Canada Census - 1851 database available

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.

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~*~ 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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House Histories: Athol and Albert Street West

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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I create high-quality digital images of my research with my Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner. All of my precious photos, important documents, fragile records of personal and family history, detailed coins, jewelry, medals, hand-drawn art, and other keepsakes are safely stored digitally rather than scattered, lost or hidden. I can scan images anywhere, anytime... with the push of a button.

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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.

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

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!

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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!

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

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
House Histories for Beginners (US)
by C. Style, O. Style
-- It is a good time for a beginner to find out more about his or her house. Popular television programmes are highlighting the satisfaction that can be gained from investigating the history of houses, and interest in the subject is growing. Archives, too, are becoming ever more accessible under the impetus of the internet.

As the subject of this book covers a broad field, the authors have set out to include advice on those aspects that usually apply to a project and others that will be of particular use for beginners. The reader is guided through every stage of research, from the first exploration of archives to the completion of the project. Suggestions are also included on how to present the findings -- a house history makes a very attractive gift.

The authors describe how to deduce the age of a property - it is very seldom directly recorded when a house was built, and characteristics of research on particular types of property -- such as cottages, manor houses, inns, mills, former church properties, and farms - are discussed. In one example, research demonstrated that a farm was likely to have been a Domesday manor - a discovery achieved using records accessible to any beginner.

A wealth of other interesting and instructive examples are provided, showing the reader how the history of a house can also reveal much of our towns' and countryside's history. Written in an entertaining and informative style, and filled with fine illustrations, this book will act as an excellent reference for those seeking to take up this rewarding hobby.
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

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

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1842 Canada Census

Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925.
Source: Wikimedia Commons {{PD-US}}
Public Domain: Copyright expired

Library and Archives Canada announced the Census of Canada West, 1842 as well as the Census of Canada East, 1842 is now available online.

In the first half of the 1900's, censuses were done roughly every 10 years. The Act of Union created the Province of Canada, consisting of Canada West (present-day Ontario) and Canada East (present-day Quebec).

This census began in September 1841, to be completed by February 1, 1842.

Unfortunately, not all of the census returns have survived. Eight districts and 51 sub-district censuses have been preserved and are now accessible through this research tool.

This census contains only the names of the heads of families or households. Other household members were counted, but unnamed. The enumeration data included a total of 89 questions.

On my way there now!!

UPDATE: Sadly, Oshawa is not on the list...

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

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John McGrigor's granddaughter visits Oshawa

Simcoe Street United Church
Photo Credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

John McGrigor [McGregor] was one of the original settlers in Oshawa in 1817. Sue is Peter McGrigor's great great granddaughter, the younger brother of John McGrigor. Sue and I got chatting about the McGregors on RootsChat.com.

She connected me with Dorothy, who is John McGrigor's great great granddaughter.

Yesterday Sue emailed me to say that Dorothy and her daughter were on a road trip from Colorado to Oshawa!
Did I want to make contact?

Yes, I would love to meet with her! Sadly, Sue couldn't make to Oshawa on such short notice. But she made a great facilitator. It was wonderful to get to meet Dorothy and her daughter. Thanks so much Sue!

My husband Rob and I chatted with Dorothy in Tim Horton's, up the street. Dorothy had never been to Oshawa before, so I showed her the old maps I had and the McGregor's town plans I got from the land registry office.

Sue and Dorothy said there was talk of a McGregor window in one of the local churches on Simcoe Street, possibly paid for by Eunice. So we headed up to the Simcoe United Church to see if we could find Eunice McGregor's window. No luck from the outside, all the windows looked the same. We decided if there was a plaque it would probably be inside, and the church was closed and locked up on Saturday.

I promised I would go back when the church was open and take pictures if I can find it, and send them to Dorothy, who was heading back to the US that same night.

Plaque on the cornerstone of the church
Photo Credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

The plaque on the cornerstone of the church reads:
This corner stone was laid by the Hon. T.N. Gibbs. M.P. June 17, 1867. Assisted by Mrs. James Luke, W.H. Gibbs Esq, Chairman of Building Committee Dedicatory Services May 1868 by Rev. Morley Punshon L.L.O.O.O

The Simcoe Street United Church website has links to their historical property information and heritage designation.

They also have a booklet about their church: "Our Story: Simcoe Street United Church 1817-1988" - so I requested a copy.

Plaque at Union Cemetery
Photo Credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

Next we went to the Oshawa Union Cemetery - where her McGregor ancestors were buried.

Gravestones can be an excellent source to help you find dates, birth places, maiden names, spouses' names and parents' names. Sometimes you may also find evidence of military service, membership in fraternal organizations and even religious affiliations.

Dorothy had a long list of McGregor graves she hoped to find. Having four of us to comb through the cemetery certainly helped to speed up the hunt. After much searching, we were able to find many of the graves on Dorothy's list.

But we were unable to find Martha Etta, Wilfred, Gordon, Martha, Nellie C., R.G. [Royale Grigor], S.J. [Sarah Jane], Eunice, Janet, Jne or William. I promised I would go back when the staff was there to get some help in finding these - and send her pictures.

Royale Grigor McGregor [wife Sarah Jane, daughter Nellie C] is the family member I am thinking possibly built my house - so I really hoped we would find his grave.

I did find an online list today, which shows:
• MCGREGOR, Arvilla M. Lee - B-49 [found]
• MCGREGOR. Elizabeth Ferguson - B-49 [found]
• MCGREGOR, Janet F. - B-49 [found]
• MCGREGOR, John A. - B-49 [found]
• MCGREGOR, Peter - B-49 [found]
• MCGREGOR, Nellie C. (SULLEY) - D-227
• MCGRIGOR, Eunice - D-14 [found]
• MCGRIGOR, Janet (DICKIE) - D-14
• MCGRIGOR, Jne - D-14
• McGregor, Martha (GIMBLETT) - C-122 

[ UPDATED ] Found another list at Ontario Cemetery Finding Aid, which shows:
• McGREGOR, Arvilla H. (Lee)    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section B    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGREGOR, Christina    Bowmanville (Section C)    Durham    Darlington    WO-132-9 
• McGREGOR, Cleora Janet    Bowmanville (Section S)    Durham    Darlington    WO-162-6 
• McGREGOR, David    Groveside, Brooklin, Section G    Durham    Whitby    WO-167-1
 • McGREGOR, David, Sgt.    Groveside, Brooklin, Section I    Durham    Whitby    WO-169-8
 • McGREGOR, Elizabeth    Groveside, Brooklin, Section G    Durham    Whitby    WO-167-1
 • McGREGOR, Elizabeth (Ferguson)    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section B    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGREGOR, Gordon    Oshawa Union, Section L, Infant's Plot    Durham    Whitby East    WO-
 • McGREGOR, Janet F.    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section B    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGREGOR, Jean (Carruthers)    Bowmanville (Section U)    Durham    Darlington    WO-166-4
 • McGREGOR, Jessie M.    Pine Grove, Prince Albert, Section B    Durham    Reach    WO-103-5
 • McGREGOR, John    Pine Grove, Prince Albert, Section Ha    Durham    Reach    WO-117-5
 • McGREGOR, John A.    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section B    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGREGOR, John Alexander    Groveside, Brooklin, Section G    Durham    Whitby    WO-167-1
 • McGREGOR, Martha    Oshawa Union, North Presbyterian, Section C    Durham    Whitby East    WO-
 • McGREGOR, Mona H. (Rodman)    Pine Grove, Prince Albert, Section Fb    Durham    Reach    WO-113-2 
• McGREGOR, Nellie C.    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section D    Durham    Whitby East    WO- 
• McGREGOR, Peter    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section B    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGREGOR, William E.    Pine Grove, Prince Albert, Section Fb    Durham    Reach    WO-113-2
• McGRIGOR, Eunice    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section D    Durham    Whitby East    WO- [found]
• McGRIGOR, Janet    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section D    Durham    Whitby East    WO-
 • McGRIGOR, Jne.    Oshawa Union, South Presbyterian, Section D    Durham    Whitby East    WO-

Here are the gravestone pictures we took so far:

Eunice McGregor [1804-1890]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

John McGrigor [1784-1846]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

Eunice (⇐ left)
wife of John McGregor
Died June 25, 1890 [Born 1804]
Aged 86 years, 3 months, 5 days

John McGrigor (right ⇒)

Died Sept 17, 1846 [Born 1784]
Aged 62 years
4 months, 20 (?) days

Peter McGregor [1800-1886]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

McGregor - In Memory Of
Peter McGregor
Born 1800 - Died 1886 [86 years old]
------------------
His wife - Elizabeth Ferguson
Born 1819 - 1871 [52 years old]
------------------
Janet F. McGregor
Born 1856 - Died 1931 [75 years old]

Rebecca McGregor [1826-1910]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

Clark - James Clark
Died November 5, 1877 [Born 1808]
Aged 69 years
-----------
Rebecca McGregor
His wife, died August 4, 1910 [Born 1826]
Aged 84 years
-----------
Sarah H. Clark, Wife of Samuel Gliddon
Died June 21, 1893 [Born 1844] Aged 49 years

Asenath McGregor [1831-1912]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

In Memory of John Sykes 
Born 1819 - Died 1904 [85 years]
---------
Asenath McGregor, his wife
Born 1831 - Died 1912 [81 years]
---------
Fredrick J. Sykes
Born 1861 - Died 1928 [67 years]
--------
Alice R. Sykes
Born 1859 - Died 1928 [69 years]

John A. McGregor [1853-1939]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

McGregor
In Memory Of
John A. McGregor
Born 1853 - Died 1939
------------------
Arvilla M. Lee - His Wife
Born 1856 - Died - 1945

Donald McGregor [1833-1858]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

In Memory Of
Donald McGregor
Who died
October 26, 1858
Aged 25 years [Born 1833]

We weren't sure of the connection.
Dorothy was looking for:
Donald McGrigor - John's older brother (b.1781 - about 1875)
Donald McGregor - John's son [b. Sep 1843, d. unknown]

Helena Jane [1869-1875]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

John Albert [1874-1874]
© Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

In Memory of (⇐ left)
Helena Jane
Only Daughter of R. G. and S. J. McGrigor
Who died January 20, 1875 [Born 1869]
5 years, 10 months, and 20 days

John Albert (right ⇒)
Infant son of R. G. and S. J. McGrigor
Died Sept 24, 1874 [Born January 1874]
Aged 8 months


It was a little awe-inspiring to see all these gravestones - all these people I have been reading about, researching about, feeling like their stories were alive in my head. But they became even more real as I stood by their grave, and read their names and dates carved into the ancient stone.

When I go back to the cemetery, I need to make sure to write down some of the inscriptions I cannot make out from the pictures I took, and make a voice recording with my phone as well, of my thoughts and findings!

P.S. Click on the pictures if you wish to see larger versions for clarity.

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

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:

How to Use FindAGrave.com for Genealogy Research
[Kindle Edition] (US)
by Karen Barnes
-- Using grave websites, such as Findagrave.com, can help you further your genealogy research.

You will find information that you may not have seen before, having a hard time finding, and find more ancestors.
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

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

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Mr. McGregor's Fire

Whitby Chronicle, 22 Oct 1868
Source: Whitby Online Historic
Photograph Collection
Public Domain: Copyright expired

Whitby Chronicle, 22 Oct 1868

 -- A destructive fire broke out on the premises of Mr. G McGregor, of Oshawa, on Thursday night last, by which he is the loser to the extent of one thousand dollars and upwards.

 Mr. McGregor rented the farm belonging to Mrs Arkland, immediately adjoining the village, and had just threshed out about 600 bushels of spring wheat, 400 bushels of oats and a large quantity of peas, which were stored in the granary.

 Early on Thursday night, the straw stack adjoining the barn was discovered on fire, and before the devastating element could be checked, the fire reached the barns which, with their contents were totally destroyed.

 Mr. McGregor was not, we understand, insured. His loss is estimated at upwards $1,000. Mrs. Arkland had insurance on the buildings, to about half their value.

QUESTIONS: Is this Royal Grigor McGregor, the son of the original settler, John McGrigor?

Was he living on a farm owned by the widow of  one of the original settlers, Charles Arkland?
And if so, why was Grigor living on someone else's land?
Did he not own several acres of land left to him by his father?

[ UPDATED ] My Research: According to his father's will, Royal Grigor was to be given a portion of Lot 11, 1st Concession - about 100 acres to be divided up between the three brothers - Royal Grigor, John Jr., and Donald. That was to happen when the youngest brother, Donald, turned 21 years old, in 1864.

Royal G. McGrigor's Plan of subdivision was registered with the village on this parcel of land, dated October 30, 1867.

Royal Grigor married Sarah J. Wilson on April April 2 1867 - one year before the fire. 
Their children were all born after the fire:
Helena Jane - born 1869, died January 20, 1875
John Albert - born January 1874, died Sept 24, 1874
William Ernest - born 1874, died 1919 (was he a twin to John Albert?)
Nellie C. - born December 12, 1875, died [unknown]

In 1861 G. McGregor lived in Division No. 1 with his mother Janis [Eunice], Margrett [Margaret], Danel (18y) [Donald], and Danel (80y) [Donald], and Celina Arkland lived in Division No. 2 with her granddaughters - Emily (20y) and Adalade (17y).

In 1871, they switched, with G. McGregor living in Division No. 2 (the Arkland farm?) and Celina Arkland living in Division No. 1 - with granddaughter Louisia (16y)

Do the Division numbers relate to the Concession numbers? Does Division No 1 mean 1st Concession?

Charles Arkland died September 25, 1857. His wife, Celina Arkland died August 20, 1875.

Census Year: 1861

Surname: ARKLAND Given Name: Litina [Celina?] Gender: Female Age: 61 Place of Birth: U.S. Religion: Christian Marital: Widow District Name: Ontario County District Number: 25 Sub-District Name: Oshawa (Village) Sub-District Number: 273 Division Number: 2 Page Number: 27 Line: 15

Surname: MCGREGOR Given Name: G Occupation: Carpenter Gender: Male Age: 24 Place of Birth: U.C. Religion: W. Mairital Status: Single District Name: Ontario County District Number: 25 Sub-District Name: Oshawa (Village) Sub-District Number: 273 Division Number: 1 Page Number: 18 Line Number: 6

Source: 1861 Whitby East Twp. Census

Census Year: 1871

Surname: ARKLAND Given Name: CELINA Gender: Female Age: 70 Place of Birth: UNITED STATES Religion: Canada Presbyterian/C. Presb. Ethnic Origin: SCOTCH District Name: ONTARIO SOUTH District Number: 48 Sub-District Name: Oshawa Sub-District Number: E Division Number: 1 Page Number: 72 Microfilm: C-9975 Reference: RG31 - Statistics Canada Item Number: 261294

Surname: MCGREGOR Given Name: ROYAL G Occupation: TANNER Gender: Male Age: 33 Place of Birth: ONTARIO Religion: Wesleyan Methodist Ethnic Origin: SCOTCH District Name: ONTARIO SOUTH District Number: 48 Sub-District Name: Oshawa Sub-District Number: E Division Number: 2 Page Number: 48 Microfilm: C-9975 Reference: RG31 - Statistics Canada Item Number: 261324

Source: Ontario Census of 1871

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Basic Newspaper Research to Genealogy (US)
by Karen Barnes

-- Karen Barnes shows you where to find old historical newspaper to research your ancestors.

She shows you what types of things to look for when researching old newspapers.

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

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~*~ 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.

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Oshawa Street Names

Map of Oshawa: ca. 1850
Public domain: Copyright expired.
Source: OurOntario.ca

Street Name Changes:

• McGregor/Grigor Street is now called McGrigor Street
• Base Line now called Bloor Street
• Peto Street has become part of Albert Street
• Jackson Street has become First Street
• Brassey Street is gone
• Union Street (off King) has become Queen Street
• Oak Street has become John Street East
• Metcalf Street has become Metcalfe Street
• Pine Street has become Hemlock Avenue
• Charles Street is gone below Bruce Street
• Ontario Street (off Centre) has become part of Gibbs Street
• Gibbs Street (off Mill Street) has become St. Lawrence Avenue
• Alice Street has become Adelaide Avenue
• Church Street (north of King) has become part of Centre Street North
• Mechanic Street became MacMillian Drive
• Duke Street became part of Richmond Street West
• Louisa Street became part of Adelaide Avenue West
• Helena Street is now gone
• Carolina Street is now gone
• Edith Street is now gone
• Part of Mill Street became Oxford Street
• Pearl Street became part of Mill Street

Oshawa Village Street Names

• Agnes Street • Albany Street • Albert Street • Alice Street • Ash Street • Athol Street • Avenue Street • Bagot Street • Base Line • Bond Avenue • Boundry Road • Brassy Street • Brock Street • Bruce Street • Carolina Street • Celina Street • Centre Street • Charles Street • Church Street • Colburne Street • College Avenue • Cubert Street • Duke Street

• Edith Street • Elgin Street • Elm Street • Emma Street • Fairbanks Street • George Street • Gibbs Street • Hall Street • Helena Street • Hillside Avenue • Jackson Street • John Street • King Street • Lloyd Street • Louisa Street • Mary Street • Maple Street • McGregor Street • Mechanic Street • Metcalf Street • Mill Street • Monck Street

• Nassau Street • Oak Street • Ontario Street • Pearl Street • Peto Street • Philips Place • Pine Street • Prince Street • Prospect Street • Quebec Street • Queen Street • Richmond Street • Royal Street • Simcoe Street • St. Lawrence Street • Tresane Street • Union Street • Victoria Street • Wellington Street • William Street • Wood Street

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

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Tracing Your House History: A Guide For Family Historians (US)
by Gill Blanchard
-- Anyone who wants to find out about the history of their house - of their home - needs to read this compact, practical handbook. Whether you live in a manor house or on a planned estate, in a laborer's cottage, a tied house, a Victorian terrace, a twentieth-century council house or a converted warehouse - this is the book for you. 

In a series of concise, information-filled chapters, Gill Blanchard shows you how to trace the history of your house or flat, how to gain an insight into the lives of the people who lived in it before you, and how to fit it into the wider history of your neighborhood.

A wealth of historical evidence is available in libraries, archives and record offices, in books and online, and this is the ideal introduction to it. Gill Blanchard explores these resources in depth, explains their significance and directs the researcher to the most relevant, and revealing, aspects of them. She makes the research process understandable, accessible and fun, and in the process, she demystifies the sometimes-obscure language and layout of the documents that researchers will come up against.
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

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~*~ 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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Oshawa attends the 1896 Liberal Convention

Appeared in Whitby Chronicle, 6 Mar 1896, p.4
Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired

Some of the important names in Oshawa attended the 1896 Liberal Convention in Port Perry!

The newspaper article reads:

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Liberal Convention.
Large Attendance at Port Perry on Wednesday
Election of Officers
- Mr. Leonard Burnett Re-Nominated

From East Whitby (Oshawa) -
John Luke, John Clark, M. Holliday, Henry Dearborn, S. Stocks, A. E. Henry, Philip Conlin, John McGregor, Jas Stocks, D. Dyer, M. Doolittle, R. Angle, T. Dawson, J. P. Dawson, J. P. Harden, E. D. Holliday, W. L. Ormiston, Thomas Conant, S. Johnson, W. Dearborn, H. Dearborn, Jas. Crowell, Robert Hinton, Jos. Drew, T. O. Clifford, E. Annis, L. Rogers and E. H. Lick.

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Newspaper clippings are a wonderful way to trace the history of your family or your house. They are just packed with full of tidbits of Social Notes, School and News events, Weddings, Birth and Death notices, Court cases, and more. Newspapers are a great place to learn about the "drama" in your ancestors' lives. They offer a glance into the past and a chance to preserve these important memories.

I simply went to OurOntario.ca and typed in a name on my list - and up popped dozens of articles to sift through! Then I went to CollectionsCanada.ca to search thru the Censuses for the names I found. Matching them up gives me insight to who, what and where in the 1800's!

You can usually find something similar on your local library's online site. Ask your Local History and Genealogy Historian for assistance!

QUESTION: How many names we can find in the Canadian Censuses from before (1891) and after (1901) this Convention?

Taking the census on the road. Photo by Howard Strapp.
Source: OurOntario.ca  Public Domain: Copyright expired

Census of Canada, 1891
 Ontario South, Whitby East
• John Luke, 54, b. abt. 1837 in Ontario - wife Eleanor
• John A. Clark, 44, b. abt. 1847 in Ontario - wife Delia
• Marcus Holliday, 36, b. abt. 1855 in England - wife Almira E.
• Henry E. Dearborn, 36, b. abt. 1855 in Ontario - wife Maggie
• Samuel Stocks, 31, b. abt. 1860 in Ontario - wife Elizabeth
• Ambrose E. Henry, 43, b. abt. 1848 in Ontario - wife Sarah A.
• Philip Conlin, 24, b. abt. 1867 in Ontario - single
• John McGregor, 36, b. abt. 1855 in Ontario - wife Avilla
• James Stocks, 39, b. abt. 1852 in Scotland - wife Margaret
• James Stocks, 63, b. abt. 1828 in Scotland - wife Elizabeth
• Daniel Dyer, 64, b. abt. 1827 in England - wife Mary
• Moses Doolittle, 32, b. abt. 1859 in Ontario - single
• Jeremiah P. Dawson, 67, b. abt. 1824 in England - wife Jane
• Edwin Holiday, 17, b. abt. 1874 in Scotland - single
• L. William Ormiston, 34, b. abt. 1857 in Ontario - single
• William Ormiston, 34, b. abt. 1857 in Ontario - wife Lucretia
• Thomas Conant, 47, b. abt. 1844 in Ontario - wife Margaret
• Sam Johnson, 25, b. abt. 1866 in Ontario - wife Fanney
• Warren E Dearborn, 22, b. abt. 1869 in Scotland - single
• Hiram Dearborn, 15, b. abt. 1876 in Ontario - single
• James A. Drew, 32, b. abt. 1859 in Quebec - single
• James O. Clifford, 47, b. abt. 1844 in Ontario - wife Elizabeth
• Elzen H. Annis, 26, b. abt. 1865 in Ontario - wife Mary
• Elesworth A. Annis, 23, b. abt. 1868 in Ontario - single
• Elwood H. Lick, 27, b. abt. 1864 in United States - single

Civil servant at trailer park, census 1925.
Source: Wikimedia Commons {{PD-US}}
Public Domain: Copyright expired

Census of Canada, 1901 - Ontario South, Whitby East
• John Luke, 64, b. April 21 1836 in Ontario - wife Eleanor - agent
• Marcus Holliday, 46, b. Sept 1854 in England - wife Almira E. - farmer
• Henry E. Dearborn, 46, b. August 23 1854 in Ontario - wife Maggie, farmer
• Samuel Stocks, 42, b. December 18 1858 in Ontario - wife Elizabeth - farmer
• Ambrose E. Henry, 53, b. 1847 in Ontario - wife Sarah A - merchant
• Philip Conlin, 34, b. March 12 1866 in Ontario - wife Harriet L. - Dover
• John McGregor, 47, b. October 26 1853 in Ontario - wife Avilla - farmer
• James Stocks, 42, b. December 18 1858 in Ontario - wife Elizabeth - farmer
• James Stocks, 75, b. April 19 1826 in Scotland - widower - farmer
• L. William Ormiston, 44, b. July 12 1856 in Ontario - wife Lucretia - farmer
• William Ormiston, 72, b. March 7 1829 in Scotland - Jennet - farmer
• Thomas Conant, 58, b. April 15 1842 in Ontario - wife Margaret - retired
• Heram R. Dearborn, 23, b. April 30 1877 in Ontario - single - farm labourer
• James Crowells, 55, August 27 1845 in England - wife Mary A. - farmer
• Robert Hinton, 59, b. July 12 1841 in Ontario - single - thresher
• James A. Drew, 42, b. January 7 1859 in Quebec - wife Carrie - farmer
• James O. Clifford, 58, b. March 23 1843 in Ontario - wife Ada - farmer
• Elzon W. Annis, 36, b. Sept 15 1865 in Ontario - wife Annie - farmer
• Elwood H. Lick, 37, b. March 21 1864 in United States - wife Eva B. - farmer

Now I have a great list of some of the people of Oshawa in 1896! Do they all match up? Possibly not - and some people I was unable to find at all.

But I know I will come back to this list again and again, to help aid me in my  research! It will provide clues to help us learn more about these families,  and to fill in the gaps of their family tree.

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:

Add a Branch to Your Family Tree (One-Hour Genealogist) (US)
by Nancy Hendrickson
-- Add a Branch to Your Family Tree is genealogist Nancy Hendrickson's account of the dozens of ways she uses the Internet to climb her family tree. Using first-person narrative, the author guides readers on a genealogical journey through websites both well-known and little-known.

This is a personal journey that's structured as a helpful guide. The author uses her own stories of genealogy research, mostly done online, to show readers how Internet research is a spider-web like maze, with one clue reading to another and then another. Hendrickson's stories bring genealogy to life, while helping readers learn how to use creative thinking to build their own family trees.

Nancy Hendrickson is considered an expert at Internet genealogy and has been interviewed on the topic by the New York Times, Kiplinger's and Better Homes and Gardens. She is a contributing editor at Family Tree Magazine and a genealogy instructor at Family Tree University. Her website, AncestorNews.com is a resource for Internet genealogists and historians.
Find it on: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk

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

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