Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Oshawa's History


Scugog Carrying Place: A Frontier Pathway, by Grant Karcich
Scugog Carrying Place: A Frontier Pathway (US)
by Grant Karcich
-- The story of Scugog Carrying Place, the ancient aboriginal trails connecting Lake Ontario with Lakes Scugog and Simcoe and the Kawartha lakes is a multifaceted one. 

In tracing its documented history from the 1790s to the 1850s, author Grant Karcich unravels mysteries; explores the lifestyles of early First Nations; provides background on local archaeological sites; and introduces the intrepid early surveyors, fur traders, missionaries, colourful characters, and entrepreneurial immigrant settlers from both the newly formed United States and the United Kingdom. In their wake come the demon whiskey, devastating plagues, competing world views, saddlebag preachers, and ultimately the marginalization of the First Nations people.

The Scugog Trail assumes a significant role in the transition of the land, from forest to agriculture to villages, towns, and industrial centres. Long-forgotten cabins, cemeteries, and a cartographic mystery involving the infamous Cabane de Plomb add to the mystique. The trail bore witness to the development of communities, such as Oshawa, Harmony, Columbus, Prince Albert, Port Perry, Seagrave, Cannington, and Beaverton, whose stories also unfold. Scugog Carrying Place is a must read for history buffs, genealogists, archaeologists, and anyone with roots in this part of Ontario.

Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk


Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

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Who Lived on Centre Street - 1851-1869?

1851 - The Canada Directory, containing the names of the professional and business men of every description, in the cities, towns, and principal villages of Canada. November 1851.
 There are no listings for Farewell, Fox, Annis and McGregor - said to live there in 1839.

There are no listings for Coryell, Dearborn, Demeray, Drew, Farewell, Groat, Hall, Moore, Henry, McGregor, Roger, Terwillager, Anne, Hinkson, Mothersill, and Pickle - said to live there in 1857.

There is a listing for:
Dr. W. McGill, physician and surgeon.
J. [John?] Amsbury, blacksmith
E. [Edward?] Smith, miller

Source: The Canada Directory

Since we know that at least some of the above families definitely lived in Oshawa at that time - the directory must not list every family, but only businesses.

1855 - A plan of subdivision, Eunice McGregor's Plan (No. C) [now H-50004], comprising part of the McGregor acreage was filed April 2, 1855.

Black and white photo of the exterior of St. George’s Anglican Church, built in 1858
Black and white photo of the exterior of St. George's
Anglican Church, built in 1858. ca. 1900s
Source: OurOntario.ca

Public domain: Copyright expired according
to Canadian law

1857 - In the south were 17 families listed as living on Lot 11 in the First Concession:
Coryells, Dearborns, Demerays, Drews, Farewells, Groats, Halls, Moores, Henrys, McGills, McGregors, Rogers, Terwillagers, Annes, Hinksons, Mothersills, Pickles.

Source: By-laws of the Council of the corporation of the county of Ontario from the time of its inception in January 1854 to the 1st of July 1905


1857 - The Centre Street School was built in 1857, on Centre Lot 2 West side, between Bagot Street and Metcalf Street.Today the address is 120 Centre Street South. 
1858 - St. George's Anglican Church was built in 1858 on Centre Lot 11 East side, between John Street and Metcalf Street - where what is now Memorial Park.

1869 - The County of Ontario Directory 1869
In this directory there are only 8 people listed with Centre as their address.
• John Anderson, finisher, Centre Street
• Michael W. Dow, (of Michael and Morgan), Centre
James Gall [Gull], mason, 180 or 315 Centre Street
• George Harper, carriage maker, Centre Street
• William Hill, carver, Centre
• R. McGee (of Farewell and McGee), Centre
G. Stephenson, carpenter, 191 Centre Street
• Agustus Veale, blacksmith, Centre

Centre Street School 1857-1922
Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired according
to Canadian law
ELIMINATIONS?
In 1869, there is no listing for the Coryells, Dearborns, Demerays, Groats, Terwillagers, Annes, Hinks, Mothersills or Pickles.

• Daniel [teamster] and Hollis Drew, lived on William Street.
• Athur [painter] and Wallace [laborer] Farewell,  lived on King Street.
The offices of FAREWELL and McGEE, Barristers, Attorneys, Solicitors, was on Simcoe Street
• There is a John Moore [laborer] listed, but no address is given.
• J. G. Henry (of Henry and Brother) lived on King Street, perhaps above the store.
Henry and Brother, the grocery and provision store, was located on King Street.
• J.O. Henry was a boot and shoe merchant and photographic artist, living on Simcoe Street
• There was also a Thomas Henry, no address listed.
• Andrew [currier], Frederick H. [machinist] and Thomas [carpenter] Hall lived on King Street.
• Andrew [labourer] and John senior [carpenter] McGill lived on Duke Street.
• William [labourer] and M. D. McGill lived on King Street.
• There is a Benjamin Rogers, no address listed.

• R. G. McGregor, is listed as living on Simcoe Street
• Jacob Polton Wood also lived on Simcoe Street

I keep wondering if at one time the address for my house was listed as on Simcoe, not Centre, since it may have been built before Centre Street came down that far south?



Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Thursday, February 2, 2017

Research Resources

Image: Oshawa Town Hall and Williams Piano Works, ca 1900. Source: Ontario.ca
Oshawa Town Hall and Williams Piano Works, ca 1900.
Source: Ontario.ca Public Domain: Copyright expired
JUMP TO:
Researching Your Family Tree
Researching Your House
Research Resources


Other than paying for some photocopying at the Land Registry office, I have done all my research for free. I thought I would collect my sources in one spot - to make it easier for both you and me to find the links when we need them.

To help you get started and avoid costly mistakes, be sure to read Genealogy for Dummies, or The Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Genealogy. The titles might sound condescending, but they really are excellent guides for people just getting started in genealogy, family trees, and house histories - who want to get started quickly and easily.


SEARCH: Birth Records | Marriage Records | Obituary Records | Death Records | Cemetery Records


Top 100 Genealogy Sites
-- Top 100 genealogy websites from around the world. This list has become the gold standard for the genealogy industry. It profiles and ranks the best ancestral websites based on their internet traffic.

Resources for Military Families
-- This comprehensive collection of armed forces and conflict records provide a great resource to assist you in searching for your military ancestors. Discover more about your family's military past and learn more about your brave ancestors' achievements and efforts during wars around the world.

Genealogy and the Law
-- Because much of the genealogy hunt involves sifting through court and county records, marriage licenses, certificates of birth and death and other official documentation, it’s important you're familiar with some of the terms you will encounter.

A Beginner's Guide to Building a Family Tree Online
-- For beginners just getting started with conducting genealogy online, building their online family tree and doing it accurately are usually the main goals. With these things, you will find Ancestry.com truly excels more than any other site on the internet.

Military Indexes
-- This website is a directory of links to online military indexes and records for USA genealogy research. Included are rosters, databases of soldiers, draft card databases for World War I and II, and listings of military and war casualties.

1954 Southern Ontario Air Photos
-- Click on the index layer to download geo-referenced air photos of that location.

Maps, Gazetteers and Directories Resources
(free resource)
-- York Research Resources is a compilation of online references, books, articles, and useful addresses to assist with research in York Region. Books can be located using your favourite online library catalogue search, borrowed through interlibrary loan, or purchased directly from the publishers.

Genealogy Today
(Both free and paid resources)
-- Discover your Ancestors in this unique collection of Family History records and photos.
Over 6,350 transcriptions -- including Masonic lodge rosters, funeral notices, school catalogues, telephone directories, insurance claims, directories, church member lists, prison records, etc. -- from original documents. 4.35 million names + 28,490 images

Billion Graves
(free resource)
-- Our goal is to preserve precious records found in cemeteries throughout the world. We use modern technology to capture images of headstones with their GPS locations so users worldwide can access those records anywhere. BillionGraves strives to do just that: preserve at least one billion graves.

Find A Grave
(free resource)
-- Find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials, add 'virtual flowers' and a note to a loved one's grave, etc. 101 million grave records

Canadian Headstones
(free resource)
-- Browse over 656,000 gravestone photo records from across Canada!

1866 Directory of Ontario County

(free resource)
-- Durham Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society

1869 Directory of Ontario
(free resource)
-- Durham Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society

Stephen Wood: Scotland Resources - containing many Web links.
(free resource)

Ontario Genealogical Society - Local Repositories
(free resource)
• Durham Region Branch, O.G.S.
• Ontario Genealogical Society
• Durham Region Repositories
• Family History Centre [LDS]

OGSPI - 1891 Census Project
(free resource)
-- a web based library established in 1997 as a volunteer project to index an unlimited range of Genealogical information on Ontario families.

Obituary Network
(free resource)
-- designed to easily and quickly archive obituaries from any country in the world. The obits are recorded by country, province/state, surname and given names which are fully searchable - 16539 Obituaries

Gendex Network
(free resource)
-- 6,000 datasets containing 31,000,000 names linked to family history websites across the Internet. Simply follow the links in your search results for more detailed genealogical information about them.

Branch Web Links Collection
(free resource)
-- focuses on resources located in the Durham Region, as well as genealogical portals and short cuts to government sites.

OurOntario.ca
(free resource)
-- Search across hundreds of sites – digital collections of libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, community groups, government agencies, and content organizations – in seconds.
Oshawa Archives image database
Whitby Archives image database
Ajax Archives image database

The Archives Damage Atlas
(free resource)
-- This slim volume is intended as an aid for identifying and classifying damage to archive documents. It facilitates the recognition of different types of damage and the identification of the causes of damage and can also serve as a basis for drawing up a conservation plan.

Directories:

Lovell’s Province of Ontario Directory for 1871
(free resource)
-- containing names of professional and business men, and other inhabitants, of the cities, towns and villages, throughout the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island,...corrected to January, 1871 (1871)

Free resources:
Canada Directory 1851
Conner and Coltson's Directory of the Country of Ontario for 1869-70
The County of Ontario Directory 1869
Province of Ontario Gazetteer and Directory 1869
Lovell’s Province of Ontario Directory for 1871
Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory for 1884-85
Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory for 1886-87
Directory of the Counties of Grey, Ontario and Simcoe 1887
Ontario Gazetteer and Business Directory for 1888-89
Ontario Gazetteer and Directory for 1892-93
Ontario Gazetteer and Directory for 1895
Business and Professional Directory of All Cities in Ontario, 1899-1900

National Archives UK
(free resource)
 -- These are naturalization petitions completed by individuals applying to become British citizens between 1801 and 1871.

Census:
(free resource)
Canada, Upper Canada Census, 1842
1851 Canada Census
1851 Whitby Twp, Ontario
1861 Whitby East Twp, Ontario
1871 Canada Census
1881 Canada Census
1891 Canada Census
1901 Canada Census of Canada Indexing Project
1911 Census of Canada Indexing Project

Obituary Depot
(free resource)
 -- Invites genealogists and family researchers around the world to take a few minutes every day to transcribe the obituaries from their local paper. The result is a database that receives several hundred new submissions a day. At last count, there were over 590,000 listings.

Download a Free Blank Family Tree Template
(free resource)
 -- great 6-Generation family tree that you can download and print out

Facebook Favourites:
Ancestry.com
Durham Region Area Archives Group
Oshawa Community Museum and Archives
Olive Tree Genealogy


SEARCH: Birth Records | Marriage Records | Obituary Records | Death Records | Cemetery Records

Paid Resources:

Archives.com
(Free 7 Day Trial)
-- Find your ancestors' historical records quickly and simply. Search their extensive database of images, newspapers, vital records, and more!

Ancestry.com
(Free 14 Day Trial)
-- We've spent more than a decade building the world's largest online family history resource - including historical records, photos, stories, family trees and a collaborative community of millions. Start a tree with just a few details about your family and they will help you discover more. Search 11 billion historical records, photos, and family trees with a free 14-day trial. Discover a lifetime told in records.

Genealogy Beginner
-- Personal Support from In-House Genealogists. You’ll have members-only access to their community forums. Their resident genealogists will be available to provide guidance and resources. The services of a genealogist can cost up to $1800 on other sites. With your Genealogy Beginner membership, this unlimited resource is included.
-- Weekly Lessons, delivered to your inbox. Each week for eight weeks you’ll receive a genealogy lesson. The lessons are designed specifically for the beginning genealogist. As you complete each lesson, you’ll gain the tools you need to discover your family’s history. Each lesson includes specialized, member only community forums, where instructors are standing by to answer your questions and give direction, guidance, and advice.
-- Family Tree Starter Kit. You’ll receive a full Family Tree Starter Kit, which contains all the charts, graphs and resources you’ll need to document your family’s history. Download and print as many copies as you like.


Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Monday, August 26, 2013

My House History Search Continues...

Image: Oldest house on Centre Street, Oshawa, Ontario
Looking at the Conner and Coltson's Directory for the County of Oshawa for 1869-1870 (Population about 3000), the following people are listed as living on Centre Street South:

John Anderson, finisher
James Gull, mason
George Harper, carriage maker
Michael W. Dow (of Michael and Morgan)
R. McGee (of Farewell and McGee)
Agustus Veal, blacksmith

Is one of these men the person who built my house on Centre Street in 1850? Probably not, as most of them would have been very young, and none of them are listed in the 1857 Lovell Directory. But it is possible that one of them lived in my house at that point in time  - 1869 - 1870.

My house is the only one remaining from that era, the rest of the Centre Street houses are now gone. The only remaining houses were built in 1875, 1885, and two in 1890, according to the Heritage Oshawa Inventory.


John Anderson
On the 1851 Census there are two John Anderson:
John Anderson - Occupation: Labourer, Born: Scotland, Religion: Free Church, Age: 21, Marital Status: Single
John Anderson - Occupation: Labourer, Born: England, Religion: C. E., Age: 25, Marital Status: single

On the 1861 Census, there is a John Anderson in Oshawa, his wife was Ann (27 years old), his 2 year old daughter Febe.
Occupation: Cabinet Finisher, Age: 25, Marital Status: Married, Place of Birth: Scotland, Religion: Wesleyan Methodist, D.O.B. about 1836.

The Oshawa Vindicator reports the birth of a son to John Anderson on January 6, 1863, and a second son on March 30, 1866.  

The 1866 Directory of Ontario Country lists John Anderson as a finisher.

On the 1871 Census there is a John Anderson in Oshawa
Occupation: Cabinet Maker, Age: 33, Place of Birth: Scotland, Religion: Presbyterian

The 1871 Ontario Directory has John Anderson still living on Centre Street and working as a finisher.


James Gull
In the 1857 John Lovell - Canada Directory, there is listed a Gullock and Edwards, mason and builders.

On the 1861 Census, there is a James Gull in Oshawa.
Occupation: Mason, Age: 19, Marital Status: Single, Place of Birth: Scotland, Religion: C Of S, D.O.B. about 1842.

In the 1869 Directory, there is a John Gullock, mason.

In the 1871 Ontario Directory, there is a James Gall listed as working as a mason and living on Centre Street.

There are no Gulls or Galls listed as living in Oshawa in the 1871 census.

However there are two John Gullock:
JOHN T Gullock - Occupation: PAINTER, Age: 23, Place of Birth: ONTARIO, Religion: Bible Christian, Ethnic Origin: ENGLISH, D.O.B. about 1848.

JOHN J Gullock - Occupation: MASON, Age: 54, Place of Birth: ENGLAND, Religion: Bible Christian, Ethnic Origin: ENGLISH, D.O.B. about 1817.

There were no reports in the local newspaper for either surname.


George Harper
The 1851 Census show two George Harper living in Oshawa:
George Thomas Harper - Age: 5, Birth Year (Estimated): 1846
George Harper - Age: 11, Birth Year (Estimated): 1840, Occupation: Labourer

There are no Harpers listed as living in Oshawa in the 1861 census.

The Oshawa Vindicator newspaper reports on the marriage of George to Carrie E. Mark on June 25, 1868. They report the birth of a son on March 8, 1869.

On the 1871 Census there is a George Harper in Oshawa
Occupation: Lawyer, Age: 27, Place of Birth: Ontario, Religion: Church of England, Anglican, Ethnic Origin: ENGLISH, D.O.B. about 1844.

In the 1871 Ontario Directory, there is a George Harper listed as working as a sawyer and living on Centre Street.

Michael W. Dow
I found a Michael William Dow on Ancestry.com, but nowhere else. He is not listed in the 1861 or 1871 Census as living in Oshawa. I could not find any information in the local newspaper or on FamilySearch.org.

In the 1869 Directory, there is listed Michael W. Dow living on Centre Street,
part owner of Michael and Morgan, general merchants, located at the corner of King and Simcoe.
 

In the 1871 Ontario Directory, Michael William Dow is listed as a produce dealer and living on Simcoe Street.



Robert McGee
There are no McGees listed as living in Oshawa in the 1861 census.

The 1866 Directory of Ontario Country lists Robert McGee as an attorney and solicitor, Simcoe Street, near the Post Office.

The Oshawa Vindicator newspaper reports the birth of a daughter to Robert McGee on November 11, 1866. They report a second daughter on July 26, 1868 and a son on September 30, 1869.

The 1869 Directory shows an R. McGee, working for Farewell and McGee.

On the 1871 Census there is a Robert McGee in Oshawa:
Occupation: Barrister, Age: 35, Place of Birth: Ontario, Religion: Church of England, Anglican, Ethnic Origin: IRISH, D.O.B. about 1836.

The 1871 Ontario Directory lists Robert McGee working at Farewell and McGee, at the corner of Athol and Centre Street.

In the 1879 Oshawa City Directory there is a Robert McGee living on Lot 5 at Athol and Centre. That would be about where the City Hall is now. If he has lived there since before 1850, then we can eliminate him as the owner of my house.


Augustus Veal
There are no Veals or Veales listed as living in Oshawa in the 1861 census.

The 1866 Directory of Ontario Country lists Augustus Veal working as a blacksmith.

I found an Augustin Veale in the 1871 Census.
Occupation: Blacksmith, Age: 37, Place of Birth: England, Religion: Bible Christian, Ethnic Origin: English, D.O.B. about 1834

The Oshawa Vindicator newspaper reports a son born to Augustus Veal on February 17, 1868.

The 1871 Ontario Directory lists Augustus Veale working as a blacksmith and living on Centre Street.

In the 1879 Oshawa City Directory, there is an Augustus Veale listed as living on Lot 22 on Centre Street West - which I think would be the house on the south west corner of McGrigor and Centre. If he has lived there since before 1850, then we can eliminate him as the owner of my house.

FamilySearch.org has a Augustus Veal marrying an Ann Weeks on December 31, 1866. They baptized a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Veale, born September 4, 1874.

They also have an Augustus Veale married to Josephine Sowerby (a second wife?), and baptizing a son, Clinton A. Veale, born November 23, 1886. There was another son baptized, Loran Roy Veale, born on December 26, 1888.

The 1891 Census shows a Augustine Veale
Age: 68, Birth Year (Estimated): 1823, Birthplace: England, Marital Status: Married, Religion: Methodist

So only two eliminations - who does that leave?
John Anderson
Michael William Dow
James Gull
George Harper

Any information to share? Have I made any mistakes? Tell me - I love new information!!


Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Thursday, August 8, 2013

1921 Canada Census will be released today

Image: Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925.
Source: Wikimedia Commons {{PD-US}}
Public Domain: Copyright expired
Library and Archives Canada is pleased to announce the release  of the 1921 Canada Census to Ancestry.ca today (August 8, 2013) at around 2:00 PM ET.

For now, it will only be available with the geographic index, free of charge, on Ancestry.

The Canadian censuses are a key starting point for Canadians interested in discovering their family story. They provide vital details such as names of spouses, immigration years, occupations and so much more.

Other Canadian Censuses available:
• 1851 Census
• 1861 Census
• 1871 Census
• 1881 Census
• 1891 Census
• 1901 Census
• 1906 Census
• 1911 Census
• 1916 Census


Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Today's Free Book: Canada for Gentlemen

Image: Canada for Gentlemen, by James Seaton Cockburn
Canada for Gentlemen
by James Seaton Cockburn

-- a series of letters by the author, James Seaton Cockburn, to his family as he sets out in 1884 from Dawlish, England to Canada to seek his fortune. He struggles immensely to gain any employment. Although he's trained as an engineer, for a long time he cannot find even a simple post as a farm hand. Through perseverance he lands a job at a lawyer's firm in Ottawa as a draughtsman.

It painted a struggle of an immigrant in the 1880s probably better than any history book has done so far. The author is at times trying to spare the feelings of his mother and speaks of generalities so she won't worry, but in his letters to his brothers he's very jovial but also very honest about the cold hard truth... there's no jobs and there won't be, and yet he must persist to survive.

DID YOU KNOW? You can read these free e-books on your smartphone, PC/Mac computer, or tablet - just grab yourself a free Kindle Reading app and start reading!

Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

Save $30 on the Flip-Pal mobile scanner Picture Keeper Bundle!
Click for more info

More Free Books

• History of Farming in Ontario
by C. C. (Charles Canniff), 1863-1916 James
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Campaign of 1760 in Canada
by chevalier de James Johnstone Johnstone
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Drama of the Forests Romance and Adventure
by Arthur Henry Howard Heming
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• By Canoe and Dog-Train
by Egerton Ryerson Young
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Journal of a Voyage across the Atlantic
by George Moore
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Dawn of Canadian History : A Chronicle of Aboriginal Canada
by Stephen Leacock, H. H. Langton, George McKinnon Wrong
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Ten Generations of Bondage: Eleven Generations of Faith
by Johari Ade
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• A Soldier's Life: Personal Reminiscences of Edwin G. Rundle
by Edwin George Rundle
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Troublous Times in Canada: A History of the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870
by John A. (John Alexander) MacDonald
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Pathfinders of the West: The Thrilling Story of the Adventures of the Men Who Discovered the Great Northwest
by Agnes C. (Agnes Christina) Laut
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Canada: the Empire of the North
by Agnes C. (Agnes Christina) Laut
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Story of the Upper Canadian Rebellion, Volume 1
by John Charles Dent
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Romance of Names
by Ernest Weekley
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• The Stephens Family A Genealogy of the Descendants of Joshua Stevens
by Bascom Asbury Cecil Stephens
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

• Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl: Written by Herself
by Harriet Ann Jacobs
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

Save $30 on the Flip-Pal mobile scanner Picture Keeper Bundle!
Click for more info

Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Friday, July 26, 2013

Canada Census - 1851 database available

Image: Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925.
Source: Wikimedia Commons {{PD-US}}
Public Domain: Copyright expired
Library and Archives Canada announced the release of a new version of the Census of 1851 database.

The 1851 Census marked the second collection of statistics for the Province of Canada (consisting of Canada West and Canada East). Information was also collected for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

In addition to searching by geographical information such as province, district, and sub-district, users can now also search by nominal information such as name, given name(s) and age of an individual.



Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

Follow me on Twitter, join the conversation on Facebook, circle me on Google+, follow my pins on Pinterest.



Thursday, July 25, 2013

House Histories: Athol and Albert Street West

Image: 28A Albert Street, Athol and Albert Street West, Oshawa, Ontario. Photo Credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
28A Albert Street, Athol and Albert Street West
Photo Credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
On the 1850's map of Oshawa, Athol Street begins at Union Street and ends at Mary Street - which was the edge of Oshawa village at that time.

According to the 1877 Historic Map, this part of Oshawa Village originally belonged to a Mrs. Whitelaw.

Checked the 1866, 1869 and 1871 City Directory of East Whitby, but there are no Whitelaws listed.

But in the 1851 Whitby Twp, Ontario Census there was a William Whitelaw, 35 years old, single, labourer - born in Scotland, Presbyterian. It is possible William moved to Guelph, the 1871 Census has a William Whitelaw of the correct age - 56 years old, born in Scotland, Presbyterian.

QUESTIONS: Why is the land only in Mrs. Whitelaw's name?
Where did Mrs. Whitelaw live?


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Image: Oshawa Village Town Plan. Drawing credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
Oshawa Village Town Plan
Drawing credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

Lot 10, Athol and Albert West:
According to the Oshawa Village Town Plan, there was a Lot 10 on the North West corner of Athol and Albert Street. Today an apartment building - Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation - sits on that lot, located at 28A Albert Street.

According to the Oshawa Census of 1879, the Morrison family lived on Lot 10, Athol and Albert West:
Thomas Morrison, Jane, Mary, John, Janet, James and a second James.

Canada Census - 1871:
Thomas got married and started a family!

Thomas Morrison - 28 years old, Birth Year (Estimated): 1843, Boiler Maker
-- Place of Birth: SCOTLAND, Religion: Presbyterian, Ethnic Origin: SCOTCH
Wife: Jane Morrison - 23 years old, Birth Year (Estimated): 1848
-- Place of Birth: SCOTLAND, Religion: Presbyterian, Ethnic Origin: SCOTCH
Son: Donald Morrison - 1 year old, Birth Year (Estimated): 1870

Canada Census - 1881:
The Morrison family grew!

Thomas Morrison - 39 years old (b.1842 - possibly d. 16 Nov 1917), Boiler Maker
-- Place of Birth: Scotland, Religion: C. Pres, Nationality: Scotch
Wife: Jane - 33 years old (b.1848, possibly Jana Brown)
-- Place of Birth: Scotland, Religion: C. Pres, Nationality: Scotch
Children: Thomas - 11 years old (b.1870, Ontario)
Jennie [Janet?] - 7 years old (b.1874, Ontario)
Henry - 5 years old (b.1876, Ontario)
Annie - 2 years old (b.1879, Ontario)
May - 1 month old (b.1881, Ontario)

QUESTIONS: I wonder why some of the children were not listed on the 1879 Oshawa Census? Thomas Jr. would have been 9 years old, Henry would have been 3 years old. And where is Donald, who was listed on the Canada Census of 1871?
Where are Mary, John and James, listed in the Oshawa Census of 1879?

Canada Census 1891:
According to the 1891 Census, the Morrison family lived in a brick one and 1/2 story house with eight rooms - was this the house on Lot 10?

Not all the birth years match up, but I think this is due to errors, because otherwise it seems like the same family, with a few new children.

Thomas Morrison - 47 years old (b.1844, Scotland), Boiler Maker
Wife: Jane - 42 years old (b.1849, Scotland)
Children: Thomas F. - 20 years old (b.1871, Ontario)
Jane [Janet?] - 17 years old (b. est. 1874, Ontario, possibly Jane Craig born 26 Nov 1873),
Harry [Henry?] - 15 years old (b.1876, Ontario)
Annie - 13 years old (b. est. 1878, Ontario, possibly born 18 Oct 1878)
Mary [May?] - 10 years old (b.1881, Ontario)
Isabella - 8 years old (b.1883, Ontario)
Fred - 4 years old (b. est. 1887, Ontario, possibly Frederick John b. 24 May 1886)
Marion - 1 years old (b.est. 1890, Ontario, possibly born 20 Jun 1889)

Canada Census 1901:
There is only two Morrisons listed as living in Oshawa Village. This Jane Morrison doesn't appear to be from the same family - her days and birth place do not match up. They appear to be lodging with the Sayyal family.

Jane Morrison - 28 years old, married (b.1872-11-09)
Place of Birth: England, Religion: English, Relationship: Lodger, Immigrated: 1876
and her daughter Gertrude - 1 year old (b. 1900-01-21)
Place of Birth: Ontario, Religion: English, Relationship: Daughter

Canada Census 1911:
There appears to be no Morrisons living in Oshawa.

Image: Front cover of 1921 Oshawa Phone Directory
1921 Vernon's Oshawa Directory
Public Domain: Copyright Expired
In the 1921 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory, there is no listing for 28 Albert Street, but between King Street and Athol Street on Albert there is:
20 Albert Street - David Moffatt
32 Albert Street - Sadie Brooks (widow of Arthur Brooks)

In the 1923 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory, there is more details about their lives:
20 Albert Street:
- David Moffatt, homeowner, works at McLaughlin Motor Co.
- Leat Moffatt, teacher at King Street School
- Meredith Moffatt, student

32 Albert Street:
- Sadie Brooks (widow of Arthur Brooks), homeowner, works at O'Keefe's Brewery
- David Miller, boarder, proprietor of Regent Box Lunch

In the 1924 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory:
20 Albert Street:
- David Moffatt, works at General Motors, homeowner
- Meredith Moffatt, clerk for Pedlar People
- Orme Moffatt, salesman for J McGill

32 Albert Street:
- Sadie Brooks (widow Arthur), homeowner

In the 1926 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory:
20 Albert Street:
- David Moffat, works General Motors, homeowner
- Meredith Moffatt, clerk at General Motors
- Orme Moffatt, clerk at J C McGill

32 Albert Street:
- Sadie Brooks (widow Arthur), homeowner

Image: front cover of 1928 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory
1928 Vernon's Oshawa Directory
Public Domain: Copyright Expired
In the 1928 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory, there is a new street number:
20 Albert Street:
- David Moffat, elevator man General Motors, homeowner
- Bessie Moffat (wife)
- MeredithMoffat, clerk General Motors
- Orme Moffat, clerk J C McGill

22 Albert Street:
- ALGER PRESS LIMITED
Phone 1400. Specializing in Commercial Printing, Including Office and Factory Forms, Folders, Booklets, Catalogues, Direct Mail Advertising.

32 Albert Street:
- Sadie Brooks, (widow Arthur), homeowner
- Norval Mitchell, printer
- T. Hudson, works as a moulder at Fittings Ltd

In the 1929 Vernon's City of Oshawa Directory, looks like David Moffat has sold his home:
20 Albert Street:
- Walter H Holley, district agent Loyal Protective Ins Co, homeowner
- Mary Holley (wife)
- Peter Holkema, mechanic General Motors
- Oscar Phillips, works General Motors
- William Phillips, works General Motors,

22 Albert Street:
- ALGER PRESS LIMITED,
O M Alger president, H P Phin secretary-treasurer, Job Printers and Publishers

32 Albert Street:
- Sadie Brooks, (widow Arthur), homeowner
- Charles Daley, works General Motors
- John Sonley, labourer

I will continue to update this page as new information comes in. Do you know anything about the history of Lot 10, Athol and Albert West? Please share!



Well, I hope you enjoyed this little history of Lot 10, Athol and Albert West. I look forward to researching another house or lot in the Village of Oshawa soon.

PLEASE NOTE: My house histories are for entertainment only. Although I do my best to be accurate to the best of my abilities - I make no guarantees. If it is important to you that the information is 100% accurate, I have included my resources so you can research further on your own.
However, if you do find any inaccuracies in my post, please let me know! I always appreciate being given the opportunity to correct any errors!


SEARCH: Birth Records | Marriage Records | Obituary Records | Death Records | Cemetery Records

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by C. Style, O. Style
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Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com~*~ by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt, author of OshawaJournal.com, researching her 1850's house, the history of old homes, the genealogy of the founding families in Oshawa - as well as citylife and farm life in the 1800's, with old news clippings, well-researched articles, and "then and now" photos with the help of her "history dogs", Denny and Dexter.

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