Concession 2 Front & Rear
Concession
2
As the road allowance of the 2nd and 3rd concessions were hilly and rough, and
the blind line between the front and rear lots of the 2nd was level, a road
along this line running east and west was made, except where it detoured around
the swamps. This road was long known by its original name, "The
Accommodation Road."
F2
L1, This lot was split into south and north parts. South part. Flynn; C.Seigal
in 1885;
north part Charles Hart by 1858, 1867 resident, also.1885. In the 1851 census,
Julian Hart Farmer from Ireland c 1794, with two daughters, Mary c 1834 and
Bridget c 1843 and sons Charles c 1835 and John c 1837. They lived in a 1 Story,
1 Family Log House John Tovell. Mrs. John (Hannah) Tovell later lived at
Riverhurst Sask and was born in Puslinch, daughter of James Dickie. One
daughter? was Mrs. Milne Jamieson of Hespeler. Before going west the Tovells
lived on the town line where Captain McMillan lived. Tovell children were
Stanley, Ralph, Mrs. Barton and Laura, all in the west. Capt McMillan was
a brother of Big Donald McMillan, who lived F2. The Captain’s second wife in
1895 was Gladys McKenzie from Saskatchewan, a Salvation Army lass. They
separated and Mary McIntosh kept house for him on his farm until he died. Bruce
McMillan was his son by his first marriage. There was also a
daughter Ruth m. C. Palmerton and d. in Kingston age 32. She had four children.
F2
L2
1885 T. Barratt- owned whole lot; lived on front, facing Accomodation. Rd. In
1851, there was John Barratt, a farmer from Ireland c1789 with his wife Julia
c1793 and family born in Ireland, Mary c 1819, Julia c 1830, and Anne c 1833.
The others were born in Canada, Thomas c 1835. Cathrine c 1838, and Agnus Jane c
1848. T Barratt was still there 1877; 1906 Joseph Shantz, who also had R2 L2,3
F2
L3
This lot was split in east and west parts. The Copeland family occupied
the west
part early, probably Joseph Copeland, Farmer from England, c 1811 and wife Eliza
c 1825 with Canadian born family, William c 1846, Edward c 1849. Also in
the household was Samual Sharp age 10. The home was a 1 Story, 1 Family
Log House The 1867-1885 resident was Chas Neubauer. The east part was occupied
early by Geo Richards, but by 1851, Samuel Clemments, a Canadian born farmer c
1818 with his Canadian wife Elizabeth c 1824 and family Sally c1843, Hanna c
1845 Mary c 1847, Enoc c 1848, and David c 1850. 1906 west part Michael
Tremain; east part, Alex McGregor
F2
L4
R. Forbes 1858 1867 resident Robt Forbes lumber merchant; By 1877-1906 N
Cober
F2 L5 William Lamont, son of Alexander on adjoining lot 6, married and
settled on South half of lot 5 which lot he sold in 1855 to his brother Peter,
and William went to live in Chatham. 1851 occupants were William
Lamont, Carpenter from Scotland c 1814 and wife Margret, c 1818 also from
Scotland. Their children were Rachel c 1850, Joseph c 1842, William c
1845, Alexander c 1847 in a 1 Family Log House. William’s brother Peter
c 1805, also a carpenter, probably lived with them, and bought it froom them in
1855. P. Lamont in 1858 and his son Alexander until 1888.
John Bond bought both lots 4 & 5 . He was son of Richard Bond and Elizabeth
(Ricker) Bond. He had a family of 7: Irvin in Saskatoon; Chris on the
homestead, Mrs. Clark of Vancouver, Mrs. Lyon of Louisvile Kty, Mrs. J.
Fife and Miss Annabel Bond of Galt; and Mrs. W. Little.
The Temperance Hall
At the back of this farm, facing the Accommodation Road, in 1876 the Temperance
Hall was built, south and opposite the new school. It was a frame
building, now removed. Thomas Ellis gave the pine trees from F2 L13,
for the frame and lumber. The logs were cut and hauled to Krib's sawmill
in Hespeler where it was cut into lumber and hauled back to the building site by
the young men of the district, all work and material being gratis. This
building was used by the Temperance Lodge for several years. Then for
pubic meetings of all kinds, political debating, and literary societies.
Music lessons were given by Abram Whitmer and social dances were held.
F2
L7
John Dickie owned both F&R L 7, and lived on the rear lot
F2 lot 8 John Thornton, a native of Devon England, settled on this lot which he
sold to Robert Dickie. Then Samuel Taylor Born in Yorkshire c 1805 and his
Scottish wife Margaret Hutchins c 1810 , came to Puslinch from Nassagaweya
and farmed here till 1873 (1867 resident Robt & John Taylor) when he went to
Minto. He was a Township and County Councillor while he lived in Puslinch, and
Justice of the Peace. Issue: Robert c 1836, Postmaster, Dominion City,
Manitoba; Elizabeth c 1837, John c 1840, stayed on homestead with his sisters
after spending time in Illinois. William c 1842 died age 33; Hannah, James
c 1845, in Illinois. Jane died in Winnipeg 1875; Charles c 1847 in Manitoba;
George c 1849 North Dakota, and retired in Winnipeg. Hannah is buried in
Clifford Cemetery and the gates are dedicated to her memory.
The 1851 census also listed daughter Anne c 1844. 1877 L Kribs 1906 Wm
Lisso 1923
1875
Joseph Cooper moved here in 1869, from Elmira.
Son William Cooper married Mary Shaumberg Nov. 24, 1886 at the bride's home. H.C.
Henders, Methodist pastor, officiated. Dorothy Shaumberg (later Mrs. Gingerich
of Blair) was bridesmaid and the groom's brother John Cooper was groomsman.
Shortly after their marriage they moved to Fisher Mills where they lived until
retiring to Hespeler. William Cooper was a carpenter, then became interested in
electricity. When the first electrical power was brought to Hespeler it was
generated at Fisher Mills, partly by water power and when the water in the
mill-pond was low, by an auxiliary steam plant. Mr. Cooper was superintendent of
this plant for a number of years. Later he accepted the position of
electrician of the R. Forbes Co. woolen mill and serve there for 17 years.
Active in IOOF. They had two children, Roy of Kitchener and Mary, Mrs. Walter
Holm of Puslinch. William c1863-1949 Hespeler burial. Coopers there 1885.
F2
L9
E. Ellis. Edward and Thomas Ellis came the same year, 1841 taking up lot 9,
Edward on the front and Thomas on the Rear lot . Edward 1813- 1883 m. Mary
Elliot (German descent) . The Ellis church was built on their property in 1859.
In 1841 Edward and Mary Master Ellis were married.. Their niece, Hannah
Ellis b 1853 (daughter of William Ellis, South Dumfries) was adopted and raised
by Mary and Edward. Taken from the Bible, the name "Hannah"
means "God has been gracious" - a thoughtful reflection as the lives
of Mary, Edward, and Hannah were joined as family by her marriage to Rev William
Mills June 17, 1873. Edward Ellis did not seek a political or public
life but remained close to the land, farming and assisting in the construction
of buildings in the community.
In October 1873 he sold his farm to Wm. Ross and retired to St. George. He died
in 1883, age 69. James Ross left his home near Puslinch Lake in the spring of
1903. 1923 W.S. Ross George and Winnie Lambertson were there 1946-1956. The
house was situated at the site of the Service Centre W.
F2
L 10
George Sterling, an original Ellis trustee lived here. Robert Little
Jr. purchased lot 10, front of con 2 in 1861 and afterwards added to it the rear
of lot 10 and the front of 11, con 2. Mr. Little was among the founders and
promoters of the Puslinch Farmers' Club, being always actively interested in its
welfare. He was a member of the council during 1881 and 1882. His son Wm. J. was
next on the homestead. The other members of the family are Robert, Hannah and
Eleanor (Ella).. The people from the Ile of Uist did not take up land, but lived
in wayside houses. Big John McDonald and wife Peggy McPhee lived with their
children in a house, possibly on this corner and worked for local farmers. 1885
J. McEachen 1906 W. Zimmerman
F2
L11
Occupied in 1851 by John Stewart c 1801 from Scotland and wife Jane (McLean)c
1802. Their family included Elezabeth c 1828, James c 1823 who farmed with his
father, Peter c 1834 who was a carpenter, (Peter m. Flora McMaster daughter of
Archibald) all born in Scotland, and Jane c 1835 ( m. Duncan McNaughton) and
John, c 1837 in Canada. Alexander b 1861 m. McCaig, son Hector Stewart of Galt.
By 1867 James was the owner. Walter McMillan and wife Betsy Stewart from lot 12
lived here when their children were born 1857 & 1859. They went to Minto in
1874. John Gilchrist owned it in 1875; Later in 1885 E. Schaumberg; Duncan
McLeod 1906; 1923 Joe. Haney
F2
L12 James Stewart, son of John on lot 11 may have m. Sinclair; In 1861 he
had both lots; he was later associated with Salem. They were still here in 1871.
Shambergs came next. Charles and Hy had it in 1875. 1885 C. Schaumberg. By 1906
William Paddock.
F2
L13
Christopher Shaumberg held this lot after the family came from near Preston
when Mary was 14. His sons Charles and Hy Schamberg were here 1875, 1879- 80.
Mary m. Wm Cooper; There were sisters Sarah, and Dorothy m. Gingerich.
1877 N. Ellis By 1885, 1906 Thomas Ellis 1923 J. Jamieson; Milne
Jamieson
F2 L14 This was the Wilkinson homestead from about 1841. Neil Wilkinson
1804-1882 emigrated with his wife, the former Mary Gilchrist 1815-1895, from
Scotland, with two little girls, Euphemia 1837 and Catherine 1840. Children born
in Canada before 1851 were Flora 1845, Mary 1847, Janet 1849, Barbara 1851 and
Alexander 1845, and later, Margaret 1852, Peter, 1854 and Christina 1857
Alexander and Peter carried on the farm after Neil’s death. Gordon McKay was
their successor. In 1947 the farm was sold to J. Lambke.He did not need the
stone house so it was dismantled. .
F2
L15 Donald McMillan 1867 resident & in 1871 & 76; (Big Donald) His
family moved to Owen Sound. 1885 Richard Paddock here and on 16. His son
Wm. Paddock m. Janet McCormick in 1890. He was a thresher and Road
Superintendent for both County and Township. Their sons Jack & George had
both sawmill and threshing businesses. Mrs. Jack Paddock had ownership
with her brother-in-law, George Paddock; later her son Frank Paddock.
F2
L16
William Blue c 1808, Carpenter from Scotland Willie’s widowed mother had
married Neil McPhatter, so Willie and some of his siblings emigrated to Puslinch
in 1831 with the McPhatters. He was unmarried. d. Apr. 15 1871. His
brother Donald also farmed. Sister Janet m. John Martin, sister Margaret m.
James McPhatter and went to Michigan, and sister Grace m Malcolm Smith. Their
daughter Grace m Wm. Grey of Puslinch, who was born in Quebec. His parents were
Wm and Ann Grey. He was age 38 in 1865 when he married Grace Smith, age 20 or
30. She was born in Toronto, the daughter of Malcolm Smith and Grace Blue His
brother Angus had the hotel at Killean. Willie had a 1 Story, 1 Family Log
House In 1867 the resident was Allen McCaig In 1871, A. McCormick, 1906
John McCormick; 1923 J Fraser Later it reverted to Jack and later Frank Paddock
F2
L17
Settled by Peter Robertson a native of Edinburgh; 1840 Alex Fraser moved
from F1 L 29 here and m. Kate Black whose family were early settlers on the
property. The Fraser family included Alexander of Bagot MB who died 1942
at Hellers; John 1868-1933 who farmed homestead; Eliza m. Davenport, and
lived Baltimore Maryland.; Annie m. Luddick and lived
Newark NJ; Margaret m. Herbert Heller The Hellers lived here for some time while
Herbert practised his molding career; William of Arkell The farm continued in
the family until about 1935 and later about 1950 Frank Lake and his family lived
there.
F2
L18
Lots 18, 19 and 20 were swampy, and were often attached to the rear lots.
Owners. Alexander McCaig 1867 owner James McCaig Alex McCaig F&R 1906
James McCaig, 1923 J. Smith Donald Smith in 1950
F2
L19 John Wilkinson owner 1871; Alex Watt; James Hogg 1875 1885 E.B. Osler;
Even Gilchrist 1906; J. McCaig 1923 Brock Munn 1950
F2
L20
Mrs. Black, 1867 resident Charles Evans 1875, 85 James Hogg Donald McLean
1885 J. Hogg 1923 Mrs. D. McLean 1950 Morwick
F2
L21
Edward Ramsay m. 1803 Sarah Thomson in Scotland They emigrated with some of
their family. Barbara 1814 m.Purcell and emigrated with her daughters, and
remarried to James Hogg Her daughters: 1. Mary m. Jack Hogg, James' son.
See R1 L18
2. Janet m. Alex. Ramsay. See RG L 10
Other Ramsay family were. John 1817 Crubasdale, Ivor b. 1819 Tignalenna
emig. lived near London, Ann 1820 Bechmore, Archibald 1821
Crubusdale, Edward c 1826 m Margaret, both Scotland born, were on the farm
in 1851. Others went to Owen Sound, and USA.
James Hogg lived there 1885 before he built on R1L18, then his daughter Amy and
her husband Dan McLean lived there.1906-1923 .Julian Lake lived here in the
1940's, with theWilfred Crowder family. 1950 Julian Lake still owned it.
F2
L22 Charles Evans was first owner. 1867 owner Wm & Donald
Stewart; 1906 Angus Stewart 1923 J. Wigood lots 22, 23, 24; Richard
McMillan 1950 Aggregate
F2
L23
Originally settled by Alex McKenzie c1805-1862 and wife Jane
McNaughton 1811-1866 from Scotland. Their Canadian born family were Janet c
1834, Isabella c 1836, John c 1838, Margaret c 1840, Peter c 1842, Henrietta c
1843, Catherine c 1848, Kenneth c 1846
Alexander was a man of more than ordinary ability and a devoted Christian deeply
interested in Duff's church of which he was an elder for over 20 years until he
died in 1862. 1867 resident Peter McKenzie; His family: Peter H. McKenzie
MP in South Bruce; John and Kenneth, Henrietta, Katie, Jane Janet, Isabella and
Maggie. Daniel McNaughton, son of Malcolm bought lots 23 and 24 in
1875; was in council and assessed for 5 years; m. Jane Cowan Issue: Janet,
William G. Margaret and John M. Toronto; 1923 J. Wigood 1950 John &
Ken Martin
F2
L 24
owned by Alex McKenzie, Daniel McNaughton 1885 with lot 23. 1923 J. Wigood;
About 1940, Alonzo Huffmon; Charles Martin later owned it. 1950 John & Ken
Martin; then University of Guelph; gravel Aggregate
F2
L 25
An early settler in this locality was John McFarlane, 1803, a native of
Stirlingshire, Scotland, a tailor by trade. He married Margaret McNaughton c
1812 in 1831 daughter of Peter, and came to Puslinch with McNaughtons. He
purchased lot 25 front of 2. By industry and perseverance he made himself a fine
home, working his trade while he paid for the chopping and clearing. He died in
1894 at the age of 91. His family: 4 sons, Alex.c 1830, farmer Kent Co; Peter c
1838, dead (husband of Catherine McCormick; father of John and Margaret, Mrs.
Hodges); John c 1840, in Minnesota; Catherine 1853 (Mrs. John Ballantyne, Bay
City) and Daniel 1855-1947 on homestead. Daughters, Christina c 1832,
Janet 1837-1884 (Mrs Andrew Stewart), Mary c 1833 (Mrs. Jas Patterson), Margaret
c 1845, Jane c 1847 (Mrs. Lt Col William Nicoll), Agnes c 1850 (Mrs Wm. Sherman
Thamesville);. Dan on the homestead, is a successful farmer engaged in mixed
farming. He married Penelope, daughter of John McLean & Isabel McPherson,
Viewfield, Badenoch. Their family is 1. John m.2. Isobelle m. Thos Gilchrist;
Penelope, John, Margaret. 1867 resident John McFarlane & Peter; 1923 J.
McFarlane; McFarlanes left farm c 1925 or 26 and moved to Lemon St. in Guelph.
Please note: We have not yet determined which daughters became Mrs. Wm. Douglas
Galt; & Mrs. David Gibb, Galt;
Tom
McMurray, wife and daughter Pearl took over the property. After Mr. McMurray’s
death his widow and Pearl moved to Guelph in 1940's. Wallace Burrows purchased
the farm, with his wife Lorraine Holm and their children Bryce, Neil, Donna and
Laurie. W. Burrows 1950; Ron and Bonnie Blancher lived there until about 1993.
An aggregate Co. owns it. The rear part, near the creek is Slovenski Park.
F2
L26
and triangle of R 26 with Conc 7, and triangle of F27 . Hugh
McNaughton c1816 & wife Elizabeth (Stirton) 1818 raised their family, all
Canadian born - Peter c 1840, Janet c 1843, Margaret c1845, James c 1847, Daniel
c 1849, in a 1 Story, 1 Family Frame House which probably facing
concession 7. Perhaps on the same property, John McNaughton c 1805,
also a farmer, had a 1 Story, 1 Family Log House Later owners of the property
were John McFarlane A. McDiarmid 1885; 1923 McFarlane & G.E. Quirk; W.
Burrows 1950
REAR
SECOND
R2 L 1 Mr. Burke was the first settler, then J Nathanial Rudd c 1793 from
England in the 1851 census with his wife Elmira c 1797 and family born England,
Samuel c1829, James c 1830, and John c 1833 in a 1-Story, 1 Family Log House
1867 resident Ben Chester; Alex Newstead in 1875; his estate in 1885.1906 Alex
McGregor on south 70 acres. Wm Eckstine on north 30 acres
R2
L2
John Barrett c 1789 from Ireland with his wife Julia, c 1793, and their
family members, born in Ireland, Mary c 1819, Julia, c 1830, Anne, c 1833, and
Canadian born, Thomas c 1835, Cathrine 1838, Agnes Jane c 1848,. It appears that
the local school master boarded with them. He was John Leniten, c 1806 in
Ireland. 1867 resident John & Thomas Barett; also on lot 3; still
there 1879-80. T. Barrett on front, rear and rear lot 3,4. 1906 Joseph Shantz
had F&r L2 and R2 L3
R3
L3
Mr. Shelly was an early occupant. J. Barrett, succeeded by
T. Barratt, 106 J Shantz
R2
L4 Thomas Collins; c 1807 from Ireland and his wife Anne (Kelly) born in
King's County, Ireland in 1816. On the second of May 1834 her parents and
the family sailed from Dublin in the William & Anne and arrived in Quebec in
June. She married Mr. Collins in 1842 and they have occupied lot 4, 2nd
concession. Mrs Collins has 10 children all living 1897. John c 1843,
John, c 1844, Mary c 1845, Fanny 1846 and was the last to survive when she was
98, (She spent some years in the west, and Willmington Deleware. In 1925 she
returned to Galt where she lived with her niece, Miss Frances Barratt), Margaret
c 1847, Cathrine, c 1849 Their home was a 1 Story, 1 Family Log House
Mrs. Collins d. June 27, 1901. still there 1879; 1867 resident Thomas
& Michael Collins. By 1885 lot 4 T. Hammet west; T. Collins east half.
1885
R2
L5
The pioneer on this lot was Mr. Longley, then C. Barrett 1867 resident
Charles Barrett- from Guelph Mercury, Feb. 15, 1883 " The name of Mr.
Robert Barrett, son of Mr. Charles Barret of Puslinch appears on a line of
inventors in the State of Missouri who received patents. His invention is
a lift for plate rolling mills. The young man alluded to is a chief
engineer and master mechanic in one of the larger iron working establishments in
the west, situated in St. Louis. C. Barratt 1885. Charles Barrett died in
1938, Over 80 years a resident here. Survived by brother Peter. Barrett who was
here in 1875. Mary Isabell O'Neail who d. Friday Jan 26, 1912 from Lot 5
con 2 to St. Marys R.C. Church to Hespeler RC Cemetery.
R2
L6
McAlister Alexander McAlister, 3 daughters, and son John McAllister
with his bride, Christina Ramsay 1812-1904, emigrated and lived the first winter
with the Lamonts and with John Thomson and Neil McPhatter on the 1st concession,
until they had their house built on R2 L5, where their eldest son,
Archibald was born in 1834, He died in 1919 .He farmed with his brother
Alexander 1835. Other siblings were Elizabeth, 1838, Christina 1840, Jane c
1842, and Johann 1844, who was born after her father died. .In 1851 Christina
remarried to Thomas Heritage, c 1810, from England. Their daughter Martha was
born later that year and lived her entire life on the farm. Archibald
McAlister’s son John with sisters Edith and Jessie remained on the farm. After
their deaths in the mid 20th century, their nephew Thomas and wife Kay McMaster
raised their family there.
William's
family was: Mary, Mrs. Fred Evans, Beatty Sask. She and her sister Eleanor were
both teachers; Eleanor married George Evans and lived Davis Sask. Gordon
Dickie was a medical doctor and lived in US. Mrs. C.Martin White, Los Angeles;?
Dr. J.D Dickie, J. Russell Dickie of Melfort SK.
SS 11 School
The new school was built on the north-east corner of the intersection of the
Accommodation Road and the side road 5. The building is of stone, the
stones being hauled from the farms of James and Elija Eagle. It was
completed and the school opened in 1866. Beside this road, on the south-west
corner of the farm occupied by John Dickie, Rear 2 the first school was built in
1846, a log building about 36 x 40 feet with a cottage shaped roof. The
building of dove-tail corners on a log building was a very particular and exact
piece of workmanship, and only the most expert axemen were chosen to build them
as as they were exposed to full view, the workmanship on each corner was
examined and criticize by the critical public for years to come. The
corner men chosen on this school were Neil Holm, William Lamont, Andrew Eanfoot
and Edward Ellis. The first teacher was Mr. Renney, followed by Alexander
Fraser, John Munroe, Mr. Mewart, Mr. Collins and R H. Knowles who was the last
teacher in the old and the first teacher in the new
1906 William Dickie had both F&R Lot 7.
R2
L8
Charles Sherritt sold to Alex. Weir c 1813, from Scotland and was there
both in 1851 &1867 in a 1-story, single family Log House. He went to
Michigan after 1876; Next was Capel Reeve and his wife, Agnes Fyfe, daughter of
Mr. & Mrs. William Fyfe was born at their home in Paisley Block, January
1849. In 1876 she married Capel Reeve, from Suffolk England, and he was there
for 48 years. Capel Reeve was a veteran of the Fenian Raids. Family:
Elizabeth R.N. from a Vancouver hospital (Mrs. Thos Chester) Santa Monico, Cal.
Mrs. Harry McBride, Vancouver. James & John of Cochrane Alberta; William of
Grand Forks, BC and Robert at home. The Reeve's son Robert
(1889-1971 lived and worked the farm until he retired in 1953. His wife was
Ellen (Nellie) Rogerson who taught at SS11, daughter of Robert from Nichol. m.
1915. Son Robert; Dau. Helen Mrs. Garner Einwechter both of Hespeler. Active at
Ellis Chapel; UFO Pres 1920; member South Waterloo Ag Soc.
R2
L9 1885 Thomas Ellis 1815-1906 married Sarah Kitchen in 1841. They
were the parents of David, John W., Dorothy, Edward, Margaret, Nathan and James.
He was an original Ellis Chapel Trustee. 1856 commissioned as Captain in the
Second Battalion of Wellington :Militia. Later Major. Deputy Reeve. On first
district council in 1848, Waterloo council in 1850. United Council of Wellington
and Grey in 1853. Justice of Peace 1850. In later years, the sons of Sarah and
Thomas distinguished themselves as scholars, farmers and military men.
Travel and adventure appealed to these young men. Edward went with the
first expedition to Fort Garry, and was on a Boundary commission. James went to
the North West (Saskatchewan).in 1878. Thomas Ellis was active in municipal
politics and administered law. He died 1906 age 91.Nathan, the fourth son b.
1854, was Major of the 29th Battalion, previous to his removal to New York.
James, the youngest b. 1856, is on the homestead, and is Captain of no.5 company
of the 29th. Daughters Dorothy b. c1846 and Margaret b. 1852 Obit for
Captain James Ellis - had a cheery voice and a hearty grasp of his hand.
Youngest son of Thos Ellis, he was educated at #11 under R.H. Knowles and,
qualifying as a teacher, he taught in Puslinch and Dumfries. When his health
failed he spent several years in St. Louis and other points south. While there
he married Catharine Gregory. He returned to Canada about 1883, lived on
the homestead Walnut Villa and served a term in Puslinch Council and was
gazetted as captain of E Co 20th regiment. A few years later he left again and
moved to Niagara Falls and later St. Catharines where he died. His broad
sympathies and his genius for organizing made him a prominent figure in the
benefit societies of Hespeler. An efficient officer and a born soldier, like his
four older brothers. His aged father still survives, and Edward and Nathan. Two
children Dec 14 1905 Hespeler Herald.1906 Thomas Ellis
1923 Mrs. G. Ross.
R2
L10
Joseph Copeland, a native of Yorkshire England, settled on lot 10,
rear 2. Still there 1858. Robert Little Jr. purchased this in
1861 William J c1876-1955 took over the farms m. Alice
Bond Issue: Eleanor Mrs. Herb Eltherington, Ruth Mrs. George
Panabaker, Robert m Minnie Richardson and set. in Oshawa Bur Hespeler 1867
resident: Frank Rutley 1885 R.Little.
1923 W.J. Little
Two weddings: A Pretty Wedding at Lakeside on Wed evening the 20th the time
honored shores of Puslinch Lake resounded with a merry sound - the sound of
wedding bells. The joyful sound came from Lakeside, the beautiful
residence of Mr. John Bond, it being the occasion of the marriage of his second
daughter, Alice E. to Mr William J Little of the same neighborhood. The
beautiful strains of the Wedding March, played by Miss Ella Little, heralded the
approach of the bridal party.
The bride looked charming, arrayed in a gown of white organdie, with white satin
trimmings carrying a beautiful bouquet of white roses. She was attended by her
sister, Eleanor, who was tastefully gowned with chiffon trimmings and carrying
bouquet of yellow roses. The groom was supported by his brother R.A.J. Little of
Oshawa. Rev Harvey of Fergus assisted Rev James Little uncle of the groom. The
mystic knot was tied amid an artistic decoration of smilax, ferns etc.
Fifty guests sat down to a recherche wedding dinner at the close of which toasts
were proposed and heartily responded to. Their new home will be at Willow Grove.
Fergus
wedding one of brightest society events of the season
The bride Minnie Richardson of Hespeler was married to Albert Little of Oshawa
at her cousin's on Feb 2 The groom was supported by his cousin John Fife of
Puslinch Lake. Willow Grove for a few days before going home to Oshawa.
R2
L12
Gilbert Cochrane; John Cochrane bought this property from the Crown 29
November, 1866 for $325.00. In 1872, Jan. 17, William Fenton Evans bought
north half of lot 12, 2nd concession, Puslinch for $2,600.00 from John Cochrane
of the Township of Howard, County of Kent, Ontario. 1885 W. Evans 1923 A. Evans
& J. Gilchrist This property later went to Alfred Evans, William’s
son, and from him to Robert Evans).
R2
L13
Malcolm McCaig b Puslinch m Ann Cochrane owned lot 13 conc 2.
Their son Archibald 1906 on Coburn Is land and son Gilbert in Hespeler d in his
85th yea, lived in Hespeler 40 years. By 1877 the farm was split.
West side J. Aikens, E side J Kinsella. 1906 West David Evans E half John
Gilchrist.
R2
L14 First settled by Matthew Farrel James Mason 1867 resident; 1871 &
1885 Burial in Ellis cemetery 1867 resident: John McGuinnes Innkeeper
Mason family: Elizabeth 1866-1869 and Annie Mason 1872-1876, daughters of James
and Mary Mason who lived on the north half of lot 4, con. 2. James was there in
1875. 1923 H Galbeher ?George Stirling; Leslie Garness
R2
L15
First settled by James Farrel. John Gilchrist married Euphemia Wilkinson,
daughter of Neil and Mary, bought it in 1855 and lived on it till 1900. . At his
death it passed to his son John (1859-1924). In 1914 John sold it to his brother
William (1867-1943), who owned it until 1926, when Mr. Cunnington bought it.
The first buildings were log and the barn stood where the house is now. The log
house was north of the orchard. The present barn was built in 1873, the house in
1886; Anthony Robertson (1864-1925) m. Annie Gilchrist in 1890 lived there in
1923 & 1925; Robertson children included Bell who trained as a nurse in
Boston, Jessie who was organist at Ellis for many years. Margaret was a faithful
Sunday School teacher. Lewis and Iva Gregor bought the farm in 1946, farmed
until they built a retirement home on the county road.
R2
L16 Pioneered by Archibald Lloyd who sold to Archibald Gilchrist there
1885; his son Evan. 1923 J. McCaig .John Allardyce. Schneider farm (John
Hamilton) Dumfries Reformer April 26 1854 At the residence of the bride’s
brother, on Thursday the 6th inst., by Rev James Strang, Archibald Gilchrist, to
Janet, youngest daughter of Evan McIntyre, Glenfeshire, Invernesshire, Scotland.
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Donald McCaig c 1794and his brother James, with their families, emigrated from
Argyllshire. Arriving in a Scottish settlement in Nova Scotia in 1823.
Donald applied for crown land in the Gore District, northwest of York.
Donald, his wife Mary (nee Cochrane) c 1798 in Scotland and their two Scottish
daughters stayed for a time in Nova Scotia where five more children were born.
In 1836 the family moved to Puslinch to settle on lot 17, north half
of concession 2-the 100 acres assigned to them. In 1851Hector, age 22,
Janet age 18, Marjorie, age 16 all born in NS, and Mary age 13 born in
Upper Canada.
The sight of their first clearing and home is known to us, although no buildings
remain. On a very dry year there is an area, in the ten-acre field south
of the present bank barn, where the grain grows a slightly different colour,
outlining the original homestead and well. A family of nine, Gaelic speaking,
the McCaigs began clearing trees and making a home for themselves in their
new country. a log cabin and log barn were built that first season, but
the task of clearing the land took several years to complete. It is not
difficult to imagine the family's joy in 1840 at the arrival of Donald's brother
James, his wife Catherine and their five children, to settle on the adjacent
property (lot 18, conc. 2)
The
1869 Puslinch Assessment Rolls show that thirty years after their arrival
McCaigs had cleared 80 of their 100 acres.
A farm family made its living from the ability to produce crops and raise
livestock. It is not surprising that the first permanent structure built
on the farm was the barn, in 1859. Pioneers like the McCaigs knew that the
low stone :byres: they'd known in Scotland were not ideal here. To carry
feed and bedding from outbuildings, in a blizzard, was soon convincing. So
they contracted with a Waterloo Co. builder, Mr. Wm. Baer, to erect a
Pennsylvania-German style "bank" barn
The Agricultural Census of 1871 records the farm's crops. Wheat, peas,
oats, potatoes, turnips, carrots, hay and barley were grown by McCaigs. It
gives the quantities grown and also lists the animals, equipment bad building.
It was during the wheat boom of the mid-1800's that Ontario farmers began to
prosper. The price of wheat skyrocketed during the Crimean war (1853-56
and farm families began building permanent homes to replace crowded log cabins.
By the mid-70's the McCaigs' son Hector and his wife Mary nee McKenzie were
planning a substantial fieldstone house.
Mary Cochrane McCaig had died in 1868 at age 72. Now Donald, his daughter
Marjorie, son Hector, daughter-in-law Mary and their eight children were living
in the original cabin. One can understand the excitement, as plans were chosen
for a 2- floor, 14 room home with 10' ceilings and 2 staircases after the
crowded conditions of 12 people in a 2 -room low-ceilinged cabin with sleeping
loft! At stonemason was secured, limestone and granite were hauled in,
then tragedy struck. Mary McKenzie McCaig died September 21, 1874 at age
40. After a winter to recover, the family proceeded with construction in
the spring of 1875 and two men lived in the house for two winters to do the
interior woodworking. Hector McCaig and his eight children, now 4 to 21
years of age, moved into their fine new home in 1877. Such was Donald Sr's
attachment to the first ten acres he had cleared on the homestead that he worked
it as his own, even after turning the farm over to his son Hector. He
remained in the original cabin, with his daughter Marjorie keeping house for
him, until his death in 1882 at age 88.
INSPECTOR
& POET James & Catherine Taylor McCaig's eldest son Donald (born May 15,
1832). was Inspector of Schools in Algoma district and is author of a book of
poems. Donald, after finishing his schooling at the little log cabin school,
went on to Toronto, and graduated from the Toronto Normal School in November,
1858, with the highest honours of his year. [From Collingwood Express Bulletin,
August 3, 1905] He taught in Wellington Co until 1864, when he and Alexander
McMillan rented the Rockwood Academy from William Wetherald continuing the high
standards set by their predecessor. They added a large classroom to the
building, extra dormitories, and a stone gymnasium. The number of students
enrolled rivalled that of Dr. Tassie's school in Galt, and Upper Canada College
in Toronto. During his tenure as principal of the Academy, Donald McCaig did
some writing. One of his books, The Reply to John Stuart Mill's On the
Subjection of Women, published 1871, gained a fair amount of fame in Canada, the
United States, and England. A few years after he left the Academy, he
published a book of poems entitled Milestone Moods and Memories. In this
volume of nature poems are found some stanzas descriptive of the area around
Rockwood. It is not known why he sold his share of the Academy to
Alexander McMillan in 1871, but he did so, and in the fall of that year he
accepted the position of principal of the Central School in Berlin (Kitchener).
He stayed there until February, 1872, and later became a teacher in Galt and in
the public schools in Ottawa. In 1886 McCaig was appointed public School
Inspector for the District of Algoma, which at that time stretched from North
Bay and Sudbury on the east, to the eastern boundary of Manitoba on the west.
He was also the Inspector of the schools on Manitoulin Island. His
headquarters were at Collingwood, and in winter he made his rounds by snow-shoe
and dog sled, and in spring and fall by canoe. He must have been kept
fairly busy, for in his report to the Minister of Education in 1890 he stated
that he had one hundred and eighteen school houses and one hundred and
twenty-seven teachers under his inspectorate. As he became older, he gave
up all the Algoma district inspectorate, and kept only that of Collingwood,
which had by that time become a thriving lake port. He died July 28, 1905,
having completed fifty years in educational work. While teaching near
Guelph as a young man, Donald McCaig married Ellen Smith, daughter of Alex and
Mary (Beattie) Smith, and they had ten children.
Puslinch
Pioneer by Lynn Crow July Aug 1986 v11 Issue 1
Hector McCaig Sr. youngest son of Donald and Mary, was second in the family to
farm the homestead. He was known as a breeder of horses and, along with Kenneth
McKenzie, won many prizes at area fairs. His wife, Mary McKenzie McCaig had died
in 1874 and his sister Marjorie kept house for him after their father’s death
in 1882. Hector Sr. and Mary and 3 daughters and 5 sons. The eldest
son, Donald, bought lot 18 front 3 across the road. And his great-grandson Neil
McCaig continues to farm there today. Hector Jr. took over the homestead in
1901, and the other three sons went west where they operated a planing mill at
Portage La Prairie. All three daughters married Puslinch farmers.
Hector Sr. was responsible for the development of the original homestead. To
this day
we marvel at the craftsmanship used to build both the bank barn 1859 and the
house 1875. There were 2 windmills in use here in the 1880's. The first pumped
water from the dug well and the second, more unique, chopped grain in the barn.
The grain mill was massive and its shaft and enormous height. A patch in the
north side of the barn roof reminds us of the mill that was built right into the
barn. McCaigs ground their own and neighbors grain, usually when there was an
east wind because it was more constant. The size of the timbers and the
finishing details (built-in ladders, ratchet wheels used to raise the harvested
sheaves to the upper mow level) make the barn irreplaceable.
No detail was spared on the house either. Stones for the north and west sides
were laid out on the ground, where the stonemason planned the pattern. Half a
dozen colors of granite were used, with H-pattern limestone connectors. Red pine
woodwork was hand-planed, and given elaborate moldings. The parlor was finished
in imitation bird’s-eye and tiger maple, the stain remaining in perfect
condition today. Whenever there was an outside angle on an interior wall, the
carpenters added a pine finishing strip.
A party held in the house in 1900 was such that it will ever be forgotten.
Hector Sr., no doubt due to the untimely death of his wife at age 40, was known
as a stern man. Several of his children were still at home, now young
adults, in 1900. They wanted to celebrate the turn of the century but knew their
father wouldn’t allow a party. So they waited until Hector Sr. And Aunt
Marjorie planned a visit to Mt. Forest, a distance that required an overnight
stay in horse and buggy days, and invited their friends to celebrate. Katie
McAllister of Crieff was one of the guests and she told Lila McCaig years later
that Hector Jr. and Johnny Gilchrist provided the music. They pushed the table
into the corner of the kitchen, placed two chairs on top and sat above the
guests, playing their fiddles till morning.
Hector Sr. sold the homestead to his son in 1901, and died in 1906. At the age
of 55, in 1926, Hector Jr and his wife Mary Jane nee Smith decided to retire.
Their adopted son Clifford had no interest in farming so the homestead was sold.
William Crow, of the rear half of lot 21 bought the farm from Hector for his
eldest son Gladwyn. William was still working ow farm and wanted a second
property for Gladwyn. William’s youngest son Gordon continues to farm lot 21
today.
In 1930 Gladwyn and his bride of a few weeks were surprised one evening to hear
the sound of a fiddler progressing over their front hills from the 3rd
concession. It was Johnny Gilchrist, paying a call to commemorate the evening 30
years earlier when he and young Hec McCaig had treated the area young people to
an evening in honor of the new century.
During the 30's the Crows began registering purebred animals. In order to
register them a farm name had to be chosen. Gladwyn had raised a Clydesdale colt
from an imported Scottish mare named Phyllis of Castlecravie. He was told that
Ardyne meant home in the hills, in Gaelic and thought that was an appropriate
choice for a farm worked by generations of Scots. The first animal he registered
was his colt Ardyne Phyllis and the name continues for all our animals 50 years
later.
Donald
McCaig who married Mary Cochrane in Scotland, came to Nova Scotia in 1823 and to
Puslinch in 1838 and purchased rear lot 17 con 2 on which he lived until his
death in 1875. The family consisted of 3 sons, Alexander, Malcolm and
Hector, and 6 daughters, Mrs. Hugh McLean, Mrs. Neil Thompson, afterwards
Mrs. John Cook, Mrs. Alex Stewart (son of John), Mrs. John Duncan, Mrs. Geo.
Logan, and Marjorie. Hector McCaig Sr. m Mary McKenzie on April 12,
1853 and farmed the homestead. Died 1891. James and Alex in 1875; 1885 H.
McCaig 1923 H McCaig
Hector
McCaig was born in Nova Scotia in 1830 on Hallow eve night, was the son of
Donald McCaig; he married Mary McKenzie in 1852. She died in 1874 age 40.
Family of Hector McCaig and Mary McKenzie remained on the homestead lot 18 conc
3. His son Hector had it till his death in 1901 (or 1906 - see below) . Hector
and Kenneth McKenzie of Portage La Prairie were noted pioneers..He had 5 sons,
Donald on lot 17 conc 3, Duncan, James and Malcolm in Manitoba and Hector on the
homestead. Mrs. Angus McPherson, Mrs. Robert Cameron and Catherine, Mrs.
Wm. Bond d. 1921 age 57. Gladwin Crow; Bill Crow. A March 15 1906
Hespeler Herald item saying Hector McCaig of lot 17 3rd conc Puslinch died from
Bright’s disease
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L18
Rear 2nd About 1838 James and Catherine (Taylor) McCaig came and
settled on lot 18 with the family. They had come from Oban, Argyleshire.
In 1851 James c 1801 and wife Catherine McCaig c 1805 with their Canadian born
family, two in Cape Breton, Donald c 1831, Catherine c 1834, the others in
Upper Canada Mary c 1836, Christy c 1841, Alexander c 1843.
John Cameron c 1813 laborer, in a 1 Story, 1 Family Log House Alex McCaig
owned Front & Rear 1867 resident 1885 & 1906 1923 A. Smith
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L19
John Wilkinson c 1811 from Scotland and wife Ann Gilchrist c 1820 and
family in 1851, Catherine c 1846, Anne c 1847, Alexander c 1849, Mary c
1850. John’s brother, Alexander c1821 who was a sailor on the Great Lakes was
with them 30 as was their sister Margaret
c 1816. Most of this family went to the Chatham area; 1867 resident & Alex;
1875 A & J. 1885 & 1906 1923 W. McKay. John McCaig; Norman
Roszell
R2
L20
Early settled by Mr. Forbes 1867 resident Wm Forbes; In the 1851 census,
William c 1811 from Scotland, with wife Anne c 1811, and Canadian born
children, Elizabeth c 1845, Roderick 1847, Daniel c 1848, Christen c 1850
in a 1 Family Log House with Catherine Cameron c 1838. By 1885 William’s son
Charles held the property. More recent names are H Shantz & H Berger;
Farkes; Leslie Jackson; then sub-divided.
R2
L21
John Boyd was the first to settle on lot 22. He sold to Kenneth McKenzie and
went to Dundas. 1842 Archibald Little; 1885 R. Douglas had lot 21 and 22
1906-1911 Angus McPherson and wife Isabella McCaig had both lots; by 1923
William Crow and finally his son Gordon Crow had both lots..
R2 L22 See lot 21 for ownership. Mostly cedar swamp.
R2
L23,24 According to the Smith family history compiled by James C. Smith
of Mississauga, the exact arrival of the first Smith from the traditional home
of Lairdholm Farm in Dumfriesshire Scotland was prior to 1832 and this was John
who settled here, got a deed, and returned to Scotland. Brother James arrived in
1832 and Alex with wife Mary before 1835. John c 1840, 1842 Alex
Smith m. Euphemia McKay; 1843 Alex & John; In the 1851 census Alexander
Smith c 1818 from Scotland with wife Mary c 1816 and their Canadian born
children, Mary c 1838, Ellen c 1841, Rachel c 1842, Isabella c 1846, James
c 1849 in a 1 Story, 1 Family Log House.
1867 resident Alexander & John Smith; 1885 A. Smith. 1923 A. Smith; Bruce
Smith. N.Visser & sons; 1995 sold (aggregate) Lovely stone house still
extant
R2
L25
first settled by John Shipley. It was first purchased by the Rev. James
Smith c1787-1853, the first Presbyterian Minister in Guelph, inducted into St.
Andrew’s in 1832. He does not appear to have survived the 1843 disruption as a
minister. Perhaps that is when he came to Puslinch His wife Margaret c 1802-1862
and their family, James and John, Mrs. Geo Taylor, Jemima, Mrs. Rev. Donald
McLean, Mrs. Forbes, Miss. Elizabeth. C 1847-1912; 1867owner John Smith; 1875
& 1885 Jackson Worthington. 1923 H. Quirk Sub-divided.
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L26
Hugh McNaughton's house was on this lot, facing the 7th.1867 resident; 1885
A. Smith. 1923 R. McMillan