Thomas Dalgleish^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}

1813 - 1890  (77 years)

• Name	Thomas Dalgleish
  Born	1813	, Scotland   [6, 7, 8, 9]
  Gender	Male
  Residence	1848	Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario   [10]
  Occupation	1852	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Mason
  Residence	1852	North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	United Presbyterian
  Occupation	1861	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	Mason Builder
  Residence	1861	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	United Presbyterian Church
  Occupation	1871	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Mason
  Residence	1871	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	C. Presbyterian
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-55850
  Died	24 Oct 1890  [6, 11]
  Buried	Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  Person ID	I55850	Generations
  Last Modified	12 May 2025

  
  

  Father	Robert Dalgleish,   b. 1773, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland ,   d. 19 Aug 1834, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 61 years)
  Mother	Elspeth Hogg,   b. 1774, Yarrow, , Selkirk, Scotland ,   d. 23 Aug 1834, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 60 years)
  Family ID	F11121	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Margaret Barrie,   b. 1827, , Scotland ,   d. 24 Feb 1904  (Age 77 years)
  Married	3 Mar 1848	Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  Children	1. Margaret Dalgleish,   b. 17 Jan 1849, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1 Feb 1924, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 75 years)   2. Robert Dalgleish,   b. 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 7 Jul 1897  (Age 45 years)   3. Elspeth Dalgleish,   b. 1853, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 13 Feb 1875, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 22 years)   4. Helen Dalgleish,   b. 1856, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 14 Jun 1947  (Age 91 years)   5. Mary Dalgleish,   b. 14 Oct 1857, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   6. Georgina Dalgleish,   b. 1 Apr 1860, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 11 Dec 1926, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 66 years)   7. James Dalgleish,   b. 7 Jan 1865, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   8. Thomas Dalgleish,   b. 17 Feb 1867, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 31 Mar 1936, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 69 years)   9. Elizabeth Dalgleish,   b. 28 Feb 1869, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	13 May 2025
  Family ID	F18447	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  MR. THOMAS DALGLIESH was the brother of James Dalgliesh, but not so prominent in the activities of church life as he was. James, being Session Clerk and Representative Elder, was thrown more into the stream of public life, and lived more in the eye of the church. But Thomas was no less a strong man of marked personality. He was a member of the congregation from the beginning, and an Elder from March, 1858, till his death, fulfilling all the duties of the office with faithfulness to the church and honor and praise to himself. He was a fine example of the Christian of former days, full of theological knowledge, well read in the history of the Church, familiar with the famous men of the past through their biographies, and cherishing the memories of bygone times as a precious possession. He was a thoughtful man and delighted in reading the best books, and Review articles of the first class, in which there was something to give the mind healthy exercise, calling forth its powers and making it strong. He loved the old divines, Boston, Erskine, Lawson and the "Marrow of Modern Divinity." He often spoke of Boston's "Crook in the Lot" approvingly. The Life of Dr. Lawson, of Selkirk, was a favorite biography. It was to him a real refreshment to converse a while on the great movements of the times, whether political or religious. The Rev. Walter Inglis, of Ayr, calling at the manse, would often end up an interesting conversation with "Weel, I ll awa tae my auld howf " this was to Thomas Dalgliesh's, where he usually stayed when visiting Galt They were kindred spirits and loved largely the same things with the same fervor One of the distinctive notes of the old Scotch life is the unique place given to the Church and the ministry. These are not so subordinated that they lose all significance; the very opposite, they are lifted into the light and made conspicuous. They are ruling elements in the life. Hence the love for and the respect paid to the minister. Hence the truly Old Testament feeling about the house of God: " I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem." Often I have heard Mr. Dalgliesh speak of the time he went to church in the early days, near Ayr, and sat on rough boards set on the ends of logs, and no stove heating the house, even in the midst of winter. Yet, he affirmed, they never felt cold. Ah, I imagine it was a case like that recorded in the Gospel: Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures ?" The Word was precious in those days. It was heard only occasionally and was greatly desired and prized. He would often, too, compare the former days with these latter ones and mark the changes that had come. The rise of temperance feeling he thought specially significant. "I have seen a pail full of whiskey in the grocery store, and at the end of the rigs on the field that was being harvested, and at a barn raising. I have seen it stand there with a tin cup to dip it out with and take a drink, and nobody thought anything of it then; but now that has gone. It could hardly be done now. Ah, sir, the world moves! "And no doubt it does. But how long shall men be under the necessity of fighting that blighting curse, the drink traffic, ere it is driven from the earth? How long? Mr. Dalgliesh had lived a toilsome life and when sickness came it quickly subdued the once powerful frame and laid him low. He sank slowly, growing gradually weaker till he slept his last sleep, and a good man was missed from among us. 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 ____________________ 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 exciting 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 Dalgleish, 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

  
  

• Sources

  [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration. Thomas Forsyth Born: Synden Age: 28 Father: Archibald Forsyth Mother: Ann Forsyth Born: abt 1856 Spouse: Georgina Dalgleish Age: 24 born: Galt Father: Thos Dalgleish Mother: Margaret Dalgleish married 18 Jun 1884 [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration. Robert Middlemiss Born: Scotland Age: 50 Father: Peter Middlemiss Mother: Janet Middlemiss Born: abt 1837 Spouse: Margaret Dalgleish Age: 38 born: Galt Father: Thos Dalgleish Mother: Margaret Dalgleish married 30 Nov 1887 married: Waterloo, Galt [S575] Church Records - ON, Waterloo, Galt - United Presbyterian. Elizabeth Dalgleish Born Dumfries Parents Thos. Dalgleish & Margt. Barrie baptized 02 May 1869 [S3002] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 11959-88. David Trail, 42, Widower, occ. Hardware Merchant, b. Aberdeen Scotland, res. Walkerton, son of Allan and Mary, Married Mary Dalgleish, 30, b. Galt, res. Same, daughter of Thomas and Margaret, Witn: James Gray And Libbie and J. Dalgleish, All Of Galt, 13 Aug 1888 At Galt [S3002] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 014681-1898. William H. Young, 30, occ. Traveller, b. Galt Ont, res. same, son of Grace Ross and William Young, Married Elizabeth Dalgleish, 28, b. Galt Ont, res. same, daughter of Margaret Barrie and Thomas Dalgelish; Witness(s): O.H. Vogt, Belle Moore, Waterloo. 27 Oct 1898 at Galt [S122] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Cambridge - Mount View CC#4495 Internet Link . In memory of/ Thomas Dalgleish/ who died/ Oct 24th 1890/ in his 76th year/ Margaret Barrie/ his wife/ died/ Feb.24th 1904/ aged 76 yeas/ Helen Dalgleish/ died/ June 14th 1947/ in her 93rd year [S570] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1871, Div. 2, Pg. 38. [S233] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1852, Div. 3 Page 21. [S1838] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1861, Galt 1861 Div. 3 Page 45. [S12] Vit - ON, Gore - Gore District Marriage Register - Waterloo Entries, Revd Strang Presbyterian, Waterloo, Dumfries, Blenheim (pg. 117 - 119). Thomas Dalgleish, married Margaret Barrie, both of Dumfries. 3 Mar 1848, by licence, Witnesses: James Dalgleish and James Robson. [S1800] Census - ON, Waterloo, Galt - 1891, Sec. 1 Page 27.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 1813 - , Scotland Residence - 1848 - Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario Married - 3 Mar 1848 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Mason - 1852 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - United Presbyterian - 1852 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Mason Builder - 1861 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - United Presbyterian Church - 1861 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Mason - 1871 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - C. Presbyterian - 1871 - Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth