Notes:

Florence is the daughter of Gertrude Nelles & Frederick Johnston

. 1965 Sep 4, Names of former pupils who registered at the Greenock school Reunion to commemorate the closing of the School.:
Barbara, Doreen, Keith Johnston, Florence Allan Johnston, John & Mrs. Jean Johnston, Mr & Mrs. Bill Johnston, Helen Johnston.

. The Allan Farm
On Lot 7, Con. 3, was one of the earliest to be taken from the Crown; but the Allan family did not come until the spring of 1855. John Allan came from Hamilton, & was a carpenter who had learned his trade in Scotland. He paid 287 pounds for the 200 acres, built a house & barn & a shed for drying hops. He planted hops, & packed them in large bales when dry. On a good year a democrat load would bring $600. The old house was burned in 1889, & replaced by the brick house. From 1860-1862, a lumber company had a mill on this farm, & bought up all the hardwood in the area. It was hauled to Acton by Oxen, & shipped to England & Scotland for ship building. John Allan married Jane Moore. In 1890, the farm was sold to their second son, John Allan, who married Rubina Auld, & there they lived the rest of their lives. Mrs. John Allan sold the farm in 1929, to son Chester & his wife, the former Florence Johnston. They had6 children.
Ref: History of Erin Twp.

. TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY, as recorded by Greenrock Women's Institute:
Recollections of the Local Beef Ring - by Mrs. Chester Allan (Florence Johnston).
I remember when I was a young girl, being wakened very early in the morning to the sound of horses' hooves & buggies coming in & out of our lane which was close to my bedroom win. It was mostly men at that time but some women came a little later as they likely had children & breakfast to be look after first but hey were usually all away before 7 to get the meat home before the heat of the day.

Mr father, Fred Johnston, was the butcher for several years, Mr. Ed. Mann coming early Saturday morning to help him with the cutting up, weighing & putting each person's meat in the right box. I also remember hearing that Albert McKeown & Ro; & Allan took a turn at butchering.
Dad had a building at the back of the barn that had a cement floor with a ring fastened in the floor near the thought leading to a hole in the ground outside. In the same building he had large covered cement cistern that he a reserve of water piped from our well by a windmill, good supply of water was necessary to keep everything clear.
The BEEF RING was in operation just for the summer months. Each farmer was to furnish one beef each summer for a full share which consisted of a roast & a boil & a piece of steak each week. For a small family 2 could go together & each take a half share which would be a roast one week & a boil & steak the alternate week.
Along one wall of the slaughter house was a double row of pen front boxes about the size of a hen's nest with a name tag on each box.
A meeting was held so that everyone knew when it would be their turn to supply the beef. They also had rules as to the approximate weight & age 400 to 600 albs weight & not over 5 years. In any health problems turned up, a health inspector was to be called in. I remember this happening once & the animal was condemned with T.B. There was no meat that week but a low of cleaning up to be done.
The animals were brought to our barn Thursday evening. Friday night was butchering night & very early the next morning it had to be cut up, weighted & put in a cotton flour or sugar bag that each person left the week before. The farmer that supplied the beef received the liver, heart, tail & hide. A large chart was made about 2x # feet marked in squares with each weeks across the top & each man's ahem down the left hand side, the weight to each person's meat was put in the right square so that at the end of the season the columns were added both ways & the total both ways came to the same figure in the right hand corner. A business meeting was held in the school at the close of each seasons & if the beef that a man pout in was heavier than the average he would be paid the difference at a price that was set in the spring, likewise if a light than average weight animal was put in he would pay the difference. Two auditors were appointed each year to check the books. Business meetings were held a Greenock school & sometimes an oyster supper was held in a home for a family get together.

Benefits of the week ring - fresh beef for a few days once a week in summer, a change from cured salted port or the occasional hen. On the other hand I imagine a neck boil would be a challenge for Sunder dinner if that was the day your in-laws or special friends decided to come to dinner. Do not know how many years the beef ring was in operation or the pay received for butchering & cutting up but it is concluded that it must have been the early 1900's when it started. One of the first men who did the butchering was Mr. Simon McGlaughlin, followed by Bert McKeown, Fred Johnston (Mrs. Allan's father & then Roland Allan.
Ref: Wellington Co. Museum & Archives.

. 1924 Nov 13 - Leslie's School. The following report for October for Leslie School, Erin [ S.S. No. 8 Erin] Class V Elva Johnson, Florence Johnston. E C Currie, Teacher.
Ref: Acton Free Press, Page 7.

. 1964-65 Greennock School Pupils Class Photo: Barbara Johnston, small blond girl, kneel in front row of class.

. 1965 Sep 4, Names of former pupils who registered at the Greenock school Reunion to commemorate the closing of the School.:
Barbara, Doreen, Keith Johnston, Florence Allan Johnston, John & Mrs. Jean Johnston, Mr & Mrs. Bill Johnston, Helen Johnston. - - -

Birth:
Lot 5, Con 3.

Died:
- Verify location.

Family/Spouse: Chester ALLAN. Chester was born est 1911; died in in Erin Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Laverne (Living) ALLAN
2. Gordon (Living) ALLAN

Notes:

* Gertrude Burns Nelles married Frederick O Johnson & brother Smith Burns Nelles married Julia Ann Johnston.ii

TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY, as recorded by Greennock Women's Institute:
. 1889 Greennock School, Group School photo, tall cedar trees in the background:
Front row. Charlie & Robert Johnston; 3rd row: Ida & Fred Johnston; Back row Julia Johnston. Girls are wearing white pinafores, boys dark jackets, button right up.
. 1922 Dec 5 - Members of Greennock Farmers Club: Basil; Fred O. & Richard Johnston.

. 1902 Siloam Sunday School Group Studio Photo, 2nd Row Fred Johnston, Jacket & vest with gold chain, white shirt & colored time, long narrow face, dark short hair.
Women's Siloam Sunday School Group 2nd row Margaret [sailor suit] & Ida Johnson [black dress with a belt, large strip neckerchief / collar & a open Bible on her lap.
Ref: Wellington Co. Archives & Museum.

. 1908 Sep 16 - Married - Johnston -Nelles, In Nassagaweya at the residence of the bride's mother on Wednesday, Sept 16, by Rev D H Taylor, Frederick Orwell Johnston son of Robert Johnston, Erin to Gertrude Burns, youngest daughter of Mrs Wm. Nelles, Nassagaweya.
Published, 24 Sep 1908, page 2, column 1.

. 1908 Sep 24, The Johnston-Nelles Nuptials
The home of Mrs. Wm Nelles, Nassagaweya, was the seen of a very pretty wedding, on Wed. Sep 16, when her daughter, Gertrude Burns, became the bride of Mr. Frederick Orwell Johnston, fourth son of Mr. Robt Johnston, Erin. Promptly at 2:30 p.m. sounded the strains of the Lohengrin Wedding March, played by Mrs. Wm. Nelles, Jr., of Guelph, the wedding part took their place on the front verandah, under an artistically decorated arch, where Rev D H Taylor of Rockwood, pastor of the contracting parties, pronounced over them those magic words which blend for life 2 hearts together. The bride was becomingly attired in an exquisite gown of white Panama silk, trimmed with satin & allover lace, & carried a shower bouquet of lilies of the valley & also wore a spray of the same in her hair.
Miss Ida Johnston, sister of the groom, acted as bridesmaid & was neatly gowned in white organdy, carrying a bouquet of pink roses. Little Jessie ? Graham, niece of the bride, tastily attired in white silk & carrying a basket & wreath of white, pink & blue asters made a charming little flower girl. Mr. Robt. Nelles, brother of the bride, was groomsman. The ceremony being over & the usual congratulations extended, the guests, to the number 150, retired to the rear lawn where a sumptuous repast awaited them. Luncheon over a social evening was spent in pleasant intercourse, music, songs & addresses.The young couple were the recipients of many valuable & useful presents. On the following morning Mr & Mrs Johnston left for a trip to Hamilton & other points. Mrs. Johnston travelled in a suit of brown lady's cloth, hat to match & point d'esprit over white ilk waist. On their return they will take up their residence on "Sunnyside Farm", Erin, where they will be followed by the warm congratulations & best wishes of their many friends.
Ref: Acton Free Press, page 3, column 2.

. TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY, as recorded by Greenrock Women's Institute:
Lot 5, Con 2 East, Erin Township:
On Sept 6, 1854 Paul McCain took this property from the Crown. On December 10, 1915 Fred Johnston & his wife Gertrude bought this parcel of land right across the road from them for $3400. In 1943 Fred Johnston sold to his son William & his wife Margaret. In 1948 it was sold to Wm. Hill & Wm. & Margaret Johnston & family moved up to Lot 7, Con 3W.

. 1917 Feb 14 -1922 Dec 5. Greenock Farmers Club Minutes
An organization meeting was held in the school house Feb 14, 1917. Directors F. Johnson, Club to be composed of 20 members, Membership fee of .50¢.
Ref: Wellington Co. Museum & Archives.
XRef: See daughter Florence Johnson recollections of the Beef Ring run by her father, Fred Johnston.

Ontario Land Registry Abstract Wellington Co., Book 152
Lot 1 Con 2, Twp. of Erin
. 1890 Mar 11, Probate Will, John Gamble, Edwin F, Wm G Gable.
. 1891 Feb 23, B&S, Geo H Kenned & Robt Johnston, Executors of John Gamble, dec. EHalf, 100A.
1904 Mar 1, B&S, Wm G Gamble & Wife, to Robert E & Fred O Johnston, & Smith B Nellis, Half 100A.
. 1910 Oct 3, B&S, Robt. E Johnston & Wife, to Smith B Nellis, $1800, EHalf 100A.
. 1911 Oct 16 Smith B Nelles & wife & FOJ & Wife, to Angus McDonald, $2200, EHalf 100A.
. 1917 Jun 1, Bargain&Sale, Frederick O Johnston & Wife, to John R Watson, $2300, EHalf 100A.

Lot 2, Con 2, Erin Twp, p.26

. 1921 Apr 28, Thrus. The Bell Telephone Co. is engaged in installing new telephone services for the following additional subscribers for the Acton exchange, Fred Johnson, Hugh Johnson, R A & Arthur Swackhammer.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1934 Jan 4, Caledon Village Elected Trustees, Elected Are JOHNSON.

. 1937 Nov 25, Cornor's Inquest, hell an inquest into death of Wm. Winston Woyace of Caledon on Tues., when the jury brought in the following verdict. WW Woyce came to his death from shock & internal hemorrhages sustained in an impact of car drives north on Hy 10, Oct 30th at the foot of Slago Hill when Woyce can was struck by a truck. The truck left the scene of the accident & was traced by Toronto Police. Jury Fred Johnston.

* 1951 Jul 12, Johnston Reunite At Sunnside Farm
Members & descendants of the late Mr Mrs Robt Johnston met at the home of Mr Mrs Fred Johnston, Acton, Sunnyside Farm, second line Erin Twp., on July 2. The day was fine & many joined in the baseball games & horseshoe pitching. For the children rides. Results of the race were:
Girls under 5 years - Dorothy Johnston, Jean Nelles, boys under 5 years,Kent Graham, Gordon Allan.
Boys 7-8 years - Clark Winters, Harvey Burt: Girls 8,9, 10, Margaret Winters, Joyce Johnston.
Young raiders' race, Doris Allan, Helen Allan.
Married ladies race - Mrs Elwood Johnston, Mrs Edgar Johnston.
Kicking the school, Ladies - Mrs Wm. Johnson, Mrs Elmer Johnston; children Elvnia Winters, Carylyn Near.
Three-legged race - Doris Allan, Elvina Winters; boys 3 legged race, clark Winters & Lawrence Johnston.
Peanut race - Margaret & Mabel Johnston.
Dropping clothes pins - Mrs Gordon Johnston; time race, ladies Mrs R L Johnston; men's R L Johnston.
At 5 o'clock 85 were seated at beautifully decorated tables ladened with good things to eat, in the the driving house. This made a very handy & comfortable setting. For desert there was ample ice-cream & strawberries. Recognition was made of a substantial sum of money received from Mrs Margaret Johnston Bridges, who was unable to attend.
A short program followed the supper hour, with Reeve D D Grey acting as a capable chairman. Grace was spoken by James H Reed, action & an address of welcome given by Fred Johnston. Reading by Alfreda Winters, a recitation by Muriel Allan & reading by Mrs Edgar Johnston fellowed.
Lawrence Johnston & Clark Winters preformed a humorous sound directed by Mrs Elwood Johnston Historical events given by James H Reed were appreciated.On behalf of the gathering assembled thanks to the host & hosts, Mr Mrs Fred Johnston were expressed by Elwood Johnston. Attending this happy family gathering from cottages of a distance of 125 mils were Mrs Mrs Robt. Near & Carylyn & Mr Mrs Elmer Johnston & Roy. The singing of God be With You Till We Meet Again brought the program to a close.
Pictures were taken before departing o the Johnston family, including the 4 generations of the Reed family Mr Mrs James H Reed & Mr Mrs Wm. Gamble were married 58 years ago.
A collection received will buy a suitable gift for Franky McPherson who is ill in Vancouver. Dishes were gathered in readiness for home after a very enjoyable afternoon together.
Ref: Acton Free Press newspaper, published 1951.7.28.

. 1951 Jul 28, Sat. [Extracted]. 13 Leslie Reunion at Stanley Park, Erin. Attendance 145. After dinner Wilfred Leslie conducted a brief business meeting. Minutes of last reunion, Mrs P A Dic. A moments silence for Geo. Leslie of Guelph. a new family tree book.Next reunion at Woodstock in 2 years. The old lady Mrs C Shook 85, of Toronto. … Mr Mrs Richard Johnson, Mr Mrs Orwell Johnston, Mr Mrs Fred Johnston, Miss Miles Johnston, Mrs. Basil Johnston of Acton. Ref: Acton Free Press newspaper.

. 1953 - Died Johnston - suddenly at his residence, RR 3, Acton, on Thursday January 1, 1953. Johnston, Fred. Orwell, in his 71st year. Rested at the Victor B Rumley funeral home, Acton, until Monday, where funeral service was held. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Acton.

. 1953 Jan 1 - F.O. JOHNSTON DIES ON NEW YEAR'S DAY:
A life-long resident of Erin Twp., Fredrick Orwell Johnston of RR 3 Acton died suddenly on New Year's Day 1953, Mr. Johnston who was a farmer, was born in 1882 Erin Twp., son of the late Robert Johnston & Lydia Leslie. In Sept 1908 he was married in Nassagaweya, his wife survives him.

He attended Acton United church & Rev E A Currey conducted the funeral service on Jan 5. Acting as pallbearers were 6 nephews: Orwell Johnston, Elmer Johnston, Lloyd Johnston, Elwood Johnston, Clarence Gamble & Cecil Nellis. Other nephews of the deceased, acting flower bearers were Roy Johnston, Edgar Johnston, Robert Near, Gordon Johnston, Marsell Nellis Henry Neillis & Alert Gamble.
Interment was in Fairview cemetery.
Surviving as well as his wife are 4 children: Mrs. Alfred Winter (Eva), Oustie: Mrs Chester Allen (Florence); William & Mrs Lloyd Burt (Eileen) all of Erin twp.
Two brothers: Richard of Acton & Robert of Rockwood;
& 5 sisters: Melissa, Acton; Mrs James Reid (Lydia), Acton; Mrs. W Gable (Mary), Acton, Mrs E Near (Ida), Toronto & Mrs A Bridges (Margaret) of Victoria, BC, also remain. He had 14 grandchildren.
Floral tributes showing the esteem in which the deceased was held were received from the following: Wife & family; grandchildren; Mr & Mrs. James Reid, Melissa Johnson, Mr & Mrs W Gamble & family; Mr & Mrs Richard Johnston & family, Mr. & Mrs. Rob. Johnston & family; Mr. & Mrs E H Near & family; Mrs. Basil Johnston & family;
a telegram of sympathy from sister Mrs A Bridges, Victoria BC; Mr & Mrs Cecil Nellis & family; Mr & Mrs Robt. Williamson; Graham family, Mr & Mrs Merlin Roberts & Henry Nellis; Mrs. Wm Nellis & family; Mrs Tom Nellis & family; Mr & Mrs Leader & family Mr & Mrs R Watson & Miss Ida Nellis; Mr & Mrs L Burt & family; Mr. Geo. Holloway; Mr & Mrs W Hill & family; Mrs. Jennie McKeown & family. Women's Association United church; Greenrock Women's Institute; the Neighbors; neighbors of Mrs. Lloyd Burt; Mr & Mrs. Edgar Smith & Mr R S Near.
Ref: Acton Free Press, 12 Mar 1953, page 5, column 2.

. Cards of Thanks: We wish to thank all our friends, neighbors, pallbearers & those who provided cars for their many acts of kindness, expressions of sympathy & condolence & for their beautiful flora offerings at the sudden loss of our dearly beloved husband & father, Mrs. Fred Johnston & family.
Acton Free Press, 8 Jan 1953, page 8, column 5.

. Robert Johnston, b May 1883, Age 28
. Gertrude Burns, Mar 1884, Age 27, Ontario
. Elva Elizabeth, Dau., Dec 1909, Age 1, Ontario
. Florence Martha Johnston, Dau., Mar 1909, Age 3/12 months, Ontario.

. 1976 Jan 21 - Mortgage burned at Trinity United church, is now debt free, following the formal official burning of the mortgage. ...long time clerk of session Orwell Johnston. Mr. Johnston reviewed highlights of the church history, including the fact the old church was condemned in 1959. Methodism came to Acton in 1828. Men of the church who worked on the building project in 1960 were Orwell Johnston, Mansell Nellis, Kenneth All.
* Group photo with Orwell Johnston.

. What caught my attention was not the freshly cut grass but the lack of a driveway & boarded up windows. I decided to pull over & approach the house directly across from the location to speak with the owners & let them know my intentions & ended up getting a good chunk of history on the abandoned homestead. Despite owning the land around the house & being the caretakers for the ground the couple across the street do not own the abandoned house. The abandoned house originally belonged to a Orwell Johnson/Johnston from the early 1900's to the late 1990's. Orwell remembered the road initially being nothing more than a cattle & wagon trail in his early childhood, with the surrounding lands being used for crops. After Orwell's death the family sold the home to the current owner who decided to lease the location as development was out of the question with the house on the greenbelt. After a couple lousy tenants the house was leased. The owner decided to board up the place out of pure frustration & it now sits empty & boarded up.
Ref: Ontario Abandon Places, 2014. - - -

Birth:
Fred Orwell used both as first names at various times.

Died:
RR 3.

FREDerick married Gertrude Burns NELLES on 16 Sep 1908 in Nassagaweya Twp., Halton Co., Ontario. Gertrude was born on 22 Mar 1884 in Nassagaweya Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 20 Aug 1958 in Acton, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; was buried on 22 Aug 1958 in Fairview Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Gertrude is the daughter of Elizabeth Smith & Wm. Bravender Nelles, Farmer.
* Gertrude Burns Nelles married Frederick O Johnson & brother Smith Burns Nelles married Julia Ann Johnston.ii

. 1949 Sep 21, Greenock Women's Institute Members, Group Photo, cedar trees in background: Mrs. Basil Johnston, Mrs. Fred Johnston, Mrs. Thomas McCutcheon.

. 1949 Greenock Women's Institute Booth - Acton Fall Fair, Group photo: Mrs Fred Johnston, Mrs Hugh Reid, Mrs. Tom McCutcheon. They are standing behind a small wooden booth, a tent is behind them. There are some sort of condiments on the booth counter (e.g. muster). The 8 ladies are wearing light hats & coats. The tree in the background is green & the above first photo is indoors, but they are probably of a similar date. - PJA
Ref: Wellington Co. Museum & Archives.

. 1952 Gun Spear, donated of Wellington Count Museum: A spear gun & a spear, circa 1850. The gun has a mahogany stock, a brass trigger guard, a butt plate & an iron muzzle. It is hand carved. The muzzle is fastened to the wooden stock. The brown iron spear is attached to the muzzle of the gun.
he gun was brought back from the Boer War circa 1850.
The donor may be Mrs. Fred Johnston who described the gun as being brought back from the Boer War.

. 1958 Aug 21. Died Johnston, at the Flynn Nursing Home, on Wed. Aug 20, 1958, Gertrude Burns Nellis beloved wife of the late Frederick Johnston & dear mother of
Mrs. Alf Winters, of Rockwood,
Mrs. Chester Allan, Acton
Mrs. Lloyd Burt, Acton, &
William, all of Acton.
Resting at the Rumley Funeral Home where funeral services will be held on Friday, 2:30 p.m. Interment Fairview Cemetery.
Ref: Acton Free Press, 21 Aug 1958, page 6, column 1.

. 1958 Aug 20 - Mrs. Frederick Johnston, Last Member of Family.
A district resident, Mrs. Frederick O Johnston, died at the Flynn Nursing Home on Aug 20th after a lengthy illness. She was the last surviving member of a family of 8 children. Mrs. Johnston was the former Gertrude Nellis, a daughter of William & Elizabeth Smith Nellis, & was born in 1884.
In 1908 she married Frederick Johnston in Nassagaweya Township.
4 children, 16 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren survive her.
Her son William lives at RR 3 Acton,
her 3 daughters are Mrs. Alf Winter (Elva), RR1, Rockwood,
Mrs Chester Allan (Florence), RR 2, Acton,
Mrs. Lloyd Burt, (Eileen), RR 2, Acton.
Rev A McKenzie officiated at the funeral service in the Rumley Funeral Home on Friday afternoon, Aug 22nd.
6 nephews were pallbearers, Clarence Gamble, Orwell Johnston, Burt Nellis, Cecil Nellis, Henry Nellis Mansell Nellis.
Four grandsons: Laverne Allan, Lawrence Johnston, Harvey Burt & Gordon Allen, were flower bearers.
Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Acton.
Ref: Georgetown Herald, 3 Sep 1958, page b6, column 4. - - -

Birth:
Alt Spelling Nellis.

Notes:

Robert Prine is the son of Julia Ann Teetzel & Richard Lawrence Johnston.

. See drawings of 'Checked Store,' on King Street; also Toronto newspapers advertisements.

Robert Johnston's son, Robt Jr. was born in Acton.

. On his father-in-law's death in 1873 he inherited the east half of lot 2, Concession 2, (York) & this became his new farm. "The present home was built by Robert Johnston at the front of the farm. An addition was made to the front of the dwelling about 1892." The farm was left to his youngest son Basil.
Certificate: mother MARY TEETZEL.

. 1978 Nov 29 - The Siloam Brick Church as it was commonly called, was Methodist Episcopal Church, built by Eli Snyder, On the north westerly corner Lot 32, Con 3, Esquesing, & founded 1862. The erection of this church & the organization of a church society was the outcome of gracious revival at a camp meeting held in a beech & maple grove one lot east, across the road from the Churchill Cemetery. The erection of the Brick Church was an important event in the annals of the Community. The families most intimately associated with the enterprise were the Snyders, Leslies & the Johnston & others. ...Time saw numerous changes it was attached to Rockwood circuit. ...Regretfully closed in 1920 the membership was transferred to Acton Church ...The brick from the church were purchased by Mr. Basil Johnston, Lot 2 & used to brick his house.
. Orwell Johnson members got to Sunday School in a the little brick church. & traveling up the First Line from his family farm behind a trotting horse. The Johnston family didn't take Hwy. 7 to reach the corner of Hwy. 25 & Town Boundary where the church was situated. There were no paved highways in 1909. Instead the horse would travel his familiar route fromFirst Line along a sidereal now long gone, beside harry Murray's farm to Town boundary & Second Line.
Mr. Johnston remembers being taught by Mrs. Albert McKeown, mother of our presents postmaster. He loved the classes although they were very different from present day Sunday School. Both Clarence & Orwell enjoyed their Sun. School days although they maintained they were well behaved boys not getting into mischief. I had to behave - I had strict father. If a I let a hymn book fall, he would take me out & lick (punish) me.
At one point a fierce storm blew the church roof off & flattened the driving sheds. The congregation clubbed together & repaired the damaged with a few days but Orwell Johnston fells the church started to go downhill from then on. Photo of Mr Mrs. O Johnston, seated, apparently in a house.
PHOTO Mr Mrs Orwell Johnston, both seated, (possibly taken inside a house), looking at early Brick Church documents.
Ref: Acton's Early Days, pub. 1939, by the Acton Free Press & Abbreviated, Wellington Co. Museum & Archives.

. 1866 Toronto & Peel Directory: Johnston, Richard, wharfing, house 27 Seaton
. 1867 Erin Twp. Directory: Johnston, Robt., Fl. 2, Con 2, Freeholder.

. 1887 Jan 6 - Erin Free Pressings from our new Correspondent:
Robert Johnson was elected trustee for the Leslie section last Wednesday. We have not learned who was chose for the 4th line.

The Johnston Farm
. E 1/2 Lot 2, Con. 2, was taken from the Crown in 1823, & changed hands several times before it was purchased by James Leslie in 1841. In 1873, at the death of James Leslie, this 100 acres was willed to his daughter, Martha & her husband, Robert Johnston.
The first log house was built far back from the road, with part of it being over a never-failing spring. A new home was built by Robert Johnston, closer to the road, with the front part being added in 1892. Married in 1865, Robert & Martha Johnston had a family 6 sons & 6 daughters. Robert died in 1911, & the youngest son, Basil, succeeded to the farm. 3 years later he married Catherine Gray, & they had 1 son & 1 daughter. In 1939 Basil Johnston died, as the result of an accident. His son, Elwood purchased the farm in 1943. He married Mary Cutts, & they have a family of 3 daughters & 1 son. They operated a dairy farm, & also own 100 acres, Lot 3, 3rd line.
Ref: History of Erin Township.

TWEEDSMUIR HISTORY, as recorded by Greennock Women's Institute:
. 1889 - Robert Johnston, School Secretary-Treasurer.
Note1: Is this referenced to the Greennock School. - PJA
Ref: Wellington Co. Archives & Museum.

. 1893 Jan., Erin - Aged Ram Astray - Came upon the premises, Lot 4, Con 2, Erin, about 15 October, an aged ram. The owner will prove property, pay expenses & remove it.
Ref: Acton Free Press, advertisement published 1893 Feb 2.

. 1896 & 1899 - Johnston, Robt. Acton, Esquesing Twp. Freehold, Con 3, Lot 32,
Ref: Nirret's Business Directory.

. 1898 Jan 6, Leslie's School, Mr A McIntyre who has been teacher in S S No 8, Erin for the past 2 years end his labors last Wed. Dec 22. he has been very success teach & made many friends whom join in wishing him future success. Wed Afternoon a ref program was given by the scholars. Robt. Johnson, Esq., occupied the chair & requested the pupils to come to the front when Ernest Near read an address.
.1898 Aug 4, Robert Johnston is improving his residence on Main Street by the addition of another story.
Ref: Acton Free Press newspaper.

WILL of Robt. Johnston, Sr.:
To son Robert, the house & lot west of Mary Ann's with the privilege to the secure belonging. 12 Aug. 1843. Estate Files J4.
Note2: That is TWO next to the store at King & Toronto St. - PJA.

. Ontario Death Registration, Erin Town
Robert Johnston, died 1 Jul 1911, aged 71 years /b 1840,
Father Richd. Johnston, Palermo & mother Mary Teetzel*
Informant Basil Johnston.
Died Erin Twp., Farmer, Cancer, Asthenia [weakness], Dr. Grey.

*Note3: Son Basil Johnson is the informant. He has crossed the names of his father's mother:
The first wife of his grandfather, Richard Lawrence Johnston, was Julia Ann Teetzel. 2nd wife: Mary Stevenson. - PJA.

. Lawrence Relatives:
Cousin Richard Lawrence Hamilton also lived in Acton at this time. Robert L Johnson & brother Richd. L Johnson, Senior & Junior surely must have have contact with their Cousin Richard L Hamilton (& his brothers & sisters). R L Johnson, Jr. was born 1869 & thus 30 years younger than R L Hamilton.

Recorded for further research"
. Johnston, Robt. Laurence - In loving memory of a dear son, brother, father & grandfather who passed away February 6, 1995. Though we can not see him smile & his hands we can not touch, His memory is our keepsake, With which we'll never part. Sadly missed by his mother Margaret Johnston & sisters Joyce, Dorothy & Helen.

Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Wellington Book 152
Lot 2, Con 2, Twp. of Erin
. 1841 May 4, Bargain&Sale, Thos. Martin & Wife, to James Leslie, £100, East Half, 100A.
. 1873 Jun 13, Probate Will, James Leslie, to John & Joel Leslie, Executors & Lydia Leslie Executrix of James Leslie. To sell & convey.
. 1874 Mar 10, Quit claim, Phebe Fonger & Robert Johnston & Wife & Robt. Tovell, to John Leslie, SE Half.
. 1874 Aug 25, B&S, Robt. Tovell, to Robt. Johnston, EHalf 100A. with use of Spring & right of way.
. 1908 Jul 9, Registered 1911 Jul 25, Probate WILL, Robert Johnston, decd., to Basil C Johnston, EHalf, Subject to legacies.
. David A Henderson & Wife, to Richard L Johnston, $1800, Half 100A., Special re Timber etc.
. 1939 Oct 5, Grant, Elwood Johnston & Laura Johnston spinster, heirs of Basil Johnston dec, to Catherine Johnston, $1., E half 100A., Treasurer consents others.
. 1943 Oct 26, Grant, Catherine Johnston, Widow, to R Elwood Johnston, Affection & $2000, EHalf Acres.
. 1954 Mar 24, Oil & Gas Grant, R Elwood Johnston & Wife, to Tony Seynuck, East Half 100A @ $1. per year: Re Drilling & operating for oil.
1956 Aug 24, Probate WILL, Richard L Johnston, decd., to sons: Albert L O Johnston & Wm. R Johnston, West Half, as tenants in common.
. 1959 May 14, Grant, Albert L Johnston & XX missing off edge of page.

Lot 3, Con 2, Twp. of Erin,
. 1958 Jul 28, Grant, Elevyn Hepburn Committee of Walter & Irene Lambert, to Robt E & Mary C Johnston, $1. West Half 100A., as joint tenants, subject to easement.
. 1996.8.12. Robt. & Elwood Johnston, to Barbara & Randy Walker, as joint tenants.

Note4 to researchers: This appears to be a different person
Lot 28, Con 8, Esquesing, Book, 18, p267
. 1862 Aug 18, Quit claim, Abraham Lindsay, to Eliza Johnston, 50A.
. 1862 Aug 15, Frontage, Rott Johnson & his wife Eliza, to Abraham? Lindsay, $1000.

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

Birth:
Alt Name: Robt. Pryan Johnston.

Died:
Lot 1, Con 2, Acton. COD: Cancer, Astharia.

Buried:
Acton. Buried with wife Martha Leslie Johnston.

Robert married Lydia MARTHA LESLIE on 27 Sep 1865 in Ballinafad, Erin Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario. Lydia was born on 16 Oct 1844 in Glen Williams, Esquesting Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 2 Oct 1930 in Acton, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; was buried in Fairview Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Martha is the daughter of Lydia Williams, b. Ontario & James Leslie, born Ireland.

. 1914 Oct 8, Presentation at Siloam, Mrs Robt. Johnston & Miss Johnston
About 70 members of Siloma Church met at the home of Basil Johnson, first line Erin, on Wed. of last week tp pay in pairing tribute to Mrs Robt. Johnston & Miss Johnston, prior to their leaving to take up residences in Action.
For over 50 years, Mrs Johnston, who was one of the pioneers of the district, has been a member of Silom Church & a loyal support in all its enterprises, & Miss Johnston has been actively associated with all endeavors among younger people. Up the assembling of the guests the following address was read by Mrs Bert McKeowan & the presentation subsequently mad by Mrs Edward Cleave & Mrs Murray:
To Mrs X & Miss Johnston, We your friends of Siloam leave appreciated the value you have been t our church & community here. Very reluctantly do we say farewell to you as you move away from the old house, the old church & the hold homestead.
You, Mrs Johnston, have been a member of our church those 1 years that the brick church has been existent. During all those years you have earnestly interested in her welfare. You have rendered the enthusiastic, devoted & constant service that has been a splendid example & inspiration to all. The church owes you more than we can tell.
As a neighbor you have been kind, considerate neighborly at all times & to all. In our sickness & bereavements you gave splendid & emotional aid for the which you are remembered today to everybody. You shall not soon be forgotten. May the years of your retirement be quiet, pleasant, eventide years. May our Blessed Master, whom you leave worshiped & served so long make joy & comfort to be aboundingly yours.
You, Miss Johnson, have been a most useful & devoted member of our church & neighborhood. We assure you that we appreciate it all & are sorry to have you sever your present intimate relationship with us.
While we now say goodby we do so having no little satisfaction from the fact that you are not going far away & that we will see you frequently & have you with us often.
As tangible token of our feelings we ask you Mrs Johnston to kindly accept this clock at our hand. Miss Johnson, will you be so good as to take this centre table from loving friends.
We hope that many & pleasant years may be yours in which to enjoy them & that their value to you may largely be in their calling to your mind that love & esteem in which you are held by your many feeds around Siloma, Signed (as above).
A short programme followed the prevention, Rev T R Clark, pastor, deliver a short address.
Mrs Johnston replied fro Miss Johnson & herself, feelingly exposing sorrow at severing old time friendships & intimacies, but optimistic in the hop of frequent opportunities to renew old friendships. Many were the expressions of sorrow at the departure of this esteemed couple from the community, but the fact was emphasized that it was not a removal of great distances & frequent intercourse would be possible.

. 1926 Aug 26 Leslie Family Re-Unions [Extracted version]
300 Members Enrolled at a picnic at Blur springs Pard, on Wed. Aug 18th 1826. It was the occasion of the first Leslie reunion. From far distant pints the came, Oho, Penn, Florida, Muskoka, & Toronto,Hamilton, Guelph, Stratford ,Ingersoll to add to the large crowd which belonged to Acton, Georgetown, Rockwood & adjacent communities.
Four generations, descents of John Lie Born in County Tyrone, Ireland, & died in Esquesing 1842, aged 76y. He settled on Lot 22, 10th Lie, Esquesing Twp., in 1821.
Full justice was done to tables bountifully speed with delicacies user the left trees of the park, ice cream, lemonade. . A short speeches was made by Robert Leslie, Norval. Mr Robert F Leslie of Norval & Mrs Robert Johnston of Acton, had the distinction of being the oldest persons present. Many of the families will have a souvenir of the event in the possession of a photograph of the entire group.

. 1929 Sep 12, Homes Entered by Burglar, Last Thus. night several homes were broken into in town by a young burglar. The homes of Hannah Wallace & Mrs Robert Johnston, on Knox Ave. were entered, & at the former a considerable amount of money was taken. At the home of Mrs Johnston a smaller amount was pilfered & entrance was gained through a window. The home of Jas. Smith was also entered & small change taken. chief McPherson investigated & a stranger who obtained Board in town & suddenly ref the following day is suspected.
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1930 Oct 9 - Died Johnston, at the family residence, Knox Ave, Action, on Thur. Oct 2, 1930, Lydia Martha leslie, widow of the late Robert Johnston, in her 88th year.
Obituary1: Mrs Robt P Johnston passed to her eternal rears inst. Thursday when Mrs Robert Johnston, Knox Ave, Fell asleep, after a prolonged term of feebleness & fatality. Though she never complained, she longed, for the call to come up higher & eagerly awaited meeting her Savior & the reunion with her beloved husband & loved ones the had preceded her to the Better land.
Be had attained the ripe age of 86 less 4 days.during her declining years Mr Johnston enjoyed the faithful affection & loving care of her family. Her eldest daughter Miss Melissa, was over by her side & constantly bestowed tender daughterly attention & solicitude. Lydia Martha was the dau. of the late James Leslie & Lydia Williams of Genwilliams, pioneer resident son this county, who came from Tyronne, Ireland when part of Canada was first being settled. 54 years ago Robert P Johnston, son the the late Dr. Johnston, took as his brad the elect lady who presided as matron of his home for 45 years. In 1911 he was called up higher. Theirs was a happy home. It was a Godly home, where the name of the Lord was revered, where the children were early taught the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It was a home where the minister had a cordial welcome & where friend & neighbors were always assured a happy timer. The Brick Church, just a lot away, was to this home a real House of God & it had their regular attendance & generous support. the passing of the husband & father of the home, 19 year ago, left a blank for the devoted wife. Shortly thereafter she came to reside in the comfortable brick residence prepared for her on Knox Ave, & companion dau. Melisa. The family comprised 5 ins & 6 Dau. all of who survived except Charles, who dies 23 years ago, on his far, Lot 32 con 3 Esquesing, 2 lots from the homestead. Living are Miss Melissa, Acton; Richard & Mrs James H Reed, Acton, Mrs Wm. Gamble & Mrs Smith Nells, Eramosa; Robt, rockford; Friend & Basil, Erin & Mrs Ernest H Near, Toronto; Mrs Alice Bridges, Canbrook, BC, One brother Joel Leslie, Erin, survives. 26 granchldren & 4 greatgrandcildre recall the happy times spent at Grandma Johnston's. Funeral Sat. Funeral was very largely attended. Committed to Fairview Cemetery beside husband.

. 1930 Oct 16 - Obituary2, THE JOHNSTONS & THE LESLIES
the removal by death of Mrs. Robert Johnston at the first of the month left this community the poor, for Mrs. Johnston was for a lifetime an esteemed member of the pioneer folk & a warm friend to all who had the good fortune to known her.
The passing of Mrs J. took me back over the generations of Johnstons & Leslies who have been residents of Erin & Esquesing, Glen Williams & Acton. Those of us who have passed the allotted span of life, can readily recall personalities of note & events of interest in which members of these 2 families were active participants. The coming to the community of these industrious pioneers soon widened the relationships to the Snyders, the Swnackhamers, the Staffords & the later generation to still further families who are around & happy to be numbered with them as members of the expanding circle.
The Leslies settled in this community upwards of 70 years ago. The men became successful farmers & the women married good husbands. The Leslie farms cleared & workday George & Joel Leslie, were always regarded as model places. They had good houses & well built barns, & fruitful fields, splendid orchards, pure bred & well fed stock & the air of prosperity prevailed.
Leslie's School has always been a familiar place. The children of the Leslie homes & homes of the neighborhood attended there. Good teachers were engaged.Some of the early ones were Mr. McPherson, father of the late Hugh A McPherson, for a dozen years the minister of our own Know]x church, Action, was one of the early ones. They there were Bella Gordon? & James Moore & Miss McDonald & others of merit.
Robert Johnston & Lydia Martha Leslie attended this school together & I know that the boy & girl affections formed there, ripened into the later love which brought them eventually into the holy bonds of wedlock & a happy married life together for well on to half a century. The family they raised - 5 sons & 6 daughters - all of them a credit to their generation of the Leslie & Johnston were associated with the Swackhamer & the Snyder families of the Hill. What start characters these early settlers were. They stood for right living; hey appreciated education advantages. They were all interested in either or both the Brick Church on the 2nd line & the Congregational church on the 3rd line, just 7/8 of a mile part. Could any of your old folks who read this think of the Hill church without a Swackhamer or the Brick Methodist church without a Leslie or a Johnston in those early days. Their descendants still talk of Uncle Hiram Denny & Rev Jos Unsworth as revered ministers of the one & Rev Geo Abb? Father Lynch & others. What an influence these early preachers had on their congregations & on the community.
Then we recall the social functions of these 2 churches, the annual worries. What events they were, the only social events of the year. Everybody & their aunts & uncles attended.The big wholesome supper & humorous speeches afterward by the preachers of the neighborhood & special anthems by the church choir. Those were the times, especially when they were held on frosty nights with good sleighing & merry sleigh bells. Acton always sent a large quota of citizens to these tea meetings & the town folks always seem to be hungry - hungry for the good things the Hill folks & the folks at the Brick ways provided.
Coming bak to the Johnston family, which was rich in sons & daughters, I recall that one of the Doctor's sons - Daniel - became a Methodist preacher, for years has been regarded as an eminent divine in several churches he has been minister in the Western States. Milly, one of the daughters, married a Methodist preacher - the late Dr. Scanlon? She has always been proficient in music & has occupied the position of soloist in Toronto churches.
Leslie, Johnston, Snyder & Swackhamer families had been leaders in their respective communities for well on to an hundred years & they & their descents have been useful members of society.
Eli Snyder built the Brick Church which stood for between 60 & 70 years at the cent of the 2nd line & the Erin-Esquesing town line. I know he did for I saw him at work on the anchored edifice in 1864. It has been a pleasure to me always to have a close acquaintanceship, yes a close friendship with these families & we still continue to be friends.
Signed, the Old Man of the Big Clocktower.*
Ref: Acton Free Press.
Note: G A Dills, publisher of the Acton Free Press newspaper, published Acton's Early Days, Old Man of the Clocktower 1893-1963.
Lydia Martha Leslie, b. 1844 died 1930. 12 children.

The Leslie Farm
. Lot 6, Con. 1, was taken up by James Leslie in 1833, before it was surveyed. His wife was Lydia Williams from Glen Williams, where he had first settled. There they remained for a few years so the children could attend school. About 1835, he settled on lots 5 & 6; & about 1869, he bought Lot W 1/2 Lot 6, Con 2 from Peter Torrie. At one time, James Leslie owned 850 acres in Erin Township. He had 9 children:
John, Elizabeth, Mary, Benajah, George, Margaret, Martha, Joel & Sarah. James Leslie died in 1873, leaving Lot 6, Con 1 to his son, George. Having previously bought Lot 6, Con. 2, he was an established breeder of Registered Shorthorn cattle, & a lover of fine carriage & draught horses. The large brick house was built in 1882; the barn in 1887. George Leslie operated a potash manufacturing business on L6 C2. Two bars of soap were bartered for hardwood ashes which were leached & the liquid boiled down, cooled & packed in barrels to sell for the manufacture of soap, etc. George Leslie married Amanda Stafford. In 1909, 2 sons, Joel & Ira, took over the two farms, but due to Ira's ill health, Joel carried on. He showed Registered Percheron horses at the C.N.E. & Royal Winter Fair, [Toronto] winning many prizes. In 1913 he built the fine stone house on Lot 6, Con 2, where his father, brother Ira, & sister Amy, lived. Joel married Ina Seymour & lived in the brick house on lot 6, con. 1.
He died in 1957, & since then the farm has been operated by his son, Gordon Leslie & his wife, Annie Aitken. They have 2 sons & 3 daughters.
Ref: History of Erin Township.

. In Memory:
Johnston, Melissa - To a dear granddaughter who left us suddenly, April 24, 1985. Tho' her smile has gone forever, Her hands we cannot touch, We still have cherished memories, Of a dear granddaughter we loved so much. Sadly missed, always in our hearts, Nancy & Grandpa Johnston.
Acton Free Press, 26 Apr., 1995, Section Classified page 21, column 3.

. In Memory:
Johnston, Melissa - In loving memory of a dear daughter & sister, who passed away suddenly April 24, 1985. Beautiful memories are wonderful things, They last till the longest day, They never wear out, they never get lost & can never be given away, To some they may be forgotten, To others a part of the past, To us who have loved you & lost you, Your memories will always last. Sadly missed by Mom, Steven, Family & Friends.
Ref: Acton Free Press, 24 Apr., 1996, Section Classified page 18, column 2
& the same ad on 23 & 27 Ap., 1997, Georgetown Independent.

. Biography of Lydia Martha Leslie's father:
LESLIE, James (d.), was a son of John Leslie, who was born & settled in the county of Tyrone, Ire., where the subject of this sketch was born in 1800. James Leslie & his brother George came first to New York State & there met the British Consul, who persuaded them to come to Canada. They procured from him location tickets for 300 acres of land, came to Canada & spent some time in Montreal & in about 1819 came on to Glen Williams, where his father, brother John & sister Margaret joined them. Each of the brothers took up 100 acres of land. George set. in Chinguacousy & James & John in Glen Williams. The farms taken by George & John are still owned by their sons, but James came to Erin in 1833 & took up land before the township was surveyed. He then returned to his farm in the Glen that his children might get to school & after about 10 years sold his farm in the Glen & returned to Erin, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Leslie drew two loads of lumber from Glen William to Guelph, when he could get stable for only one yoke of oxen & the other yoke had to lie out in the snow chained to a stump on Wyndham Street. His wife, who was quiet & busy, had planted apple seed while in the Glen & raised trees for herself, that she brought with her to her new home & planted among the stumps. Thus they had the first orchard in this part of the country.

The late James Leslie, Jr., m. Lydia Williams, 1828, dau. of Benjamin Williams, who built the first sawmill, grist & carding mill in Esquesing. He set. in Erin in 1833, on Lots 5 & 6, con. 1, 200 acres, for which he received Crown deeds soon after. This land is now owned by his sons, George & Joel W. To this he added adjoining farms & at his death he owned 750 acres & had previously given his sons, John & Benjamin 100 acres & 50 acres respectively. He was a very successful farmer & with the help of his sons, accumulated a large property. He was a moving spirit in the erection of the Siloam Methodist Church, of which he was a member & to which he was a generous giver. He was a man of strong personality. He sympathized with Mackenzie in the trouble of 1837-8. The Leslies have from their advent to Canada, composed the best citizenship in the localities where they have set.
Issue: John, Mrs. Isaac Snyder, Mary (d.), Benajah, George, Mrs. David Sibbald,
Mrs. Robert Johnston, Joel W. & Mrs. Ira Stewart. He d. in 1873, age 73, while his wife passed away in 1875, age 65.

John b. 1830., d. 1892, m. Mary J. Brown in 1854, set. in Eramosa. Issue: James B., George I., William G. & Mrs. Henry Patterson. The late John Leslie started farm life in Erin & in 1863 came to Eramosa & purchased 100 acres, lot 29, con. 5, on which there was a small clearing. He cleared the balance of the farm & later purchased 285 acres adjoining & later still, purchased an additional 100 acres. These farms he gave to his sons & also handsomely provided for his daughter. Mr. Leslie was a leading citizen in Eramosa, chief promoter of Bethel Methodist Church & its establishment in the neighborhood. His good wife was a worthy helpmate, not only in religion & home matters, but nursed the sick & was the good Samaritan of the section. She d. in 1904, age 67 years.
Of his issue: James m. Elizabeth Awrey & owns the old David Awrey homestead, Erin (162 acres), Issue: Annie M., John (d.), Elmer (d.), William, Gordon, Ella & Beatrice.
George I. m. Matilda Awrey & owns the old homestead, "Fairview Farm," in Eramosa (285 acres). He is a breeder of fine stock & is a Methodist. Issue: Leroy I., Leonard A. & Nettie M.
William G. m. Martha J. Awrey & owns 150 acres, Eramosa. Issue: Mary J., Margaret A., Herbert N., John S., Gideon D., Emerson J., Fannie M. & Cecil J.
George, son of the late James Leslie, was b. 1830. He m. Amanda Stafford.
Issue: Amy, James, Ira, Henry, Joel., Bertha & Harvey. He is s breeder of thoroughbred Shorthorns, standard roadsters & Percheron horses & owns 200 acres of land in Erin Tp., with fine improvements.
Joel W., b. 1848, m. Mary C. Kennedy; second wife Mary M. Swackhammer.
Issue: Mrs. Edward Pearen, who live on the homestead with her father.
Ref: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. 1906.

. Obituary of her brother:
THE LATE BENAJAH LESLIE
The death occurred on the 19th inst. of Benajah Leslie, an old and highly esteemed resident of North Oxford. He was in his usual health on the 15th and attended church on that day. On Monday he was taken ill with an obstruction of the bowels. On Wednesday he was taken to London hospital, where an operation took place. He seemed to have been relieved but on Thursday there was a change for the worse and he passed away at noon, in his 74th year.
He was born in Erin township near Acton, and removed to the farm now occupied by his son, Thomas J., 51 years ago. He was married to Miss Jennie Neely on the 12th April, 1859, who survives him. They celebrated their golden wedding last April. 9 children were born to them. 3 have died & the following survive: John D., of Thornloe; Thomas J., on the homestead; George of North Oxford; W. B. of Thamesford; Mrs. T. Pirie, of Banner; & Mrs. A. Capstick, of North Dorchester.
Deceased was a quiet man, a good neighbor always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a trustee of the Banner Methodist Church.
The funeral was one of the largest ever held in the vicinity. Rev. A. Thibadeau, officiated & preached an impressive sermon from the text "Watch & Pray."
Messrs. George & Joel Leslie are brothers & Mrs. Robt. Johnston, a sister. They were all present at the funeral.
Ref: Acton Free Press. 1909.9.30, p2 reprinted from Thamesford Star. - - -

Birth:
Alt Name: Martha Lydia.

Died:
Aged 85y 11m 16d. COD: Hemiplegia 6 days with Arteriosclerosis 20 years.

Buried:
Acton.

Notes:

Married:
Methodist Epicopal Church, Rev. John Ormerod.

Notes:

Richard Lawrence Johnston is the son of Margaret Lawrence & Robert Johnston.

> Two Lawrences sisters married two Teelzel brothers:
. Hadassah Hester Lawrence married John Solomon Teetzel Jr.
. Jane Lawrence married Mathias Teelzel &
> Lawrence cousin married their sister:
. Richard Lawrence Johnston married Julia Ann Teetzel.

. WILL of Robt. Johnston:
Daughter MARY ANN: The house & lot adjoining the one devised to Richard Johnston. (That is the store at 106 King & Toronto St.) 12 Aug. 1843. Estate Files J4.
. To Son Richard: The lot & house on the corner of King & Toronto Streets in which Mr. Perrin now lives. [1834];

. By this WILL of Robert Johnston, his eldest son, Richard Johnston, who is yet living [1888 publication] became, after his mother's death, the owner of the lot & Checkered Store [King St., Toronto]. This Richard L. Johnston sold to E. F. Whittemore some time after Whittemore's marriage to his sister Margaret [in 1843].
Note1: Many drawings & advertising may be found the Globe Newspaper, Toronto. PJA

. Wife is a first cousin, daughter of Margaret Johnston & Jane Teetzel are sisters, residing near by in Palermo, ON.

. 1837 Toronto Directory:
Johnston, Robert, carpenter, Toronto street.

. 1837 Toronto District Directory:
Johnston, Richard, Con 1, Lot 5 Yonge St., York Twp.,
Lawrence, Peter, Con 1, Lot 6, Yonge St. road, York Twp.
Montgomery, J., Con 1, Lot 1 Yonge St. east side, York Twp.,*
Willson, John, the fourth, Con 1, Lot 3, east side Yonge St. road, York Twp.

Note2: Cousins Lawrence, Johnston & Willson.
Note3*: Montgomery's Tavern historical building, Yonge & York Mills Rd., incidentally, the west side of Yonge street is called Wilson Avenue.

. TEETZEL, Julia Ann of Trafalgar, 1815 - 1853 July 12, Trafalgar, on 1836 Nov 22, Trafalgar, married
JOHNSTON, Richard of this city. - Julia Ann Teetzel, [ d/o John Soloman Teetzel, b 1762, Germany & Mary Tufford b 1788].
Ref: Christian Guardian.

. 1838 March, Upper Canada Sundries, Index C9824, Image xxx, & Page 105939-40, p723, C6898.
Petition of Eli Irwin, Twp. Whitchurch, for Pardon. Petitioner is a married man having a wife & child. He was unfortunately taken a part in the recent troubles, used by desperate & unprincipled persons by who he was unhappily seduced from allegiances.
Signed, Eli Irwin, March 1830, Jail of the Home District (Toronto).
. Petition of Inhabitants of West Flamborough to Sir Geo Arthur on behalf of prisoners under sentence of high treason. Hundreds of signatures, including Richard Johnston [Sr.], Joseph Simons, Lorenzo & Mathias Teetzel, Charles Jr. & Sr., Teetzel & Wm. Turbo. Read in Council 20 May 1838 & pardoned upon giving into Bail for good for 3 years.

. 1840 Halton, Esquesing Twp. 2nd Con, Lot 31: Richard L Johnson & John Cummins.
Lot 32: Richard L Johnston, J Cummins & J Warden.
1840 Apr 3, Richard Johnston, Lot 1, Con 11, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., 100 Acres.

. 1841 Census, Trafalgar Twp., Palmero
Johnston, Richard, Carpenter Proprietor, wife, 2 children, Total: 5 people.
Note4: Who is the 5th person on this census?- PJA

. 1846 Oct 16 mortgaged his share in Checkered Board Store, block 2, Town of York Lot 5, Toronto St. to W. Cawthra, Toronto;
.1866 Mar 27, Grant. Richard L Johnston, eldest son & heir at law of Robt Johnston, decd, eldest brother & heir at law of Sarah McKeough, formerly Sarah Johnston, dec, & Mary Johnston his wife [i.e. Mary Stevenson], to HM The Queen, $100, signed Mary & R L Johnson.

. Palermo is situated on the 2nd line, 3 miles from Bronte Station on the Great Western Railway & 8 miles from Milton.

Lawrence Relatives:
Cousin Richard Lawrence Hamilton also lived in Acton at this time. Robert L Johnson & brother Richd. L Johnson, Senior & Junior surely must have have known their Cousin Richard L Hamilton (& his brothers & sisters).

. 1843 Aug 12 - Robt. Johnston, Sr., WILL: to son Robert, The house & lot west of Mary Ann's with the privilege to the secure belonging. Estate Files J4.
(That is two next to the store at King & Toronto St. - PJA.)

> See drawings of Checked Store,'on King Street; also Toronto newspapers advertisements.

. 1852 Census Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario
Johnson, Richard, Farmer, England, W Meth., age 36
Johnson, Mary, England, W M, age 37 [1815], F, Married
Johnson, Wm, England, W M, age 14
Johnson, Robt., England, W M, age 10
Johnson, Geo., England, W Meth, Age 7.

. Robert Johnston's son, Robt Jr. was born in Acton. Verify birth location of the rest of his children.

. 1865 Esquesing Twp. Directory: Johnson, Richard, Acton Freeholder, L32 C2.

. 1861 Census Esquesing Twp., Halton, Ont.
Richd. L Johnson, age 47y, b. 1814, Canada West, Married
Mary Johnson, age 30y, 1831 England, Married
Robert, 23y b 1838; Julia Ann, 17y, 1844; Sarah, 12y 1849; Margaret, 7y, 1854; Francis, 5y, 1856; Chas, 3 y, 1858; John, age 1y, 1860.

. 1866 - Toronto & Peel Directory:
Johnston, Richard, wharfing, house 27 Seaton Robt. Johnston, Sr., WILL: to son Robert, The house & lot west of Mary Ann's with the privilege to the secure belonging. 12 Aug. 1843. Estate Files J4,
(That is two next to the store at King & Toronto St. - PJA.)

. 1871, Toronto Directory: Robt. Johnson, 196 Chestnut St., Carpenter, { this Robt. ?
Robert Johnston's son, Robt Jr. was born in Acton. Verify birth location of the rest of his children.

. 1871 Census, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario, Div. 2, P 54
Richard Johnston, L, Age: 56 [1815], Birthplace: Ontario Religion: Episcopal Methodist, Origin: English, farmer.

. 1881 May 17 Census, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Ontario
Johnston, Richard L., Farmer, Living in Esquesing Township, widowed, Scottish, C Meth, 1881,
Richard L. Johnston, Born Ontario, Scottish, age 65 /1816, Methodist, Farmer
Erastus E., age 19,1862, Apprentice; Danl., age 17, 1864, Labourer; Eleanor, age 14, 1867; Richd., age 12, 1869; William Johnston, Age 8, 1873, Ontario.

. 1885 Feb 5, Dr Richard Johnston, of Esquesing new Action, is no open for congratulations. On Sunday be became the father of a bouncing boy girl. It might be interesting to explain that the doctor had already celebrated his 69th birthday. Third wife.
Ref: Acton Free Press, pub. 188, p3, Col 1.

. 1885 Sep 10 - An Immense Fortune. Prospective Millions, in which an Acton Family claims Legal Heirship.
Sometime ago we referred to the fact that Dr. Richard Johnston & family, residents of Acton & vicinity, were claimants of a large estate in England & that the Doctor was engaged in establishing his claims to a proportion of the estate. We are please to state that the prospects for the family coming into possession of their share of the property at no distant date are very encouraging., much more so in fact that in the majority of similar claims. The history of this estate - the celebrated Lawrence-Townley estate ...heirs of estates in England have for 40y. been making spasmodic efforts to get possession of the vast property, are now combining together to make a general investigation... enormous sum of $ 8 million ... by Act of British Parliament passed Aug 4, decided to pay over to all legal heirs their moneys.
In Toronto alone there are 20 families who have claims. One of the heirs will leave for England in a few weeks to compare notes with the London agent. Mr. Wm. Northcoate Geare, of 475 King St W is one of the heirs, is acting as agent, receiving correspondence. Mary Townely married John Lawrence in 1693 against the WILL of his parents, owing to religious differences. ... Millions of dollars have been spent in attempts to get possession of the estates.
Note5: Millions were spent on lawyers' fee's scam. - PJA
Ref: Acton Free Press.

. 1890 Aug 21 - died. Johnston - At his home Lot 33, Con 3, Esquesing on the 19 August, Richard Johnston, aged 74 years.
Ref: Acton Free Press, page 2, column 1.

. 1890 Aug 21- Died. Johnson - At his home Lot 11, Con 1, Esquesing on the 19th August, Richard Johnston, aged 74 years.
Ref: Acton Free Press, p2.

. 1906 WELLINGTON COUNTY ATLAS
JOHNSTON, Richard (d.), b. Toronto, 1815; d. in Esquesing in 1889, age 74. He was a son of Richard Lawrence Johnston, & was b. in Toronto when it was "Muddy Little York." He was a man of education & studied medicine with Dr. Ralph. Although not a regular practitioner, he performed a number of wonderful cures & seldom lost a case. He was skillful both as a physician & a nurse & was accurate in diagnosing. He was a sympathizer in the Rebellion of 1837-8 & was a Liberal in politics. At one time he owned considerable land in the heart of Toronto, owning the stores called "Checkered Stores."
In 1845 he set. in Waterdown, where he ran for M.P.P. He was a class leader in the Waterdown Methodist church & a Superintendent & teacher of the Sunday School. He has been twice married, first to Julia A. Teetzell, who d. age 34;
later he m. Mary Stevenson.
Issue: Robert J., (d.), Mrs. John Levins, Esquesing; Mrs. John McMaster, Washington State; Mrs. Austin Swackhammer, Daniel McKenzie, a Methodist minister in Minn.; Erastus, who owns a foundry in B.C.; Richard, William & Charles.

Robert J. was b. 1839 at Palermo. He purchased the west half of Lot 1, Con. 2, Erin, from the Canada Co., in 1865 & in 1874 bought the east half of Lot 2, Con. 2, which he cleared & erected buildings upon. He has raised a large family, who are representative citizens of to-day. In 1865 he m. Martha Leslie.
Issue: Richard L., Melissa, Mrs. James Reid, Acton; Mrs. Wm. Gamble, Erin; Joseph (d.), Charles B., Julia A., Robert E., Frederick O., Ida M., Maggie E. & Basil C. L., Richard L., was b. 1868,
& set. on Lot 30, Con. 1, Esquesing, which he purchased in 1899. He owns 150 acres, upon which he carried on mixed farming & is very successful. In 1897 he m. Verma Rainshaw.
Issue: Orval & Edna.
Charles B., b. 1876 & set. on Lot 23, Caledon. 3, Esquesing. In 1901 he m. Charlotte Antony.
Issue: Lottie & Elinor، Robert Edwin, b. 1880, m. Maud Ramshaw in 1904.

Town Lot 1, ES Toronto St. , Metro Toronto Book 683, p180
. 1801 Jul 10, Patent, Crown, to James Green
. 1834 Aug 12, Reg. 1842 Aug 2, WILL Robt Johnston;
. 1866 Mar 27, B&S Ridd L Johnson, to (Govt). Queen, £100, Lot 1 & 2, N side King St.

Town Lot 2, ES Toronto St. , Metro Toronto Book 683, p184
. 1858 Aug 13, Mort., Wm. Osborne, to John Foggin, (Discharged)
. 1862 May 13, Wm. Osborne, to Robt Milroy, £800, 1662 ft.(about 1/10 Acre);
. 1864 Jul 1, Mort. Hon Geo Brown, to Wm. Ross
. 1865 Aug 23, B&S, Rich' L Johnston et all, to Saml Nordhemier, £500, p 1 & @ N side King St.
. 1866 Mar 27, B&S, Rich L Johnston, Our Sovereign Lady The Queen, £100, Pt2 & 2, N side King St.

Ontario Land Registry
Lot 33, Con 1, NDS [North of Dundas St.], Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., p. 498-90
. 1809 Nov 17, Patent, Crown, to L. Shauson, 200 A
. 1846 Feb 25, Bargain&Sale, John & Wm. McQueen & Wife, to Richard L Johnston, 50 Acres
. 1847 Mar 15, Richard L Johnstone & Wife, to Geo Bucks, 50 A.
. 1851 Aug 28, Mortgage, Francis Wilkinson & Wife, to Wm. McQueen, 75 A.
. 1857 Sep 17, B&S, Geo Buck, to Francis Wilkinson, 75A.
. 1869 Nov 24, Mortgage, Francis Wilkinson & Wife , to Wm. Cawathra, 50 A.
. 1883 Feb 5, WILL, Francis Wilkinson, to his sons Geo. & Walter & James A Wilkinson, Lot 33 to be divided equally between them in the manner they may think best, subject to certain legacies.
. 1884 Apr 16, B&S, Walter Wilkinson & Wife, to Geo. & James Andrew Wilkinson, 200A, All his share Lot 33, $2000.
. 1886 Nov 2, Quite Claim, Elizabeth Norton & her husband, & Clarissa Harrison, & Wm. Beasley Wilkinson, to James Andrew Wilson & Geo Henry Wilkinson. 200A, Lot 33
. 1886 Nov 16, Deed of Partition, Geo, Henry Wilkinson & Wife, James Andrew Wilkinson & wife, James Andrew Wilkinson & Wife, to J A & G H Wilkinson, 100A east quarter Lot 33.

Lot 1, Con 11, Esquesing Twp., Halton County, Book 22. p2
. 1824 Sep 29, Patent, Crown, to Richard Johnston, 100 A. SWHalf
. 1842 Aug 5, B&S, Richard Johnston, to Jarvis Edwards, £100, SWHalf.

Lot 31, Con 2, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Book 10, p232 & 244.
. 1859 Oct 6, B&S, Richard L Johnston, to John G Dorland?, 100A, West Half except 1 acre.
. 1859 Oct 6, B&S, John Howell & Wife, to Richard L Johnson, West Half
. 1859 Oct 6, B&S, R L Johnston & Wife, to Chas Sutton, West Half 100A

Lot 32, Con 2, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co.,
. 1856 Apr 18, Mortgage, John T Howell & Wife, to Richard L Johnston, West Half Acres.
. 1860 Jun 23, Mortgage, RJL & wife, to Wm. L. Wilson, 100A, as is 1836.
. 1862 Mar 14, RLJ & Wife, to James Anderson 100A, W Half A.

Lot 32, Con 2, Esquesing Twp., Halton Co., Book 711, p431-433
. 1866 Apr 9, B&S, Jacob Snyder & wife, to Mary Johnston, 50A.
. 1897 Nov11, Deed Quit Claim, John T Johnston & wife, Erastus D Johnston & wife, Chas. Wesley Johnston, unmarried, Dan. McKenzie Johnston, unmarried, Wm Albert Johnson & wife, Kirkland Lawrence Johnson, unmarried, Mary Amelia Johnston, spinster, Frances Catharine Swackhammer & T Austin Swackhammer her husband & Eleanor Trefecias? Johnston, spinster, to Wallace Ashby, $900, 50 Acres, excepting about 41 rods from the W corner for meeting house & burying ground.
. 1901 Apr 1, B&S, Jessie & Wallace labs, her husband. to Robert Johnston, $1000. NW corner for meeting house & burying ground.
. 1906 Apr 5, B&S, Robt. Johnston & wife, to Chas. B Johnston, $4200, 100 Acres.
. 1926 Apr 1, Grant, Charlotte Melissa McDonald, married woman as admix of estate of Charles B Johnson, decreased & Elmore Roy Johnston, unmarried man, to John Allan, $5500, 100 acres.
. 1928 Jan 21, Quit Claim Deed, Gordon Leslie Johnston, unmarried man, to John Allan, $1., 100 Acres.

Charlotteville Twp., Norfolk Co. - VERIFY IDENTIES
Lot 2, Con 1, (Charlotteville Twp., now Delhi), p23-24
. 1844 Oct 17, Grant, The Crown, to Richard Johnson, South Half 100 Acres,
. [Date omitted], Deed 70724, Richard L Johnson, to S Norfolk Railway, N Half, 100A.
. 1893 Apr 15, Deed, Richard L Johnson et eux., to Wm H Stackhouse, Part 1.5 Acre.
. 1893 Apr 25, Deed, Richard L Johnston et ux, to Corville? Johnson, Part NHalf 35. acre,
. 1906 Jul 25, Lease, Orville Johnson, to Federal Oil & Gas Syndicate, Lot 2,
. 1914 MAY 18, B&S, Christopher Johnson et eu, to Harriet L Kitchener, 25 A., $3500.
. 1921 Apr 1, Grant, Richard N Johnson, sole, WILL of Jeremiah Johnson, dec. Izetias? W. Johnson, Widow, Frank E Johnson et ux, Violet Bell Butter, Nellie M. Gray, Eiza Reta Price, Jessie Short & Bertha Parsons, to Wm. Billington, 89A md pt. Lots & 2 lease Ry. $5250.
. 1926 Nov 4, Easement, Corville Johnson, to Hydro Electric Power Comm. of Ont., Mid way part quantity,
. 1932 Jan 27 Grant, Mary Johnson & Pearl Johnson, Executrix & Exec, Will of James L Johnson, to Pearl Johnson,
. 1931 Dec 19, Deed of Election, by Mary Johnson, Land
. 1931 Apr 9, Grant, Harry A Johnson, C R Reeves, Exrs Will Jesse Alton Hoover, to Edna Hoover,
. 1939 Nov 11, Nick Girswski, to Coville Johnson
. 1951 Mar 27, Grant, Pearl Johnson et ux, to Wm. Ed Brandon, 1 fifth A. $150.

Lot 3, Con A 1, Charlotteville, p 46
.1903 Feb 16, B&S, Richard L Johnson, Widower, to Coville Johnson, 100A, less pt sold to Cy co., $1600.
. 1907 Jul 25, Lease, Coville Johnson, to Fed. Oil & Gas Syndicate.
Lot 4, Con 1, Charlotteville, p51
. 1882 Jun 10, B&S, Coville Johnson & wife, to A Craven, $1000.
Con 9 Lot 9

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

Birth:
79 King St. East. Aged 74y 3m = b.19 May 1816.

Died:
Lot 33, Con 3. Farmer. COD: Wasting & general breakdown. 6 months.

Buried:
Burial or listed on a monument? Verify

Richard married Julia Ann TEETZEL, .i on 22 Nov 1836 in Palermo, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario. Julia (daughter of Charles Frederick TEETZEL, Sr. and Mary TUFFORD) was born on 12 Sep 1814 in Palermo, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; died on 12 Jul 1853 in Palermo, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario; was buried in Palermo United Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Julia Ann is the daughter of Mary Tufford & Charles F Teetzel Sr.

> Two Lawrences sisters married two Teelzel brothers :
. Hadassah Hester Lawrence married John Solomon Teetzel Jr.
. Jane Lawrence married Mathias Teelzel &
> Lawrence cousin married their sister:
. Richard Lawrence Johnston married Julia Ann Teetzel.

. Upper Canada Marriage Bond 5281
1836 Nov 15 - Richard Johnson of Township of Trafalgar in Gore District, bachelor &
Julia Anne Teetzel [faint] of the same place, spinster.
Ref: Archives of Ontario, C6785.

. 1836 Nov 30 - In Trafalgar on 22 Inst., Richard L Johnston of this city & Julia Ann Teetzel of Trafalgar, Ontario. Married by Rev. Mr. King.
Ref: Christian Guardian Newspaper, Toronto.

> Julia Ann Teetzel is listed as an Early Settler, p219, for Lambton. Now for a little mystery. Sister-in-law Hadassah Lawrence was granted on 1835 Jul 1st, Lot 4, Con 11, Brooke Twp., Lambton, Ontario ( she was still then, Residence Trafalgar, Ontario. The Land duties on the patent were completed 1839 JUN 26., Were Julia Ann Teezel & husband working the land for Hadassah or did they have their own land? - PJA.

. 31 Jan 1863, WILL probated of Francis Johnston, York, Administered Will.

. Lovely well deciphered Monument has a hand holding roses & with well raised lettering reads:
Julia Ann, wife of R L Johnson, dau. of Charles F & Mary Teetzel. Died July 12 1853, AE.38 ys, 10 months.

. Recorded for comparison, another relative named Mary Ann Teetzel:
Upper Canada Marriage Bond # 7171
Benjamin Johnston of the Township of Southwold, District of London, Farmer &
Jonathan J Teetsel of same Township & Said District.
Joining in Holy Matrimony Mr. John Johnston of the Township of Southwold in the District of London, Farmer - &
Mary-Ann Teetzel of Same township & said District, Spinster.
Signed, Benjamin Johnston & Jonathan J Teetzel.
Reverse Page; John Johnston. 6 Apr 1839, Marriage Bond - B Johnston & J Teetzel.
Ref: Archives of Ontario, C6788.

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

Died:
Aged 38y 10m.

Buried:
Dundas St. West near Bronte Rd., Well letter cement monument with hand & roses.

Notes:

TEETZEL, Mary Ann of Trafalgar 1815-1853 July 12, Trafalgar , on 1836 Nov 22, Trafalgar X JOHNSTON, Richard Johnston of this city.
Mary Ann Teetzel, [ d/o John Soloman Teetzel b 1762 German & Mary Tufford b 1788. ]
Ref: Christian Guardian. - - -