Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Robert Shiel Telfer

Male 1879 - 1953  (73 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Robert Shiel Telfer was born 23 Nov 1879, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 25 Jul 1880, Central Presbyterian Church, Galt(Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Thomas Telfer and Helen Tait); died 3 Jan 1953; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-74727
    • Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
    • Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
    • Occupation: 1911, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1911, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

    Robert married Margaret Marie Gillespie 5 Oct 1910, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of John Gillespie and Jennie Taylor) was born 8 Mar 1880, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Jul 1957; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Thomas Telfer was born 28 Nov 1843, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of George John Telfer and Helen Shiel); died 18 Dec 1914, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-74724
    • Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
    • Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
    • Occupation: 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; sawyer
    • Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawyer
    • 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

    Thomas married Helen Tait 28 Apr 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Helen (daughter of James Tait and Isabella Murray) was born 28 Dec 1846, Hawick, , Roxburgh, Scotland; was christened 10 May 1868, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Nov 1929, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Helen Tait was born 28 Dec 1846, Hawick, , Roxburgh, Scotland; was christened 10 May 1868, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of James Tait and Isabella Murray); died 1 Nov 1929, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Helen Telfer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-74725
    • Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
    • Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
    • Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

    Children:
    1. George Telfer was born 1871, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    2. Isabella M. Telfer was born 12 Jul 1874, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Feb 1949; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. James T. Telfer was born 6 Jun 1876, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Dec 1914; was buried , Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada.
    4. 1. Robert Shiel Telfer was born 23 Nov 1879, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 25 Jul 1880, Central Presbyterian Church, Galt(Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Jan 1953; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Helen Jane "Ellen" Telfer was born 25 Aug 1883, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 24 Jan 1884, Central Presbyterian Church, Galt(Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Feb 1926, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 6 Feb 1926, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. John Albert Telfer was born 21 Mar 1886, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 5 Oct 1886, Central Presbyterian Church, Galt(Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 May 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  George John TelferGeorge John Telfer was born 26 Apr 1801, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; was christened 26 Apr 1801, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland (son of William Telfer and Elizabeth Laurie); died 1 Dec 1885, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179587112
    • Interesting: life story, pioneer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70202
    • Immigration: 1823, , Canada
    • Residence: 1837, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
    • Land - Directory: 1864, North Dumfries Concession 08 Lot 13, 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
    • Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

    Notes:

    The Guelph road gave employment to many of the settlers, and, enabled them to earn a little ready money, which was a very scarce commodity in those days. Not a few ox teams from Dumfries found employment in opening the road to, and clearing the site of the proposed village of Guelph, and among those who helped to "slash" out the timber along the line of road-which extended about sixteen miles through the bush--were Stephen Moffat, George Telfer and John Lockie, well-known Dumfries names.* By this enterprise, and others equally worthy of commendation, Mr. Galt became the founder of Guelph, and gave a much needed impetus to the settlement and development of the country.

    *How immeasurably the circumstances and comforts of the community have improved since the days when this road was constructed, may be known from the fact, that Mr. Moffatt and other workmen employed upon it, sometimes had to eat the fattest of pork, raw; their bread was baked in the hot ashes of their camp fires-the quality of which, therefore, needs no remark and they drank, at their meals, hemlock tea! To make up for such fare-we suppose-a barrel of whiskey, with a tin cup attached, always stood at the roadside, and each workman or passerby was allowed to partake ad libitum.


    Reminiscences of the Early History of Galt and the Settlement of Dumfries in the Province of Ontario, by James Young, 1880 Toronto: Hunter, Rose Pg. 50

    ________________

    Death of Mr. George Telfer of North Dumfries

    For some months past we have referred to the increasing infirmities of this well known old and most respected resident, so that it will be no matter of surprise to his friends now that we are called upon to chronicle his death, which occurred at his residence on Tuesday afternoon last. Mr. Telfer came to Canada in 1823, and coming west, settled for a time in the old log home on the "Blake" farm, afterwards occupied by the late R. Wilson, - the fine property now owned by the Messrs. McPherson. For some years after his arrival he worked for the first Wm. Dickson and subsequently for the late A. Shade, until having accumulated some savings, he bought the farm on which he resided, West River Road, until his death. Mr. Telfer was twice married, his first partner being Miss Betsy Young, Three children, the fruit of this union were carried off by scarlet fever. A few years after that of his first wife, he married Miss Ellen Shiel, sister of the late James Shiel, his second partner dying in 1870. By this union he had six children, viz.: - Mr. Wm. Telfer, Mr. John Telfer, (whose sudden death in Galt by heart disease a year or more ago will be well remembered), Mrs. Thomas Deans, of North Dumfries, Mr. Thomas Telfer, residing on the homestead, Mrs. Jas. McDavitt, dead, and Mr. Robert Telfer, also Dead.

    Mr. Telfer was one of the links of the past and very fortunately he was spared the full possession of his faculties until but a short time before his death. His reminiscence of his early life here; his old acquaintances and friends, such as Michael Knox and Mr. John Lockie, whose death occurred while walking behind the sleigh in which Mr. Telfer, himself, and some others were making their annual trip to Cayuga, where they worked at plastering and odd jobs during the winter to earn the little money so scarce and so much wanted in the settlement in Dumfries. Only a blazed trail to Paris; only a market for wheat at Dundas and Hamilton, and then 2s 6d york a bushel, part cash, balance trade at all kinds of prices; Michael Knox coming into the settlement once a year from the North West with a party of trappers and fur carriers, on their way to the East, and camping on what is now "Queen's Square," his brief stay being a reunion with all his old friends in this section and a "wee drap" just "tee dac them guid."

    Mr. Telfer's brother, John, came out a few years before the subject of this notice. He kept a store for a time on West Main street, in Galt, thence removing to Sarnia and thence to Owen Sound, where he died. His daughter now lives in Port Huron. His son, John, who holds a very responsible position in the construction department of the Wabash railway, visited Galt last winter. He also resides in Port Huron.

    Mr. Telfer's funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) and was very largely attended. He was interred in Galt cemetery.

    Galt Reporter Dec 4 1885 pg 1

    George — Helen Shiel. Helen was born 1806, , Scotland; died 22 Dec 1870, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Helen Shiel was born 1806, , Scotland; died 22 Dec 1870, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179587118
    • Name: Helen Telfer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70341
    • Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland

    Children:
    1. William Telfer was born 1836, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Oct 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. John Telfer was born 1838, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Sep 1884, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Margaret Telfer was born CALC 24 Sep 1840, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Apr 1927, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 13 Apr 1927, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. 2. Thomas Telfer was born 28 Nov 1843, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Dec 1914, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Elizabeth Telfer was born CALC 19 Aug 1845, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Feb 1882, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Brant County, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Robert Telfer was born 14 Nov 1849, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 3 Feb 1850, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Mar 1868, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 6.  James Tait was born 1816, , Scotland; died 17 Aug 1880, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70342P
    • Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Stocking Weaver
    • Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland

    James — Isabella Murray. Isabella was born 1815, , Scotland; died 18 Aug 1895, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Isabella Murray was born 1815, , Scotland; died 18 Aug 1895, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Isabella Tait
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70343P
    • Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
    • Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian Canada
    • Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

    Children:
    1. William Tait was born 8 Oct 1839, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, Scotland; died 18 Jul 1909, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Elizabeth Tait was born 1844, , Scotland; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. Margaret "Maggie" Tait was born 1845, , Scotland; died 1885; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. 3. Helen Tait was born 28 Dec 1846, Hawick, , Roxburgh, Scotland; was christened 10 May 1868, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Nov 1929, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. George Tait was born 8 May 1849, , Scotland; died 23 May 1912, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. James Tait was born 12 Mar 1859, , Scotland; died 18 Mar 1914, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. John Tait was born 1866, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    8. Jessie Tait was born 1870, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  William Telfer was born Abt 1770, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: dnf-115510

    William — Elizabeth Laurie. Elizabeth was born Abt 1770, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  2. 9.  Elizabeth Laurie was born Abt 1770, of, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Elizabeth Telfer
    • Eby ID Number: dnf-115528

    Children:
    1. John Telfer was born 1799, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; was christened 2 Jun 1799, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died 1871.
    2. 4. George John Telfer was born 26 Apr 1801, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; was christened 26 Apr 1801, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland; died 1 Dec 1885, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.