James McMillan^[1]

Cal 1812 - 1887  (~ 74 years)

• Name	James McMillan
  Born	CALC 8 Oct 1812	, Wigtonshire, Scotland   [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  Gender	Male
  Elected Office	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	councillor - North Dumfries
  Elected Office	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	councillor - Galt
  Interesting	pioneer, story, roads, business
  Immigration	1835	, Canada
  Residence	1844	Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario   [8]
  Occupation	1852	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	innkeeper
  Occupation	1861	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Auctioneer
  Residence	1861	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Free Church
  Occupation	1871	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Farmer
  Residence	1871	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Lot 6 Con 10
  Residence	1871	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Presbyterian
  Occupation	1881	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	Farmer
  Residence	1881	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	Presbyterian Canada
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-40569
  Died	31 Jan 1887	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5, 6, 10]
  	Cause: Disease of the Heart (1 week)
  Buried	Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Person ID	I40569	Generations
  Last Modified	26 Jun 2024

  
  

  Family	Cassandra McAfee,   b. 1817, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1 Aug 1900, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 83 years)
  Married	14 Mar 1844	Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada   [8]
  Children	1. William McMillan,   b. CALC 20 Jan 1845, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 21 Dec 1845, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age ~ 0 years)   2. Elizabeth McMillan,   b. 5 Aug 1846, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 29 Dec 1915, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States  (Age 69 years)   3. Rebecca McMillan,   b. 14 Jan 1848, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1929  (Age 80 years)   4. Cassandra McMillan,   b. 23 Dec 1850, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 19 Nov 1932, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States  (Age 81 years)   5. Grace McMillan,   b. CALC 5 Jan 1853, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 20 Apr 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age ~ 28 years)   6. Mary A. McMillan,   b. 10 May 1856, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 7 Nov 1935, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States  (Age 79 years)   7. Jane "Jennie" McMillan,   b. 23 Apr 1859, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 13 Apr 1922, Oakville, Trafalgar Twp., Halton Co., Ontario  (Age 62 years)   8. John Mc Macmillan,   b. 1865, Isle Of Man ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	26 Jun 2024
  Family ID	F17181	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  MR. JAMES MCMILLAN was active in the church, and deeply interested in all that affected its welfare. He was, like many of his time, a great admirer of Dr. Bayne, and could not speak too strongly in his praise. If ever hero-worship existed in Galt, it was among the followers of Dr. Bayne. To touch that chord was to receive a quick and large response. Mr. McMillan was regarded by those who knew him best as a great-hearted man; a man of principle, straightforward and honorable. He was zealous of the orthodoxy of the Church, and was intense in his feeling against any depreciation of doctrinal standards. He was not meagre and moderate in his theology, but rich and strong. He was in no uncertainty as to what he believed. He was one of the leaders in the formation of the " Bayne Church," all the members of which united together under this name to affirm their adherence to the teachings which characterized Dr. Bayne's ministry. And these teachings were the higher ranges of Christian truth, dealing more with the Divine purposes and the Divine action, than with human duty. He preached twelve sermons on Calvinism in course, and he who informed me of the fact, said: " Whether it was reasonable or not, you felt it was scriptural." Dr. Bayne s strong preaching made and moulded strong minds, and had a special charm for them. It was massive in truth and meaty to the hungry, and fed them. Mr. McMillan had an exceedingly kind nature that was generous to a fault. When I became acquainted with him he had been in ill-health for a number of years, and was, therefore, not at his best, yet he was genial and benign, and quick in thought and ready in expression, possessing evidently a full mind and a gracious soul. One of the old divines, in whose works he delighted, says:; The height of creature perfection lies in the constant habit of bringing our own emptiness to Christ s fulness." And that he did, with a profound humility, and sense of his great need of the merciful loving- kindness of God. He knew whom he had believed, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had committed to Him against that day. He trusted in Him alone. His old friends cherish his memory as something precious, and still speak of him with enthusiasm. Though he had a long sickness, that hung upon him like a cloud, yet its skirts were illumined by a rainbow of bright promise, which gave him a sure hope, which upheld his heart and kept him at rest in God's unchangeable word. He waited patiently till his appointed time came, and that with sweet sub mission to the Divine will. He was never heard to mourn or complain. He evidently believed that God, in His government of the world, made no mistakes. Ebenezer: A History of the Central Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson _______________ Death of Mr. James McMillan The words which head this notice will bring old scenes and old recollections most forcibly back to the minds of many residents of Galt and the country surrounding. For almost the space of a lifetime Mr. McMillan was one of our most active men; energetic, shrewd, practical, kind-hearted, in the fullest sense of the word; while he pushed his way energetically and most industriously, he made friends on all hands. The first recollection we have of him was in connection with the Dundas and Waterloo Macadamized Road, either as its construction was about completed or immediately after its completion. He then held some position of responsibility on the road, which terminating, he became lessee of the Galt Gate, and after holding that position for a few years he dropped that and took the position of landlord of the old Galt Hotel, which position he held for a year or so, enjoying a large trade and being looked upon as one of the kindest, most considerate hosts in this section. Ceasing hotel-keeping, he became proprietor of one of our livery stables, in partnership with late Thos. McMillan, then after a few years Manager of the Hub and Spoke Works, every occupation in which he engaged testifying by its success to his care, ability and natural shrewdness. When comparatively a young man - Mr. McMillan used to say that his first start was got while he held Galt Toll Gate - he obtained almost a competence, and the subsequent years which passed until ill health incapacitated him from active pursuits, were so well used that when his health became impaired, he was comparatively wealthy. It was? the movements of the life of the town, from somewhere about 1848 until ill-health overtook him, our old friend took an active part. Municipal life for a short time, as Councillor, both in Galt and North Dumfries; in his church; in agriculture and the Agricultural Society; in the various efforts made for the improvement of the village, then growing into a town; in the railways built or to be built; in each and all he bore his share, assisting where he approved, most actively, or opposing when of the many schemes propounded, he found some of which he could not approve. In connection with is love and respect for the church to which he belonged, (he was then a member of Melville Church, of which Rev. Mr. Murdoch was Pastor,) there rises in the mind of the writer a scene which will be well remembered by many. During the heat of the discussion in Presbytery in Knox Church, Guelph, over the Russell evangelistic movement in Galt, Mr. McMillan, one of those opposed to the movement, rose to address the Presbytery and those present. While not a fluent speaker, he was one of those who thoroughly knew what he wanted to say and usually said it in the most concise, clear terms. On this occasion, he first directed the attention of the Presbytery to the church as it was when he as a youth had entered it; to the many aged men who had passed away from its portals, safe in their faith in its simple and sublime teachings; to the years it had stood firmly as a rock in defence of its beliefs and forms and then as he spoke of his own reverence; his voice trembled and failed him, tears rolled down his [line(s) missing] those who were present, but few there were but saw in those tears and heard in that quivering voice the strongest argument, almost silent though it was against the innovation. Some nine years ago the hand of God bore heavily upon him. Seized with apoplexy, although he recovered his bodily health and appearance, his memory was so seriously affected that he was unable to take an active part in the transactions of life, and from that time he almost dropped out of it. Perfectly happy, enjoying life still in the bosom of his family and taking an interest in the daily affairs of his home and the country, yet the terribly want of memory was always present, and the events of one hour were forgotten before the next had arrived. But he was entirely happy; no cause of anxiety to his family always pleased and anxious to see his old friends with a smile and ready laugh and thoroughly enjoying their conversation. His last illness was short although for some time it was obvious that the powers of life were weakening. He became very stout, fatty degeneration of the heart showed itself and although somewhat yielding to remedies, it was obvious the end was not far off. About the middle of last week serious symptoms showed themselves and from that time until he quietly passed away it was only a matter of time. Mr. McMillan leaves a widow and, we think, five daughters. Of his family all are living but his daughter Gracie, who died a few years ago, and two are married, viz: - Mrs. Dwyer, of Nevada, and Mrs. Goodwin, now of Galt. He was a native of Wigtonshire, Scotland, coming to this country in 1835. Despite the inclemency of the day, the attendance of relatives from many parts of Canada and the United States, and of his old friends from this section at his funeral on Wednesday, was large. Galt Reporter Jan 31 1887 pg 1 & 8 _____________ In North Dumfries, on Monday morning, Jan. 31st, at 6 o'clock, James McMillan, aged 74 years, 3 months and 23 days. Galt Reporter Jan 31 1887 pg 8 _________________

  
  

• Sources

  [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 11262-81. John Goodwin, 27, Occ. Butcher, b. England, Res. Columbus Nevada, son of John and Jane, married Mary A. Mcmillan, 24, b. Galt, Res. Same, daughter of James and Cassandra, Witness(es): James D. and Jennie Mcmillan of Galt, 1 Feb 1881 at Galt [S313] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1851, Div 1 Pg 10. James MCMILLIN Inn Keeper Scotland Presbyterian 39 Cassandra MCMILLIN Upper Canada Presbyterian 34 Elisabeth MCMILLIN Upper Canada Presbyterian 5 Rebeka MCMILLIN Upper Canada Presbyterian 3 Cassandra MCMILLIN Upper Canada Presbyterian 2 Samuel AIKEN Hostler Ireland Presbyterian 40 not a member of the family Michael NISTER Teamster Ireland Roman Catholic 17 not a member of the family Sarah BELL Spinster Ireland Presbyterian 19 not a member of the family Margarett YATES Spinster Ireland Presbyterian 19 not a member of the family Jannet ELIOTT Spinster Scotland Presbyterian 16 not a member of the family William TRAIL Wagon Maker USA Methodist 23 not a member of the family Peter DAWSON Stone Cutter Scotland Presbyterian 21 not a member of the family Hanson? GOODNOW Moulder USA Universalist 24 not a member of the family Joseph CONAN Tailor Scotland ? 40 not a member of the family Henry BALDWIN Trader England Methodist 23 not a member of the family Res:Buffalow Mathew BELL Mason Scotland Presbyterian 40 not a member of the family John HORE Paper Maker England Episcopalian 28 not a member of the family George INVUT? Blacksmith England Episcopalian 35 not a member of the family Res:Beverley [S205] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1881, Div. 1 Page 59. [S1778] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1861, Div 8 Page 62. [S122] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Cambridge - Mount View CC#4495 Internet Link . James McMillan/ died 31st Jan. 1887/ in his 75th year/ a native of/ Wigtonshire Scotland/ also/ Cassandra McAfee/ his wife/ died 1st Aug. 1900/ in her 83rd year [S713] Vit - ON - Death Registration, death certificate. James Mc Millan Gender: Male Age: 74 Birth Date: abt 1813 Birth Place: Scotland Death Date: 31 Jan 1887 Death Place: North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Cause of Death: Disease of the Heart #017470 [S355] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1871, Sect. 1 Page 47. [S12] Vit - ON, Gore - Gore District Marriage Register - Waterloo Entries, A. Gale Presbyterian (P. 7 & 8). James McMillan, of Dumfries, married Cassandra McAfee, of Barton. 14 Mar 1844, license, Witnesses: N. A. McAfee and Catharine Hannon. [S313] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1851, Div 1 Pg 10. [S1800] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1891, Sec. 1 Page 38.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - CALC 8 Oct 1812 - , Wigtonshire, Scotland Elected Office - councillor - North Dumfries - - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - councillor - Galt - - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Immigration - 1835 - , Canada Residence - 1844 - Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario Married - 14 Mar 1844 - Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada Occupation - innkeeper - 1852 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Auctioneer - 1861 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Free Church - 1861 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1871 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Lot 6 Con 10 - 1871 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Presbyterian - 1871 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1881 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Presbyterian Canada - 1881 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - Cause: Disease of the Heart (1 week) - 31 Jan 1887 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth