Jennie married Lloyd Alexander STIRLING on 24 Aug 1929 in Toronto Ontario. Lloyd (son of George STIRLING and Jennie (Jane) WOODS) was born on 16 Jun 1899 in Hancock, Michigan; died on 17 Aug 1959 in Toronto; was buried in Toronto Twp. No. 1 Churchville Cemetery plot 300. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Barbara Joan STIRLING was born on 2 Feb 1931 in Toronto; died on 12 Mar 2018 in Toronto Ontario.
2. George Claire STIRLING was born on 30 Apr 1935 in Toronto; died on 26 Oct 2004 in California (while visiting); was buried in Toronto Twp. No. 1 Churchville Cemetery plot 300.

Notes:

Alfred Clarence Passmore was born and grew up in Toronto. He and his younger brother Forneri Frederick first attended a private school, then were taught by his aunt Maria Louisa, and later in Toronto public schools. His daughter Lola preserved some stories from his school days. It seems that all the desks in one of his schools had holes cut in them, through which the boys used to put their slate pencil shavings. At a signal, they all blew from below, expelling big clouds of pencil dust into the air! They also tried to shoot down a pen that was for some reason fixed like an arrow on the ceiling pointing down so that it would fall down on the hapless teacher’s head. Pea shooters were also apparently a favoured weapon used on teachers whose backs were turned. On the other hand, teachers at that time had no hesitation in liberal use of straps and canings against mischief-makers.

When Alfred Clarence was about 16, his father, who himself was a keen sailor, bought a sailboat for him and his brother. They took it on fairly long excursions along the shore of Lake Ontario, even making it the USA shore at one point. Later, on a friend’s large sailboat they circumnavigated Lake Ontario. Alfred kept a 34 foot yawl, named "Osprey", on Lake Ontario into the 1920s.

In spite of his city upbringing, Alfred Clarence had the ambition to farm. In 1883 his father Frederick Fortescue Passmore bought a 100 acre farm on Lot 8, Concession 4 in Chingacousy Township, in Peel County, Ontario, close to the village of Huttonville. The price was $6500. From the book "From Wolf's Den to Huttonville", we learn that the lot was first granted to a Simon Washburn in 1825 for his service in the Frontenac Militia. In 1841 the lot was sold to the Scott family, who eventually built a two-story log house, which was later occupied by Alfred Clarence while his brick house was under construction. In 1891 and 1895, Alfred Clarence bought two 25-acre parcels of land across the road on Lot 11 of Concession 5 from James McClure.

The 1891 census for Chingacousy Township shows Alfred, age 30, single, living on the property in a wood house, with 7 windows. Living with him is a part-time housekeeper, age 30, named Emily Perry. This same Emily Perry appears in the probate papers of the will of Alfred's brother Forneri in 1932: her married name at that time was Emily Short, and she lived in Brampton. Her declaration in Forneri's probate document states that she knew Forneri as of 9 June, 1892 ( the date of Forneri's will ), and that she, along with Alfred's and Forneri's aunt Maria Louisa Passmore, witnessed Forneri making his will in the City of Toronto. Emily's marriage record shows that she married Thomas Short in Chingacousy on 17 Mar. 1897, and that Alfred Passmore was a witness.

In 1893, Alfred bought the property for $10400 from his aunt, Maria Louisa Passmore, to whom Frederick Fortescue Passmore had transferred it before he died in 1892. In 1894, Alfred contracted a Brampton architect, W.B. McCulloch to build a substantial brick house on the property. There is a family story that some of the construction was undertaken by members of the Fraser family from Lot 3 of Concession 4. Alfred was to marry Sarah Ella Fraser in 1894.

According to "From Wolf's Den to Huttonville", the house contained kitchen, pantry, dining room, double living room, three fireplaces, six bedrooms, a large attic, full basement, and an attached woodshed. It had a hot water furnace and indoor plumbing, with a hand pump connected to a holding tank. The tops of the cement posts at the gate were from the first Ontario Parliament Buildings in Toronto.

One evening on the way to church, Alf gave a lift to Sarah Ella Fraser and her sister Mary. He married Sarah Ella Fraser in 1894. She was the daughter of John Fraser and Jane McGill and had grown up on “Maple Grove farm” in Huttonville. Alfred Clarence and Sarah Ella had a son and two daughters. Their youngest daughter Louisa Mary (called Lola) recounted many happy days spent on the farm. The children had their own Welsh pony and pony cart. Their parents encouraged them to become knowlegible and observant about birds. Alfred Clarence and Sarah Ella Passmore both had a great sense of religious obligation and devotion. They were among the founders of the Huttonville Methodist (later United) Church. Sarah Ella served as its bible class teacher and Alfred served as Sunday school superintendent.

The 1901 and 1911 censuses show Alfred, Ella and their 3 children living in the brick house, along with a female domestic servant. Alfred called his property “Claremont Farm”. The neighbours, in all 3 censuses, were James And Margaret McClure.

The farmhouse still exists, but was moved in 2011 a short distance to 118 Royal West Drive, in what is now the Chingacousy sector of the Municipality of Brampton. It is now referred to as the "Reid Farmhouse" (the next owner after the Passmores was named Reid). The present location is in a new housing development, and the property backs onto the parking lot of the Brampton Walmart store! On-line documents of the Brampton Heritage Board detail the history and architecture of the original property and of the house, up to the present day. The house is said to be a classic example of "Queen Anne style", which became popular in North America in the late 1800s. The family presently owning the house are keeping it in excellent condition.

The Passmores probably would have wished to pass their farm on to their only son, Frederick, who served in the First World War in the Canadian Cavalry Brigade in 1916 and 1917, and who had later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he became a fighter pilot in 1918. Frederick decided that farming was not for him after the war. Letters written to Alfred's daughter Lola from former Huttonville classmates serving in the front lines indicated that the family moved to 83 Brunswick Ave. in Toronto in 1915. The Passmores' ownership of the farm ended in 1919, when the family of Weir Reid took possession. By this time, Alfred Clarence was in his late 50's, and had profited from the sale of his farm, and from inheritance from his father Frederick Fortescue Passmore, shared with his unmarried brother Forneri Frederick.

The 1921 Canada census for Toronto West, ward 4, sub-district 13 (page 5), shows the Passmore family living at 83 Brunswick avenue. The household consisted of Alfred C., his wife Sarah E., his brother Frederick F., his aunt Mary A., and his children Searle F., Jennie C. and Lola Mary. Alfred, Alfred, his wife and children were listed as Methodists, his brother and aunt were Anglicans. The listed occupations of Alfred and of his brother were "income". Fred was listed as a machinist working in a garage, Jennie as a nurse in a hospital, and Lola as a public school teacher. Mary Ann's arrival in Canada from England was in 1846.

In 1934, the family moved to 210 Rosemary Road in the Forest Hill section of Toronto. It seems likely that this move "up" was made possible by Alfred's inheritance from his unmarried brother Forneri, who died in 1932, and who while working for a bank had been a successful investor. Their sister Isabella Mary Eugenie Passmore, had died of pericarditis at the age of 16 in 1881.

Throughout their lives, Alfred Clarence and Sarah Ella were pillars of their churches, first at Huttonville Methodist, then at Trinity United Church in Toronto. Alfred served on the United Church Board of Evangelism and Social Service and, from 1931, was also on the Board of Directors of its Cedervale School for Girls in Georgetown, Ontario and of its Ina Grafton Gage Home in Toronto.

Alfred Clarence and Sarah Ella were loved by all their children, grandchildren and friends. They died in 1956 and in 1959, respectively.

Alfred's will, written April 14, 1932 (about a month after his brother Forneri Frederick died), appointed as executors his wife (who renounced her executorship after his death), his son Fred, and his son-in-law Lloyd Stirling. His three children received equal shares of the principal and property of his late brother's estate (as requested in the latter's will). The rest of his estate, including income from his brother's estate, was willed to his wife, with the stipulation that it should be divided among his surviving children after her death.

Alfred married Sarah Ella FRASER on 21 Jun 1894 in Brampton, Ontario. Sarah (daughter of John FRASER and Jane MCGILL) was born on 10 Aug 1867 in Chingacousy, Peel County, Ontario; died on 3 Nov 1959 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Toronto Twp. No. 1 Churchville Cemetery plot 341. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Bride's and bridegroom's religion: Methodist
Witnesses: Forneri F. Passmore, Toronto and Alice J. Hunter, Brampton.

Notes:

Frederick's middle name, Fortescue, reflects the fact that his mother's mother was Joanna Fortescue, who was descended from John Fortescue of Shebbear. Shebbear is a parish south of Buckland Brewer, and close to the Parish of Buckland-Filleigh, where a major branch of the Fortescue family owned the Manor of Buckland-Filleigh. The Fortescue family was a noble family, with many illustrious members. The main branch of the Fortescue family is traced back to the birth of Richard le Fort in 1015. He was a commander in the army of William the Conqueror, who saved William's life during the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Evidently the Downings (who also included the Fortescue name in several succeeding generations) and the Passmores were very anxious to preserve and commemorate their connections to the noble Fortescue family. [Reference: "A History of the Family of Fortescue in all its Branches" http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2FFH23&CISOPT R=73354&REC=4&CISOBOX=Joanna+Fortescue]. Another reference on the Parish of Buckland Filleigh and the Fortescues who owned its manor from 1472 to 1834 is in the book "Buckland Fileigh - A Continuous Thread", by Jane Taylor.

Frederick Fortescue Passmore's father died when he was only four, and the family suffered financially. Frederick decided that emigration to Canada would be the best course of action, after which he could bring his mother and sisters over as well (which he did, returning to England and bringing them back with him to Canada in 1847). In one of his letters to his family in England, Frederick mentioned that the Passmores possessed about 1200 pounds in capital investments. Frederick supported his mother and sisters for the rest of his life.

After a short career at sea in the Navy, Frederick Fortescue Passmore emigrated alone from England to Canada West on 11 April, 1845, arriving in Quebec late May, 1845. He settled in Toronto, and apprenticed to John G. Howard, a prominent local surveyor, architect and engineer. His voyage to Canada and his first few years in Toronto are chronicled in the letters he wrote home to his mother and sisters in Devon, England between 1845 and 1847. These letters have been preserved in the family, and have been transcribed. Much information about Frederick's successful career as a surveyor is contained in the 1994 Bachelor of Arts thesis at of his great-great granddaughter, Sarah Dewar, at Acadia University, "Labouring for the Whole Hive".

According to the Find A Grave site http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=PAS&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GScntry=10&GSsr=401&GRid=28495524&, a third cousin once removed, Thomas Passmore emigrated from England to Quebec on the same dates as Frederick. Frederick and Thomas perhaps came on the same ship, although Frederick does not mention Thomas in his letters to his family.

Passmore was licensed as a Provincial Land Surveyor (PLS) in 1846. In addition to his important survey work in Toronto and other parts of Ontario, Frederick Passmore did much to advance his profession, helping its transition from an entirely government-run enterprise to an independent self-regulated association of professionals. In 1852 he was appointed Secretary of the Board of Examiners for Surveying in Canada West. In 1879 he was appointed its Chair. During his career, Frederick surveyed in many parts of Ontario, including Toronto and Scarborough, Grantham, Etobicoke, Arthur, Trafalgar, Barton, Burlington Bay, Goderich, Oil Springs, Dover Township, Fort Erie and Dundas. He produced the lines for the Hamilton Incline Railway and for the Toronto City Hall foundation. For 12 years he was Deputy Registrar in the Toronto Registry Office.

"The History of the Royal Grenadiers" contains Frederick's militia career in that regiment in Toronto, starting in 1861, when tension began with the United States during its Civil War, and the "Trent Affair" [when the US Navy stopped and boarded the British mail steamer "Trent", taking prisoner two Confederate politicians it found on board]. Frederick was appointed a lieutenant, and his friend Sandford Fleming a captain 10th Batallion, Volunteer Rifles, later called 10 Batallion, Volunteer Militia (Infantry). The unit's uniform was scarlet. One of the people in the photo of Frederick's 1864 Scarborough survey camp was wearing the uniform of the unit. The Toronto Globe newspaper of 6 Jan. 1862 lists Frederick as being nominated a lieutenant in the Engineers' and Mechanics' Battalion. The militia unit was later re-named the 10th Royal Regiment, Toronto Volunteers, and saw service against the Fenian threat in 1865 and 1866. It is not known whether Frederick was still with the unit at that time.

In his younger days, Frederick was an enthusiastic yachtsman an interest that he passed on to his sons Alfred and Forneri.

In 1849-50, Frederick, civil engineer Sandford A. Fleming (later the originator of standardized time zones) and several others decided to set up an institute to advance the professional concerns of surveyors, engineers and architects. At an initial meeting in February, 1850, only Passmore and Fleming showed up. Sandford Fleming's comment in his diary: ".."a Chuzzlewit affair. Truly a Canadian Institute." Undaunted, they proceeded to form the Canadian Institute, and elected each other, Fleming as Secretary and and Passmore as Chairman. The Institute (later known as the Royal Canadian Institute) has existed since then, promoting science, engineering and architectural endeavours by public lectures and other means. Passmore presented several lectures, such as "Upon the Ameliorating Influences of the Climate of Canada"; geological changes in the earth;

Passmore was a close associate of Sandford Fleming over the years, according to "Sir Sandford Fleming - His Early Diaries 1845-1853", edited by Jean Murray Cole [Natural Heritage Books, Toronto, 2009]. As well as being among the founders of the Canadian Institute, they worked together on surveys and architectural projects, socialized with each other and with other friends (skating, playing chess, dinners, borrowed money and gave each other gifts, went on canoe camping/surveying trips in the Peterborough area etc.) On 24th April 1852, Fleming was in court as a witness for Passmore. He also secured at least one piece of land through Passmore.

In 1859, Frederick married Isabella Rankin. Their marriage produced three children, according to Frederick, and four, according to Isabella. Their marriage was a stormy one, probably not least because of enmity between Isabella and Frederick's widowed mother and his three unmarried sisters.

A set of over 100 notes and letters by Frederick and Isabella and others during the years 1859 - 1871 partially document their turbulent marriage, and are in the City of Toronto Archives ["Frederick F. Passmore Separation papers", File #180984 Series 347], among a larger set of documents which are Frederick's surveying notes. Since the Separation Papers are among Frederick's surveying papers, we can assume that it was he who preserved them. We can only speculate that his purpose was to strengthen his eventual legal case for a marital separation. The adverb "partially" is used, since some of the letters mention events with which both sender and receiver are familiar, and which are therefore only superficially described. Besides letters, there are short notes, many undated, written by Frederick on tiny scraps of paper. They betray what can only be described as an obsessed and vindictive state of mind. The letters from Isabella are very hard to read: her handwriting is hard to decypher; she tends to neglect punctuation, capitalization and paragraph separation; some of the ink is faint; and some of her letters are written in two crossing perpendicular directions on the same page. Accordingly, we get a somewhat sharper view of Frederick's view than of his wife's.

The letters introduce us to others connected to the Passmore's marital drama, including Dr. Alexander Johnson Williamson (ca. 1796-1870), for whom Isabella was a live-in servant before her marriage. Dr. Williamson, in the 1857-1870 period, was apparently a non-practicing medical doctor, who worked as a clerk of correspondence for the Board of Education. From the 1837 Toronto Directory, we learn that Dr. Williamson had been a published poet: one of his books, "Devotional Poems", published in 1840, is accessible on the Internet. One of the letters in the Separation papers file informs us that Isabella had entered his house as a servant at age 12, and that Dr. Williamson undertook to educate her, effectively becoming her guardian.

The letters and notes may be roughly divided into two main phases: 1859-1862, in which Frederick accuses Isabella and Dr. Williamson of "trapping" him into marriage; and 1866-1871, in which Frederick accuses Isabella of infidelity with a young male boarder and tries to effect a legal separation. There is no written material from the 1862-1866 period, within which the couple's second and third children were born, so that must have been a period of relative calm.

From the birth of the Passmore's first child, on 6 April, 1860, we surmise that Isabella was pregnant when she and Frederick married on 4 Aug., 1859. The wedding itself was a small private affair, in Williamson's house, with a clergyman and a couple of witnesses. In an undated note written about 1866, Frederick claimed he "did not dream of such an event [their marriage] taking place until one week before it happened." Williamson, in a letter of 8 April, 1860, reminded Frederick that the couple had been acquainted for about 18 months before the marriage. The marriage turned sour within a few weeks. Williamson upbraided Frederick for publicly insulting Isabella. Frederick complained of Isabella's flirtations with other men and reported hearing rumours of Isabella's previous employment in taverns, during which she was said to have "shared a bed with a negro woman". He accused Isabella and Dr. Williamson of conspiring to trap him into marriage, although he never strongly denied that he was responsible for Isabella's pregnancy. Isabella protested Frederick's treatment, refused to sign over her dowry, and at one point told her husband that she no longer wished to be supported by him. The couple separated soon after the wedding, with Isabella boarding with a Mrs. Sparrow, while awaiting the birth of her child. She wrote many impassioned notes to Frederick, denying the rumours about her past and imploring him for reconciliation and continued support. It is clear from the letters and notes that Frederick's mother and sisters were instrumental in tearing the couple apart.

On 6 April, 1860, Alfred Clarence Passmore was born, 8 months after his parents' wedding. Frederick seemed indifferent to his new son, but became furious when Dr. Williamson placed a birth announcement in the Globe newspaper. Notes and letters between the two men indicated that they almost came to blows. Frederick forbade Isabella to have any further dealings with Williamson. For some part of the next six or seven years, Isabella and young Alfred lived separately, but close, to Frederick and his mother and sisters. Frederick continued to support his wife and son. There was certainly some contact among all the parties involved (except Dr. Williamson), since Frederick and Isabella had two more children, Forneri Frederick on 29 Oct., 1862 and Isabella Mary Eugenie on 14 Nov., 1864. During most of this period, and for several years after, Isabella managed boarding houses that were likely owned or leased by her husband.

Matters came to a head again on 28 April, 1867, when Frederick and Isabella and their three children were living in a boarding house managed by Isabella. Late that evening Frederick tiptoed downstairs to listen to Isabella conversing behind a closed door with a young male boarder named Lowe. Opening the door suddenly, he imagined that Isabella had risen from Lowe's lap and was running across the room. Based on this one incident, Frederick constructed a story of heinous adultery on the part of his wife, in numerous notes to himself. These notes, mostly undated, and written on tiny scraps of paper, are among the archived Separation Papers, There are also letters to and from lawyers representing Frederick and Isabella, as Frederick was apparently attempting to effect a legal separation from his wife, that might cut off his support for her and gain him custody of the children. There are also documents reporting Frederick's assets and income, and receipts for expenses incurred by Isabella.

There is also in the file a clipping from the Globe newspaper which reported the arrest of Frederick, in October, 1867, "at the instance of his wife, whom he has frequently mistreated in a variety of ways, occasionally winding up the proceedings by locking her out in the cold." Another Globe article, in October, 1868, reports a court proceeding involving an assault by Frederick on Isabella.

It should be mentioned that in 19th century Canada, divorce was essentially unavailable; the alternative was legal separation, in which the disposition of assets and children was decided, but the parties remained legally married. Child custody could be awarded to the mother, if the child was under 12, the mother was not guilty of adultery, and "if the court saw fit". Otherwise, the father usually gained child custody.

An April 19, 1871 invoice to Frederick from Isabella's lawyer (who was evidently paid by Frederick) detailed the legal preparations and expenses, including drafting of a Deed of Separation, which, it was noted, was not agreed to by Frederick and his lawyer. No record has been found of the actual separation court proceeding, apart from a pencilled note by Frederick on an envelope: "Suit tried Aug. 15 1871. Verdict for McDonald [this was Isabella's lawyer] $2.00. Costs $5.60. Paid Div. Court Aug. 19/71 $7.61." From this we infer that Frederick did not succeed in freeing himself from financially supporting Isabella. The immediate custody of the children is uncertain, but subsequent census and directory entries indicate that they lived with their father, aunts and grandmother for most of the following years.

Another bizarre element in this rather sordid drama is that Isabella had a fourth child, named Blanche Ellen, in or about 1871. She appeared in the 1871 census (which was collected on 2 April, 1871) under the name "Nelly", age 5 [probably meaning 5 months]. Isabella claimed she was Frederick's child; Frederick claimed she was not.

In the 1850 Toronto Directory, Frederick Passmore is listed at 226 Yonge St.
In the 1853 Toronto tax assessment rolls, F.F. Passmore is listed as an architect on King St. W. in St. George's Ward, and Fred'k Passmore is listed as a clerk on Church St. W. in St. James Ward.
In the 1856 Toronto Directory he is listed as architect and surveyor, residing on James St. in Yorkville
1866 Mitchell and Co. Directory of Toronto: Frederick is listed as a civil engineer and provincial land surveyor, at 141 Church St. W.

1861 census listing forToronto St. James Ward District 3:
Maria Passmore, age 63 b. Parkham England, C. of E.
M.L. Passmore, age 38, b. Selby, England, C. of E.
H.F. Passmore, age age 32, b. Maryport, England, C. of E.
M.A. Passmore, age 34, b. Cumberland, England, C. of E.
Fred F. Passmore, land surveyor, age 36, b. England, P.M.
I.H. Passmore, age 28, b. Ireland, P.M.
A.C. Passmore, age 1, b. Canada West, -

1871 census listing forDistrict 47 (Toronto East, St. James ward), Sub-district B, Division page 3:
F.F. Passmore, age 40, religion CE, occupation: Depy. register; Div. 3, P. 40
Alfred Passmore, age 11, going to school
Forneri Passmore, age 7, going to school
Isabella Passmore, age 6
Maria Passmore, age 42, born in England, married (not clear who this is, perhaps a servant, with her family name incorrectly listed)
Note that Frederick's wife Isabella is listed at a different address, as are his mother and sisters.

In the 1870 to 1872 Directories, Frederick is at 196 Church St., while his sisters and mother occupy 222 Church St. In 1872-73, Isabella has moved to 222 Church St. In the 1873-74 Directory, Frederick, his mother and sisters are at 58 Wood St., while Isabella is at 228 Church St. Isabella has apparently left the family, as she is listed in the same directory as the "widow of Frederick". In the 1874 Fisher and Taylor's Toronto Directory, he is listed as a provincial land surveyor at 58 Wood St. in St. James Ward, near the intersection with Church St. He is also listed as Deputy Registrar in the City Registry Office. In the 1881 Canada census, [St. Thomas Ward in Toronto, District 134, sub-district C, division 2, page 31], Frederick is listed as a land surveyor and head of a household consisting of his sons Alfred and Frederick Forneri (listed as a clerk) and a female servant, Jane Drummond. His and his sons' religion is Methodist. He and his sisters are still at 58 Wood St. in 1885, but Isabella is now listed at 91 Wilton Ave. In the 1890 Directory, Frederick is listed as a "clerk" at 47 Alexander St., along with his son Forneri F. Passmore, who is listed as a "surveyer", and his sisters Maria and Mary. Isabella is now listed at 209 Jarvis St.

Frederick Passmore's life is described in the "Commemorative Biographical record of the County of York, Ontario", published in 1907, and available at http://www.ourroots.ca/e/page.aspx?id=78246,1 as follows:

"Frederick F. Passmore C.E. (deceased) was for many years a well-known civil engineer in Toronto, in which city he died in 1892. He was born in Devonshire [sic], England in 1823, son of Frederick [sic] and Maria Passmore.
Mr. Passmore grew to manhood in his native country, and there received both his literary and professional education. When a young man he came to Toronto, and shortly thereafter formed a paartnership with a Mr. Tully, under the firm name of Tully and Passmore, civil engineers and government surveyers. In this, his professional work, continued for a number of years. He then received the appointment to the registry office of the City of Toronto, and served in that capacity until his death.
Mr. Passmore married Miss Isabella Rankin, who belongs to a family long identified with County York, being a daughter of William and Mary (Mahoffey) Rankin, natives of Ireland, who came to Toronto at an early date, settling on Yonge Street, where Mr. Rankin owned a tract of land, and where both he and Mrs. Rankin died. Of their thirteen children, Mrs. Passmore and her sister Mrs. Cunningham, and one brother, Abraham Rankin, are the only survivors.
To Mr. and Mrs. Passmore were born four children: Alfred C., Frederick F., Isobel (deceased) and Blanche Ellen, the last named the wife of Robert McKay, a well-known barrister of Toronto. Mr. Passmore was a member of the Church of England, to the faith of which his widow also adheres".

The above biography was almost certainly written by Frederick's widow Isabella, before she died in 1906, since it has so much detail about her family and about Blanche Ellen (whose paternity was always denied by Frederick and his other children).

Obituary in the Toronto Globe and Mail, Jan. 13 and 14, 1892: "On Sunday, Jan. 10, at 47 Alexander St., Toronto, Ont., Frederick Fortescue Passmore P.L.S., native of Selby, Yorkshire, aged 68 years."

There are several records from the Court of Chancery in the Ontario Archives of lawsuits, mostly about unpaid debts and mortgages by F.F. Passmore on others, or by others on him:
RG22-409 bar code B110117 Passmore vs. Gray 1871
RG22-409 bar code B103546 Passmore vs. Scovell 1877
RG22-409 bar code B111823 Read vs. Passmore 1871

In his will, which was composed and witnessed in 1879 by Provincial land Surveyor, George Layburn, Frederick leaves to "..the woman I was fool enough to marry [Isabella] - the sum of five shillings and no more - being the utmost value of any claim or demand that she has on me - and to the child who is now living with her - or under her care whose name I do not know - and whom to my knowledge I have never seen, the sum of five shillings only and no more - each of such sums to be paid only on the said devisees' own personal application therefor and not otherwise." The remainder of his estate, amounting to $4950, was left to his sister Maria Louisa, in trust for his children Alfred, Forneri and Mary Eugenie (who was deceased at the time of Frederick's death).

It is thus quite clear that Frederick did not acknowledge Blanche Ellen Passmore as his child, and that he assumed she was the result of an extramarital affair by his wife Isabella.

Frederick, his mother Maria, his sisters Harriet, Louisa and Mary Ann, his daughter Bella Mary and his son Forneri Frederick are all buried in the Toronto Necropolis in P-36b (east side).

Frederick married Isabella Henrietta RANKIN on 4 Aug 1859 in Toronto, Ontario. Isabella (daughter of William RANKIN and Mary MAHOFFEY) was born about 1833 in County Antrim, Ireland; died on 14 Aug 1906 in Toronto; was buried in St. James Cemetery, Toronto, Section Eps, 58th grave s. off Parliament. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Frederick and Isabella's marriage record [Ontario County Marriage Registers 1858-1866 Vol. 66] shows A.J. Williams (presumably an incorrect version of Williamson) as the witness, and Rev. Dr. Stinson of the Wesleyan Methodist Church as the officiating minister.

Isabella married Frederick in 1859, Isabella managed boarding houses, which were probably owned or leased by Frederick. From the beginning of their marriage there was strife between Frederick and Isabella, intensified by the influence of Frederick's mother and sisters. A documentary record of the marital discord was kept by Frederick between 1859 and 1871, and is included with his surveying papers in the City of Toronto Archives.

The documents reveal that from the beginning, Frederick claimed that he had been "trapped" into marriage by Isabella and her guardian, Dr. Alexander Williamson. The couple's first child, Alfred Clarence Passmore, was born 8 months after their very quiet wedding. Two more children, Forneri Frederick and Isabella Mary Eugenie, were born in 1862 and 1864, respectively. Domestic discord and Frederick's wish for a legal separation started again on 28 April, 1867, when Frederick claimed that Isabella and a young male boarder named Lowe were guilty of adultery by having a conversation late at night behind a closed door in her boarding house. This event triggered numerous brooding notes by Frederick to himself, as well as letters to and from lawyers in the next four years. A record of an eventual court case in 1871 has not been found, but indications are that a physical separation was effected, that Frederick had to continue supporting Isabella, who continued to manage boarding houses, and that the couple's three children eventually came to live with Frederick and his mother and sisters.

A Toronto Globe article of 18 Oct., 1867 is indicative, and is titled "Domestic Difficulties":
"Another of the 'Lords of Creation', named F.F. Passmore, a resident of Duke Street, was also arrested, at the instance of his wife, whom he has frequently mistreated in a variety of ways, occasionally winding up the proceedings by locking her out in the cold".
A year later, on 22 Oct., 1868, another Globe article, titled "Wife Abuse", read:
"A respectable looking woman named Mrs. Passmore stepped into the box, and stated that her husband, who was present in court, was in the habit of ill-treating her, and had on the previous day kicked her in the presence of several of the boarders, whom she keeps for a livelihood. Mr. Grant, the husband's lawyer, proceeded to interrogate the witness in a very rude and irrelevant manner, when the magistrate stopped him and asked the witness if she would swear that she was in "bodily fear" of her spouse, to which she replied in the affirmative.
The Magistrate - Very well then, Mr. Passmore will have to find sureties to keep the peace for twelve months."

During much of the marriage, Isabella and Frederick lived separately, but usually only a few blocks apart. Their children lived sometimes with their mother, sometimes with their father and his sisters, and sometimes with both parents when they were together. In the 1871 census. Isabella's occupation is listed as "boarding house", and she was listed as head of household, born in Ireland, Presbyterian. The only other member of her family listed in the 1871 census [Toronto East (47) ,St. James Ward Sub-district B, Division 4, page 38] was Nelly Passmore, age 5, born in Ontario. Other members of the household were: William and Catherine Bailey (35, married) and their son William, 15; James and Charlotte Swinburne (40 and 25, married); Gamble Geddes (22, single); Eliza Hayes (19, single); and Mabel White (24, single).

Thus by 1871, Isabella had separated from Frederick. She was listed in the Fisher and Taylor's 1874 Toronto Directory as the "widow of Frederick", and living at 228 Church St. W. , while he was listed as living at 58 Wood St.

In the 1881 census [Toronto, St. James Ward, District 134, sub-district E, division 1, page 19, household number 112], Isabella, age 40, Irish origin, member of Church of England, and head of household, living with Nellie Passmore, age 12, who was born in Ontario, but whose ethnic origin is Irish. There are also two domestic servants and one lodger listed in her household. She is listed as a widow, with no employment, even though her husband Frederick is known to be still alive.

Over the years, according to Toronto Directories, Isabella lives at:
1874: 228 Church St. (Mrs. Isabella Passmore, widow)
1881: 63 1/2 Mutual St. ("Mrs. Passmore"). Also at same address: Wm. Darlington, roofer
1884 and 1885: 91 Wilton Ave. ("Mrs. Mary Rankin" at 91 Wilton in 1883)
1890: 209 Jarvis St.
1891:238 Jarvis St.
1895: 226 Sherbourne St.
1900: 51 Carlton St (Isabella and Blanch (sic) are also shown at this address in "Foster's Blue Book or Ladies' Directory of Toronto", for 1900
1905 and 1906: 561 Church St. (perhaps should be 650 Church St.?)
In some of these she is listed as "widow of Frederick Passmore".

In the 1891 census of St. James Ward, in Toronto, Isabella Passmore is listed as age 54, married, head of household, Church of England, born in Ireland, and living with Blanche Passmore (listed as her daughter), two domestics and one lodger. Blanche Passmore is listed as aged 21, being born in Ontario (thus about 1870). Blanche's father's birthplace was England and her mother's birthplace was Ireland.

In the 1901 census [Toronto Centre, Ward 3, sub-district A-27, page 16], Isabella is listed as "Is Passmore", widow, born 1833, age 67, living with her daughter, B McKay, born March 25, 1874, her daughter's husband R McKay, born 1868, and 5 boarders (4 females, 1 male).

A later confirmation of daughter Blanche comes from a record of a marriage of Blanche C. Passmore with Robert McKay, a lawyer, on 17th July, 1900 in Toronto. Blanche's parents are listed as Frederick F. Passmore and Isabel (sic) Rankin Passmore. Her birth year is listed as about 1872, and her birthplace Toronto.

After her death on Aug. 14, 1906, the Globe and Mail obituary is as follows: "On Tuesday the 14th August, 1906, at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Robert McKay, 650 Church St., Toronto, Isabella Henrietta Passmore, widow of the late F.F. Passmore. Funeral (private) on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 4 PM."

In the death certificate of Frederick Forneri Passmore (son of Frederick Fortescue Passmore and Isabella), Isabella is listed as Isabella Cunningham, born in Ontario. The informant was A.C. Passmore, Frederick and Isabella's other son and Frederick Forneri's brother. It should be noted that Isabella's sister Mary (born about 1837, same parents' names listed) had married George Cunningham on 12 September 1861.

Isabella's will, written in 1904, and witnessed by Lillie Coates and Nellie Browse, left an estate of $190 to her daughter Blanche Ellen, who was also the executrix.

Isabella is buried in St. James Cemetery, Toronto (58th grave south in Section Eps, off Parliament St). Cemetery records show that her grave authorized by her son-in-law Robert McKay Jr. and the site owner was her daughter Blanche. Her buial information shows that she was living at 650 Church Street, and that she died of appendicitis. It also records her birthplace as County Antrim in Ireland. Her gravestone reads:
MOTHER
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ISABEL RANKIN
WIDOW OF F.F. PASSMORE
DIED AUGUST 14 1906
AT REST

Ther is a nearby gave marker for a James Passmore and his family. James died in 1905, and other members of the family died as late as 1960.

Notes:

Residing in Churchville, Ont. in 1858. Halton County marriage register entry: "John Frazer, 26, Churchville, Ireland, s/o James and Elizabeth, married 7 Jan. 1858 Jane McGill, 21, Chingacousy, d/o James and Jane."

The names and birthdates of John's siblings, in the Fraser family bible (see under his father James Frazer), include his sister Sarah. Sarah's 1920 obituary, which includes her parents' names, says that she and her siblings were born in Tempo, County Fermanaugh. From this we may infer that John too was born in Tempo. Tempo is in the Parish of Inniskillen.

The book "From Wolf's Den" to Huttonville", compiled by the Huttonville Book Committee in 1996 summarizes the history of John Fraser and his family and descendants. He arrived in Canada from Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, at age 16 (ca. 1848), with two of his sisters. The Irish potato famine was at its height in 1848, and may have been the reason for his emigration.

John was a skilled carpenter, and built homes and barns in the Huttonville and Churchville areas.

The birthdates and death dates of the children of John Fraser and Jane McGill were taken from a Fraser family bible, transcribed by Lola Passmore.

1861 Toronto Twp. (Peel County) census listing:
John Fraser, 30, carpenter, b. Ireland, Wesleyan Methodist
Jane Fraser, 25, b. Canada West
James Fraser, 3, b. Canada West
Elizabeth Jane, 1, b. Canada West

1871 Chingacousy census:
John Fraser, 38, farmer, b. Ireland, Church of England
Jane Fraser, 32, b. Ontario
Elizabeth, 11, b. Ontario
Mary 8, b. Ontario
Sarah, 3, b. Ontario
William F., 1, b. Ontario

In birth record of Thomas McClure Fraser (1872), his name is John Frazer and his occupation is carpenter.

1881 Canada census for Chingacousy Twp., Peel County:
John Fraser age 49 b. Ireland Farmer Church of England
Jane Fraser age 46 b. Ontario Church of England
Eliza I. Fraser age 20 b. Ontario Church of England
Mary Fraser age 18 b. Ontario Church of England
Sareah [Sara Ella]] Fraser age 13 b. Ontario Church of England
William Fraser age 11 b. Ontario Church of England
Thomas Fraser age 9 b. Ontario Church of England
James Fraser age 6 b. Ontario Church of England
David Fraser age 4 b. Ontario Church of England
Fredrich Fraser age 2 b. Ontario Church of England

According to the wedding invitation for their daughter Ella, the Frasers' residence was "Maple Grove Farm", Huttonville. The 1877 Ontario atlas for Southern Chingacousy Twp. shows his 100-acre farm at Lot 3 in the 4th concession west, just southeast of Huttonville, and just northwest of Churchville, which was in Toronto Twp. Other farms nearby included many McClures, James Magill, several Laidlaws and Ostranders, as well as a Hunter. The farmhouse was demolished in 1990, and Fraser's farm is now part of the Lionhead Golf and Country Club.

Obituary in "Peel Banner", Aug. 16, 1895:
"The death of Mr. John Fraser last Wednesday morning has cast a shadow over the entire neighbourhood. He was only in bed a week but sank gradually every day. His cheerful face will be missed in this community for a long time. He has been almost a constant invalid for quite a few years, but was always cheerful and uncomplaining. Even when on his death-bed he tried to make himself as little trouble to anyone as he could possibly help. The sorrow-stricken family have the heart-felt sympathy of the entire neighbourhood in their hour of trouble. He leaves behind him the record of an honourable and upright life and an unblemished name."

Churchville Cemetery inscription:
"John Fraser, born Feb. 19, 1832, died Aug. 14, 1895
Jane Magill, born Feb. 3, 1836, died Dec. 12, 1922
James and Sarah Emily
They have gone and the years have received them,
If Jesus have called them away
They have gone to the Lord that redeemed them
From night to the splendour of day"

John married Jane MCGILL on 7 Jan 1858 in Halton County, Ontario. Jane (daughter of James MAGILL and Jane MCCLURE) was born on 3 Feb 1836 in 5th Concession W., Chingacousy Twp., Peel Co.; died on 12 Dec 1922 in 2nd Line W., Chingacousy Twp., Peel Co.; was buried in Churchville Cemetery, toronto Twp., No. 1. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Residing in Chingacousy Twp. in 1858.

In the birth record of Thomas McClure Fraser (1872) her maiden name is Jane Magill.

In a letter written to Marian (Passmore) Engel in 1981, Lola (Passmore) Falconer described her maternal grandmother, Jane (McGill) Fraser as "gentle and loving and had a good sense of humour". Lola remembered her as being a widow, always wearing black, including a black bonnet. "She was wrinkled, and her teeth were poor, but I thought she was lovely. And she "rustled" when she walked, because our Uncle Searle in Cleveland had given her a taffeta petticoat."

Lola's description continued: "When I was young Grandma lived sometimes at our home on the farm; sometimes at Aunt Mary's. But when Aunt Annie, Uncle Clure's wife, died and left him with five year old Hilda, Grandma went back to the old homestead which had gone to Uncle Clure [Thomas McClure Fraser]. It must have been difficult for her, I think. I can remember her good meals. She was famous for her strawberry shortcake. I also remember her houseplants flourishing in every window, and her garden flowers."

Extensive obituary in the Brampton Conservator, 14 Dec., 1922: "..was born on the 5th line west, Chingacousy [3 Feb. 1836] on the farm which her father cleared out of the virgin forest. James McGill and his wife came from Ireland to Canada, and stayed for a time with his friend, James McClure, and on the homestead where the [1922] McClure Reunion was held, his oldest child was born. At the time he was getting the settlement ready for his wife and little daughter, and he is said to have slept in the open at the root of a tree until he got a shelter ready. Mrs. Fraser, his second daughter, was the first child born on the homestead. Only one child of this family now survives, Mrs. James McClure, late of Brampton, who is over 70 years of age. Mrs. Fraser was educated at the famous 5th line school, attended by so many of the children of west Chingacousy pioneers. After her marriage she lived for a while in Churchville, afterwards removing tothe farm at lot 8, 4th line west, where her son, T.C. Fraser now resides. At the time of her death she was staying with her daughter, Mrs. J.H. Hunter, lot 11, 2nd line west, where she passed to a well-earned rest. Mrs. Fraser was a member of the Methodist church and for many years was connected with Huttonville church, valued and esteemed for her fine Christian character and sterling qualities. Her husband died 27 years ago, and she is survived by 8 children, W.J. and Edward, Huttonville; T.C. on the homestead, Dr. J.J., Toronto, and F.S., Cleveland; also by 3 daughters, Mrs. T.H. Reeve and Mrs. A.C. Passmore, Toronto; and Mrs. J.H. Hunter, Chingacousy. Mrs. Fraser was the oldest member of the McClure clan present at the reunion in June last, and it is rather singular that this week's Conservator should chronicle the death of two who were outstanding attendants at the reunion, Dr. W.P. McClure and Mrs. Fraser..."

Notes:

Peter Passmore [excerpts from notes compliled by Lola Falconer]:

Peter Passmore was a customs officer in Plymouth in 1814 and in Liverpool in 1818; there is a leather case with the inscription "Mr. Passmore, Customs, Liverpool, 1818. The 1822-23 Piggot's Directory of Devon and the 1823-24 "London and Provincial New Commercial Directory" listed him as a Customs landing waiter at the Custom House quay in Bideford, Devon. He was listed as "principle [sic] officer, Ousegate, in the Custom House in Baines Directory and Gazetteer Directory for Selby, Yorkshire, in 1822 [http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Selby/Selby22Dry.html]. Although Selby is inland, it is situated on the River Ouse, and was an important trading and shipbuilding port.

Peter was also listed as "collector and surveyor of the port, Quay", in the Pigot & Co. Directory for Maryport, Cumberland of 1828-29. Maryport is on the northwest coast of England, on the Solway Firth, near the Scottish border. There was a short article about him in the "Liverpool Mercury" newspaper of 15 April, 1825: "The great inconvenience which the masters of vessels at Maryport have hitherto laboured under, that of having to travel to Workington for the purpose of clearing out their vessels, for either Ireland or coastwise, has just been removed. Mr. Passmore, having been appointed principal-coast officer at Maryport, a power so far as clearing of vessels, similar to that enjoyed by the officers at Workington, is vested in him",

The National Archives in London has Customs records back through several centuries. A search of some of them [CUST 18, CUST 19/5, CUST 28/78, CUST 39/46,175,182, CUST 66/16-19, CUST 69/80, CUST 83/82-86] turned up no records of Peter Passmore.

There are interesting stories told by his grandson, A.C. Passmore - of articles being smuggled from France and other places. There was a shipment of walnuts, each of which was found to contain a fine white kid glove, made in France.

Peter was married to Maria Downing in Chester in 1819. The bishop's transcript of the marriage describes Peter as a gentleman, of the Parish of Bideford, in Devon, and Maria as a spinster of this (i.e. St. John the Baptist, Chester) Parish. There is a copy of a rather long and sentimental poem from Peter to Maria from Plymouth in 1814, 5 years before they were married. Its title is "My own Character Addressed (owing illness) to a Lady", and ends with "And if ever sincerity glow'd in my Breast,
'Tis now when I swear xxx xxxxx x x x xxxxxx".

Our family has their silver Sheffield tea service, serving spoons and tea spoons, which have the initialed monogram "P.M.P" - Peter and Maria Passmore. We also have a Crown Derby tea and coffee service, which may or may not have belonged to them. There is a set of plates and tea cups without handles, which must date further back. When his daughter Mary Ann, was asked in later years where the saucers were, she said "there were no saucers in those days". There is also some old pewter, including a teapot with the data (or some designation) 1790,and the signature Tyler Sheffield.

The children of Peter and Maria, who survived to adulthood, were Maria Louisa (b. 1822, Selby), Frederick Fortescue (b. 1824, Selby), Mary Ann (b. 1826, Maryport) and Harriet Fortescue (b. 1828, Maryport, shortly after Peter died). There is also a 24 May, 1820 baptismal record, in Bideford, Devon, of a Frederick Fortescue Passmore, born to Peter Passmore, Officer of the Customs (no mother's name is given). This first-born Frederick Fortescue died in 1822 in Selby, Yorkshire, two years before his brother was born and given the same name.

There is a letter, dated 18 Oct., 1821 from a Mr. R. Wilson in the Customs House, Bideford, to Peter Passmore, Principal Coast Officer, Selby, Yorkshire. It contains several topics:
(1) Repairs needed for Peter's house, which had been rented to a Dr. Chanter.
(2) Matters concerning the property that Peter's father had leased from Mr. Kekewich - probably part of the Manor of Broad Parkham. It appears that the Manor is about to change owners - from a Risdon to a Turner. Most lessees will be served Notices of Ejectment. He has not had success in collecting rents from tenants Mr. Camp and Mrs. Short. It may be that Peter Passmore is a steward of all or part of the estate, and that Mr. Wilson is acting as his bailiff in Peter's absence.
(3) A report of local Customs activities. (The letter is "On the Service of Customs", so perhaps this bit was inserted to justify having the postage paid by the government.)
(4) Local news, including a recent storm and maritime disaster.
The letter ends with a statement of Peter's account: salary of 20 pounds plus Mrs. Chanter's rent of 5 pounds, less a small amount deducted for received post.

Obituary in "Liverpool Mercury", 20 June, 1828:
"On Monday, the 9th instant, Mr. Passmore, Collector of Customs, in his 45th year".
This obituary was found on the British Newspaper Archive Internet site. Other newspapers that might have more information: "Whitehaven News", "Cumberland Pacquet".

Peter married Maria DOWNING on 19 Apr 1819 in Chester, Cheshire, England (St. John the Baptist Parish). Maria (daughter of Thomas DOWNING and Joanna FORTESCUE) was born on 1 May 1791 in Parkham, Devonshire, England; died on 29 Apr 1873 in Toronto, Ontario; was buried in Toronto Necropolis and Crematorium P36b. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Following her husband's 1828 death, Maria and her children moved back to Devon. Maria inherited the rents, interest, dividends and annual produce from her father's West Goldworthy property in Parkham. The 1842 tithe map of Parkham Parish shows Maria Passmore leasing properties called Whitefields Broad Parkham and Short's Cottage from Mr. Samuel Kekewich Trehawke Esq. She sub-rented the properties to tenant farmers, Thomas Lemon and John Lang, respectively.

Two mortgage indentures [B127/4/33/7&8] in the North Devon Record Office show Maria lending a total of 230 pounds in the form of a mortgage, to James Chappell for properties he was occupying in Northam Parish and Appledore. The first mortgage document was in 1844 and the second was in July, 1845, and also involved other people: two Prusts, a Norrice, a Pyke, and Richard Buse. Worries about complications in these mortgage transactions were mentioned in the May and June, 1845 letters from the ship and Canada to Maria from her son Frederick .

The letters of Maria's son Frederick to her and her daughters in 1845 were addressed to Plymouth, Devon. In the 1841 census, Maria and her four children were living on Providence Row in the Parish of Bideford, Devon. All four children were shown as being born outside of Devon. Under "profession, trade, employment or independent means", Maria was listed as "independent".

In the 1866 Mitchell and Co. Toronto Directory, Maria is listed as the widow of Peter Passmore, and occupying a house at 222 Church Street.

In the 1871 census [Toronto St. James Ward, District 47, Sub-district B, Division 4, page 40] she is listed as age 74, born in England, Church of England, head of household, and living with her daughters Maria Louisa, age 45, Mary Ann, age 35, and Harriet, age 35.

Death certificate information: age about 82 years. Died of paralysis and old age.

Maria's will and codicil,made in 1871, leaves the bulk of her estate to her son Frederic and all his children, however precluding any of said children are "other than dutiful, obedient and respectful to my said son (of which conduct he is to be the sole judge)". The will specifically excludes Frederic's present wife [Isabella] or any of her relatives from appointment to or rearrangement of administration of the will if her son resigns from that responsibility. If Frederic dies intestate, or without having appointed a new trustee during the childrens' minority, then Maria's daughters are named as the childrens' trustees, with the hope that the children will be obedient and respectful towards them.

The property left to Frederic in trust for the benefit of his children:
-Money on deposit at Canada Permanent Building and Savings Society
- Lot #1 on north side of Sydenham st. in the Village of Yorkville, York County, with dwelling houses and appurtenances thereto belonging which said property was conveyed to Maria by General Warren johnston by deed dated Oct. 9, 1861.
-Lots #37 and #38 fronting on Edinburgh St. and Merion St. according to the subdivision of Lots 5 and 6 of Division "A" now in the Town of Guelph in Wellington County, which lots were conveyed to Maria by William haskins by deed dated Dec. 20, 1860.
- Lot #276 in first concession northeast of the Toronto and Sydenham road in the Township of Melancthon in Grey County, which property was conveyed to Maria by way of mortgage by Edward Harrison by indenture dated Jan. 21, 1860.
-West half of Lot #11 in fifth concession in Tay Township, Simcoe County.
-West half of Lot #11 in seventh concession in Tay Township, Simcoe County, conveyed to Maria by way of mortgage by William Johston Evans and his wife on June 1, 1869.
- Peter's gold watch chain and seals and his masonic medals.
- A gold ring presented to Maria by her brother-in-law the late John Roberts.

Property left to Maria's daughters, Maria Louisa, Mary Anne and Harriet:
- Household furniture, books, pictures, plate, jewellery, china, bed and table linen
- Inasmuch as Mary Anne never had a conveyance of certain property a part of which is situated on Lot #11 Section G of the Military Reserve in the City of Toronto, it was Maria's desire that Mary Anne will bring such property into the General Fund and thereafter participate in equal shares with her sisters and brother. Should she be unwilling to comply with this request, then the Executor [Frederic] has power to take the conveyance of such real and personal property into his consideration and by a true appraisement of the value thereof by some competent person, so distribute the remainder of Maria's property as in his judgement shall be considered four equal shares.
- It was Maria's desire that her son should have his fourth share from the personal estate only, and should not have any claim on the landed property or house property.

The will specifically states that her son's present wife [Isabella] shall have no right, claim or interest by any law of succesion or inheritance of any of the above property.

The will goes on to say that at the time of creation of the will, Maria is planning to have a house erected on a lot on the south side of William St. purchased on May 30, 1870, and to which is added lots #7 and #9 on the west side of Bellaire St. This house is intended to be a "homestead" for her daughters, and it may also be a home for her son and his three children (but not his present wife).

Our family has a book published in 1696, "Mystery of the Skill of Physic Made Easy", by Nicholas Culpepper. It is inscribed in several places with "Mrs. Passmore, Maryport, Cumberland, A.D. 1820" and "Maria passmore her book 1832". Other signatures in the book include James Fortescue, Joanna Downing, Joanna Fortescue, Henry Downing and James Downing.

Notes:

The death record of William's son John and the burial record of his daughter Isabella stated that they were born in Antrim, Ireland. From this we may infer that the family came from that county.

There are two listings of a William Rankin in the 1828 Tithe Applotment Book in Antrim [PRONI ref. FIN/5/A/134 - in Dunluce Parish, one in Park townland, and the other in Ballyhome townland. A Hugh Rankin and a Thomas Rankin are also listed in Park townland. These tithe applotment records list no Mahaffeys. Dunluce Parish contains the spectacular ruins of Dunluce Castle situated on a rocky promentory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The 1796 flaxgrowers bounty list includes: a Hugh Rankin in Ballyrashean Parish, 2 James Rankins in Dunluce Parish, a Thomas Rankin in Ballyrashean Parish and a William Rankin in Derrykeighan Parish.

1824-1827 Vestry minutes of the Church of Ireland parish of Dunluce, held in PRONI [MIC/1/90//1] mention a Hugh Rankin as a church warden. The following Rankin baptisms are also mentioned:
Jan. 16, 1814: John, son of James Rankin of Lisales, Billy.
July 7, 1817: Hugh, son of William Rankin of Park Mountain.
July 25, 1822: James, son of William Rankin of Ballyhome.

The 1901 census listing for William's son Abraham states that the family immigrated to Canada in 1842.

According to the biography of Frederic Fortescue Passmore in "Commemorative Biographical Record of the County of York, Ontario: containing biographical sketches of ..", J.H. Beers, Toronto, 1907:

".. Mr. Passmore married Miss Isabella Rankin, who belongs to a family long identified with County York, being a daughter of William and Mary (Mahoffey) Rankin, natives of Ireland, who came to Toronto at an early date, settling on Yonge Street, where Mr. Rankin owned a tract of land, and where both he and Mrs. Rankin died. Of their thirteen children, Mrs. Passmore and her sister Mrs. Cunningham, and one brother, Abraham Rankin, are the only survivors....".

A copy of William Rankin's will, dated Mar. 8, 1848, is among the personal papers of his son-in-law, Frederick Fortecue Passmore. He requested that his possessions and his farm, at Lot 10, Concession 1, in Whitchurch Twp., be sold to pay his debts and funeral expenses. The will lists his wife and his 11 children - William, Robert, James, John, Samuel, Margaret, Isabella, Daniel, George, Mary Ellen and Andrew.

In census and marriage records, many Rankins, probably from several families, were listed in Vaughan, Whitchurch and Markham Townships in York County in the mid-1800s. Among the marriages, with Rankin parents listed as William and Mary were:
John Rankin, b ~ 1824 in Ireland, m. Elizabeth Hope Nov. 26, 1879
Harriet Rankin, b. ~1846 in Canada m. James Cochrane, Aug. 1, 1868
Mary Jane Rankin, b. ~1842 in Ireland m. James Kelly, Jul 18, 1866
Samuel Rankin, b. 1830 in Ireland m. Ellen Sleightholm, Sep 25, 1861
Isabella H. Rankin b. 1833 in Ireland m. Frederick Fortescue Passmore, Aug. 4, 1859

Other Rankin marriages, for which parents were not listed included:
Elizabeth Rankin m. Daniel McPherson Feb. 13, 1834 witnesses: James Rankin and Esther Rankin
James Rankin m. Mary Sweetman Oct 21, 1836
Margaret Rankin m. James Stewart Dec 22, 1846 (1891 census shows her as b. ~1826 in Ireland)

The 1861 census for Whitchurch, York County (which includes upper Yonge Street), includes a Mary Rankin, age 60, widowed, born in Ireland, and living with her daughter Mary, age 22.

William married Mary MAHOFFEY. Mary was born about 1801 in Ireland; died on 11 Aug 1883 in Whitchurch, York Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The maiden name of Isabella's mother comes from the article on Frederick F. Passmore in "Commemorative Biographical record of the County of York, Ontario", 1907. In Isabella's marriage record, her mother's surname is given as McKay.

There is a Mary Rankin listed in the 1853 Toronto tax assessment rolls - owning a 1 3/4 acre property on Queen St. West (west of Denison's Ave.) in St. Patrick's Ward.

The book "Inhabitants of York County, Ontario, 1850", by N.K. Crowder, lists Mrs. Rankin occupying Lot 70 Concession 1 in Whitchurch Township.

The 1861 census for Whitchurch, York County (which includes upper Yonge Street), includes a Mary Rankin, age 60, widowed, born in Ireland, and living with her daughter Mary, age 22.

In the York North 1871 census for the Whitchurch sub-district, there is a Mary Rankin listed, age 70 (b. ~1801), of Irish ethnic origin, Scotch Presbyterian religion. This is the same district as that of her daughter Mary and son-in-law George Cunningham.

The 1881 census for the Whitchurch sub-district of York North shows Mary Rankin, age 82, widow, Presbyterian, born in Ireland.

Mary Mahoffey Rankin died 11 Aug. 1883. Her probated will was as follows:
"I Mary Rankin of the Township of Whitchurch in the County of York, widow of William Rankin formerly of the same place, farmer, deceased, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills and testamentary dispositions by me at any time heretofore made.
I devise and bequeath all of my estate real and personal to my son John Rankin of the Township of Trafalgar in the County of Halton his heirs and assigns, my personal estate consisting of some money and securities and household furniture and clothing, and my real estate of one acre of land with buildings thereon erected situate on the southwest corner of Lot number Ten on the east side of Yonge Street, in the Township of Whitchurch aforesaid upon [?] for the purposes following, namely FIRST to specifically divide my household furniture and clothing into six equal shares of as nearly equal value as possible and give one of each share to each of my six children now named, namely to himself, John Rankin, Margaret Stuart, wife of James Stuart of the Township of King, Isabella Passmore, wife of Fortescue [sic] Passmore of Toronto, Abraham Rankin of Barrie, Mary Ellen Cunningham, wife of George Cunningham of Whitchurch and Andrew Rankin whose residence is now unknown. SECOND, as speedily as possible to convert the remainder of my said estate which shall not consist of money, into money and after payment of my debts and general and testamentary expenses, to divide the balance thereof equally amongst my six children just named.
And I direct that if my son Andrew's residence is not certainly made known or came to the knowledge of my son John within three years after my decease, then that immediately after the expiration of such three years his share shall vest in and become the property of the other five of my said six children named and shall thereafter be divided amongst them by my said son John.
AND for the disposition sale or conversion into money of my real estate I give my said son John as full and absolute power and authority as he would have over the same were he the owner thereof in fee simple absolute without encumbrance
AND appoint my said son John Executor of this my will."
Mary X Rankin
(her mark)
The will was dated 15 Feb., 1876, and was witnessed by Joseph Rankin and William Rankin.

The will does not mention William, Samuel, Daniel, George, Robert or James as children of Mary Rankin. The will does mention Abraham, who was not listed in the earlier will of Mary's husband William.

The probate record shows the estate valued at about $169, of which real estate constituted about $100, and the rest personal goods.

Notes:

A clue to James Frazer's parents has come from recent autosomal DNA testing. We match on a portion of chromosome 12 with a group of people who are known to descend from Richard Frazer, born ca. 1777 [ a relevant blog is at http://www.jmhartley.com/HBlog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Archibald-Line-Chart.jpg]. This Frazer line was in Aghrafinigan in County Roscommon. Richard Frazer had several children, including a James, of whom no data is presently known. More is known about some of Richard's other children and their descendants. Richard's parents are said to be Archibald Frazer (ca. 1743) and Mary Lilley. A web page of Frazer ancestors is at http://jmhartley.com/Frazer/frazerupd0001.htm.

The names and birthdates of the children of James and Elizabeth Frazer are taken from their son John's family bible. On another page of the same bible is the inscription " James Frazer Departed this Life January the 15th 1835."

That bible also had a page with the following:
"Mary Ann Caruthers, her book dated this 18th day of July, 1836",
and on another page:
"Sarah Caruther, Robert Caruthers".

A James Frazer is listed as occupying lot 23, concession VI (west side of Huron St.) in the 1843 Chingacousy Township assessment roll, according to the book "people of Peel".

James married ELIZABETH. died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The names and birthdates of the children of James and Elizabeth Frazer were recorded in John Fraser's (their son) family bible, which in turn was transcribed in notes made by Lola (Passmore) Falconer. John Fraser's bible also contained "Mary Ann Cauthers Her book dated this 18th day of July 1836", and on another page, the names "Sarah Cauther" and "Robert Cauthers". It is possible that Elizabeth's maiden name was Caruthers, although no records have been found to substantiate this.

Notes:

The 1766 religious census of Ahoghill Parish, Diocese of Connor, County Antrim [at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~casoccgs/Ahoghill.htm] lists 1055 'dissenters" (in this case Presbyterians), The list included a James McGill and a William McGill. A Patrick McGill and a William Magill were listed as belonging to the established Church of Ireland.

The 1825 Tithe Applotments record for Ahoghill Parish[PRONI FIN/5/A/10] includes a John Magill in the town of Ahoghill, a Robert Magill in the townland of Dreen, a Mr. Magill, a Robert Magill and a Mrs. Magill in the townland of Galgorm Parks.

James Magill's parents and siblings are unknown, but the following notice was in the "Freeman's Journal" newspaper on 1 Nov., 1822:

"On the 21st ult. by the Rev. John Johnston, of Aboghill [sic], Thomas Magill, aged 21, to Miss Molly Small, aged 50 [!]. They were conveyed from Aboghill to their place of repose, in Cloughoy, a distance of three miles, by upwards of 100 youths, who expressed their joy and satisfaction in different kinds of noises, such as blowing of horns, beating pans and kettles, firing of guns, bonfires, &c. (Belfast Chronicle)."

The same newspaper, on 2 Oct. 1817 reported "On the 24th ult., at Crieve, County Antrim, of a typhus fever, aged 55, Mrs. Magill, wife of William Magill, Esq."

From notes made by Lola (Passmore) Falconer:

James Magill (sometimes spelled McGill) came from Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland. After his marriage to Jane McClure, the couple lived for a time on the Third Line, between Churchville and Meadowvale in Peel County, while James cleared enough land to build a log cabin on the Fifth Line. Their neighbours included "Lower Jimmy" McClure, "Upper Jimmy" McClure, the McCrackens, "Uncle Tommy" and "Aunt Lizzie" McClure (Parents of Andy McClure). Eventually, James built a big brick house on the farm north of Norman Laidlaw's on the same side of the Fifth Line. At first, while beginning this, "he slept at the root of a tree." "Tremaine's Map of the County of Peel, Canada West", 1859 lists James Magill at lot 9 concession V west and also at lot 9 concession VI west in Chingacousy Township in 1859.

James Magill built a big brick house after the log house. It was on the farm north of Norman Laidlaw's on the same side of the 5th line. It first belonged to James Magill, and then to Jim McGill before they went to Brampton to the big house north of town.

Maggie and Jane Magill in Ireland (nieces of James) kept in touch with James and his family in Canada. The Magills in Ireland owned a linen factory, and lived about five miles from Ballymena. The manufacture of linen, from flax, was one of the main industries in and near Ballymena. The "New American Cyclopedia", Vol. X, ed. by G. Ripley and C.A. Dana in the mid 19th century, has an article about linen, in which it is stated that in the Great London Exhibition of 1851, ".. a specimen [of linen] spun by Jane Magill, 84 years of age, [therefore born about 1767] was the finest (760 leas);..."

When Alfred Clarence and Sarah Ellen Passmore visited Maggie and Jane in Dreen, Ireland in 1932, they brought back a checked red and white quilt (which is still in our family) and an elaborate crocheted bedspread.

1851 Chingacousy census:
James Magill, 50, yeoman, born Ireland
Jane Magill, 47, born Ireland
William Magill, 17, labourer, born Canada
James J. Magill, 5, born Canada
Eliza Magill, 23, born Canada
Jane Magill, 15, born Canada
Mary Magill, 7, born Canada
Nancy Magill, 6, born Canada
Hannah McClure, 30, born Ireland
The family's religion was Church of Scotland, and they lived in a log house.

1861 Chigacousy census:
James McGill, 58
Jane McGill, 55
Eliza McGill, 27
William McGill, 24
Mary McGill, 19
Nancy McGill, 15
James McGill, 14
Hannah McGill, 8
The listed family religion was Free Church (Presbyterian).

In the 1871 census for Chingacousy Twp., Peel County [film C-9958, District Peel (039), subdistrict Chingacousy (D), Division 4, page 39, James McGill is listed as a farmer, age 66, born in Ireland, Presbyterian. Others listed:
Jane Magill, 64, b. Ireland
Eliza Magill, 35, b. Ontario
James Magill, 22, b. Ontario
Hannah Magill, 18, b. Ontario
Hannah McClure, 50, b. Ireland
Neighbours included Thomas McClure family.

In the 1881 census for Chingacousy Twp., Peel County [film C-13252, District 140, subdistrict B, Division 4, page 40, household 196, James McGill is listed as a farmer, widowed, born about 1803 in Ireland, Presbyterian. Others listed:
Eliza Magill, 38
James Magill, 37
Hannah McClure, 60

His 1882 death record, in Chingacousy, Peel County, gives his age as 80 years and 3 months, born in Antrim, Ireland. Death was due to diarrhea, 6 days. Informant was James Magill, Jr., lot 9, conc. 6, Chingacousy.

James' will, written in November, 1879, with several codicils added before 1882, lists his son-in-law, William Hyatt, John Fraser and James McClure as executors. His unmarried daughter Eliza received furniture, a cow, a portion of the house, garden and field, and $900, and was to be supported by his son James Johnston Magill, as long as she remained unmarried. Son James was also to support his aunt, Hannah McClure (the sister of his deceased mother Jane McClure) for the remainder of her life. The will also stipulated specific amounts of money to the married daughters, Nancy Hyatt, Hannah McClure, Jane Fraser, and to grandchildren Jane Florence Louisa McClure and James Magill Wiggins (son of his deceased daughter Mary).

There is a photo of James Magill on page 394 of "The "Clan" McClure: Historical Highlights", by J.B. Gilchrist.

James married Jane MCCLURE about 1825 in Antrim, Ireland. Jane (daughter of Thomas MCCLURE and Jean BROWN) was born on 21 Apr 1805 in Antrim, Ireland; died on 30 Oct 1872 in Chingacousy Twp., Peel Co.; was buried in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Cemetery, Streetsville, Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Born in Ireland, according to the death record of her daughter Nancy in 1920.

From notes made by Lola (Passmore) Falconer:

Great Grandmother (Jane McClure) Magill used to drive the oxen to help clear the stumps. She used to go to "borrow some fire" from "Aunt Leezie" (or Lisee?) and Uncle Tommy McClure (i.e. her brother and sister-in-law) on the farm that backed theirs on the 4th line. Great Grandmother Magill walked from her farm to Streetsville with a basket of butter, traded it for chinaware, and carried it home.