John William "Trip" Watson

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57802
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Iron Machinist
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Assistant - post office
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Postmaster Watson Passes Death Came Without Warning to J. W. Watson, While at Work Saturday Afternoon

The citizens of the village and community were shocked on Saturday afternoon to learn of the sudden death, about 3o'clock, of Ayr's postmaster, John William Watson. Mr. Watson had been feeling unwell after the dinner hour, and mentioned to several persons that he was suffering from pain in the region of the heart. He later went to consult his doctor and then returned to the post office. A short time afterward, while working at his desk, he suddenly collapsed. Medical aid was summoned by his assistant, Miss Jean Keith, who was working in the office, but to no avail.

Mr., Watson, known to many of his friends as "Trip", was born in Ayr 73 years ago, being the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John George Watson. He was the last member of his family, and unmarried.

Appointed Postmaster in 1918

He was appointed Postmaster of Ayr in 1918, upon the death of his father, John George Watson, who held the position for many years previously. Mr., Watson made an ideal postmaster and the Ayr office was considered one of the most efficient in this Postal District.

Receiving his early education here, he attended Woodstock College and Toronto University. He worked for a number of years with the Dominion Bridge Company, Winnipeg. After returning to Ayr, he was employed on the office staff of the John Watson Mfg. Co. before going to the post office.

A Lover of Sports.

Mr. Watson was a lover of sports and in his early days was a lacrosse and football player of note. He was also an enthusiastic bowler and keen curler. For many years he was secretary-treasurer of the Ayr Union Curling Club and also held the office of president for the customary term.

In the old days, when the village was served by a first-class band, he played one of bass instruments. He was also an excellent piano player.

Was Widely Known.

The people of the community will miss Mr. Watson. He was known to many persons throughout the province, by whom he was highly esteemed for his kindly personality and helpful disposition. In particular, the people of the business section will miss his familiar figure. They will miss his cheery greeting and quiet jokes. His place in the community will be hard to fill. It was fitting that he should be called to the Great Beyond while on duty in the office where he had served the public so faithfully.

The Funeral.

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon from the residence of his aunt, Miss M. U. Watson, and, as a mark of respect, the business places of the village were closed from 2 o'clock to 3.30 o'clock. The services were conducted by Rev. J. W. Currie, who paid fitting tribute to the many fine qualities of the late Mr. Watson. There was a large attendance and numerous expressions of sympathy were heard. The pallbearers were: Morton Guthrie, Wm. G. Hall, A. Wyllie Watson., J. T. Gillies, James H. Lovett, Toronto, and C. C. Hill, Welland
.
The Ayr News Jul 19 1945 pg 1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/191933898
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57800
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1871, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; engineer
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Engineer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mechanical Engineer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Implement Manufacturer
• Historic Building: 1897, 166 Piper St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; two and half story house
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Iron Manufacturer
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Postmaster - Post office
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Postmaster Watson intends to prosecute the crowd of loafers who make a habit of loafing on the post office steps in the evening after 8 o'clock as it is a great annoyance to the ladies who have letters to post.

The Ayr News, Ayr, Ont., Thursday June 8, 1915

_______________


Death of Postmaster Watson
Ayr's Most Prominent Citizen Suddenly Called

The community was sensibly shocked on Friday afternoon, October 11, when it was announced that Ayr's respected and beloved postmaster had passed away that John George Watson was dead! The transition was sudden so sudden that almost everyone exclaimed, "Why, I saw him on the street yesterday or the day before." True, only a day or two intervened between a vigorous life and death. Though he had slightly exceeded the allotted age of "three score years and ten", he was still active and bid fair to have many years still to his credit, but how true it is that "in the midst of life we are in death." John George Watson was a native of Galt, but came to Ayr in his infancy. Between his birth and his death there was a span of 71 years with the exception of his infancy and college days all those years were spent in this community. All his interests in life were wrapped up in Ayr. Besides being the head of the largest industry in town the John Watson Mfg. Co. Ltd. he held at various periods many positions of trust and honor, and was post-master of the village at his death. These onerous duties he discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. In his death the community loses a good citizen and the family a kind husband and father. It was perhaps not generally known that Mr. Watson was a P.H.D., having been graduated in Science from Yale University. Of his college life, Mr. Watson was very proud, but prouder still of the fact that he was one of the few pupils of the famous Tassie school, Galt, still surviving. After a lengthy career as a manufacturer, he was appointed postmaster in the year 1903. . .His son, John W. Watson is Assistant Postmaster.


The Ayr News 17 Oct 1918

Historic Building:
Built by John George Watson in 1897. He was president of The John Watson Manufacturing Company and was also postmaster. 2 1/2 story brick house.

John married Margaret Boyd Hall 9 May 1871, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of William Hall and Ellen McCallum) was born 29 Jan 1849, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 Dec 1928, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 24 Dec 1928, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171857438
• Name: Margaret Boyd Watson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57801
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• 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. John George Watson

Death of One of Ayr's Oldest Residents

The death occurred at the family residence, "Fairview," on Saturday morning at 8.15 o'clock of Margaret Boyd Hall, widow of the late John George Watson, a former president of the John Watson Mfg. Co., in her 80th year. Mrs. Watson had been in failing health for a number of years and her demise followed an accident of the previous evening, in which she had sustained a fall, injuring her head. She was born in North Dumfries Township, being a daughter of the late William Hall, one of the early settlers of this district, and had lived in this neighborhood during the whole period of her lifetime. For the past 39 years she had resided in the residence in which she passed away. While essentially a home woman, she had many warm friends by whom she was held in the highest esteem, and her passing will be sincerely mourned. She was a member of Knox United Church and attended service when her health would permit. She is survived by one son, John W. Watson, Postmaster. Her husband predeceased her in 1916, and a daughter, Daisie, died in 1901. One brother, R. D. Hall of Toronto, and two sisters, Mrs. K. McKenzie of Bright, and Miss Janet R. Hall of Ayr, also survive. The funeral which was private, took place to the Ayr Cemetery on Monday afternoon.

The Ayr News Dec 27 1928 pg 1

Other Events:

• Business: Gore Fire Insurance, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gore Fire Insurance Co.
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179938352
• Historic Business: 45 Stanley St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; The John Watson Manufacturing Company
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57783
• Historic Building: 1852, 44 Piper Street, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Iron Founder
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Business: 1864, Ayr Foundry, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr Foundry
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Iron Foundry
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Historic Building: 1876, 128 Piper St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Two story brick house
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Foundryman
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Business: 1885, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr Agricultural Works
• Elected Office: 1885, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Warden for the County of Waterloo
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Website: 1909, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Photograph
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Born in 1820 in Scotland, John Watson came to Canada in 1845. By 1847, he opened a foundry in Ayr which built farm implements. The success of the business was made evident when Watson received a gold medal from the Provincial Agricultural Association of Upper Canada in Kingston, but one of many accolades awarded to the company.

Beyond his business pursuits, Watson founded the Ayr Library in the late 1840's and was elected vice-president of the Waterloo Reform Association in 1855. He became magistrate in 1863 and served on the North Dumfries and South Waterloo Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company board in 1864. In 1880, he was appointed to the Ontario Agriculture Commission and served as Chairman of the Agriculture Education Division.

When Ayr was incorporated as a village in 1884, Watson was elected Reeve and Warden of the County by acclamation. He died on 14 December 1903.

Kitchener Public Library Digital Collection

________________________

Died In Ayr, at 5 o'clock, P.M. Monday, Dec. 14th, 1903, John Watson, sr. In his 84th year. The Funeral Will take place on Thursday, Dec. 17th, from his late residence, Piper St., to the Ayr Cemetery, Service at the house at 2 o'clock, p.m. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation^.

Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

Business:
THE GORE FIRE INSURANCE CO.

Among the many institutions of which Galt boasts, none are more conspicuous than the Gore Ins. Co's pal-atial and imposing structure situated on the corner of Main and Ainslie streets. The style is of a Romanesque char-acter, and is built with Connecticut brown-stone, rock-faced base up to the first storey window sills ; above this it is faced with brown pressed brick, tooled portage entry stone trimmings and Terra Cotta carvings. The corner of Main and Ainslie streets is round, having over the main entrance a heavily moulded arch, supported on two Doric columns, and over the arch the Company's name carved in mediaeval letters. This round corner is continued up above the roof, forming a round tower, roofed with Span-ish tiles and terminating in a columned and octagon lantern, with ogee top and flag staff. Total height from the side-walk about eighty-two feet. The Gore has about 125 active agents through Ontario.<sup>1a

1a</sup>1897 Jubilee Souvenir of Galt

Historic Building:
It is suspected that this house was built circa 1844 but its recorded history begins in 1852 when the house was sold to John Watson, the owner of the largest factory in the village,.... Another past owner of the home was Dr. Duff Wilson, former Medical Officer of Health for Waterloo County.



Historic Building:
Two story brick house constructed in 1876. Built by John Watson founder of The John Watson Manufacturing Company. Later owned by Elizabeth D. Watson and Mary U. Watson.

Website:
KPL Library Picture

John — Mary Urie. Mary was born 1826, of, Ontario; died 5 Apr 1851, , Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179938418
• Name: Mary Watson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96613

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171855627
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58672
• Occupation: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; distiller
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbterian
• 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
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1893, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 31, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Died, In North Dumfries, Saturday, April 1st; at 5 o'clock, P.M., Wm. Hall, Sr., Aged 77 years, 9 months and 15 days. Funeral. On Tuesday afternoon, 4th inst., at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, Lot 31, Con. 8, North Dumfries, to New Cemetery, Ayr. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation. North Dumfries, April 1st, 1893.

Funeral Card

William — Ellen McCallum. Ellen (daughter of McCollum and Daisy) was born Between 1819 and 1820, , Scotland; died 8 Apr 1900, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 10 Apr 1900, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171855665
• Name: Ellen Hall
• Name: Ellen McCallum
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58673
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1900, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 31, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Died In North Dumfries, on Sabbath, April 8th, 1900, at 12.30, P.M., Ellen McCallum, Wife of the late William Hall, In her 81st year. Funeral On Tuesday, April 10th, at 2.30, P.M., from her late residence, Lot 31, Con. 8, North Dumfries, to the Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-117165

Archibald — Margaret. Margaret was born Abt 1780, of, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Watson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58630

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171723078
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-115657
• Occupation: 1854, Jedburgh Mills, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller

Notes:

The spring of 1834 found Galt an active village of about two hundred and fifty inhabitants, with a gradually developing country around it, and improving prospects. Besides Messrs. Dickson and Shade, the following are remembered among the citizens of that day: ....John Hall (afterwards of Ayr)...pg 92

John Hall and David Shiel were employed by Mr. Shade in the Distillery for a considerable time, but the latter, at least, had removed to his farm in West Dumfries, before the cholera broke out. pg 96...

Reminiscences of the Early History of Galt and the Settlement of Dumfries in the Province of Ontario, by James Young

________________________

Interestingly, considering its present size, the village of Ayr began as three distinct communities, including Nithvale in the West (Piper Street), Jedburgh in the East (Main Street), and Mudge's Mill in the centre (Stanley/Northumberland Streets). The first settlement occured in 1824 when Abel Mudge built a sawmill at the corner of Cedar Creek and the Nith River (now the site of the Watson factory). Soon after, John Hall built a small flour mill and distillery to the East of Mudge's Mill and named the settlement Jedburgh. At the same time, a smaller settlement (Nithvale) was founded to the West of Mudge's Mill where a small sawmill opened along the Nith. ....John Hall, the patriarch of his family, came to this area in the early 1830's and purchased a seventy-five acre parcel of land that included the area now flooded by the Jedburgh pond. Hall was most likely attracted to this area by the prospect of water power provided by Cedar Creek. By 1850, Hall had developed several industries including a distillery, a grist mill, and a sawmill, all using water power provided by the damming of the creek. As you can see from the bridge which straddles the original dam, the formation of a millpond is a dramatic undertaking. Although now rigidly controlled by the Grand River Conservation Authority, changing water levels used to play havoc with the operation of the mill. A sudden flood caused by the excess runoff could, in seconds, wash away implements in the mill race that took years to build while a drought could bring work to a grinding halt. This unpredictability of water power was an important incitement for industries to convert to electrical power as soon as it became available and affordable. This said, Watson's Manufacturing utilized water power along with other power sources up to 1960. A later stop on the tour recognizes the opposite end of the creek, known as Watson's pond. Together, they constitute what is known as "Millponds.

www.northdumfries.ca 2010

________________


A-1-39 John Hall: Letters of Administration to the Estate of John Hall the elder, of Jedburgh Mills, in the Township of North Dumfries, Miller, granted the twelvth of August, 1854. John B. Hall, now of the same place, Miller, after giving proof that said John Hall the elder is head, having died on or about the 25^th July, next foregoing, and that he died intestate; And that said John B. Hall having given Bond by himself, and William Hall, of the Township of North Dumfries, Yeoman and Robert Hall of the Village of Ayr, in the same Township, Carpenter, as his sureties, the said John B. Hall himself into the fun of $3000, he said two sureties, each into the final sum of £1500. Inventory rendered of the personal Estate of the said deceased being of the amount of £2739/11/3

Granted 12 August 1854 to John B. Hall
Inventory £2739/11/3 Bond assigned 20 September 1862

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

John — Margaret Fail. Margaret was born Between 1777 and 1778, , Scotland; died 25 Apr 1861, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171723111
• Name: Margaret Hall
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-115706

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-141666

— Daisy. Daisy was born 1776, , Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Daisy McCollum
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-141665
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbterian

Notes:

In 1852 Daisy lived with Ellen McCallum and her husband William Hall in Galt