Harrison Family History

2009-03-27T08:36:00.064-04:00

Welcome to the Harrison Family History blog.

The following is my family history down to my grandparents:

1. Henry HARRISON (1656-1727)
m. Dorothy RUDD (1663-1753)
lived Green Houses, North Yorkshire
• Mary (?-?)
• Dorothy (1723-1790) m. William HODGSON
• Francis (?-1772) m. Ann
• Barbara (?-?) m. Robert ATKINSON
• Joseph (?-1782) m. Jane (or Mary)
• William (?-1778) m. Ann
• John (?-1779) m. Helen LYTH
• Henry (?-1785) m. Ann

2. William HARRISON ( b ? d. April 15, 1778
m. Ann (? -d. April 9, 1784 buried Egton?)
lived Glaisedale side, North Yorkshire
• Joseph m. Mary READMAN
• William (1741/2-1825) m. Elizabeth ALCON
• Ann m. Matthew ROE

3. William HARRISON (1741/1742- Feb. 21, 1825)
m. Elizabeth ALCON (1745-Oct. 24, 1839) at Lythe November 23, 1778 witnesses were Matthew Roe and Joseph Harrison. This was Elizabeth Alcon's home parish. They lived in the Township of Egton, Parish of Egton, North Yorkshire
• John (1779-1844) m. Margaret CHILD
• William (1781-1836) m. Mary HUTCHINSON
• Joseph (1782-1841) m. Dorothy ROE
• Ann (1784-?) m. George TRATTLES
• Mary (1785-1846)
• Robert (1789-1861) m. Elizabeth SWALES
• Elizabeth (1792-1849) m. Thomas UNDERWOOD
• James (1796-?) m. Susanna THOMPSON
• Hannah (1799-?) m. William THOMPSON

4. William HARRISON (1781-May 2, 1836)
m. Mary HUTCHINSON (b 1782 - d. August 17, 1856) at Egton (Church of England) Yorkshire January 24, 1804. The witnesses were Joseph Readman and William Hutchinson (under the Hardwick Marriage Act only marriages performed by the Church of England were considered legal. They were married the same day by the priest at St. Heddas Roman Catholic Church in Egton Bridge). Mary was the daughter of John and Margaret Hutchinson of Egton. William Hutchinson who was a witness at the wedding was her brother.

In his book A History of the Ancient Parish of Lythe including Sandsend,East Row, Mulgrave Castle, Mulgrave Woods and grounds, The Hermitage, Foss Mill, published in 1888, John Crowther references the following entry in the Lythe parish registers and churchwardens' accounts:

"1831....In this year many familes from Lythe emigrated to America. Among them may be mentioned, Thomas Ward, W. Terry, John Ingledew, Thomas Coverdale, Wm. Harrison, John Bailey, Rt. English, Lennard Watson, John Readman, and Thos. Taylor."

And then states: They sailed out of Whitby in the ship "Majestic" which was thought to be a lucky ship for emigrants. The voyage lasted eight weeks.

The family emigrated to Canada aboard the 380 ton King William (not the Majestic) which left Whitby on April 11, 1831 with about 300 passengers for Quebec.

I have confirmed with the Whitby Philosophical and Literary Society that the Majestic is not correct as it was not built until 1835. This is also confirmed by:

- my research in the 1831 editions of the Quebec Mercury newpaper which lists the King William leaving Whitby on April 11, 1831 and arriving in Quebec with 271 settlers on May 23, 1831; and,

-Richard Weatherill's The Ancient Port of Whitby and its Shipping, published in 1908 that confirms the information in the Quebec Mercury.

Upon their arrival in Canada they would have taken another ship to Montreal and then from there to the Town of York (Toronto). The family then settled in Toronto Gore Township, Peel County, Canada. William purchased Lot 8, Concession 9, Toronto Gore Township, 100 acres, from John Beikie, first clerk of the Executive Council in York and the original Crown patent holder, on June 5, 1835 for £75. Though the purchase of the property was not made until 1835 the Harrisons settled on this property in 1831. I believe that the location of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, established in 1830 a short distance to the north, was a critical factor in the selection of this lot by William Harrison.

Interestingly William Porter in his MSS History of Claireville, written in 1910, stated that "a half mile north" of John Dark's Tavern in Claireville, where "one Joseph Champlin kept his hostelry in good old Yorkshire Style" the settlement was named Egton. Egton would be located at the corner of present day Clarkway Drive and Highway 50 in the City of Brampton. This is the only reference I have ever come across for the Egton name outside of North Yorkshire indicating that a number of families from Egton settled in the area. Claireville was located at the intersection of Toronto Gore Township, Peel County and Etobicoke Township, York County. Remnants of the old hamlet of Claireville still exist close to present day Steeles Avenue West and Highway 50, centred on Codlin Crescent in the City of Toronto.

They had the following children:

• George (1809-1855) m Faith (Mary) LINTON, Dec 15, 1829, Pickering (Church of England), North Yorkshire
• William (1812-1849) m. Mary O’CONNOR, April 19, 1837, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada - Mary O'CONNOR remarried Edward GALVIN at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada on January 27, 1864 though her four sons soon sent Edward on his way
• Margaret (1815-1891) m. George JACKSON June 23, 1836, St. James Cathedral (Church of England) Toronto – m St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto January 10, 1837 . George and Margaret left Canada and emigrated to the United States in 1852 settling in Troy, Missouri, north west of St. Louis.
• Jane (1820-1901) m. James MIDDLETON, February 27, 1838, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada
• Matthew (1822-1887)
• Ann (1827-1855) m. James C. SMYTH, July 20, 1841, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada

Mary HUTCHINSON m. Thomas SMYTH, April 27, 1840, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada four years after her husband William HARRISON died.

5. Matthew HARRISON (1822 - January 5, 1887)
m. 1. Ann HEWGILL (August 9, 1829-July 17, 1869) (converted to Catholicism June 17, 1869) on May 29, 1849 in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County. Ann Hewgill died of consumption on July 17, 1869 and was buried on the Harrison farm on Lot 9, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township along with at least one child. The cemetery will be protected and preserved as part of the residential development of the property. It is a mystery why she was buried here but I speculate that there was a tug-of-war over her body after her death. Given that she only converted to Catholicism one month before her death I am guessing that Matthew Harrison wanted her buried at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Wildfield and her father William Hewgill wanted her buried at the Hilltop Gore Methodist Cemetery. Burial on the farm seems to have been a compromise for all concerned. The cemetery can be viewed here. Ann Hewgill's white marble tombstone lying flat on the ground can be easily seen under the tree in the centre - part of the original apple orchard. Recent work on the site however has resulted in the old apple tree being removed.

Aerial View of Harrison Hewgill Cemetery 2009

Matthew Harrison originally owned 200 acres on Lot 9, Concession 10 Toronto Gore Township where he built his house. Later he acquired another 200 acres on Part Lots 14 and 15, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township. Part Lots 14 and 15, Concession 10 would be given to his son William Harrison (my great grandfather).

Properties owned by Matthew Harrison, Toronto Gore Township from the Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Peel, 1877

Matthew Harrison and Ann Hewgill had the following children:

• Mary Elizabeth (1850-1904) m. Martin BRYNE, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada - 11 children

• William (1854-1923) m.1 Julia Ann O'Brien, m.2 Mary Jane Byrne

• John Francis (1857-1858)

• Anne Jane (1860-1943) m. Thomas O’BRIEN, February 6, 1883, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada. They lived in Huron County near Clinton. They had 6 children

Thomas O'Brien and Anne Jane Harrison. I think this was their wedding photo from 1883

O'Brien Farmhouse, Lot 36, Con 2 HRS Tuckersmith Township, Huron County, 1990

O'Brien Farmhouse, Lot 36, Con 2 HRS Tuckersmith Township, Ilustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Huron, 1879

• Unnamed child (1869-1869), buried on Lot 9, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township with Ann HEWGILL

Matthew Harrison married his second wife, Winnifred BULGER, on Nov 7, 1869 in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County. Winnifred was the daughter of James Bulger and Ann Culliton. They had the following children:

• Alice Josephine (1870-1937) m. John James KEHOE, February 23, 1892, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Canada - 7 children (2 priests and 1 nun)

• Theresa (1872-?) (could she have been registered as "Eliza" when she was born on March 26, 1872? - there is a birth registration of a daughter of Matthew Harrison and Winnifred Bulger for this date with this name) m. William DAVIS, January 31, 1894, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada - 6 children by 1911 Census

• Agnes Loretto (Oct 1, 1873-1963) - never married

Agnes Loretto Harrison, Mary Helena Campbell (Harrison) and Victor Harrison, October 1957

• John Francis (1875-1954) m. Mary ROBINSON, May 6, 1895, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada.

Tombstone of John Francis Harrison and Mary H. Robinson, St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wildfield

They had 7 children. Upon his father's death John inherited the 200 acres on Lot 9, Concession 10. Due to bad investments in the late 1920s he became indebted to his brother-in-law John James Kehoe. In the early 1930s John James Kehoe took over the property in payment for the debt. It would remain in the Kehoe family until the 1950s.

• Charles Augustus (1878-1898) - never married

• Emanuel Victor (June 24, 1879-?) m. Mary HORAN, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Albion Township, Peel County, Canada. In the 1920 US census he is living at 1 Greenleaf Street in Rochester, New York. He indicated that he and his wife emigrated to the US in 1903. They had the following children: Henry (b. 1906, California), Theodore (b. 1908, New York), Mary (b. 1911, New York), Helena (b 1915, New York) and Alma (b 1918, New York).

• Mary Helena (1882-?) m. Bernard CAMPBELL, January 16, 1907, at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield.

• still born male child - twin of Mary Helena (1882-1882)
Matthew Harrison is buried in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Wildfield. According to her death registration, Winnifred Bulger died on February 19, 1921 of old age. She is buried in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wildfield.

6. William HARRISON (Feb. 28, 1854 - June 22, 1923)
m. 1. Julia Ann O'BRIEN (1855- Feb 24, 1882) on March 12, 1881, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Dixie, Peel County. According to her death registration, Julia died of septicemia 10 days after the birth of her daughter. When Julia died she was buried in the Fifth Line Cemetery (also known as Elmbank Cemetery). The cemetery later became landlocked within the grounds of the Malton Airport (later Toronto International now Pearson International Airport). The cemetery was closed in 2005 to allow for further expansion of the airport and the 634 remains were moved to Assumption Catholic Cemetery on Tomken Road just south of Derry Road East in Mississauga. The remains were placed in a dedicated section in the east end of the cemetery with a ceremonial plaque listing all the names of those buried there. From the excavations it was possible to identify a number of the remains but unfortunately Julia Ann O'BRIEN was not one of them. William had 200 acres of land on the west side of present day Clarkway Drive south of Mayfield Road. He sold this circa 1910 and moved to the north east corner of Dixie Road and Dundas Street in Toronto Township (present day City of Mississauga) where he operated a market garden. They had one child:

• Mary Clare (Feb 14, 1882- April 23, 1932) m. Thomas COLLINS, May 5, 1908, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Dixie, Peel County, Canada - no children.

William Harrison married his second wife, Mary Jane BRYNE (1857 - Aug. 31, 1932) in St. John the Evangelist Church, Arthur, Ontario on June 11, 1883. Mary Jane Bryne was the daughter of James and Ann Byrne. William Davis and Lizzie Byrne were the witnesses. The marriage registration writes Bryne as "Burns".

Mary Jane Byrne with husband William Harrison, circa 1920

They had the following children:

• Matthew Joseph (August 2, 1884 - 1946) m. Anne Loretta KELLY on November 22, 1916 at, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Credit.

Matthew Joseph Harrison and Annie Kelly, circa 1916

Annie was born in Streetsville and was the daughter of William Kelly and Anna McKeown. Witnesses were James Francis Harrison (my grandfather) of New Toronto and Nellie Madigan of 321 Brock Avenue. They had 5 children together. Matthew worked as Stationary Engineer for Dominion Bridge Company making sure that the machinery in the facility was running properly. Matthew lived with his family first on Brad Street, then on Dundas Street West, and later on Pacific Avenue across the street from St. Cecelia's Roman Catholic Church. Originally the Town of West Toronto Junction, it was a short streetcar ride down Dundas Street West to the Dominion Bridge Company located on Sorauren Avenue just south of Dundas Street West.

• Anne Easther (March 24, 1886 - April 7, 1905) - According to her death registration Anne died of consumption on April 7, 1905 after an illness of 2 years. She never married.

• James Francis (April 8, 1888 - 1948) m. Helen Teresa SANDFORD (1889-1975) - 2 children

• William Joseph (October 3, 1890 - April 19, 1931)

William Harrison (Bill), circa 1920

Bill was an early hydro worker. The 1911 Census indicates that he worked for the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario a forerunner of Ontario Hydro. The photo above shows him in his work clothes with his spikes for climbing hydro poles. According to his death registration record, William was a Market Gardener. He died in St. Michael's Hospital on April 19, 1931 of tuberculous meningitis, an inflamation of the brain. His sister told me that this was a result of infection after he had a number of teeth pulled. He never married. He is buried at Mount Peace Cemetery in Mississauga.

• Bridget (1892-?) - ?

• John (Jack) Joseph (September 6, 1893 - May 26, 1922) According to his death registration he was an auto mechanic and died of a stroke. Jack never married.

John Joseph (Jack) Harrison, circa 1915

• Martin Ambrose (October 28, 1895 - 1980) m. Madeline BOYCE (1895-?) in St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church in December 1917, Toronto. Their marriage registation however says January 1917 with a "1918?" written on the page. They were both 22 years of age. Madeline was the daughter of Alex Boyce and Mary Farley. Witnesses were William J Harrison, Ambrose's brother and Evelyn Boyce. At the time Ambrose was living at 195 Perth Avenue and Madeline at 136 Edwin Avenue, Toronto. Madeline was born in New Westminster, British Columbia.

Harrison Brothers - Jack, Bill and Ambrose on rear steps of Harrison Residence, Dixie and Dundas Street, Toronto Township, Peel County, circa 1920

They had 15 children. Ambrose worked for the Toronto Transit Commision as a streetcar driver. For a while Ambrose and his family were in the running for the big prize in the Great Stork Derby - an interesting tale of Charles Vance Miller who left the majority of his estate to the mother who had the most children within 10 years of his death. The contest ran from 1926 to 1936. The Harrison family did not win but were featured in an advertising campaign for Carnation milk products due to the publicity.

• Mary Margaret Rita (Sept 10, 1901-1993)

Mary Margaret Rita Harrison on rear steps of Harrison Residence, Dixie and Dundas Street, Toronto Township, Peel County, circa 1920

Rita entered St. Joseph’s Convent, Toronto 1921 and became Sister Mary Caroline. Sister Mary Caroline was educated at the Toronto Normal School and taught in Catholic schools in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Ontario.

According to his death registration, William Harrison died on June 22, 1923 of cystitis. It indicates that he was buried in Port Credit but I think he was later moved to Mount Peace Cemetery when the old St. Mary's Cemetery next to the church was closed to all future burials. According to her death registration, Mary Jane Byrne died on . She is buried in Mount Peace Cemetery, Mississauga.

7. James Francis (Frank) HARRISON (April 8, 1888 - January 31, 1948)
m. Helen Teresa SANDFORD ( November 14, 1889 - June 8, 1975) on June 15, 1926, St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, New Toronto, York County. Frank was 36 years old and a railroad conductor. Helen was 35 years of age. Witnesses were William Harrison, Frank's brother and Madeline Sandford, Helen's sister.
• 2 children (living)

Frank Harrison, circa 1920

Frank went to work for the Grand Trunk Railway (absorbed into the Canadian National Railway in 1923) where he eventually became a conductor. At the time his parents were living at the north east corner of Dixie Road and Dundas Street in Toronto Township (present day City of Mississauga) and he was working out of the Mimico Yards in the Town of New Toronto. This was too far to commute on a daily basis so he boarded at homes in New Toronto. In the 1911 Census he is boarding at the home of James O'Neil on Sixth Street. In that year he listed his occupation as "trainman" with an annual salary of $720. He had $250 worth of life insurance for which his annual dues were $7.30. Later he boarded at the home of Edward Sandford and Mary Coady on the north west corner of Seventh Street (present day Islington Avenue) and the Lake Shore Road (present day Lake Shore Blvd West). Today it is the TNT store. It was here that he met their daughter Helen and fell in love. They were married in 1926 and the new couple moved to a new home that they had built in the adjacent community of Mimico. That home remains in the family today.

Tombstone of James Francis Harrison and Helen Sandford

Mount Hope Cemetery

Dr. Francis Harrison (1842-1925)

2009-03-27T08:31:00.045-04:00

Dr. Francis Harrison (1842-December 28, 1925)
m. Mary A. Creed on January 1, 1875 (? -1935)

They had the following children:

• James (Frank) Francis (1877-1914) - Attended the New York College of Pharmacy beginning in 1897. He graduated in 1899 and began working at Hocker & Solomon in Evanston as a pharmacist. He later went to work with his father. In 1904 he went to St. Louis to attend the World's Fair with his sister Mary. Frank died in 1914 of cancer in Salt Lake City where he was being treated. At the time he was living in the Covey Apartments.

• Mary (1880-?) She attended St. Mary's Academy in South Bend, Indiana. I have a great photo of her class in 1899. She then became a teacher in Evanston. For the 1903 school year beginning in September she was teaching Grade 6. In 1904 she went with her brother Frank to visit the World's Fair in St. Louis. She was living unmarried in Evanston in 1935.

• Helena (1884-?) m. Charles Branham. She attended St. Mary's Academy in South Bend, Indiana from 1899 to ? ,and then the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for about a year from the spring of 1906 until sometime in the 1907 without receiving a degree. She played both the piano and violin, performing in many private and public functions in Evanston. In the probate documents for her mother's will from early 1936 her address is given as 1401 Beacon Street, Brookline, Massachusetts.

• Frederick (Ted) William (1889-1962) m. Ana Toelle (1889-1974) in 1922. They had one daughter Hellen. 1903 was an eventful year for him as a child. On July 4th a firework went off in his face causing severe injury. There was concern that he would loose the use of his eyes at one point but it came back, though the Wyoming Press indicated that "he will carry ugly scars as a result of the unfortunate affair". A few weeks later he had to have his appendix out. Ted seems to have also attended "college" in Salt Lake City. There is an article in the January 6, 1906 edition of the Wyoming Press that mentions him returning to school. I am not sure if this was the University of Utah or some other school. Ted was involved in cattle ranching near Daniel, Wyoming. The 1920 census finds him living in Lincoln County, Wyoming working as a farmer. He was single then. His mother is also listed and must have been visiting him at the time. In 1935 he was living in Evanston according to the probate records for his mother's will. Later he worked for the Union Pacific Railway. He appears to have made his way to Seattle, Washington some time later and worked for Westinghouse. He retired about 1953 and moved to Suquamish, North Kitsap. He died there on October 15, 1962. His obituary from the Bremerton Sun says that he was survived by his wife, daughter Hellen Wright and two grandsons. His wife Ana T. Toelle, lived to be 84, and died at Suquamish in April 1974 in Poulsbo. Ana was born in Wismer, Nebraska on July 30, 1889. She was a former nurse. Her obituary in the April 8,1974 edition of the Bremerton Sun says that she was survived by her daughter Mrs. Hellen Wright of Suquamish, two grandsons, brother Joseph Toelle of San Antonio,Tex, and a sister Miss Hedwig Toelle of New Haven,Conn (a former professor of Public Health Nursing at Yale University from 1937 until 1960). Both Fred and Ana are buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Kitsap. A search for their daughter Hellen came to the conclusion that she died on May 10, 2007 in Suquamish, Washington at the age of 88.

Dr. Francis Harrison's House in Evanston Wyoming on the corner of Centre and Ninth Street in 1990:

Here is an illustration of his drugstore in Evanston Wyoming in 1892

The son of William Harrison and Mary O'Connor, Dr. Harrison was the subject of a number of biographical entries during his lifetime.

The following entry was in the Progressive Men of the State of Wyoming, published in Chicago, Illinois by A.W. Bowen & Company in 1903:

The life of a country physician is full of toil and hardship, but it has compensation in the reflection that it is also full of benefaction to the community which he services and that no effort in behalf of suffering humanity is thrown away. Among the prominent and highly esteemed physicians of Evanston, Wyoming, Dr. Frank Harrison is in the front rank. He was born in 1842 in Toronto, Canada, the son of William and Mary (O’Connor) Harrison, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. Both were brought by parents to the New World in childhood, it being the desire to secure for them better opportunities than were afforded in their native land. The families settled at or near Toronto, where they prospered and reared their offspring. Doctor Harrison received his academic education at the public schools of his native country and began his medical training at the Toronto University. He continued it at St. Michael’s Medical College in Toronto, and fully completed it with another two-years’ course at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, and from which he was duly graduated on March 1, 1866. On March 1, 1865, he had been appointed a medical cadet in the service of the U.S. government, a class of officials which the government had created and to which undergraduates were admitted as assistant surgeons. His first assignment was on board the transport S. R. Spaulding, which conveyed sick and wounded soldiers to New Haven, Conn., where a military hospital was located. He remained at the hospital until November and the experience he had there has been an invaluable service to him in his subsequent practice. After his graduation from Bellevue College he came to Denver, Colorado, at that time a city of not far from 4,000 inhabitants. He passed his first summer in the West in traveling and then came to Cheyenne, following the railroad in his professional work as far as Wasatch. He next went to Sweetwater mines, there he passed two years in the practice of his profession and then removed to Evanston, where he has been in an active medical practice for more than thirty years. At the first election held after this arrival the total poll of voters, men and women, numbered only 300. In politics Doctor Harrison is a Democrat and has been active in the interest of the party. He has been honoured with several places of responsibility in public life, discharging the duties of all with fidelity, intelligence and zeal. In 1871 and 1872 he represented Sweetwater county in the Territorial Legislature, and from 1876 to 1880 was one of its county commissioners. In Unita county he was a probate judge for six years and county treasurer from 1884-1890, being also mayor of Evanston for three years. He is also a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being very much esteemed as a leader in all of its meetings. On January 1, 1875, he was united in holy marriage with Miss Mary A. Creed, a daughter of James Creed, a native of Illinois, and whose father died in 1896 in Clinton, Iowa, and the mother, whose maiden name is Egan, is still living, her residence being Dixon, Ill. Doctor and Mrs. Harrison have four children, James F., Mary, Helen and Fred W. Doctor Harrison ranks high in his profession as a physician and surgeon, as a close student and as an intelligent practitioner.
The following entry is in the History of Wyoming, edited by I.S. Bartlett and published in 1918:

Dr. F. H. Harrison is today the oldest physician in Wyoming in years of continuous connection with the medical profession. He practices at Evanston, where he has remained since 1872. He has not only been identified with the science of medicine and surgery, however, for as a pioneer he has been active in many of these movements which have led to the upbuilding and development of the state. He is familiar with all phases of Indian warfare and with all phases of frontier life and the history of Wyoming is to him an open book, for he has been a most active participant in events which figure most prominently in its annals.

He was born in Toronto, Canada, April 2, 1842, and is a son of William and Mary (O'Connor) Harrison. The father was a native of England and in his boyhood days made the voyage across the briny deep to Canada, settling near Toronto, where he engaged in farming, there maintaining his residence until his death, which occurred in 1849, when his son. Dr. Harrison, was a little lad of but seven years. The mother was born in Wexford, Ireland, and in childhood became a resident of Canada, where she was married and continued to reside until called to the home beyond in 1904. She had at that time reached the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey. In the family were five children, of whom one daughter died at the age of sixteen years. The others are: Willam, who is living in Brampton, Canada ; John, also located at Brampton ; and Nicholas, who still lives in Canada. The other member of the family is Dr. F. H. Harrison, of this review, who in his youthful days was a pupil in the public schools of Canada and afterward took up the study of medicine in New York city, matriculating in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1866. His collegiate training was comprehensive and thorough, and thus well equipped for professional duties, he made his way westward to Colorado, crossing the plains with team and wagon. He took up his abode at Gilpin, where he remained for a year and a half, and in November, 1867 he removed to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he practiced for a short time. He was afterward with the Union Pacific grading camps in his professional capacity and continued with the road until the line was extended to Evanston. He then went to the South Pass mines, where he followed mining for two and a half years, but in 1872 returned to Evanston, where he has since been in constant practice. Entering upon professional duties in this state in 1867, he is today the oldest physician in Wyoming. Through the intervening period of a half century he has kept in touch with the trend of modem professional thought and progress, acquainting himself with those discoveries which scientific investigation has brought to light. He is a well informed physician and one thoroughly skilled in all departments of medical and surgical practice. In the early days he went through all the experiences that come to the frontier physician. He fought in many of the Indian wars and was with the posse in the Wind River campaign, in which Black Bear the chief of the Arapahoes, was killed. The summer's sun and winter's cold could not deter him from the faithful performance of his duties and at times he would ride for miles and miles over wind swept districts, facing the storms of winter, yet he never hesitated when his professional service was needed. He belongs to the Wyoming State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Aside from his active connection with the profession he has also extended his efforts into other fields and is now president of the Evanston National Bank, president of the Evanston Drug Company, a director of the Evanston Electric Light Company and president of the Harrison Stock Growing Company of Uinta County. In business affairs he has displayed sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise and his cooperation with any project has constituted an element in its growing success.

On the 1st of January. 1875, Dr. Harrison was married to Miss Mary Creed, of Evanston, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Creed, formerly of Dixon, Illinois. They have become the parents of three children who are still living and lost one son, James Francis, who died in 1914 at the age of thirty-seven years, while acting as manager of the Evanston Drug Company. Those who survive are: Mary, who was born in Evanston in 1880 and is a graduate of the high school and of the Notre Dame Academy at South Bend, Indiana ; Helena, who was born in Evanston in 1884 and is a graduate of the high school of that city; and Frederick William, who was born in 1889 and is also a graduate of the Evanston high school. He is now in business with his father.

Dr. Harrison is connected through fraternal relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellow- and with the Masons. In the latter organization he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter and commandery. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he has several times been called upon to serve in positions of honor and trust. For four years he filled the office of county commissioner and for six years was county treasurer of Uinta county. For one term he served in the second territorial legislature and at all times his aid and influence have been given on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement. He is today one of the most valued and prominent citizens of Wyoming, standing very high in professional circles, and no story could contain more exciting or interesting chapters than could be found in the life record of Dr. Harrison if space would permit this to be written in detail. His memory goes back to the time when this entire region was but sparsely settled, when the Indians were more numerous than the white men, when the land had not been reclaimed for the purposes of civilization but remained in the primitive condition in which it came from the hand of nature. His life activities constitute a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and no history of Wyoming would be complete without his record.

Upon his death in December 1925 there were a number of obituaries in local papers. The following – perhaps the most complete – was in the Evanston Press:

Early Evanston Pioneer Expires – Dr. F.H. Harrison
Hail to the pioneer – another stalwart has been summoned from the ranks to the Great Beyond – may he rest in peace.

The bugle sounded and one of our best citizens answered the call – having the honor and distinction of being one of the two surviving members of Post No. 53, G.A.R.

Dr. Frank H. Harrison passed away Monday morning, Dec. 28, 1925, at this home on Ninth and Center Streets, having been ill but fourty eight hours – pneumonia being the cause of this death, which came as a shock to the community, and very unexpected, as he appeared hale and cheery and enjoyed Christmas.

Dr. Harrison was born at Toronto, Canada, April 20, 1842. He attended medical college at the University of Toronto, and later entered Bellview (sic) Medical school of New York; also attended Yale, graduating with honours from each institution. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Medical Corps and served until the end of the conflict.

Later he moved to St. Louis, thence to Denver, and finally to Laramie, Wyo., where he established the first doctor’s office in May 1868. He was appointed contract surgeon for the U.P. Ry. Co., and followed the building of the railroad as far west as Wasatch. He left there for the South Pass country during the mining excitement, and finally came to Evanston. In 1872 he opened the first drug store here, which was located on Front street, in the Palace building.

For years Dr. Harrison was the dependable and beloved physician of our county and town.

He was a public benefactor and ever interested in the moral uplift of the community. He became a financial success and applied his influence, capital and endeavors for the advancement and upbuilding of a good town – Evanston – which he always avowed would be his home while in life – and he remained true to that promise. No citizen has ever been more loyal to our city; more generous spirited and dependable; or was more highly respected or esteemed; nor has none passed who will be more missed and mourned than this venerable pioneer.

Some of this public callings were as a member of the first State Legislature and he was at one time Probate Judge, City Mayor, County Commissioner and President of the Evanston National Bank; was also Wyoming’s first physician. He was affiliated with the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies, but had not been an active member for several years.

Surviving are his widow, two daughters, Miss Mary Harrison, who is ill in a hospital in San Francisco; Mrs. Helen Branham; and one son, Fred Harrison of Daniel Wyo.

Funeral services were held today noon at the Catholic Church conducted by Father O’Connor and were well attended, the floral offerings being profuse and beautiful.

The American Legion members attended the body.

Honorary Pallbearers – All physicians of the city. Hon. Mayor Thomas Painter, John W.R. Rennie, Judge Sam’l Dickey, Charles Myers and Donald McAllister.

Interment was in the Catholic cemetery, he being laid to rest beside his son J. Frank Harrison, who passed away several years ago.

Beeman & Cashin, directors.

The family have the sympathy of this community in the loss of one of Evanston’s best men – loyal citizens – true friend, husband and father.

Ever live his name – long may we cherish his memory.

The world is surely better that he lived; and praise be that he was spared to an advanced age to scatter sunshine and good deeds – which influences will continue to abide in the hearts of all who knew Dr. Harrison.

North Yorkshire - Esk River Valley

2009-03-06T13:11:00.024-05:00

I believe that the family of William Harrison and Mary Hutchinson came from the area around the hamlet of Glaisdale, in the Esk River Valley of North Yorkshire, England (just above the first "o" in "Moors" in the map above). I don't know for sure as it does not appear that William Harrison ever owned any land in the area. I did search the deeds transacted in this area in the 1820s and 1830s but did not find a match with his name.

Further back however, our Harrisons came from the small community of Green Houses to the north west of Glaisdale on the edge of the moors.

Some of the cottages located here are for rent for vacations. The buildings have been converted from "the traditional farm buildings at Greenhouses Farm" but it is not clear if these are the buildings that the Harrisons lived in or not.

The Esk River has its headwaters in the western edges of the North Yorkshire Moors and flows in an easterly direction, joining the North Sea at Whitby. Today this, and a vast area around it, are located within the popular, North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

For some photos of Whitby where the Harrisons began their voyage to Canada have a look here.

John Dixon's Letter From America (Canada)

2009-03-05T15:14:00.006-05:00

Mr. John Dixon, who travelled with William Hewgill (Hugill) - one of my great great grandfathers - from Whitby, North Yorkshire to Quebec, and then from Quebec to the Town of York (Toronto) in 1832, goes off to visit William Harrison of the Gore of Toronto, my great great grandfather. The following is excerpted from the letter

To Mr. George Dixon, Darlington

Whit Church, Sept. 30th, 1832.

....We arrived at York on June 7th. William Hugill, who went from Glazedale, and ourselves took a house to put our goods and to sleep in, until we could get situations; we paid five shillings a week, and a miserable hovel it was. York is about the size of Darlington, the houses are chiefly built of wood, but there are a few handsomely built of brick. A house, such as I last lived in when at Whitby, would be £60 a year here; and fire wood costs about 9s. per week in winter. I never saw so many shoe-makers' shops by one half in any town the size of York; the trade at present is dull, and the following are the prices ...... I soon found that York would not suit me. William Hugill has friends in the Gore of Toronto, about eighteen miles from York. One William Harrison, a distant relation of ours, lives in the same place. I went with William Hugill to see him; he was very kind to me, and wished me to settle there; he said they were in great want of a shoe-maker, and if I would take up my abode among them, he would build me a house on his own ground, and I might keep a cow, which could go in the woods so that I might be at no expense. It being a new settlement , and the road to it very bad I thought it better to look about me before I made any choice. William Hugill took up his abode there…..

John Dixon

source: Whitby Repository and Monthly Miscellany, Volume III, February 1833 (copy in the Whitby Museum, Whitby North Yorkshire)

Family of Ann Harrison (1827-1855) and James C. Smyth (1820-1901)

2009-03-05T08:28:00.019-05:00

Ann (1827-1855) m. James C SMYTH (1820-1901) on July 20, 1841, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County. They lived in the nearby community of Claireville, Etobicoke Township, York County.

They had the following known children:

• Mary Ann (1843-1925) m. William EGAN
- they had the following children:
o James A (1873-1978) m. Annie KAIN in 1904 – 8 children
o Annie
o Nicholas A. (1867-1879)
o Ellen
o Catherine
o Agnes
o William
o John

• Margaret (b. 1845-?)

• Thomas (1848-?)

• William A. (1849-1888) m. Sarah Helen JOHNSON - see biographical entry below

• Eliza J (1850- ?)

Upon Ann HARRISON's death on January 12, 1855 James C. SMYTH married his second wife Bridget DOHERTY.

Tombstone of Ann Harrison, wife of James Smyth

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wildfield

In the 1852 Census they were living in Claireville with Thomas SMYTH, James’ father. Thomas’ second wife was Mary HUTCHINSON so Ann was living with her mother (who was also her mother-in-law). This is an interesting instance of a father and son marrying a mother and daughter.

According to the Commemorative Biographical Record of County of York by JH Beers and Co, Toronto, published in 1907:

William A. Smyth who passed away at this late residence in Toronto, No. 187 Crawford Street, Feb. 17, 1888 (he actually died on Feb 24, 1888 according to his death registration) was born in Ontario, son of James and Anna (Harrison) Smyth, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of England.

James Smyth came to Canada when a young man, and soon thereafter settled in Toronto, where he became a commission merchant, continuing in this business until his death. He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject.

William A. Smyth began business with his father, but later went to the office of the Massey Harris Company, as an accountant, where he continued until his death. He had a large acquaintance in business circles, and wherever known was highly esteemed.

Mr. Smyth married Miss Sarah Helen Johnson, born in Toronto, daughter of Samuel and Ann (Fair) Johnson, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. Mrs. Johnson came to Montreal in 1829, and to Toronto in 1833. She was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Fair, natives of County Mayo, Ireland where they died. They had children: John, William, Robert, James, Mary, Elizabeth and Ann, all of whom lived to be eighty-five years old or over. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson the following children were born: Samuel, William and Margaret, deceased; Annie, of New York; John, deceased; Lizzie, of Albany, New York; James; and Sarah Helen, Mrs. Smyth.

Mr. and Mrs. Smyth were the parent of children as follows: Leo S. B., born in Toronto, day accountant at the Massey-Harris works; and Basil W. H., also born in Toronto, and an accountant at the same works. Mr. Smyth was a Reformer. In religious faith he was a Roman Catholic.

Upon William's death in 1888 Sarah and his sons continued to live at 187 Crawford Street, backing onto present day Trinity Bellwoods Park - though at the time it was Trinity College.

Leo and Basil continued to live at 187 Crawford Street until their deaths in 1955 and 1957 respectively. They never married and no relatives other than their parents and each other are mentioned in their obituaries.

Tombstone of Leo and Basil Smyth

Mount Hope Cemetery

Family of Jane Harrison (1820-1901) and James Middleton (1811-1881)

2009-03-04T11:25:00.011-05:00

Jane (1820-1901) m. James MIDDLETON (1811-1881) on February 27, 1838, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County. They then moved to Lot 28, Concession 6, Pickering Township, Ontario County. James paid to have a drawing of his farm included in the Illustrated Atlas of Ontario County, published in 1871.

James Middleton Farmhouse, Claremont, Ontario

They had the following children:

• Mary A.
• Rebecca (1842-1905)
• James (1845-1926)
• Elizabeth (1848-1927)
• Jane (1849-1920)
• Rachel (1851-1938)
• Alice (1851-1945)
• John (?-1925)
• William (1859-1897)
• George (1861-1930)
• Annie (1861-1878)

Both Rachel and Alice were interviewed for the July 6, 1935 edition of the Toronto Star. The article entitled Twin Sisters Active at 85 - Close Together All Lives, indicated that they believed they were the oldest Ontario born twin girls. The article contains an interesting story of how their parents met:

The sisters are the daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Middleton, who were pioneers in the Pickering district. Their father and mother came from England with their families when the father was 19 and the mother 11. They came on the same sailing vessel and the passage took 6 weeks. Later they were married and moved into what was then the bush on the 7th concession in Pickering, where the twin girls were born.

This means that the Middleton family was on the King William with the Harrison family when it left Whitby, North Yorkshire for Quebec in April 1831.

Jane confirmed this date when she indicated on the 1901 census that she came to Canada in 1831.

Middleton Family Plot - Claremont, Ontario

James Middleton, Jane Harrison and Annie, William and Mary Clark are buried here

The Harrisons were Catholic Recusants in England

2009-03-02T12:55:00.018-05:00

The Harrison family were Catholic Recusants which meant that they resisted conversion to the Church of England when it was created by Henry VIII in 1534. They recused themselves from participating in the new Church of England and so were called "recusants". The area of North Yorkshire where they lived was well known for Catholic Recusancy and many families were persecuted for continuing to practice the Catholic faith. However it was not because of this that they left and emigrated to Canada. Catholics were able to worship openly from 1790, and the Catholic Relief Act of 1829 repealed the last restrictions. A Catholic Chapel was built in Egton Bridge in 1798. So it was not religious persecution that drove the Harrisons to Canada, they emigrated for economic reasons. Looking for a better life for their children in Canada.

© Michael Harrison 2009 - St. Hedda's Roman Catholic Chapel, Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire, built 1798. Now St. Hedda's Roman Catholic School.

For further information on Catholic recusancy in this area of North Yorkshire and the many families that remained Catholic have a look at Leslie O'Connor's manuscript Hearts of Oak. Mr. O'Connor researched and wrote the manuscript in the 1950s and 1960s. It was an incredible amount of research that he undertook before the internet made this research much easier. There is a chapter on the Harrison family entitled the Harrison Saga.

Family of Margaret Harrison (1815-1891) and George Jackson (1811-1874)

2009-03-02T12:38:00.009-05:00

Margaret (1815-1891) m. George JACKSON June 23, 1836, St. James Cathedral (Church of England) Toronto – m St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto January 10, 1837 . George and Margaret left Canada and emigrated to the United States in 1852 settling in Troy, Missouri, north west of St. Louis. Most of the family went with him except for Anne and Margaret who were already married and stayed with their husbands in Canada. In the 1881 US census George, Alice and John are living with their widowed mother in Clark Township, Lincoln, Missouri.

They had the following children:

• Anne (1837-?)

• William (1841-1901) – never married? – d. in Troy, Missouri, USA

• Anne (1843-1923) m. Philip EAGAN (1808-1878) in 1866
Children:
o Mary Margaret Teresa (1867-1939) m. John MCDONAGH in 1885
o William Kearn (1868-1902) m. Heinna Jane MURPHY on June 19, 1894
o George Augustus (1871-1932) m. Hannah DOHERTY on June 22, 1904 – 3 children
o Francis J. (1873-1909) – never married. He died in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA but was buried at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Toronto Gore Township, Peel County
o Thomas Philip (1875-1939) m. Madeleine NOONAN on January 27, 1915 at St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church, Bathurst Township – 7 children
o Alice Amanda (1878-1951) - ?

• Thomas (1845-1915) m. 1. Janet Mary MCVEAN on October 16, 1869 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County
Children:
o Janet Mary (1870-?)
o Margaret Ellen (1872-?)
o George Archibald (1873-?)
o 5 more children ??
m. 2. Sabie Jane REYNOLDS on September 14, 1894 in Moscow Mills, Missouri, USA
o 6 more children ??

• Margaret (1847-1912) m. Thomas EAGAN on February 24, 1868 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County – they lived in Tottenham, Simcoe County
Children:
o Margaret (1871-1945) m. John DEACON in 1893 – 9 children
o Nicholas (1873-1963) m. Catherine MCKENNA in 1883 – one adopted child
o Mary (1875-1954) – never married
o Anne (1877-1882) – died of diphtheria
o Catherine (1880-1956) m. James RONAN in Adjala Township, Simcoe County in 1909 – 5 children
o Elizabeth Vida (1882-1969) – entered convent in 1908 – Sister Mary Vida
o Thomas (1885-1976) m. Margaret Teresa WALSH at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Colgan? – 7 children
o James (1887-1973) m. Josephine O’CONNEL in 1924 – no children
o Joseph (1889-1942) – never married

• Mary Elizabeth (1849-1923) – entered Loretto Convent Nerinx, Kentucky, USA on August 15, 1873

• George (1852-1852) - buried St. Patrick's Cemetery, Wildfield, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County

• George (1853-1930) m. Mary MURPHY – at least 5 children

• Alice (1855-1917) m. Joe SHAEFFER – 1 child

• John Harrison (1859-?) m. Ella Martha MURPHY on November 23, 1887 in Troy, Missouri, USA – 8 children

The Family of William Harrison (1812-1849) and Mary O'Connor (1820-1904)

2009-02-27T12:12:00.036-05:00

William HARRISON (1812-1849)
m. Mary O’CONNOR (1820-1904) – on April 19, 1837 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County
Upon his death in 1849, William's estate was valued at £1005, 10s with total debts of £181 . The majority of this was in land. The 100 acres on Lot 8, Concession 9, Toronto Gore Township where the Harrisons first settled in 1831 was valued at £600. Mary O'CONNOR, William HARRISON's widow married Edmund GALVIN at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Wildfield, Peel County, Canada on January 27, 1864. On February 1, 1864 Edmund and his wife Mary signed an indenture where she releases her 1/3 dower interest all property to her son William for $1. Edmund seems to have disappeared sometime later.

William and Mary had the following children:

• William (1838-1920) m. Minnie DEADY at St. Mary’s Church, Simcoe County on November 28, 1888 – they had one child, a daughter named Frankie in 1890. She married James DERRICK. William attended St. Michael's College, affiliated with the University of Toronto, in the early 1860s. According to his obituary, published in the Brampton Conservator on May 27, 1920, William passed away suddenly on May 19th of heart disease. He was engaged in farming at Derry West for a number of years and then operated the Arlington Hotel in Brampton from about 1895. The hotel was located on the corner of Railroad and Elizabeth Streets directly across from the Grand Truck Railway station. He was buried in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Brampton.

• Bridget (1840-1856), buried St. Patrick’s Cemetery – never married. Her obituary in the Toronto Mirror says that she died "after a lingering illness". "Miss Harrison was a native of the Gore of Toronto, and from her sweet charitable, and pious disposition, will be long and deeply mourned by her friends and acquaintances".

• Francis H. (1842-1925) m. Mary Ada CREED, April 1, 1876, Evanston, Wyoming USA. Francis attended St. Michael's College in the 1860s and would become a medical doctor, after furthering his education at Bellevue Medical College in New York City, and then at Yale University - including a stint in the US Army as a Medical Cadet during the Civil War (see separate entry).

• John (1845-1927) m. Margaret LENNON on January 9, 1901 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County – they had one child, a daughter named Gertrude. Gertrude would later married John DEANE on August 23, 1922 – they had four known children – John, James, William and Helen and lived in Woodbridge, Vaughan Township. John DEANE was a recent emigrant to Canada only arriving in Quebec in November 1920. Sometime after 1901 John retired to a large farmhouse in Vaughan Township, York County just north of Claireville. The house still exists and is located on the east side of Highway 50 just north of Highway 407.

Tombstone of John Harrison and Margaret Lennon

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wildfield

• Nicholas (1847-1933) m. Mary WILEY on January 24, 1882 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County.

Nicholas Harrison Farm - Lot 8, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County © Michael Harrison 2009

Nicholas farmed on Lot 8, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township for a number of years. Upon his retirement he moved to a small cottage on the west side of The Gore Road just south of Mayfield Road opposite St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. According to his obituary in the March 31, 1933 edition of the Bolton Enterprise, Nicholas passed away at his home on March 27th. He was described as “one who had been prominent in the public life of the county for well over half a century”. He had served as the clerk of the Township of Toronto Gore for 50 years, as well as representing the township on the Board of Directors of the Peel Farmers Insurance Company, of which he was president from 1910-1912. He was also a school trustee for several years.
Nicholas and Mary had the following children:
o Mary Maria (1882-1962) m. Charles O’HARA on April 26, 1904 at. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church – had 4 children
o Anne Elizabeth (1884-1964) m. George WIGGINS in Calgary in 1905? – buried in Winnipeg in 1964?
o William John (1885-1966) m. Dela ? in Saskatchewan in 1920? – lived in Yuma, Arizona, USA
o Francis Ewart (1887-1961) – never married
o Clara Isabel (1889-1924) m. Charles TICE in Toronto in 1906
o Hilda Maria (1891-1980) m. Dr. TIGHE on April 7, 1913 ? – lived in Bomanville. Their son Frank lived one day and died in Bolton on May 29, 1918.
o Alice Louise (1893-1986) m. Martin BYRNE on September 23, 1914
o Edith Alexandra (1897-1917) – never married
o Minnie Margaret (1898-1983) m. JR RUTLEDGE in 1936 San Diego, USA

Mary O'Connor (1820-1904), wife of William Harrison

2009-02-27T12:11:00.003-05:00

© Michael Harrison 2009

This is a photo of Mary O'CONNOR, daughter of Nicholas O'CONNOR and Mary POWER who married William HARRISON, son of William HARRISON and Mary HUTCHINSON on April 19, 1837 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Toronto Gore Township, Peel County. According to her response in the 1901 Census she emigrated to Canada in 1828.

The Four Sons of William Harrison and Mary O'Connor

2009-02-27T12:02:00.005-05:00

The four sons of William HARRISON and Mary O'CONNOR in Brampton at the same time. In the back row is Nicholas (left) and Dr. Francis (right). In the front row is John (left) and William (right). I am not sure when this was taken but probably around 1900.

Journey of the "King William" to Canada in 1831

2009-02-20T15:41:00.003-05:00

The following letter was written by Hannah Young to Mr. Robert Hodghson (though it is addressed to Ann), Ellerby nigh Whitby, Yorkshire England from Toronto Township, (present day City of Mississauga west of Toronto) in January 1832 describing their voyage on board the King William from Whitby to Quebec in April 1831. The letter contains much more information but I have edited it down to the travel details. This is the ship that the Harrison family travelled to Quebec on.

Dear Ann

I take this opportunity of writing these few lines to you and i hope they will find you all in good health as it leaves us all at present thank God for it dear friend it is now above 8 months since we parted very possible never to meet again in this world you will remember when i left you in Stradfords gallery i went on in haste to let my Aunt know that you and your Cousin James and Aunt Ann was there and i knew that neither my Uncle nor William was on board i thought she might she might come on shore and see you all for the last time but when i found her she had just parted with your Aunt Sarah and her heart was full of trouble seeing them left her expecting to find you again and to bid you a final farewell but when i went to the door it was locked and you were all gone but there being a road through the celler i got to the street but were you was gone i never could learn i went into every room but could not find neither friend nor relation nor any that i knew this being done i made when i got below the plank was drawn the ship was moved all was ordered below my Uncle come on board at the bridge as soon as the sailors would allow us we came upon deck and took the last survey i was not more than an hour before i was very sick my Aunt was not sick untill the next morning she was the better saillor but for the first three weeks we were both very sick and i had a violent cough i thought i should have died my Uncle and William was never sick untill the 14 and 15 when the wind blue from the North a perfect gale but after that they had good health all the way over every Sunday we had a prayer meeting on deck morning and afternoon and every evening on the week day below for there was many like myself that was not able to go on deck to the prayer meeting on the 20 it was a fine day we entered the firth and we had scotland on the left hand and the Orkney island on the right at scotland we could clearly discern the buildings the men ploughing the cattle grazing in large herds by the sea side my Aunt was upon deck most part of the day at night we left the North sea and entered the Western Ocean and bade adieu to the british island 21 of may this morning the wind was contrary which was a great disappointment as we intended to see quebeck in the course of the day at 2 oclock P M the ship came to anchor opposite the goose island a narrow piece of land laying the middle of the river a boat was lowered down Mr. Carr Mr. Wilson my Uncle and two or three more rowed of to it the canadiens were busy sowing their wheat in the evening they returned they brought with them a quantity of milk some neat straw hats and a goose William killed it and it was roasted on sunday the 23 we reached quebeck on the 24 we left king William and went on board of a steam packet and reached Montreal on the 27.......your affectionate friend Hannah Young....
The Young Family's return address on the envelope is: William Young, Inn Keeper in the Township of Toronto, Near the River Credit Dundas Street, York, Upper Canada, North America.

Amazingly, this letter has survived on both sides of the Atlantic !!

The original copy sent to England is now in the London School of Economics, British Library of Political and Economic Science, Letters of Emigrants to America, M627.

The other copy is in the Region of Peel Archives (Toronto Township was in the former Peel County). It is listed as Young Family Letter, dated January 8, 1832, Accession # 1984.058.

Tombstone of William Harrison 1781-1836

2009-02-20T15:40:00.005-05:00

© Michael Harrison 2009

This is the tombstone of William Harrison (1781-1836) my great great great grandfather. He is buried in the cemetery at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church at present day The Gore Road and Mayfield Road in the City of Brampton.

Tombstone of Mary Hutchinson 1783-1856

2009-02-20T15:39:00.013-05:00

This the tombstone of Mary Hutchinson, my great great great grandmother and wife of William Harrison (1781-1836). Four years after the death of her first husband she married Thomas Smyth on April 27, 1840. She is buried in the cemetery at St. Patrick's Church, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County (present day The Gore Road and Mayfield Road in the City of Brampton). This is one of the oldest Catholic cemeteries in the Toronto Region.

Mary's obituary appears in the August 22, 1856 edition of the Toronto Mirror and reads: Died - On Sunday the 17th inst., after a lingering illness, which she bore patiently and resignedly, Mrs. Smyth, wife of Mr. Thomas Smyth, Etobicoke, at the good old age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Smyth was one of our early pioneers in the duties of a Christian Mother, and having lived to see her children's children grow up around her, has not departed to the heavenly home of her ancestors in the Faith. May she rest in peace: may her soul find rest.

Thomas Smyth was a native of Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. Originally he was a farmer but later operated the Claireville Hotel in Claireville. Thomas donated land for the first Catholic School in Etobicoke Township, York County. It was located in Highfield and built in 1840. His son James C. Smyth married Mary Hutchinson's daughter Ann Harrison in St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Wildfield on July 20, 1841.

According to William Perkins Bull's From Macdonell to McGuigan: the History of the Growth of the Roman Catholic Church in Upper Canada, Thomas Smyth and Mary Hutchinson were the only neighbours to come to the assistance of Colonel Baldwin and his wife at Clogeneagh Lodge in 1847 when typhus broke out at the makeshift hospital the Baldwins had created in their home to administer to the many sick emigrants fleeing the famine in Ireland. Both helped care for the sick and while Thomas helped Colonel Baldwin build the coffins for the many who died, Mary helped Mrs. Baldwin prepare the bodies for burial in the makeshift cemetery that remains undiscovered.

It sounds like Thomas Smyth was a very spiritual man for part of his obituary in The Canadian Freeman of June 16, 1870, reads:
In his death the helpless lost a friend, the orphan a father, and the dying, one of the truest benefactors; in fact as the priest who preaches the funeral oration said 'the old parish priest is now no more'; and many, we are sure, have since said the same in their hearts....The large attendance, at his funeral, of his neighbours, both Protestant and Catholic bears ample testimony on his sterling qualities as a neighbor (sic), a friend, and a Christian.

Family of George Harrison 1809-1855 and Mary (Faith) Linton

2009-02-20T15:38:00.031-05:00

Tombstone of George Harrison, son of William Harrison and Mary Hutchinson

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wildfield

George HARRISON (1809-1855)
m Faith –later Mary- LINTON (bap June 17, 1804, Goathland, North Yorkshire, England -?) on December 15, 1829, in Pickering (Church of England), North Yorkshire, England. Faith changed her name to Mary when she made her "profession of faith" and converted to Catholicism on June 17, 1837. Faith was the daugher of Thomas LINTON.

They had the following children:

• Thomas (1830 – May 9, 1907) b in North Yorkshire, England. According to his death registration, Thomas died on May 9, 1907, aged 77 years, of “old age”. At the time he was living on Humber Lot 15, Concession 9, Etobicoke Township, York County. The St. Patrick’s Death Register records him as living in Claireville and “very poor”. He was buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County in Wildfield on May 10, 1907.

• Mary (1832-?) m. James ? – one known son George b. 1848 or is she the Mary Harrison, daughter of a George and Mary Harrison who married Frederick Trane, son of John and Maria, b. New Orleans, USA (circa 1839) on July 19, 1861 in King Township and recorded in the County Marriage Registers? They appear to have lived in King Township for some time after but Mary is referred to as Margaret on the census records.

• Margaret (1835-?) She last appears in the 1861 census living with her mother and brothers.

• William (1836-?) He last appears in the 1881 census living with his mother and brothers Thomas and George.

• Alice (1838-?) She last appears in the 1852 census after which I lose track of her.

• John (1840-1856) – never married – buried St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wildfield, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County.

• Esther (1842-1914) m James STUBBS (1840-1931), son of James and Ann Stubbs on March 5, 1863 according to the County Marriage Register
They had the following children:
o Albert m. Ida BOOTH – 7 children – Albert, Mabel, Frank, Ida, Sarah, William and Ethel
o John W. (May 23, 1874 - July 20, 1931) m. Elizabeth GRAHAM
o Joseph W. m. Alice BIRCH – 8 children – Fred, Mamie, Lily, Gilbert, Donald, John, Grant
o Edward – went to Orillia
o Sam m. Maud HEELS – 2 children – Margaret and Lloyd
o James T. m. Annie Adeline NORRIS (1869-1931) – no children
o William (1868- Dec 20, 1917) m. Alvia TAYLOR (d. 1927) – 1 daughter in Alberta
o Sarah (Dec 5, 1865 - Oct 9, 1928) m. Albert J. FULLER
o Minnie m. Thomas PHILLIPS
o Annie m. Alfred EWART
o Fred m. Lorne GROZELLE – 1 son - Howard

• George (1845-?) m. Ann Elizabeth MIDDLETON, daughter of John MIDDLETON of Pickering. The marriage took place September 18, 1884 at Bolton, Ontario and is recorded in the Palgrave Pastoral Charge (Methodist) marriage register. The groom was living in Claireville. The witnesses were Henry PHILLIPS of Columbia and Harriet WIESMORE of Woodbridge (this would be George's niece most likely) . The register indicates that George's father was John but all other indicators show that he was in fact the son of George. George died sometime before 1904 as Elizabeth Middleton was remarried to Frank Westbrook on November 24, 1904 in Traverse City, Leelanau, Michigan. Frank Westbrook was the son of N. Westbrook and Lucy Freeman.
They had two known daughters:
o Marie (b. 1893) who married Peter DUGAY on September 25, 1919 in Bay City, Michigan and died in Bay City, Michigan, USA. In the 1920 US census they are living in Bay City, Michigan. His brother-in-law John Middleton, Frank Westbrook step-father-in-law and Elizabeth Westbook (Middleton) mother-in-law are all living with them. Elizabeth Middleton indicated that she emigrated to the US in 1885.
o Ethel who married Louis (Lewis) BENTHIN and died in Seattle, Washington, USA.

• Ann Jane (1847-?) m Charles WIESMORE (1844 - September 24, 1844 - Oct 21, 1899) on August 23, 1869. Charles was born in 1844 in New York. Charles enlisted as a Private on 6 August 1862 at the age of 18 in Company E, 122nd Infantry Regiment New York on August 6, 1862. He deserted on July 26, 1864 while in Washington DC. He moved to Canada and settled in Clairville, Etobicoke Township, York County. On August 23, 1869 he married Ann Jane Harrison. In the 1871 census they are living in Clairville next door to Ann Jane's mother and brothers. Charles' occupation is listed as Painter. In 1881 they are living in Vaughan Township, York County with 4 children (Harriett Ann, James Henry, Carrie May and Thomas Ambrose). Interestingly the 1881 census indicates that Charles was born "at sea". In 1888 they moved to the United States and lived in Buffalo. They had the following children: Harriet Ann (1870-?), James Henry (1873-1950), Carrie Mae (1876-1900), Thomas Ambrose (1880-1938), Charles H (1883-1900) and Nicholas Wilfred (1885-1948). Charles died on October 21, 1899 in Buffalo. Ann Jane remained in Buffalo and died sometime after 1920.

George appears to have set up his own farm and household in 1835 when he began renting 50 acres (NW ¼) of Lot No 12 in the 10th Concession of the Township of Toronto Gore, Peel County from Patrick Bulger. He purchased these lands by private sale on October 29, 1839 as recorded in the Upper Canada Land Book 1839-1841. On September 5, 1844 he sold the property to John Murphy for £150.

In the 1852 Census we find George and his family living on 79 acres of land on Lots 18 and 19, Concession 12, in the Township of King, York County. Living with him were his wife Mary and children Margaret, age 18. William age 16, Alice, age 14, John, age 12, Esther, age 10, George, age 8 and Ann Jane, age 6. The agricultural portion of the census indicates that of the 79 acres, 25 acres were under cultivation (15 with crops and 10 under pasture); with 54 acres still under forest cover. Of the 15 acres under crops 5 acres were planted with wheat, producing 100 bushels; 5 planted with peas producing 75 bushels; and 5 planted with oats producing 100 bushels. For livestock they had 2 milch cows, one calf, 5 sheep and 2 pigs. For produce they had 50 pounds of butter and 3 barrels of pork. George was renting this land as he is not listed as the owner in the land abstract books for this property.

Thomas, George’s eldest son is living with the family of Mary Harrison (nee O’Connor) and her sons on Lot 8, Concession 9, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County.

After George’s death in 1855 his eldest son Thomas became the head of the family.

The 1861 Census finds them on Lot 32, 11th Concession in King Township, York County. Again they were renting as they do not appear on the land abstract for this property. Along with Thomas, age 31 was his mother Mary and his brothers and sisters Margaret age 25, William age 23, George, age 15, Esther, age 19 and Ann Jane, age 14. They are living in a log cabin. In addition there is Mark Linton visiting from Pickering. This would be Mark Linton (1833-1882) son of Moses Linton and Jane Robinson. Moses was the son of John Linton of Goathland. Most likely a brother of Thomas Linton, Faith's (Mary) father. As such Mark Linton would have been Mary's (Faith) first cousin.

In 1871 we find the family living in Etobicoke Township, York County. Mary, age 68 years, is living with her sons Thomas and William. Wilson Linton, possibly her brother and his family live nearby. Her daughter Ann Jane, married to Charles Wiesmore, is living next door.

In 1881 we find the family living in Etobicoke Township, York County. Mary, age 81 years, is living with her sons Thomas, George and William. All three sons list their occupation as labourer.

In 1891 Thomas is living with the family of George Robinson in Toronto Gore Township, Peel County where he is listed as a farm labourer. Not sure what happened to his brother William. His brother George married Elizabeth Middleton in 1884. Their mother Mary must have died sometime after 1881.

In 1901 we find Thomas living with the Wiley Family on Lot 2, Concession 8, Toronto Gore Township, Peel County. Unfortunately he did not respond to the question of when he emigrated to Canada (or it was not recorded) in the census. The census indicates that he was employed for 10 months as a domestic at an annual salary of $129.

Matthew Harrison Farm

2009-02-20T15:37:00.018-05:00

This was the home of my great great grandfather Matthew Harrison (1822-1887). It was built circa 1855 shortly after he purchased Lot 9, Concession 10, Toronto Gore Township - 100 acres - from William H. Bailey for $1,100 on March 1, 1854.

The destruction of the property by neglect and indifference occurred with little intervention from the City of Brampton despite my many interactions with city staff to bring the protection of this heritage resource to their attention.

In 1995, the Eastgate Heritage: Heritage Resource Management Study – Eastgate Study Area was conducted for the City of Brampton. It was a Secondary Plan Heritage Study that examined all the heritage structures in the Eastgate area. The recommendations for the Matthew Harrison farm were encouraging.

They read as follows:

Maintain and protect house and farmstead elements in site planning; protect and maintain burials, consider restoration of damaged stones and incorporation in publicly accessible space in the event of redevelopment; make alignments, roadways and property subdivisions that follow/respect historic field patterns.

I was optimistic that such forward thinking would ensure that the elements of the farm would be protected and preserved for the future as part of the history of Brampton.

I was to be very disappointed. Despite the advance planning for the conservation of heritage resources within the Eastgate Secondary Planning area not much – as far as I can see - has been realized. I am not sure why but if the Harrison farm is any indication there seems to be a lack of will to get serious about heritage in the City of Brampton.

On the Matthew Harrison Farm the barn was demolished in the mid 1990s. The farmhouse, which was located on the east side of The Gore Road just south of the Castlemore Side Road, was occupied until 2001 when the property was sold to a development company. The new owners vacated and stop maintaining the farmhouse. Despite my many attempts to get the city’s attention not very much was done.

In 2002 I wrote to the developer to encourage them to integrate the farmhouse into the development. I wrote:

In addition to ...being eligible for many different types of awards which would indicate the progressive and caring nature of your company, you would provide a landmark and tangible connection to the past for your development. It would not be a nameless community, it would have a history. It could form the basis for your marketing of this new community (how does the Harrison Heritage Estates sound?) and could serve as an architectural model for the future homes.

I then provided examples of how other developers in the GTA had treated heritage homes on their properties and used them to their advantage. I provided them with many examples of marketing campaigns that capitalized on heritage. It all fell on deaf ears.

In February 2005 contractors working for the Region of Peel ran over the cemetery with heavy equipment and dumped fill on it. An eagle-eyed member of the public who knew about the cemetery informed the city who intervened to stop any further damage. An article followed in the Toronto Star on February 25, 2005. A cleanup and archaeological assessment of the cemetery followed during which it was confirmed that there was only one cemetery shaft present. This meant that Anne Hewgill was buried with her child when they both died in 1869.

The farm house was demolished in 2006 after many years of neglect by the property owners with little or no intervention from the City of Brampton to do anything about it.

The city sanctioned dismantling of the Matthew Harrison farmhouse

The bricks and some of the interior woodwork was then utilized to create a facsimilie of the home, with the same exterior architectural features on the west side of McVean Road a short distance north of Castlemore Side Road. The city of Brampton heralded this as a triumph in the Fall 2008 issue of The Brampton Heritage Times but if anything it was an admission of defeat. Success would have meant the house remaining onsite as recommended to the City of Brampton in the Eastgate Heritage report of 1995. Instead the city allowed it to be dismantled and destroyed. The new house on McVean Road is not Matthew Harrison’s house. It is simply a copy of it.

Fortunately the cemetery has fared better. It has been incorporated into the development of the property and the tombstones have been restored (pieces of the child's stone however were lost in 2005). However the ancient apple tree that was the last remaining from the historic orchard went by the wayside because some consultant said it was too old. It would have been nice if part of the tree could have been grafted onto a new tree but I was not asked my opinion. The city simply did it.

The new cemetery is nice but built to urban standards when a split rail fence would have been more appropriate for this “rural” 19^th century farm cemetery. However, it is safe and I guess I should be grateful for that. In the summer of 2010 the restored tombstones were placed back in the cemetery (most of the child's stone is missing and lost) and in late 2010 the cemetery was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The cemetery is now owned by the City of Brampton.

A nearby street in the subdivision will be called "Matthew Harrison Street" as a reminder of the family's history and long ownership of the site but think how much better it would have been if the farmhouse was still there adjacent to the cemetery as a tangible link with the past.

Heritage is a non-renewable resource. Once it is gone it is gone. Brampton is diminished by the loss of the Matthew Harrison farmhouse.

Harrison Residence, Dixie Road and Dundas Street, Toronto Township, Peel County

2009-02-20T15:26:00.010-05:00

© Michael Harrison 2009

This is the Harrison residence on the north east corner of Dixie Road and Dundas Street, Toronto Township, Peel County (present day City of Mississauga) taken about 1915. My great grandfather William Harrison and his family moved here about 1910 when he sold the 100 acres of land he owned in Toronto Gore Township. Here William operated a market garden growing fruits and vegetables. I think they lived here until the late 1920s. My great aunt Rita Harrison (Sister Mary Caroline) is peaking out the front window and her brother William (Bill) is standing at the front gate.

Here is a photo of the field behind the house.