bathurst Courier, March 14, 1856

Died in this town on the 3^rd inst., infant daughter of Mr. Arnold O. Sinclair, aged 8 months.

Died, in Bathurst , on the 1^st inst., Elizabeth Chipman, wife of Joshua Adams, Esq., in the 71^st year of her age, deeply lamented by a large family and many friends.

For the Courier:  Mr. Editor:  The late Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, who departed this life on the 1^st inst., was the beloved wife of Mr. Joshua Adams, Esq., of Adamsville, near this town.  The writer’s acquaintance with the deceased and her family commenced immediately on his arrival in the settlement in the year 1819.  From that time to within a few weeks of her death when though herself not in the best of health – he has known her to be a mother indeed to all who required help or sympathy. Never in any one instance has he known such a realization of the picture, so beautifully drawn by the novelists (?) of  the “Lady of the Manor”, attending the sick and afflicted with medicines and other things of which they might be in want.  What a pity that numbers of others, in like circumstances, do not go and do likewise.  Neither in her did it proceed from a love of visiting as all who are acquainted with her were aware; it was a rare thing to find her in a neighbor’s home excepting in cases of sickness or trouble.  She loved home, and loved to see her friends and acquaintances – and their name was Legion – around her, and comfortable, even utter strangers to her were made welcome and well accommodated without any questions, and that not from any indifference or carelessness in housekeeping but from pure philanthropy.  From the time of the first visit of a Methodist Minister in our settlement, till a place was provided in the town, her place was their home, and herself was in kindness to all and she was in reality to three of them, a mother.  I am sure there is not one of the preachers now living  (many of them have gone before her to their reward) but will be sincerely sorry to hear of her demise.  But they, as well as the ablest children and relatives, will have the resolution of knowing that she has exchanged a world of anxieties and trouble for one of peace and joy, departing in the blessed hope of a happy immortality.  On Monday the 3^rd inst. her mortal remains were accompanied to the Methodist burying grounds by as great a number of people as this writer has ever seen together on a similar occasion.  I am, dear Sir, yours truly, Josiah Richey, Bathurst , March 10, 1856

Bathurst Courier, April 25, 1856

Died, in this town on Sunday, 15^th (?) inst., William John, youngest son of the late Murdoch McDonnell, Esq., aged 8 years.

Died, at Lanark on the 21^st inst., George Glossop, in the 85^th year of his age.  The deceased was forty years a resident of Saltcoate, Ayreshire , Scotland .

Bathurst Courier, June 13, 1856

Sad Accident—On Saturday inst., a young lad, son of Samuel Bothwell of this town, fell from a tree in the garden into which he had climbed, striking his head and was so severely injured by the fall that he died on Monday last.

Bathurst Courier, June 13, 1856

Died, on the 11^th inst., of consumption, in the 31^st year of his age, Mr. Donald O. Frazer, only son of Mr. William Frazer, Drummond.

Bathurst Courier, June 20, 1856

Died, Friday last, 13^th inst., Andrew Shaw Allan, 27 years, one month and ten days old.  Now we at death must part; how keen, how deep the pain; but we shall still be joined at heart; and hope to meet again.

Bathurst Courier, July 11, 1856

Died, on the 21^st June at his late residence in the township of Drummond , Mr. William Richards, farmer, aged 71 years.  The deceased was one of the oldest and most respected settlers in Drummond, and left a wife and family to mourn the loss of a good husband and father.

Bathurst Courier, September 19, 1856

Died, on the 15^th inst., in childbed, Margaret, wife of Mr. Robert McDonald, farmer, Bathurst , aged 38 years.

Bathurst Courier, September 26, 1856

Died, at Perth , 24^th inst., Donald Fraser, Lieutenant, H. P. Royal Scots, aged 85 years.  He entered the army at a very early age and served his country faithfully.  His merit soon led to his promotion, and on various occasions both in this country and on the Peninsula , where he served under Lord Wellington, he was entrusted with responsible commands.  His career, honorable in the field, and in private life, amiable, affectionate and Christian.  He was a native of Inverness , Scotland .

Bathurst Courier, October 3, 1856

Died, at Renfrew on the 11^th inst., Allan Carswell, Esq., surgeon, aged 54 years.  The deceased is a brother of Sir Robert Carswell, Physician to the King of Belgium, and was a native of Renfrewshire , Scotland .  He graduated at the Medical School of Edinburgh, London and in Paris , and was allowed to be a very eminent practitioner.  He resided in Horton for a period of 20 years.  In his last illness he received every attention and medical assistance that Dr. Evans could give.  He was highly respected in life.  Society and the medical profession have lost an honorable member.  G. B.

Bathurst Courier, November 28, 1856

Died, at Innisville, on the 19^th inst., James Innis, Jr., Esq., aged 40.  Sincerely regretted by a large number of friends and acquaintances, who followed his remains to the grave.  He leaves a widow and several children to lament his loss.

Perth Courier, January 2, 1857

Died, at Lanark on the 30^th inst., Janet Crawford, late wife of Daniel Glossop, in the 46^th year of her age.  The deceased was a native of Johnston , Scotland and has lived in Canada 23 years.  She was beloved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances and leaves a husband and family to deplore her loss.

Died, at his residence on the 23^rd inst., in Lanark, aged 67, John Somerville, a native of Lanarkshire , Scotland .  He was one of the earliest settlers of this township and for the last four years was afflicted with a painful disease which he bore with great patience and Christian resignation. He has left a sorrowing widow and large family to deplore their loss, and a large circle of sympathizing friends who will long be sorrowful for the loss of so sincere and valuable a friend.

Perth Courier, Feb. 20, 1857

Died, on the 14^th January last, Isabella, beloved wife of John McKay, formerly of this town, after a short but severe illness, aged 34 years, 6 months and 9 days.

Died, at Smith’s Falls, on Sat. evening last, George Ellis, Civil Engineer, of Inflammatory Sore Throat, aged 35 years.  The deceased was for some time engaged on the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and recently published an excellent map of the counties of Lanark and Renfrew.  During his residence in Canada he won the esteem and respect of a large number of friends by whom his sudden demise is much regretted.

Died suddenly, on the 18^th inst., Margaret Ellen McMaster, wife of the Rev. James B. Duncan, Free Church Minister of this town, aged 32.

Perth Courier, March 27, 1857

Died, at Morningdale, Mornington, C.W. on the 23^rd inst., after 13 days illness, Mr. James Baird, Sr., aged 74 years.  He was a native of Hamilton , Scotland , and emigrated to Canada in 1821.  His loss is deeply regretted by numerous friends and acquaintances.

Died, at Middleville, Lanark, on the 5^th inst., Margaret Rodger, wife of Mr. John Robertson, aged 55 (?) years, 9 months, much and deeply regretted by all who knew her.

Perth Courier, June 1, 1857

Died, on the morning of Saturday, the 23^rd day of May last, after an illness of a few weeks that she bore with Christian meekness, Maria Agnes (Brooks), eldest daughter of Mr. T. Brooks, aged 23 years.  She is gone to join an Angelic choir; To praise her Lord and King; To strike with joy her golden lyre; and endless praises sing.

Died, on 28^th day, Malcolm (Fisher), only son of John Fisher, Bathurst , aged 19 years.

Perth Courier, August 21, 1857

Died, at Perth , on Sabbath morning, the 16^th inst., the Rev. Wm. Bell, A.M., Minister of the First Presbyterian Church, in the 78^th year of his age, and the 41^st of his ministry.  He was born at Airdrie (?), Scotland , on the 20^th May, 1780 , educated for the gospel ministry at the University of Glasgow and ordained in Edinburgh , March 4, 1817 .  He had looked to Canada for some years as the scene of his future labors, and arriving in Perth in 1817 in June, he entered at once on his public ministry.  Though he had many labors to go through and hardships to go through in this new country, but he never regretted the choice he had made.  He had the honor of being the first to preach the Gospel in Lanark, Ramsay, Beckwith, Smith’s Falls and other places, besides Perth ; in all of which there are now flourishing congregations.  It was his desire that his friends at a distance should be informed that he died in the firm faith of that glorious Gospel which he had with so much pleasure preached to others and in the unclouded hope and prospect of a glorious immortality beyond death and the grave.  His last illness was merely the decline of nature; his increasing infirmities had compelled him to cease his public labors about three months ago; but he was confined to his room only two weeks, during which he suffered very little pain, and was uniformly happy and calm.  His latter end was peace.

Perth Courier, September 18, 1857

Died, at Burnside, Ramsay, on the 9^th inst., John By Wylie, Esq., 28, youngest son of the late Hon. James Wylie, deeply respected by a large circle of family and acquaintances.

Perth Courier, October 9, 1857

Died, on the 28^th ult., from the effects of a gunshot wound, John Horn, son of Mr. Alex Horn, Hopetown, Lanark.  The deceased was universally esteemed for his amiable disposition, and his remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives.

Died, very suddenly, on Friday, the 2^nd inst., Mrs. Adamson, aged almost 60.  She was respected and loved for her kindly turn to many whom affliction or sickness brought under her notice.

Perth Courier, January 8, 1858

Died on the 24^th December, 1857 , Patrick Murphy.  He was a native of Forkhill , Ireland , County Armab (?) and emigrated to Canada in 1854 (or 34?).

Perth Courier, January 15, 1858

Died in Perth , on Thursday, 7^th inst., Emelline (Mallock), second surviving daughter of John G. Mallock, Esq., 14 years, 9 months.

Perth Courier, January 22, 1858

Died, at her residence on the 9^th line of Dalhousie, on the 11^th ult., Mrs. Francis Erskine, late of Edinburgh , Scotland , aged 66 years. Her husband died at sea on the passage out, and she encountered many trials and difficulties on her arrival here, which she bore with Christian resignation, and died in the full hope of a blessed immortality.

Died, at Cairdonia, on Friday, the 8^th last, John Jackson, Civil Engineer, aged 69 years.

Perth Courier, May 21, 1858

Died, at Lanark, on the 11^th inst., the infant son of A. G. Hall, Esq.

Died, at his residence in Middleville, township of Lanark , on the 17^th inst., Mr. James Murray, aged 79 years and 7 months.  He was a native of Paisley , Scotland , and emigrated to Canada with the second Lanark settlers, and endured all the hardships incident to the early settlers in the backwoods.  He was much respected by all who knew him and has left a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his loss.

Perth Courier, June 25, 1858

Died on the 8^th inst., at the residence of his son-in-law, Charles Miller, Ottawa Lake , Adam Golightly, a native of East Louden, Scotland , aged 81 years and 6 months.

Perth Courier, July 23, 1858

Died, at Perth , on Friday the 6^th last, in the 36^th year of his age, John McIntyre, Esq., A.B. for some time principal of the County Grammar School , and late agent for the Bank of Montreal in this place.

Perth Courier, Feb. 4, 1859

Died, on the 3^rd inst., after a short illness, John Lister, Jr., son of Mr. J. Lister, Sr., aged 18.

Perth Courier, June 17, 1859

Died, on the 13^th inst., of paralysis, William McPherson, a native of  Perthshire , Scotland , in the 61^st year of his age.  He was among the first settlers on the Scotch Line, and was universally respected by all who knew him.

Perth Courier, June 24, 1859

The funeral of the late James White, Drummond, took place on the 18^th inst., from his residence to the place of interment, Perth .  He departed this life after a few months of slow but fatal illness, on the evening of the 16^th inst., and was beloved by all who knew him.  Being of a kind and friendly disposition, and manly deportment towards all who came into contact with him, which was evinced by the numerous attendance of all parties on that solemn occasion, we say solemn, for so it is to the bereaved who are left behind, having now reached to the number of seven blanks, including the parent, in that afflicted family by the hand of death.  Nevertheless, we trust and confidently hope that the loss of his bereaved and sorrowing mother and relatives is his sure eternal gain.  Being a member of the Loyal Orange Association, No. 486 Drummond, he was interred with the honors of his institution, his remains being followed by the brotherhood of his own Lodge, and from Lanark, Perth, Innisville and other places, compromising one of the most respectable and solemn funeral processions that ever passed through the streets of Perth; and being met at Toll Gate No. 1 by the brothers of Perth, who then took the management of the proceedings, being entitled thereto, which were conducted in the most orderly and becoming manner.  The friends and relatives of the deceased therefore hereby tender their most heartfelt thanks to all parties for their respectful sympathy evinced towards them on this solemn occasion.  We shall continue in the language of Scripture, from Job 1, 21:  Whatever we fondly call our own; Belongs to Heavens Great Lord; The blessings lent us for a day; Are soon to be restored.  ‘Tis God who lifts our comforts high; Or sinks them in the grave; He gives, and when he takes away, He takes but what He gave.

Died, on Sabbath on the 12^th inst., at the residence of his son, Township of Ramsay , James Rae, Esq., aged 97 years.  The deceased was one of the pioneers of the township in which he died, having settled there in 1821.  Born in the city of Glasgow , Scotland , he filled, during his residence in that place, the office of Elder in the Church of Scotland, under Dr. McGill, Tron (?) Church, and also under the celebrated Dr. Chalmers of St. John’s Church .  The deceased was a pure type of the Lowland Scottish Presbyterian, who are so historically known, and during his life in Canada , stamped on his countrymen, within the reach of his influence, the impress of his principles.  Glasgow papers will please copy.

Perth Courier, May 25, 1860

Obituary—Died at Renfrew on the 17^th inst., after a protracted illness, John Lorn McDougall, Esq.  Deceased was one of the first settlers in that neighborhood, he took a prominent part in establishing the public institutions in that village, and was universally respected for his unbounded benevolence and a large number of poor persons will feel the loss of their benefactor.  Few, in short, will leave behind them so many nets of humanity and Christian benevolence.  The funeral took place on Sunday last.  The day was one of peculiarly solemn interest and the manifest tokens of regret and sympathy that the occasion called forth testified how much the deceased was respected in the community in which he lived.  About 3:00 in the afternoon a numerous crowd began to assemble at the house and in a short time afterwards the mournful cortege embracing a line of great length began to move, led to the burying ground by the Village Council, the members of which wearing a badge of crepe on their arms as a badge of respect for their brother Councillor, friend, and neighbor.

Perth Courier, July 13, 1860

Died, in Lanark, on the 6^th July, at her father’s residence, Charlotte Adelin (Wright), third daughter of Mr. Philemon Wright, aged 24 years and 11 months, formerly of Hull , C. E.

Died, at Westmeath, on the 9^th inst., of apoplexy, Isabella, wife of Mr. James Condie, in the (57^th—67^th—or 97^th??) year of her age—formerly of Burgess.

Perth Courier, July 20, 1860

Died on the 18^th inst., Christianna (Brown), beloved daughter of Mr. David Brown, aged 21.

Perth Courier, October 26, 1860

Fire and Loss of Life:  On the evening of Friday last, 19^th inst., about 8:00 an alarm of fire was given when it was found that the old Catholic Chapel was in flames.  The building had been locked up and unoccupied for some time and there can be no doubt but the fire was the work of an incendiary, as a pile of pine, boards or rails was found inside by those who first entered, in which the fire had been kindled, and an old door was found leaning up against the wall of the building, under one of the windows, which had been raised, and through which it was evident the incendiary had made his ingress and egress.  The fire engines were speedily on the ground but the chapel being of wood and the water difficult to be got, the flames had made such headway that it was impossible to save the building, which was burned down; although good service was done in preventing the flames from spreading to the adjoining houses.  An investigation was held by C. G. Sache, Esq., Coroner and a jury of citizens but up to the time we write no information has been elicited to the discovery of the guilty party.  It is with extreme regret that we have to add that Mr. George Miller, of the firm of Murray, Miller and Company of this town, lost his life on the occasion.  He was exerting himself to save property, when a heavy piece of burning timber fell out from the building and struck him in the head; and he died the following afternoon in consequence of the injuries he received.  He was one of our oldest citizens and was universally esteemed and respected.  In losing him, Perth has lost a valuable member of society, and his untimely and melancholy end has cast a gloom on our citizens generally.   A correspondent asks to add the following:  It is due to the memory of the lamented deceased that during the troublesome times of 1837-38, that he volunteered and joined the Perth Guards; done duty and was drilled under Col. Fraser, that afterwards, under the same officer, he joined the Perth Volunteers and went to Toronto, Kingston and Ganonoque; and during the whole period he set a good example to his associates for steadiness, diligence and zeal for the services; ever ready and cheerfully doing his duty and that often under difficulties and many unavoidable privations. The funeral took place on Tuesday and was one of the largest we have ever witnessed in Perth .  The Firemen (deceased being a member of No. 3 (?) Co. ), appeared in mourning badges, and places of business generally were closed, out of respect for the deceased, as the procession passed.  

Perth Courier, December 14, 1860

Died, on the 8^th November, at his residence, 2^nd Line Lanark, William Miller, aged 84 years.  He was a native of Perthshire , Scotland .  He was 21 years an overseer in Jamaica and came to Canada in the year 1827.  He died after a short but severe illness in the full assurance of another and better world beyond death and the grave.

Perth Courier, Feb. 1, 1861

Died of consumption, at his father’s house in Elmsley, near Perth , on the 24^th Jan., James Robertson, aged 26 years and three months, in full prospect of a glorious resurrection.  He leaves a wife and child to mourn his loss.

Perth Courier, Feb. 22, 1861

Died at Perth on the 20^th inst., Mary, wife of Mr. John McParland, Jr.

Perth Courier, March 8, 1861

Died, in Perth , on the 1^st inst., Ellen, wife of James Allan (Baker), at the age of 40.

Perth Courier, March 15, 1861

Died, at Beechburgh, on Feb. 23^rd ult., Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Garvin, blacksmith, aged 38.

Perth Courier, March 29, 1861

Died, on the 27^th inst., Margaret McLean, wife of R. McLean, North Elmsley , at the age of 28.

Perth Courier, April 19, 1861

Died, at Perth , on the 17^th inst., Mrs. Mary Bell, widow of the late William Bell, at the age of 88.

Perth Courier July 24, 1896

We regret to announce the death of Mrs. Threlkeld, of Toronto , which occurred suddenly at her residence Monday, 13^th July.  Deceased was a sister of the late Dr. James Nichol, of this town and aunt of Mr. Wm. Melghen of Perth and Mrs. F. A. W. Lister of Renfrew, both of whom were present at the funeral.  Mrs. Threlkeld was 70 years of age.

An Ohio paper contains the following obituary notice of a resident of Perth very many years ago.  He was a brother of Mr. James Holliday of this town and of Mr. David Holliday and Mrs. Fraser of Almonte:  Francis Holliday was born Jan. 2, 1816 , in Brockville , Canada of Scotch parentage and died at his home in LaRue , Ohio , May 8, 1896 aged 80 years 4 months and 6 days.  In early life he united with the reformed Presbyterian church, in which he continued a loyal and true member until he was summoned from the church militant to the church triumphant.  At about the age of twenty- five he was united in marriage to Margaret Hamilton McEwen; to this union was born ten children, four sons and six daughters.  The wife, one son and one daughter preceded him to that mysterious beyond.  The remaining three sons and five daughters together with a number of grand children mourn the loss of a loving father and grandfather.  The subject of this sketch came to Ohio some forty years ago and resided first at Rushsylvania, Logan County .  In 1872 he moved to LaRue, Markon County , Ohio , where he resided at the time of his death.  Mr. Holliday was a true Christian man and his character was above reproach.  His vast knowledge of the Scripture, especially the Psalms, made him a ready man in argument for their defence and in general conversation on the same.  His last hours of consciousness were triumphant in Christian talk, having expressed him well as resigned and deeply trusting in Jesus. 

Mr. James Scott of Brockville , brother of  Mr. W.A. Scott, third line, Bathurst , died  in that town on Monday morning this week.  The Recorder supplies the following obituary:  The deceased was in poor health for the past four or five years, although up to a week or six months he was able to be around, and at times could do a little work.  He had several slight strokes of paralysis and each one left him a little weaker.  Three weeks ago he had an attack that completely prostrated him and from which he never rallied.  Mr. Scott was born near Perth in the township of North Elmsley , County of Lanark , in 1835 and was therefore at the time of his death 61 years of age.  He learned the trade of carriage making and for many years carried on business in Smith’s Falls.  About twenty years ago he came to Brockville , erected the building on Perth Street, north of the G. T. R., now used by Peter McLaren as a mill to plane, and started a manufacturing business.  Mr. Scott was a consistent member of the First Church .  While living in Smith’s Falls he was an elder in the church there.  In politics he was a warm supporter of the Reform Party.  He leaves to mourn the loss of a kind husband and an affectionate father, a widow and family of three sons and one daughter, who, needless to say, have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.  His eldest son, James, who is with G. T. Fulford and Company, left by the midnight train last night on a business trip for the firm.

Posted: Feb 26, 2003