Stuart W. "Pete" Strachan

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-340900

Stuart — Sarah Gertrude Howatt. Sarah was born 1910, , Prince Edward Island, Canada; died 9 May 1996, , Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171363105
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58633
• Residence: 1949, Piper St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Edward married Jessie Murray Watson 29 Jun 1910, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Jessie (daughter of James Gibb Watson and Sarah Elizabeth Bishop) was born 10 Jan 1878, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Oct 1949, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 24 Oct 1949, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171363138
• Name: Jessie Murray Strachan
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58620
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk Grocery Store
• Residence: 1949, Piper St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Died At her home, Piper Street, Ayr, on Friday, October 21, 1949 Jessie Watson Beloved wife of Edward S.Strachan. The Funeral Will take place from the W.O. Ball Funeral Parlor, Ayr, on Monday, October 24, at 2.30 p.m. Interment in Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation

Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: dnf-59203
• Residence: 1864, Garafraxa Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario

Robert married Isabella Maloney 9 Dec 1864, , Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Isabella was born 1843, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

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• Name: Isabella Strachan
• Eby ID Number: dnf-59685
• Residence: 1864, Garafraxa Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171953172
• Interesting: military, business, life story
• Military: American Civil War
• Military: American Civil War
• Name: J. G. Watson
• Occupation: 56 Stanley St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; grocer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58609P
• Immigration: 1847, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1848, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Grocer
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retail merchant - Grocery
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

"Mr. Jas. G. Watson continues very sick."


Ayr News; Ayr, Ont., Thursday, May 20, 1915

_____________________


JAMES G. WATSON ANSWERS LAST CALL

Old and Respected Resident Passed Away Sunday, After Lingering Illness

Although not unexpected, the death of James Gibb Watson, which occurred on Sunday about noon time came as a distinct shock to the whole community. Deceased, who was in his 74th year, had been ailing for [near] a year with a disease which gradually sap[p]ed his strength, until death released him.

His presence will be much missed by a host of friends and acquaintances, who always found in him a good friend, with many sterling qualities and a never-failing cheerfulness of manner, coupled with a ready wit.

Deceased was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and when 10 years of age came to Canada with his parents, settling in Hamilton. Here he learned the trade of moulding with his father. After living in Hamilton for about 8 years he resided in Galt for a short time and then came on to Ayr. He here went into the late James Somerville's printing office to learn the printing, going from this place to Simcoe and then to Otterville [?], finishing his trade in the office of the late John Sanfield McDonald.

For quite a number of years he then travelled through the United States working at his trade. when the Civil War broke out he joined the Northern army, becoming a member of the 12th New York Cavalry. During the war he was in many important battles and had the good fortune to come out unscratched, with the exception of 2 sight wounds.

He arrived back in Ayr shortly before the Fenian Raid took place and during that stirring period joined the local company as Lieutenant. His company received orders to mobilize at New Hamburg which they did, but at the end of two weeks were ordered back to Ayr; the Fenians having been defeated.

He started the Ayr Herald in 1867, and published a splendid paper for two or three years when he disposed of his plant. From then until when he started a grocery store on Stanley Street, he was connected with the John Watson Mfg. co. for the greater part of his time.

He was the oldest Oddfellow in this district, having completed nearly 10 years of Oddfellowship, and was the second D.D.G.M. to be elected for this district. In politics he was a Liberal of the old school and in religion a Presbyterian.

In 1867, he married Sarah Bishop who survives him. He is also survived by three daughters and two sons who are: Mrs. Geo. Hamilton, Toronto: Mrs. R. Harmer, Ayr: Mrs. E.S. Strachan, Winnipeg, and A.G. Watson, Ayr and W.D. Watson, Camrose, Alta. One brother Wm. A. Watson of Moosejaw, and one sister, Mrs. R. Chisholm of Ayr also survive.

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon and was attended by practically everyone in the village and a goodly number from the country. Both the Watson and Hilborn factories closed down for the afternoon, as well as most of the stores during the hours of the funeral. Members of Dolman Lodge, I.O.O.F., to the number of 35 or 40, accompanied by D.D.G.M. Aver of Paris attended the funeral in a body and marched with the cortege to the cemetery. The services were in charge of Rev. J.J. Brown, assisted by Rev. Dr. Thomson and Rev. S. Edwards. The pall bearers were: Messrs John Anderson, W.A. Ramsay, C. McGeorge, C.K. Morton, R. Gemmell and R. Cuthbertson.


The Ayr News; Ayr, Ont., Thursday, June 24, 1915

James married Sarah Elizabeth Bishop 7 Aug 1867, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of James Bishop and Mary Haggart) was born 16 Jan 1840, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Jun 1923, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 26 Jun 1923, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171953222
• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Sarah Elizabeth Watson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58618
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Public Service: 1864, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. L. G. of International Organization of Good Templars
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

It is the intention of Mrs. Jas. G. Watson to give up house keeping and she intends disposing of her household effects by auction sale on Saturday, Nov. 6th. Mrs. Watson expects to spend the winter with her daughter, Mrs. Hamilton, Toronto.

The Ayr News, Ayr, Ont., Thursday, Oct. 28, 1915

__________________________-

ANOTHER OLD RESIDENT GONE
Mrs. James G. Watson Crosses the River of Death

One by one the old residents of this section are silently passing over the Jordan "to that bourne from whence no traveller e'er returns." This week it is our sorrowful duty to add the name of Mrs. James G. Watson to the list of those who have "gone before", who having passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, June 24, after a short illness, deeply regretted by her family and a wide circle of acquaintances. Mrs. Watson was a pioneer, having been born in the township of North Dumfries in 1840, nearly 84 years ago, when the country was comparatively new and the struggle was not as easy as it is to-day. Her maiden name was Sarah Elizabeth Bishop. In 1867, she was united in marriage with the late James Gibb Watson, just after his return from participating in the American Civil War. All deceased's life was spent in and about Ayr, except for a period of about 12 years in New York State. Since her husband's death a few years ago she spent her time with different members of the family-at the Coast, Manitoba and Ontario. In religion she adhered to the Presbyterian Church. Essentially a home body, she devoted particular attention to her household duties and the interests of her family. The sons and daughters who survive are: Archie G., Ayr: William, Vancouver, B.C.: Mrs. George Hamilton, Toronto: Mrs. R. Harmer, Princeton, and Mrs. E.S. Strachan, Ayr. The funeral took place on Tuesday to the Ayr cemetery; Rev. J.J. Brown officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. Thomson and Rev. Pallbearers--Walter and John Ferguson, Howard Cant, Jno A. Manson, A.E. and Jno. W. Watson.

The Ayr News, Ayr, Ont., Thursday June 28, 1923

________________________

Died In Ayr, Ontario, on Sunday, June 24th, 1923, at 5 o'clock p.m. Sarah Elizabeth Bishop Widow of the late James Gibb Watson In her 84th year. The Funeral Will take place from the residence of her son, Archie G. Watson, corner Bruce and Walter Streets, on Tuesday, June 26, at 3 o'clock p.m., to the Ayr Cemetery.

Funeral Card

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134834677
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-131714
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Perished, In the Conflagration at Nithvale Mills on Tuesday, 2nd December, 1873, Archibald Watson, Aged 56 Years. Funeral Will take place on Friday, the 5th inst., at 2 o'clock, p.m. Ayr, Dec. 4th, 1873.


Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

______________________________


AYR Loss of the Nithvale Mills by Fire
A MAN BURNED TO DEATH IN THE CONFLAGRATION
(From our own Correspondent)

Last Tuesday evening shortly after 9 o'clock a very destructive fire broke out here, involving the complete loss of Mr. Piper's flouring mills at Nithvale, and accompanied by one of the most appalling calamities that has ever occurred in the neighbourhood viz.: -the death of one of our best known and most respected citizens, Mr. Archibald Watson, brother of John Watson, Esq., and for upward of twenty years back foreman in this gentleman's moulding shop.

The fire, when first discovered by Mr. J. Piperhad burst out through the corner of one of the upper flats of the mill, and was apparently slight--so slight that Mr. P., seizing two pails of water rushed up with them expecting that he could easily distinguish it; but he had no sooner reached the top of the stairs than he was glad to return again, to avoid suffocation from smoke. By this time a number had collected and, the alarm having been given scores continued to pour in with the fire engine and its accompaniment. But a few minutes rendered it plainly manifest that with the headway which the fire had already made, all efforts to save the mill would be worse than useless, and so the hose were directed on the oat meal mill adjacent to save it.

The latter was saved, but in less than two and a half hours from the commencement of the fire the mill was a smouldering mass of ruins. Mr. Piper has the sympathy of the community in this serious loss--a loss which is double in its character, for the season's business has gone with the mill. The mill and contents not saved were worth about $12000, to meet which his insurance policies cover but $6000. Mr. P. is not, we believe, fully decided as to his future course, that is whether he will rebuild or not, but in the meantime he will fit up the Jedburgh Mills for present use.

First amongst those who arrived at the fire was the deceased Mr. Watson, who, with his wonted alacrity on such occasions, began immediately to remove valuables out of the burning building. In this several assisted, until the approaching flames obliged them to desist, and they turned their attention to the other minor structures around the outside. Mr. Watson, however, thought he could effect one entrance more and save one of the large window sashes of the mill. Everyone around him warned him not to attempt such a thing, but apparently confident of success, he seized a small hatchet, entered the doorway and soon appeared at an open window between the door and the one he wished to save. Here he stood for an instant, when he again was again entreated to come out. He refused, however, and passed on to the other, which he began to hammer lustily in order to loosen it from its fastenings. The noise having been heard outside by some persons who were unaware of the facts, they at once raised the cry "there is a man in the mill", and one of them thinking the knocking was caused by the man's efforts to extricate himself, got a long pole and with a blow broke in the window. Ere this, however, Mr. Watson, evidently finding he had already gone too far, had left the window and was making apparently for the door. The whole lower flat was then literally one blaze and long tongues of flame had begun to dart out through the doors and windows, thus preventing not only ingress to the mill, but even an approach to it from the outside of less than twenty feet. Again the unfortunate man was seen at the middle window making his way to the door. An instant afterwards he appeared at the door in a similar position and the people began to experience some sense of relief as they expected in a moment more to have him amongst them--but horror! he passes by without even noticing the opening and makes apparently for the densest portion of the flames. Again he stops, turns back, and again he is observed in the doorway, but this time only for an instant as he dashes wildly by toward the centre of the mill where he falls. All this was the work of probable not more than ten minutes from first to last.

Some ladies outside, who had seen the unfortunate man on his second appearance at the doorway gave vent to their feelings in a few unearthly shrieks and never will the writer forget the look of blank dismay, intensified by the glare of the fire, which depicted every countenance as the reports spread. "Archie Watson is burned to death?" One moment all were paralysed; the next, engine was playing vigorously on the fatal spot, in hopes of saving at least a part of the remains of our respected friend; but all to little purpose, for though an almost continuous steam was kept upon on it all night, the most diligent search afterwards revealed only a few small particles of bones so thoroughly calcined that the slightest pressure would reduce them to powder, a buckle and one or two buttons belonging to the deceased, all of which could readily be placed in a quart measure. And this was all that now remained of the man who, a few hours before was in the enjoyment of good health, strength and spirit, in the bosom of his family. We have seen death in repulsive forms; we have read or heard of it in many others, but rarely, within our recollection, have we known of a case so utterly barren of consolation or satisfaction of any kind, as the present one. An indulgent father, a kind husband, an excellent neighbor, and a warm-hearted and generous friend literally blotted out of existence in an hour--with nothing left to tell the tale but a handful of ashes--the thing seems too horrible to be realized. To say that the most profound sympathy exists for the bereaved family and friends would give but a very faint idea of the general feeling that prevails.

Nothing of so sad a nature has ever before occurred in our midst, and the village has been literally silenced with sorrow under the awful stroke.

Several theories are advanced with reference to the deceased's inability to extricate himself. He must undoubtedly have been unconscious when he gave over hammering the window sash, but we are inclined to think that, surrounded as he was by flames and inhaling as he must have done repeatedly, such quantities of carbonic acid he must have been stupefied considerably on his way to the door and this idea seems more probably from the fact that in proceeding towards the door he had to pass two large open windows at either of which he might have thrown himself out. He passed by these windows when he entered the mill. In fact, he stood in one of them: consequently he must have known of their existence and likewise that they were open. But on his return no notice apparently was taken of them although neither of them was over 4 feet from the floor. His aimless wandering from this time also renders it almost certain that he had been unconscious for some moments before he dropped.

THE FUNERAL.--The Funeral took place on Friday afternoon, and was very largely attended. Numbers from the country round, as well as from Galt and Paris, were present to pay the last mournful token of respect to the memory of one so well-known and so universally respected. As the people began to gather, the doors of the Methodist church32, opposite the late residence of the deceased, were opened and the people assembled there to await the procession to the cemetery. While here they were addressed briefly by Rev. Mr. Inglis. Rev. Mr. Thompson read a portion of Scripture and prayer was offered up by Rev. Mr. Knowles. In the house, Prayer was offered up by Rev. Mr. Ure, of Goderich, a cousin of the deceased.33 The procession then formed and marched to the cemetery in connection with Rev. Mr. Inglis' church: the relatives, with the remains, leading followed by the workmen in Mr. John Watson's foundry-fellow-workmen of the deceased--with the badge of mourning on their arms. After these came the general public-a long and mournful procession. At the grave prayer was again offered up by Rev. Mr. Ure, and on Sabbath the same gentleman preached the funeral sermon.


Dumfries Reformer, Galt, Ont., Wed. Dec 10, 1873, Vol. 12, #1293

Archibald — Janet Gibb. Janet was born CA 1811, Of, Glasgow, , Lanark, Scotland; died 16 Dec 1854. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Janet Watson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58631

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-251790P
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 27, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 07 Lot 27, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

James — Mary Haggart. Mary was born 1810, , New York State, USA; died 18 Feb 1896, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Bishop
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-251787P
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian