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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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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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.

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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.

---

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

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E. Arkland - Marriage Announcement

Appeared in Whitby Reporter, 7 Jun 1851, p. 2
Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired.

Married
Mr E. Arkland, of Oshawa
to Mary McGillivray, of Whitby
- June 7, 1851

QUOTE:
At the residence of the bride's Father, on Tuesday the 3d inst., by the Rev. J.C. Giekie, Mr E. Arkland, of Oshawa, to Mary, second daughter of Mr. John McGillivray, Farm, Whitby.

QUESTION: Would this be the son of the original settler, Edward Arkland?

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:

Education and Ontario Family History: A Guide to the Resources for Genealogists and Historians (US)
by Marian Press
-- Many family researchers with Ontario roots discover they have ancestors who were teachers. Those with no teachers in the family may have ancestors who were part of the Ontario education system as students. Today there are numerous varied resources available to find information on teachers, pupils, schools, textbooks, and curricula in historical Ontario.

Education and Ontario Family History outlines the resources available for education from about 1785 to the early twentieth century, not only for genealogists, but also for other historians with an interest in educational records. Many historical resources are currently being digitized, and Ontario and education are no exceptions. These electronic repositories are examined in author Marian Press's book along with traditional paper and archival sources.
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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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Who Lived in Oshawa - 1798-1850?

Looking down a dirt road in Oshawa, possibly
Simcoe Street. Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired

It's just like a mystery novel! My journey to research the history of my house - built in 1850's - started at the Whitby Land Registry office. There I discovered that the one page I needed from the microfiche was missing... of course!

I started searching through the history books of Oshawa, trying to track down the original owner of my house. I still haven't found the answer.

I have tracked up from the time it was Crown Lands to 1839 and today's date back to 1873 - but the 34 years in-between are still a mystery...

So I have decided to start from the beginning, compiling a list of everyone who lived on Lot 11, Concession 1 or the Southwest Ward. Next, thru the process of elimination, I will figure out who it was that built my house. I hope!

This article will be ongoing - updated whenever I find something new, whenever I eliminate another name.. It is getting so long, I had to divide up by years. It has taken on a life of it's own!

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Any mistakes? Let me know and I will correct it! I love to receive new information too!

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1798 - The Southwest Ward, consisting of 200 acres, was owned by the Crown in 1798.

1803 - Lot no. 11, 1st Concession, also called the Southwest Ward, is said to originally belonged to Robert Issac Dey Grey [ca. 1772 – October 8, 1804], who was the solicitor General of Upper Canada. Robert died when the Speedy went down in October of 1804. Robert was on his way to prosecute a murder case at the district town for the Newcastle District.

Robert registered the lot in August of 1803, and willed it to his servant, Simon. No evidence shows Simon's heirs ever having used or sold the land.

The land eventually reverted back to the Crown, before John McGregor [b. May 10 1784, McGrigor, m. Eunice Demaray Sept 1822, d. Sep 17 1846] settled there, though there seems to have been some complications before he was able to acquire a clear title.

Source: Scugog Carrying Place: A Frontier Pathway (US), by Grant Karcich
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1805 - The township contained approximately 104 inhabitants.

1817 - John Kerr settled in the Northwest Ward, John McGregor settled in the Southwest Ward [Lot 11, 1st Concession - south of King, west of Simcoe to Oshawa Creek, north of Bloor], William Karr [Kerr] settled in the Northeast Ward, and Edward Arkland settled in the Southeast Ward.

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 ... with historical notes as to the settlement of the various minor municipalities and their progress, 1907 - Archive.org

The old Kerr house on King Street West, built in 1816
Source: OurOntario.ca Public domain: Copyright expired

1817 - John McGregor arrived in Oshawa in 1817. He settled the two hundred acres now part of the southwest ward of the town [Lot No. 11, 1st Concession].

John McGregor erected a distillery and a brewery in the flats off Union and Queen Streets in the vicinity of the Moscrip foundry.

Source: Samuel Pedlar Manuscript

According to some papers stored in the National Archive of Canada, John McGregor petitioned to lease the land in 1817, after he had cleared 5 acres. But the land was still registered in someone else's name, so it took several years before the land officially became his.

Source: 172a, b and c in file of National Archive of Canada, Library and Archives of Canada

Among the early pioneer settlers were: John Kerr, William Kerr, Norris Kerr, John McGrigor, John Ritson, Benjamin Stone, David Annis, John H. Hall, Edward and Charles Arkland, George and Daniel Hinkson, George and Thomas Henry, Hugh and James Ross, Johnathan Bartlett, John Wilson, John and William McGill, Abraham and Moody Farewell.

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. Reported by a special committee ... with names of the wardens ... and principal county officials ... with historical notes - Archive.org

1822 - Simcoe Street was constructed in 1822, it was a "colonization road". The map contained the notation "good road, partly graveled." It followed the path of an old native trail known as the Nonquon Road. Simcoe ran from the Oshawa harbour to Lake Scugog, intersecting with Kingston Road, which became Oshawa's "Four Corners."

Source: History Geography Oshawa, Ontario

1831 - The first settlers selected the land along Reach Road, known today as Simcoe Street. They were the families of Dearborn, Ratcliff, Widdifield, Kerr, Masson, Jameyson.

The ancestors of the families of Wright, Gould, Pickell, Beggs, Gilford, Pascoe, Luke, Gregg, Hutchinson, Graham, Stephens, Millar, Ratcliff, Campbell, Maltman, Hyland, Howden were all the first settlers in East Whitby, later to become Oshawa.

Source: The life and times of Joseph Gould: Struggles of the early Canadian settlers (US), by W. H. Higgins
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1836 - The Barlett Brothers built a tannery in South Oshawa in 1836 - on Mill Street next to Oshawa Creek.

The Warren flour mill, built in 1837, on the east side
of the Oshawa Creek on King Street. Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired

1837 - John McGregor registered his land in 1837, twenty years after having settled there.

According to some history books, Joseph Gorham purchased the land in 1837, and then a month later sold 122 acres to John McGregor. Then John turned around and sold 109 acres to Elijah Haight, that same year.

It was also said he sold fifty acres to Thomas Ray and fifty acres to Joseph Burk.

That adds up to more than 200 acres! So something is not right...

In John McGregor's will, he deeded one quarter of an acre to his son William within the village [as well as one hundred acres of Lot 6 in the 4th Concession], one quarter of an acre to each of his four daughters, and there still remained about 100 acres left for his youngest boys who were still young children at the time of his death.

Sources: Archive.org - LocalHistory.OshawaLibrary.ca

1836 - Residents of Lot 11 in the First Concession, the West and East Whitby Directory lists the following nine individuals living on the lot:
Dustin, David -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Gibbs, Thomas -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Gorham, Joseph -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Haight, Elijah -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Hall, Ira -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
McDonald, Andrew -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
McGregor, John -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Payne, Charles -- 1st conc 1, lot 11
Wilcoxon, Robert -- 1st conc 1, lot 11

Source: Scugog Carrying Place: A Frontier Pathway (US), by Grant Karcich
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Details of Southeast Ward
Map of Oshawa ca. 1850
Source: OurOntario.ca
Public domain: Copyright expired

1839 - The first town meeting mentioned in the book [containing a record of the Town meetings held from the year 1839 until the year 1850] was held on the 7th January 1839. On the Post Road division Abraham Farewell, John Amsbury, Edward Smith, Joseph Fox, TSL Annis, and John McGregor.

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 ... with historical notes as to the settlement of the various minor municipalities and their progress, 1907 - Archive.org

1841 - Robert Moscrip built a foundry in Lot 11, 1st Concession in 1841 [or 1845?] around Athol and Centre Street. Johnathan and William Bartlet built a leather factory. David Spalding built a brewery in the flat off Union Street.

1842 - In 1842 the population of Oshawa was 850. Charles Terwillegar, Nathan Harris and William Pickell, and their families, left Whitby for the United States.

1843 - The Monroe Brothers built a foundry in Lot 11, 1st Concession in 1843.

1844 - Oshawa has about 1000 inhabitants.

1846 - John McGregor died on September 15, 1846, and according to his will, left his remaining lands to his wife, Eunice and their eight children.

To his son, William M. [b. Aug 5 1824, d. Nov 28 1889] - one hundred acres being composed of Kerr or North half of Lot Number Six in the Fourth Concession of Whitby Township.

Also one quarter of an acre being composed of the Village Lots Number Three in Block marked Letter E on the plan of said Village Lot as laid out on Lot Number Eleven in the First Concession.

As well as from the post planted at the North West angle of the Village Lot - Queen and Athol - south on chain 25 links to Lot Number Four in the same Block, North 74 degrees east one chain, 75 links to the west - side of Lot Number Two - North 16 degrees west one chain. Twenty-five links to Athol Street.
Then south 74 degrees west two chains - back to the beginning.

To his daughter, Rebecca [b. Nov 1 1826, m. James Clark, d. Aug 4 1910] - The Village Lot Number Three in the Block marked H containing five rods. Commencing from the post at the south west angle of the Village lot - Queen and Metcalf - north 74 degrees east 5 rods along Metcalf Street to the south west corner of Lot Number Two in the same Block.
Then north 16 degrees west 6 rods to John Cook's Lot.
Then south 74 degrees west 5 rods to Queen Street.
Then South easterly 6 rods - back to the beginning.

To his daughter, Jeanett [b. Apr 14 1829, d. Nov 28 1867] - The Village Lot Number Seven in Block letter B containing one quarter of an acre. Commencing at the post planted at the south east angle of the Village Lot.
Then south 16 degrees west along the west side of Centre Street four rods to the Lot deed to the late Andrew McDonald.
Then south 74 degrees west 8 1/2 rods.
Then south 16 degrees east - 4 rods to Athol Street.
Then South 74 degrees east along Athol Street 8 1/2 rods - back to the beginning.

To his daughter, Asenath [b. Nov 22 1831, m. John Skyes, d. Aug 7 1912] - The Village Lot Number 8 in Block B - containing one quarter of an acre. Commencing at the post planted at the south east angle and 8 1/2 rods south 74 degrees from the south east corner of Lot Number 7 in the same Block.
Then north 16 degrees west 4 rods,
Then south 74 degrees west along the south side of Lots deeded to Richard Woon 8 1/2 rods to Athol Street.
Then north 74 degrees east along the north side of Athol Street 8 1/2 rods - back to the beginning.

To his daughter, Margaret [abt. 1837, d. Feb 26 1883] - The Village Lot Number Two in Block letter H - containing one quarter of an acre. Commencing at the south east angle of the Village Lot.
Then north 16 degrees west along the west side of Centre Street eight rods to the Lot deeded to John Cook then south 75 degrees west 5 rods to Lot Number 3.
Then south 16 degrees east 8 rods to Metcalf Street.
Then north 75 degrees east 5 rods along the north side of Metcalf - back to the beginning.

To his wife, Eunice [b. Jul 2 1804, m. John McGrigor Sep 1822, d. Jun 18 1890] - The sole use, management and improvements of all the remaining Lands - about 100 acres. To later be equally divided between John Jr., Gregor and Donald when the youngest child arrives to the age of twenty one years. [The youngest child, Donald, would not be 21 years old until 1864.]

[Measurement conversion: one rod = 5.092 m (16.5 ft), one chain = 20.1168 m (66 ft), one link = 0.201168 m (0.66 ft)]

Oldest house on Centre Street South, built around 1850
Photo credit: © Catherine McDiarmid-Watt

John Jr. [b. May 8 1834, m. Hannah Jane McFarlane, d. May 11 1901] - In 1846, John Jr. would have been 12 years old.

Royal Gregor [Grigor] [b. Jul 18 1836, m. Sarah J. Wilson, April 2 1867, d. Mar 10 1913] - In 1846, Royal Gregor would have been 10 years old.

Donald [b. Sep 1843, d. unknown] - In 1846, Donald would have only been 3 years old.

Source: John McGregor's Will, found in the National Archive of Canada, Library and Archives of Canada

It appears from the above map, that R.G. McGregor was given the land south of Royal Street to Mill Street, and John Jr. was given the land perhaps north of Quebec to just north of John Street?

QUESTION: What happened to Donald? He is not listed in the 1861 Directory. Nor does any of the land seem to be allotted to his name.

1850 - Oshawa was incorporated as a village in 1850, with a population of approximately 2,000 people.

To be continued...

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:

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

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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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