Margaret Ritchie

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Sudden
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-250377
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.

Margaret married Robert Sudden 4 Mar 1864, Paris, Brant County, Ontario, Canada. Robert (son of James Sudden and Jane Wood) was born 1835, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Dec 1912, , Lambton Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. James Sudden was born 15 May 1865, , Ontario, Canada; died 29 Jun 1910, Sombra, Lambton Co., Ontario.
2. Margaret Ellen "Maggie" Sudden was born 1867, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Feb 1926, Brantford, Brant Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. Thomas Ritchie Sudden was born 1868, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
4. Jane Sudden was born 1869, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1955.
5. Robert Sudden was born 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1952.
6. Jeanetta "Nettie" Sudden was born 1876, Goderich, Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
7. Selinda "Linda" Sudden was born 1878, Goderich, Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227781187
• Injury: story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-304058
• Immigration: 1831, , Canada
• Land - Directory: 1864, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 29, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1868, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 29, 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.

Notes:

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

____________________

Death of Mr. Thomas Ritchie

The death of this gentleman, which occurred on Monday evening last, at the residence of Mr. Thos. Dalgleish in this town, can not be said to have been unexpected. For months he had been a very severe sufferer and frequently, during that time, his life was despaired of. Mr. Ritchie was born in the town of Peebles, Peeblesshire, Scotland, and came to this country in 1831. On arriving here, he entered the service of the original founder of the Dickson Estate, the first Wm. Dickson and was with him for about nine years. During this time he purchased the farm near Ayr, and on leaving Mr. Dickson, he went on to it, taking his share of all the trials of the early settlers' life. While living there he married his late wife, a sister of the Messrs. Barrie, of North Dumfries. Two of his children died young, - his daughter, Mrs. Robert Sudden, a few years ago, - leaving as sole survivor, Mr. James Ritchie, of Balmore, County of Huron.

The deceased gentleman was very widely known in this section and enjoyed the warm friendship and personal regard of all who knew him intimately. He was possessed of good abilities, was a diligent reader and consequently was a very intelligent, pleasing companion. He visited Scotland either twice of thrice since he first emigrated. On his first voyage here he was twelve weeks on the ocean, and it was always a fruitful topic of conversation with him, the wonderful revolution which steam had made in ocean travel. "Twelve weeks the first time I came over and now in ten or eleven days from leaving home I can be back in the scenes of my boyhood." The last trip he took to Scotland seemed to lay the foundation of the illness from which he died. While in Scotland he was not well and on the way out he caught a very severe cold, and when he landed back in Galt his friends were pained to see that he had failed greatly. Since then his sufferings at times have been very great. They were borne with great patience and quiet submission; such a thing as a complaint was never heard from him. As long as he could he moved around amongst his friends and showed to them a serene cheerfulness. Mr. George Bruce, whose death we noticed last week, and Mr. Ritchie, for many years were close friends and companions. Of those who crossed the Atlantic on the same voyage as Mr. Ritchie, there are yet living in this section, Mr. Wm. Hardy, of Ayr, and Mr. Walter Heastie, of North Dumfries.

Galt Reporter Jul 4 1884 pg 1

Thomas married Helen Barrie 1835. Helen (daughter of George Barrie and Margaret Turnbull) was born 16 Aug 1815, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died 26 Aug 1868, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pioneer Pergola Cemetery, St. Andrew's Park, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227779297
• Name: Helen Ritchie
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-72567
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1868, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 29, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

In North Dumfries, on Wednesday, 26th ult., Helen, wife of Mr. Thomas Ritchie, aged 53 years.

Galt Reporter Sep 4 1868 pg 3

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Died On Wednesday Evening, 26th August, at 8 o'clock, Helen Barrie, Wife of Mr. Thomas Ritchie, Aged 53 Years. Funeral Will take place on Friday, 28th inst., at 2 o'clock, p.m., from her late Residence, Lot No. 29, 8th Con. North Dumfries, to St. Andrew's Cemetery. North Dumfries, August 27th, 1868.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130318

James married Charlotte Nicol 15 Jan 1808, Gattanside, Melrose, , Roxburgh, Scotland. Charlotte was born CA 1785; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Charlotte Ritchie
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-154996

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227377700
• Historic Building: 46 Crest Court, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-138895
• Residence: 1815, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland
• Immigration: 1829, , Canada
• Occupation: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 12 Lot 13, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 12 Lot 14, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 12 Lot 15, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church

George married Margaret Turnbull 8 Oct 1814, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Margaret was born 1793, Lilliesleaf, , Roxburgh, Scotland; died 4 Sep 1883, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227377883
• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Margaret Barrie
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-138893
• Residence: 1815, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland
• Immigration: 1829, , Canada
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada

Notes:

In Galt, on Tuesday, Sept. 4th, at 1'clock pm, Margaret, relict of the late George Barrie, in her 91st year.

Galt Reporter Sep 7 1883 pg 1

____________________

Death of Mrs. George Barrie

Last week the Reporter contained a sort notice of the death of Mrs. James Cowan, and therein was mentioned that of the old folks who remained to us the most prominent were Mrs. George Barrie and Mrs. David Potter. Today we are called upon to record the death of one of these two in the person of Mrs. George Barrie, who passed quietly away on Tuesday, at 1 o'clock, pm. Mrs. Barrie was born in Lilliesleaf, Roxboroughshire, Scotland, and was married there, emigrating to Canada, with her husband, in 1829, in company with the last James Cowan and his wife, the lady whose death was announced last week and Walter Cowan and wife, both long since dead. They all took up land at once, Mr. Barrie the homestead now occupied by the youngest of his children, Mr. Alexander Barrie; James Cowan the homestead now occupied by Mr. Thos. Cowan; and Walter Cowan the homestead now occupied by Mr. Wm. Cowan. For a time, while a house was being built on his land, Mr. Barrie occupied a house on the top of "Dickson's" hill, but as soon as ever his own house was read the family moved into it and there laid the foundation by industry of the fine properties now owned by the sons, Mr. Robert Barrie, now retired and living in Galt; Mr. Walter Barrie, residing near Ayr; Mr. John Barrie, residing on the farm just north of the homestead; and Mr. George Barrie, residing on the farm almost adjoining to the west, and the homestead now occupied by Mr. Alexander Barrie. The father, Mr. George Barrie, died in 1863. Himself and wife the descendants of the sturdy Scottish race who made Scotland revered, they have left behind them a family which is a household word in this section, for besides the sons enumerated there are yet living three daughters, viz, Mrs. Hugh Morton, now residing with her husband in Galt; Mrs. John Cavers, of North Dumfries; and Mrs. Thos. Dalgleish, of Galt. For convenience in attending church

Mrs. Barrie was a prominent member of Knox Church

she came about a year ago to reside with Mrs. Dalgleish, in Galt. A little more than ten days ago the deceased lady was attacked with inflammation of the bowels; and although at times it appeared as if she might throw off the attack her strength became so much reduced that, after severe suffering, she gently closed her eyes to this world at the hour mentioned on Tuesday. Mrs. Barrie was in the 92nd year of her age, was a woman of strong Christian affections, and in the early days of Dumfries took a leading part in all that fell to the lot of a pioneer's wife.

Galt Reporter Sep 7 1883 pg 1

___________

Died, In Galt, on Tuesday, Sept.4th, at 1 o'clock p.m., Margaret, Relict of the late George Barrie, In her 91st year. Funeral On Thursday, 6th inst., at 3 o'clock p.m., from the residence of Mr. Thos. Dalgleish to the Galt Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend. Galt, Sept. 4th, 1883.

Funeral Card