Jessie Brydon Telfer

Other Events:

• Name: Jessie Brydon Murray
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105078
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Jessie married Donald Alexander Murray 18 Jun 1902, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Donald was born 6 Jan 1870, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 2 Jun 1942, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , McTavish Cemetery, East Zorra Township, Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105076
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1873, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawyer

Notes:

Fearfully Sudden Death

The truth of the saying that "in the midst of life we are in death," was never more fearfully exemplified than it was in Galt on Wednesday night last. During that night there passed away the spirit of one who has been a well-known and respected citizen for many years - Mr. John Telfer. It appears that during the day and evening Mr. Telfer, who was employed at the saw mill of Messrs. Gilholm & Hogg, had been about in his usual health, sand when he went to bed was apparently as well as ever. During the night, however, Mrs. Telfer was awakened by the heavy breathing of her husband, and getting up endeavored to arouse hm. Finding this impossible she sent for assistance, and medical aid was promptly on hand; but when Dr. Vardon arrived the spark of life had flown. Mr. Telfer for some years past had been much afflicted with rheumatism, although able to be about, and there can be little or no doubt that the disease at length touched his heart and caused his sudden death. He was a son of Mr. George Telfer, North Dumfries, and was universally respected by his acquaintances as an honest, upright man.

The funeral will take place this (Friday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, State street, to Galt Cemetery.

Galt Reporter Sep 5 1884 pg 1

John married Helen Deans 25 Dec 1873, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Helen (daughter of James Deans and Janet Brydon) was born 1847, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Feb 1898; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ellen Deans
• Name: Helen Telfer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105077
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

MRS. HELEN TELFER was the daughter of Mr. James Deans, and inherited many of his qualities. She was quiet and retiring, shunning publicity, and loving most the peaceful seclusion of her own fireside. She answered to the Apostle s injunction to the young women: " To love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home." She was deeply religious, devoted to the truth, seeking always to exemplify the obedience of the faith. She fed upon the hidden manna, and bore abroad in the kindliness of her spirit, and in the sweet charity of her disposition, a benediction wherever she went. Her children rose up to call her blessed. Her life made no great stir, but, like the movement of the silent sunbeam, and the refreshing dewdrop stealing down upon the thirsty plant, it made impressions that abide, and that nourish the higher and better life of the soul. She sought constantly and earnestly to approve herself to God, and she and her children lived in the fear of God.

She suffered long from a malignant disease, which eventually ended her pilgrimage. But all through it she was patient, and endured what God sent her without a murmur. When I called to see her she would ask me to sing for her, which I did. One day I asked her if there was any hymn she would like, and she said: " Sing Rock of Ages, cleft for me. " I sang it, and when I came to the last verse, and to this line, " When I soar to worlds unknown," etc., I shall never forget her look. She was near her end, and I realized the thorough unscripturalness of the thought here, and how unsuitable it was, because untrue. We go not to " worlds unknown," but to our Father s House, where a place is prepared for us; and we go not unattended. Jesus says: " I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." That is not soaring to worlds unknown. No! No! It is going home to a loving heart, and a sweet fellowship, and unspeakable joy. Taking Christ s own representation, of which Paul s is just the echo, " Absent from the body, present with the Lord," there is in it warmth and comfort and upholding, just what the parting soul needs. When our feet are crossing the threshold the Lord comes to meet us and give us welcome. Ever since singing that verse at that time I have had a feeling much averse to it, and would never again sing it in like circum stances. We should sustain the heart with truth at that trying time.

At the extremity of her suffering she was full of blessed confidence and sweet peace, and died as she had lived, trusting in the mercy of God through her Saviour, Jesus Christ.

She loved all good things, the Word of God, the house of God, the place of prayer, the fellowship of Christian hearts, and the blessed hope, and now, in the faithfulness of God, she is enjoying to the full the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

1aEbenezer: A History of the Central Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson. pg 256-158

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179587112
• Interesting: life story, pioneer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70202
• Immigration: 1823, , Canada
• Residence: 1837, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Land - Directory: 1864, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 13, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

The Guelph road gave employment to many of the settlers, and, enabled them to earn a little ready money, which was a very scarce commodity in those days. Not a few ox teams from Dumfries found employment in opening the road to, and clearing the site of the proposed village of Guelph, and among those who helped to "slash" out the timber along the line of road-which extended about sixteen miles through the bush--were Stephen Moffat, George Telfer and John Lockie, well-known Dumfries names.* By this enterprise, and others equally worthy of commendation, Mr. Galt became the founder of Guelph, and gave a much needed impetus to the settlement and development of the country.

*How immeasurably the circumstances and comforts of the community have improved since the days when this road was constructed, may be known from the fact, that Mr. Moffatt and other workmen employed upon it, sometimes had to eat the fattest of pork, raw; their bread was baked in the hot ashes of their camp fires-the quality of which, therefore, needs no remark and they drank, at their meals, hemlock tea! To make up for such fare-we suppose-a barrel of whiskey, with a tin cup attached, always stood at the roadside, and each workman or passerby was allowed to partake ad libitum.


Reminiscences of the Early History of Galt and the Settlement of Dumfries in the Province of Ontario, by James Young, 1880 Toronto: Hunter, Rose Pg. 50

________________

Death of Mr. George Telfer of North Dumfries

For some months past we have referred to the increasing infirmities of this well known old and most respected resident, so that it will be no matter of surprise to his friends now that we are called upon to chronicle his death, which occurred at his residence on Tuesday afternoon last. Mr. Telfer came to Canada in 1823, and coming west, settled for a time in the old log home on the "Blake" farm, afterwards occupied by the late R. Wilson, - the fine property now owned by the Messrs. McPherson. For some years after his arrival he worked for the first Wm. Dickson and subsequently for the late A. Shade, until having accumulated some savings, he bought the farm on which he resided, West River Road, until his death. Mr. Telfer was twice married, his first partner being Miss Betsy Young, Three children, the fruit of this union were carried off by scarlet fever. A few years after that of his first wife, he married Miss Ellen Shiel, sister of the late James Shiel, his second partner dying in 1870. By this union he had six children, viz.: - Mr. Wm. Telfer, Mr. John Telfer, (whose sudden death in Galt by heart disease a year or more ago will be well remembered), Mrs. Thomas Deans, of North Dumfries, Mr. Thomas Telfer, residing on the homestead, Mrs. Jas. McDavitt, dead, and Mr. Robert Telfer, also Dead.

Mr. Telfer was one of the links of the past and very fortunately he was spared the full possession of his faculties until but a short time before his death. His reminiscence of his early life here; his old acquaintances and friends, such as Michael Knox and Mr. John Lockie, whose death occurred while walking behind the sleigh in which Mr. Telfer, himself, and some others were making their annual trip to Cayuga, where they worked at plastering and odd jobs during the winter to earn the little money so scarce and so much wanted in the settlement in Dumfries. Only a blazed trail to Paris; only a market for wheat at Dundas and Hamilton, and then 2s 6d york a bushel, part cash, balance trade at all kinds of prices; Michael Knox coming into the settlement once a year from the North West with a party of trappers and fur carriers, on their way to the East, and camping on what is now "Queen's Square," his brief stay being a reunion with all his old friends in this section and a "wee drap" just "tee dac them guid."

Mr. Telfer's brother, John, came out a few years before the subject of this notice. He kept a store for a time on West Main street, in Galt, thence removing to Sarnia and thence to Owen Sound, where he died. His daughter now lives in Port Huron. His son, John, who holds a very responsible position in the construction department of the Wabash railway, visited Galt last winter. He also resides in Port Huron.

Mr. Telfer's funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) and was very largely attended. He was interred in Galt cemetery.

Galt Reporter Dec 4 1885 pg 1

George — Helen Shiel. Helen was born 1806, , Scotland; died 22 Dec 1870, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179587118
• Name: Helen Telfer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70341
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154688312
• Interesting: life story, accident, misfortune
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-122619
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Land - Directory: 1864, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 17, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Misfortune: Apr 1896; killed by train

Notes:

MR. JAMES DEANS was a man of fine, sweet nature and cheery disposition, and evangelical spirit. He had a singular love for the Gospel of God's grace, and nourished his soul on its blessed truths. He could get no higher theme of converse and none other to him was satisfying. While here he lived in the palace of the King. He was always bright and happy, and you had no need to ask him, " What is your best word ? " for he always gave you that. He stood in the light that never fails or fades away, satisfied with its revelation and its rest. He enjoyed his religion, finding in it comfort and strength to serve God now, and the inspiration of a blessed hope for the future. All my recollections bring him back to me as a profoundly happy man, and that always flowing out of his living faith in the Saviour of sinners. He took great delight in reading C. H. Spurgeon s sermons, with their clear exposition of divine mysteries, their forceful illustration of doctrine, their uplifting spiritual power. They furnished to him strong meat, and materially helped to develop a sterling character.

He was a regular subscriber for The Metropolitan Pulpit, which, when he had read and feasted on himself, he gave away, that others might enjoy the rich banquet they spread for the hungry soul. God had blessed and prospered him in his work and he was generous in his use of what God had given him. He held it only as one who administered God's bounty. He regarded himself as the steward of God. From more quarters than one have we heard of his generous gifts bestowed with a lavish hand.

His end came unexpectedly one day. His advancing years increased a deafness, with which he had been troubled for a long time past, so that it was very difficult for him to hear at all. He was staying with his daughter, Mrs. Helen Telfer, in Galt, and he liked to go up town and see his old friends, and hear the news, and get the mail at the post-office. In going there he had to cross the railway track, where there are many lines of rail laid. And one day, as he was crossing, a train was shunting in the yard, and a loose, single car moving along the track, entirely unobserved by him, came upon him, and though the people shouted a warning with loud cries, yet he heard them not, and there met his end, being killed instantly. The appointed time had come, and in this way God called him home. But for this he was waiting and prepared. In conversations had with him some time before it was evident that he was looking forward with joyous hope to the time when he would enter in and go no more out

In memory of him, his son Mr. Thomas Deans, North Dumfries, has given a memorial bell, one thousand pounds in weight, to be one of the chimes for the Central Church.

Ebenezer: A History of the Central Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson. pg 252-254

__________

In Memoriam Died. In Galt, on Friday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, James Deans, Aged 89 years and 9 months. The Funeral Will take place from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Telfer, State street, at 2 o'clock, on Monday afternoon, to Mount View Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation. Galt, April 18th, 1896.

Funeral Card of James Deans

_______________________________

INSTANTLY KILLED

JAMES DEANS KNOCKED DOWN AND KILLED BY A FREIGHT CAR.

Several Saw His Danger and Called Out - Being Deaf, He Did Not Hear Them, The Wheel Passed Over His Neck, Severing the Head From the Body.

At a few minutes after three o'clock, Friday afternoon, Jas. Deans, an old gentleman nearly ninety years of age, was instantly killed at the G.W. station. The old man, who was very deaf, was crossing the track at the station, when a car, which was shunted down from Todd's mill struck him. The wheel passed over his neck, completely severing his head from the body. Before the car reached him, some bystanders, who were too far away to save him, warned the unfortunate man of his danger, but he did not hear them and so met a violent death. When the fatality occurred, the brakeman was standing at the back end of the car and so could not see that there was anything on the track. While the car was a short distance away from where the old man was standing, the brakeman was informed of the deceased's perilous position, but though he put on the brakes, was unable to stop the car. A doctor was at once summoned, but all that he could do was to have the remains removed, the body being taken to the house of Mrs. Teller, daughter of the dead man, with whom he had been living. Fortunately, no blame can be attributed to any one for the accident, the old gentleman seeing the engine standing down the track and his deafness preventing him from hearing the slowly approaching car, evidently thought the track was clear and went to his death. Mr. Lewis, the brakeman and the other trainmen and station employees, feel the unfortunate occurrence very keenly. An inquest was held, the result of which will be found in another column. The late Mr. Deans was born near Jedburgh. Roxburghshire, Scotland, nearly 90 years ago. When a young man, 24 years of age, he came to Canada and a year later was followed by the remainder of the family, four sisters, a brother and his mother, his father having died some thirteen years before. On his arrival in this country, the deceased first resided in Toronto, where he remained for a few months. After spending a short time in London, he took up land in North Dumfries, and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Thomas Deans, West River road. Her he remained until ten years ago, when he retired from farming. Since then he had made his home alternately with his daughter, Mrs. Teller, State Street, town and with his son on the homestead. He was twice married, his first wife being, Miss Jane Brydon, who predeceased him many years, dying when about 32 years old. His second wife has been dead for many years. By his first wife, he had six children, only three whom are living, Mr. Thos. Deans, on the homestead; Mrs. John Telfer, State. The subject of this sketch was the last of a family of six, all of whom lived to an old age, the most of them exceeding four score years. He was a Reformer to the backbone and one of the men who have made the party what It is today. He never aspired to civic honors, the only public office he ever held was that of school trustee. In religion was a Presbyterian, being the oldest and one of the most highly esteemed members of the Central church. The funeral took place from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Telfer, State Street, at 2 o'clock, on Monday afternoon, to Mt. View cemetery.

The Weekly Reformer 23 Apr 1896 pg 3

James — Janet Brydon. Janet was born 1817, , Scotland; died 15 Feb 1851; was buried , Pioneer Pergola Cemetery, St. Andrew's Park, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Janet Deans
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26629
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: dnf-115510

William — Elizabeth Laurie. Elizabeth was born Abt 1770, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Telfer
• Eby ID Number: dnf-115528

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-155422
• Residence: 1804, Crailing, , Roxburgh, Scotland

Walter — Janet Andison. Janet was born 1776, of, Crailing, , Roxburgh, Scotland; died , North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Janet Deans
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-155457
• Residence: 1804, Crailing, , Roxburgh, Scotland