Nettie McAllister

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1736.5

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1736.1
• Immigration: 1832, , Canada
• Occupation: 1856, New Connexion Methodist Church, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; minister
• Occupation: 1901, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clergyman

Notes:

Wesleyan Methodist and Methodist New Connexion St. Paul's United Church

The earliest Methodist services were said to have begun in 1861 when the Rev. E.W. Frazee arrived in Preston. He organized a congregation which met at first in the upper room of a woolen mill on Eagle Street and then in the frame Lutheran church on King Street; members of the New Connexion Methodists began to meet in the Town Hall at about the same time. Rev. Charles Freshman, the German Wesleyan Methodist missionary, began preaching to English- and German-speaking congregations on May 3, 1862. In his autobiography Rev. Dr. Freshman is quoted: "I preached at St. George in the morning, Paris in the afternoon and at Preston in the evening. Our other regular appointments were Strasburg, Roseville, Conestoga [sic], New Dundee, Doon and occasionally in Princeton" (Freshman 1868: 214).
A stone church was built at the corner of Duke and Argyle Streets in 1864 on property which had been donated by Jacob Hespeler; the church was opened on September 25, 1864. Dedicatory services were held in English by Mr. Rice and Mr. Carrol and in German by Rev. Freshman. Four acres of land between King and Queen (now Queenston Road) Streets were purchased from Jacob Hespeler on July 15, 1868 by the trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist and New Connexion churches. A newer, larger church was built on this property and completed on October 18, 1868. Although union of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada and the Methodist New Connexion Church did not occur until 1874 it is quite possible that the two congregations in Preston had already formed their own union with the building of the church in 1868. For some years it was a community church where other denominations also worshipped.
In 1871 the church was enlarged; the tower and spire were added at the same time. A Sunday School was built in 1875-1879 during the ministry of Rev. James McAllister. In 1877 the congregation was given permission to sell the old New Connexion Church and to apply the proceeds towards improvements on the new church. The Circuit was divided in 1883 when Preston, Zion and Doon were separated from Hespeler. In 1887 Preston was by itself, but at the Annual Conference in 1897 of the Methodist Church, Guelph Conference, Galt District, Preston was divided into a circuit consisting of Preston and Doon. The church became self-supporting at that time. Preston later was with Hespeler until 1909 when each became an independent charge. The congregation of Preston Methodist Church became Preston United Church in 1925 and later, in 1933, St. Paul's United Church. The cornerstone for a new Sunday School was laid in 1921; the addition was completed in 1922. Further additions were constructed in 1955 and 1967.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

______________________

New Connexion Methodist Church

Begun: 1840 Closed: 1875

Early services were held in an upper room of a building erected in 1840 by Isaac Sours (or Sauer) on the east side of Water Street South, just south of the future location of South Water Street Baptist Church. Although not an ordained minister, Mr. Sours preached to this Methodist New Connexion group. Some years later he built a small stone chapel on the north side of Dickson Street, just west of Ainslie Street, which he gave to the congregation. Mr. Sours died on August 16, 1852 in his 50th year and was buried in Mount View Cemetery in Galt. The congregation continued on without a leader until Rev. James McAllister became minister in 1856. Of interest: Mr. Sours' name has been spelled Sours, Sowers, Sauer, and Sauers The cemetery stone is recorded as Sours and his widow was referred to as Mrs. Sours. Churchmen in Waterloo Township referred to him as Rev. Sauer.

The New Connexion Church on the north side of Dickson Street between Ainslie and North Water Streets is shown on Pollock's 1867 Map of Galt. The Minutes of the 46th Annual Conference of the Methodist New Connexion Church of Canada in May, 1874 recorded that the Galt Mission, with David Smyth of Galt as preacher, had 1 Chapel, 1 parsonage, a Sunday School, and a congregation of 160. In 1874 the New Connexion and Wesleyan Methodists joined to form the Methodist Church in Canada. The Galt Methodist New Connexion Church is reported to have been sold c.1880.

Records:
Baptism dates: unknown Location of records: unknown
Marriage dates unknown* Location of records: unknown
Burial dates: unknown Location of records: unknown

*See Waterloo County Marriages 1858-1869 for Marriages 1860, 1862-1867. Refer also to Huber (1986) for possible early marriages.

References: Cant 1915: 58; Hamilton 1941: 35; Methodist New Connexion Church; Semple 1985:i(chart); R. Taylor 1986; Wesley United Church 1954; Young 1880: 185,242.

Ambrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

James — Martha M. Clemens. Martha (daughter of George S. Clemens and Margaret Ellis) was born 31 Aug 1836, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Martha M. McAllister
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1736
• Residence: 1991, Paisley, Elderslie Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario

Notes:

Martha Clemens, "was married to James McAllister. They reside on her father's old homestead. To them were born four children".


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• Elected Office: North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - North Dumfries
• Historic Building: 2162 Coronation Blvd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Interesting: story
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1735
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 12 Lot 13, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 12 Lot 12, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Weslyan Methodist

Notes:

George S. Clemens, "was born September 20th, 1812. He was married to Margaret Ellis. They resided between Preston and Galt where he was engaged in farming. He died suddenly while out driving October 18th 1888, and she died October 19, 1891. To them was born quite a number of children but all died in infancy save two"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

______________________

Terribly Sudden Death - Our people were startled on Thursday evening last, by a report that Mr. George Clemens, of Parkhouse, Preston Road, had suddenly been stricken while riding in his buggy, on his way to Galt, and had expired at once. Inquiry showed the report to be only too true, and that the facts were, that as he was talking to Mr. Wm. McArthur, tax collector of North Dumfries, who was on his way to Mr. Clemens' residence, Mr. Clemens was observed to fall back in his buggy, draw a few grasping breaths and then lie still. Mr. McArthur did what he could at the time and then seeing the apparent uselessness, drove the short distance to Mr. Clemens' residence and from there Dr. Lundy was summoned. Nothing could be done, however, the vital spark had taken its flight, and the well-known face and form of one of our oldest residents was blotted out as if it never had been. Mr. Clemens had been in his usual health up to the time of his seizure. He had assisted somewhat at the threshing at his place that day, and although it is said he had complained of an unusual feeling at his heart, there was nothing in his appearance to indicate that the summons of his Maker was at hand.

Mr. Clemens was born in Waterloo county, a son of the pioneer, honored through the length and breadth of the Township, George Clemens, a patriarch in very truth, who left behind him the record of an upright life, earnest in good work, loving, manly, Christian and true. The gentleman of whom we write was one of a family of nine sons and nine daughters, of whom there are now only six survivors, viz.: - Mr. Oliver Clemens, for the past few years a resident of Galt; Mr. Amos Clemens, farmer, Roseville Road; Mr. Stauffer Clemens, of Preston; Mrs. Ann Erb, of Wil mot; Mrs. Rachel Bennett, of Preston; and Mrs. M. Limpert, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. Isaac Clemens, one of the sons, represented South Waterloo in the Ontario Legislature for at least one Parliament. He was Also Reeve of the Township for many years and Warden of the county for several.

Mr. Clemens was married nearly fifty-four years ago, while residing on the old family homestead on the Hespeler road, to Miss Ellis, daughter of Squire Ellis, of Waterloo, who still survives him. but a year or two ago the celebration of their "golden Wedding" occurred and at that time, while all could see that the fifty years of their married life had left the marks of gray hairs and less active step, still there seemed to be many happy years of life's autumn before them. The de ceased was an active, industrious man. Soon after his marriage he took u the large farm of two hundred acres on the Hespeler road and there formed his homestead, which is now in the possession of Mr. James Wright. He then purchased "Parkhouse" farm to which we have referred, where he has since resided. He leaves but one son, Mr. W. G. H. Clemens, of Preston, and one daughter, wife of Rev. James McAllister, of Palmerston. Mr. Clemens took considerable interest in municipal and political life. He was a member of North Dumfries Council for one year, but his taste laid more in the support of other candidates than in pushing his own claims. He was an active adherent of the Methodist church.

His funeral took place on Sabbath, to Preston cemetery, being attended by an immense gathering of his old friends from all parts of the County and many parts of the Province. Rev. Mr. Hincks officiated and on the course of a well-considered address to the crowded audience.

Galt Reporter Oct 26 1888 pg 1


Historic Building:
In 1978 his stone house exists.

George married Margaret Ellis 1 Dec 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Squire William E. S. Ellis and Martha Elliott) was born 19 Feb 1815, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Oct 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Margaret Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1735.1
• Residence: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Weslyan Methodist

Notes:

Margaret Clemens

One of the old landmarks of Waterloo, passed away this week, in the person of Margaret Clemens, nee Ellis. She was the relict of the late George Clemens, Park House and daughter of the late Squire Ellis, Hespeler. Her memory went back to the days of the pioneers. She often spoke of the early scenes of those primitive days and amongst other things, of the marriage ceremonies performed by the Squire at his residence near Hespeler, before the days of circuits, parishes and stations. On one occasion when she was a child, a deputation of horsemen came cantering to her father's premises, from a dispute at a logging bee, where the city of Guelph, now stands. In her childish simplicity she thought the country was being invaded by a foreign foe. She was one of a family of eleven, five sons and six daughters. Only one brother survives, David Ellis, of Waterloo township. She was married to Geo. Clemens, Dec. 1, 1835 and settled on the old farm near Hespeler, afterwards moving to Park House, Preston Road. She leaves two children, one daughter, Mrs. (Rev.) McAlister, Paisley and W. G. H. Clemens, Preston. Dr. McAlister is a grandson. She was a member of the Methodist church. In character, Mrs. Clemens was retiring and self-forgetful to a fault, no beggar ever went in want from her door. As many as eighteen in one night, have been fed and sheltered. She has been ill for a length of time and her death was not unexpected. She pained away peacefully on Monday evening, Oct. 19th, aged 76 years and eight mouths, three years and one day, after her husband's demise. Her funeral takes place on Thursday, 22nd inst., at 2 o'clock, from her late residence to the Preston cemetery.

The Dumfries Reformer 22 Oct 1891 pg 1

_________________________

Their Golden Wedding - Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Clemens, of Park House Farm, Preston Road, Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Their Wedding

Fifty years of happy wedded life, amidst all the changes and vicissitudes of this existence is indeed rare and may well be made the occasion of family re-union, congratulation and rejoicing.

On Tuesday, the 1st December, 1835, Mr. George Clemens, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellis, daughter of the late William Ellis, of Waterloo Township, the ceremony being performed by Squire Scollick, at the Village of Preston. Both husband and wife were born in Waterloo Township and have since resided there, passing the last thirty years of their lives at their beautiful residence, Park House Farm, on the Preston Road. Today Mr. and Mrs. Clemens are hale and hearty, the first being 74 years of age and the latter 72 years.

At the gathering on Tuesday last their only two children were present, the wife of the Rev. J. McAllister, of Kincardine, and Mr. W. G. H. Clemens, of Waterloo Township, and six grand children.

The names of the relatives present on the above occasion were as follows: -

Rev. J. McAllister and wife of Kincardine; their son, Rev. W. George H. McAllister, M. A., of Wendigo, and their two daughters Nettie and Maggie; W. g. H. Clemens and wife, Charles O. Edward and Rebecca, their sons and daughter, Waterloo Township; Oliver Clemens and wife, Galt; Amos Clemens, wife and daughter, Dumfries; Mrs. Bennett and daughter, Preston; Abraham Erb, Thedford; David Ellis, wife and daughter, Waterloo Township; Wm. E. Ells, wife, two daughters and son, Waterloo; Wm. Ellis and wife, Kossuth; Mrs. McCulloch, Puslinch; Wm. Ellis, St. George; Mrs. F. Ellis, Hespeler; Mrs. Blake, Galt; John Phin and wife, Hespeler; John W. Martin, Hespeler; Geo. C. Clemens and wife, Preston; Isaac B. Clemens and wife, Fisher's Mills; David E. Clemens and wife, Preston; Jos. Stauffer and wife, Galt; Jos. Souder and wife, Waterloo; Samuel Hilborn and wife, Waterloo; Jas. Esson and wife, Preston; Mrs. Wellington Ellis, Hespeler; Adam Marikle, Kossuth; Rev. Mr. Campbell and wife, Preston, and others. The party numbering between sixty and seventy.

Galt Reporter Dec 4 1885 pg 1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1730
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: George Clemens
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 08, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 09, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 02, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 02, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

George Clemens, "younger son of George and Elizabeth (Carlisle) Clemens, was born in Pikeland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1777. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and during the winter months he attended the public school and received such an education as the times afforded. It is well known that the facilities for obtaining a good common school education were at that time far inferior to what they now are. While visiting friends in Montgomery County during the winter of 1799 and 1800, Mr. Clemens was informed that numerous families intended to move either to the western part of the state or to Ohio, and even some were meditating of moving to Canada, the way-out-of-the-world country. No sooner was he in possession of this information than he hunted up such parties who were making preparations to move to Canada in order to receive all the information that could be obtained of this country at that time. Upon his return home he informed his father of what he had heard in regard to Canada. After listening to his son for some time, his father said: 'Well George, if all be true that you have heard in regard to Canada, it truly must be a good country to go to in order to seek one's fortune, but take my advice, first go and see the country for yourself.' During the winter of 1800-1 seven families of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, made arrangements for moving to Canada which company Mr. Clemens joined. He drove one of the teams (see Historical notes on pages 22, 23, and 24 in regard to Mr. Clemens)and in May, 1801, he arrived where now the village of Blair is situated. After making a thorough inspection of this country he found everything beyond his expectations and immediately selected his land on which he settled. This was about one mile east of Preston, near Speedsville, on the farm now owned by his grandson, Isaac B. Clemens. After having cleared several acres of his land he erected a small log house and commenced housekeeping. In course of time he found the words recorded in Genesis 2: 18 to be true, he therefore amended or improved his condition in life by taking to himself a wife in the person of Esther Stauffer who was born December 18th, 1790, and died August 17, 1836. After her decease he was married to (October 27th, 1840) Elizabeth, the widow of David Histand. She was a daughter of old George Bechtel and was born August 8th, 1792, and died July 21st, 1885. old Mr. George Clemens died August 10, 1863. To him and his first wife was born a family of eighteen children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

George — Esther Stauffer. Esther (daughter of Abraham Stauffer and Elizabeth Zug) was born 18 Sep 1790, Near Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; died 17 Aug 1836, Near Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Limerick-Cornell Cemetery, Waterloo Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00117-7372
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Esther Stauffer

Notes:

Esther Stauffer, "was born September 18th, 1790. She was married to George Clemens. They resided near Preston where she died August 17th, 1836, leaving a numerous family."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• Interesting: law, public service, pioneer, story
• Military: War of 1812 -
• Name: Squire Ellis
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-27269
• Immigration: 1810, , Ontario, Canada
• Assessment: 1829, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 10, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 10, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

In 1810 Jacob Shantz & wife & one child and Christian Shantz with wife & 8 children (he was distinguished as River Shantz) and half brother to Jacob's late father (Isaac) and Cornelius Pannebecker & family came in one company.

In this same year 1810 came Henry Wanner with 3 sons and 6 daughters from Cumberland Co. Pa. He had two 4 horse teams and brought 6 cows along. In this came also one William Ellis (D. Feby. 28, 1848 and wife Martha D. Sept. 29, 1864) originally from Ireland, came from Pa. and settled near Hespeler of the present. Henry [Ellis] one of those sons was drafted and as he was not a member in the Mennonite church had to go in the War of 1812. On his return from battle he had all his cartridges left yet so he was asked why he did not shoot, to which he replied, why I looked & looked for a chance. He was too much of a Mennonite for a good soldier.

This William Ellis, (who became a Captain of a company in the War of 1812), and John Erb were the two first Magistrates in this Waterloo settlement. As yet no Post Office was nearer than Dundas, and all legal business, such as Recording of Deeds, reports & returns of Tax collectors, had to be made at Little York (Toronto).

Mennonite Immigration to Waterloo County, The Moyer Journal, Atributed to Samuel S. Moyer 1849-1941, Waterloo Region Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

_______________________

His Excellency Major General Sir Peregrine Maitland Knight Commander of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath. Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada.

May it please your Excellency

We the undersigned inhabitants of the Township of Waterloo and the adjacent Townships beg leave respectfully to represent - That in many instances they are put to great inconvenience in consequence of not having two resident Magistrates in this part of the District of Gore - And that it would greatly contribute to the general accommodation of the Inhabitants if in addition to the present magistrate William Ellis Esq. it would please your Excellency to name some other person to act in conjunction with him in discharge of the very important Office of Justice of the Peace.

We therefore humbly petition your Excellency that you would please appoint Mr. William Scollick of the township of Waterloo as Magistrate for the District of Gore. And we confidently assure your Excellency that from the circumstances of the person herein nominated being a native of the County of Westmorland in England and his having already purchased an Estate in the Township of Waterloo. And since his residence amongst us uniformly conducted himself as a respectable and truly loyal subject. We think no other person in this vicinity could be named to discharge the duty of the appointment with greater satisfaction to the Inhabitants.

And your petitioners are in duty bound will ever pray

--

Waterloo
April 23^rd 1824

Walter B. Davis
Andrew Serares
Jacob Holt
Henry Panndeker
D. Sharp
Richard Ferguson
William Ellis, J.P.
John McCarther
John Erb
Abraham Panebaker
William Bedntetr
Jacob Gabel
John Tasinbarger
Sylvenus Cornell
Ebocham Tasenbarger
Ward Smith
Christian Swartz
John Erb Jn.
Thomas Smith
George Clemens
James Henery
Jacob C. Snyder
John Bearty
? Zingler

Upper Canada Sundries, Archives of Canada. Original, Film C4612, vol. 66, pages 3505-35007. Index, Film C9822, 1824, p. 27

___________________________

William Ellis was born in Ireland in 1776, and emigrated to the U. S. in 1804 with his younger brother. 6 years later, he moved to U. C. and settled in Waterloo Twp. where he was appointed Justice of the Peace. He died survived by his wife and 8 children.

The Christian Guardian 17 May 1848 pg 123

_____________________________

In these early times there was not much need of magisterial supervision, but, as much probably as a matter of compliment as anything else, in the fall of 1827 Dr. Dunlop, Messrs. Pryor, Brewster, Hodgert and Col. Lamprey received the Commission of the Peace, to which Mr. Strange was afterwards added. Previous to this, disputes were adjusted and petty crimes punished by the magistrates elsewhere, 'Squires Leppard and Smith being the magistrates in Woolwich, and 'Squire Ellis, of Fisher's Mills, and 'Squire Scollick, of Preston, in Waterloo. From what is stated by those settlers who were here at the time, these magistrates' courts were conducted more on the principles of equity than on the basis of law, the legal knowledge of their worships on the bench being of the most crude and limited nature, and their decisions being given as the result of their innate feelings of justice and their bard common-sense views of right and wrong; and who shall say that there was not as much even-handed justice meted out then as now, when, through the multiplicity of apparently conflicting statutes, law and justice do not always seem to go hand in hand? When the Guelph magistrates were appointed, however, a quantity of law books were procured, and being men of considerable education and ability, they at once assumed a high place in the estimation of the other justices of the peace, who were accustomed to refer unusually knotty points to them for decision.

The annals of the town of Guelph, 1827-1877 By Charles Acton Burrows pg. 60

______________________________

ELLIS FAMILY HISTORY

Mr. Alfred Ellis of Maple Grove Farm near Hespeler, who observed his 92nd birthday on September 15th, reveals some hitherto unrecorded tails of early days in the country shedding sidelights on conditions in Canada in the early days.

Mr. Ellis's grandfather, according to the former's reminiscences, Was the man who fired the first shot in the historic battle of Beaver Dams. A captain in the army, he went into active service immediately after the outbreak of the war of 1812-13-14 and when the men he was directing faced the enemy at Beaver Dams, so keen was the young officer to fight that he fired a shot before the general order to fire had been given.

Captain Ellis was better known in this vicinity as Squire Ellis. He was the country's first magistrate and in addition was employed by the government to pay the Indians the wolf-pelt bounty.

Although the times were troublous Squire Ellis lost no time in getting into action when Canada was invaded. As he bade farewell to his wife and young family before mounting his horse to ride to Niagara, he planted a staff in the ground. If it stood upright it was to be a sign that he would return unharmed from the War, he told his wife. Whether or not this superstition had any foundation is unknown. But it is known that the staff remained upright all the time its owner was away. It was still in position on the night at midnight when a noise at the door startled as she sat spinning, and without any other announcement her husband stood unharmed before her with his job of soldiering done. It is of interest that the old musket and bayonet used by Squire Ellis in 1812-14 are still valued possessions of the Ellis family.

In Squire Ellis's time Indians were much dreaded. The Squire, however, did not appear to share the general fear. Indeed he seemed to have a special influence over the red men. One night when he was returning through the Woods on horseback, a little to the west of where Preston now stands., he heard cries of distress. On turning his horse and investigating he found an Indian white men whipping him.

The Squire jumped off his horse, routed the men and untied the Indian He then gave his horse to the latter and took him home Where Mrs. Ellis cared for him until his wounds were healed.

One morning the Indian attempted by means of signs to give his benefactors a message but they failed to understand. Shortly afterwards he left the farm. A year later a b and of Indians approached the house with 2 Indian ponies. Since he did not know what they wanted the Squire put his children in the house, took out his gun and went out to meet them. The Indian he had rescued the previous was in the front rank. He came forward, three this arms about the Squire while two other Indians presented him with the span of Indian ponies.

In telling the story the Squire's grandson reported that it was a legend in the family that the ponies were kept on the farm until they died and that in the year 1885 a matched span of Indian ponies - probably offspring of the original pair - were shown by the Ellis family at Harley Fair and took first prize for being the "fastest walkers".

Interest in horses came naturally to the country's first magistrate. The chronicle of his family shows that he was a born in County Cavan, Ireland, a gentleman farmer who was educated, in good circumstances and who maintained a stable of good horses and kept his own hounds.

Squire Ellis was born in 1776 and married in 1799. When his first two children were still small tots he and his wife crossed the ocean and had the grief of having their first son die during the hazardous voyage.

At first they settled in Pennsylvania but in 1810 with other Loyalists they came north to Canada and settled on 230 acres which they bought from the Crown (George IY) near what is now Idylwild.

Their first home was built of logs on the side of a hill facing the south with an everlasting spring near by. (The Spring is now in existence). The house was a three storey structure with cellar, kitchen and fireplace, in front of which the Squire joined many hand in wedlock. As much as seven hundred pounds of maple sugar was often stored in the old attic. The house old is still standíng and is in good repair.

Mr. Ellis recalls that his grandparents had eight children, one of whom, David, was his father. The latter settled a few miles north of the original home on a farm which is the home of his nonagenarian son.

On Feb 8, 1892, Mr. Alfred Ellis married Mary Jane Clemens, daughter of Aaron Clemens of Fisher's Mills. Mr.s Ellis died June 8, 1945. The four children of this marriage are still living. Carl, who was the reeve of Waterloo Township, is now the farmer instead of his father. Elena, now Mrs. Alvin Gingrich lives in Hespeler, and Lourene and Ella are employed in Kitchener.

(Adapted in part from Pieces of Eight - New Record Sept. 18, 1940)

Waterloo Historical Society 1947 Annual Volume

Military:
Served in the Flank company of the 2nd York Militia Regiment under Captain Applegarth. Militia rolls names on him and petitions for compensation after the war listing their homes as being in Block 2 or Waterloo

William — Martha Elliott. Martha was born 1773, , Ireland; died 29 Sep 1861, , Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Martha Ellis
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-27268
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

In 1851 Martha was living in Waterloo Township with her son William.