Mary McDiarmid’s Scrap Books

Mr. and Mrs. James A. McGregor, 8^th line of Ramsay, who observed their golden anniversary at the home of their son, Kenneth, and Mrs. McGregor.  They were married in Almonte Presbyterian manse, May 27, 1908, by the Rev. Charles Daley.  Mrs. McGregor was the former Alice Cochrane.  The couple resided in Almonte for six years before moving to the 8^th line of Ramsay.  Mr. McGregor served for 30 years on the Lanark County Constables force.  Mr. and Mrs. McGregor have six sons and two daughters, James, Almonte; Melville and Arthur, Iroquois; Kenneth and Raymond, 8^th line of Ramsay, and Norman, Truro, NS; Mrs. G. Crawford (Lila), Carleton Place, and Mrs. Don Haley (Jean), Bellville.  They also have 18 grandchildren.

1955 Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Nurses

Mrs. Frances Hewitt

Miss Edna Sheppard

Miss Cora E. Droppo, superintendent

Miss Eleanor Ormrod, X-ray technician

Mrs. Erma Willoughby

Miss Evelyn Lynch

Mrs. Evelyn Burns

Miss Lena McNeely

Miss Eileen Neil

Mrs. Georgina Armour

Mrs. Norma Giles

Miss Ruth LeMaistre

Mrs. Orleen Gavin

Miss Sadie Dowdall

Mrs. E. Aileen Prime

Mrs. Josepha Timmins

Couple to Observe Golden Wedding Anniversary Tuesday, Jan. 31 1950

Well known residents of Goulbourn and Beckwith Townships and Carleton Place , Mr. and Mrs. Homer Simpson will observe their golden wedding anniversary quietly at their home on John street on Tuesday, January 31.  Due to Mrs. Simpson being in indifferent health, the event will be quietly noted. Mr. Simpson, before his retirement from the farm in Beckwith, had served for 20 years as road commissioner in the township, for 10 years as assessor. He was born in Goulbourn, son of the late Samuel Simpson and his wife, Sarah Kemp, and was educated there.  He took up farming in Beckwith on the 11^th Line where he remained for 50 years.  His marriage to the former Minnie Cram, daughter of the late James Cram and his wife Mary Whyte, took place in the township. The couple attended Zion United Church in Carleton Place. A few years ago, they came to Carleton Place. They have one son, Eric Simpson, of Carleton Place.  Mr. Simpson had a sister, Mrs. Martin, of town, and Mrs. Simpson has two brothers Ned, of Beckwith, and Willard of town.

In Memoriam for William Hughes who died in Merrickville on Friday, June 28^th, 1929.  The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon, June 30^th at 2:00 o’clock.  Interment in Hillcrest Cemetery, Smiths Falls.

James C. Hughes of Ramsay Twp. Dies in the West (1956 written beside this)

After a lengthy illness, there passed away in Union Hospital, Swift Current, Sask., one in the person of James Clarke Hughes, formerly of Easton’s Corners, Ont.  He was 71 years of age. Born in Ramsay Township he was the third son of the late William Hughes and his wife Frances Conn.  His early life was spent at Easton’s Corners going from there to Regina in 1912 where he worked as an electrician.  In 1916 he went to Pennant, Sask., where he resided until his death on Friday, Aug 3^rd. Mr. Hughes farmed and operated a grain elevator, later going into the insurance business.  He was Mayor of Pennant, a staunch supporter of the United Church, member of the Masonic Order and Eastern Star and served on many boards among them being the Hospital board at Swift Current. His body rested at the Maclean Funeral Home in Swift Current and later was taken to Pennant Memorial Hall where the funeral service was conducted on Monday at 2 p.m., by Rev. Dowson of Swift Current United Church. Mr. John McDonald (a nephew) rendered a solo, (Beyond the Sunset) later the Masons held a very impressive service. Surviving are his wife, the former Florence Reid; one daughter Margaret (Mrs. Leon Plewis); one son Lloyd of Calgary; one brother, W. H. Hughes of Victoria, B.C.; four sisters, Misses Sadie and Nettie Hughes of Toronto; Mrs. McDonald (Olive) of Toronto; Mrs. J. E. Hutton (Bertha) of Merrickville, Ont., and two grandchildren Joanne and Jimmy Plewis. Many beautiful floral tributes bore testimony to the esteem in which the deceased was held. Interment was in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends attending from a distance were; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Hughes of Calgary, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hughes of Victoria , B.C., Misses Sadie and Nettie Hughes of Toronto, Mrs. O. McDonald and John of Toronto, Miss Florence Thom of Niagara Falls, Mrs. Sadie Penrose and Mr. Leslie Reid of Virden, Man.

Mrs. Peter Moffatt’s Death Regretted by the Community (1950 written beside this)

The sudden passing of Mrs. Peter Moffatt on Sunday morning, January 22, was a great shock to the whole community.  She was apparently in her usual health until a week before, when she suffered a heart attack; but was considered to be progressing favourably, until without further warning, she passed away almost instantaneously. Laura Edna Turner was a daughter of Peter Turner, and Martha Simpson, of the 11^th Line of Beckwith.  Her early childhood was spent here, and later they moved to the Ninth Line of Ramsay.  From here in 1913, she was married to Peter Moffatt, and came to the old Moffatt homestead, where they resided until they retired and came to Carleton Place, four years ago. Having spent her whole life in this community and attended the local schools, she was widely known and loved.  She was essentially a lover of her own home and family, but her hands and heart reached out to all the needy or afflicted about her.  She especially loved little children, and her ready wit and humour usually made her the centre of a group.  Religion was simply a part of her daily living.  In her views, she was broad-minded, and enjoyed any service in which Christ received the pre-eminence.  She was a life-long member of the Zion United church. Surviving are her husband, and two children, Mrs. Gordon Owen (Margaret), of Pembroke, and James H., of Toronto; and one grandchild, Janet Kay, also one brother Ernest Turner, of Carleton Place. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, January 24, from Fleming Bros. Funeral Home, Lake Avenue. The pallbearers were, Allan Simpson, Stanley Thackaberry, Harwood McCreary, John Cram, Alton Matthews, and Harold Stevens. The profusion of flowers received, are a mute testimony of the high esteem in which she was held by a wide circle of friends.  The deepest sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved.

Mrs. Thomas Sadler – Ramsay, died in her 91^st year.

Following an illness of three weeks Marion Turner, widow of the late Thomas Sadler passed away on Tuesday evening, December 20^th, 1949, at her home on the 6^th Line of Ramsay in her 91^st year.  Born near Appleton, she was the daughter of the late Jas. Turner and his wife, Mary Agnes Thom. In 1878 she married Hugh Aitken, who died about 1887.  To this marriage were born Mary (the late Mrs. Peter Miller), Robert E., living in the west, but who is home at present, and Nellie who died in infancy. In 1891 she married Thomas Sadler, who predeceased her on August 2, 1936.  To this union were born four sons and three daughters: William, who died in 1915; Mabel, (Mrs. Howard McCreary, Perth ); Hazel, (Mrs. Thos. Glover, Kelowna , B.C.); Annie, (Mrs. Adelbert Caswell, Perth); John T., of Ottawa; Edmund and Harry at home. She is survived by four brothers and one sister: John Turner, of Appleton; Rev. Wm. D. Turner, of Campbellford; James Turner, of Carleton Place; Rev. Dr. H. H. Turner, of Ingersoll and Jessie A. (Mrs. Norton Hill, of North Augusta ).  There are 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The service was conducted by Rev. Donald Munro and interment was at Pine Grove cemetery.  Mr. Robert McTavish, of Balderson, sang “The City Four Square.” The pallbearers were Sinclair and Cecil Turner, Earl Henderson (nephews) and James Henry, Earl McCaffrey and Charles MacKenzie. Many floral tributes testified to the esteem in which she was held in the community.  These included: pillow, the family; baskets, Mr. and Mrs. James Turner, Mr. and Mrs. John Turner and family, The Sadler Grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. T. E. McCaffrey; wreath, Mrs. Maude Briscoe and family; sprays, Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Godwin, Mr. and Mrs. Carson Johnson, Mr. Hillman McCreary, Mr. and Mrs. George Bowman and family, Mrs. H. Morphy and family, Mrs. Johnston Sadler, Mrs. W. R. McIlquham and Margaret, Miss Ida Paul, The Neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. John Henry and Mr. James Henry, Mrs. Snedden and Herb., Mr. and Mrs. John Cram, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. McNeely, Mr. and Mrs. Mac Moulton, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Moulton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Moulton, Messrs. Desmond and Cardiff Moulton, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Sinclair, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Sinclair, Mrs. James Rath, Mr. and Mrs. Fraser McMunn, The Rocky Ridge Women’s Institute, Capital Motors Ltd., The Staff of Capital Motors; plant, Mr. and Mrs. James Hammond and Mrs. J. Hammond, sr.; cut flowers, Charles MacKenzie.

Duncan McLaren Died in Ottawa (written in Dec 26 1949)

Duncan McLaren, Beckwith Township farmer, died on Monday in the Ottawa Civic Hospital in his 89^th year.  He had been seriously ill for about five weeks. Born in The Derry, Beckwith, he had lived all his life on the farm.  He was a son of the late George McLaren and his wife, Christina McLaren, and was educated in the township.  He was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. He is survived by one brother, Peter McLaren, of The Derry.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the Fleming Bros. Funeral Home, Lake Ave., to Dewars cemetery for interment.

Peter McLaren Died Suddenly in 87^th Year (1954 written beside this)

A life-long resident of this district, Peter McLaren died suddenly on New Year’s day.  He was in his 87^th year. Born in Beckwith township, he was the son of the late George McLaren, and his wife, the former Christena McLaurin. In 1901 he married the former Madeline Cameron in Beckwith who survives. Mr. McLaren was engaged in farming for most of his life, and at one time served on the township council.  He attended Prospect United Church . Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons; Lloyd on the homestead and George of Ottawa.  Three brothers and two sisters predeceased him. The funeral was held on Monday at Fleming Bros. Funeral Home.  Rev. W.P. Wornell officiated, assisted by Rev. Thomas McCord.  Interment was in Pine Grove cemetery. The pall-bearers were, Earl McDiarmid, Ed Marshall, Alec Hamilton, Livingston Kidd, Edgar Kidd and Loftus Fleming.

Ashton Native Eric McDiarmid Dies at Age of 48 (1957)

Mr. Eric R. McDiarmid, of Manotick, and a former machinist with the National Research Council in Ottawa, died on Saturday, February the second following a long illness.  Mr. McDiarmid was 48. A son of the late John McDiarmid, and his wife Christine Drummond, he was born and educated in Ashton. Mr. McDiarmid, who was a veteran of World War two and spent five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, was married in 1938, in Ottawa, to the former Marguerite McGonegal, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Norman McGonegal, of Carleton Place, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons both at home, two brothers, Roy, of Mildmay, Ontario, and Earl, of Ashton, and one sister, Mrs. William Brunton, of Ashton. The body rested at the Fred N. Garrett funeral home, 584 Somerset street, Ottawa, where the service was held on Tuesday afternoon. Rev. T. E. Downey, of Manotick, Anglican church officiated and interment was made in the family plot at Dewar’s cemetery, Ashton. Mrs. McDiarmid, a former resident of Carleton Place is well known here where she attended the public and high schools.  Following the death of her parents, she resided with her grandmother, the late Mrs. Sam McGonegal and her aunt, Miss Laura McGonegal, who resided on Victoria street, now of Ottawa.

John Thom, Ramsay, Prominent Farmer, is Deeply Mourned (July 6 1946 written beside this)

Last Saturday morning there entered into rest one of Ramsay’s oldest and most highly respected residents in the person of Mr. John Thom, at his home on the 6^th line. Mr. Thom was the eldest son of the late James Thom and Christina Waddell, both of Highland Scottish descent.  He was born on November 13, 1862, and lived his entire life on the homestead, part of which his uncle had received as an original grant from the Crown – the document for which is still in the possession of the family. The deceased was a man of sterling character, possessing many of the finer qualities of the old pioneer stock.  He was a staunch friend and a good neighbour.  He enjoyed relating stories of the olden times and the hardships of the pioneer days. All his life he was keenly interested in church affairs.  In early life he attended the Auld Kirk on the 8^th Line Ramsay, later joining St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Carleton Place.  Since Church Union he had attended Memorial Park United church. For thirty-seven years, Mr. Thom served on the session of his church and at the time of his death he was an honorary member. During his long life he enjoyed unusually good health.  On his 83^rd birthday many friends gathered at his home to honour him and his twin sister, Mrs. Robert McGregor, of Almonte, who was present. On December 26, 1899, he married Ethel May Hughes, of Easton’s Corners, who survives.  To the union were born four sons and five daughters – Florence, who is a teacher in Timmons; Ross and Wesley at home; Earle of Lisgar Collegiate, Ottawa; Dorothy, Mrs. Gordon Cavanagh, of Perth; Mary, Mrs. Earl McDiarmid, of Prospect; Frank, who is principal of the Almonte high school; and Margaret, who is in the Civil Service in Ottawa. One daughter, Evelyn, died in infancy.  In addition, he is survived by one brother, James W. Thom, of Ramsay; a twin sister, Mrs. Robert McGregor, of Almonte, and another sister, Mrs. William Moore, of Edmonton, and three grandchildren. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place from his late residence on Monday afternoon to Pine Grove cemetery.  Rev. D. C. Munro conducted the service.  The pallbearers were Messrs. Jas. McGregor, Jas. Henry, Wesley Hughes, Gordon Thom, Earl McDiarmid and Gordon Cavanagh. Among the many beautiful floral tributes were: Pillow, The Family; Sprays, Grandchildren, session and official board of Memorial Park church, neighbours, Granite Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Almonte; Mississippi Lodge, A.F. & A. M., Almonte; Dependents’ Allowance Board, Section 25, Ottawa; Dependents’ Allowance Board staff, Ottawa, Mr. and Mrs. James Thom and family; The Henry Family, The McGregor Family, Mr. and Mrs. Wes. Hughes and family; Mrs. Geo. Cooke and Family, Miss Edith and Mr. Lorne Hughes; Baskets, Board of Education, Almonte; Albert Leach, Carleton College Vets., Ottawa; Mrs. Thom’s brothers and sisters; Wreaths, Almonte Badminton club; Cut Flowers, Miss Verna Rutledge, of Oshawa.  Other floral offerings were from Mr. and Mrs. A. McLellan and family, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. McLaren and the Burns children. Those attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. David Thom, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Thom and Mrs. May Hinton, of Jellby; Mr. H. Warren and family, of Montreal ; Mr. Gordon Thom and family, Smiths Falls; Mrs. Geo. Bowman, of London; Hon. Geo. H. Doucett and Misses Sadie and Nettie Hughes, of Toronto; Mrs. R. S. Deachman, of Ottawa, Mr. and Mrs. Drysdale, Mr. and Mrs. A. Cavanagh, Mr. and Mrs. W. Cavanagh, Mr. and Mrs. C. Donovan, all of Perth; Mr. and Mrs. E. Hughes and family, of Lanark; besides a host of friends and relatives from Merrickville, Smiths Falls, Almonte, Pakenham and the surrounding district.

W. F. Hughes (1956 written beside it)

Merrickville – (Special) – A well-known resident of Easton’s Corners and district, Wesley Fletcher Hughes passed away in a Smiths Falls hospital on Wednesday.  He was 75. Born near Carleton Place in Ramsay Township, he was the son of the late William Hughes and his wife the former Frances Conn.  About 55 years ago he came to Easton’s Corners where he has since resided. He was a member of the United Church and served on the church board. Left, besides his wife, the former Mary Empey, are one daughter Stella, of Toronto ; five sons, Harold, of Sacramento, Calif.; Stanley and Kenneth, of Smiths Falls; and William and Lloyd, of Easton’s Corners; four sisters, Mrs. Joseph Hutton (Bertha), of Merrickville; Mrs. Olive McDonald, Miss Nettie Hughes and Miss Sadie Hughes, all of Toronto; two brothers, James Hughes, of Pennant, Sask., and William Hughes, of Victoria, B.C. The funeral was held from his residence to the United Church, Easton’s Corners, for service there.  Mervin Peters officiated.

Ramsay Twp. Mourns Passing of Mrs. John Thom at Her Home. (1946)

The citizens of this community were deeply shocked Saturday, August 3^rd, to hear of the sudden passing of Mrs. John Thom at her home on the 6^th Line of Ramsay.  Mrs. Thom had been in her usual health and had retired in quite good spirits the previous evening.  Early Saturday morning she suffered a heart seizure and passed away before medical aid could arrive. The deceased was the former Ethel May Hughes, daughter of William Hughes and his wife Frances Conn, of Easton’s Corners.  She was born on the old Hughes homestead on the 3^rd Line of Ramsay.  On December 26^th, 1899, she was married to the late John Thom who predeceased her by just four weeks. To the union were born nine children, Florence, of Timmons; Ross and Wesley, at home; Earle, of Ottawa; Dorothy (Mrs. Gordon Cavanagh), of Perth; Mary (Mrs. Earl McDiarmid), of Prospect; Frank, of Almonte; and Margaret, of Ottawa.  One daughter, Frances Evelyn, died in infancy. Mrs. Thom was a member of Memorial Park United church and the W.M.S. Although chiefly devoted to the welfare of her home and family she took an active interest in the life of the community.  She was a member of the Women’s Institute and a former president of the U.F.W.O. Although Mrs. Thom had not enjoyed the best of health for some years, she carried on cheerfully, always looking on the bright side.  She leaves behind many kind memories which will be cherished by those who knew and loved her best. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from her late home with interment in Pine Grove cemetery.  During the service Mrs. Lloyd Hughes of Easton’s Corners, sang, “Sometime We’ll Understand.” The pallbearers were four nephews, Lloyd, Stanley and William Hughes, of Easton’s Corners, and Gordon Hutton, of Merrickville; and two sons-in-law, Gordon Cavanagh, of Perth, and Earl McDiarmid, of Prospect. Besides her immediate family Mrs. Thom is survived by four sisters, Mrs. D. McDonald, Misses Sadie and Nettie Hughes, of Toronto and Mrs. James Hutton, of Merrickville, and three brothers, James C. Hughes, of Penant, Sask,; Wesley Hughes, of Easton’s Corners and W. H. Hughes, of Victoria, B.C.  Three small grand-daughters also survive. Many beautiful floral offerings attested to the esteem in which the deceased was held.  Among them were pieces from: The Family, the grandchildren, the sisters, the neighbours, the Henry family, the McGregor family, the Rutledge family; Mississippi Lodge, Granite Chapter, Board of Education, Almonte; Mrs. Carnegie and Misses Campbell, Miss Margaret Rintoul and Wm. Shortt; Mrs. Geo. Cooke and family, Miss Edith and Lorne Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Thom and family, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan McLaren, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Snedden, Mr. and Mrs. Angus McLellan and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hughes and family, Isaac Wallace, the Women’s Institute.

Daniel McDonald Dies at Toronto in 59^th Year.

After a long illness, there passed to his eternal rest, on Wednesday, November 12, one, in the person of Dan McDonald, of Toronto, and formerly of Ormond.  He was a son of the late James A. and Annie McIntosh McDonald, and was born at Ormond 58 years ago.  In his early years he farmed at Ormond, and in 1925 came to Toronto where he conducted a successful barber business for some years, and later a traveling salesman for barber supplies. He was a man of sterling character and beloved by all who knew him.  He was twice married, his first wife being Lila Craig, of Russell, who passed away at an early age.  Later he married Olive M. Hughes, of Merrickville. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Elwood B., of Waterloo, Ont., and John T., of Toronto, and two grandchildren, Lilamerle and Eden McDonald; also six brothers and six sisters, namely: Allan K., Ormond; (Katie), Mrs. J. D. Hall, Montreal; Archie, Hastings, Mich.; (Mattie), Mrs. T. J. White, Saskatoon; Jessie, Detroit, Mich.; Edward, Phoenix, Ariz.; (Henrietta), Mrs. W. C. Squibbs, Red Wood City, Calif.; (Ella) Mrs. W. B. Whitfield, Windsor, Ont.; Walter, Winchester; Fred, Ormond; John, Knoxville, Tenn.; (Beth), Mrs. G.  T. VanBridger, Bowmanville, Ont. Mr. McDonald rested at his home until Saturday noon, and the service was held at the funeral chapel of Turner and Porter, in Toronto, Saturday afternoon.  Rev. Fred Poulton, of Parkdale Baptist, officiated at the service, assisted by Rev. M. R. Sanderson, of North Parkdale United church. Rev. Poulton chose as his text “There is no Death ‘Tis Immortality” paying glowing tribute to the faith manifested by the deceased during his long period of illness and suffering.  Pallbearers were all friends of the deceased namely: Norman Weller, Peter Comrie, Herbert Braiden, Albert Stewart, Bill Fisher, Harold Holliday.  Interment was in Park Lawn cemetery.

In Remembrance – James Roy McDiarmid

Passed away at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Lucknow, Ont. Tuesday, March 1 1966, in his 62^nd year The funeral – resting at the Schuett Funeral Home, Mildmay until Friday March 4^th when funeral service will be held at the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Mildmay, at 3pm. Interment in Mildmay Lutheran Cemetery .

Posted: 18 March, 2004      Received from Leah Truscott - [email protected]