Walter N. Reid

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-430041
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Interesting: life story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58622
• Immigration: 1831, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1832, , Canada
• Occupation: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1852, , USA
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Passing of John S. Reid - There passed away at an early hour on Tuesday morning John S. Reid, one of the pioneers of Dumfries. Mr. Reid was born on the Duke of Boueleugh's estate in the year 1829 and when a small boy, came to Canada with his parents and a colony of Scotch emigrants from Dumfriesshire, Scotland. They were six weeks on the ocean and arrived in Montreal about the latter end of July; continuing on their journey, they reached Galt on the 12th day of August, 1831, where land had been allotted to them in the township which got its name from the shire they came from. Mr. Reid experienced all the hardship of pioneer life and not only helped to clear the land his father had taken up, but a number of the farms lying adjacent. The debating society held their meetings at his father's house during the winter months and he distinctly remembered the members bringing armfuls of pine knots to furnish the light during the discussion, and he often attended divine service in William Currie's log barn before the "old log meeting house" was built on the grave yard which still remains to be seen on the Galt road. In 1854 Mr. Reid married Isabella Matheson, who predeceased him 26 years, leaving a family of four sons - John and Walter of Ayr, Andrew of Guelph, James of Rock Island, Ill., and six daughters - Catherine at home, Mrs. Codling (deceased), Mrs. Gladstone of Nithvale, Mrs. Ward of Woodstock; Mrs. Carter of Ayr and Violet of Guelph, who now mourn the loss of an affectionate father. Of a quiet and unassuming disposition he had a large circle of friends, who heard of his death with sincere regret. In his latter years he often remarked that he had lived long enough to note that each successive generation of the small colony of Scotch emigrants that came to Dumfries with him had, despite increasing prosperity and abounding freedom deemed it a point of national honor to maintain inviolate the cherished traditions of their fathers by accepting a quotation from the Bible as a final argument on every question. He was 83 years and five months of age.

The Ayr News Jan 9 1913 pg 8

John — Isabella Mathison. Isabella was born CALC 28 Feb 1835, , Scotland; died 12 Jul 1887, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Isabella Reid
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-58623
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Died, In Ayr, on Tuesday afternoon, July 12th, at 2.30 o'clock, Isabella Mathison, Wife of John S. Reid, Sr., Aged 52 Years, 4 Months, and 8 Days. The Funeral Will take place on Thursday, July 14th, at 1 o'clock p.m., from her late residence, Bruce St., to the place of interment, New Cemetery, Ayr. Friends and acquaintances respectfully invited. Ayr, July 12th, 1887^.1a

1aWaterloo Historical Society Death Notices Collection - photocopies

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

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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

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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-72071

Alexander — Isabel Grey. Isabel was born Abt 1780, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died , , Scotland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Isabel Mathieson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77264