Walter Irving Reid

Other Events:

• Name: Walter I. Reid
• Occupation: Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reid Lumber
• Residence: Bramalea, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Windsor, Essex Co., Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195595
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1928; Ford Motor Co.
• Residence: 1944, Windsor, Essex Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1968, Sarnia, Lambton Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Walter Irving Reid passed away at the Trillium Villa Nursing Home in Sarnia on Friday, September 14^th. He was in his 80^th year. He had lived in Sarnia since retiring from Ford Motor Co. in 1968, having been with the company forty years, thirty-four of which were spend in Windsor and six in Bramalea. Born in Ayr in 1904, he was a son of the late John Q. Reid and Fannie Bartlett. He received his education at Ayr Public and Continuation Schools, Hamilton Technical School and Galt Business College. Prior to joining Ford Motor Co. he worked for a short time with the family owned Reid Lumber in Ayr. Mr. Reid was a member of Ayr Masonic Lodge for 57 years and had received his 50 year jewel Survived by his wife Ivy Pruan; brother Howard of Cambridge; sisters Agnes Fowler of Orillia and Alice Reid of Cambridge. Interment was at Ayr Cemetery on Saturday, September 15^th, following a private graveside service.

Ayr News 19 Sep 1984

Walter — Ivy Louise Pruan. Ivy was born 1908; died 2002; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Business: Reid Lumber Company
• Family Photograph: Walter Irvine Reid with family
• Interesting: mill, business, sports
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-73824
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manager - Saw Mill
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

John Q. Reid - One of Ayr's Prominent Residents Passes on Saturday Morning In His 76th Year

One of Ayr's prominent citizens, John Quincy Reid, known throughout Ontario as a lumberman, curler and bowler, died at his home here early Saturday morning. Mr. Reid was born at Reidsville and his death terminates almost 76 years spent in this vicinity. He was the oldest and last surviving son of the late Walter I. Reid and Agnes Anderson, pioneering residents of the community. He married Fanny M. Bartlett, who predeceased him in 1928, and had been a resident to Ayr for the past 46 years.

Mr. Reid was engaged in the lumber business all his life, and in 1910 included the retail coal business in his activities. He was keenly interested in bowling and curling and had played at many points in Ontario. He was a member of the Ayr Board of Education for many years and active in Knox United Church. Associated with the Masonic fraternity, he was a member of Lodge No. 172, A.F. and A.M., Ayr, and a Past Master of the lodge. He was also active in the Ayr camp of the Sons of Scotland and was their financial secretary. Surviving are two sons, Walter I. of Windsor and J. Howard of Ayr; two daughters, Mrs. Welden Fowler (Agnes) of Orillia and Miss Alice Reid of Galt; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Fowler, and a sister, Miss Clara Reid of Ayr.

The Funeral

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon from his late residence, Colquhoun Street, to Ayr Cemetery, under the auspices of Ayr Masonic Lodge. Rev. R.A. Steed had charge of the service e at the residence, while R.L. Anderson, assisted by Mr. Steed, performed the Masonic ritual at the graveside. Some 20 brethren attended in a body. The pallbearers were: Ephraim Hawes, Arthur Hawes, J.W. Currie, Geo. H. Lawrence, A.M. Cochrane and A.W. Watson. There were many beautiful floral offerings, including tributes from the following organizations: Ayr Masonic Lodge; Ayr Union Curling Club; Ayr Bowling Club; Ford Motor Co., Windsor; Galt Brass Company. There was a large attendance of friends, neighbors and relatives, including many form outside points; visitors being present from Windsor, Orillia, Toronto, Hamilton, Woodstock, Niagara Falls and Galt.

Ayr News Oct 19 1944 pg 10

John married Fannie Marie Bartlett 22 Oct 1903, , Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada. Fannie was born 14 Apr 1869, Ryde, Isle of Wight, England; died 10 Jun 1928, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 13 Jun 1928, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fannie Marie Reid
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-73827
• Immigration: 1883, , Canada
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Mrs. John Q. Reid - The death occurred on Sunday night, after a brief illness, of Mrs. John Q. Reid, whose maiden name was Fanny Bartlett. Mrs. Reid was taken ill on Saturday night, but seemed much improved on Sunday, and no serious results were anticipated. A turn for the worse occurred on Sunday evening, however, and she expired very suddenly. She was a woman of exemplary character, who was greatly esteemed and respected by everyone, for her many fine qualities, and her loss will be much felt in church and social circles. She was also an ideal mother, and wife, and it will be in the where her cheerful presence will be missed the most. She was born at Ryde, Isle of Wight, England, and was married some 25 years ago. Besides her sorrowing husband, she is survived by two sons, Walter and Howard, and two daughters, Agnes and Alice. She is also survived by her aged father, who resides in Hamilton, and the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Peters, Gladstone, Man.; Mrs. Wyatt, Neepawa, Man.; Mrs. Rabbitt, Victoria, B.C.; Mrs. Richards, Hamilton; Mrs. Williams, Hamilton; Harry and William Bartlett, Neepawa, Man.

Ayr News Jun 14 1928 pg 10

Other Events:

• Business: North Dumfries Concession 10 Lot 31, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reid Brothers
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/159974950
• Honoured: Reidsville, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reidsville name for him
• Honoured: Waterloo Fall of Fame
• Residence: 2648 Alps Rd., North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-73822
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1869, North Dumfries Twp., 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.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer & Sawyer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saw Miller
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

The Passing of W.I. Reid - Seldom has this community been so sorely afflicted by the hand of Death as during the week in which Matthew F. Ainslie and Walter I. Reid passed "to the bourne from whence no travelere'er returns." Both were men widely known and highly esteemed, and to both the summons came suddenly while they were about the every day affairs of life.

On Thursday morning Mr. Reid came in from his home at Reidsville in his usual good health and was engaged in directing the affairs of his business here up to about 9 o'clock, at which hour he suffered a stroke of paralysis and sank to the floor in his office. His son, Mr. John Q. Reid, who was with him at the time, at once summoned medical aid, and the patient was removed to the residence of his brother, Mr. A.J. Reid, where death ensued shortly after 1 pm.

The deceased was born at Reidsville in the year 1843 and resided on the homestead all his life. Like many of his peers of those early days, he was metaphorically cradled in a sap trough and educated in the log academy which stood on an adjoining farm. When he had attained the years of manhood, he and his brothers engaged in the business of sawyers, a small mill having been erected on the farm for that purpose. About ten years ago the original industry was added the manufacture of cooper's supplies, employing from ten to fifteen hands.

Not only was the subject of this brief sketch a self-made man, but he achieved success in everything he undertook. As a farmer he was a good plowman, wining many prizes at the matches held in the early days. His business sagacity also stood him in good stead when he entered the wider field and launched out as a manufacturer. Much as he loved his calling on the farm or in the mill, he also found time to engage in manly sports. For years he held the quoit championship of Ontario, and was a member of the invincible Reid rink that bore off the curlers' trophies. In music he also excelled, being a splendid violinist, as well as a poet of no mean order. In the church circle he likewise had his place, filling important positions with credit to himself and advantage to his fellow men. At the time of his death he was an elder of the Stanley St. Kirk Session, a prominent member of the Masonic Order and of the Sous of Scotland.

In the death of such a man the community loses one whose place is not easily filled, one whose marked geniality and sociability will be missed at every turn, and one whose home was always open to a wide circle of friends.

In 1869 Mr. Reid was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Anderson, who predeceased him six years. A family of three sons and two daughters survive, viz., William A., John Q., Walter I., Nellie and Clara. Three brothers, John, Alexander and Andrew, also survive.

The funeral on Sunday from Reidsville to Ayr cemetery attested the high esteem in which the deceased was held, the whole countryside and many of the neighboring towns, especially Galt, being well represented. At the outskirts of the town the cortege was met by fellow members of the Masonic order, who marched in a body and formed in a circle around the open grave as the remains of their brother were lowered to their last resting place.

The services at both house and grave were conducted by rev. D.I. Ellison, assisted by Rev. John Thomson. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Chas. McGeorge, John McNab, Thos. Hall, Alex Edgar, Cameron Marshall, Alex E. Scott.

Ayr News Dec 2 1909 pg 8.

________________

In Loving Memory Died, In Ayr, on Thursday, Nov. 25th, 1909, at 2 o'clock p.m., Walter J. Reid, In his 67th Year. The Funeral Will take place from his late residence, Reidsville, on Sunday, Nov. 28, '09, at 2 p.m., to Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

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Flash from the Past: Harmony Grove was Walter Reid's showpiece residence

Walter Reid had energy and ambition. He ran a successful lumber business, competed in several sports, wrote poetry and regularly performed in public on the violin. He did all of these while living on the rural property where his parents settled after coming to Canada from Scotland in the early 1830s.

An undated photo owned by collector Dave Moore of Waterloo shows 28 lawn bowlers in front of Harmony Grove, the impressive Queen Anne-style home that Reid had built for his family in 1885 at Reidsville, a hamlet four kilometres outside of Ayr along Alps Road in North Dumfries Township. The decorative wood shingles visible on the home's exterior walls were no doubt produced by Reid's firm.

In addition to his private bowling green, Reid had pits for playing quoits, a game not unlike horseshoes. Travelling far from his home, he won numerous trophies because of his skill at tossing quoits, heavy rings made of metal or wood. In the winter months Reid hosted curling competitions on a frozen pond created by damming a section of Cedar Creek behind his home. With wood from his business, he built one of this area's first covered curling rinks.

Inside the home, Reid presented concerts with a 10-member orchestra he formed, largely with family members. He eventually built the 250-seat Reid Hall in Ayr (later destroyed by fire) so larger musical events could be held.

The Reidsville homestead was a gathering place even before Walter Reid's birth there in 1843. After purchasing 50 acres in 1831, his parents, John and Catherine, built a log cabin where members of the Reidsville Debating Society argued into the night on topics such as whether wood or iron was of greater benefit to mankind.

Four of John Reid's sons launched a shingle mill on the property in 1857. It grew to include a steam-powered chopping mill and sawmill that produced lumber sold for construction projects in nearby communities and eventually as far away as Toronto. In 1885, Walter Reid, then 43, bought out his brothers. Harmony Grove would remain his home, but in 1899 he moved the business to Inglis Street in Ayr. He was 66 when he died there on Nov. 25, 1909.

As the Ayr News reported: "On Thursday morning Mr. Reid came in from his home at Reidsville in his usual good health and was engaged in directing the affairs of his business here up to about 9 o'clock, at which time he suffered a stroke of paralysis and sank to the floor of his office."

Medical help was summoned, but Reid died later the same day at the Ayr residence of one of his brothers.

Walter Reid was honoured in 1976 with induction in the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. Harmony Grove, still a private residence but not owned by the Reid family for many decades now, has been designated a heritage landmark by the Township of North Dumfries. The Reid family's log cabin still stands on the property.

Sons of Walter Reid relaunched his business as the W.I. Reid Lumber Co. after his death and that firm continued to operate for several decades with divisions (later separate firms) in both Galt and Ayr.

flashfrompast@gmail.com

Fear, J. (2015). Flash from the Past: Harmony Grove was Walter Reid's showpiece residence. TheRecord.com. Retrieved 25 November 2019, from https://www.therecord.com/living-story/5529172-flash-from-the-past-harmony-grove-was-walter-reid-s-showpiece-residence/

Honoured:
The name "Reidsville" was given to a settlement that developed by a small stream and lake in North Dumfries Township in 1831. The lot had been purchased by John Reid, a Native of Boghall, Scotland.

In 1857 four of Reid's sons established a shingle mill and later this was expanded to a chopping mill and sawmill and steam power was added. In 1885 one of the sons, Walter, bought out his brothers. In 1899 the sawmill was moved to Ayr and a lumber yard was started in Galt in 1909.

Reid was a keen athlete and sportsman and was the champion quoit player of Ontario in 1877. He built a bowling green on his front lawn and a curling rink on his millpond, one of the first enclosed curling rinks in Ontario.

He was also a poet and musician and conducted an orchestra consisting mostly of his own family.

Past and Present Inductees. (2019). Waterlooregionmuseum.ca. Retrieved 18 January 2019, from https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/exhibits/past-and-present-inductees.aspx

Walter married Agnes Anderson 31 May 1869, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Agnes (daughter of William Anderson and Ellen Scott) was born 2 Nov 1844, Hawick, , Roxburgh, Scotland; died 12 Jan 1904, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Family Photograph: Walter Irvine Reid with family
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/159974977
• Name: Agnes Reid
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-73823
• Residence: 1869, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Died in North Dumfries on Tuesday morning Jan. 12, 1904 at 7 o'clock a. m. Agnes Anderson beloved wife of Walter I. Reid Aged 59 years and 2 months. The funeral on Thursday at 2.30 o'clock p. m. from her late residence to Ayr Cemetery.

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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-33648
• Residence: 1844, Wilton, , Roxburgh, Scotland

William married Ellen Scott 6 Oct 1844, Wilton, , Roxburgh, Scotland. Ellen was born CALC 14 May 1818, , Scotland; died 19 Jun 1888, Elma Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Donegal Cemetery, Elma Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130602556
• Name: Ellen Anderson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-33649
• Residence: 1844, Wilton, , Roxburgh, Scotland
• Residence: 1871, Elma Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada