George John Telfer

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]

George — Betsy Young. Betsy was born CA 1805; died Bef 1836. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179587128
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70417
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Died In Waterloo Township, on Thursday, Oct. 31st, 1901. at 10.15 A.M. William Telfer Aged 65 years, 9 months Funeral Will take place on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2, at 2 o'clock p.m., from the residence of Mr. John Cornell, Lot 10, Con. 1, Waterloo Township, to Mount View Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation. Galt, Oct. 31, 1901.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105076
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1873, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawyer

Notes:

Fearfully Sudden Death

The truth of the saying that "in the midst of life we are in death," was never more fearfully exemplified than it was in Galt on Wednesday night last. During that night there passed away the spirit of one who has been a well-known and respected citizen for many years - Mr. John Telfer. It appears that during the day and evening Mr. Telfer, who was employed at the saw mill of Messrs. Gilholm & Hogg, had been about in his usual health, sand when he went to bed was apparently as well as ever. During the night, however, Mrs. Telfer was awakened by the heavy breathing of her husband, and getting up endeavored to arouse hm. Finding this impossible she sent for assistance, and medical aid was promptly on hand; but when Dr. Vardon arrived the spark of life had flown. Mr. Telfer for some years past had been much afflicted with rheumatism, although able to be about, and there can be little or no doubt that the disease at length touched his heart and caused his sudden death. He was a son of Mr. George Telfer, North Dumfries, and was universally respected by his acquaintances as an honest, upright man.

The funeral will take place this (Friday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, State street, to Galt Cemetery.

Galt Reporter Sep 5 1884 pg 1

John married Helen Deans 25 Dec 1873, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Helen (daughter of James Deans and Janet Brydon) was born 1847, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Feb 1898; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/248642712
• Name: Margaret Deans
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195831
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1911, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Margaret married Thomas Deans 29 Mar 1877, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Thomas (son of James Deans and Janet Brydon) was born Jan 1840, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Oct 1917, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

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]

Other Events:

• Name: Betsy Telfer
• Name: Elizabeth McDavitt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136979
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist Canada

Elizabeth married James McDavitt 22 Sep 1871, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. James (son of James McDavitt and Elizabeth Hood) was born Sep 1835, , Ireland; died 27 Jan 1913, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-103154
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland

Notes:

In North Dumfries, on Friday, 13th instant, Robert, youngest son of Mr. George Telfer, aged 18 years.

Galt Reporter Mar 20 1868 pg 2

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-215204

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-215205

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-215206

Other Events:

• Name: Jessie Brydon Murray
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-105078
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Jessie married Donald Alexander Murray 18 Jun 1902, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Donald was born 6 Jan 1870, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 2 Jun 1942, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , McTavish Cemetery, East Zorra Township, Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ellen Margaret Telfer
• Name: Helen Margaret "Nellie" Cowan
• Name: Nelly Telfer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-63784
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Helen married Dr. Walter D. Cowan 9 Jun 1917, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Walter (son of William Cowan and Agnes Turnbull Dunn) was born 2 Jul 1865, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 1 Sep 1865, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Oct 1925, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 17 Oct 1925, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Deans Smith
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-63785
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Mary married Rowland Whillier Smith 19 Dec 1901, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rowland was born 1874, , Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30635

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195853
• 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, on Shares
• Residence: 1911, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

James married Margaret Chisholm "Maggie" Turnbull 7 Sep 1927, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of James S. Turnbull and Isabella Turnbull) was born 17 Nov 1887, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Apr 1939. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-122746
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sttudent
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Name: Bella Telfer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-74726
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70432
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

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]

Other Events:

• Name: Ellen Telfer
• Name: Helen Jane "Ellen" Leeds
• Name: Nellie Telfer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-74729
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1911, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Helen married George Andrew Leeds 25 Jan 1911, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. George (son of John William Leeds and Jessie McGregor, son of John William Leeds) was born 8 Aug 1885, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Feb 1935, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 23 Feb 1935, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70433
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-287370
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist Canada
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-419742

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-419743

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136982
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist Canada

Other Events:

• Interesting: accident, railway, misfortune, story
• Name: Jessie Helen Macey
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-63820
• Misfortune: 1937, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; killed in railway accident

Notes:

3 Galt Residents Killed in Rail Crossing Smash Young Galt Couple and Elderly Friend Were Returning From Card Party at Preston

GALT, March 27, Galt's worst tragedy in recent years, claimed the lives of a young couple and a friend on Good Friday, when a Canadian Pacific Railway passenger train smashed their automobile, at the Dundas street crossing. The dead are John Macey, 27, milk truck driver; his wife, Jessie, Leeds Macey, 23, whom he married a year ago last November and Miss Olive Moore, 51, all of Galt

Return From Preston

Macey called for his wife around 11 o'clock last night at the Preston home of Mrs Albert Leeds, where she and Miss Moore were attending a card party. They were returning' home when Macey drove his car directly into the path of the fast Toronto-Chicago flier, running an hour late. Wreckage was strewn for 30 feet along the right-of-way. Mr. and Mrs. Macey were pitched from the machine, while Miss Moore was caught in the debris. The younger woman's watch was found over a nearby fence in a field. All three died of head injuries. Coroner Ward Woolner, Ayr, opened an inquiry which was adjourned for hearing of evidence ata later date. Police said a string of freight cars, extending to the east, cut off Macey's view of the approaching train 60 feet back from the crossing, which was unprotected, the watchman having gone off duty.

Two Saw Mishap

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wessler. Hespeler, riding in a bread truck, had stoped their machine on the opposite side ofthe track to let the train go by. The accident happened before their eyes and Wessler raised the alarm. Macey was employed on a Galt-Toronto milk route. A native of St. George, he came here seven years ago. His wife was born in this district and her father was killed in an accident, in the bush, two years ago. Miss Moore was born in Galt. Conductor Arthur Harris was in charge ofthe eleven-coach flyer, with Stanley Binns as his engineer. The train had been delayed by heavy Easter traffic. All three bodies were terribly mangled.

Macey's skull was fractured at the base, every rib broken twice, and one leg broken. Mrs. Macey's skull was fractured and her face smashed into small, pieces. Her arm was broken. Miss Moore suffered a broken neck and a smashed chest. Funeral Monday; Funerals will take place Monday. There will be a double funeral for the Macey couple. Macey is survived by his father, William Macey, of St. George:two brothers, Joseph of Mount Pleasant, William Macey of Drunabo. Mrs. Macey is survived by her, step-mother; one sister, Mrs. Walter McGregor
and a brother, John, all of the East River Road and Miss Moore by two brothers, Herbert H. Moore, Galt, Allan Moore, Hamilton, and one sister, Mrs. Bessie Matthews,

Kitchener. Daily Record 27 Mar 1937 pg 1

Jessie — John William Macey. John was born 17 Feb 1910, St. George, South Dumfries Twp., Brant Co., Ontario, Canada; died 26 Mar 1937, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-421841

Other Events:

• Name: Isabel Mary MacGregor
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-415457

Notes:

MacGREGOR, Isabel Mary

On Sunday. Oct. 16, 1988, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, in her 74th year, Isabel MacGregor of RR 5, Cambridge. Beloved wife of Walter; dear mother of Don and his wife Kathy of Cambridge, Jean (wife of the late Mac Campbell) of Denfield, Helen (Mrs. Don McQuigge) of Seaforth and Marion (Mrs. Dick McQuigge) of Cambridge_ Survived by 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one brother, John Leeds and his wife Mary of Guelph. Mrs. MacGregor was a lifelong member of First United Church and the Central Dumphries Women's Institute. Resting at the Corbett Funeral Home, 95 Dundas S., Cambridge, where friends will be received on Monday, Oct. 17, (today), from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral and committal service will be held from the funeral home chapel, on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 1988, at 2 p.m., with Rev. Bob Fretwell officiating. Interment Mount View cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 17 Oct 1988 pg B11

Isabel married Walter William MacGregor 22 Jun 1935, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Walter (son of John McGregor and Georgina Barbara Buchholtz) was born 8 Jan 1911, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Apr 1996, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]