John J. J. Renshaw

Other Events:

• Residence: 1646 Blair Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-52819
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Unknown
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Unknown
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Expressman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christadelphian
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Grand Trunk Railroad Agent

Notes:

The first postmaster at Blair was Wendal Bowman who served from 1858 to 1863. Mr. Bowman was succeeded by Henry Bechtel Sr. who operated the post office from 1863 to 1865. Mr. Bechtel was in turn succeeded by John R. Renshaw who was Blair's postmaster from 1865 to 1892. It was during Mr. Renshaw's tenure, in 1874, that the Grand Trunk Railway built a station in Blair and the post office moved to that facility. With the move Mr. Renshaw became stationmaster as well as postmaster.

The office of postmaster remained in the Renshaw family for a number of years with John Renshaw's widow, Margaret, filling the office from 1892 to 1895. She was succeeded in 1895 by her son John J.H. Renshaw who retained the office until his death in 1913. At this point his widow Lois Renshaw took over the office which she relinquished in 1914.

In 1914 Elizabeth Renshaw, a daughter of John R. Renshaw and sister of John J.H. Renshaw took over from Lois Renshaw as Blair's seventh postmaster. It is reported that Elizabeth Renshaw did not want to have anything to do with the Blair train station and moved the post office to a corner of her house at 1646 Blair Road . She had a special door installed in the wall facing the road for public access. Miss Renshaw retired in 1931 and died in 1939



Cambridge Postal History - III, Jim, Quantrell, pg 139-140

John — Lois. Lois was born 5 Oct 1865, , USA; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]