Grace Harding

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-72833

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-72826
• Immigration: 1874, , Canada
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist Canada
• Occupation: 1901, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Death of H. Harding - Word has been received here of the death at the Royal Alexandria Hospital, Edmonton, of Henry J. Harding in his 70th year. Mr. Harding was born in King's Somborne, England and came to Canada in 1874. He lived in Ayr and vicinity for a good many years, going west to Alberta with his family about 25 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Harding returned and spent a number of years in Ayr, returning again to the west about four years ago and settling in Haristy. Mrs. Harding died in May of last year. A family of 4 sons and 2 daughters survive, viz.: Frank, Alexander, Charles and Mrs. A. Ruthledge, of Lougheed; Mrs. W. Doherty of Wainright; Russell of Detroit. A son, Victor, was killed overseas during the war. Interment was made at Hardisty, Alberta.

The Ayr News Mar 15 1928 pg 8

Henry — Arabella Victoria Mathison. Arabella (daughter of Alexander Mathison and Isabella Reid) was born 2 Jul 1856, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Arabella Victoria Harding
• Name: Bella Mathieson
• Name: Isabella Mathieson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-126425
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-338365
• Immigration: 1874, , Canada
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist Canada
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Died in Blenheim, on Wednesday, January 4, 1905, Charles Harding, in his 79th year. The funeral will take place from the residence of deceased's son-in-law, Mr. Arthur Cooper, Lot 6, Con. 8, Blenheim on Friday, Jan. 6, at 2. p. m. for Ayr Cemetery

Funeral Card

__________________

Death of Charles Harding

The death took place in Blenheim yesterday of an old and respected resident of this section, in the person of Mr. Charles Harding, a pioneer resident, aged 78 years. The deceased had been ailing form some time but no serious symptoms were manifest until Saturday last, when it was evident that an operation would be necessary. This was skillfully performed on Tuesday afternoon by Drs. Atcheson of Galt and Meldrum of Ayr, but the patient did not rally from the effects and passed away at 4 o'clock the next morning. He was born in Hampshire, England, and came to Canada in 1874, settling n Ayr. His wife predeceased him about 12 years. The children who sur vive are: Mrs. Arthur Cooper, Blenheim; Mrs. H. Russell, Blenheim; Mrs. C. Cooper, Galt; Mrs. E. Bake?, Woodstock; Henry in Alberta, and Frederick in Blenheim. In politics the deceased was a staunch Liberal and in religion a consistent Methodist. The funeral will take place from is late residence, Blenheim, to Ayr Cemetery on Friday afternoon, Jan. 6.

The Ayr News Jan 5 1905 pg 8

Charles — Hannah Hendley. Hannah was born CALC 29 Jun 1829, , England; died 3 Sep 1893; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Harding
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-338366
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methosist Canada
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Other Events:

• Name: Alex Mathison
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-126422
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Union
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter and Builder
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Died, In Ayr, on Saturday morning, June 8th, 1889, at 10 o'clock, Alex. Mathison, Aged 66 Years, 6 Months & 13 Days. The Funeral Will take place on Monday, 10th inst., at 4 o'clock p.m., from his late residence, Piper St., to the New Cemetery, Ayr. Friends and acquaintances respectfully invited to attend. Ayr, June 8th, 1889^.

Waterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

Alexander — Isabella Reid. Isabella (daughter of John Reid and Catherine Mathison) was born 1825, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Aug 1896, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Isabella
• Name: Isabella Mathison
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-126424
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188413848
• Name: John Mathieson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-153498P
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian

Notes:

DIED,

At his residence, 9th Concession of North Dumfries, at a quarter to Two o'clock, on Monday, the 3rd of June,

Mr. John Mathison,

Aged 72 years. The Funeral will take place on Wednesday the 5th of June, at Two o'clock, PP. \endash M... from his late residence.

3 Jun 1868

_____

John was a possible brother of Andrew G. Mathieson

John married Agnes "Nancy" Cunningham 4 Nov 1821, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland. Agnes was born 16 Dec 1803, , Selkirkshire, Scotland; died 2 May 1883, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Cedar Creek Cemetery, North Dumfries Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189087682
• Name: Agnes "Nancy" Mathison
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-135452
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian

Notes:

Funeral Notice.

DIED, IN NORTH DUMFRIES, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 2nd, at 10 o'clock/ AGNES CUNNINGHAM, Relict of the late John Mathison, Aged 7 years, 4 months, 16 days.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, 5th ins, at 2 'clock p. m. from her late residence, 9th Con North Dumfries, to the place of interment, Cedar Creek Cemetery

Friends and acquaintances exspectfully invited.

Funeral Card

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

_______________

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

_____________

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