James, son of George and Ann Marigold Patterson was born May 28, 1819. He died October 13, 1902. His wife, Bresaya Jane Pounder was born April 26, 1824. On December 4, 1868, James Patterson was mentioned in a small article in the Perth Courier. "Last week, His Honor Judge Malloch and Messrs. George Cory and James Patterson after a few days hunting in S. Sherbrooke, brought home with them the following trophies: three deer, one bear, three foxes; two of them alive; and eight partridges. Quite a variety altogether."
From the Perth Courier, May 17, 1895 GOLDEN WEDDING
On the 14th of May, 1845, Mr. James Patterson and Miss Jane Pounder, both of Perth were made one, and they proceeded to make the journey of life together. The have been residents of our old town ever since, and are yet both in good health, and look at least ten years younger than their age would indicate. On Tuesday last, 14th May, came the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day, and they celebrated by holding the time honoured golden wedding. There were present, Mr. Mannases Patterson, wife and child, of Almonte; Mrs. and Mr. Robert Whyte and six children of Ottawa; Mrs. and Mr. Wm. Farmer and three children, Arnprior; Miss Tina Patterson; and Mrs. and Mr. Andrew Allan of Balderson. After the usual wedding dinner and other social festivities and domestic pleasantries, the elderly couple were presented with a memento of their long married life by their children. Mr. Patterson was given a gold-headed cane, and Mrs. Patterson received a gold watch and chain. The wedding cake on this occasion was decorated with the suggestive figures: 1845-1895. We join all other friends in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Patterson many returns of their wedding anniversary.
Perth Courier, Friday June 11, 1897. HEARD THE QUEEN PROCLAIMED. An article was published concerning the recollections of James Patterson. "Mr. James Patterson, bailiff, tells us that he heard Victoria proclaimed Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, when he was a youth of eighteen summers, on the 22nd of June, 1837. The proclamation was made to the wondering ears of the citizens of the then straggling village of Perth, by the Deputy-Sheriff, Alexander Powell, who mounted on a gray horse, rode through the streets vigorously announcing the important event. John Powell was Sheriff of the district then and Mr. Patterson, then eighteen years of age, was learning the carpenter business with the later Robert Kellock. Mr. Patterson was born on the 28th of May, 1819, just four days after Queen Victoria."
According to notes kept by Matilda Marigold Patterson Bowland, a daughter of Bresaya Jane Pounder Patterson, Jane was the daughter of George Pounder and Mary Allen; Mary was born in Wexford, Ireland. In Ireland the family name was Poindexter; they lived on a large estate but couldn't afford the lease, hence the move to Canada.
Other similar information shows that Jane was the daughter of George Pounder and Mary Allen. Mary Allen was of Latimerstown, and was born 1780 in Wexford County, Ireland; Mary was baptized April 10, 1780. She married George Pounder who was born in 1776, on June 15, 1804 at St. Iberius Church, Wexford, Ireland. George and Mary Pounder had ten children in Ireland, and then petitioned the Earl of Bathurst for a grant of land in Upper Canada. The petition of April 27, 1820 from George Pounder who lived near Enniscorthy, County Wexford, went astray. Nevertheless the Pounder family left Ireland and purchased land in Elizabethtown, Lot 20, Concession 3, Bathurst Township, in October 1820. Two more children were born in Canada; altogether George and Mary Pounder had twelve children. George Pounder died in 1826 and left his land to his widow Mary.
Pounder family research has been provided by descendant, Don Pounder, who has generously shared his knowledge.
The children of George Pounder and Mary Allen were:
John Pounder
The eldest child of George and Mary Pounder was John Pounder. He was born about 1805. His death was announced in the Perth Courier February 20, 1874. "Pounder, Died on the 15th inst., after a short illness borne with Christian resignation, John Pounder of Westmeath, aged 63 years. Deceased was a native of Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in 1820, where he moved to his late residence near Beachburg. His end was peace." The death certificate states John Pounder was in fact 69 years of age and that he died of bronchitis.
Eliza Pounder
Eliza Pounder never married and lived with her youngest sister Dorinda. At the time of the 1881 census, Eliza was living in Perth, of Irish descent, age 63, born 1818 in Ireland, and member of the Church of England. Eliza died on January 13, 1893 at the age of 76. On April 7, 1893 an article was printed in the Perth Courier. "On the premises, that commodious little house and lot formerly occupied by the late Eliza Pounder together with one cooking stove and other furniture situate on the south side of Cockburn St in the East Ward of the town of Perth, will be sold by auction Saturday the 15th of April, 1893 at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. James Patterson, Administratix. Geo. Devlin, Auctioneer."
Sarah Allan Pounder Devlin
Sarah Allan Pounder was born 1808 in Enniscorthy, Wexford County, Ireland. Sarah was a twin to Hanna. Sarah Allan Pounder's obituary was published in the Perth Courier August 26, 1892. "On Wednesday morning, Mrs. John Devlin Sr., another of our oldest settlers, passed away at the ripe old age of 85 years. The maiden name of deceased was Sarah Allan Pounder and she was born in the county of Wexford, Ireland, in the year of 1807, coming to this country with her parents about 1821. She was married to Mr. John Devlin Sr. and for many long years they lived together on their farm in Drummond, the two being separated by Mr. Devlin's death in 1870. For a little back, Mrs. Devlin had been living with her daughter, Mrs. Geo. Harvey, in town, and it was there she died. Her remains were laid beside those of her husband, in the old English Church burying ground. Deceased was a sister of Mrs. James Patterson, in town, and mother of Messrs. George Devlin and Charles Devlin, Perth; Mr. W. A. Devlin, Councillor, Drummond, and Mrs. Geo. Harvey, Perth. Strange to say her twin sister died in Western Ontario two weeks ago last Saturday." Sarah Devlin was buried in the Craig St. Cemetery and her monument still stands today.
Hannah Nun Pounder
Hannah Nun Pounder was born 1808 in Enniscorthy, Wexford County, Ireland. Hanna was a twin to Sarah. Hanna She died August 5, 1892.Her obituary was published in the Sarnia Observer August 12, 1892. OUR OLDEST INHABITANT GONE. Died at Corunna, Ontario on Friday 5th August 1892. Hannah N. Perry, wife of Mr. John Perry, of that place, in the 84th year of her age. Deceased was the last survivor of the settlers of 1832. In that year, with her first husband Mr. William Scott, she immigrated from Lanark County, Ont., and located on lot 54 Front Con Moore, where they succeeded in establishing a comfortable home for themselves and rising family. After some years of toil, Mr. Scott and three of their children died of fever, a disease incidental to pioneer life. Mrs Scott, with two surviving children, struggled on, improving her homestead. After some years she married Mr. John Perry, and started life anew with him on his farm, leaving her son, William Scott, who now had become of age, in charge of the Scott farm. After years of toil and the care of a young family, Mr. and Mrs. Perry succeeded in securing a competency sufficient to enable them to retire and settle down in Corunna, where they spent their remaining days in peace and comfort. Deceased leaves, beside her son Wm. Scott, two daughters, Mrs. H. A. Seward and Mrs. R. Watson, of Corunna, together with her bereaved husband to mourn their loss. Thus one by one we all pass away, and the places that now know us soon shall know us no more. Corunna August 8th 1892
Bresaya Jane Pounder
Jane Pounder was born April 26, 1824 in Bathurst Township, and died May 22, 1899 in Ottawa, Ontario. She married James Patterson on May 14, 1845. Their union produced nine children, two sons and seven daughters.
Dorinda Pounder
The youngest child of George and Mary Pounder was a daughter, Dorinda Pounder, who never married. She was born in Bathurst Township about 1828. She lived with her sister Eliza Pounder. Miss Dorinda Pounder died March 8, 1876. Her death was reported in the Perth Courier March 10, 1876: Pounder, Died, at Perth on the 8th inst., Dorinda Pounder.
Perth Courier, May 26, 1899
Mrs. James Patterson. This lady, after a severe illness, and an operation in the Ottawa hospital, passed away in that city on Monday, at the age of 75 years. The maiden name of the deceased was Bresaya Jane Pounder, and she was born in the township of Bathurst, her father being a native of Enniscorthy, county Wexford, Ireland and one of the pioneer settlers of Bathurst. Deceased was married to Mr. James Patterson, of this town, now bailiff, in the year 1845, and a large family and husband survive the mother and wife. The eldest son, George, barrister, and deputy Attorney-General of Manitoba, lives in Winnipeg, and was unable to get home to the funeral; and the second son, Manasses, was unfortunately away on a mineral-prospecting tour in the Nipissing region, and neither telegram nor telephone could reach him. The rest of the family were present at the funeral, which took place to Elmwood cemetery on Wednesday. Deceased was of a quiet, unobtrusive nature, and was greatly esteemed by her acquaintances.
An small article in the Perth Courier October 11, 1901, announced that James Patterson had returned to live in Perth for the winter. Earlier in the year, James Patterson was enumerated for the 1901 census at Callendar, Ontario in Himsworth Township. He had been living with his daughter Sarah Jane and her husband, Andrew Fyfe, as a widower, age 81. A year later, October 10, 1902, the Perth Courier noted that "Mr. James Patterson, one of the oldest residents of Perth, is very ill. Mrs. Robinson of Ottawa and Mrs. Whyte of Galetta, daughters, are at his bedside." Note: Mrs. Robinson was actually Mrs. Robson, the former Martina Dorinda Frances Patterson.
NOTE: This obituary states that George Patterson, Sr., died in 1856, when his obituary above was in 1862. It also states George Patterson, Sr. was in the 52nd Foot and fought at Waterloo when in fact George Patterson, Sr., was in the 37th Foot and not present at the battle of Waterloo, but did participate with his regiment in the Peninsular Campaign.
Perth Courier, October 17, 1902.
In the population of Perth are enrolled a number of its lifelong residents, whose allotted time has been run; but one by one the palsied hand of Death has marked them and is taking back the breath given when the Town of Perth could not look far into the township for the dense growth of bush that then was. Last week we announced the death of Captain Bell and Mr. Thomas Oliver and the serious illness of Mr. James Patterson; while in this issue of the courier is chronicled the passing of the latter gentleman. The news of Mr. Patterson's sickness came as a great surprise, as when last seen on the streets, on Friday, October 3, he was enjoying his usual good health. On that afternoon the deceased went out partridge hunting, and in the quest of his sport tramped through some marshy bogs. A cold developed, which later changed to acute appendicitis, causing alarm in the family circle who had been summoned to their father's bedside. Mr. Patterson fought his attack of illness with much courage and resolution, but his constitution, enfeebled with a work of four-score years, could not withstand the malady and gave way on Monday morning. Mr. Patterson had always enjoyed the best of health, and saving an attack of typhoid fever some thirty years ago had never had a day's illness until the disease which took him off. In the passing of Mr. James Patterson who was the last of a large family, there is lost to this town one of its oldest pioneers and most loyal residents. Perhaps there was no figure on the streets so well known and revered as that of the gentleman who is publicly mourned this week. Deceased was born on the Patterson homestead in Bathurst in 1819, and was consequently in the eighty-fourth year of his age. His father was George Patterson, of Perth, Scotland, and his mother, Ann Marigold, of London, England. George Patterson was born in the Scottish town after which this town is named and took to soldiering. He joined the famous 52nd Foot, whose deeds in valor no other regiment could surpass, and was present with the Duke of Wellington in his final struggle with Napoleon. At Quatre Bras, a preliminary duel to the great fight, the 52nd was engaged, while at Waterloo they were held as a reserve. With the protocols of peace affixed, the 52nd returned to it headquarters and George Patterson received his discharge. Marrying, he decided to settle in Canada, and in 1816 arrived to take up the pioneer's burden. He took up his land in Bathurst on the outskirts of Perth, then a trading post; and shortly afterwards moved into the town and commenced a shoemaker trade, which he conducted until his death in 1856. When George Patterson took up his settler's land in Bathurst he received a quantity of supplies which were given out by the government in 1817, some of which, notably a saw, is the valued relict of the family today. In their possession also, is a sword which did duty in Wellington's last campaign, and which is valued for its antiqueness. The subject of this sketch, as was said before, was born in the immediate vicinity of Perth and grew up with the town. In early life he took up his residence here and served his apprenticeship as a carpenter. He was very successful in his trade, and his craft and workmanship won him a business that was remarkable. In 1863 deceased took a trip to the Cariboo regions of the west but Perth was good enough for him. He had often laughingly said that he took away the earnings of years and came back fifty cents in debt. In 1864 Mr. Patterson received the appointment of Bailiff from the late Judge Malloch, which office he faithfully discharged until two years ago when he resigned. In 1845, he took a wife, Jane Pounder of Perth, who died three years ago. As a result of this union, two sons and seven daughters were born, one being dead: George, Attorney-General of Winnipeg; Manasseh, of Almonte; Mrs. William Farmer, Arnprior; Mrs. R. B. Whyte, Ottawa; Mrs. Brown, Innisfail, Alberta; Mrs. Fyfe, North Bay; Mrs. Bowland, Clayton, and Mrs. Robson, of Ottawa. All were present at the time of their father's death with the exception of the two who live in the West. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the residence of Mr. James Patterson, Drummond and D'Arcy Streets, to the Elmwood Cemetery, the services being conducted by the Rev. D. Currie. The pallbearers were Messrs. James Allan, G.A. Consitt, H.B. Wright, J.F. Kennedy, Samuel Farmer and R.Jamieson.
The following second obituary was reprinted from the Perth Expositor.
From The Central Canadian, Carleton Place, Thursday October 23, 1902.
A few years ago the pioneer history of the historic town of Perth was obtainable from many sources, but the hand of death has been slowly and surely snatching the possessors of this fund of knowledge away, until now there remains few--very few indeed--of the members of the old stock. Last week we chronicled the death of two of Perth's old and respected citizens, and this week it becomes our painful duty to announce the removal of another and respected pioneer of Perth, James Patterson, at the ripe old age of 84 years. For the full eighty-four years of his life he has lived in or around Perth, and during all those years he has won the respect of every person, all classes and creeds, and when the hour of death was hovering about him, and he was making a manly effort to withstand and shake off the effects of his illness, the hope was expressed on all sides that he would recover--but it was not to be, and on Monday of this week, after a very short illness, the spirit fled and James Patterson was called away to his long and undisturbed repose.
It is well known to almost every resident of Lanark County that the deceased was a wonderful man, physically, and that on a walk through the bush, or any such physical exertion, the deceased, up to two weeks before his death, could bring the blush of shame to many men encumbered with half or even a third of his years. He was a great lover of nature and loved to roam through the woods or sail up on the waters of a lake or stream, and in the hunting season, might always be seen carrying his gun or rifle. On Friday, Oct. 3rd, he shouldered his gun and walked ten miles through the woods hunting for game. He had not eaten anything from breakfast time until late in the afternoon, and becoming quite hungry he sat down and partook of a lunch, eating heartily of cheese. When he arrived in Perth at his boarding house, he lived with Mr. James Patterson, Drummond Street, when in Perth; he was taken violently ill and for the first 24 hours of his illness suffered intense pain, but towards the end all pain vanished and he gradually weakened until death came. The action of the strong and indigestible food he had eaten while out hunting, brought about the trouble which caused his death. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday to Elmwood Cemetery, was conducted by the Rev. D. Currie and largely attended by a number of the citizens of the town. About three years ago the partner of his life passed over the river and during that period he made his home with the members of his family but frequently visited in Perth. A family of two sons and six daughters survive. They are: George, Deputy Attorney General of Manitoba who resides in Winnipeg; Manassas, a druggist in Almonte; Mrs. William Farmer, Arnprior; Mrs. R.B. Whyte, Ottawa; Mrs. Alonzo Brown, Innisfail, Alberta; Mrs. Andrew Fyfe, North Bay; Mrs. Hugh Bowland, Clayton; and Mrs. F.P. Robson of Ottawa.
The deceased, the late James Patterson, was born in the township of Bathurst where his father resided in the early years of the first settlement of this country. His father, who was a British soldier and saw service in the Peninsular War, came to Canada with his wife about 1815, and after living on the farm for a few years he moved to Perth where he followed the occupation of shoe making for many years. When the subject of this sketch grew to manhood he branched out into the livery business. Perth, at the time, being the distributing point for a radius of 30 to 40 miles to the four points of the compass, it became necessary to have a large number of horses to attend to this class of traffic and Mr. Patterson has the proud distinction of being the first to see the possibilities in this line and fitted out the first livery stable in Perth. For many years, he followed the occupation of carpenter, but during the period of the gold boom in the Caribou, he became afflicted with the fever, and joined the mighty host travelling towards the setting sun. He remained there a short time when he returned to Perth where he was appointed bailiff of the county in 1863 which position he held until about two years ago when he resigned the position. During the years he held this office he travelled extensively all over the country and was well known by the residents in every concession and hamlet. Since he resigned his office, the deceased has rested on his oars and passed his remaining days in ease and comfort. During his whole life he was greatly attached to horses and was an expert shot with the rifle. He has on many occasions, as late even as last fall, taken his trusty 38 55 repeating rifle, and gone into the woods to hunt partridge. In one day's hunting a year ago, he brought home with him five partridge with the heaps blown off by the bullet from his rifle and only six shots were fired. While out in the woods he has had several narrow escapes, and on one occasion thought his end had come. He suddenly came upon a large bear with her two cubs, but at first sight only saw one of the cubs, which he shot, when suddenly the mother bear confronted him and he just had time to slip another cartridge into his rifle, when she rose on her hind legs not the length of the rifle away. He pulled the trigger and leaped to one side to avoid the death struggles of bruin. He bore his many years wonderfully well and took great delight in driving and shooting. He was a competitor in the rifle shooting matches held in Perth during the summer and at 200 yards made a score of 26 out of a possible 35, which may be considered as a fair indication of his truly wonderful physical condition. In his death Perth has lost another of the few remaining links, which join the present with the past, as well as a good and worthy citizen.
Ephraim George Patterson was born April 20, 1846 in Perth, Ontario and married 1) Annie Gertrude Baker and 2) Viola Geddes. He died August 23, 1925. Annie Gertrude Baker was born October 18, 1851 in Hamilton Ontario, and is buried in St John's Cathedral Cemetery and Churchyard in Winnipeg. Her daughter Amy and her granddaughter Frances are buried at the foot of her grave. On her monument is the inscription "In memory of Annie Gertrude Baker, beloved wife of George Patterson. Entered into rest at Winnipeg 1st November, 1897."
Ephraim George Patterson was educated at Perth Grammar School in Perth before attending Toronto University. An article in the Perth Courier on September 11, 1863 shows his potential. "Toronto University. At the recent examinations at the University College, Toronto, for the admission of students, and the distribution of Scholarships, we are pleased to observe that Master Ephraim Patterson, son of Mr. James Patterson of this town, took a scholarship for general proficiency worth $120. per year. Young Patterson possesses more than ordinary talent, and his standing in the university, where he had to compete with the cleverest students in the province, must be a source of gratification to his parents; besides it shows that the Perth Grammar School in preparing students for college, is equal if not superior to any similar institution in Canada"
From the Perth Courier, June 30, 1871. "Our Perth Readers will learn with pleasure that E.G. Patterson, son of James Patterson of this town and an assistant teacher in the Hamilton High School will deliver a lecture in the town hall of Perth on "The Progress of Astronomical Science" in about three weeks time. The subject of the lecture is a grand one for the man of thought and learning and we are confident that Mr. Patterson will do it justice. The lecture will be accompanied by a reading from Tennyson. In the future, we shall be able to name the date more definitely. In the meantime we only copy the following notice of the lecture where it was previously delivered: "Mechanics Hall E.G. Patterson, M.A., lectured to a large and intelligent audience in the Mechanics Hall last night in aid of funds of that institution, taking for his "Astronomical Science". The lecturer sketched the progress of the science from its infancy in the times when naught but the ideas of the heathen were promulgated. He gave many of the theories and discussions of scientists, men through the centuries to the present including those of Ptolemy, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Laplane. He pointed out the sublimity and extent of this study and referred to the various phenomenon which now present themselves. The lecture was well received and exhibited great care in its preparation. It was delivered clearly, slowly, and with great taste and the display of facts, indicating an extensive acquaintance with the subject. Times."
An article dated May 22, 1874 in the Perth Courier stated that, "our old friend, Mr. E. G. Patterson, at an examination held at the Law School, Toronto, passed for both an attorney and a barrister, without an oral. For barrister, he passed with unusual honours--beating all competitors, and obtaining 528 marks out of a possible 600--110 more than the next highest candidate."
George Patterson started his law practice in Hamilton, as early ads indicated he and William Laidlaw formed the law firm of Laidlaw & Patterson. On the 1881 Canadian Census, George Patterson is 35 years old, a barrister living in Burlington, Halton, Ontario. His ethnicity is listed as Scottish. His wife is shown as Anna G. Patterson, age 29, background English. The children are: Harold, age 5, Anna, age 3 and Winford, 3 months. (Note, the names Anna and Winford are misspellings by the census taker of Amy and Winifred--see the children below.) George and his young family then moved to Winnipeg in 1882. At that time, he placed an ad in the Globe and Mail Saturday May 27, 1882 as follows: George Patterson, late of Hamilton, Barrister, has removed to Winnipeg to practise his profession. Offices No. 429 Main St., over Blue Store. George became a partner in a firm with his cousin-in-law, George William Baker, and they called themselves, Patterson & Baker. Barristers, Attorneys.
For more information on E. George Patterson's law partner, George William Baker, see the Baker page of this website.
The 1901 census shows that George Patterson and his family were living in Winnipeg. George was a widowed barrister, aged 54, born April, 1847. His grown sons and daughters lived with him, along with a female servant. The family consisted of Amy, aged 22, born August 1878; Harold, aged 24, born May, 1976; Winifred, aged 19, born January 1891; and Gordon, aged 15, born May 1885. All but Gordon were born in Ontario. Gordon was born in Manitoba. Harold is listed as a clerk.
On August 24, 1908, George Patterson, a widowed barrister, aged 62, married Gertrude Viola Geddes, aged 31, at St Mark's Church, Niagara-On-The-Lake. George is the son of James Patterson and Jane B. Pounder. Gertrude Viola is the daughter of Forbes Geddes, and Elizabeth Begue. Witnesses were Ambrose H. Beavin of Pittsburgh, PA, and Elsie H. Geddes of Niagara.
The 1911 census shows that George Patterson and his family were living in Winnipeg at the Dorchester Block. George was aged 64, born April, 1847. He is the Deputy Attorney General for Manitoba and his workplace is the Parliament Buildings. His wife Viola was aged 34, born February, 1877. Their son George G. Patterson was aged 2, born July 1909. A nurse named Mary Phillips also lived with the family. The family is listed as Scotch in origin and of the Anglican religion.
GEORGE PATTERSON, K.C. DIES SUNDAY, AGED 79
Was for Many Years Deputy Attorney-General of Manitoba
Was Active in His Duties Until Recently, Death Following Brief Illness
George Patterson, K.C., aged 79 years, 162 Lilac Street, died in the Winnipeg General Hospital at 1 p.m. Sunday. He was up to the time of his death, referee and master of the court of King's bench, and for many years the deputy attorney-general of Manitoba. He had been ill but a short time.
He was born in Perth, Ontario, where his father, James Patterson, was a carpenter. His grandfather, George Patterson, was a veteran of Wellington's armies in Spain and at Waterloo, came to Canada about 1820 and settled in Lanark County.
Mr. Patterson was educated at the public and high schools of Perth, Ontario. He was graduated from Toronto University, winning the gold medal in mathematics. He taught mathematics for some years in Hamilton, before studying law. For several years he was examiner in mathematics at Toronto University and later on, when coming to the west to the University of Manitoba.
He was a member of the university company of the Queen's Own Rifles, and, having taken a lieutenant's course at the Royal Military College, Kingston, he took part in the fight at Ridgeway with the Fenians in 1866, when he was wounded and for which he received the Fenian raid medal. He obtained a first class military school certificate in the same year.
When called to the bar of Ontario in 1876, Mr. Patterson was mathematical master in the Hamilton Collegiate Institute. He practised law in Hamilton until 1882, when he came to Manitoba, where he practised for a number of years. The first firm was Patterson and Baker, then Aikins, Culver and company, Aikins, Patterson and McClenigan, and finally, Patterson and Howard.
Appointed as deputy attorney-general in 1898, he held that position until his appointment as referee and master of the court of King's bench. While deputy attorney-general, Mr. Patterson was for a time, law clerk for the government, and as deputy attorney-general, had been chief crown attorney for the province, conducting the prosecutions of all the chief criminal cases before the Winnipeg assizes for a number of years. He was made a K.C. in 1909 and had been editor of the Manitoba Law Reports since 1903.
Mr. Patterson was one of the original members of St. Luke's Anglican Church and he had acted as both rector's and people's warden. He was an ardent golfer, a member of the Winnipeg Chess club and of the Winnipeg Lawn Bowling club.
He was twice married, his first wife being Annie Gertrude Baker, daughter of the late Hugh C. Baker of Hamilton, Ontario. She died in 1897. He married, some years later, Viola Geddes, daughter of the late Forbes Geddes, of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Three children of the first marriage and one of the second survive, with his widow. The surviving children are: Harold D. Patterson, Victoria, B.C.; Mrs. Amy Edwards, Winnipeg; Mrs. Leslie Ford, Perth, Australia; and George D. Patterson of Winnipeg.
Annie Gertrude Baker (October 18, 1851-1897) was the daughter of Hugh Cossart Baker (1818-1859) and Emma Wyatt (1824-1859). Hugh Cossart Baker, descended from Sir John Baker Kt of Sissinghurst, founded the Canada Life Assurance Company. Annie Gertrude's brother, Hugh Cossart Baker started the first telephone exchange in the British Empire. George Patterson, Hugh's brother in law, was an early stockholder and supporter. See the Baker page of this website.
MEMORANDA June 11, 1903. Made by George Patterson of Winnipeg, Barrister, for the information of his children and descendants.
I am the eldest son of James and Jane Patterson of Perth, Ontario and was born there on 20 April, 1846. My father, who died in October 1902 at Perth, was the last surviving son of George Patterson, a Scotch soldier in the Army of Wellington, who came to Canada about 1815 and settled near Perth. My grandmother Ann Patterson was English and came out with him. My mother was also born in Canada of Irish parents named Pounder. She was a most devoted and saintly mother and until the last few years of her long life had little rest from hard work except when laid up with severe illness. She literally gave herself wholly to the work of training up and caring for her large family without a thought of self. She was perhaps the meekest, most patient and most loving wife and mother that ever lived.
Ephraim George Patterson and Annie Gertrude Baker Patterson had the following children:
Mabel was born November 13, 1872. At the time of her birth, her father was a teacher in Galt, Waterloo County. She died at the age of 9 months, 17 days, and is buried in Hamilton, Ontario in the Baker family plot. An inscription reads: Mabel Estelle In memory of beloved child of E.G. and A.G. Patterson Born at Galt 13th November, 1872 Died at Hamilton, 30th August, 1873. Losing their first born child must have been heartbreaking for George and Annie. A lock of Mabel's golden hair was saved and a handwritten tribute was written by Annie.
To Mabel from Mother
I had a wee bird that I loved and tended night and day.
One eve a hand unchained its cage and birdie flew away.
And now I know because my Pet returned to me no more,
That her tired wings are folded safe Upon her native shore.
Thy bird! My darling little one! My heart is very sore.
And yet I do rejoice that thou Hast gained that blessed shore,
No pangs of pain can be there now, Thy plaintive infant moan
Is changed into a song of joy Before the Saviour's Throne.
My dove that coo'd so tenderly before thy mother's knee;
Ah never music was so sweet as thy soft laugh to me.
No music now is in my house or in my desolate heart;
But only in that land of song My Baby! Where thou art!
I feel again thy little head nestling against my cheek,
I gaze into the pleading eyes that almost seemed to speak.
I feel thy tiny fingers close to tightly round mine.
I clasp thee to my heart; Then wake, and find that thou art gone!
And yet I know my Maybelle blooms Where it is ever May,
My star shines out with lustre bright though in Eternal Day;
Thy dove has found the Tree of Life where out to build her nest;
My child has reached the Heavenly Home "Jerusalem the Blest"
A year later, Annie wrote the following to remember her beloved first born daughter, Mabel Estelle Patterson: But the question remains unanswered, And what shall the baby be? A year has passed, and the maples again are golden brown, The flowers of the autumn are fading, The summer has lost its crown; But ah! for the answered question, That throbs at my heart so lone, My babe's been a year with the angels, around the great white throne.
Harold was born in Hamilton, Ontario on May 22, 1876 and married Bessie Clare Falls (born July 25, 1880 in Norwich, Ontario) on September 15, 1909 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bessie was the daughter of John Clare Falls and his wife Agnes Allister Mackie, of Kitchener, Ontario. John Clare Falls was born in Kells, County Meath, Ireland on December 10, 1854; the son of Alexander Sydney Falls and his wife Anna Maria. The family emigrated to Canada, and settled in the Kitchener, Ontario area when John was of a young age. John Clare Falls married Agnes Allister MacKie, who was the daughter of John Allister MacKie and his wife Mary. At the time of the 1881 census, John Clare Falls was a hardware merchant, age 27 in the town of Norwich, South Oxford, Ontario.
In 1882, John Clare Falls and his wife Agnes, and their young daughter Bessie, moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. There he was a manager and buyer for George D. Wood and Company. He rose within the company to become the vice-president and general manager of Wood-Vallance Company, wholesale hardware and metal merchants.
In 1907, John Clare Falls constructed a 2½ storey house at the southwest corner of Roslyn Rd. and Bryce St. The project cost $15,000 and was designed by Wardell and Nichols and was built by A. B. Anderson. In design, the building displays many of the characteristics of the Georgian revival style. The most prominent feature of the home is the four bay windows (two upper and 2 lower) which flank the front entrance. The east elevation has a combined verandah and upper deck, and a projecting section of wall around the side doorway. After Falls died, the building was converted to a boarding house. Today the building has been preserved as an historic site in Winnipeg.
The 1911 census shows the family living at 36 Roslyn Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The head of the household is John C. Falls, born December, 1854 in Ireland, aged 56, of Irish descent, Anglican. John is the manager of a hardware store. His wife, Agnes A., born July 1862, aged 48, is of Scotch descent. Harold D. Patterson is a lodger in the home, born May 1876, aged 35, the secretary for a Mutual Fire Insurance company. Harold's wife Bessie C. is also a lodger, aged 30, born July, 1880. Two domestics also lived at the home. John Clare Falls died in Winnipeg April 11, 1924.
When Elizabeth Baker Patterson's parents died in 1917, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Bessie and Harold Patterson. Harold was a real estate agent. Bessie Clare Patterson died at Valleyview Hospital, Essondale, B. C. on July 12, 1961 at the age of 80 years. Harold died at Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver, B.C. on March 21, 1962 at the age of 85.
Amy was born July 30, 1878 and died March 16, 1968. She married Harold Sidney Parker Edwards on October 18, 1902. Harold was born Feb. 24, 1876 in Richmond, Surrey, England and died Sept. 2, 1964. He was the son of Charles Edward Parker Edwards (1852-1930) and Sarah Frances Crews. On the birth information for Harold, Charles is listed as a "sailor". Charles' father was John Edwards, a sugar plantation owner in Antigua. Charles Edward Parker Edwards was a great great grandson of Admiral Sir William Parker. For more information, see the Edwards page of this website.
The Winnipeg Free Press announced the marriage of Amy Wyatt Patterson and Harold Sidney Parker Edwards. "EDWARDS - PATTERSON - All Saints' Church, Winnipeg on the 18th October, 1902, Harold S. P. Edwards, son of Capt. Edwards, R. M. of Bedford, England, to Amy Wyatt, daughter of George Patterson, deputy attorney-general, of Winnipeg." The society pages presented further details. "EDWARDS - PATTERSON - The marriage of Mr. Harold Edwards of the real estate firm of Edwards and Patterson, to Miss Amy Patterson, elder daughter of Mr. Geo. Patterson, of Bell street, Fort Rouge, was quietly solemnized in All Saints' church on Saturday afternoon, the rector, Rev. F. B. Smith officiating. Owing to a recent bereavement in the family of the bride, only intimate friends of the contracting parties were present.(Note: The bride's grandfather, James Patterson had passed away on October 13th, just 5 days before the wedding.) Miss Winnie Patterson, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid, and was dressed in blue voile. The groomsman was Mr. Leslie Foote. The bride wore a handsome blue travelling costume, and immediately after the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards left by the Pacific express to spend their honeymoon in the Territories. They will reside on Notre Dame street east upon returning to Winnipeg.
The obituary of Amy Wyatt Edwards was published in the Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg. "Mrs. Amy Wyatt Edwards. On March 16, 1968 at Winnipeg General Hospital, Mrs. Amy Wyatt Edwards, formerly of Gaspe Apartments, Broadway Avenue, aged 89 years. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday from All Saints Anglican Church, Broadway and Osborne. Rev. Eric Bays will officiate, to be followed by interment in St. John's Cathedral Cemetery. Gardiner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs. Edwards came to Winnipeg at an early age. She was a member of All Saints Anglican Church. Surviving are one son, Richard S. of Barrie, Ontario, one daughter Frances A. Edwards of Winnipeg, four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also a brother George Patterson of Toronto, Ontario.
The children of Amy Wyatt Patterson and Harold Sidney Parker Edwards are Richard Sidney Parker Edwards and Frances Annie Edwards.
Dick was born November 11, 1906 and died May 25, 1991. He married Iris Mustonen, born June 25, 1910 and died December 29, 1972. Iris Margaret Mustonen was of Finnish descent. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Johan Arvid Mustonen and Anna Mard. See the Finnish ancestry page for more information on the family of Iris Mustonen, and the children of Dick and Iris.
Frances was born January 25, 1908 and died February 15, 1987. While Frances Annie Edwards never married, she left her family a valuable legacy through her meticulous family records which account for much of the information we have today. Frances Annie lived all her life in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her death notice says, in part, "She was employed with the C.N.R. for many years and was a devoted worker for the Salvation Army and was actively involved with the Canadian Save the Children Fund."
Winnifred was born in Burlington, Halton, Ontario January 2, 1881. In 1882, she moved along with her family to Winnipeg Manitoba where her father continued his practice as a lawyer. There, she met and married Leslie Ford, who was born and raised in England. Mr. and Mrs. Ford left Canada and emigrated to Australia, where their only child, Nancie Ford was born on May 22, 1911. Nancie moved to England where she was a professional secretary and there she met Laurence Fabian Smith. Fabian Smith was born on January 25, 1908. Fabian and Nancie were married on December 6, 1941. About that time, Nancie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ford, moved to England as well. Fabian Smith had a career as a professional singer, baritone voice. He was for some time Head of Singing at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London England. He also taught singing from his home. Fabian Smith and his wife Nancie had two daughters, Karen Frances Fabian Smith who was born in 1942, and Miranda Mary Fabian Smith who was born in 1946. Karen Smith married Mr. Roly L. Jaggers in 1966, and had a daughter Sally, born 1978. Sally has two sons, Bradley, born 1997, and Dylan born 2002. Nancie Smith died on April 27, 1995 and her husband Fabian Smith died February 12, 1998. They are remembered by their daughters as wonderful parents who were very devoted to one another.
Gordon was born May 27, 1885. An announcement appeared in the Perth Courier on Friday June 5th, 1885 as follows: Born, Patterson. At Fort Rouge, Winnipeg on the 27th of May, the wife of Mr. George Patterson, barrister, of a son.
Gordon Hugh Patterson married Elizabeth Mabel Gertrude Holmes in 1910. The following article appeared in the Perth Courier on August 19, 1910. Altar: Patterson-Holmes At Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa, on August 10, Miss Elizabeth Mabel Gertrude, eldest daughter of Rev. John Holmes, was married to Gordon Hugh Patterson of Regina, Sask., youngest son of Mr. George Patterson, K.C., of Winnipeg, Deputy Attorney General. The bride was given away by her father. Misses Beatrice and Jane Holmes, sisters of the bride, were maids of honor. The Rev. Sydney Holmes, brother of the bride, was groomsman and the Rev. Canon Kitson performed the marriage ceremony. The bride was gowned in pure white liberty satin, en princesse, trimmed with rich applique. An overdress of embroidered gossamer, worn by the bride's great grandmother at her wedding, was part of the toilette, as well as the bridal veil worn by her mother. An informal reception was held at the bride's home. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson left by the C.P.R. for Regina. The groom is a son of an old Perth boy and grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Patterson of this town.
Gordon Hugh and Elizabeth Mabel Gertrude were first cousins. Gordon's mother, Annie Gertrude Baker Patterson was the sister of Elizabeth's mother, Emma Maria Baker Holmes. For more information on the Holmes family, see the Baker page of this website.
Gordon and Elizabeth Patterson had two daughters, Dorothy Beatrice, (born July 2, 1911) and Elizabeth Baker (born September 8, 1916), both born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dorothy Beatrice Patterson died in Winnipeg at age 5 on November 25, 1916. Her death was reported in the Winnipeg Free Press, November 27, 1916. "On Nov. 25th, after a very short illness, Dorothy Beatrice, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon H. Patterson, aged five years and four months. Funeral private."The Official Notice of Death for the Province of Manitoba states that Dorothy died of appendicitis, with a secondary cause of shock. Dorothy had been in the hospital for 2 days and died at 5:45 a.m. Her usual residence was at 488 Jubilee, Winnipeg. Dorothy was buried at St. John's Cemetery.
Dorothy's grieving mother, Elizabeth died in Winnipeg just a few months later on March 23, 1917 at the age of 34. Her death was also reported in the Winnipeg Free Press March 24, 1917. " At Winnipeg on Mar. 23, 1917, Elizabeth Mabel Gertrude, beloved wife of Gordon H. Patterson in her 35th year. Funeral service at All Saints' Church on Monday March 25th at 3 p.m." Elizabeth died of pulmonary tuberculosis, an illness she had endured at King Edward Hospital since January 4th, 1917, a duration of 2 months and 19 days. Elizabeth's former usual residence was 488 Jubilee Ave., Winnipeg. She was buried at St. John's Cemetery.
Now a widower caring for his baby daughter Elizabeth, Gordon also died the same year, in Winnipeg at the age of 32 on December 28, 1917. Gordon's death was reported in the Winnipeg Free Press on Dec. 31st, 1917. "At the Winnipeg General Hospital on December 28, 1917, Gordon Hugh Patterson, second son of George Patterson, K.C., aged 32 years. Funeral service at All Saints' Church Monday at 2:30 o'clock. Kindly omit flowers." Gordon died of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, an illness he had endured for only 8 days. He was a clerk at Union Bank. His address was given as 158 Edmonton St, Winnipeg, which was the same address as his sister and brother-in-law, Amy Wyatt Patterson Edwards and Harold Sydney Parker Edwards. Gordon was buried at St. John's Cemetery.
Elizabeth was the only surviving member of her family and was raised in Victoria, B.C. by her father's eldest brother and his wife, Harold Delamere Patterson and Bessie Clare Patterson.
Elizabeth Baker Patterson married first John Gordon Hartree in St. Matthias Anglican Church, Victoria, B.C. on June 17, 1939. He was born about 1912 and died April 14, 1983 at the age of 71. He had remarried in 1946, as had his first wife, Elizabeth Baker Patterson in 1948.
Elizabeth Baker Patterson married secondly Murray Pall Storm on April 10, 1948. Murray was born February 21, 1923 in Glenboro, Manitoba. Elizabeth and Murray had 3 children, Douglas Paul (born July 8, 1949), David Gordon (born 1951), and who married Dale, and Richard Baker (born 1953). Richard Baker Storm has a son, Trevor Baker Storm, born 1981. Murray Pall Storm died Jly 26, 1998 in Vancouver, BC. Elizabeth Baker Patterson Storm died April 5, 1999, also in Vancouver, BC. Murray and Elizabeth's first born son Douglas Paul Storm died July 15, 2004, just one week after his 55th birthday.
Ephraim George Patterson married a second time after Annie Gertrude Baker had died. On August 24, 1908, he married Gertrude Viola Niagara Geddes, daughter of Forbes Geddes and Elizabeth Begue. Viola was born February 17, 1877 at Niagara, Lincoln, Ontario. At the time of their marriage, George was aged 62, a widowed barrister, and Viola was aged 31. Her father was a station master at Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario. The wedding took place at St Mark's Church, Lincoln, Niagara. Viola and George had one son, George Geddes Patterson, who was born July 25, 1909. A notice of George's birth was printed in the Winnipeg newspaper as follows: PATTERSON - On July 25, 1909, at 409 Devon Court, Winnipeg, to Mr. and Mrs. George Patterson, a son.
Social columns in the Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, include many afternoon teas hosted by Mrs George Patterson. In October, 1924, Mrs. George Patterson returned home after spending several months in eastern Canada, presumably visiting family members at Niagara-On-The-Lake. In November, 1924, Mrs. George Patterson, Dorchester Apartments, announced that invitations had been issued for a tobogganning party in honour of her son, George Patterson. After the death of George's father, Ephraim George Patterson, in 1925, his widow, Viola Patterson continued to live in Winnipeg, raising her then 16 year old son George Geddes Patterson. In August, 1936, Mrs. George Patterson and her niece, Miss Frances Edwards, "will leave this week-end by motor for a month's holiday trip through Yellowstone part to Vancouver, and then south to Los Angeles." Miss Frances Edwards was actually Mrs. Patterson's step-granddaughter. In September, 1943, Mrs. George Patterson decided to move back to Niagara-On-The-Lake, and several farewell teas were held in her honour. Viola Geddes Patterson died 1947, and is buried at the cemetery at St Mark's Church, Niagara-On-The-Lake. The inscription on the monument reads, "GEDDES Forbes Geddes 1826-1904. His Wife, Elizabeth 1849-1919. Rosamond Geddes Maddock 1871-1953." On the reverse of the monument is inscribed, "GRIFFITH Reginald Griffith 1887-1931. Viola Geddes Patterson 1877-1947. Elsie Geddes Griffith Herring 1883-1951." Elsie Helen Geddes was the youngest daughter of Forbes and Elizabeth Geddes. She married Reginald Lane Griffiths of Washington D.C. on October 24, 1913. Another sister, Rosamond had played the wedding march during the ceremony.
George grew up in Winnipeg, and then lived in Toronto, where he was a founder of the Toronto Film Society. He died on November 30, 1973 in Toronto. As George had chosen his cousin, Forbes Begue Geddes (1900-1975) as next of kin, the funeral took place in Forbes' home town of Essex Ontario. George Patterson was buried at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Windsor, Ontario.
Toronto Star, December 4, 1973. PATTERSON, George Geddes. Suddenly on Friday, November 30, 1973, George Geddes Patterson, active member of the Toronto Film Society, and the Film Board of Canada. Resting at the Dadson and Habkirk Funeral Home, Essex, Ontario. Service on Thursday, December 6, 1973 at 1:00 p.m. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
This obituary is taken from the Toronto Film Society Newsletter of Winter 1973/74. The obituary was reproduced, written by the former director of the Society, Donald Swoger. A condensed version of this obituary was printed in the Toronto Daily Star.
In Memoriam-George Patterson
George Patterson, 64, Toronto's most dedicated movie-goer, died on November 30. A native of Winnipeg, he moved to Toronto by 1947 and was active in film society circles in this city. For many years he was the official in charge of stationery supplies for the Materials and Testing Division of the Ontario Department of Highways and would have retired next summer. He served in the Canadian Army in World War II and was stationed in England and later in France and Holland.
Though he supported every worthwhile film group and film series in Toronto, George was most closely identified with the Toronto Film Society. He was a charter member when that organization was incorporated in 1950. In 1954 he was instrumental in founding a separate silent series with the Toronto Film Society and personally chose all the films presented until the 1963-64 season. Since 1952 he has written "Current Film Notes" for the Toronto Film Society program notes, in which he evaluated the worthwhile films playing around town.
He himself had no idea how many movies he had seen since he began going regularly to the pictures in the silent era as a small boy in Winnipeg. Most of his friends think the total must be well over ten thousand. A bachelor, he lived to see films, and spent his holidays attending film festivals. He had been to every one of the eleven New York Film Festivals and the nine Stratford Film Festivals. In the past he also used to travel to the George Eastman House at Rochester, New York, for concentrated film viewing. All this was in addition to a daily film or films at the local movie houses. Favorite films, such as ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, MODERN TIMES, and THE GRAPES OF WRATH, he had seen more than ten times over the years.
Although films were his first love, he was keenly interested in the whole world of theatre and saw as many plays as possible. In his younger days in Winnipeg he acted in amateur productions.
George took all his meals at restaurants and was considered a gourmet by people who knew him well. On November 30 he was eating dinner in a Yonge Street restaurant and was to have attended a film showing at a friend's home in the evening. He was taken ill during dinner and was dead on arrival at St. Michael's Hospital. When I think of how many films I have seen with George, including the New York Film Festival this fall, it still seems impossible to realize that he will not be at the next movie I attend. We shall all miss him greatly for years to come.
Manassah was born February 17, 1848 and married Mary E. Peddar, born September 26, 1852. They married July 22, 1875. The marriage was announced in the Perth Courier as follows: "PATTERSON - PEDDAR At the residence of the bride's uncle, Andrew Elliott Esq., Almonte, on the 22nd inst. by the Rev. John Bennett, minister of St. Andrew's Church, Mr. Manasseh Patterson, Druggist, to Mary Elliott Peddar." The Ontario Archives Microfilm lists the marriage of Manassah Patterson as follows:" Manassah PATTERSON, 27, druggist, Canada, Almonte, son of James PATTERSON and Bresaya POUNDER, married Mary Elliott PEDDAR, 22, Canada, Almonte, daughter of Joshua PEDDAR and Fanny HENLEY, witness Andrew ELLIOTT of Almonte, 22 July 1875 at Almonte."
Two sons were born; James F.( born 1877) and Francis E.(born April 19, 1880), who was known as Frank. Manassah was a druggist and owned Patterson's Drug Store on Mill Street in Almonte. In the 1880's, the first telephone exchange in Almonte operated from the rear of the drug store. As an agent of the Bell Telephone Company, Manassah used a primitive switchboard to manage the calls from among the original 29 subscribers to the new service.
Manassah Patterson was involved in and promoted horse racing. An article in the Renfrew Mercury July 4, 1884 reported that a proposition had been made whereby Almonte could secure an excellent and convenient driving park and public recreation grounds at a minimum cost. "Mr. M. Patterson proposes, at his own expense, to purchase 20 acres of the Robert McFarlane farm, adjoining the corporation, at to lease it, to an association to be formed for that purpose for a term of years to be agreed on and at a minimal cost. The association will gradually fit it up with a driving track and suitable grounds for athletic sports." In the fall of 1886, Manassah travelled to the great Glenview horse sale in Kentucky with Dr. Preston, A. C. Burgess of Carleton Place, and Mr. Lawson of Almonte. The group was looking to purchase horses and was impressed by the beauty and strength of the horses in Kentucky. In July, 1889, Manassah was a judge at the Renfrew horse races.
An interesting article in the Perth Courier dated August 7, 1896 was reprinted from the Almonte Gazette as follows. "Mr. Mannaseh Patterson has patented a new disc-adjusting, oil-retaining, dust-proof ball-bearing for bicycles that he himself invented. It has features that strongly recommend it, and it will doubtless be secured by some of the leading manufacturers in the near future. We trust the inventor may find at least a few thousand in it."
From the Carleton Place Herald July 3, 1900, regarding Almonte affairs: "Cadet Frank Patterson has arrived home from the Royal Military College at Kingston this week and is receiving the congratulations of his friends on having graduated from that institution; he and Cadet Boyd Caldwell of Lanark being equal in number of marks won and both being well up in the list of graduates."
From the Almonte correspondent to the Carleton Place Herald, May 7, 1901: Frank E. Patterson, son of M. Patterson, of this town, who graduated from the Royal Military College a year ago, has graduated from McGill College last week as a Bachelor of Science. He took the Civil Engineering course. Mr. Patterson returned home on Tuesday and is busy receiving the congratulations of friends.
At the 1901 census, Mannasah, druggist, and his wife Mary lived at Almonte with their son Francis E., who was at that time a student aged 20.
James Patterson married Minnie McArthur, the daughter of William McArthur and Elizabeth Manson. From the Almonte Gazette, November 23, 1906. "On Tuesday evening, the home of Mr. and Mrs. William McArthur was the scene of a happy event when their second daughter Minnie Iolene was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with James F. Patterson, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Patterson, Rev. Orr Bennett officiating. The ceremony took place in the presence of only the immediate friends of the contracting parties. The bride's dress was pointe d'esprit over white silk and she carried a bouquet of white roses. There were no attendants. After congratulations were extended, the party repaired to the dining room which was beautifully decorated with white and pink roses, carnations, ferns and smilax and where the wedding supper was served. Rev. Mr. Bennett, in a short congratulatory speech, conveyed the felicitations of the company to the bride, and those were responded to on her behalf by the bridegroom. The bride was the recipient of many beautiful and useful tokens of esteem from friends among them being several substantial checks. The groom's gift to the bride was a very pretty gold watch and chain. At half past ten Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, the latter gowned in a traveling suit of dark grey with hat to match left for Carleton Place where they took the midnight train to Toronto and other places. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson enjoy the hearty good wishes of many friends for a life of pleasure and prosperity such as rarely falls to human kind." From the Carleton Place Herald December 4, 1906."James Patterson, son of M. Patterson of Almonte, married Minnie McArthur, daughter of William McArthur last Tuesday evening. The young couple drove up here and took the train to Toronto, for their home.
The death of Manassah was reported in the Perth Courier on Friday February 15, 1907 as follows. " M. Patterson, the well known druggist of Almonte died at Cobalt on Saturday of pneumonia." A more complete obituary was published in the Almonte Gazette on the same date. This obituary has been provided to me by Jason Gilmore whose family currently resides in the home once owned by Manassah Patterson and his family.
"Death. At Cobalt, Feb. 9, 1907, Mr. M Patterson, of Almonte, aged 59 years."
Another Citizen Gone
Mr. M. Patterson Dies After a Few Days Illness of Pneumonia
Another death following a startlingly brief illness has deprived Almonte of one more prominent citizen. Mr. Manassah Patterson, who passed away at Cobalt on Friday evening last after just one week's illness from pneumonia. Mrs. Patterson and her sons, Mssrs. James and Frank, went up to Cobalt on Tuesday morning of last week, but on Thursday the two latter returned home, with little thought that the end was so near, on the contrary, buoyed up with the news coming home of their father's early recovery and it was hard to believe the sad news that came Saturday morning announcing his death. Mr. Patterson had been in the Cobalt district looking after some mining property, and caught cold which developed into pneumonia and ended fatally. The remains were brought home and interment took place on Monday afternoon to St. Paul's Church and cemetery, Rev. Rural Dean Bliss conducting the services. The pall bearers were Mssrs W. Thoburn, J.M. Rosamond, J. W. Wylie, J. B. Wylie, A. Young and A.M. Greig. Notwithstanding the bitter cold there was a large and representative gathering of townspeople to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was respected and esteemed by his fellow citizens and businessmen.
The late Mr. Patterson was born in Perth, a son of the late James Patterson of that town, and was 59 years of age. About thirty-six years ago he came to Almonte and took a position with Mr. Shaw, a druggist, and shortly afterwards he bought the business and conducted it for a time in the building now occupied by Mr. Therien. In later years he built the brick store on Mill Street, which he occupied for nearly thirty years. Mr. Patterson took a deep interest in military matters and went to the front with the Perth company in 1866, and afterwards retained continuous connection with the militia, and held the position of Staff Sargeant in the 42nd Regiment. His inclination led him into agriculture and stock-raising and for quite a few years he occupied the Lt. Col. Gemmill farm within the corporation. He was of a progressive disposition and had from time to time been connected with enterprises outside his regular business as druggist, and at the time he was taken ill he was looking after some mining properties in which he was interested. He also took an intelligent though quiet interest in public matters, and was prevailed upon one or two occasions to accept a position at the council board, which he filled in a most creditable manner.
About thirty years ago he was married to Miss Mary Peddar, of Doon, and to them two sons were born. Of these James is a druggist, and has had charge of the drug store here for the past three or four years. Frank is a civil engineer and has a good position with the government in Ottawa in the engineering department. Mr. Patterson was a quiet, unostentatious man, a good citizen and one who will be missed from the business and social circles of town."
The Perth Courier of Sept. 17, 1909 reported that fire swept through the town of Almonte on Sept. 10th, completely destroying the chief business block on the Main Street. Patterson's Drug Store owned by M. Patterson estate, was one of the affected businesses. J. T. Patterson, druggist lived over the store and had to hurry his family out of the building. The front wall of Patterson's building fell over onto the sidewalk, breaking the telegraph pole which struck Mr. Henshaw. Bank Manager Henshaw of the Bank of Montreal died from his injuries.
The 1911 census shows that James Patterson, aged 33, born July, 1877, was living at 74 Argyle Street, Toronto West. He lived with his wife Minnie Patterson, aged 32, born June, 1878. James was a blacksmith, an Anglican of Scotch origin. The 1911 census also shows that Francis Patterson was living on Slater St. in Ottawa, single, aged 30 and working as a civil servant for the Dominion of Canada government. His religion was Unitarian.
Manassah Patterson's wife, Mary Peddar Patterson died 1940 and is buried in the family plot in Almonte, Ontario. Francis E. Patterson who lived from 1880 to 1942 is buried with his parents at St. Paul's Anglican Cemetery.
Mary Ann Patterson was the eldest daughter of James and Jane Patterson, born November 10, 1850. Mary Ann's wedding was announced in the Perth Courier September 12, 1873 as follows: Farmer-Patterson Married, at Perth, on the 10th inst., by the Rev. R. L. Stephenson, A.M., rector, Mr. William Farmer, Arnprior to Mary Anne (Patterson), eldest daughter of Mr. James Patterson of Perth, and niece of Rev. E. Patterson, M.A. Incumbent of St. James Church, Stratford and Rural Dean. Mary Ann Patterson was married at the age of 22 to William Farmer who was a shoemaker aged 25. William Farmer's birthplace was Valeudry, Radnorshire, Wales.
William Williams Farmer was the eldest son of Samuel Farmer and Catherine Williams. Samuel Farmer was born Sept 21, 1821. His wife Catherine Williams was born 1819. Samuel and Catherine married about 1843 and emigrated from Wales to Canada about 1855, bringing with them Mary (1844-1905), William (1848-1936), and John, born 1852. Two daughters whose names were Ann and Catherine had died in Wales and a son Edwin born 1855 died en route to Canada. George (1856-1941), Alfred, born 1860 and Edwin (1862-1927)were born in Canada. Samuel Farmer was a veteran of the Fenian Raids. His son William was known for his boot making and founded Farmer Shoe Company in Arnprior in 1868. This shoe store was at 124 John St., Arnprior, Ontario and closed in February, 2005 after 138 years in business. Catherine Williams Farmer died March 22, 1901 and her husband Samuel died February 26, 1909.
The 1881 census for Arnprior, Renfrew South lists the children of William and Mary Ann Farmer. Alfred S. Farmer was born 1875, Lucy E. Farmer, born 1877, and Grace Farmer, born 1879. William is listed as a shoemaker of Welsh origin. Also living with the family is a servant and a young shoemaker, aged 19.
The 1901 census presents more information about the family of William and Mary Ann Farmer. William, who was born March 22, 1848, was a merchant of Welsh origin and gives his religion as Baptist. Mary Ann, his wife, was born November 10, 1850. Alfred S. Farmer was born Sept. 12, 1874. Grace was born March 4, 1879. Percy P. was born July 26, 1881. Muriel E. was born January 6, 1887. Katherine was born January 22, 1892. Eldest daughter Lucie was living in Ottawa as a bookkeeper at the time of the census in 1901. Lucie Farmer is 24, born May 28, 1876 and gives her religion as Baptist.
Although the 1901 census lists Katherine Farmer as a daughter of William and Mary Ann Farmer, she was actually a niece. Kathryn was born in 1892 to John Farmer and his wife, whose family was of German descent and among the early settlers of Combermere. A tribute to Kathryn Farmer appeared in a Women's Institute publication, shared with me by Margaret McGregor, a descendant of George Farmer. " Her father built and operated a cobbler's shop where he, for many years supplied the river-drivers with the sturdy boots needed for the log runs on the Madawaska River. Kathryn tells how she as a child wore heavy pegged boots made in her father's shop - and did not like them! She was a happy child and remembered her grandfather singing her to sleep with Welsh songs. Her mother died when she was 2 years old. Entering school at the age of six, she only attended school in Combermere for 10 days, when her father decided to move to Arnprior where there were younger members of the family to care for her. At the age of 16 she entered McMaster University. Completing her education, she returned to Combermere, where except for a short time out West, she taught school for 46 years, retiring in 1959." Kathryn Farmer died 1970.
Mary Ann Patterson Farmer died on her 59th birthday. An obituary in the Perth Courier reads as follows: Died, at Arnprior, on Wednesday, November 10, 1909, Mary Ann, daughter of the late James Patterson of Perth and wife of Wm. Farmer of Arnprior. Many years ago, Miss Mary Ann Patterson left the home of her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. James Patterson as the bride of Mr. William Farmer to live with him in Arnprior where her young husband had established a boot and shoe business. On Wednesday the youthful bride of those days, the mother of a grown-up family now, was taken away by death and will be buried in Arnprior today, Friday. Mr. Charles A. Farmer, cousin of the bereaved husband will attend the funeral.
The Friday, March 27, 1936 Perth Courier reported the death of William Farmer:
Mr. William Farmer died in Perth on Friday March 20, 1936. He was a well known business man in Arnprior who made a start in the boot and shoe business 68 years ago. In 1916, he relinquished the business to his brother, the late Mr. Edwin Farmer, and went to reside in Perth, Ontario. Mr. Farmer was baptized into the Arnprior Baptist Church in 1882, and continued to be a regular and generous supporter of the present Elgin Street Baptist Church. Born in Wales on March 22, 1848, and came to Canada at an early age. In 1873, he married Miss Mary Patterson of Perth, who predeceased him in 1909. Surviving are 3 daughters, Mrs. W. B. Kendall of Sanitarium, Ontario, Mrs. R. R. MacGregor of Kingston, Ontario, Miss Grace Farmer of Aylmer, Quebec; 2 sons; Mr. Alfred S. Farmer of Aylmer, and Percy P. Farmer of Toronto; 2 brothers; John Farmer of Combermere and George Farmer of Perth. The body was brought from Perth to the Elgin Street Baptist Church where the funeral service took place on March 22nd, the birthday of the deceased. Interment was in the family plot in the Arnprior cemetery.
Mary Ann Patterson Farmer and William Williams Farmer had the following children:
Alfred S. Farmer was born Sept. 12, 1874. Not quite four months after the death of his father, Alfred Samuel Farmer passed away. The Perth Courier of July 17, 1936 reported his death. " The funeral of Mr. Alfred Samuel Farmer, who passed away Sunday, was conducted on Tuesday afternoon from his late residence Aberystwyth, The Gardens, Aylmer Rd. to Arnprior where burial took place. The late Mr. Farmer was for several years in charge of the reference room of the Carnegie Library, but had been retired for the past six years. Rev. H. W. Mollins, minister, of Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, conducted the service at the house, which was largely attended. The cortege proceeded to Arnprior where the committal service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Rich. Included in the many floral offerings was an offering from the Aylmer Presbyterian Church, where the late Mr. Farmer had attended. The chief mourners were his three sisters, Miss Grace Farmer, with whom he had been residing, Mrs. (Dr.) R. R. McGregor of Kingston, and Mrs. (Dr.) W. B. Kendall of Muskoka, and one brother, Patterson Farmer of Toronto."
Lucy Evelyn Farmer was born May 28, 1877. The 1911 census shows that Lucy Farmer was living alone in an apartment house at 321 Jarvis Street, Toronto. She was aged 35, born May, 1876. Lucy worked as a bookkeeper for a Dairy company. The Renfrew Mercury of December 25, 1914 reported that Miss Lucy Farmer of Arnprior, daughter of William Farmer of that place, has become the wife of Dr. W. B. Kendall of Gravenhurst. The wedding was solemnized by Rev. G. R. MacFaul of Ottawa. Lucy later changed the spelling of her name to Lucie. Walter Bingham Kendall was born June 18, 1876. At the time of the 1901 census, Walter was living with his mother and father, Frank and Amelia Kendall, and a younger brother also named Frank. By the time of his marriage to Lucy, Walter Bingham Kendall was a widower.
Dr. W. B. and Lucie Kendall lived in Gravenhurst Ontario. Dr. W. B. Kendall died 1947 and Lucie died 1956 at Arnprior, Ontario. Lucie and her husband, Walter Bingham Kendall had a son named Edward and a daughter named Mary Patterson Kendall, born in Toronto in 1918. In 1945, Mary became the wife of Keith Wilmer Percival who was born 1922. Keith had obtained his MBA from Columbia University in the USA and he met Mary in New York where she was a window designer for Lord & Taylor. Keith and Mary Kendall Percival lived in British Guiana, England and Canada throughout their lives. Mary Kendall Percival is known as a gifted artist, having sketched and painted on every continent. Four daughters were born to Mary and Keith Percival; Karyn, Heather, Sandra Lynn and Cynthia Dawn.
Grace was born March 4, 1879. She never married and lived with her brother, Alfred S. Farmer. News of her death was reported in the Renfrew Mercury, September 22, 1938. "The death occurred in Aylmer of Miss Grace Farmer, a trained nurse. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Farmer and 60 years of age. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. R. R. McGregor of Kingston and Mrs. W. B. Kendall of Gravenhurst. There is also a brother, Patterson Farmer of Toronto. Interment was made at Arnprior."
Percy P. was born July 26, 1881. At the time of the 1911 census, Percy was living on Queens St. in Toronto, single, aged 28, and working as a manager of a dairy. Percy was married to Georgina MacDonald, the daughter of Peter MacDonald and the former Sarah Blong. The Friday, June 14, 1912 Perth Courier reported the marriage on June 8, 1912 of Percy Patterson Farmer, son of Mary Ann and William Farmer: Farmer-MacDonald--The Globe of Saturday gives the details of the marriage of Mr. P. Patterson Farmer, of Arnprior, to Miss Georgiana, daughter of Mr. Peter Macdonald of Toronto. The marriage took place in Rosedale Presbyterian Church, Rev. Donald Strachan officiating. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion, an artistic combination of heather and roses. A sister of the groom, Miss Muriel, acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Henry B. Macdonald, brother of the bride, was best man. The groom is a son of Mr. William Farmer, formerly of Perth, his mother being a daughter of the late Mr. James Patterson, also of Perth. Messrs. G. B. and C.A. Farmer, of Perth, are cousins of the groom's father.
Muriel E. was born January 6, 1887 in Arnprior. She married Dr. Rob Roy McGregor of Kingston on February 28, 1921 at York. Rob Roy McGregor was aged 29, born Iroquois, Ontario. His father was John McGregor and his mother was Estella Rucker. They were married by a Baptist minister, M. McLean.
William and Mary Ann Farmer had a daughter Irene who was born September 24, 1891, and who died just two days short of her first birthday on September 22, 1892. She is buried with her parents and her grandparents in the Farmer family plot at the Albert St. Cemetery, Arnprior, Ontario.
Emily was born December 4, 1852 and married Robert B. Whyte. The wedding was announced in the Perth Courier, June 19, 1874 as follows: White-Patterson Married on the 17th last, at the residence of the bride's father by Rev. R.L. Stephenson, A.M., Rector of Perth, R. Bartley White of Ottawa to Emily Ruth (Patterson), second daughter of Mr. James Patterson of Perth. At the time of Emily's father's death in 1902, she was of Ottawa, Ontario. Their children were: Leslie P., born February 2, 1883, Herbert D., born January 25, 1886, Marion, born April 7, 1875, Ethel, born July 30, 1876 and who married J. C. Hope, Ida, born June 5, 1879 and who married Adam Ballantyne, Dora, born November 20, 1890 and who married C. J. Tully, and Anna B. born March 9, 1897.
Ethel Amy Whyte was married on March 24, 1904 in Carleton County to James Campbell Hope, aged 35, a merchant. James was the son of James Hope and Mrs. Ann Bryson Hope. Ethel was aged 27 at the time of her wedding.
At the time of the 1911 census, the family lived at 370 Wilbrod Street, Ottawa. Robert B. Whyte was a merchant, aged 60, born October, 1850. Emily R., his wife, was aged 58, born December, 1852. Four daughters and a son lived with the family, along with a domestic named Bridgett Davey. The family was Scottish in origin, and of the Unitarian religion. The family included Marion F. aged 35, born April, 1876; Ida V., aged 31, born June, 1880; Leslie P., aged 28, born February, 1883; Dora F., aged 20, born November, 1890; Anna B., aged 14, born March, 1897.
Ida Violet Whyte was married on October 21, 1915 in Carleton County to Adam Ballantyne, a merchant. Adam was the son of James M. Ballantyne and Mary Foster. Ida was aged aged 35, born about 1880. Adam was aged 46 at the time of his marriage to Ida. Dora Jean Whyte was married at age 25 on April 15, 1916 to Charles James Tully, who was born in Cork, Ireland. Anna Breseya White, aged 22, was married April 21, 1921, Carleton County to Hartwell Hall Popham, a stationer. Hartwell was the son of George H. Popham and Eleanor Old Popham. Emily Ruth Patterson Whyte died 1928.
Emily's husband, Robert Bartley Whyte led an interesting life. His obituary appeared in the Perth Courier April 19, 1918. "Mr. R. B. Whyte, one of Ottawa's most prominent men and one of the best known horticulturists in Eastern Ontario died suddenly at his home, 370 Wilbrod St. about 10 o'clock Monday morning. A few minutes before he died, he walked into his house from the garden where he had been working. He was able to walk upstairs but expired a few moments after reaching his bedroom. Up to Monday morning he had been feeling very well, and it being a bright morning, he went out into the garden and worked for a couple of hours until he became exhausted from hard work. The late Mr. Whyte was born in Perth on October 31, 1850 and went to Ottawa when a child with his parents. His father, Mr. J. G. Whyte established the firm of J. G. Whyte and Son Limited in 1854 and he became associated with his father and worked in the business from the age of ten. He was president of the firm up to the time of his death. While leaving Perth when quite young he nevertheless kept in touch with the town at all times and has been heard with great interest here on several occasions when he addressed Perth Horticultural Society. Forty-three years ago, Mr. Whyte married Miss Emily Ruth Patterson of Perth who survives with seven children. His eldest son, Leslie P. Whyte is the present manager of J. G. Whyte and Son Limited, Ottawa. Another son, Herbert D. is connected with the electrical business in Toronto. His five daughters are Miss Marion I. of Wingham, Ontario, Mrs. J. C. Hope of Rockcliffe, Mrs. Adam Ballantyne and Mrs. C. J. Tully of Ottawa and Miss Anna B. at home. He leaves two brothers, George C. of Grimsby, and Ernest Whyte of Ottawa. His only sister is Miss Isabella Whyte of Ottawa."
"He was chiefly interested all his life in horticulture and botany and gave much time to inculcate a love for garden, flower, and vegetable cultivation among the people of Ottawa. He was the most active member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society of which he was a charter member and was president for some years. He was particularly interested in the cultivation of flowers, but latterly paid much attention to war gardens. An evidence of his public spirit and liberality was recently shown when at his own expense he printed a valuable pamphlet on gardens and distributed it free. He was a prominent amateur botanist and was long associated with artistic photography. He was a member of several Ottawa organizations including the old Photographic Club and had been a member since its inception of the Photographic Art Club which has given several annual exhibitions in Ottawa. He was judge of the Lady Grey Garden Competition and in many ways showed his interest in horticulture and gardening. Mr. Whyte attended the Unitarian Church and has been for some time a member of the parish board of the Church of Our Father, Elgin St., Ottawa. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. Interment in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa."
Emily Ruth Patterson Whyte died in August, 1928. A small notice in the Perth Courier was published on Friday, August 17, 1928 as follows: WHYTE At London, Ontario, Mrs. Whyte. Second eldest daughter of the late bailiff James Patterson of Perth.
Eliza was born January 29, 1854. She married Alonzo Cameron Browne, who was born October 8, 1853. Alonzo was the son of Daniel and Jane Browne. They were married May 22, 1880 at the home of Andrew and Sarah Fyfe of Nipissing. (Sarah was Eliza's sister.) The 1881 census shows that Eliza and Alonzo had a daughter Eliza G. Browne, born 1881. Alonzo was a farmer, living near his parents and their other nine children at Nipissing. Alonzo's father was a doctor. Eliza Gertrude Browne was born February 14, 1881 at Parry Sound, Ontario. At the time of the 1901 census, the family was farming at Innisfail, Alberta. Four children lived at home at the time. They are Eliza, born February 14, 1881; Wilfred, born March 24, 1883; Lucy Brown born July 10, 1885; and Elmore Brown, born May 29, 1887. At the time of Eliza's father's death in 1902, she was of Innisfail, Alberta.
At the time of the 1911 census, the family remained living at Innisfail, Alberta. Alonzo C. Browne was a farmer aged 56 and was born October, 1854. Eliza C. was aged 56 and born January,1855. Also living with the family was Lucy E. Browne their daughter, aged 25, born July, 1885. A son, Elmer Browne is also a farmer and was aged 24, born May, 1887. Eliza Caroline Browne died in 1947.
Sarah was born December 12, 1856 and married Andrew Fyfe who was born December 1, 1851. Andrew Fyfe was the son of John Fyfe and Elizabeth Fyfe. The wedding was announced in the Perth Courier, April 12, 1878 as follows: Fyfe-Patterson Married, at the residence of the bride's father, Perth, by the Rev. R. L. Stephenson, A.M., Rector of Perth, on the 9th April, Mr. Andrew Fyfe of Parry Sound District, to Miss Sarah Patterson of Perth. Andrew Fyfe had a brother named Thomas Fyfe.
At the 1901 census, Sarah and Andrew Fyfe were living at Callander in Himsworth Township, Parry Sound. Andrew was a farmer. Three sons and a daughter were living with them. A son, Leslie Fyfe was born June 7, 1880. A daughter, Ethel Fyfe was born June 10, 1882. Another son, Laurie Fyfe was born April 10, 1887. The youngest son, John Fyfe, was born August 4, 1890. Also included in the listing of family at the time of the census was Sarah's widowed father, James Patterson, age 81.
At the time of Sarah's father's death in 1902, she was of North Bay, Ontario. Sarah and Andrew Fyfe's eldest son, Norman Leslie Fyfe was married September 1, 1906 to Maud Ingram, daughter of William Ingram and Magdaline Patterson.
At the time of the 1911 census, the family was living on Landsdowne Street in Parry Sound, Ontario. Andrew worked at the sawmill. Andrew Fyfe, aged 57, gives his birth date as October, 1853. Sarah, his wife was born December, 1856 and is aged 54. Their daughter Ethel Fyfe, aged 28, is single and was born June 1882. A son Laurie is aged 24, born April, 1887. Laurie is a shopkeeper and works as a confectioner. A son, John B. is aged 20, and born August, 1890. John works as a delivery man and he is a butcher by trade.
At the age of 32, Ethel Amy Fyfe was married to William Jack Hadden, aged 30, a bridge manager of Port Arthur. They were married on December 23, 1914. The bride was a resident of Callendar and they were married in Nipissing District. William Jack Hadden was the son of John Hadden and Isobel Jack. Laurie Fyfe whose occupation was printer, was married at the age of 29 to Susie Raw on July 15, 1919. Susie was the daughter of Joseph Raw and Sarah Bancroft.
Sarah Fyfe died 1945.
Dorinda is the child referenced in James Patterson's obituary who preceded him in death. Dorinda was born 1859 and died 1864. She drowned in a stream which ran behind the family home. The Perth Courier reported the story of Dorinda's death in the July 1, 1864 issue. DROWNED. It is our painful duty to record the death by drowning of Dorinda, daughter of Mr. James Patterson, of Perth, aged a little over four years. It is not known exactly how the accident happened , but it was owing to the bad state of the bridge at the time. The body was discovered soon after the child was missed, but all efforts to resuscitate it failed. It is supposed the child fell through the bridge, as there was a plank out of its place when the accident happened. Whose fault was it? Who allowed a public bridge to get in such a dangerous condition?
Tillie, born October 18, 1862 in Perth, died July 7, 1963 in Almonte. She married, on August 5, 1890, Hugh Christopher Bowland. Hugh was the son of John and Catherine Bowland and was a civil servant at the time of his marriage. Hugh was born June 26, 1864 and died July 26, 1942 in Almonte. The following article from the Perth Courier explains why the Bowland family left the Perth area and moved to western Canada.
Perth Courier, May 26, 1899. Mr. H. C.. Bowland, of La Combe, Northern Alberta, was in town this week attending the funeral of his mother-in-law, Mrs. James Patterson, his wife accompanying him. Mr. Bowland is a native of Ramsay township, and was born near Clayton. He managed the post-office at Almonte for eight years, then removed to the Northwest, with his newly-wedded wife, and finally went into cattle-ranching between Calgary and Edmonton. He is exceedingly well satisfied with the country, and would not come back to live in Ontario on any consideration. Cattle thrive on the plains of Northern Alberta, and come out fat and slick in the spring, after nine to twelve weeks' feeding on wild hay, which practically costs nothing except for cutting and hauling. To raise horses there it costs very little. They live on wild hay, which they get in winter by pawing up the snow with their fore feet, and which is an all-sufficient food for them. Unlike tame hay, it cures without being cut, and keeps preserved under the snow. These broncos are exceedingly hardy and long-winded and think nothing of a sixty mile drive in a day without a kernel of oats in their bill-of-fare. Owing to the dryness of the air, this part of Canada is very beneficial to those suffering from pulmonary trouble and many eastern people make their home at the Rocky Mountain foothills, or make long visits there to seek amelioration of such complaints. The country is filling up rapidly, the settlers coming from Britain, Ontario and the United States, the latter principally from Nebraska and Michigan, and comprising chiefly Canadians or old country people who had first settled in those states, and then coming back again under the old flag.
In the spring or early summer of 1900, Hugh and Tillie Bowland moved back to Ontario despite Hugh's assertion that he would not come back to Ontario to live under any considerations. From the Carleton Place Herald: Mr. and Mrs Hugh C. Bowland arrived here on Wednesday from Lacombe, Alberta and will henceforth reside on the Bowland homestead near Clayton with Mr. Bowland's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bowland Sr. The Carleton Place Herald reported on April 3, 1907 that Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Bowland and family of Ramsay moved into town the latter part of last week and are now comfortably settled in their lately purchased home on King Street, in the Springfield section.
Matilda Marigold Patterson Bowland and Hugh Christopher Bowland had the following children:
Florence May Bowland, born May 25, 1891 in Almonte and died November 12, 1988 in Regina, Saskatchewan. She married, on Feb. 26, 1920 in Almonte, John Stewart Houston, who was born March 6, 1887 in Ottawa and died November 23, 1984 in Regina, Saskatchewan. John Stewart Houston was the son of Stewart Houston and Helen McArton. Their children were: Janet Catherine Houston, who married Philip Leonard Mark; Evelyn Audrey Houston, who married Walter Stowel Sutherland; Allan Stewart McArton Houston, who married Jean Isable Findlay; Hugh John Houston, who married Velma Sylvia Alexander; and Clinton David Houston, who married Anna Ruth Campbell.
Dorothy Frances Bowland, born in 1894 and died in 1961. She married Morris Hale, born about 1898. They lived in Newport, Rhode Island.
Allan Hugh Bowland, born July 28, 1896 in Lacombe, Alberta and died December 29, 1959 in Toronto. He married, on Sept. 23, 1920, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mabel Adelia Carson, born April 15, 1898 in Saint John, New Brunswick and who died February 23, 1981 in Georgetown, Barbados. Their children were: Phyllis Margaret Bowland; Barbara Ann Bowland, who married Ernest Raymond Belanger; and Bruce Carson Bowland, who married Arlene Cynthia Ellis.
Edith Emily Bowland, born January 26, 1898 in Lacombe, Alberta and died March 7, 1947 in Almonte, Ontario. She married, on March 15, 1924, Alexander Stewart, who was born April 21, 1897 in Appleton, Ontario and who died December 21, 1982 in Almonte. Their daughter was Anne Christine Stewart, who married Arthur Reid Fulton.
Caroline Mary Bowland, born January 19, 1901 and died April 28, 1982 in Almonte. She married, on July 23, 1925, Norman Earl Paul, born January 1, 1900 in Ramsay Township, Ontario and died January 3, 1990 in Almonte. Their children were: Ruth Margaret Paul, who married Arthur Armstrong; James Patterson Paul, who married Elizabeth Alexandra Dugdale; Norma Isobel Paul; and Frank Yuill Paul, who married Eleanor Jean Clapp.
The 1911 Census showed the family living in Almonte. Hugh C. Bowland, living on King Street, is listed as a manufacturer. His father was of Irish background and Hugh is 44, born in June of 1860. Mathilda is 48, born in October of 1862. Their children living with them are: Florence, a teacher aged 20, born in May, 1891 in Ontario; Dora is 17, born May of 1894 in Alberta; Allan S is a student aged 14, born in Alberta in July, 1896; Edith is a student aged 13, born in January of 1898 in Ontario; and Carrie is a student aged 10, born in Jan, 1901.
Perth Courier on August 9, 1940
WEDDED 50 YEARS Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Bowland Honored in Ramsay
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh C. Bowland of Ramsay quietly celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Monday, August 6 at the home of their daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Norman Paul of Ramsay. They were the recipients of numerous gifts and felicitations, included in the gifts was a radio from the family. Mr. Bowland was born in Ramsay Township, the son of John Bowland and his wife Katherine Montgomery. He resided for five years in the west but has lived in Almonte for most of his life. In 1891 he was appointed postmaster in the new post office which was erected there that year. For the past 25 years he has been the registrar of deeds for North Lanark. He has always been an active church worker in St. Paul's Anglican Church, being treasurer and warden for different intervals. Mrs. Bowland, whose maiden name was Mathilda Patterson, was born at Perth, daughter of James Patterson and his wife Jane Pounder. She was married to Mr. Bowland in St. James Church in 1890 by Rev. J. Coleman. Mrs. Bowland is also an active member of St. Paul's Church and is a life member of the women's auxiliary. There is one son and four daughters: Allan Bowland of Toronto, Mrs. S. Houston of Tyvan, Sask., Mrs. M. Hale, Newport Rd., Mrs. Alex Stewart and Mrs. Norman Paul, both of Ramsay Township.
Perth Courier on July 31st, 1942
N. Lanark Registrar H. C. Bowland, Dies
Hugh C. Bowland, Registrar for North Lanark for the past 27 years and a highly respected resident of Almonte died suddenly Sunday morning. Mr. Bowland had been in apparently good health and took part in a bowling tournament Friday evening. Mr. Bowland was assistant postmaster here for some years and then moved west but came back in 1906 to make his home here. He was a member of the St. Paul's Anglican Church and acted as a warden and treasurer for many years. He was also an active member of the Almonte Bowling Club. He was born in Ramsay Township 76 years ago the son of the late John Bowland and his wife Katherine Montgomery. Some 52 years ago he was married to Matilda Patterson. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in August of 1940. Surviving in addition to his widow are four daughters, namely Mrs. Stewart Houston, Tyvan, Sask.; Mrs. Maurice Hale of Newport, R.I.; Mrs. Alex Stewart and Mrs. Norman Paul, both of Ramsay and Alan H. Bowland of Toronto. There are also one sister and one brother, Mrs. John S. Bowland of Clayton and William J. Bowland of Carleton Place. There are also 13 grandchildren. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of George L. Combs to St. Paul's Anglican Church and cemetery. Rev. J.J. Lowe of Ashton and Rev. Weegar of Clayton officiated.
Dora Patterson was born Jan. 17, 1865 and died August 2, 1961. She was a Head nurse at the Protestant Hospital in Ottawa, at the time of her mother's death in 1899. (The Lanark Era Wed. May 31st, 1899). She married Frederick Paxton Robson who was born December 7, 1851 in England. He had come to Canada in 1866. Frederick Paxton Robson and Dora Myrtena Patterson were married at All Saints Church, Ottawa in July, 1900. At the 1901 census, Frederick and Dora were married and had two female lodgers living with them; a music teacher and a nurse. At that time, Frederick was a member of the Unitarian Church and was an accountant. At the time of the 1911 census, Dora and Frederick lived at 669 Echo Drive, Ottawa. Frederick was aged 59, born 1851. Dora was aged 46, born 1865. Frederick Robson was an auditor. Frederick died December 16, 1918. Frederick and Dora are buried next to her parents, James and Jane Patterson, and share the same stone which reads: Frederick Paxton Robson, died December 16, 1918; His Wife Dorinda M. Patterson, Born Jan. 17, 1865, Died Aug. 2, 1961. Frederick and Dora had no children.
An interesting article appeared in the Perth Courier October 23, 1931 about donations to the local museum. Mrs. Martina Dorinda Robson of Ottawa donated a dressed doll that had once belonged to her aunt, Miss Dorinda Pounder. Miss Dorinda Pounder was the sister of Mrs. Robson's mother, the late Mrs. James Patterson. Also donated was an extra gown for the doll which was purchased in the year 1837. Its Teutonic features and the hairstyle made it resemble a youthful Queen Victoria, who had just ascended the throne.
Mrs. Robson also donated a candle mould that had been used in the early 19th century by the Pounder family. In those days, candles were made in moulds, consisting of groups of metal cylinders made of tin or pewter. The making of a winter's supply of candles was a special autumnal household duty. Throughout the year, every particle of grease obtained by cooking was saved for the candle making, and the tallow was poured into the moulds after the wicks were set in place. A year's supply of candles was made and then stored in a dark place so they wouldn't discolour.
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