Ella Reid

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195670
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Knitter - Knitting mill
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Business: North Dumfries Concession 10 Lot 31, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reid Brothers
• Interesting: business, story, lumber
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58604
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawyer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Grain Dealer
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer - Saw mill
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Passing of One of the Oldest Residents Alexander Reid Suddenly Called Was Born at Reidsville in 1835

In the passing of Alexander Reid on Sunday morning this district loses one of its oldest and best known residents. His father settled in the community now known as Reidsville and there Alexander was born on July 1, 1835. This, of course, was before Confederation, and July 1 did not then possess the significance it now does in being Dominion Day. Mr. Reid, though only just a small boy, also passed through the historical period of the MacKenzie Rebellion, and was a witness of the great changes incident to the development of the country. Locally, too, he also experienced great changes and cold tell man interesting tales of the early days.

With the exception of about seven years spent in California, where he was engaged in mining, he spent all his early life at Reidsville, removing to Ayr about 32 years ago. Both at Reidsville and Ayr he worked at the lumber business. In 1868 he was associated with is brothers Andrew, Robert and Walter in the formation of the Reid Bros. Lumber Company. This partnership was dissolved in 1886, and in 1900 Walter moved the plant to Ayr, where it is still being operated by members of his family.

Alexander enjoyed good health all his life, having a record of never being sick. On Saturday night he suffered a paralytic stroke, about 11 o'clock, and died at 4: 30 Sunday morning. About 43 years ago he was united in marriage with Margaret Brown of Blenheim Township, who survives him, together with two sons and two daughters. They are: David at home, John B. and Mrs. Thos. Greer in Toronto, and Mrs. E.F. Poil in Oshawa. Another son, William l., was killed in action during the war. One brother, Andrew, also survives.

The deceased was a Liberal in politics, and in religion a Presbyterian, being a member of Knox United Church, and of Stanley Street Church before the union. He was also a pension member of the Independent Order of Foresters. The funeral took place from his late residence, Colquhoun St., on Tuesday afternoon, when interment was made in the Ayr Cemetery, Rev. J.J. Brown conducting the services.

Ayr News Dec 4 1919 pg 1

Alexander married Margaret Lillico Brown 29 Dec 1876, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of David Brown and Isabella Lillico) was born 4 Jun 1854, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 8 Jul 1935, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 10 Jul 1935, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Lillico
• Name: Margaret Lillico Reid
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58605
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Mrs. Alexander Reid - Death Occurred on Monday of Long Time Resident of Ayr - Following an illness caused by a fractured hip sustained some three weeks ago, the death occurred at her residence, Willison street, on Monday of one of Ayr's oldest and most esteemed citizens in the person of Mrs. Alexander Reid, in her 82nd year. Deceased, whose maiden name was Margaret Brown, was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Brown, pioneer settlers of the 11th concession of Blenheim. After her marriage she resided with her husband in Reidsville for a period of 10 or 12 years, coming to Ayr about 47 years ago. She was a member of the former Stanley Street Church and affiliated with Knox United at the time of union. Taking a deep interest in the work of the different women's organizations of the congregation, she was a regular attendant at their meetings so long as her health would permit. She was also a member of the Women's Institute. Deceased is survived by the following family: David, at home; Mrs. Thomas Greer and John Douglas Reid, Toronto, and Mrs. E. F. Poil, Oshawa. Her husband predeceased her 18 years ago. The following brothers and sisters also survive: David Brown, Thomas M. Brown and John J. Brown, Ayr; Mrs. John R. Hall, Toronto; Mrs. Geo. B. Mitchell, Ayr; Miss M. H. Brown, Toronto, and Mrs. Wm. McDonald, Galt. The funeral took place to the Ayr Cemetery this (Wednesday) afternoon.

The Ayr News Jul 11 1935 pg 1

Other Events:

• Interesting: sports, story
• Residence: 2648 Alps Rd., North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58626
• Immigration: 1830, , Canada
• Occupation: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.

Notes:

Death of Mr. John Reid, Sr.,

This gentleman one of the Pioneers of the Township of North Dumfries, died on Tuesday morning last, at his residence near Cedar Creek aged 83 years. He came to this country from Roxboroughshire in 1831 and almost immediately settled on the farm where he died. His energy and perseverance met with its just reward, evidenced by the line property on which for many years he and his family have resided. About two years ago he had lost his wife. His family are all grown up and for many years have carried on an extensive lumber mill on the same property. They are well known throughout our Province.

Mr. Walter Reid is the champion Quoit player of our Province, while the four brothers, Robert, Alexander, Andrew and Walter Reid turn out a curling Rink which is hard to beat. The other son is Mr. John Reid of Ayr. The old residence of North Dumfries, the men whose hardihood and energy have made the Township what it is, and rapidly passing away, and but few remain. All honor to their memory, and to the record for industry and uprightness they have left to us.

Galt Reporter May 2 1879 pg 2

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The first settlers of Dumfries were generally of a superior class. With few exceptions, they had received a good education at the Parochial Schools of their native land, and many of them brought with them to Canada a thirst for knowledge which even the necessities of bush life could not eradicate. This led to very early endeavours to combine instruction with amusement during their leisure hours.

It will surprise many to learn, however, that as early as 1834, when clearings were but few and far between, and when the wolf and bear were not unfrequent visitors, that a Debating society was in full blast during the winter evenings. Such was the fact„ however, and long and excit-ing were the discussions which took place.

The scene of these intellectual combats was the home Mr. John Reid, after whom the clachan of Reidsville has been called, and who only passed away to his rest a few months ago. The members of the society were Messrs.John Black, John Reid, Thomas and James Dalgliesh, William Veitch, Alex. Turnbull, Thomas Ritchie, William Hastie, Andrew Mathieson, James Cunningham, Andrew Elliott, John Currie, John Johnston, George Cunningham, Alex. Beckett, James Oliver, Thomas Cleghorn, and occasionally a few others. A majority of these gentlemen still survive, and the mere recital of their names will awaken in the minds of those acquainted with them, many pleasing, and possibly some sad, reminiscences of the past.

It is needless to say that this Society was an exceedingly vigorous one, and that the questions discussed were characteristic of the time. Among them were the following:

(1) Which is most benefit to mankind, Agriculture or Commerce ?
(2) Whether is the profane man or the hypocrite most injury to society?
(3) Which is the most destructive element, fire or water?
(4) Whether does wood or iron most benefit mankind ? and
(5) Would a ship made of iron sink or swim?

The debates upon these and similar subjects, which, in the absence of candles, sometimes took place by the light of burning pine knots, were characterised by deep interest and not a little talent, and, to use the language of one of the participants: "Nothing could exceed the enjoyment of these gatherings."

The annual dinner of the Debaters was an occasion never to be forgotten. It was also held at Mr. Reid's house, but the viands were provided by the members of the Society generally. It could not boast of the cuisine of Delmonico, nor of bills of fare in French and perfume. It was considered, however, a veritable feast at that time. The Society unitedly purchased a sheep. That was the first step. From this was made soup, a haggis-the oat-meal for which had to be brought from a drug store in Dundas and roast and boiled joints. Add to this description, a few " cakes of the period," and you have the dinner, gastronomically considered, in all its glory

It was, however, "the feast of reason and flow of soul" which followed, that gave the occasion its princi-pal attraction. The speeches-the songs-the hilarity-can be better imagined than described. As an illustration of the mirthful spirit which prevailed, it may be mentioned that, on one occasion, whilst ladling out huge platefuls of the steaming haggis, John Black, the chairman, vigorously recited Burns' address to that famous dish:

"Fair, fa your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin' race;
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe or thairm,
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm."

Nothing could better illustrate the character of the early settlers of Dumfries than efforts at intellectual improvement under such formidable difficulties. It is not too much to say of them, that no part of Canada has been settled by a class of men of greater physical and mental energy. "None but Lowland Scotchmen would ever have cleared North Dumfries," is a remark which has frequently been made. This may be an exaggeration. But those who remember how heavily timbered, how stony and how swampy its rugged hills and valleys were forty years ago, will readily admit, that only the highest courage, and most indomitable energy and perseverance, could have made the township what it is today in the same space of time. Had their work to be done over again, could a magician's wand once more make Dumfries the tangled forest it was when this history began, we venture to say their descendants would never undertake to perform it!

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

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Died. In North Dumfries, on Tuesday morning, May 6th, At a quarter-past 2 o'clock, John Reid, Sr., Aged 83 Years and 10 Days The Funeral Will take place on Thursday, 8th inst., at 1 o'clock p.m., from his late residence, to the Cedar Creek Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend. North Dumfries, May 6th, 1879.

Funeral Card

John — Catherine Mathison. Catherine (daughter of Alexander Mathieson and Isabel Grey) was born 14 Mar 1799, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died 6 Nov 1876, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Reid
• Residence: 2648 Alps Rd., North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58627P
• Birth: 16 Mar 1799, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland
• Immigration: 1830, , Canada
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.

Notes:

In North Dumfries, n Monday morning, 6th inst., at 3 o'clock, Catherine, wife of John Reid, sen., aged 77 years, 7 months and 22 days.

The deceased was one of the oldest settlers in Dumfries, having come to this country from Scotland with her husband in 1830 or 1831, and having lived on the farm then taken up until the day of her death. She was universally respected, and her memory will long be cherished by those who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Galt Reporter Nov 10 1876 pg 3

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180129089
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58334
• Immigration: 1842, , Canada
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Retired: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

In Loving Memory Died In Ayr, on Monday, Nov. 18, 1901, at 11 a.m., David Brown, in the 79th year of his age. The Funeral Will take place from his late residence Elliott St, on Thursday, November 21, at 2 o'clock P.M., to the Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation

Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

David — Isabella Lillico. Isabella (daughter of Douglas Lillico and Elizabeth Taylor) was born 29 Mar 1828, Hobkirk, , Roxburgh, Scotland; died 23 Jul 1895, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 25 Jul 1895, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180129110
• Name: Isabella Brown
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-290413
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Died, In Ayr, on Tuesday, July 23rd, 1895, at 12 o'clock, P.M., Isabella Lillico, Wife of David Brown, In her 68th year. Funeral On Thursday, the 25th inst, at 3 o'clock, P.M., from her late residence, Elliot Street, to the Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-72071

Alexander — Isabel Grey. Isabel was born Abt 1780, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died , , Scotland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Isabel Mathieson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77264

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/151871715
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-111902
• Residence: 1820, Hobkirk, , Roxburgh, Scotland

Notes:

Died, In the Township of Blenheim, on Wednesday, the 16th instant, at 3 o'clock, P.M., Douglas Lillico, Sr., Aged 76 Years. You are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral, which will take place on Saturday, the 19th inst., at two o'clock, P.M., from his late residence, 11th Concession of Blenheim to the place of interment, (Knox's Church Burying Ground, Ayr.) Blenheim, March 17, 1870.

Funeral Card.

Douglas married Elizabeth Taylor 22 Jul 1820, Hobkirk, , Roxburgh, Scotland. Elizabeth was born 15 Jul 1800, , Scotland; died 1 Dec 1881, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried 3 Dec 1881, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/151871853
• Name: Elizabeth Lillico
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-111903
• Residence: 1820, Hobkirk, , Roxburgh, Scotland

Notes:

Funeral Notice. Died, In Blenheim, on Thursday, December 1st, at 10 o'clock A.M., Elizabeth Taylor, Relict of the late Douglas Lillico, Aged 80 Years, 4 Months. The Funeral Will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 1 o'clock, p.m., from the residence of her son, James Lillico, lot 7, concession 11, Blenheim, to the place of interment, New Cemetery, Ayr. December 1, 1881. Recorder Print, Ayr.

Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies