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Pioneer - The WHITELAW Family
Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County
Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906
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WHITELAW Family, The.
One of the most notable pioneers in Guelph Township, was the late
William Whitelaw, Sr., whose portrait appears on another page of this work. He
was the oldest son of Andrew Whitelaw Sr., and Isabella Gladstone, and was b.
in Merton, Berwickshire, Scot., in 1815 and received a liberal education at the
schools there. He came to Canada in 1833, and found employment at a general
store in Kingston, at $8 per month. While thus employed, be became acquainted
with the Captain of the old Royal Line of Steamboats, running between Montreal
and Toronto, who, taking a fancy to young Whitelaw induced him to accept the
position of steward on his boat. He was quick at figures and attentive to
business, and became a general favorite, not only with his employers, but with
a large number of business and professional men with whom he came in contact.
He continued on the lakes for about ten years. During the interval, and in
1840, he came to Guelph, and the first night slept at the hose of the late
David Allan, who advised him to purchase the farm in the "Paisley Block", which
ultimately became his property. By his industry and frugality, he had saved
sufficient money to do this, but while he was clearing the farm, he continued
to sail on the lakes during the summer season, and his services as steward were
in demand so long as he cared to sail. From the time he set in the "Paisley
Block" his active spirit prompted him to take a leading part in political and
municipal affaires. He was by principle and conviction a Reformer and soon
occupied an influential position as a worker on that side. He was for many
years, Convenor of the Reform Association of Guelph Tp., and it was only during
the latter years of his life that he resigned, and his son, Andrew, Jr., was
appointed in his place. His municipal record is an equally honourable one. He
was Deputy Reeve of Guelph Tp. in 1855, and Reeve from 1856 to 1862, and for
the last three yeas Warden of the County. Later, he was again elected Reeve,
and held the office for two years. In municipal office he was always
re-elected, by acclimation. In 1860, when the Prince of Wales came to Canada,
Mr. Whitelaw and the late Jon Harvey, then Mayor of Guelph, went to Quebec to
invite his Royal Highness to visit Guelph, which he did. On that occasion, Mr.
Whitelaw represented the county, and Mr. Harvey the city. After retiring from
municipal office, he was a number of times appointed County Auditor, and held
that position at the time of his death. He was a very successful man, and made
a specialty of breeding Leicester sheep, having many years before his death,
gone to the old county and imported some of the best stock in this line that he
could find.
He was also a very successful breeder of thoroughbred cattle. In every department of life , he was energetic and kept abreast of the times. He was a member of the Commission appointed by the Ontario Government to inquire into the condition of agriculture in the province. In private life he was a warm friend and genial companion, and highly honourable in all of his dealings, commanding the confidence and respect of all who were brought in contact with him. He m. Isabella Henderson, dau. of the late George Henderson, "Paisley Block". They were both members of Knox Church, and took an active interest in church matters, being especially good givers and helpers in building. He d. 1895, in his 81st year, while his wife d. in 1893, age 65. They had the following issue: Mrs. Andrew Thomson, in Fergus; Andrew, Jr., George, Mrs. James Mutrie, in Eramosa; Alice, Helen, William , Jr., and Dr. Thomas, a successful practicing physician in Edmonton. His second son George, m., Marion Dickie. He was in the Guelph Tp. Council for ten years, Deputy Reeve at the time the law was changed, and reeve for two years. Andrew, Jr., and William, Jr., own the old Whitelaw homestead, comprising nearly 400 acres and are extensive farmers, and leading citizens. They make a specialty of Durham Shorthorn cattle, and Leicester sheep. Their cattle are registered in the Canadian herd books, while their Leicester sheep are recorded in the American flock books. Their reputation in this line is of the highest, both in Canada and in the U.S. At the World's Fair, St. Louis, they took twenty-eight prizes on their Leicester sheep including two sweep stakes and several of the first prizes. Issue of Andrew Whitelaw, Sr.: Mrs. Geo. Aitchison, Perth Co.; William, Thomas, George, Andrew 2nd., of the firm of Maxwell and Whitelaw of Pairs, d. 1904; Robert, and Ellen (d.). William, b. 1815, d. 11895. (See above sketch) Thomas, m. Mary Gowdy, set. Guelph Tp. Issue: Andrew, George, Mrs. Geo. McIntosh, Joseph, and Wilkie. George, b. Scot., 1820 and d. 1856, came to Canada seven years after his brother William, and set. in the "Paisley Block" in 1840. After some years he purchased 150 acres of land in Nichol Tp., where he set. and lived until his death. He was a man of great force of character and energy, and was one of the leading men in the fine stock, of the community, making a specialty of Durham Shorthorn cattle. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and in political views a Liberal. He m. Eliza Fisk, d. 1868, age 68. Issue: George C., Mrs. Wm. Street, James, Thomas, and Robert A. Of this branch , Geo. C., m. Janet Elliott, and lives on and owns the old homestead in Pilkington. Issue: Margaret E., William D., Eliza, and George. James m. Mary Pritchard, (d.). and set. In Woodstock. Issue: Arthur; Thomas m. Ellen Elliott, and set., 1st, in Pilkington, and later bought and set. in the old original Elliott homestead, in the 'Paisley Block" where he still resides. Issue: Louisa E., Isabella F., Wellie M., Margaret E., George T., Robert T., and Janet L. Robert A., m. Mary Holtzworth. He owns 136 acres. lot 7, con. B., Pilkington, where he resides and carries on mixed farming, making a specialty of fine stock. He is a leading man in the Tp., and has held the office of Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. Issue: Emma, and George. Andrew, 2nd., m. Ann Tennant, set., Woodstock. Robert, m. Margaret Blackwell, and is a wealthy manufacturer in Woodstock. From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906 |
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