Notes:

John is the son of Jennie Walker and John JACK Wesley Felker.6th.

. CIVIL SERVICE OF CANADA. THE Civil service Commission announces the establishment of the following eligible lists.
The letters O.A.S. indicate eligibility for the preference awarded to ex-service men. Letter Carrier and Mail Porter, Post Office
Department, Toronto. Ontario.

. Felker, John Walker, O.A.S. TORONTO, ONT.
Ref: December 13, 1947, Canada Gazette & Ottawa, April 19, 1948.

. In WWII, in during the Battle for Cortona, Italy John burnt his leg on the motor cycle he used for assessing how accurate Canadian bombardment was during the battle for Cortona, Italy.

. John shared a house with his sister Marie Felker. John was a very tall blond man gentle & relaxed man.

. After World War Two, John work as a Postie delivering mail in Weston & Rexdale, Ontario. In the winter time, John would arrive home from his postal route on Saturday mornings, all cold & change into a fresh pair of grey wool socks before heading out again to finish his route in Rexdale. On Saturday afternoon John would return from his postal route, sit down on the couch & call "Hey babe, house about a Black Label" Carling's beer.

. John was a renaissance man who enjoyed planing & making things for himself: Round benches for the oak trees. A live trap-and-release cage for red neck pheasants in the back yard; his own fishing tackle with feathers & a Scrabble board with wood numbers. He & wife Caroline would play many Scarbble games with Aunts Mary, Irene & Ruby Walker.

. John loved watching hockey & Canadian football. He & Caroline built by their own hands a large cottage in the Collingwood's Blue Mountains, Ontario. He pumped the spring water up hill for the three seasons. In winter you roughed it. The cottage had a large upper deck for admiring the the view & feeding the birds. John & Caroline enjoyed a bottle of beer and and plenty of rounds of card games. - - -

Birth:
(Toronto)

Died:
Silverstone Ave. Died of diabetes, Alzheimer disease

Buried:
Etobicoke, Ontario, Near rugged cross Lot 601, Plot B3, at burial time this plot was beside a small bush.

Family/Spouse: Caroline BUTTE. Caroline was born on 28 Jan 1925 in Waterloo, Waterloo Co., Ontario; died on 2 Mar 2007 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario; was buried in Glendale Memorial Gardens. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Jack is the son of Mary Patterson & John Felker.6th of Belwood, West Garafraxa Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario.

. 1912 The Toronto City Directory
Felker, John W 318 Pacific Ave., Painter. (Parents resided at 305 Pacific Ave.)

. 1918 The Toronto City Directory
Felker, John, 324 Weston Road.

. 1921 The Toronto City Directory
Felker, John, 326 Weston Road.

. 1922 The Toronto City Directory, 1922
Felker, John W 318 Pacific Ave., Painter.
. 1922 The Toronto City Directory
John Felker, 324 Weston Road s, gro. retail, h. same address.
(at the time, it was the last house in Toronto, at the corner said Chas. Felker.)
Painter /Erin & Toronto, ON. Also Grocery Store Weston Rd., Toronto.

. Farmer /Belwood. Painter, Erin & Toronto, ON. Also Grocery Store Weston Rd., Toronto.

> Jack Felker worked as a Striper, that is he had a steady hand to paint the stripe on cutters & wagons in his father-in-law's, Walker Carriage Manufacture, Erin. Then he was a stripe painter on bicycles, etc, in CCM / Cdn. - Cycle & Motor Co., Weston, Ontario.

. Canadian Soldiers of the First World War
John Wesley Felker, Corporal, 234th Overseas "Peel" Battalion, Regimental number 1024162, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3027 - 50;
324 Weston Rd. South, Toronto; Born Garafraxa Tp., Ont., born December 2nd, 1880, Automobile Painter.
Next-of-Kin: Jennie Felker, Address as above, wife; Apparent Age 35 y 6 months; Height 5ft 8 inches, Complexion Fair, Eyes Brown Grey, Hair Grey Black (artificial). Methodist.
Distinctive Marks: One large vaccination mark on left arm. Large mole on the back centre.
. 1898 - John Felker, Pay $6.00
. 1899, Mar 30 - Jun 10th, Pay at 50¢ day, $6.00, Mar 30 - Jun 10th, $6.00; John Felker & brother-in-law, Thomas Justice;
. 1900 Jun 15 - John Felker, Private, 30 Regiment, Wellington Rifles, Brigade Camp at London for 1900, Pay $6.00
Ref: Cdn. Department of Militia & Defense, Accounts & Pay Branch, Nominal Rolls & Paylists for the Volunteer Militia, 1855-1914; Record Group: R810-100-9-E; Volume Number: 84.

. John Wesley Felker injured his back when jumping in a fox hole during WWI: 324 Weston Rd. South, Toronto, Automotive Painter; 5 ft. 8 in complexion Fair, Grey Black hair. Large mole on centre of back.

Obituary1: The Late John Felker,
The funeral took place to Erin Cemetery, last Saturday, of the late John Felker, of Toronto, a former Erin boy & son of the late John Felker & Mrs. Felker, who passed away on August 16, in this 50th year.
Deceased has suffered from early spring, of cancer & the end came as a great relief to end his weary hours of pain.
The funeral service was held in the Local United Church where a large crowd of relatives & friends assembled to pay their last respects. Rev. PJC Jolliffe, BA, conducted the service.
He is survived by his wife, nee Jennie Walker, one daughter, Marie, 2 sons, John & Charles, also 3 brothers Fred, Neil & Herbert, Toronto & 2 sisters Carrie of Toronto & Margaret of Midland & his aged mother. [Mary Patterson Felker.]
Ref: Erin Advocate Newspaper, 22 August, 1929 Page 1.

Obituary2:
. 1929 August 14, FELKER, at his late residence, 324 Weston Road, JOHN WESLEY, dearly beloved husband of Jennie Walker, in his 50th year.
Funeral service at the above address on Friday at 1 p.m. Also at Erin United Church, Erin, Ontario, at 2:30 pm. Internment Erin Cemetery.
Ref: Toronto Globe Newspaper, August 15, 1929 Pg. 14.

Obituary3:
. 1929 August 29, Erin, The Late John Felker, The funeral took place to Erin Cemetery, last Saturday, of the late John Felker, of Toronto, a former Erin boy & son of the late John Felker & Mrs. Felker, who passed away on August 16, in this 50th year.
Ref: Acton Free Press, p. 4
Note: Present at the funeral in Erin was his wife Jennie Walker's sister, Mrs. Lal Walker Justice from Winnipeg, Manitoba. - - -

Died:
324 Weston Rd. He died of gall bladder cancer. Occupationally induced?

Buried:
Row 15, Plot 1614 (Purchased Lot 171, 16x16'.

John married Jennie JENN WALKER, .1 on 24 Mar 1910 in Erin Village, Wellington Co., Ontario. Jennie (daughter of Charles Henry WALKER, .1 and Mary Ellen ELLA HAMILTON) was born on 11 Mar 1883 in Erin Village, Wellington Co., Ontario; died on 2 Oct 1959 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario; was buried in Erin Union Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. Births Jennie Walker, Born March 11, 1883
. Marriages Jennie Walker & John Felker on March 24, 1918.
Ref: Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton.

. Ontario Birth Registration # 501402
Jennie Walker, 26 y. b, 11 March, 1883, Erin, Ont.; Mother Ella Hamilton Age 19, Father Charles Henry Walker Age 26, Carriage builder Manufacture, Residence, Erin, Ontario.
Married notations: Declaration by mother, Family Bible record, marriage.
Informant: Annie Walker, 228 Fairman (?) ave, Toronto & Dr. Henry McNaughton, Erin, ON.

. 1883 Mar 22 - Born - In Erin, on Sunday, 5th March, the wife of Charles H Walker, of a daughter.
Ref: Acton Free Press, 22 Mar 1883, page 2, column 2.
Walker, Charles (Daughter), Birth announcement, Acton Free Press, 9 Mar 1893, page 2, column 1.

. Jennie was born in the large red brick house her father, John Walker, built next to his blacksmith & carriage shop at Scot & Main Streets, Erin, Ontario. She help to raise her younger siblings. Jennie & her new husband moved to Toronto where John Felker had a good job with CCM plant. On Thanksgiving & holidays they would go back to Erin to visit her mother & picnicking at Stanley Park in Erin or Belfountain.
Jennie had a hard time providing after her husband died young. Daughter Marie quit high school to help her mother & brothers. She sure loved her hockey & football. Jennie was famous for her apple & especially her mincemeat pies, which she made by hand in barrels for the fancy grocery store in Erin. Her peanut butter cookies were the absolute best & were made with whole half peanuts with a fork impression on top. Although I've tasted many a cookie since, I've never had one better!

The young Jennie Walker had worked in her grandparent's fancy grocery story in Erin. After she married John Felker, she had a grocery store beside her home at 324 Weston Rd., Toronto. They were the first to have large wooden cabinet radio in the store which stood in the middle of the entrance way. Neighbours would come in to listen to the programing. - P J Ahlberg.

> . Jennie Was Given A Gold Pocket Watch For Playing The Piano For The Erin Church. One Winter She Took Her Father's Horse & Cutter Herself On The Back Roads To Play In The Little White Church Where Her Girlfriend Was Getting Married.

. One winter Jennie drove by herself her father's horse & cutter to the Melville White Church where here girlfriend was getting married. Melville White Church is the oldest standing church in the west Caledon. The cemetery at Greenlaw Corners no longer exists, but the remnants of their cemetery can still be seen at the corner of Mississauga Road and The Grange Sideroad.
The church was built by the Daniel McMillan & Bros. of Erin. The church was painted white by them & hence the White Church name. The church was hand hewn squared timer framing, clad with horizontal wood siding & simple, clean lines with natural lighting. McMillan would preach in Gaelic. Some of the names of those early Presbyterian Congregationalists worshippers were: Crichton, Gibson, Frank, Pattulo, Burnet, Kirkwood, Foster, Hunter, McLachlan, MacMillan, McEachern, Campbell & Sharp.

. Ontario Marriage certificate 024328-10 (Wellington Co)
John Wesley Felker, 30, painter, borns Garafraxa Twp., Resides West Toronto,
s/o John FELKER & Mary Patterson,
married Jennie Walker, 27, born & resides Erin, Disciple of Christ.
d/o Charles H. Walker & Ella Hamilton
Witn: J.D. Leach & Frank E. Walker both of Erin, Mar. 4, 1910 at Erin
by Rev. Geo. Black, Baptist.

. 1910 April 7, Thursday. Married. Felker-Walker - In Erin, on Thursday, 28th? March, by Rev G O Black,
John Felker of Toronto, to Jennie, daughter of the late Chas. H Walker.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. Jennie like to tell the story how one winter her father allowed Jenn to take his horse & cutter to go by herself, on the back roads to play the music at her girlfriend's wedding in the small white church, surrounded by trees. Well the country roads then often had cedar branches bushing you & the narrow washboard were certainly not planed flat like todays paved roads!
Jennie & sisters were always repeating that the snow in Erin used to be has high as the telephone poles.

Notes for further research: Estimated years might be between 1899 to 1910 when Jenn was married in Erin Village herself. One might suppose the country church could have been a Disciples of Christ that Jenn attended in Erin Village but the Melville White Church, a mile & half (3 Kms.) south of Belfountain, today on the west side of 15962 Mississauga Road, south of The Grange Sideroad, would resemble the church. Gramma would point out the church when we passed it, but to be honest, it is difficult to reconcile the modern roads & settings. - PJ Ahlberg

. Uncle James Walker came every Sunday with his family to Sunday dinner on Weston Road with his niece, Jennie Walker Felker. James was a short man. - P J Ahlberg, 2010, Toronto.

. 1911 Jun Census, Toronto 47/45? Dundas St., 2nd CENSUS FOR THIS YEAR!
Felker John Wesley, b Dec 1879, Ontario, age 31, painter, Wages 50 hr/week, $910.
Felker, Jennie Walker, b Mar 1883, Ontario age 28

ERIN ADVOCATE Newspaper, ONTARIO:
. 1909 Aug 25, Wed. - Mrs. Chas. W Walker, of West Toronto, who has been spending a 2 weeks vacation with friends & relatives here, returned home on Saturday evening, sorry to leave, but looking forward to a return visit next year.

. 1909 Oct 27 - Miss J. Walker, visited Toronto friends Thanksgiving Day.
. 1909 Sep 22 - Mr. J. Felker, Toronto, spent Sunday with friends in town.

. 1911 Jan 25 - The first Carnival of the season held at the Rink on Thurs. evening was a success & was much enjoyed by many skaters. Prize winners were Best Boy skater under 9, Clayton Justice, Best Girl., Best Dressed Lady: 1st Mrs. Baird, 2nd, Miss R. Walker.
. 1911 May 24 - Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto; & Mrs. T. Justice & daughter, of Dauphin, Manitoba, are here on a visit to their mother, Mrs. C. Walker.
. 1911 May 31 - Mrs. J. Felker, who has been here on a visit to her mother, Mrs. C. Walker, returned to her home in Toronto last week, accompanied by her sister Ruby.
. 1911 July 12 - Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto, is here on a visit to her mother, Mrs. C. Walker.
. 1911 Oct. 18 - Erin Fair Visitors: Mr & Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto, at Mrs. C. Walker's, 6,000 people attended the Fair last Friday.
. 1911 Nov. 22 - Mrs. R. Hamilton is visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto [i.e. Jane Matilda McCutcheon].
. 1911 Dec. 27 - Christmas visitors, Mr. Neil Felker, of Toronto & formerly of the Advocate with friends in town.
Mr. & Mrs. J. Felker, of Toronto; Mr. Frank Walker, of Smiths Falls; Miss I. Walker, with their mother, Mrs. Walker.
. 1935 Jul 18, Erin, Mrs Mrs P Finn, Mrs J Felker & 2 sons & daughter Marie, Misses Irene & Kathleen Walker of Toronto, were week-end visitors with Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1931 Dec 31. Local news items. Mrs J Felker & family & Misses Irene & Ruby Walker of Toronto. Ref. Repeated in the Acton Free Press.

. 1932 Jan 7 - Erin, Mrs. J. Felker & Family, & Misses Irene & Ruby Walker of Toronto; Mr. Hughes of Regina, Sask. spent Christmas with their mother, Mrs. Ella Walker.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

Ontario Land Registry Office Abstract Book 215, Plans 61 & 282:
. Village of Erin., Wellington County
Lot 12, Con 9, p68, (NE halt of divided Lot 14), Saw Mill Lot, South West Side, Main Street:
. 1891 May 1, Bargain&Sale, Chas Staples & wife, to Jane Matilada Hamilton, NA pt 1/17 Acres, with right of lane. [ 3 rooms in house situated on Lot 12, ft. in 15.3 frontage /1874.1.31];
. 1918 Jany 9, B&S, Ella H Walker, Extx of Jane M Hamilton, ded. & inner personal capacity & Jennie Felker. to James Small NWPart 1/17A. $1,000.
. 1918 Jan 9, Mortgage, James Small & wife, to Jennie Felker, NW, $800, Discharged 1956.12.4.

Toronto Directory
1951, Felker, Jennie W, h 415 Durrie.

. Jennie had a photo taken of her standing in in the doorway of her grandparent's Hamilton store in Erin. Later she ran her own grocery store on Weston Rd., Toronto.
Research & ranscriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Birth:
Main Street, Erin Village.

Buried:
R15-16 [corner back plot]

Notes:

Charles Henry is the son of Elizabeth Wykham of Ireland & John S Walker.

. Erin Foundry Manufacture & blacksmith at Main & Scotch Streets.

. 1877 Wellington County Atlas Advertisement:
WALKER'S IRON FOUNDRY -
Ploughs, Harrows, Rollers, Cultivators, Gang Ploughs, & all other Farming Implements.
IRON & BRASS CASTINGS TO ORDER
Repairing at short notice. -
John S. Walker & Son,
{ Proprietors, Erin Village.

. 1879 Co. of Wellington Gazetteer: Erin, Walker & Son, blacksmiths.

ACTON FREE PRESS Newspaper:
. 1876 Aug 10 - Erin Agricultural Society will hold its annual fall exhibition at Erin village on Tuesday, 17 October, 1879 - Dec 25 - Competition: 25 Dec 1879: The climax Plow made at Crowe's Iron works, Guelph. It sheds of all competitors for general purposes, iron beam, steel board & hears made of special hard iron. Cheap $14 cash. John Crowe.
Note1: the cost of a plow.

. 1880 Jan 8, Saw Mill burned, belong to Mr S iron, Worn, was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday about 2 o'clock.
. 1880 Dec 23 - Acton Free Press received the first number of the Erin Advocate newspaper, It will be independent in politics & will advance the interests of the village.
. 1881 Jan 6 - Erin Village, elected, C. Wallker, Councilor.
. 1881 Feb 10 - Officers of the Rockwood L.OL. elected last Tues. are as follows: C H Walker, Secretary.
. 1881 Nov 10 - Mr Mrs C H Walker, or Erin, were in Acton town on Sunday.
. 1884 Mar 6 - Acton, Messers. R. Hamilton & C H Walker, of Erin, were in town on Monday.
. 1886 Jan 7 - Elections Erin Village, Reeve L Carberry; Councillors W Conboy, C H Walker, W Hull & W Hamilton.

\
1883 WELLINGON COUNTY DIRECTORY, ERIN:
. The land is nearly all cleared, there being very little timber, what there is consisting of beech, maple, cedar, hemlock & tamarack. Chief farm products are Fall & spring wheat, barley, oats, peas & hay. Daily stage to Guelph 20 miles. 3 hotels, 5 churches 2 harness shops, 4 general store & fancy goods store. 700 inhabitants.
. The Erin Foundry has been established 40 years (1843) & employs 6 to 8 hands in manufacture of plows, harrows, cultivators & other agricultural implements. C H. Walker.
. Erin L.O.L .#112, C H Walker, Secretary, Meets Wed., on or before full noon, 40 members.
. Disciples Church brick building, seating 300, erected 1873, Series 11 A, Sunday school 10 am, 75 members.
. All Saints Episcopal church, brick, seating 200, erected 12 y.

. 1889 Jan 3, Elections: Erin: Reeve W Conboy, Councilors C Walker.
. 1889 Jan 24, Erin Agricultural Society annual meeting held at Anderson's hotel, Ospringe, On Friday 18th Ins. directors: C H Walker.
. 1889 May 16 - Walker's Brick House at Main & Scotch Streets may be given a general building date by "Mr M Overland is erecting a dwelling house 25 X 31, solid brick". The Overland house was near the Walker's house in Erin. - PJA
. 1899 Oct 26 - There wherefore visitors to Erin last Friday [Fail Fair on Oct 19-20] than for a year before.

. 1890 Aug 24 - Acton Union Exhibition, on 7 & 8th Oct. The directors of Acton Union Agricultural Society met in the Town Hall on Sat. afternoon to complete arrangements for the annual exhibition on Tues. & Wed. the different committees & judges were appointed. The Committees are as follows: Implements: C. H. Walker, Erin.
. 1890 Sep 4 - 1890 Oct 8 - Acton Union Exhibition held in Acton, Oct 7 & 8th, Special Prizes given for Horses:
Best year-old colt, filly or gelding, agricultural or draught, by C H Walker, Erin,
Potato digger, value $10.00. ... & was won by John Duff*.
. 1890 Oct 23 - Last of the Season, Erin Fair last Week Suffered Severely From Rain: The Erin Agricultural Society held its annual exhibition on Wed. & Thus. All the inside depts. were filled on the first day. The crowd was so great in the building at onetime that a child had its leg broken while being jostled about. One woman became exhausted & had to be removed from the grounds. There was an absence of fakirs at the show this year, which was a relief to many. ... The success of the show is largely due to the energetic exertions of the officers & directors, who appeared to thoroughly understand their businesses: C. H. Walker.

. 1891 Oct 16 - A Trip to the Erin Fair. A large number of Torontonians visited the Erin fair yesterday, the guests of Mr W Callaway, district passenger agent of CPRailway. The fair was an excellent one, the Erin fears have been for the past 40 years.

. 1892 Apr 28 - Thomas Williams, a late employee of C H. Walker, has moved to Orangeville.
. 1892 May 12 - At the annual meeting of Erin Mechanic's Institute held in the Blue Ribbon Hall, last week, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: C H Walker, Vice-Pres. & also a Board Director. Acton Free Press Extracted from Erin Advocate.
* 1892 May 26 - Erin. Frank Law, of this place & Jas Wheeler of the township, appeared before C H Walker, Reeve & Wm. Tyler, Justices of the Peace, last Wed. evening, for raising a disturbance on the public street & are fined each $5. - extracted from the Advocate.

* 1892 July 29th, Friday, Erin. has been proclaimed a civil holiday by Reeve Walker. [Compare: 1898.8.18 Erin Civic Holiday will be held on the 26th inst. A demonstration will be held in the village.]

. 1892 Nov 10, John Currie, a late employee of C H Walker, has entered the stone shop in connection with the Clark note & is making preparations to open up a blacksmith shop.
. 1892 Nov 17 - A meeting of the management of the Erin Ploughing Society will be held at Ramsden's Hotel, Erin, on Saturday.

. 1892 Dec 30 -Erin village Cattle Fair every Tuesday before the Orangeville fair. Ref: Guelph Daily Mercury newspaper. [i.e. business opportunities for all. - PJA]
. 1893 Jan 5 - Municipal Elections: Erin Village: Reeve C. H. Walker, Councillors, Jas Long, J S Miller, R Medley, D Campbell.
. Erin: A new survey of the village is about to be taken & a new map prepared. The following men have been chosen to rule this village for 1893: C H Walker, Reeve, & councillors as above.
. 1893 Jan 26 - Erin, at the annual meeting of Erin Agricultural Society the following were elected directors: Ward 1, J. Duff*, for the village C H Walker & A C McMillan.
. 1893 May 18 - Annual Mechanics Institute meeting, now 100 members, Officers for present yer: C H Walker, vice-president.
. 1894 Jan 18, Erin. Reeve Walker attended County Council at Guelph on Tuesday. The annual meeting of the Erin Plough Association was held at Dywer's Hotel, Hillsburg, on Monday evening. Extracted from Advocate.
. 1894 May 10 - Annual meeting of Erin Mechanics' Institute was held at Two Hall on Monday evening.
. 1894 Jun 14, Erin. Reeve Walker has been at Guelph the past week attending County Council.
. 1896 Jan 9 - Municipal Elections: Erin, Reeve: C. H. Walker.
Acton Free Press quoted the Erin Advocate Newspaper.

. 1893 May 18 - A general map for the corporation of the village of Erin has just been completed by M M C Schofield, surveyor & is now in the county Registry office. ...Annual meeting of the Mechanics Institute was held in the town hall on Wed. evening last week. Although this institute has been organized a little over a year, the report was very encouraging & shows that there were now 100 members. Officers are: C H Walker, Vice President, Jas. Walker, director.

. 1883 & 1884 - Wellington Country Directory:
Population 700. Daily mail to Erin. * The Erin Foundry has been established 40 years, & employs 6 to 8 hands in the manufacture of plows, harrows, cultivators, & other agricultural implements. C. H. Walker.
*Erin L.O.L., No. 112; C. H. Walker, Secretary Meets, Wednesday, on or before full moon. There are 40 members.
. 1900 Oct 20, Erin's Fair, 10,000 People in Attendance, Erin Twp. Agricultural Society held its 50th annual exhibition, which invert way surpassed any of its predecessors. the death was everything that could be desired. A crowd of 10,000 people assembled in the small-town to enjoy the not famous Erin Fair. Morning trains brought in their quotas from 10 o'clock till after 2 there as a steady steam of conveyances coming into town from all directions the principal feature of the day was the horse show. with open trotting race. the best carriage prize was won by Jas. Currie. The day's program came to an grand finale in a concert given by the sons of Scotland in theTown Hall. The hall was filled long before the hot for the concert to commence.
Ref: The Globe Newspaper, Toronto.

. On the occasion of a visit from Erin & other loges to the Alton Orange Lodge LPL NO. 770, a newspaper clipping records that in 1906, for the first time in a quarter of a century, Alton Orangemen celebrated the glorious 12 at home. A general holiday was proclaimed. Streets were decorated with arches & flags, & there were speeches by W S Murphy, Charles Walker, & Sam Charters.
Ref: From the Boyne to Brampton, Wm. Perkins Bull.

. 1883 Wellington County Directory:
Sibley John C, carriage builder
Walker Bros., (George & Robert) harnessing dealers
Walker Agnes, Mrs, Wid. George
Walker C H, prop. Erin Foundry, manuf. agricultural implements
Walker, Mrs Elizaberh, wid. John.

. 1885 Union Publishing Co. Farmers Directory: C H Walker, Agril. impl. mnfr. & Geo Walker, harness maker.

. 1885 - 95 Gazetteer Ottawa:
. Hardware merchants: Charles H Walker & Harvard, Georgetown … which is 12 to 35 miles to Georgetown. i.e. Plows, cutters.
. Walker , C. H., proprietor Erin Foundry, Manuf. agricultural implements. 1883
. Walker, Charles H. Foundry & Blacksmith; Walker, George, Harness maker. Ottawa 1885.

. 1885 Gazetteer Ottawa, ON [i.e. national publication]
Hardware merchants: Charles H Walker & Harvard, Georgetown.
i.e. Plows, cutters …which is 12 to 35 miles to Georgetown.

> 1885 Dec 3 - Mr C H Walker, of Erin, is putting a new engine & boiler, as well as other improvements in his foundry.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1888 Jul 19th, Toronto - Chas. was a witnesses at his widowed sister's, Sarah Jane Walker Grieves marriage to Matthew Hall.
. 1888 Nov 22-Mr Mrs C H Walker of Erin, visited Acton friends on Monday.
. 1892 Ontario Gazetteer & Directory, Walker, Charles H, foundry.

. 1893 Jan 5, A new survey of Erin village is about to be taken & anemia prepared. the following men have bee chose to rule this village in 1893: C H Walker, Reeve.
. 1894 Jan 18 - Erin, Reeve Walker attended County Council at Guelph on Tuesday.

. 1895 Nov 21 - The village Fathers are keeping pace with enterprising merchants who are rebuilding a new block where the old one was destroyed by fire. A new sidewalk is being laid the length of the new block.

. 1898 - 99 Western Ontario Gazetteer & Directory: Erin, Walker C H, foundry.

. 1899 Jan 3, Erin - Municipal Elections on Monday: Reeve: W Conboy, by acclamation. Councilors: C H Walker, D Spiers, W Hall & C. Overland.

. 1899 Sept 14, A Delighted Deputation.
A deputation from Erin, consisting of Dr. Geer, Messrs Walker, Overland & Conboy, visited Acton last Wednesday evening to inspect our electric lighting system. They were charmed with the efficiency of our plant. Erin streets will probably be lighted shortly. Power will be generated at The Cataract. The deputation expressed surprise & pleasure with Acton's fine municipal possessions. The town hall, fire brigade equipment, park & permanent pavements all came in for compliments, & our municipal fathers were accorded heaps of taffy for their part in securing these improvements. They were especially complimented upon the efficiency & success of the electric lighting system.
. 1899 Sep 28, Erin village has decided to put in electric light. Incandescent lists similar to those in Action will be put on the streets. Mr Deagle will supply the current from the Cataract, bar completion by the 1st Nov.
- The committee from Erin who visited Acton, Georgetown & other points to examine the merits of the various electric lighting systems reported a week ago, that they considered that while Acton, with the incandescent system on the streets, was not so brilliantly lighted in places, to was much more evenly lighted than Georgetown with its 1500 candle power are lamps, four to the mile. After considerable discussion it was denied to have incandescent system & on a vote being taken it was carried by a large majority & a contract has been entered into for the lighting of the village.
. 1899 Dec 7, The electric light is a long time coming, but it will surely behave now within a few weeks.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

First Appendicitis Operation in Ontario:
> An incident in Dr. McNaughton's life must be respected here. Mr. Charlie Walker took sudden with appendicitis. Dr McNaughton summoned Dr McKinnon of Hillsburgh & Dr MacKinnon of Guelph, & in silence they performed the first successful appendix operation ever known in Ontario. Just fancy, no hospital ward or operating accessories, but in his own home on a table. The silence was so necessary that the board sidewalk in front of the house was laid with sawdust.
There were 2 Doctors living in fine homes. Dr. McNaughton, an army surgeon who knew just the medicine to take, as he used to try location with a fist punch. If above the belt line, you took Senna tea, if below, a tablespoon of Epsom or a dose of castor oil. All were sure cures. He was thorough & punctual. In the dark night his horse and buggy never failed if he was needed, and was often heard going over the bridge on his mercy calls.
Ref: Gleanings From Memories By Paths of Erin - Early Medicine & Barrett's Tub, by Harry Smith. 1871.

. Average wages for farm hand: Robt. A Reed, Erin: Some good farm labourers from the Old Country, who would be willing to work for say $12 or $14 per month & board, by the year, would I think, soon get employment in this section of country.
Ref: Annual Report of the Industries for the Province of Ontario.

. 1901 Oct 24 - Erin Twp. Agricultural Society first fair of the new century, & the 51st of this well-known fair. Notwithstanding cold weather 5,000 visitors gathered last Friday. ... the officers of the society are to be congratulated upon scoring another success this year: President, C H Walker.

. Died, Charles Walker, died June 23, 1908.
Ref: Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton.

. 1906 Apr 26 - Pallbears:
Died at St. Mary's. Mr. Henry Grindell was summoned to St. Mary's on Saturday by news of the death of his brother-in-law, Mr. W. L. Moore. Mr. Moore was a son of Mr. Nelson M. Moore, of Eramosa, & was married to Miss Adeline Grindell, daughter of Mr. Robert G. Grindell, of Eramosa. Mrs. Moore, with 2 sons & 2 daughters, survive him. For 12 years Mr. Moore ran the Guelph & Erin stage, & for 4 years was agent for Tolton Bros., later entering the service of the Maxwell works at St. Mary's. He had been ill for a long time, & was in his 44th year. A funeral service was held at St. Mary's Monday morning, conducted by Rev. W. H. Graham. The body was brought to Guelph on the 10.40 train, accompanied by the family. Deceased was a member of Erin lodge, No. 67, A.O.U.W., & of Erin tent, No. 122, K.O.T.M. Rev. S. E. Marshall conducted the service at Guelph.
The pallbearers were D. Tolton, R. Jestin, John Grindell, Chas. Walker & Wm. Everts & Chas. Overland.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. WILL of Charles H. Walker:
Summary: Died 1908 June 23, Erin, Wellington Will #6071
Real Estate $2,200:
Household goods & furniture: $100.00
Buggies & Cutters Manufactured: 300.00
Cash on hand: 23.00
Book debts & cash receivable: 375.00
Other material & stock-in-trade: 150.00
$948.00.
Real Estate #Lot #15 McMillan's survey, Erin Village made by C. J. Wheelock,
P.L.S. Plan 102, $2,000.00.
Lot 20 in same survey, $200.00, Total: $3,148,00.
$2,000 Insurance on the life in the Ancient Order of United Workmen
Sole Beneficiary: Ella H Walker. Signed, Charles H Walker, 15 May 1908.
...real estate, personal property, "My beneficiary Certificate for $2,000 in A.O.U. Workmen is drawn in favour of my wife Ella Walker".
Witnesses: Henry Gear, physician; John D. Leitch, CP.R. Agent, Erin.

. Wellington Co. Deaths #8- 39473, Erin Village
Walker, Charles Henry, died June 23, 1908, Aged 51 years,
Resided Main Street, Erin, Machinist, married, Born Erin Village of Valvular Disease of Heart, one year. Dr. H Gear, Anglican.

After the death of Charles Walker:
* 1909 NOVEMBER 10 - 24, ERIN: Auction Sales for November 25th. As Mr. Walker's Implements & stock is all of the best, no one should miss this sale. There is also a large amount of produce, including 5 tons of hay, 900 bushels of oats, 150 bales of seed barley, 75 bushels of seed peas, 100 bushels of turnips, 400 bushels of sugar beets & 75 bu. of carrots. There is also 5000 feet of lumber.
Note2: The auction was held by W Hull, licensed auctioned, for Wellington Co. Followup of the sales was not found. - PJ Ahlberg.

Employed at Walker Foundry: Red Jack Macdonald
. 1934 Jun 18, Hugh John Mcdonald, who was employed at the old Walker Foundy as a blacksmith, back in the days of the late James Meikleham & who was among the early eighties pioneers of BC mining district, passed away at Rossland, BC, on Jun , 79th year; Born Toronto 1885, blacksmith in Erin district for 35 years. About 2903 as a mine blacksmith at Rossland, BC.
Ref: Erin Advocate newspaper, pub. 1934 Jun 28.

Research & transcripts by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Page Two

The Walkers made Cutter & farm implements.

The Difference Between a Cutter & a Sleigh
One of the biggest differences between a cutter & a sleigh is the size. Cutters were created for leisurely driving among one or two couples. They were meant to be snug & comfortable. Sleighs, though, were built to accommodate a larger group. The cutter was used for longer, slower rides, the runners are straighter, which means the cutter is meant to keep going straight. While it can be turned, turns must be taken slowly & wider than normal.
The primary use of both a cutter & a sleigh is transportation in the snowy winter months, they each have their own individual purpose. Because cutters offered a cozier ride with all occupants sitting close together. The cutter, for instance, is built lower to the ground & requires more flexibility to ensure the jarring of the road does not break the structure. - - -

Birth:
Erin Village 'Poppa'.

Died:
Main & Scotch Streets. Died of Valvular disease of heart.

Buried:
Row 28, Plot 14.

Charles married Mary Ellen ELLA HAMILTON on 15 Jun 1881 in Acton, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario. Mary (daughter of Richard Lawrence HAMILTON and Jane Matilida MCCUTCHEON) was born on 27 Jul 1863 in Acton, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 28 Dec 1944 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario; was buried on 31 Dec 1944 in Erin Union Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ella is the daughter of Jane Matilda McCutcheon & Richard Lawrence Hamilton.

. 1874 Pupils enrolled by John Ross Principal of Acton Public School:
Daniel McK Johnston, 9 & John Thomas Johnston, sons of "Dr". Richard Johnston.
Eratus D Johnston, 11, son of Richard Johnston.
Richard Johnston, 5, son of Dr. Richard Johnston.
Mary Ellen Hamilton, 10, daughter of Richard Hamilton.
The revelation of their respective ages when registered back there in the old school, 57 years ago, caused quite a furore among some of the grandmothers & others of today.
Ref: Acton Free Press newspaper, republished 1931.7.2.
. 1876 Dec 7 - Acton Public School, results of a written examination in grammar: third Class, Ellen Hamilton 92%.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

Ontario Land Registry Abstract Book 237, p 67
Village of Erin, Lot 15, Con 10
. 1878 mar 1, B&S, Jas. White & wife, sold to Charles H Walker, All Quarter acres,
. 1918 Mar 26, B&S, Ella H Walker, Widow, sold to Mary J McMillan, $1800.

. Births, Ella Walker, born July 20th, 1884.
. Marriage, Chas H Walker & Ella Hamilton married aunt 15h 1881 at the residence of her father R haflton, Acton, Ontario.
Witnesses John Corwoclk & Samual Mclane.
Ref: Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton.

. Ontario Marriage Registration # 003874, Halton Co., Acton
Charles H Walker, 24 Y, born Erin, ON., Bachelor, Manuf. of farming equip.,
s/o John S. Walker & Elizabeth Walker
X Ella Hamilton, 18y, Born Twp. Esquesing, Single,
d/o Jane Hamilton & Richard Hamilton.
Wit. John Cormick, Erin & S. McLean, Acton. On 15th June, 1881, Acton. Bridegroom is English Church, Bride's Rel. None. Rev A. Anderson, Wit: John Cornick, Erin & S M Law, Acton. License.

. The Altar - Walker - Hamilton - In Acton, on the 15th inst., at the residence of the bride's father,
by Elder A. Anders on of Hamilton,
Mr. C. H. Walker of Erin Village to Miss Ella,
the only daughter of Mr. Richard Hamilton of this village.
Ref1: ACTON FREE PRESS, Thursday, June 16, 1881 & in the Erin Advocate "
Ref2: ERIN ADVOCATE, Published every Wednesday.
Note1: A similar copy was written in Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton's Bible & in turn, given to her eldest granddaughter, Jennie Walker's bible, [then given to her daughter Marie Felker, to gave it to niece Patricia J Felker.]

. 1881 Jun 23 - Mr. C. H. Walker & his newly made bride (Miss Ella Hamilton, of this village) returned from their wedding trip on Friday evening, after visiting friends in Toronto & Collingwood. They left for their new home in Erin Village on Saturday.
Ref: Acton Free Press, page 3, column 2.
. 1881 Nov 10 - Mr & Mrs. C. H. Waker, of Erin, were in town on Sunday.
Ref: Acton Free Press, p3.

. 1883 WELLINGTON COUNTY DIRECTORY:
The Erin Disciples church is a brick building, seating 300. It was erected in 1873, at the cost of $4,200. Services at 11 a.m.; Sunday school at 10 a.m. There are 75 members. The pastorate is vacant.

. Mr. C. H. Walker & his newly made bride, (Miss Ella Hamilton, of this village) returned from their wedding trip on Friday evening, after visiting friends in Toronto & Collingwood. They left for their new home in Erin Village on Saturday.

. 1897 Jan 14 - Erin, A grand musical entertainment was given by the ladies of the Disciple Church, in the Temperance Hill last evening. The programme consisted of vocal & instrumental music, solos & recitations.

. 1902 May 22. Obituary: Mrs. James Brown, Ruth Ann Hall, eldest daughter of Asa Hall, Esq. Born 1841 in Acton. Her husband lived 14 years. on Lot 1, Con 4, Erin, where he operated a saw mill. Friends form a distance were in attendance: Mr. Richard Hamilton (her father) & Mrs. C W. Walker, Erin.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1911 Census Erin, Ontario, Ella Walker, b 1863.
Ella sold up the foundry & house & moved with her girls to Toronto.

ERIN ADVOCATE Weekly Newspaper:
. 1909 Aug 18, Erin, Mrs S McCutcheon, Guelph, is the guest of Mrs Walker.
. 1909 Aug 25, 1909, Mrs. Chas. W Walker, of West Toronto, who has been spending a 2 weeks vacation with friends & relatives here, returned home on Saturday evening, sorry to leave, but looking forward to a return visit next year.
Note2: Chas. Walker died in June 1908. Ella sold up the foundry & moved with her girls to Toronto in 1922 to nurse her dying daughter Kate Walker.]
. 1909 Sep 8, Erin. Mr. J Walker, Toronto, left for the North West, last week, after visiting his mother her.
1909 Oct 20, Erin Market Oct 20. Turkeys, dress, per pound $0.14 to 15
Potatoes per bag, $0.35 to 40.
. 1911 Jan. 4 - Mr. Frank Walker, Union Bank, Smith's Falls, at home. Mr. & Mrs. J. Felker, of Toronto, spent New Years with his mother, Mrs. C H Walker. May 24, 1911 - Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto; & Mrs. T. Justice & daughter, of Dauphin, Manitoba, are here on a visit to their mother, Mrs. C. Walker
. 1911 May 31- Mrs. J. Felker,
Mr. John Walker, who has been visiting his mother here, for sometime returned to Winnipeg on Tuesday last.
who has been here on a visit to her mother, Mrs. C. Walker, returned to her home in Toronto last week, accompanied by her sister Ruby.
. 1911July 12 - Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto, is here on a visit to her mother, Mrs. C. Walker.
. 1911 Oct. 18- Erin Fair Visitors: Mr & Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto, at Mrs. C. Walker's, 6,000 people attended the Fair last Friday.
. 1911 Dec. 27- Mr. & Mrs. J. Felker, of Toronto; Mr. Frank Walker, of Smiths Falls; Miss I. Walker, with their mother, Mrs. Walker.

. 1929 May 23 Mrs James Firstbrook, Dr Arthur Firstbrook, Mrs Ells Walker; daughter Irene & Master Edward Brock of Toronto, were guests of Mrs A E Nicklin on Saturday.
. 1930 Aug 7. Mr Mrs Thos. Justice of Winnipeg, Manitoba, are visiting with Mrs Ella Walker & other relatives. [for funeral of son Frank W Walker.]
. 1930 Oct 9, Thurs. Misses Irene, Ruby & Kathleen Walker Toronto, spend the week wend with their mother, Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1931 Jun 18, Mrs Ella Walker, Mr Mrs P Finn motored & are visiting with Mr Mrs John Walker, at Regina, Sask.
. 1931 Jun 25, Erin, Mrs Ella Walker & Mr Mrs Finn of Toronto, returned home on Sunday after spending 3 weeks at Winnipeg & Calgary.
. 1931 Jul 9, Erin, Mr Mrs John Walker & daughter & son of Regina, Sask, are visiting with the former's mother, Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1931 Jul 23. Miss Marie Felker, of Toronto, is holidaying with her grand-mother, Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1932 Jan 7- Erin - Mrs. J. Felker an family, & Misses Irene & Ruby Walker of Toronto, Mr. Hughes of Regina Sask. [ should be son Babe Walker of Regina, Sask?], spent Christmas with their mother, Mrs. Ella Walker.
. 1932 Apr Misses Ruby & Kathleen Walker, of Toronto, spent Ester with their mother, Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1932 Jul 14 Thrus. Master Walker Justice, of Winnipeg, Man, is visiting with his grandmother, Mrs. Ella Walker.
Ref: Acton Free Press, Ontario.

. 1934 Aug 23, Miss Ruby Walker& Mrs N Felker of Toronto, are holidaying with Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1934 Nov 22, Everton, Ontario. Mrs T D McCutcheon is staying with her aunt, Mrs Ella Walker, Acton. [Error: like Mrs TDM of Everton, is staying with Aunt Ella Walker, of Erin. Ref: Acton Free Press.
. 1935 Feb 28, Thrus., Mr Mrs P Finn, Misses Irene & Ruby Walker, of Toronto, spent Sunday with Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1935 Mar 14 & Erin. Mr Mrs P Finn, of Toronto, were Sunday visitors with Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1935 Apr 11, Erin, Mr Mrs P Finn, & Ruby Walker, of Toronto, were Sunday visitors with Mrs Ella Walker.
. 1935 Jul 18, Erin, Mrs Mrs P Finn, Mrs J Felker & 2 sons & daughter Marie, Misses Irene & Kathleen Walker of Toronto, were week-end visitors with Mrs Ella Walker
. 1935 Mrs Thomas Justice, of Winnipeg, Man., is visiting with her mother, Mrs Ella Walker & other relatives.
. 1935 Nov 14, Mrs Ella Walker & grandson, Edward Brock, were away in Toronto from Friday evening to Monday evening with her daughters.
.1935 Dec 26, Mrs Ella Waker, Miss Kathleen Walker, & Edward Brock are away in Toronto for visits with relatives & friends during the Christmas holidays
. 1936 Apr 9, Mr Mrs Neil Felker of Toronto, were Sunday visitors with Mrs Ells Walker; while in town Mr. Felker called on several old friends. - . -
. 1936 Oct 22,Mrs Thos. Justice of Winnipeg man< Mrs Mrs P Finn, Mis Irene Walker, Mrs Jennie Felker, Miss Ruby Walker & Miss Kathleen Walker of Toronto, visited with Mrs Ells Walker.

. 1938 Jun 30 - Ospringe - McCUTCHEON REUNION, held Saturday afternoon at the home of Mr Mrs Robert S McCutcheon, THIRD LINE, Erin, home offers McCutcheon settlers for 3 generations. The first McCutcheon came from Ireland over a 100 years go & purchased the home from the Crown.
Inspire of unfavorable weather in early afternoon, 110 guest registered. Games & races:
Races under 13: Helen Aitken & CHARLIE FELKER [born 1924]
After the races, supper was served on the lawn, President Robt. McC. called the guests to order & extended to all a hearty welcome.
MRS ELLA WALKER, gave a short history of the McCutcheon clan, which was very interesting.
Ref: Acton Free Press.
1942 My 14, Erin Mrs Ella Walker has retuned to her home here after spending the the winter with her daughters in Toronto Her daughters , Mrs Thosmas Justice of Winnipeg, Manitoba, accompanied her & will remain for a time. Ref: Acton Free Press, reprinted from the Advocate.

. 1935 Wellington Co., voters list: Mrs. Chas. widow, Erin.

. ELLA HAMILTON'S FAMILY BIBLE: 12 X 9 X 4.5 inches thick. This Bible does not bear a publication date as such, but does have a publisher's note that it was entered into US Librarian of congress in 1876.The first entry for Richard & Jane's marriage was, thus entered at least 2 to 3 decades later. The Bible was then given to her eldest daughter, Jennie Walker, who in turned left it her eldest & only daughter, Marie Felker. The Bible then came to Marie's niece, myself, Patricia Felker Ahlberg, 2010, Toronto
> Here I would like to make interesting notation: Between the pages of Luke XXI - XXII, there are several dark blue ink spots. Additionally, caught up in the binding was a broken & spent wooden match head. Grandmother Ella was well noted for smoking a pipe! So which came first the flying match head or spilt ink? PJA 2015

. First Family Record is a richly coloured Certificate of Holy Matrimony,
Richard Hamilton of Acton
& Jane M. McCutcheon of Erin Township
on Thursday, Jany 24th, 1861 at Hugh McCutcheons
by Revd. Joseph Unsworth, Congregational Minister, Georgetown. Witness: Stewart McCutcheon, Witness: Alex. Hamilton.

. HAMILTON, ESTATE FILE, WELLINGTON, #8251, RG 2, 1917 Nov. 17
Petition of Ella Hamilton Walker: city of West Toronto, York Co., Widow
Jane M. Hamilton of the village of Erin, Wellington Co. left $1,000 in Real Estate
Signed, Ella M Walker
Will dated 1 November 1910, Died "I devise & bequeath the sum to my daughter Ella Walker & for her & assign excepting the sum of $400 which I bequeath to my grand-daughter Jennie Felker - Residue to my said daughter." Executrix is my daughter Ella Walker.
Signed, Jane M. Hamilton
Witnesses: Janette McDowell, Erin, William McDowell Arch H. MacDonald Solicitor. Real Estate Description: 1/1 7 of an acre, being part of Easterly half of Lot #14, 9th concession of Erin, described by metes & Bounds in a Conveyance dated 1 May, 1891, from Charles Staples, of Golden, Colorado, & his wife to the said Jane Matilida Hamilton.

. DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
Briefly then, the Esquesing church grew peacefully into the principles of the Campbellian reformation, & in June, 184 3, the first June meeting of the Ontario Disciples, was held. On that occasion the name "Disciples of Christ" or "Christians" was used. The site of this meeting house was near Norval, actually on the Menzies farm, Lot 8, 10th line, Esquesing. So small was the log building, that at the first June meeting, Ash records that numbers of the listeners had to vacate their seats in order to permit others to hear.
This Esquesing church was characterized by very strict discipline as to its members' conduct. For, with this strong desire to maintain the purity of the witness to the gospel, there was evident the air of exaltation & discovery which are elements in any youthful cause. There was not much experience to fall back upon, & the Bible was truly an honored medium of counsel toward maintaining a high standard of conduct with which to exalt the Christian profession; & who ca n deny the wholesomeness of such an aim? Consider the delicacy of the recording scribe who could indite upon his record s about a sister that had erred & been removed from fellowship- "for a crime mentioned in I Corinthians." ...This forest sanctuary to Christ which Esquesing folk raised, has long since passed from common knowledge, but the spiritual emanations from that Bible-loving people still grasp at the stars.

> Please see the McCutchons on the separate McCutcheon Family of Erin, Wellington Co., Ontario. at Rootsweb.com .

Transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Ontario Land Registry Office Abstract Book 215, Plans 61 & 282:
. Village of Erin., Wellington County
Lot 12, Con 9, p68, (NE halt of divided Lot 14), Saw Mill Lot, South West Side, Main Street:
. 1891 May 1, Bargain&Sale, Chas Staples & wife, to Jane Matilada Hamilton, NA pt 1/17 Acres, with right of lane. [ 3 rooms in house situated on Lot 12, ft. in 15.3 frontage /1874.1.31];
. 1918 Jany 9, B&S, Ella H Walker, Extx of Jane M Hamilton, ded. & inner personal capacity & Jennie Felker. to James Small NWPart 1/17A. $1,000.
. 1918 Jan 9, Mortgage, James Small & wife, to Jennie Felker, NW, $800, Discharged 1956.12.4.

Ontario Land Registry Office Abstract Book 215 (part 2),
. Village of Erin., Wellington County ,p8
> 1846 Dec 8, B&S, Daniel & Chas. McMillian & Wife, sold to John S Walker, part W 18.2
> 1852 Nov 24, Registered 1852 Dec 8, Bargain&Sale, Hugh, Dan & Chas McMillan, sold to Jno. Sibbald Walker,

Lot 2, Con 10 Part South West Main St., Half, Lot 14 [ Inc. Lots 2, 3, 7, 14.] page 8.
. 1852 Dec 4, B&S, Jno Sibbald Walker & Wife, sold to James Monroe, with other lands together 2r 29p.
> 1853 Oct 24 - John S Walker & Wife, Mortgage - Pm & Perm Bank of Sur., Part W. [i.e. wife, Jane Thompson Walker]
. 1857 May18 - Thompson Geo. M. Walker - to Calvin M Question, unnumbered Lot 2.3
> 1858 Sep 25 - Perm. Bldg. Society, to John S Walker, Part 2 - 12, Erin.

Lot 3, Con 10 Part SW Half, Lot 14: [i.e. Church St. west, Erin]
> 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Dan & Chas McMillan, to John Sibbald Walker, with other land together 4a 1r 4p.
. 1852 Dec4, B&S, John Sibbald Walker & wife, to James Monro, with other land together 2r 29Halfp.

Lot 3, Con 10 Part SW Half, Lot 14:
> 1848 Jul 31, B&S, Dan & Chas & wives, to John Sibblad Walker, with her lands together r 41 1r 4p.
. 1848 Jul 31,B&S, John Sibbald Walter, to James Young, area 1r 30p9/10, pt of 18a 2p with Lot B
. 1855 Nov 29, B&S, Geo. MichaelWalker, to Peter Cook, area 34.

Lot 8, Con 10
> 1846 Oct 6, Dan & Chas McMillan & wives, to JS Walker, with Lot 7 together 1r 30 9/10 p.
Lot 9, Con 10
. 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Hugh McMillan, to JS Walker Part with other lands 4a 1r 4p.
. 1854 Nov 6, B&S, JS Walker, to Spencer l Shotter.

Lot 14, Con 10, Lots on Block SE side of Mill St.
[i.e. Main & Scotch sts., Arigcultural Hall across the street in 1907]
. 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Hugh, to JSWalker, together 4a 1R 4p
. 1852 Dec - B&S, JSWalker & Wife, to James How.
Ref: Ontario Archives Microfiche # GS 3122-3.
. Ontario Death Registration #5413, died Nov 17, 1917:
Born Erin, 78 , 1839, Erin, Residence 855 Keele St., Toronto, housework, widow, died of cancer uteri, for 1 year.

Ontario Land Registry Office Abstract Book 237, Plan 102:
. ERIN TWP., Wellington County
Lot 15, Con 10, p67
. 1878 Mar 1, B&S, Jas White & wife to Charles H Walker, All Quarter Acres.
. 1918 Mar 26, B&S, Ella H Walker, ido, to Mary J McMillan, all, $1,800.

Lot 13, Con 10, p58
. 1883 Mar 26, B&S, J C Sibley & Wife, to Richard Hamilton, All Quarter Acre, $1,000.
. 1920 Apr 30, Certificate Mech., Consenting to & confirming Sale by Ella H Walker to John T Austin. All Quarter Acre, $1000.
. 1920 Sep 29, Registered 1948 Aug 12, Grant, Ella H Walker, Exec. of Jame M Hamilton, widow, Dec., to J T Austin, All Quarter a. Premises & $1000
. 1945 Aug 23, Grant, widow Jennie Felker, Nellie Justice, John S Walker & wife, Irene Walker, Ruby Walker, Mary Finn, Winnifred Jamieson & Kathleen H Walker, to James Baird, all, $850.

Lot 20, Con 10, p82
. 1900 Nov 28, B&S, Isabella Brower, spinster, to Chas H Walker, All Quarter Acre, $200.
. 1908 Oct 31, B&S, Ella H Walker, widow, to Robt E Overland, $250.

Note3: Thus ends the Walkers last land ownership in Erin. - PJA 2018.

Birth:
"Mamma & Grama Hammy"

Died:
Aged 81y 5m 1d., COD; Bronchopneumonia 4ds & Generalized arteriosclerosis.

Buried:
Row 28, Plot 14

Notes:

. St. Edmund Parish Register, Register # 383, File #12608.
John Sibbald Walker, Baptized 10 Mar 1819, Curate Wm. Middleton,
Son of Margaret & John Walker, Carpenter, Abode Sedgefield, Durham County, England.

. HAMILTON QUARTER SESSIONS
Walker, Thomas, 1838 June, - Plaintiff, - Page 12,
Walker, John, 1839 March - Plaintiff
Walker, John, 1847 /8 DEC 24, Plaintiff
Thomson, Jane, 1843, June 12, Plaintiff, Page 18.

. 1840 Jul 14 Assessment Hamilton Town:
John Walker: Framed one story dwelling; 1 Male,1 Female, Total 2.
Note1: Son Edward R Walker must have been born after July 14, 1840. - PJA.

. 1841 May Assessment Hamilton Town:
John Walker: 1 Adult, 2 story framed dwelling: 1 @ 60£. - Total Assessment 85£.

. 1842 Assessment Hamilton Town:
John Walker, John Street, 6 houses before Cherry St.: Total 4 persons assessed at £100.
John Walker, Catharine Street, one adult. (nil assessment). i.e. John Walker Senior & Junior. ]

. 1843 ASSESSMENT HAMILTON TOWN. (TWO Separate Entries for:)
John S Walker, 2 Lots, 2 Story, Additional fireplace, Mr. Bowen, Landlord, 200£
Thompson [Thompson crossed out] Mrs. Walker, 1 female, Martial landlord, 60£ .

. 1846 Smith's Canadian Gazetter, Province of Canada West:
Erin, 32,447 Acres are taken up, 7,945 are under cultivation, Tipis holy & stoney. There is a small settlement in sw of twp. called McMillen's Mills, where are a grist & saw mill, tavern & blacksmith shop & between 4-0-50 inhabitants. There are 1 grist & 4 saw mills in two. Crown lands are open for sale at 8 shillings per acre. Speed River, a branch of Grand River, An excellent mill stream, 2 grists & saw mill.

. Hamilton Coach & Carriage Factory, King St. Hamilton. - 70 hands (workers)
Ref: Possible location for apprenticeship for both John & brother George M Walker.

. 1849 Smiths Canadian Gazetteer, Erin, A small settlement in SW of Twp. called McMullen's Mills, grist & Saw mill, tavern & blacksmith shop, 7 between 40 7 50 inhabitants.

. 1850 - First road was planked from Trafalgar, Esquesing & Erin Road from Oakville to Stewarttown.

. 1853 - Stations in 15 locations, from Arthur... Erin ...Wellesley, all of which I have been able to visit during the winter. Want of roads is a difficulty. From Milton I walked through the woods a distance from 10 miles in summer between two stations. In winter it is 16 miles by a round about way.
. Rev. W. W. Bates for Rockwood & Erin.

. 1859 Ontario Directory, Erin, Canada West, Tp. Co. Wellington. Go to Guelph on the GTR. Population about 300.
1873, Erin Population 600.
Ref: The New Work in 1859: being the US & Canada.

. 1859 Oct 19- Erin Agricultural Township Show Fair, Erin Village.

. 1861 Census Erin Village, Wellington
John S Walker, B 1819 England, Blacksmith, 2 half Acres, Concrete 2 stories house
Jane Walker, b. 1821 Ireland; Margaret, b. 1858; Robt., b 1853; Sarah Jane, b. . 1857; Mary Walker b. 1858; Arthur Walker, Apprentice, Age 17, Residing with Wm M Kenney, tinsmith, Erin.

. 1864 Sept 15th, from the Guelph Advertiser from Erin village says ...there are scores of farmers in township who have not a sheaf in the barn, the weather having proved so very unfavourable for harvesting. The crops, however, are very good all around here.
Ref: The Canada farmer, Volume 1.

. 1865-71 Canada Directory, John S Walker Foundry & Machine .
1865-66 Mitchell & Co.'s Canada Classified Directory: Blacksmith, Erin: John S Walker & Iron Foundries & Machines, Erin, ON., John S Walker.
. 1867 Walker, John S., founder, Ref: Wellington Co. Directory.

. 1869 Province of Ontario Gazetteer & Directory
Erin - A village situated in the Twp. of Erin Co. Wellington, 20 miles from Guelph, the county town, 35 miles from Toronto & 12 m. from Georgetown, the nearest station on the Grand Trunk Railway. Stage to Guelph 20 miles. Fare 75¢. Daily mail. Money order office & Savings' Bank. Population 600. Walker, John S., foundry & machine shop.

. 1871 HISTORY OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH (Travel Conditions & John Walker):The Church of England is glad to learn there signs showing of vitality in the pretty village of Erin. The congregation was also without a clergyman for a considerable time, but in the fall of 1865 Rev. Johnstone Vicars was put in charge. (Undated Extract: Guelph Advertiser).
. 1866 July 23rd, All Saints Parish Hall: Church Building Committee, Present Rev J. Vicars, Messrs. Cornoch, Steward, Walker & Campbell. Mr. Aldian, a builder of Guelph will draw up specifications plans for $5. It was moved by Mr. Walker. Seconded by Mr. Stewart that the plans of the Church now exhibited the plans are suitable. Carried.
Moved by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Campbell that Mr. Cornock be treasurer & Mr Carbury, Secretary Carried. Messrs. Cornock & Walker were appointed to request Mr. Campbell, the surveyor, to measure the land. Signed, John Vicars. (Mr. Cornock is the land benefactor.)
All Saints Anglican Church, 81 Main Street, Erin ON.
Ref: Rev. Francis Tremayne, Travelling Missionary, North York Public Library, 6 Fl., Toronto. More church records may be found at, McMaster University Libraries, under the Anglican Diocese.

. 1871 Lovells Province of Ontario Directory
Erin, Ontario, population about 500. Stage coach from Erin to Guelph 75¢ for the 20 miles., Stage coach from Erin to Guelph 75¢. Thirteen miles from Georgetown railroad station.
Walker, Geo. M., of McMillan & Walker,
Walker, John S., Foundry.

. 1871 Oct 27, FERGUS NEWS RECORDER Newspaper:
Garafraxa Ploughing Match:
20 ploughs entered - Mr. Walker's (Erin) plough was a favorite with many. It made a good cut, good turn up, good fearing & good finish.

. 1871 Erin, Wellington Co. Census, (p67):
John S Walker, Age 52 /1819, Born England, Church of England, Blacksmith, married
Elizabeth Walker, 42 /1829, Born Ireland, Ch. of England,
Sara J Walker, 15 /1856, born Ontario; Chars H. 14 /1857; Mary Ann, 12/1958; James W Walker Age 3 /1868.

. 1871 Lovell's Dominion Directory: Toronto Street Railway:
Route - St. Lawrence Hall to Yorkville & St. Lawrence Hall to Lunatic Asylum.

. 1871-1872 Wellington Co. Diretory, Erin:
Walker, Arthur, hardware; Walker, Geo. M. (McMillan & Walker).;
Walker, John S, foundry & machine shop.

. 1875 Wellington Co. Directory & Gazetteer, Erin, Wellington Co.
Erin A village situated on lots 13, 7, 14, 9th & 10 Con., Erin Twp., on the proposed line of the Credit Valley Railway. contains 9 stores, 4 hotels, grist mill (a second one will be built shortly, saw mill, carding factory, 2 foundries, 3 blacksmiths' shops, carriage factory, 4 churches, stave factory & law office, distant from Charleston station of the T.G & B Railway, 8 miles; from Georgetown, GTR station 13 miles, from Guelph the County Town, 19 miles, Mail, daily, stages leave for Georgetown on Mon., Wed. & Fridays, for Guelph. Montreal Telegraph Co. has an office here. Population 500.
. Erin Foundry, by John S. Walker. Size of building 60 x 82 feet, employs 7 men.
. Walker, John S, Foundry.

* 1876 Oct 26 - Erin Fall Exhibition, Tues. 17 Oct:
Implements: Gang plough: 2nd prize, J S Walker.

. 1877 Oct 25, Erin Exhibition: A large number of people, numbering around 3000 people, ventured through the almost incessant drizzle & such prevailed during the whole of last Thursday.,
Implements:
Gang Plow: 2nd. prize, J S Walker
Cultivator: 1st. prize, J S Walker;
Wooden harrow: 1st. J S Walker;
Set horse shoes: 1st, J S. Walker.
Domestic Produce: Honey in a comb: 1s. J S Walker & Strained honey, 2nd. prize, J S Walker.

. 1878 May 16 - There is now a daily mail between Guelph & Erin Village.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1879 Co. of Wellington Gazetteer: Erin, an import postal village. 18 miles from Guelph. The proposed line of the Credit Valley RR runs through the village.There is a good foundry, a flour & Grist mill, & extensive woollen mills mfg. Tweeds, Full- Cloth, blankets, flannels etc. Plain & Colored yarns.
* Walker & Son, blacksmiths. [i.e. John S Walker & Charles Walker]

. 1879 Dec 23, Tues. - John S. Walker, of Erin village, died suddenly on Wednesday morning in a car on the Credit Valley Railway. [= Wed., Dec 17, 1879.]
Ref: The Globe, Toronto.

. 1880 May 1 - Erin Council - Pursuant to adjournment the Municipal Council of Erin Twp. met at Devier's Hotel Hillsbury, at ten o'clock. The Reeve in the chair & members all present. The matter in dispute between Wm. Young & John Walker in reference to the road leading to John Walker's house was called, when a long discussion ensued between the parties. Moved by Mr Reid, second by Dr. McNaughton, that the Reeve be instructed to take legal advice in reference to this road allowance & report was early as possible. Carried.
Ref: Guelph Daily Mercury newspaper, published 1880 Jun 30.

. 1879 Dec 17, Obituary. Sudden Death in Erin Mr John Walker Drops Dead
We regret to learn of the very sudden death this Wednesday morning of Mr. John S Walker, of Erin Village, & the oldest & most respected resident in the place. Mr. Walker was known far & wide as the proprietor of the Erin foundry.
On Wednesday morning he intended to go to Fergus or Elora, & left his house about half past 6 o'clock for the ballast train on the Credit Valley Railway. He was only in the car about 5 minutes when he expired. Heart disease is supposed to be the cause of his death. As we said, Mr. Walker is very old & respected resident of Erin, being in business there for many years. He was in good health up to the time of his death. The deceased never took a very active part in public matters, but he had always the interests of Erin at heart & he will be much missed, not only by his own family, but by the people in the village & township, by whom he was greatly respected for his genuine manliness & honesty.
Ref: Guelph Daily Evening Mercury, pub. Dec 17, 1879. Wed.

. WILL of JOHN SIBBALD WALKER:
Three living grandchildren of deceased Geo Walker, & 6 living children;
Edward (the administrator); William, Arthur; Mrs. Geo L Briggs (Margaret Ann); Robt. H & George Walker;
Edward, "eldest son". His, "mother is Thompson, a long time lunatic in Toronto. "

Note2: The lawyer representing the 4 children of his second companion, Elizabeth Walker, petitioned that the Will's administer present an undoubted security bond (i.e to ensure the corrected distributions to the second family too. )
No distribution was recorded in the administration papers, however, the envelope WILL had the Value as $2,5000. Edward Walker gives the assesses as $2,000. Since at least 1877 son Charles H Walker had already been working this his father operating the Erin Foundry & Machine Shop.

. Tall tombstone with iron on top, reads: In memory of John S Walker who died Dec. 18 1881.
Aged 61y 8mo 19 days. Erin Union Cemetery.

. 1879 Dec 17 Ontario Death Registration # 15745, Wellington Co.
John Sibbald Walker, Died Dec 17 1879, 60 years, 10 mo., 9 days;
Machinist, Born Country Durham, England,
Died of Heart disease, Dr. McNaughton,
Signature of informant Charles Walker, his son, Machinist, Erin., Reported 30 Dec 1879, Church of England.

. 1906 WELLINGTON COUNTY ATLAS
WALKER, John Sible, was b. Durham, Eng., & came to Hamilton in 1827 with his father, Thomas Walker, & the rest of the family.

Thomas Walker later returned to England & secured a situation as Supt. of the bridge building department of the Great Western Railway & died in England.

John S., after learning the blacksmithing trade in Hamilton, went to Slabtown.*
He had m. Jane Thompson who resided with Sir Allan McNabb. After about 2 years, in 1842, he moved to Erin Tp., settling in Erin Village, where he started the first blacksmith shop, & his brother George started a waggon shop opposite. He soon started a foundry ran by horse power for years. Later he sold out & moved to the present Walker foundry site, where he followed his business & made the celebrated Walker plow, the first iron beam, & iron handle plow in Canada. He also made buggies & cultivators & used to shoe the oxen in the district. He never sought municipal or political honours; was a Conservative in politics & a member of the English Church.
Issue: Edward (d. Guelph), William (d.); Flesherton; Arthur, Toronto Junction; George, (d. Erin); John C.; Mrs. G. L. Briggs, Tara; & Robert H., Calgary.

Note3: Slabtown was near St. Catharines, now Merriton, then noted for the Welland Canal & Welland-Western Railway. This flourishing town was located on the line of the Welland Canal on part Lots 10, 11 & 12, Con 9 & 10 Grantham Township. The town was created out of 4 small communities named Centreville (1826), Westport, Protestant Hill & Slabtown.
Ref: Cultural Heritage Assessment Report. Wentworth Co.

. Granddaughter, Ruby Walker told the story of her grandfather, John S Walker's death:
They came & called my grandfather to come & repair the train. The engine would not start. He was a blacksmith, but in Erin village he was the expert on machines, like a garage mechanic. This was an important event & Grandfather, was running up the street in Erin to the train station to repair the engine on the inaugural trip of the Credit Valley Railroad. The train would not start again so John was considered to be the Erin mechanical engineering expert so they called him to repair the train. He ran huffing & puffing up to the Erin train station. He grabbed the handle to pull himself up onto the engine & right then he was struck with a heart attack. 
P.S. This would have been before Ruby was born in 1899. So this story must have been a oft repeated story retold with much emotion.
Ref: c. 1982, As told by daughter, Ruby Walker to her grandniece PJ Felker.

. The Credit Valley Railway was given a hearty welcome one night as it arrived on its way thro' to Elora. I am told it was in October 1878. What a giant is seems. I remember how frightened we children were. A sad event of that evening was the sudden death of Mr. John Walker Sr., one of Erin's most prominent businessmen. He was hurrying to see the first passenger train through Erin when he collapsed & died. The evenings excitement was damped by sorrow for the family of Mr. Walker who had a foundry works, wagons & blacksmith shop on Main Street.

. Two of his sons carried on for many years; Mr. Charles & James Walker, who married with 2 ladies named Hamilton, but no relation to each other. Charles's wife was a daughter of Richard Hamilton who kept a grocery store on Main Street, & strange to say, his clerk was a John Hamilton of no relation to either Walker or Hamilton the grocer.
- as recounted by Florence Baker, in the mid 1940's wrote her memoirs of the time she lived in Erin during the 19th & 20th century.
Ref: Gleanings From Memories By Paths of Erin - Part Seven, by Harry Smith. 1871. - - -

Ontario Land Registry Office Abstract Book 215, Part Plan 61,
VILLAGE of ERIN, Wellington County
. Lot 2, Con 10, [divided into} Part SW Half, Lot 14, p8:
> 1846 Dec 8 - Daniel & Chas. McMillian & Wife, sold to John S Walker, part W 18.2
> 1852 Nov 24, Registered 1852 Dec 8, Bargain&Sale, Hugh, Dan & Chas McMillan, sold to Jno. Sibbald Walker, Lot 2, Con 10 Part SW Half, Lot 14 [ Inc. Lots 2, 3, 7, 14.]
. 1852 Dec 4, B&S, Jno Sibbad Walker & Wife, sold to James Monroe, with other lands together 2r 29p.
> 1853 Oct 24 - John S Walker & Wife, Mortgage - Pm & Perm Bank of Sur., Part W. [i.e. wife, Jane Thompson Walker]
. 1857 May18 - Thompson Geo. M. Walker - to Calvin M Question, unnumbered Lot 2.3
> 1858 Sep 25 - Perm. Bldg. Society, to John S Walker, Part 2 - 12, Erin.

Lot 3, Con 10, Part SW Half, Lot 14, p13:
> 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Hugh McMillan, exec of & Chas McMillan & Mary McMillan, to John Sibbald Walker, with other land together 4acres 1r 4p.
. 1852 Dec 4, B&S, John Sibbald Walker & wife, to James Monro, with other land together 2r 29Halfp.

Lot 7, Con 10 Part SW Half, Lot 14 p21
. 1846 Oct6 B&S,Dan & chareles McMillan & wives, to JohnS ibbald Walker, £1.30.9p with lot 8, (part of 18A 2r);
. 1848 Jul 31, B&S, Dan & Chas McMillan & wives & John Sibbald Walker, to James Young,£1.30p.9/10, Pt of 18 Acres, 2p, with Lot 8;
.
. 1852 Dec 2, B&S, James Young & wife, to John Sibbald Walker, 1r 30p9/10p, with Lot 8, (part of 18a2r);
. 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Hugh McMillan & Donald McBain (Executors of Charles McMillan, co-proprietor with the late Daniel McMillan, Mary McMillan, widow of late Dan. McMillan, & Christiana McMillan, wife of said Chas McMillan, to John Sibbald Walker, with other lands together 4 Acres 1r 4p.
. 1852 Dec 6, Jno Sibbald Walker & wife, to Geo. Michael Walker, 3. [or 34?] & 64440/10000 p.;
. 1854 Nov6, B&S, John Sibblad Walker, to Sencer L Shotter, with other land together 22A 16p.
. 1855 Nov 29, B&S, Geo. Michael Walker, to Peter Cook, 34 64480/100,000p.
. 1856 Aug 22,B&S, Spencer LShotter & wife, to Peter Cook, 1 Acred with provision respecting stream;
. 1856 Aug 22, S L Shotter, to P Cook, with provison respecting stream.

Lot 8, Con 10, p25
> 1846 Oct 6, Dan & Chas McMillan & wives, to JS Walker, with Lot 7 together 1r 30 9/10 p.
. 1848 Jul 31, B&S, John Sibbald Walker, Dan& Chas McMillan & wives, to James Young, With Lot 7, together 1r 30 9/10 p.
. 1852 Dec 2, B&S, James & Yonge & wife, to JS Walker, Lot 7 & with reservation & other land.
. 1853 Mar 16, Release of Judgement, Cal McQuesten & John Fisher, to JS Walker, with other land together, 22a or 16p.
. 1854 Nov 6, B&S, John S Walker, to S L Shotter, with other land.

. 1861 Jun 29, B&S, John Darroch & wife, to Hugh Millan, 12 Acres.

Lot 9, Con 10, p29
. 1852 Nov 24, B&S, Hugh McMillan, Executors of Chas McMillan, to JS Walker Part with other lands 4a 1r 4p.;
. 1853 Mar Release of Judgement, Calvin McQuesten & John Fisher, to John Sibbald Walker, with other land 22A or 16p with reservations;
. 1854 Nov 6, B&S, JS Walker, to SL Shotter, Part, with other lands;
. 1855 Aug 3, Samuel Beals & wife, to John clark, all 28 per.& part Lot 11 with privilege of Lane with provision for waterway.
. 1917 Jul 2, B&S, JohnR Hamilton & James Walker, Excutors, Wm Hamilton, decd, to Jennie Hull, Part, $1.

Lot 11, Con 10, p37
. 1852 Dec 3, B&S John Harris & wife, to John Sibbald Walker, part area.
. 1856 Sep 19, B&S, Reg. 4.27.1864, JS Walker, to John Clark, Part area, right of way through alley;
.1856 Sep 19, B&S, John Sbbald Walker, to John Clark, part A.

Lot 14, Con 10, Lots on Block SE side of Mill St., p45
. 1852 Nov 24, B&S, HughMcMillian, to JSWalker, With other land together 4a 1R 4p;
. 1852 Dec - B&S, JSWalker & Wife, to James Monro, with other land together.

. Lot 9, Con 10, p29 of Geo Arnott, Dec, To Erin Public School Board, all 2 acres, $20.00, Less Half acres.

Ref: Ontario Archives Microfiche # GS 3122-3. - - -

Birth:
Stockston District.

Died:
Aged 60y, 10m 9d [= 8 Feb 1819]. Heart Disease.

Buried:
Row S44-3, Plot 10, Tall pillar, top urn missing in 1990's.

John married Elizabeth WYKHAM. Elizabeth was born on 10 Feb 1828 in Ireland; died on 26 May 1903 in Erin Village, Wellington Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

. 1877 Oct 25, Erin Exhibition:
Ladies Work: Fancy wool work, Scarf, 2nd prize, [Mrs?] J S Walker.

. 1883 Wellington County Directory:
Sibley John C, carriage builder
Walker C H, prop. Erin Foundry, manuf. agricultural implements
Walker, Mrs Elizaberh, wid. John.

. 1883 Ontario Directory
Walker, Elizabeth, Mrs wid. John, 1881 Erin, Ontario.

. 1901 Census Erin Village, Wellington Co.,
Walker, Elizabeth, Mother [residing with son James Walker], Widow, Born 10 Feb. 1829 Age. 72,
Country of birth, England, Nationality, Religion: English Ch., Reads Writes English - Native language English.
Note: Elsewhere Elizabeth consistently gives her nationality as Irish. Based on this 1901 Census, one might infer she was from North Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom ('English').

. Ontario Death Certificate # 028057, Wellington Co.
Walker, Elizabeth, died Mar 26, 1903, Main St., Erin, Widow,
Born Ireland, Bronchitis 2 weeks.
Dr. Henry Gear, Religion English. Registered May 28, 1903.

. OBITUARY, May 29, 1903, Erin
The summons of death came last Tuesday morning to Mrs. Elizabeth Walker, relict of the late John S. Walker, who passed away about 5 o'clock at the residence of her son, Mr. J. W. Walker, Main street, at the age of 73 years & 4 months.
At an hour when the bereavement weighs so heavily upon the family & friends, words must fail to express adequately or in a measure the profound sympathy felt for them. The funeral took place on Thursday to Erin Cemetery.
Ref: Brampton Conservator Newspaper. - - -

Birth:
Son James' middle name is Wyckham/ Wykham. Verify if her maiden name.

Died:
Main Street. Aged 73y 4m. (=26 Jan 1830.) Bronchitis, 2 Weeks.

Notes:

Richard L Hamilton, Part One:

Two Hamilton siblings married two McCutcheon siblings:
Richard L Hamilton married Jane Matilda McCutcheon &
his sister Hadassah Hamilton married John McCutcheon.

. 1840 - There were 2 flours mill on Lot 28 in Con 2 & 3. A Water on the next lot 29 in the third concession, there was a water saw mill.
Ref: A Sketch of Co. Halton, Canada West, 1862.

. 1846 Smith's Canadian Gazetter, Province of Canada West:
Esuesing, Twp. in Gore District, with excellent land & many good farms, generally well cultivated. What of superior quality is grown in this & adjoining townships. Nine hundred acres of Crown lands are open for sale at 8 Shillings per acre. 4 grist & 11 saw mills.

. 1852 Agricultural Census Chinguacousy Twp., Peel Co., Ontario
Hamilton, Con. 4, Lot 1, Chinguacousy, 100 Acres, 75 A. cultivated 43 A. under crops in 1851; 31 A. under pasture 1851, 1 A. garden or orchard; 25 A. under wild wood; 25 A. produced 400 bushels of wheat.
4 A. produced 80 Bsh peas.; 4A. produced 150 bsh. oats; 10 Acres produced 15 tons of hay, 47 lbs. wool; 5 bulls, oxen or steers, 5 milch cows, 5 horses, 24 sheep, 4 pigs, 300 lbs. beef; 21 cwts. Pork.

> REMARKS on the January 1852 CENSUS, written by Allen Bowfield (b. c1825, also farmer in Chingoucousy.)
In reference to the soils: The nature of the soil will be best explained by stating that there are 2 kinds of land in the ward. The one may be called sandy loam. In the neighbourhood of which soil in a few cases most excellent building sand is founded. The sandy loam with sharp subsoil grows good wheat, barley, & peas. The other goes by the name of clay land has a deep black top soil with heavy clay below. Grows first rate vegetables as good crops of hays & oats. Ward No. 2 is not as favourably situated for water as some localities. In many instances the farmer depends principally upon the well. The water of which is generally of superior quality. There are a few living streams. On one of which there is a grist mill. Incapable, however of doing must dry weather for want of bountiful supply of water. The average valve of land throughout the Ward is about £7 per acre.
Note1: No Fulled cloth or linen or Flannel. Implying James Hamilton, Sr. was no longer weaving.
. James Hamilton owned an high number of animals in comparison with most neighbors whose average was 2 bulls, 4 milk cows & double the number of sheep! These were likely raised for the market. Also indicates a dependable water supply. Not for nothing was James Hamilton a Canada Land Agent. - PJA 2011.
Ontario Land Registry Abstract

. ACTON VILLAGE. Instrument 355C Mortgage 28 MAR 1856, Reg 4 MAY 1856, Richard Hamilton.
#54 F Quit Claim, 25 NOV 1863. Reg 11 NOV 1864, Richard Hamilton.
(Investment group Glass factory; subdivided lot). The next lot is the Halton Disciples of Christ Church, South of Mill Street. (Document is too faint to know for sure who was the grantor/grantee. There was much land speculation in Acton & consequently continual land partitioning by the Glass factory group. P J Ahlberg. )
. ACTON VILLAGE, Abstract Book L2 Block 14. Ins. 355 Mortgage 2 & 1856. Reg. 4 MAY 1855 Grantee: Richard Hamilton.
# 54. Quit claim 25 NOV 1863. Reg. 11 NOV 1864. Richard Hamilton.
VILLAGE of ACTON. Copy Book Vol. 11, 8 OCT 1874. (i.e. duplicate copy) Richard Hamilton, Carpenter of Acton. Grantor Wm. Stephenson Registration $50 W1/2 L 28, C3 Township of Esquesing, is now a part of Village of Acton. Original grant from Crown, too faint ...Part of first part & part of second...

. 1856-66 Mitchell & Co.'s Canada Classified Directory Canada West:
Carpenter & Builders, Acton. Hamilton, R., carpenter.

. 1856 son Richard L Hamilton was living alone in a log cabin near Acton, Esquesing Twp., Ontario, working as a carpenter, no doubt earning money to help support his mother & siblings. In 1864 Alex Hamilton emigrated first to (Ohio) & then Michigan to farm.

. Esquesing is a native word for which lies at the end.

. 1859 Acton Esquesing Tp., Halton Co., A Telegraph Station on the GTR.

. 1861 Jan 25, Enumerated TWICE,
> First in Flamborough Twp., 'Family member not present' &
> 1861 Agricultural Census Chingoucousy Twp., Peel Co., Ontario.
Richard Hamilton, Con 4, Lot 4, 200 Acres, 110 cultivated, 85 A. in 1860, Orchard/Garden 2 A., Woods 10 A., Farm value $12,000.
Fall Wheat 76A /1 bushel., Spring Wheat 20A/6000 bu., Barley, Rye nil, Peas, Oats, Potatoes, Turnips, Hops 20 Acres. [This census is somewhat blurry.]

* 1861 Jan 24 - Congregational Church, Halton Co., Georgetown,
Jane M McCutcheon, Born & resides Erin Twp., Age 20 /1841, daughter of Mary & Hugh McCutcheon,
married Richard Hamilton, Age 26 / born 1836, Toronto, resides Esquesing Twp., son of Rebecca & James Hamilton.
Note2: Brother Alex was witness at his wedding. It is probably that his mother was present at Richard's wedding as she did not emigrate to the US until 1864.

. 1861 Jun 15 - MARRIAGE LICENSE.
Hamilton, RICHARD, born 'City of Toronto', residing Esquesing Twp., Age 26*,
Son of Rebecca & James Hamilton, married
McCUTCHEON, Jane M, Age 20 (=1841*), b. Erin, daughter of Mary & Hugh McCutcheon,
Wit: Stuart McCutcheon of Erin & Alex Hamilton of Esquesing, Ontario & Married 24 OCT. 1861 at the Congregational Church, Georgetown, Halton Co.
Note3: The marriage license is just before his birthday on April 20 when he would be 27 years old.
XReference: His mother Rebecca Lawrence Hamilton's Land Grant states Town of York, Residence 1833.

. 1866 Toronto Peel Directory: Richard Hamilton, Con 4 Lot 4, freeholder, Chinguacousy Twp.
James Hamilton: Con 4, Lot 1, Chingoucousy Twp.;
John Hamilton Con 4, Lot 5,
John Hamilton Con 6, Lot 25 house. Chinguacousy Twp. [i.e. near Acton, Ontario].

. 1869 Prov. of Ont. Gazetteer & Directory Acton: A station on the Grand Trunk Railway, in the Township of Esquesing, County Halton, containing 2 flour mills, 4 sawmills, 2 shingle factories, 1 planing mill, 1 tannery, 1 foundry, 1 cloth factory, 4 churches, 1 common school, 3 hotels. The principal trade is in grain, lumber, cord wood, leather & hops. Land averages from $28 to $35 per acre. Distant from County Town 11 miles, from Toronto, 30 miles, & from Guelph, 14 miles. Money order office. Daily mail. Population, 700. Hamilton, Richard, carpenter.

. Hamilton, Richard, Acton, carpenter, Lovell's Business & Professional Directory of the Province of Ontario for 1882, (Montreal: John Lovell & Son, 1871), page 204.

. 1877 Peel Co. Atlas, Chinguacousy S Twp.,
Richard Hamilton, Farmer, Settled 1831, Brampton Post office, 1877 [deeded from his father?]
Mrs. Hamilton, Con 2, NDS, Lot 11, 100 Acres, non-resident 1877, Non Resident;
Ada Hamilton, Con 4 E, Lot 2 Chinguacousy South, (now Peel Co.), 50 Acres, Non Resident.
Con. 3E, Lot 4, 150 Acres; Con 3E, Lot 3
Con. 4E, Lot 4, 200 Acres
Con 4E, Lot 2, 50 Acres, Ada Hamilton, Chinguacousy S, Ada Hamilton [i.e. Hadassah?]
James Hamilton Con 4, Lot 1, Chingoucousy Twp.;
John Hamilton Con 4, Lot 5 also a John Hamilton Con 6, Lot 25 house. Chinguacousy Twp.

Note4: Wages in Upper Canada 1842: Carpenters, 6 s, 10 p. Halifax Currency per diem.
Note5: 1855 Transferred by his WILL: Richard Hamilton, Con 4 Lot 4, freeholder, Chinguacousy Twp. Halton. &
Note6: Concession 4 East is now located between Bramalea Rd. & Heart Lake Road, Peel Co., it was split in half, with the northern half becoming part of the town of Caledon, & the southern half, along with the township of Toronto Gore, joining the town of Brampton. - PJA 2010.

ACTON FREE PRESS:
. 1875 Aug 27 - The Village Council met last Thursday evening. Petition was presented from J H Smith & others for a drain on Main St. from Mr. Smith's residence to the crossing opposite Richard Hamilton's. Also one from A. Stephenson, R Hamilton & others to have Willow St. graded from the corner opposite the Post Office to the new plow factory.* Both petitions were laid over till next meeting. [*Acton Plow Co., Substantial frame bldg. 22X54 & engine house 21x24 for the mfg. of Stephenson Iron Plow, Machinery cost $7,000.Willow St.]

. 1875 Nov 12 - Acton's Progress, Acton has grown more the past 3 years than at any time, during many years of its previous history & the season now closing has probably been productive of a greater number of new buildings & a greater outlay of money than any previous year.
. Main Street: Wm. Stephenson - A 1 ½ story frame dwelling, 22 X 30, Gothic front, upright battens, neatly designed, & well finished, at a cost of about $800. Built by RICHARD HAMILTON.
. ROBERT AGNEW - ADDITION TO THE DOMINION HOTEL, RICHARD HAMILTON, builder. Cost about $300.
1875 Dec 16 - Acton Municipal: For the Council, we hear several new names mentioned, among them being, Richard Hamilton. We have, however, no positive information from the parties themselves.

> 1875 Dec 28, page 1 - Village of Acton, For Reeve, Dr. McGarvin - proposed by F Snyder & R. Hamilton. For Councillors: D D Christie, H J Hall, Ed. Moore - Proposed by R. Hamilton.
. Speeches of the Candidates: I am very sorry Mr. Hamilton is going to retire [from the race], as we have always been co-workers in the interest of the village. Glad to see that Acton is keeping her place among the villages of the county, & whether in the Council or out I shall do all in my power to help her to keep that place.
> 1875 Dec 30 - Election nominations: Mr D Kennedy said that he was not in the election field himself, but as Mr Hamilton was not present, he spoke a few words in his behalf He taught Mr. Hamilton should be elected. Some good men ought to be in the Council to look after the interests of Main Street better than had been done the past year.
- (A printed election ballot to be cut out & filled in:)
Election of Members for the Municipal Council for the village of Acton, in the County of Halton, On Monday, the 3rd day of January 1876, 1876 January - For Councillors. #2, HAMILTON, Richard Hamilton, carpenter.

. 1876 Dec 7 - Municipal elections will be on. We presume the present Reeve & other members of the Council, with the exception of Mr. Hamilton, will soon be making their obeisance to the elections again.
. 1876 Dec 28, Thrus. Village of Acton for Reeve. Dr. McGarvin, proposed by S Snyder & R. Hamilton. Dr. McGarvin has not had much municipal experience, but is an active, energetic man of business & capable of taking charge.
. Acton Village Council met on Tuesday evening. Councillors: Duncan Kennedy, Benjamin Nicklin, Thos. Easton, Peter McCass were proposed by R. Hamilton.

. 1877 Jan 18, p.3, The last meeting of the old Council was held shortly before noon on Monday, all the embers present except Mr. Hamilton.
. 1877 May 3, pg 3, - Mr. Richard Hamilton, ex-councilor of this village, has secured the contract or building & equipping Mr. Beardmore's new tannery at Bracebridge. He will probably be absent all summer.

Note7: The following construction was under the direction of Richard Hamilton:
. Beardmore's Tannery at Bracebridge. The Bracebridge Gazette of the 27th ult., gives an interesting account of the new tannery premises being erected at that place. The editor of the Gazette mentions having interviewed our friends, Mr. Richard Hamilton, the contractor, & Mr. Z A Hall, the manager, by whom he was courteously received & from who he obtained information concerning the capacity of the building & the process of manufacturing leather: Tan yard, 65X112 ft., one story; leach house & bark shed 84X34 ft. with lean-to, 3 ft; dry house, 61x37ft., 5 stories; sweat pits, stone building, 45x345ft., one story; boiler house 35x45 ft., brick; engine house 14x35ft, brick; in the centre of the engine house there will be a brick chimney, 90 ft high, with a stone foundation 4x14ft, 6ft deep; the chimney being hollow at the bottom, & consisting of inner & outer walls of brick work, but tinselly carried in the solid, as the wall tapers on the outside.
There will be 8 coolers, 14x16ft, in the leech house. On the top of them will stand 4 tubs, 14ft. in diameter & 10 feet high. From the engine house to the yard a shaft will cross about 34 ft. long, to work the hide mills & water pumps.
Tramways will run from the various buildings to the dry house & store shed, & from the store shed to the wharf. A wire rope to turn the shaft in the dry house & work the hoist, will run from engine house to the dry house - thus the loads of hides will be conveyed to the different stories of the dry house, each floor of which is traversed lengthwise by a trimway working in the centre of hall on either side of which are 5 rooms, each containing 100 sides of leather; the dry house could thus contain, 5,000 hides, though in practice this number will not be reached, because some of the lower stories are occupied by a congress? of steam pipes.
About 450 cords of tan back [ Xtree pat??] have been delivered on the piling grounds at opposite sides of the river.
. 12 carpenters, 4 masons & an average of 10 laborers are employed on the works, & the whole concern when finished will make so big a hole in $20,000, that the residue will be nowhere.
The Beardmore tannery will probably be the largest tannery in Ontario & certainly the model tanner in the Dominion. - . -

. 1877 May 10 - Complementary Supper: On the eve of Mr. Zolman hall's departure from Acton, a number of his friends assembled at the Dominion Hotel to honor him with a complimentary supper, as a token to the universal esteem in which he is held in this his native place. ... removing to Bracebridge. The party comprised a large number of our most prominent citizens, ... Richard Hamilton. Mr. Hall responded warmly.

. 1878 Feb 28 - We are pleased to see Mr. Richard Hamilton has recovered from his late illness enough to him to return to Acton from Bracebridge. He arrived home on Monday evening.

. 1881 Oct 20 - Eramosa Fall Fair: Rockwood, last Thursday, Successful exhibitors: Agricultural Productions, Class 11, Grain etc. Indian corn: R. Hamilton.
. 1882 Jul 13 - Richard Hamilton - Assessment from $1100 to $800 on pt. lot Block 1 the owner. Court of Revision met on the 5th ins. The following changes were made in the Assessment Roll:
9. Richard Hamilton - Assessment reduced from $1100 to $800 on pt. lot block 1, is owner.
. 1882 Dec 28 - Richard Hamilton - nominated by Wm. Hemstreet, 2nd by A A Secord, Sr.; H.W. Storey, Nominated by Richard Hamilton. For Councillors: R. Hamilton.
> 1883 Mar 15, p3 - Mr. Richard Hamilton, of Acton, who is to take charge of the building department of J. McMillan & Co.'s, Lumbering Mill, has moved into Erin. - Reported in the Erin Advocate.
. 1883 May 31, p3 - Mr. R Royce has moved into the residence on Main Street, recently purchased from Mr. R. Hamilton.
. 1884 Mar 6 - Acton, Messers. R. Hamilton & C Walker, of Erin, were in town on Monday.

. 1887 Oct 20 , Thursday - A large number of citizens attended the World's Fair at Erin yesterday. ( ! )
. Erin show yesterday was a great success. The weather was delightful & visitors crowded in swarms. The village didn't begin to accommodate the people. The reputation of this far-farmed exhibition has been fully sustained.
. 1887 Dec 11 - Mr. Richard Hamilton, of Erin as in town (Acton) yesterday. .
. 1888 Feb 9 - Mr & Mrs Richard Hamilton, Erin, were visiting friends this week.
Mr & Mrs. Chas. H. Walker, of Erin, visiting friends in Acton last week.

> 1889 Oct 17, Erin, Mr. Richard Hamilton has just returned from visiting all over Michigan & other parts of the States, meeting relatives he had not seen in about 33 years. [i.e. since 1856!] Page 2 as copied from the [Erin] Advocate.

. 1896 Jun 1, Mr Richard Hamilton, of Erin, a former resident of Acton is preparing the plank for the new vats at the tannery. He has put in nearly all the vats at the tanner for 30 years. [reprinted 1916.16.1]
. 1897 Feb 11 - Mr & Mrs Richard Hamilton, Erin, were in town yesterday.

* 1897 Mar 4, Thrus. - During the recent fire in Erin, the store & residence of our old friend, Mr. Richard Hamilton narrowly escaped destruction.
. 1897 Apr 29- Mr. Richard Hamilton was last week elected to the Village Council, to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Mr JD Leitch, CPR Agent.

. 1901 Jul 18, Richard Hamilton was a pall bearer for Acton resident Wm Masales, Lot 1, Con 5 Erin, Masales was b 1828. For over 30y was a leather roller at the sole leather tanner on Main St. & a Deacon of the Disciples of Christ.

. 1919 Jun 12 John Bell, age 82 [b1828] of Centreville, PA. visits Acton after 57y., recounting reminiscence . Mr all was born in Belfast Ireland, in 1841 he settled on town line between Erin & Eramosa, just above Crewsons Corners. After the ware the family settled in the old region in Pennsylvania.He remembers most distinctly well known citizens John & Sam Speight & Richard Hamilton & others. In his young manhood Mr Bell learned the trade of carpenter & freed. He & the late Richard Hamilton built numbers of the buildings in Acton & vin city. They built the store on the site of the Second Block, south side of Mill St for Mr Benzie, this store was burned down about 50 years ago. He wished Acton continued success.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1899 Wellington Co. Directory, Hamilton, Richard, grocer. Population 700.

. ACTON'S EARLY DAYS: At the corner of Mill & River Streets occupied part of the site of John Holt was old woollen mill. It was built by Richard Hamilton, on of the best carpenters Acton ever had. He built it for his own residence about 70 years ago [1869]. He previously built the residence on Fairview Avenue, near Fairview Cemetery. After living there for a short time he sold that house to David Williamson, who lived there from shortly after his marriage until he went over to the Malcolm McPherson farm in Nassagaweya. Richard Hamilton lived in the brick house a good many years. ... The late George Beardmore thought no one in the community could put in (tannin) vats equal to Richard Hamilton.
Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton's only daughter (only child) married Mr. Charles Henry Walker, manufacturer, of Erin Village, & the family sold out their interests in Acton & moved to Erin. Mr. Hamilton went into the grocery business there & continued until his death [in 1909].

. Crossing River Street, which was opened when Acton Plow Company's works were built, we come to the Acton Creek. The source of this splendid stream is the spring on the third line, a little over a mile to the north, where it comes from the rock. The creek flows through the Near property, supplying the trout ponds & hatchery ...across Main Street into Fairy Lake which covers 88 acres. Many a trout have I caught in the bed of the creek when it meandered among the willows. Many a dozen speckled beauties have I seen caught in the big mill pond from flat-bottomed boats or long rafts. Ref: Acton Free Press, 1939.

Hamilton family photo available c 1895 Erin.
[1887Jan13 - Mr H Ramshaw, formerly of Acton is fishing up a photograph business in Erin. (returned to Action by 1898) &
1892 May 12. A Brampton photographer has commenced weekly visits to Erin.] Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1902 May 22. Obituary: Mrs. James Brown, Ruth Ann Hall, eldest daughter of Asa Hall, Esq., Born 1841 in Acton. Her husband lived 14y. on Lot 1, Con 4, Erin, where he operated a saw mill. Friends from a distance were in attendance: Mr. Richard Hamilton & (his daughter), Mrs. C W. Walker, Erin.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

History of the Acton House Richard Hamilton built:
. 1926 Nov 18 - Old Times Along the New Highway: Beside the home of stone mason Malcom Kennedy's the wee cottage with a history. It was built by John Hold when he erected the Wollen Mills on the lot where M. J H Reid's fine brick residence now stands. Mr & Mrs Sidney Smith reside there while there palatial residence was being erected. It is known as Fairview Place for the past 50 or 60 years, Mrs C S Smith livered their most of her married life & where she passed away last spring.

> > > The fine home of James H Reid, at the corner of Main & River Streets, was erected by the late Richard Hamilton, carpenter & contractor, for himself & his wife & Miss Ella, their daughter. It was a perfect piece of construction & when built was regarded as one of the best houses in this country. Mr & Mrs Hamilton resided there until Richard gave up his contracting work & more to Erin, where he went into the grocery business.
Mr Robt. Royce purchased the property when Mr & Mrs Hamilton & daughter removed from Acton. Mr Royce's daughter, Mrs Orr was left alone through the removal of her children to make their way in life. After them, James H Reid, a retired farmer purchased the property & for the last 12 or 15 years has made this home. Mr. Reid has kept the place as neat as a new pin all the time.
River Street was at one time the site of the Mill race & flume from the dam to the Wollen Mills.When Acton Plow Co. was established, over where the Hydro Power Station & Mason Kitting Works are now, the course of the stream was diverted &the old mill race was discarded & River St. opened.The fine old car pine timbers of Plow Factory went up in smoke when the factory was destroyed by fire 30 years ago [1901].50 years ago I saw many shoal of speckled trout & under the old log bridge there I caught my fear share of them under the grass banks further down steam. On the north side of stream there was a saw mill on the Smith property. I remember when lumber was sawn there. Between the old mill & stone house, there was at one time a carriage shop of Tom Easton. Other houses on Main street were the first brick cottage built by Charlie Holmes, Royal Exchange Hotel (now Bank of NS & Patterson's Meat Market). Wm. Overton's blacksmith, the old school lane, Smith's Shingle Factory, Store Glove Leather Tannery. Mary is calling me to dinner. I must go. Signed, The Red Man McCutcheon.

Acton History Contd.
Across Ransom Street (now Fairview Ave) from the Cook Homestead: Richard Hamilton built a fine frame house of attractive design shortly after he was married, about 80 years ago. dick Hamilton, was on of the best carpenters ever had in Action. This house he regarded with much pride. It was one of the finest houses the village then possess, but he didn't live there long. He took a fancy to but a brick house for a home down town & shortly after the Acton Plow Co. was organized in 1874 & bought the old Holt Mill property & part of the Sidney Smith frontage on Main St., he bought from the Company the lot at the corner of Main & River Streets & but his new home. It was a fine brick house this time & still stands there in good state of repair. James H reed is the present owner. It was the 5th or 6th brick house erected in Action. David Williamson & his bride resided there next, as well as Wilson Ramshaw for quite a time. Next to Hamilton was Esra Adams.
by, The Old Man of the Big Clock Tower (regular column) in Acton Free Press, published 1937.11.25.

Part TWO:

Died, Richard Hamilton, died Feb 4th 1909
Ref: Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton.

> Died, Hamilton - In Erin, on Thursday, February 4th, aged 74 years.
Ref: Acton Free Press, published 11 Feb 1909, p. 2.

OBITUARY1: Mr. Richard Hamilton, of Erin Village, died very suddenly last Thursday. He had been at his usual work & business about the store the day before & death came without warning. The funeral on Sunday afternoon was very largely attended. Mr. Hamilton spent his boyhood & middle life in Acton & was highly esteemed here. He was a house carpenter & builder & was foreman carpenter for Messrs. Beardmore & Co. at the tanneries for many years. During his residence here Mr. Hamilton built one of the first brick houses in town - the comfortable residence at the corner of Main & River streets, at present owned & occupied by Mr. J. H. Reed & family. About 20 years ago he removed to Erin. Mrs. Hamilton & her daughter, Mrs. C. H. Walker, survive. Mrs. Walker was bereaved by the death of her husband last fall.
Ref: Acton Free Press, 11 Feb 1909, P3, Col 2.

OBITUARY2: That "in the midst of life we are in death" was most impressively forced upon Erin, Ontario, attended by a large number of sorrowing friends. The pallbearers were H. Mathews, D. McCleland, G. F. Sutton, J. D. Leitch, H. R.Smith & H. Barbour., one of our prominent & most highly esteemed citizens, was, almost without a moments warning, summoned from the activities of his life to the realities of the unknown world beyond. Up to the moment he was stricken Mr. Hamilton was in the enjoyment of his usual good health & his unexpected & startlingly sudden death within 24 hours thereafter, came as a great shock to his family, to his friends & to the community at large.
Deceased was born in Toronto 73 years ago, was for many years a successful builder & contractor & some 25 years ago came to Erin, where he engaged in the grocery business & won the respect & esteem of every one with whom he came in contact during that quarter of a century. His genial presence will be greatly missed in business, religious & social circles.
His youngest brother predeceased him by only nine months & those who survive are Alexander of Bangor, James of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Warner of Fairville, Mrs. McCutcheon of Grand Rapids & Miss Rebeckah Hamilton, Fairville, all in Michigan.
On January 24, 1861, he married Jane McCutcheon of the 3rd line, Erin & she & an only daughter, Mrs. C. H. Walker are left to mourn the loss of a faithful husband & a loving father. They have the sympathy of all. Deceased was a devout member of the Disciple Church & a member of the A.O.U.W. Services were held by Rev. G. O. Black in the above church on Sunday afternoon & the interment took place to Erin Cemetery, the funeral being attended by a large number of sorrowing friends.
The pallbearers were H. Mathews, D. McClelland, G. F. Sutton, J. D. Leitch, H. R.Smith & H. Barbour.

. ESTATE FILE, Richard Hamilton died 4 Feb, 1909. Application of Jane Matilda Hamilton, widow, of Erin, Wellington Co.
Real & personal, valued at $3,050.00.
Richard Hamilton of Village of Erin, County of Wellington, Merchant.
All in favour of Jane Matilda Hamilton & thence of any surveying children.
The property #13 East side of Main Street, Erin, W 1/2 Lot 15, 10 Con., Erin Twp. According to a Plan of Survey made by Charles J. Wheelock, Esq., filed at Guelph.
, R. Hamilton. Witness Humphrey Matthews, Erin, Harness Maker, & Wm. M. Dowell, Barrister-At-Law.
PROPERTY $1,800.
Securities A.O.W.W. 150.
FARMING IMPLEMENTS 300.
STOCK-IN-TRADE 300.
$3,505.00 - . -

. 1919 Jun 12. Obituary: In his young manhood Mr. John Bell learned the trade of carpenter & framer. He & the late Richard Hamilton built numbers of the buildings in Acton & vicinity. They built the store on the site of the Secord block on the south side of Mill Street for Mr. Benzie, one of our early merchants.This store was burned down about fifty years ago. [1869]. When the Civil War broke out in 1862 the family moved to Niagara, NY & joined the American Army.

. JOHNSON COUSINS: Cousins Richd. Lawrence Johnson, Senior live also in Esquesing Twp. as did his brother Robert Lawrence Johnson (Lot 30, Con 1.) & also his son Richd. Lawrence Johnson, Junior, also live in Acton, & surely must have have known each other. R L Johnson, Jr. was born 1869 & thus 30years younger than R L Hamilton.

. 1856-66 Mitchell & Co.'s Canada Classified Directory Canada West:
Carpenter & Builders, Acton. Hamilton, R., carpenter.
. 1871 Ontario Directory: Acton West; Village, A large quantity of wheat is purchased here. There is a considerable mfg. of flour, lumber & leather. Hamilton Richard, carpenter.
. 1892 Ontario Gazetteer & Directory, Hamilton, Richard, grocer & crockery.
. 1898-99 Western Ontario Gazetteer & Directory: Erin, Hamilton, Richard, grocer. - 2 -

Richard Lawrence Hamilton, Part THREE: Life in Old Ontario

PIONEERS of OLD ONTARIO:
One of the great privations at the beginning was in the long intervals between regular religious observances. I remember when we were crossing the ocean, William Hunter, who afterwards settled in Chingacousy, came to our quarters & had prayers with us every night & morning. After we arrived at our new home the first regular services were held by the Rev. Mr. McMurchy, who came over from Eldon township for the purpose. John Gunn, father of the founders of Gunn's Limited, was a volunteer helper. He made a regular practice of reading Scriptures & praying with the old people of the settlement, who, owing to growing infirmities, were unable to attend the regular church services that were held. Daniel Cameron was another who helped in this same way."

"When church services were held, people travelled as much as 30 miles to take part ' said Angus McDougall, the son of the speaker.
"I have known them, even in my time, to come in lumber-wagons from as far as Sutton on the south, Uptergrove? on the north, & Woodville on the west to the old stone church at Beaverton. Their earnestness was shown not only in the distance they travelled but in the patience with which they sat through services lasting from 11 o'clock till four, while their simple faith & devout thankfulness were voiced in the Psalms which filled the old church with a stern melody. Duncan Gillespie was the precentor. He read the Psalms line by line, & then led the congregation as they sang in praise & thanksgiving. The favourite Psalms were the 103 & 123rd. ... '

. A CHINGACOUSY VILLAGE:
Few men witnessed more varying stages of the pioneer period than did Abraham Campbell, whom I met at lot 28 on the first concession of Chingacousy in July, 1899. Mr. Campbell spent his life on the farm on which he was born when Chingacousy was the farthest settlement north of the lake. As a child & youth he saw other pioneers pass his door on their way to the virgin forests of Dufferin, Grey, & Bruce. He was witness of the annual summer pilgrimage of the men from the newer lands of the north to the older settlements of the south in search of employment in which they might earn bread for the winter. As the forests of the northland were pushed back before the attack of the axe-men, he viewed the winter procession of teams by which the grain of the north country was hauled toward lake ports. To all this Mr. Campbell was able to add what his father had told him of days prior to the period covered by his own recollection, the period when even the Niagara district was young. His father as a youth was at Queenston Heights, Stoney Creek, & Lundy's Lane, & one of the most prized possessions of the Campbell homestead, when I was there in 1899, was an iron pot,18 inches in diameter, captured from the American forces at Stoney Creek, & still doing duty in the Campbell homestead over 80 years later.

Mr. Campbell's father & 6 brothers took up 1000 in Chingacousy about 1820, after having journeyed from the old family home in Lincoln County by an ox-team. From Cooksville to their locations, the way led over a road made through the bush with their own axes. A quarter of a century later Campbell's Cross, on the highway connecting north & south, was a scene of bustling life. " There was a tavern there containing 18 rooms," said Mr. Campbell, "& in those rooms I have known 20 or 30 people to be accommodated over night. As late as two o'clock in the morning I have seen the bar-room so full of people that one could not get near the bar itself. There were three stores in the village at that time, & they were all busy places. Whence did the business come? Largely from the north country, which by that time had begun to produce a surplus. I have seen as many as one hundred teams arrive with grain in a single day. Part of the grain was bought by local merchants & teamed by them to Port Credit for shipment by water. Some of the farmers hauled their own grain all the way to the lake port.

" Teaming this grain was real labour. Between Chingacousy & the north, hauling was possible only in winter, & even then 25 to 30 bushels made a load. In coming down the Caledon mountain it was necessary to put a drag on the sleighs. Those who did their own teaming to Toronto or Port Credit frequently used ox-teams & sleighs to Campbell's Cross & then borrowed wagons for the journey to Toronto. On some of these journeys the snow was up to the backs of the oxen when north of the Caledon mountain, [Hwy. 10/ Hurontario St., Halton Co. - PJA], - while south of our place the animals wallowed to their bellies in slush & mud. Some of these northern farmers came from as far back as Owen Sound with grass seed, venison, & pork for sale, the round trip occupying well over a week. At times the nights were spent in the bush while sleet or rain beat in through the partial covering afforded by the forest. But the people were happy with it all. Return cargoes usually consisted of groceries & a half barrel of whiskey, & as long as the latter kept the interior warm, exterior cold did not matter much to the hardy men of that day.

"At the period covered by my earliest recollection bears & wolves were common in Chingacousy. I have more than once seen cows come home with flanks & udders so badly torn that the animals had to be killed. During the 'thirties, 'forties, & 'fifties, the father of Kenneth Chisholm, who for years represented Peel in the Legislature, made staves from the oaks that covered a good deal of the township. The staves were hauled to the Credit by oxen, floated down the stream to the Port, & thence shipped to England. About 1860, while I was assisting in removing an old oak stump, we unearthed a tool that had been used in splitting staves.

"One of my earliest election recollections is connected with the contest in which Colonel Ed. Thompson defeated William Lyon Mackenzie in the year before the Rebellion [1837]. That was the most exciting electoral battle we ever had. The electors of Caledon, Chingacousy, & Toronto townships all went to Streetsville to vote. The polls remained open for a week or two & for most of that time my father was engaged in hauling Tories to the voting place. On the last day of polling 5 or 6 teams were massed &, headed by bagpipes, took the last of the voters to the poll.

When Oakville rivaled Toronto: Robert W. Brock, whom I met at Belfountain about the same time that 1 had the interview with Mr. Campbell, gave some further information of early days in Peel & Dufferin. "At the time of my earliest recollections," Mr. Brock said, "the Centre Road had displaced the first concession of Chingacousy as the leading highway to the north. In the late 'sixties, I have seen that road black with teams & traffic going on day & night. This continued until the old narrow gauge T. GK & B. was built to Owen Sound & markets were opened at Orangeville, Shelburne, & Dundalk. Then the glory of Churchville & Streetsville began to wane.
Ref: When Oakville Rivaled Toronto, 1879.

Research & transcripts by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you. - - -

Died:
COD: Crebral hemorrhage, few hours. 'Born Toronto'. Married. Main St., Grocer Age 73y.

Buried:
S20-14.

Richard married Jane Matilida MCCUTCHEON on 15 Jun 1861 in Georgetown, Halton Co., Ontario. Jane (daughter of Hugh MCCUTCHEON and Mary STEWART) was born on 10 Oct 1841 in Acton, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 17 Nov 1917 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario; was buried in Erin Union Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane is the daughter of Mary Stewart & Hugh McCutcheon.

Two Hamilton siblings married two McCutcheon siblings:
Richard L Hamilton married Jane Matilda McCutcheon &
his sister Hadassah Hamilton married John McCutcheon.

. This Certifies that the rite of Holy Matrimony was celebrated between
Richard Hamilton of Acton & Jane M McCutcheon of Erin Township
on Thursday Jane 24th, 1861 at Hugh McCutcheons
by Rev. Joseph Musnwonth, Congregational Ministries, Georgetown.
Wit: Stewart McCutcheon, Alex Hamilton.
. Deaths, Jane Hamilton, dined Nov 27th, 1917.
Ref: Bible of Jane Matilda McCutcheon Hamilton.

. McCUTCHEON, Hugh (d.), b. Co. Down, Ire., in 1793, d. in 1859, age 66. His father was John McCutcheon, & his brothers were Robert & William. William, set. on the 5th line Erin, in 1829. The late Hugh McCutcheon, came to Canada in 1830, settling first, in Lower Canada, & in 1833, came to Erin Tp., where he owned 100 acres, lot 9, con. 3. He was of a religious turn of mind, & was a constant attendant of the Congregationalist Church; in politics, he was a Conservative.
He m. Mary Stewart, who d. in 1893, age 96.
Issue: William, in Kansas; John, Mich.; Thomas, Robert, Man.; Stewart,
Mrs. Richard Hamilton, & Mrs. Allan Smith, Erin Village, & Mrs. Robert Little (d.).

. Erin Advocate, Ontario - Nov. 22, 1911 - Mrs. R. Hamilton is visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto. [i.e. Jennie Walker].

* > Jane had a speech impediment & called her husband Witchard, much to his enduring delight. In the fancy grocery R. Hamilton Fancy General Store, 110 Main Street in Erin, Jane sold mincemeat which she had made in barrels. When there was wedding in the village, Jane would be called on decorate the wedding cake. Also Jane like to paint pictures on plates, said granddaughter, Ruby Walker.

. 1911 Apr 8 Census Erin, Jane Hamilton, b 1840.

Erin Advocate, Ontario
. 1911 Nov 22 - Mrs. R. Hamilton is visiting her granddaughter, Mrs. J. Felker, Toronto i.e. Jennie Walker].

ACTON FREE PRESS:
. 1879 Jul 17 - RUNAWAYS - On Sunday last a Mr. R. Hamilton with his wife & daughter were coming home from a friend's residence, the horse suddenly became frightened & shied across the road throwing Mrs. Hamilton & daughter out of the buggy; more or less injuring both of them. Mr. Hamilton, accompanied by Mr. John Story, was out with the same beast again on Monday, & it ran away the second time. Both of the occupants were thrown out, & each received bruises & cuts.

. 1883 May 31, p3 - Miss Ella Davis is visiting her Hamilton friends. [i.e. Just before they move to Erin, no doubt.
2. Or is that visiting Hamilton, Ontario? - PJA.]
- Mr. R Royce has moved into the residence on Main Street, recently purchased from Mr. R. Hamilton.

. 1887 Dec 29 - Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hamilton, of Erin, visiting friends here [in Acton] this week.
1888 Feb 9 - Mr & Mrs Richard Hamilton, Erin, were visiting friends this week.
Mr & Mrs. Chas H. Walker, of Erin, visiting friends in Acton last week.

. 1893 Sep 7 - Obituary ERIN.
We are called upon this week to record the death of a respected nonagenarian, in the person of Mrs. Mary McCutcheon, who departed this life last Wednesday, in her 95 year. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon from the residence of her son, Mr. Stewart McCutcheon, lot 9, con. 4, Erin, to the Ballinafad Cemetery. Deceased came to this country with her husband, Hugh McCutcheon, & 2 children (one of which died on ship board) from the county of Down, Ireland, & settled 30 miles from Montreal. After living there for a few years, they came to Erin Tp., about 65 years ago, and hewed out a home for themselves in the forest where they since lived and died. Their family consisted of 9 children, 6 of whom are still living. Mrs. McCutcheon has been a widow for 32 years, & has continued to live on the homestead, with her son. In earlier days, she was a Congregationalist, but latterly was a member of the Disciple Church. 2 sons, Stewart & Thomas, live in Erin, Tp., Robert, in Manitoba; 2 daughters, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. R. Hamilton, reside in Erin, & Mrs. Fieldon, in Seattle, Montana. The funeral services were conducted by Revs. Mr. Baker and Mr. Fowley.

. 1902 May 22, Obituary of Mrs. Ruth Ann Hall Brown of Acton. Her father Asa hall was a Methodist Circuit Rider. Following friends from a distance were: Mr. Richard Hamilton & Mrs. C W Walker, Erin.

. 1913 June 11 - Michigan Passenger Lists: Jane Hamilton, Born Erin Canada, Age 73, Widow, Residence, Erin, Ont., Nearest relative: Daughter, Mrs. Ella Walker, Erin, Canada.
Ever in US, no; Passage myself. Destination: Brother- in-law, Rev. Jas, Hamilton, 436 Ethel Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Height 5' 4", Complexion, dark; Hair grey, Eyes blue.
[ Accompanied by granddaughter Irene Walker .]

. 1917 Nov 22 - Mr. & Mrs. William Williams & Miss Annie McCutcheon attended the funeral of the late Mrs. Richard Hamilton, at Erin, on Monday.
- Died. Hamilton - at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ella Walker, Pacific Ave., Toronto, on Saturday, 17 November, 1917, Jane McCutcheon, widow of the late Richard Hamilton, of Erin, in her 78th year.

. Ontario Death Registration #5413, died Nov 17, 1917:
Born Erin, 78 y, 1839, Erin, Residence 855 Keele St., Toronto, housework, widow, died of cancer uteri, for 1 year.

. JANE MATILIDA HAMILTON, ESTATE FILE, WELLINGTON, #8251, RG 2, 1917 Nov. 17
Petition of Ella Hamilton Walker: city of West Toronto, York Co., Widow
Jane M. Hamilton of the village of Erin, Wellington Co. left $1,000 in Real Estate
, Ella M Walker
Will dated 1 November 1910, Died "I devise & bequeath the sum to my daughter Ella Walker & for her & assign excepting the sum of $400 which I bequeath to my grand-daughter Jennie Felker --- Residue to my said daughter." Executrix is my daughter Ella Walker.
Signed, Jane M. Hamilton
Witnesses: Janette McDowell, Erin, William McDowell Arch H. MacDonald Solicitor. Real Estate Description: 1/17 of an acre, being part of Easterly half of Lot #14, 9th concession of Erin, described by metes & Bounds in a Conveyance dated 1 May, 1891, from Charles Staples, of Golden, Colorado, & his wife to the said Jane Matilida Hamilton.

. DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
Briefly then, the Esquesing church grew peacefully into the principles of the Campbellian reformation, & in June, 1843, the first June meeting of the Ontario Disciples, was held. On that occasion the name "Disciples of Christ" or "Christians" was used. The site of this meeting house was near Norval, actually on the Menzies farm, lot 8, 10th line, Esquesing. So small was the log building, that at the first June meeting, Ash records that numbers of the listeners had to vacate their seats in order to permit others to hear.

This Esquesing church was characterized by very strict discipline as to its members' conduct. For, with this strong desire to maintain the purity of the witness to the gospel, there was evident the air of exaltation & discovery which are elements in any youthful cause. There was not much experience to fall back upon, & the Bible was truly an honored medium of counsel toward maintaining a high standard of conduct with which to exalt the Christian profession; & who can deny the wholesomeness of such an aim? Consider the delicacy of the recording scribe who could indite upon his records about a sister that had erred & been removed from fellowship-"for a crime mentioned in I Corinthians." ... This forest sanctuary to Christ which Esquesing folk raised, has long since passed from common knowledge, but the spiritual emanations from that Bible-loving people still grasp at the stars.

> 1938 - [ To Uncle] Thomas McCutcheon, [i.e. Jane Matilida McCutheon's brother Thomas Asa McCutheon:]
Hugh McCutcheon & Mary Stewart, the first of our ancestors in Canada were born county Down, Ireland. Hugh's mother was Ann Fulton. The Stewart farm was next to the estate of Lord Dufferin.
After Hugh & Mary were married they must have remained in Ireland for the first child, William was born there. Some of the Stewart family came to Canada with the McCutcheons (one brother died of fever crossing the ocean & was buried at sea.)
All the Stewarts, but Mary, settled at Montreal by the English River. They were David, John, William, James, Robert, Martha (Mrs. Ritchie) & Jane. I might says that in later years, Robert came to Erin & spend his last days at the McCutcheon farm on the 3rd line of Erin. He is buried at Ballinafad, Ont., beside Hugh & Mary in the west corner of the cemetery.

Hugh & Mary McCutcheon came as far as Montreal where their daughter Ann was born. Thomas & Ellen were born at Cobourg, The rest, Margaret Stewart, John, Jane, & Robert were all born at home in Erin Township.

Hugh & Mary worked hard, Mary helped a lot. One of Mary's brothers came to see her & it was so long since she had seem them she did not know them. Mary went to Montreal to visit her people & as there were no railroads, she road horse back to Oakville, [ south to a port on Lake Ontario - near Hamilton, ON.,] then took the boat to Montreal. I know once Mary came back from Montreal & rode home alone on horseback. She had a big load, as her people had given her so much to take back to the bush land. She got very tired & people along the way made her say overnight with them & rest.

Hugh died in 1861 at age of 64. Mary died in 1893 at the age of 96. They were both born in 1797.

. [Post Script probably by Thomas McCutheon, 1888- 1975). All of their family are gone. William died in Kansas, Ann in Erin village, Thomas in Everton, Ellen in Erin, Margaret in British Columbia, Stewart in Erin Village, John in Big Rapids, Michigan, Jane in Toronto, Robert in Neepawa, Manitoba.

Transcriptions by PJ Ahlberg. Thank you.
Please see the McCutcheons on the separate McCutcheon Family of Erin, Wellington Co., Ontario. at Rootsweb.com. - - -

Birth:
Lot 9, Con 4

Died:
Aged 78 years. 855 Keele St., died of cancer uteri.

Buried:
S20 -14 (with husband, dau. & her husband).