John William Shiel

1835 - 1878  (43 years)

• Name	John William Shiel
  Born	1835	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2, 3, 4]
  Gender	Male
  Residence	1852	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1]
  	Church of Scotland
  Residence	1863	Ainsleyville, Huron Co., Ontario   [2]
  Residence	1871	Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-167179
  Died	22 Dec 1878	Richmond, Richmond (city), Virginia, United States   [3, 4]
  Buried	Brussels, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario   [3]
  Person ID	I167179	Generations
  Last Modified	28 Jan 2025

  
  

  Father	David Shiel,   b. 1795, , Scotland ,   d. 9 Nov 1891, Brussels, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario  (Age 96 years)
  Mother	Agnes Thomson,   b. 1803, , Roxburghshire, Scotland ,   d. 21 Jul 1886, Brussels, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario  (Age 83 years)
  Family ID	F227163	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Mary Humble,   b. 2 Nov 1843, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 24 Nov 1933, Victoria, British Columbia  (Age 90 years)
  Married	17 Nov 1863	Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2, 4]
  Children	1. Adrid Shiel,   b. 19 Sep 1870,   d. Yes, date unknown   2. Violet Lillian Shiel,   b. 21 Nov 1871,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	29 Jan 2025
  Family ID	F48004	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  The Late John W. Shiel - We this week, with deep regret, chronicle the death of a much respected resident of this section, Mr. J. W. Shiel, which occurred in Richmond, Va., on Sunday, Dec. 22nd, while on his way to Florida in search of health. About a year ago deceased was attacked with a severe cold which settled on his lungs, and gradually reduced him to a state of great debilitation; so much so, that during the summer he made the short trip to St. Catharines to see if any good might accrue from a change, but came back without any permanent good being effected. A few weeks ago he determined upon a visit to Florida in the hope that the Southern climate might restore his shattered health, and the week before last we noticed his departure from Brussels. At Washington he had a severe attack of illness, being confined to bed for three days. Thence he proceeded on his way, halting at Richmond, and while staying at the American Hotel in that city, departed life suddenly, about two o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 22. Mr. Dodson, the proprietor of the hotel, immediately telegraphed the news to Mrs. Shiel, and on Monday afternoon Messrs. J. R. Grant and A. H. Kay, brothers-in-law of the deceased, started South to bring home the remains. Mr. Shiel had as favorable a journey as his poor state of health would admit of, and at every stage seems to have received the best of attention, and secured the sympathy and assistance of warm friends. At Richmond he met the good Samaritan n J. S. Dodson, the proprietor of the American Hotel. The adage, "A friend in need is a friend indeed," received a powerful confirmation in this instance. Not only did Mr. Dodson provide him with medicine and attendance, but, as is case became more alarming, had him removed to a room where he would be more comfortable, and where he could receive the visitations of friends. It is only a fitting tribute to such disinterested kindness to say that had Mr. Shiel been among friends in his native land he could not have received more substantial, timely and humane assistance. John W. Shiel was born in North Dumfries, County of Waterloo, Canada, in 1835, and was consequently in his 44th year. He moved to Brussels (Aiuleyville of yore) in 1860, and during the fall of that year and the spring of 1861, bought and sold produce in the village. In 1863 he married Mary, eldest daughter of the late Christopher Humble, of Ayr, by whom he had one son and one daughter. About that time he settled on the farm whereon is the present homestead, and by industry and perseverance succeeded in working himself into a prosperous position. For a number of years past he followed during the winter months the business of produce dealer with considerable success, and during the summer months, in addition to his farming operations, carried on the working of the brickyard. Deceased had received a good common school education, and by study had amassed a store of knowledge far above the average. Thoroughly domestic in his habits, his "ain fireside" had charms for him above all other places on earth. Although a close business man, scrupulous honesty was inbred in him, and in his many trade transactions nobody could ever point to a dishonorable act. During the past year he had taken a deep interest in spiritual matters, and his last hours were cheered by a firm belief in his redemption through the blood of his Redeemer. The following extract from his diary, written a few hours after his departure from Brussels, shows his trust in God, his devotion to his parents, and his love for his wife and children: - "Things look dark and dreary for me, but the hand of God is in all our ways, and He is too right to Err. In Him I put unbounded trust, and whatever way this turns out it will be all right. It's hard, indeed, to part with my dear old parents, now bordering on and over 80 years; still it is harder for them to part with me, as I am their last living child out of seven sons. O, how hard to part with my dear good wife, my fine, noble son, and my merry-hearted daughter. Sweet, lovely ones, God bless you all." The remains were brought to Brussels on the 3 pm train on Saturday, in care of Messrs. Grant and Kay. A number of the residents attended at the Station as a tribute of respect to the memory of the dead. The body was at once conveyed to the late residence of deceased, and preparations were made for the interment. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place on Sunday, and many an eye grew moist and many a heart ached, as all that was mortal of John William Shiel was laid to rest in the "silent city of the dead." A good man, a dutiful son, an affectionate husband and parent has gone from among us, and his form will be seen no more. His aged parents, bereaved wife and children and other relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community. Galt Reporter - Jan 10, 1879, pg 3

  
  

• Sources

  [S233] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1852, Div. 3 Page 20. [S5] Vit - - ON, Waterloo - 1858-1869 Marriage Register. John William SHILL, 28, b. Canada, res. Ainleysville, s/o David SHILL & Agnes THOMSON married Mary HUMBLE, 20, b. Canada, b. Ayr, d/o Christopher HUMBLE & Helen KAY, witn: Alex KAY of Ayr, 26 November 1863 [S1338] News - ON, Waterloo, Cambridge - Galt Reporter (1846-1973), The Late John W. Shiel - Jan 10 1879 pg 3. [S1338] News - ON, Waterloo, Cambridge - Galt Reporter (1846-1973), Obituary of John William Shiel - 10 Jan 1879, pg 3. [S655] z Vit - ON - Birth Registration, (1871), Violet Lillian Shiel. Violet Lillian Shiel Gender Female Birth Date 21 Nov 1871 Birthplace Grey Township, Huron, Ontario Father's Name John W Shiel Mother's Name Mary Humble

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 1835 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Church of Scotland - 1852 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1863 - Ainsleyville, Huron Co., Ontario Married - 17 Nov 1863 - AYR, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1871 - Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada Died - 22 Dec 1878 - Richmond, Richmond (city), Virginia, United States Buried - - Brussels, Grey Twp., Huron Co., Ontario  = Link to Google Earth