The Stewarts in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada & Arden, Manitoba, Canada

Descended from the Stewarts in Muirlaggan and Lianach in Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland

Duncan Stewart and his wife, Margaret Gillespie, were pioneer farmers in the early 1800s in rural Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada. They began their family in the village of Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, before coming to Canada in 1834.

Duncan Stewart was born at Summerline on the Blair Drummond Moss in Kincardine by Doune parish, Perthshire, Scotland, as a descendant of the Stewarts in Muirlaggan and Lianach (a branch of the Stewarts of Glenbuckie, the second principal family of Clan Stewart of Balquhidder.)

In 1834, Duncan and Margaret moved to Canada with Margaret’s parents and her siblings’ families. They settled on a farm just southwest of the current city of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Their farm was initially merely uncleared brushland. They had to clear a space and build a crude cabin to live in before the first winter winds arrived, and continue clearing the land before they could plant crops or raise livestock. Life on a pioneer farm was hard. Duncan and Margaret died prematurely in 1848 when a smallpox outbreak claimed their lives and the lives of several of their extended family members. This is the story of their family from their origins in Scotland through generations of their descendants in Canada and beyond.

Complicated Research

Research on this family has been complicated by several factors:

Duncan and Margaret’s premature deaths meant that they were not recorded in the 1851 Canadian census which was the first census to provided detailed information on household occupants. This meant that early information on their family was incomplete.
The names and ages of Duncan and Margaret and their children matched closely with other pioneer families in Puslinch leading to mistaken family connections. Several private and public genealogies have confounded these families together. Even the venerable Donald Whyte in his Dictionary of Scottish Emigrants to Canada, (vol. 2, pg. 353) mixes up the descendants of this family with another family.
Family lore among some descendants of Duncan and Margaret’s son, Hugh Stewart, contained fanciful and untrue stories about the origins of their family. These stories were passed down through the generations and believed as fact, and caused confusion when these stories did not match with information found in public records.



Click Here to Donate

If the information on this site is helpful to you, please donate to support the ongoing work of the Stewarts of Balquhidder Research Group.

Sources

In our research, we cite many documentary sources. Some of the most common ones that you will find referenced and abbreviated in our notes include:

Duncan Stewart (1739). A Short Historical and Genealogical Account of the Surname Stewart…. (It’s actual title is much longer), by Rev. Duncan Stewart, M.A., 1st of Strathgarry and Innerhadden, son of Donald Stewart, 5th of Invernahyle, published in 1739. Public domain.
Stewarts of the South. A large collection of letters written circa 1818-1820 by an agent of Maj. Gen. David Stewart of Garth, comprising a near complete inventory of all Stewart families living in southern Perthshire, including all branches of the Stewarts of Balquhidder.
MacGregor, Gordon, The Red Book of Scotland. 2020 (http://redbookofscotland.co.uk/, used with permission). Gordon MacGregor is one of Scotland’s premier professional family history researchers who has conducted commissioned research on behalf of the Lord Lyon Court. He has produced a nine volume encyclopedic collection of the genealogies of all of Scotland’s landed families with meticulous primary source references. Gordon has worked privately with our research team for over 20 years.
[Parish Name] OPR. This refers to various Old Parish Registers.
For a full list of sources, click here.

Ancestors of Duncan Stewart & Margaret Gillespie

Robert Stewart in Summerline and Mary McNie

Duncan Stewart’s parents, Robert Stewart and Mary McNie, came from Balquhidder parish in Perthshire, Scotland. Robert Stewart was born in 1759 at Blarcrioch in the far western upper Braes of Balquhidder and Mary McNie was born in 1763 in Lochearnhead on the western shore of Loch Earn.

Robert and Mary married in 1787. Sometime prior to that, Robert moved to Summerline on the Blair Drummond Moss in Kincardine by Doune parish, likely as one of the earlier residents on the Moss. Life on the Moss was hard. Tenants had to clear the peat bog by hand and build their homes in the muck as they slowly transformed the land into aerable farmland.

Robert and Mary had nine children at Summerline. The Summerline farm remained in their family for three generations.

Robert Stewart is believed to have died about 1820. His widow Mary kept a family bible for her eldest son, Duncan, in which she recorded the family history and the names and birth dates of Duncan’s children including the names of the ministers who baptised them — even the grandchildren who were born in Canada after immigration. So she must have kept in touch with Duncan’s family regularly after they left Scotland. It’s not known if she kept similar bibles for her other children.

Robert and Mary’s eldest son Duncan Stewart was born in 1788. His story is the subject of this page.

Descendants of the Stewarts in Muirlaggan and Lianach

Robert Stewart’s ancestors came from Lianach in Glen Buckie, just south of the village of Balquhidder in Perthshire, Scotland, where they had lived since the 1500s. They belonged to the Stewarts in Muirlaggan and Lianach (a cadet branch of the Stewarts of Glenbuckie, the second principal family of Clan Stewart of Balquhidder.)

Stewarts in Muirlaggan & Lianach

Stewarts of Glenbuckie

Stewarts of Balquhidder

The Gillespies in Deanston

Margaret Gillespie was born about 1802 as the first of nine children to Hugh Gillespie and Mary Reid. No record of Margaret’s birth has been found, as such her exact date and place of birth are uncertain. Her father, Hugh Gillespie, came from Lecropt, Perthshire, Scotland, and was a mechanic and moved around in his early life wherever work was — firstly in Denny, Stirlingshire, Scotland, then about 1807 then moved to Brig o’ Turk in Callander parish, Perthshire, Scotland, and finally in 1811 to the village of Deanstone near Doune in the parish of Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, where Hugh worked as a mechanic at the Deanston Mill, Hugh was eventually promoted to head foreman. The Deanston Milll became one of the most important centres of the Industrial Revolution.

In 1834, Hugh Gillespie immigrated with his wife and several of their children, some of whom were adults with children of their own, to Canada where they settled on pioneer farm in Puslinch, just southwest of the town of Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada.

For more information on the Gillespie family:

Gillespie Family in Deanston & Puslinch

Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie in Doune and Puslinch

Duncan Stewart, in Doune & Puslinch, b. 1788, Summerline, Blair Drummond Moss, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 1848, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 60 years).

Duncan Stewart was born about 1788 in Summerline, Flanders Moss, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, although no record of his birth has been found.

In 1814, at age 25, Duncan Stewart was residing with his parents and siblings on the family farm at Summerline on the Blair Drummond Moss. (1814 Blair Drummond Moss Census.)

Stewarts of the South Appendix describes two Duncan Stewarts in Summerline Flander’s Moss, both from the Glenbuckie family. The author describes one as “an industrious character” and the other as “a middling (average), industrious character.”

The wording of the entry in Stewarts of the South for Duncan’s father, Robert Stewart in Summerline, suggests that Robert may have died after the 1814 Moss Census was conducted and prior to the authoring of Stewarts of the South (ca. 1815-1820). Thus we are suggesting that Robert Stewart may have died about 1818 and that Duncan may have taken over the Summerline family farm at that point.

It does not appear that moss farming was to his tastes. As, in keeping with his “industrious character,” sometime between 1814-1827, Duncan Stewart moved to the village of Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland. It is suspected that he may have worked at the nearby Deanston Mill as he ended up marrying the mill foreman’s daughter. At this point, his younger brother Patrick Stewart appears to have taken over the Summerline family farm.

In 1827, at age 39, Duncan Stewart was living in the village of Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, where he married Margaret GIllespie, daughter of Hugh Gillespie, foreman of the nearby Deanston Works Mill. Margaret had a son, William Hutton, from a previous relationship. Duncan and Margaret had two children while residing in the village of Doune and a third in Deanston prior to immigrating to Canada.

In 1834, Duncan and Margaret left Scotland and immigrated with Margaret’s family to Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, where they settled as pioneers on a farm next-door to her parents, Hugh and Mary Gillespie and had four more children.

Life as pioneer settlers was hard. Families were given a parcel of uncleared land and were required to clear a portion of their land and build a house within three years in order to maintain their land grant. (This was to prevent absentee landlords acquiring land.) Their initial house would likely have been little more than a one-room log cabin. They had nothing but themselves, their neighbours and their faith to rely on. The nearest urban settlement would have been Guelph (a village of 1200 people) about ten miles away.

The 1842 Canadian census shows Duncan Stewart (residing next door to Hugh Gillespie) with 2 males under 16, 1 male over 16, 4 females under 16, 1 female over 16, 8 total family members, Church of Scotland. These entries correspond with: Duncan Stewart (m>16) and his wife, Margaret Gillespie (f>16), with their children: Robert Stewart (m<16), Hugh Stewart (m<16), Mary Stewart (f<16), Jane Stewart (f<16), Margaret Stewart (f<16), and Elizabeth Stewart (f<16).

That same year, in 1842, Duncan’s mother sent him a family bible from home with the following inscription:

“This Bible is Sent from Summer Lane Blair Drummond Moss to Duncan Stewart son of Robert Stewart late of that Place by his Mother Mary (or Marg) McNie as the best blessing she can send and may God be with you and yours is the earnest Prayer of your Mother.
Summerlane 26 May 1842

Mary Stewart Born December 17th 1827, Baptised the 23 by by Dr Morrow Kilmadock
Robert Stewart Born the 22 May 1830, Baptised the 30 by Dr Morrow
Jean Stewart Born the 23 August 1832, Baptised the 3 September by Dr Morrow
Margaret Stewart Born the 1st of Feb 1834, Baptised the 5th by Mr Smith of Guelph
Hugh Stewart Born the 8th of Jully 1837, Baptised by Mr Smith of Guelph
Elisabeth Stewart born the Nov the 1st 1839, Baptised by Mr Smith of Guelph
Janet Stewart Born Jan the 8th 1842, Baptised by Mr Smith of Guelph”

[The family bible images were posted by Robert Chiddenton of Manitoba, Canada, a descendant of Hugh Stewart (1837-1913), son of Duncan and Margaret.]

Duncan Stewart ran up a significant debt with his father-in-law which was addressed in Hugh Gillespie’s will written in 1846. Hugh Gillespie states that as the debt exceeds the amount of the share of Hugh’s property and estate that Duncan Stewart would be entitled to as his son-in-law. that, upon Hugh’s death, the debt would be forgiven. A day later Hugh Gillespie had to add a codicile clarifying that Duncan Stewart incorrectly understood this to mean that Duncan’s debt would be forgiven and that he would still inherit an equal portion of Hugh Gillespie’s estate. Whereas what Hugh Gillespie actually meant was that the debt would be considered paid in full in lieu of any share of the estate that Duncan would otherwise have been entitled to, even though the amount of the debt exceeded the amount of the estate that Duncan was entitled to. Hugh goes on to say that the rest of the family would never accept an arrangement that forgave Duncan Stewart’s death and still gave him an equal share of the estate on top of that.

In 1848, at age 60, Duncan Stewart died in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada. Duncan’s wife, Margaret Gillespie, died the same year, leaving their children orphaned.

According to the Puslinch Papers: Lot 24, 24 FEB 1848, “Duncan McFarlane swore before John Hammersely that Duncan Stewart has been the owner and in occupation of the front half of Lot 27 since the month of May 1840, but he is now deceased.”

Duncan and Margaret’s cause of death is not entirely certain. In 1848, there was a smallpox outbreak in Puslinch that claimed the lives of several members of the extended Gillespie family who all lived on adjoining farms (including Margaret’s father, Hugh Gillespie, and several members of her sisters Mary and Jane’s households). Family tradition among Jane Gillespie’s descendants says that Duncan and Margaret died of smallpox which seems likely to be correct. However there is also the following obituary found in the Guelph Mercury newspaper:

“Stewart, Duncan – Burned to death, having fallen into a fireplace while drunk. Funeral on Saturday. Sept(?) 27, 1848. His wife died the same way nine months ago, Jan. 12, 1848.” (obituary, Guelph Mercury)

It is not certain that this obituary pertains to this Duncan Stewart and his wife, Margaret Gillespie, but the dates are close enough that it could be them.

After the deaths of Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie, their children were orphaned between the ages of 5-18. Family tradition among the descendants of daughter Jane Stewart recalls that the orphans were raised by their maternal grandparents, Hugh Gillespie and Mary Reid. However, this could not be correct as Hugh Gillespie died at the same time as Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie. None of the orphans have been located in 1851 to see who might have raised them, other than Jane Stewart, who, at 18 years old, was working as a farm labourer in Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada, on the farm of Jonathan and Elizabeth Smith, and working alongside her future husband, John McCormack, two years prior to their marriage.

Marriage and Children

Duncan Stewart married on 9 Mar 1827 in Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland to Margaret Gillespie, b. Abt 1802, Perthshire or Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. 1848, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 46 years). They had the following children:

1. Mary Stewart, b. 17 Dec 1827, Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Abt 1863, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada

Mary Stewart, b. 17 Dec 1827, Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Abt 1863, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada (Age 35 years)

Mary Stewart was born in 1827 in the village of Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, as the oldest child of Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie. She had an older half-brother, William Hutton, from her mother’s previous relationship.

About 1834, when Mary was about 7 years old, her family immigrated to Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, along with her Gillespie grandparents’ extended family.

In 1844, Mary’s half-brother, William Hutton, died.

On 5 Nov 1847, at age 19, Mary Stewart married in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Thomas Dunn.

A few months later, in 1848, when Mary was 20 years old, her parents died, leaving her younger siblings orphaned.

In 1851, at age 24, Mary Dunn was residing in Puslinch Div. 2 (east of Brock Road), Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her children Mary A Dunn (2) and Margaret A Dunn (4). Also residing with them were or orphaned sisters, Margaret Stewart (16) and Elizabeth Stewart (12). Also residing with them was James Evans (23), a labourer working on their farm, who later married Mary’s sister, Elizabeth. Her husband Thomas Dunn was residing with his parents elsewhere in Puslinch on the day of the census, presumeably working on their farm.

In 1861, at age 35, Mary Dunn was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and children. Also residing with them was her brother, Hugh Stewart, his wife, and their young son, Duncan Stewart.

Marriage and Children

Mary Stewart married on 5 Nov 1847 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Thomas Dunn, b. 15 May 1825, Coldingham, Berwickshire, Scotland , d. 19 Oct 1901, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 76 years). They had the following children:

1. Margaret A. Dunn, b. 1848, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Mary Anne Dunn, b. 8 Apr 1849, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. Aft 1901, Probably Muskoka, Simcoe County, Ontario (Age > 53 years)
3. Charlotte Ann Dunn, b. 24 Oct 1850, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1936 (Age 85 years)
4. Robert Dunn, b. Dec 1852, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 28 Dec 1897, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 45 years)
5. Thomas Dunn, b. 1854, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. Between 1896 and 1901, Arthur, Wellington County, Ontario (Age 42 years)
6. Willimine Dunn, b. 1859, Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada , d. Aft 1885 (Age > 27 years)

2. Robert Stewart, b. 22 May 1830, Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 3 Jan 1907, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada

Robert Stewart, b. 22 May 1830, Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 3 Jan 1907, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 76 years).

Robert Stewart was born in 1830 in the village of Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, as the son of Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie.

About 1834, when Robert was about 4 years old, his family immigrated to Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, where they settled on a pioneer farm adjacent to Robert’s maternal grandparents, Hugh and Mary Gillespie.

In the 1842 Canadian census, Robert is shown as a son under 16 to Duncan Stewart, residing next-door to Hugh Gillespie.

In 1848, when Robert was just 18 years old, both his parents died along with his grandfather, Hugh Gillespie. Robert’s immediate whereabouts after the death of his parents is unknown.

Robert Stewart has not been found in 1851.

On 21 Feb 1861, Robert Stewart married in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Lydia Sammons.

In 1861, at age 33, Robert Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, and was working as a farm labourer on the farm of Robert Dunn (father-in-law of Robert’s sister, Mary). Robert’s wife, Lydia Simmons, was working as a labouer on the same farm.

In 1871, at age 41, Robert Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada with his wife and four children. He was employed as a labourer and residing next-door to his brother, Hugh Stewart.

In 1881, at age 55, Robert Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, as a widower with his three daughters. He was working as a labourer and living next-door to his brother Hugh’s farm.

Robert Stewart has not been found in the 1891 census.

In 1901, at age 70, Robert Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, and working as a servant in the household of Donald McLean.

Robert Stewart, died January 3, 1907, aged 76 years and 7 months in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada and is buried in Crown Cemetery. He died of chronic nephritis (kidneys). His death was attested by his son, Hugh Stewart.

Marriage and Children

Robert Stewart married on 21 Feb 1861 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Lydia Bella Sammons, b. 1842, Cobourg, Hamilton Township, Northumberland County, Ontario , d. Between 1871 and 1881, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 29 years). They had the following children:

1. Hannah Stewart, b. Oct 1862, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 6 Dec 1942, Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 80 years).Hannah Stewart was born in 1862 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada.
  In 1871, at age 9, Hannah Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her parents and siblings.
  
  In 1881, at age 18, Hannah Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her parents and siblings.
  
  Hannah and her family have not been found in the 1891 census
  
  In 1901, at age 36, Hannah Stewart was residing at the House of Industry & Refuge in Nichol, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, and was described as having an unsound mind from childhood. She remained institutionalized there until her death in 1942.
2. Hugh Stewart, b. Mar 1864, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 28 Oct 1934, Flynn, Sanilac, Michigan, USA (Age 70 years).Hugh Stewart was born in 1864 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Robert Stewart and Lydia Sammons.
  In 1871, at age 7, Hugh Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with his parents and siblings.
  
  Sometime between 1871-1881, when Hugh was between 7-17 years old, Hugh’s mother Lydia died.
  
  Hugh is not found in Canadian records again until his father’s death in 1907, for which Hugh is the informant. It appears that, after the death of his mother, Hugh (still in his mid-teens) left Canada and moved to Michigan, USA.
  
  In 1880, at age 17, Hugh Stewart was residing in Maple Valley, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, working as a labourer for Ephram Erb.
  
  In 1881, Hugh’s parents and siblings were residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada. Hugh is not present.
  
  On 10 Jan 1889, in Maple Valley, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, Hugh Stewart, born 1862 in Canada, married to Margaret Jane Renwick. She had a son, George Renwick, from a prior relationship. His father’s name is recorded as Robert Stewart and his mother’s name is left blank.
  
  There is no American census for 1890.
  
  In 1892, Hugh Stewart and Mary Renwick have a daughter, Hannah, who appears to be named after Hugh’s sister, who was declared as having an unsound mind from birth.
  
  In 1900, Hugh Stewart’s wife and children were residing in Lamotte, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, but Hugh was not with them.
  
  In 1910, at age 45, Hugh Stewart was residing in Flynn, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, with his wife and two daughters. He was employed as a farm labourer working outside.
  
  In 1920, at age 54, Hugh Stewart was residing in Flynn, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, with his wife and their married daughter, Hannah, and her child. He was employed as a farmer.
  
  In 1930, at age 65, Hugh Stewart was residing in Flynn, Sanilac, Michigan, USA, with his wife. He was employed as a farmer.
  
  Hugh Stewart died in 1934.
  
  Hugh Stewart married on 10 Jan 1889 in Marlette, Sanilac, Michigan, USA to Margaret Jane Renwick, b. 1871, Widder Station, Thedford, Lambton, Ontario, Canada , d. 1940, Sanilac, Michigan, USA (Age 69 years). They had the following children:
  1. Mary Jane Stewart, b. 1900, Decker, Sanilac, Michigan, USA , d. 1943, Sanilac County, Michigan, USA (Age 43 years)
  2. Hannah E Stewart, b. 1892, Sanilac, Michigan, USA , d. UNKNOWN
  3. Margaret E Stewart, b. Mar 1894, Michigan, USA
3. Mary Ann Stewart, b. 18 May 1867, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 13 Feb 1921, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 53 years). Mary Stewart married Louis Negro and had a family in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada.
  1. Thomas Negro, b. 25 Jul 1895, Campbellville, Halton, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
  2. Lewis Negro, b. 14 Jan 1899, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
  3. Robert Albert Negro, b. May 1900, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 10 Sep 1900, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 0 years)
  4. Elizabeth Negro, b. 6 Aug 1901, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
  5. Leonard Negro, b. 6 Oct 1906, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
4. Sarah Stewart, b. Dec 1870, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN.They 1881 census records Sarah’s name as “Stuart”.
  She may be the Sarah Elizabeth Stewart from Puslinch who married Andrew Hamilton, however that Sarah’s parents names are recorded as Robert and Mary Ann Stewart, which could be a confusion with her sister, as Sarah was only a child when her mother died. No other Sarah Stewart has been found in Puslinch prior to their marriage.

3. Jane Stewart, b. 10 Mar 1832, Deanston, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 16 Jun 1908, Gosfield North Township, Essex County, Ontario, Canada

Jane Stewart, b. 10 Mar 1832, Deanston, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 16 Jun 1908, Gosfield North Township, Essex County, Ontario, Canada (Age 76 years).

Jane Stewart was born in 1832 in the village of Deanston, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland.

About 1834, when Jane Stewart was just two years old, her parents immigrated to Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, along with her grandparents, the Gillespies. They extended family all settled on three adjoining farms.

In 1842, Jane Stewart is shown in the Canadian census as a daughter, under the age of 16, of Duncan Stewart, and residing next door to Hugh Gillespie.

In 1848, at age 16, Jane Stewart’s parents both died, leaving Jane and her siblings orphaned. According to a 1908 biography, Jane was then raised by her grandparents Hugh Gillespie and Mary Reid. This could not be correct though, as her grandfather, Hugh Gillespie, died at the same time as her parents. What may be correct is that her grandparents may have helped raise the children prior to their parents’ deaths.

In 1851 at age 18, Jane was residing in Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada, working as a farm labourer on the farm of Jonathan and Elizabeth Smith, and working alongside her future husband, John McCormack.

A year later, on 15 Mar 1852, in Halton, Ontario, Canada, Jane Stewart married John D. McCormick. They started a family in Port Nelson and later moved to Tilbury in Essex, Ontario, Canada, where they continued their family.

Marriage and Children

Jane Stewart married on 15 Mar 1852 in Halton County, Ontario, Canada to John D. McCormick, b. 20 Mar 1823, Ayrshire, Scotland , d. 21 Apr 1909, Gosfield North Township, Essex County, Ontario, Canada (Age 86 years). They had the following children:

1. Mary Jane McCormick, b. 1857, Port Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada , d. 7 Mar 1884, Comber, Essex, Ontario, Canada (Age 27 years)
2. Thomas McCormick, b. 14 Oct 1859, Port Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada , d. 29 Apr 1945, Mersea Township, Essex County, Ontario, Canada (Age 85 years)
3. Elizabeth McCormick, b. 22 Dec 1861, Tilbury, Essex, Ontario, Canada , d. 28 Jan 1943, Kingsville, Gosfield S. Twp., Essex Co., Ontario (Age 81 years)
4. John McCormick, b. 14 Jan 1866, Tilbury, Essex, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
5. Robert McCormick, b. 15 Jul 1869, Tilbury, Essex, Ontario, Canada , d. 5 Feb 1945, Staples, Essex County, Ontario, Canada (Age 75 years)
6. William McCormick, b. 15 Oct 1871, Tilbury, Essex, Ontario, Canada , d. 29 Jan 1923, Leamington, Mersea, Essex, Ontario, Canada (Age 51 years)
7. Louise B McCormick, b. 18 Nov 1900, Ontario

4. Margaret Stewart, b. 1834, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. UNKNOWN

Margaret Stewart, b. 1834, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN.

Margaret Stewart was born in 1834 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie, as their first Canadian-born child. She was likely born within months of her parents arriving in Canada. The family settled on a farm next to her maternal grandparents, Hugh and Mary Gillespie.

In the 1842 Canadian census, Margaret is shown as one of the daughters under 16 of Duncan Stewart, residing next-door to Hugh Gillespie.

In 1848, when Margaret was 14 years old, both her parents died. Afterwhich, Margaret went to live with her oldest sister, Mary.

In 1851, at age 16, Margaret Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, in the home of her sister, Mary Dunn.

Margaret has not been found in later records. She may have married to an unknown person or died or emigrated.

5. Hugh Stewart, b. 8 Jul 1837, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 24 Sep 1913, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Hugh Stewart, b. 8 Jul 1837, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 24 Sep 1913, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 76 years).

Information on Hugh Stewart and his descendants is presented below.

6. Elizabeth Stewart, b. 9 Dec 1838, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. Between 1911 and 1921, Arkell, Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada

Elizabeth Stewart, b. 9 Dec 1838, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. Between 1911 and 1921, Arkell, Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada (Age 72 years).

Elizabeth Stewart was born in 1838 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie.

In the 1842 Canadian Census, Elizabeth is shown as one of the daughters of Duncan Stewart, residing next-door to Hugh Gillespie.

In 1848, both of Elizabeth’s parents died, leaving Elizabeth an orphan at age 10, along with her other siblings. After the death of her parents, Elizabeth went to live with her oldest sister Mary Dunn.

In 1851, at age 13, Elizabeth Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, in the home of her sister Mary Dunn and Mary’s family. Also residing with them was 23-year-old James Evans, who was employed as a farm servant.

Elizabeth Stewart, still in her mid-teens began relations with James Evans who was ten years her senior. No marriage record has been found for them

In 1855, at age 17, Elizabeth Stewart gave birth to Margaret Jane Evans, daughter of James Evans, age 31.

In 1861, at age 22, Elizabeth Stewart was residing in Nassagaweya, Halton, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and their two young children.

In 1871, at age 32, Elizabeth Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her husband James Evans and their five children. Her husband James was employed as a farm labourer. He was unable to read or write. Elizabeth could read but could not write.

In 1881, at age 41, Elizabeth Evans was residing in the town of Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her husband James Evans and their young son, Thomas Evans (5). The rest of their children were not with them. Their oldest children, Margaret (26), George (21) and Sarah Ann (18), were already married and living with their spouses. Son John (16) has not been found in 1881, but is found in later records. Son Hugh has not been found in 1881 or later records and is presumed to have died before 1881.

In 1901, at age 63, Elizabeth Evans was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with her husband James Evans (73). They were residing next-door to their son, George Evans and his family.

In 1903, Elizabeth’s husband, James Evans died in Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada.

In 1911, at age 72, Elizabeth Evans was living alone in Aberfoyle Village, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, as a widow.

Elizabeth Evans is not found in 1921 and is presumed to have died.

Marriage and Children

Elizabeth Stewart married to James Evans, b. 7 Dec 1827, Yorkshire, England , d. 17 Mar 1903, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 75 years). They had the following children:

1. Margaret Jane Evans, b. 24 Sep 1855, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1949, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 93 years)
2. George Evans, b. 12 Jan 1860, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Sarah Ann Evans, b. 17 Aug 1862, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1940, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 77 years)
4. John Evans, b. Aug 1865, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 7 Aug 1915, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 50 years)
5. Hugh Evans, b. Dec 1870, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. Bef 1881, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age < 10 years)
6. Thomas Evans, b. 16 Oct 1871, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

7. William Stewart, b. Abt 1841, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. Abt 1848, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada

William Stewart, b. Abt 1841, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. Abt 1848, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 7 years).

William Stewart is not found in the 1842 census. According to family tradition among his sister Jane Stewart’s descendants, William died of smallpox with his parents. However, as no documentary evidence supports the existence of William, it is possible that he has been confused with William Hutton (Margaret Gillespie’s son from a previous relationship.)

8. Janet Stewart, b. 1843, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. UNKNOWN

Janet Stewart, b. 1843, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN.

Janet Stewart was born in 1843 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie.

In 1848, when Janet was just five years old, both her parents died, leaving Janet and her siblings orphaned. Janet’s immediate whereabouts after the death of her parents is unknown. It is suspected that her oldest sister, Mary Dunn, cared for her, but Janet is not found with Mary Dunn in the 1851 census.

Janet Stewart has not been found in the 1851 census.

Janet has not been found in the 1861 census.

On 10 Mar 1862, Janet Stewart married in Halton, Ontario, Canada to Francis Gordon.

Janet Stewart, age 19, b- Canada, res.- Puslinch, daughter of Duncan and Margaret married 10 Mar 1862, Halton Co. to Francis Gordon, age 28, b-Scotland, res.- Puslinch, son of Alexander and Mary.

Jessie Stewart married in the Roman Catholic Church to Francis Gordon. Their daughter, Mary Jane Gordon was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church.

Jessie died in childbirth giving birth to twins who did not survive. Her eldest two daughters were apparently old enough to fend for themselves while her youngest three sons were sent to live with relatives. Father, Frank’s whereabouts is unknown.

Marriage and Children

Jean/Jessie Stewart married on 10 Mar 1862 in Halton County, Ontario, Canada to Francis Gordon, b. 1829, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:

1. Margaret Gordon, b. 26 Jan 1863, Georgetown, Halton County, Ontario , d. 27 Jun 1926, Oshawa, Durham, Ontario, Canada (Age 63 years)
2. Mary Jane Gordon, b. 18 Jan 1865, Nassagaweya Township, Halton County, Ontario , d. 5 Apr 1916, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Age 51 years)
3. William John Gordon, b. 17 Mar 1868, Milton, Halton County, Ontario , d. UNKNOWN
4. Thomas Edward Gordon, b. 29 Jun 1870, Milton, Halton County, Ontario , d. 10 Nov 1941, Barton, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada (Age 71 years)
5. George Henry Gordon, b. 20 Dec 1872, Halton County, Ontario, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

Hugh Stewart, Pioneer Settler in Arden, Manitoba, Canada

Hugh Stewart, b. 8 Jul 1837, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 24 Sep 1913, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 76 years)

Hugh Stewart, as you will see below, became the patriarch of a massive clan. Hugh Stewart was born in 1837 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to parents Duncan Stewart and Margaret Gillespie. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Hugh Gillespie. Hugh Stewart was raised on a pioneer farm just south of the present city of Guelph, Ontario, Canada in what could be kindly described as “rough” circumstances. His maternal grandparents lived next-door.

In 1848, Hugh Stewart was orphaned at the young age of only 11-years-old. His parents died from a small pox outbreak that claimed the lives of many in their extended family. His siblings were also orphaned. The immediate whereabouts of most of them after their parents’ deaths are unknown.

Hugh Stewart and his brother Robert Stewart have not been found in the 1851 census. According to family tradition, he may have been in Eastern Ontario, staying with relatives, at the time. However, so far, he has not been located in records.

On 6 Oct 1858, at age 21, Hugh Stewart married in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Agnes Ann Mitchell, and they immediately began a family together.

In 1861, at age 24, Hugh Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and young son, Duncan (age 3). Hugh was working as a labourer on the farm of his brother-in-law, Thomas Dunn.

In 1871, at age 34, Hugh Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with his wife Agnes, and their five children. Hugh was employed as a farmer and living next-door to his brother, Robert Stewart.

In on 30 Nov 1872, Hugh’s wife Agnes died of peripheral mania (a primitive diagnosis for what is today termed as post-partum depression).

Just three months after the death of his first wife, Hugh had relations with Elizabeth E Simmons with whom he had an illegitimate daughter, Margaret, on 17 Nov 1873.

Six months later, on 6 May 1874, Hugh Stewart married in Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, to Elizabeth Simmons. Hugh records himself as a “widower” at the time of marriage.

The Legend of Forbidden Romance between Hugh Stewart and the Aristocrat’s Daughter

A family legend may shed some light on the preceding peculiar sequence of events:

Hugh Stewart came to Canada as a 16 year old orphan from Scotland in 1853. He settled initially near Guelph, Ontario and began a family. “After Hugh Stewart’s first wife died “Hugh Stewart began working for Sir John Simmons down in the corner of Lower Canada, along the St. Lawrence near the corner of Upper Canada. Hugh fell in love with one of John Simmons’ daughters, Elizabeth, who was born January 2, 1843. They had come from two different worlds; he was an orphan working his way up and she was the daughter of an important landowner. She was educated by a governess and could sing in both French and English. She also had learned the fine art of doing needlepoint. Her father refused to give Hugh and Elizabeth permission to marry, so they eloped about 1872. This caused a permanent rift between the two families and they never had any contact again.” (According to descendant, the late Alice Fluegge.)

As with many family traditions, this story appears based on some kernels of truth that have been distorted through the passage of time. Hugh was orphaned as a young pre-teen, but in Canada, not in Scotland. His second wife did come from eastern Ontario (across the St. Lawrence River from “the corner of Lower Canada”), where many Scottish families from Puslinch had relatives. So it’s plausible that Hugh may have been sent there to stay with relatives after his parents died. This would explain his absence from the 1851 census. Perhaps Hugh and Elizabeth Simmons did meet when they were children and fell in love but were too young to have a relationship and Hugh was sent back to Puslinch. Hugh could have been in Northumberland as late as 1857. If so, he would have been 20 and Elizabeth would have been 14. But he was certainly in Puslinch and married to his first wife, Agnes, by 1858. It’s possible that Hugh and Elizabeth may have had a forbidden romance and could have stayed in touch over the years and reconnected after Hugh’s first wife died. But the family legend, as handed down, seems to ignore the fact that Hugh even had a first wife and a family at all. Whether Elizabeth Simmons was the daughter of an aristocrat is unknown, but perhaps she came from a family of some means and was educated. As to her father’s lack of permission for them to marry, their subsequent elopement, and the permanent rift with Elizabeth’s family, these could be true as evidenced by the fact that Elizabeth was pregnant with Hugh’s illegitimate child just three months after Hugh’s first wife died and Hugh and Elizabeth did not marry until six months after their daughter was born, and they married in Guelph, not Puslinch.

According to one of Hugh’s granddaughters, relations between Elizabeth Simmons and her step-children from Hugh’s first marriage were apparently poor.

In 1879, Hugh Stewart travelled to Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada with two of his sons, Duncan and Joseph, to purchase a farm. He then returned to Ontario to retrieve his wife and the rest of the family.

In 1881, at age 44, Hugh Stewart was residing in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, with his second wife and their large family of ten children. Hugh was employed as a farmer.

A very successful pioneer farmer and entrepreneur

In 1883, Hugh Stewart and the rest of his family moved to Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada.

Hugh was an extremely successful pioneer farmer and entrepreneur. He hired himself out doing custom threshing and imported Clydesdale horses from Scotland and sold them to homesteaders.

The following was in the Alexander History of Arden:

“Hugh came to Manitoba with sons Joe and Duncan in 1879, established a homestead and built a huge log house. Elizabeth came west in 1883 with Euphemia 9, Bob 7, and Sarah 2. They came to Portage LaPrairie by train and from there by ox cart. Their home along the Ridge was used as a stopping place. Young men came through and stayed there while they were looking for work.”

In 1891, at age 53, Hugh Stewart was residing in Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, with his wife and then children. He was employed as a farmer.

In 1901, at age 64, Hugh Stewart was residing in Lansdown, Manitoba, Canada, with his wife and ten children. He was employed as a farmer.

In 1906, at age 69, Hugh Stewart was residing in the Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, with his wife and and four of their adult and teen children. He was employed as a farmer.

In 1911, at age 74, Hugh Stewart was residing in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, with his wife and two of their adult children. He was employed as a farmer.

A Tragic Death

On 24 Sep 1913, Hugh Stewart was killed having been dragged by a runaway team of horses. His obituary reads:

Hugh Stewart Killed – Arden Farmer Receives Fatal Injuries in Runaway

Arden, Manitoba, Sept. 24. – This afternoon Hugh Stewart, Sr., met with sudden death just as he was about to leave the house on his farm about two miles from Arden, driving Mrs. Surch and two children across to this son’s harm. (sic, farm) When getting into the top buggy, his foot missed the step and caught in some way unknown. The spirited team became frightened and ran across the field until one of the horses fell down, dragging Mr. Stewart about a quarter of a mile and inflicting several injuries to his limbs, back, and fractured his skull. He never regained consciousness and died within about one hour. Mrs. Surch and children were thrown out of the buggy. The children were practically unhurt, but Mrs. Surch received a very severe shock and it is not known as yet just how serious her injuries are. Mr. Stewart was 78 years of age and was one of the pioneer settlers of this district, being a resident over 30 years, coming from near Guelph, Ontario. He was a practical and prosperous farmer.

Marriage and Children

Hugh Stewart married firstly on 6 Oct 1858 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Agnes Ann Mitchell, b. 1838, Armagh, Ireland , d. 30 Nov 1872, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada (Age 34 years). They had the following children prior to Agnes’ premature death.

1. Duncan Stewart, b. 28 Dec 1860, Aberfoyle, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 6 Dec 1946, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada

Duncan Stewart, b. 28 Dec 1860, Aberfoyle, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 6 Dec 1946, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 85 years).

Duncan Stewart accompanied his father, Hugh, and his brother Joseph to Manitoba in 1879 to establish a homestead there. Duncan returned breiefly to Ontario in 1881 to marry Mary Ann Campbell. Duncan remained in Arden, Manitoba for only two years and then moved to Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

After some time they returned to Arden until after Hugh’s death in 1913, afterwhich they moved to Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan. When Duncan died in 1946, his son, Duncan Jr, donated a portion of the family farm to become the cemetery where Duncan Sr was buried.

According to descendant Sharron Schaub: “Duncan’s family were remembered for their hospitality: for opening their home for church meetings, picnics and parties. Duncan could step dance and play the violin.” Due to a case of severe frostbite, Duncan eventually had to have his leg amputated. He took it with such good grace that he and a neighbour who also had a wooden leg created their own unique highland dance together involving tapping their wooden legs like African wood sticks.

Marriage and Children

Duncan Stewart married on 30 Nov 1881 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Mary Ann Campbell, b. 26 Apr 1862, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 27 Jan 1917, Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 54 years). They had the following family:

1. Hugh Stewart, b. 18 Jan 1882, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 5 Nov 1963, Mount Forest, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 81 years)
2. Janet Jessie Evelyn Stewart, b. 21 Sep 1884, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 8 Jan 1907 (Age 22 years)
3. Mary Ann Stewart, b. 31 Mar 1887, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. Jul 1980, Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 93 years)
4. Duncan Campbell Stewart, b. 6 May 1889, Wallace, Northwest Territories (now Saskatchewan), Canada , d. 12 Apr 1972, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 82 years)
5. Ethel Jane Stewart, b. 10 Feb 1891, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
6. Elizabeth M. Stewart, b. 21 Jan 1893, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
7. William Stewart, b. 9 Sep 1895, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
8. Peter M. Stewart, b. 10 Jul 1896, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 18 Jul 1975 (Age 79 years)
9. Stanley James Stewart, b. 4 Jun 1899, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 13 Oct 1914, Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 15 years)
10. Charlie Stewart, b. 1 Jul 1901, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
11. Esther Stewart, b. 3 Jan 1904, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

2. Joseph Stewart, b. 23 Feb 1863, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 21 Oct 1929, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Joseph Stewart, b. 23 Feb 1863, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 21 Oct 1929, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 66 years).

Joseph Stewart married about 1890 to Esther M. Thompson, b. Abt 1865, d. UNKNOWN. They had the following child:

1. Hugh Mitchell Stewart, b. 25 Dec 1891, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

3. Hugh J. Stewart, b. 12 Feb 1865, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 13 Dec 1932, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Hugh J. Stewart, b. 12 Feb 1865, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 13 Dec 1932, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 67 years).

Hugh Stewart married on 8 Feb 1907 in Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada to Edith Alberta Evans, b. 8 Apr 1887, Shaw Station, Puslinch, Wellington County, Ontario , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:

1. Mary Edith Stewart, b. Apr 1909, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Muriel Stewart, b. Abt 1912, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Irene Stewart, b. Abt 1915, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

4. James Stewart, b. 10 Apr 1867, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 1 Dec 1945, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

James Stewart, b. 10 Apr 1867, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1 Dec 1945, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 78 years).

James followed his siblings out west to Manitoba and settled in Neepawa, not far from his father in Arden.

James Stewart married on 9 Sep 1914 in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada to Daisy Christmas, b. Abt 1895, England , d. 13 Jul 1971, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada (Age 76 years). They had the following children:

1. Thomas James Stewart, b. 11 Jun 1915, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. 14 Apr 1983, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 67 years)
2. Elsie Amy Stewart, b. 1920, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

5. Mary Ann Stewart, b. 14 Dec 1870, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 1947, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada

Mary Ann Stewart, b. 14 Dec 1870, Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1947, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 76 years).

Mary Ann Stewart married in 1889 in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, Canada to Neil McEachern, b. 15 Aug 1866, Oro, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada , d. 31 Oct 1947, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 81 years). They had the following children:

1. Nancy McEachern, b. 14 Aug 1890, Broadview, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Duncan McEachern, b. 23 Jun 1892, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 1898 (Age 5 years)
3. Barbara McEachern, b. 16 Sep 1893, Yorkton, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
4. Archie McEachern, b. 21 Jul 1895, Yorkton, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 24 Mar 1965 (Age 69 years)
5. Margaret McEachern, b. 12 Dec 1896, Yorkton, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
6. Donald McEachern, b. 16 Mar 1899, Yorkton, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 10 Nov 1970, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 71 years)
7. Hugh McEachern, b. 14 Jan 1901, Yorkton, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 11 Sep 1981, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 80 years)
8. Mary McEachern, b. 30 May 1902, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 9 Jun 1981 (Age 79 years)
9. Peter McEachern, b. 8 Jul 1906, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 1984, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 77 years)
10. Mabel McEachern, b. 23 Jul 1908, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
11. Dorothy McEachern, b. 26 Jan 1912, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
12. Katy McEachern, b. 1916, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

Hugh Stewart’s first wife, Agnes Mitchell, died on 30 Nov 1872. Almost exactly one year later, on 17 Nov 1873, Hugh Stewart had an illegitimate child with Elizabeth E Simmons, b. 2 Jan 1843, Murray, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada , d. 24 Apr 1935, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 92 years). They married six months later on 6 May 1874 in Guelph, Wellington, Ontario, Canada . Hugh and Elizabeth had the following children:

1. Margaret Jane Stewart, b. 17 Nov 1873, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 1960

Margaret Jane Stewart, b. 17 Nov 1873, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 1960 (Age 86 years).

Margaret Jane Stewart was the illegitimate daughter of Hugh Stewart and Elizabeth Simmons. She was born almost exactly a year after the death of Hugh Stewart’s first wife, which means that she was conceived a mere three months after Hugh Stewart’s first wife died. Her parents married six months after her birth.

Margaret Stewart married firstly on 18 Dec 1889 in Osprey, Manitoba, Canada to Robert Cathers, b. 5 May 1864, Grey, Huron, Ontario, Canada , d. 15 Dec 1908, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada (Age 44 years). They had the following children:

1. John Cathers, b. 30 Nov 1890, Marquette, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada , d. 16 Sep 1958, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada (Age 67 years)
2. Elsie Elizabeth Cathers, b. 11 Jan 1893, Marquette, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Ann May Cathers, b. 19 Mar 1895, Marquette, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada , d. 24 Dec 1966 (Age 71 years)

After Robert Cathers’ death, Margaret Stewart married secondly between 1909-1913 to _____ Hoppfenbrack Hafenbrack, b. Abt 1875, d. UNKNOWN. (No record has been found of his first name. His surname is found with various spellings.). They had the following daughter:

1. Ilene Frances Hoppfenbrach, b. 1914, Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

2. Euphemia Ellen Stewart, b. 19 Dec 1874, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 14 Jan 1958, Kelwood, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada

Euphemia Ellen Stewart, b. 19 Dec 1874, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 14 Jan 1958, Kelwood, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada (Age 83 years).

Euphemia Stewart married firstly on 30 Aug 1893 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to James Gardiner, b. 30 Jan 1860, Glencoe, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada , d. 27 May 1913, Kelwood, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada (Age 53 years). They had the following children:

1. Hugh William Gardiner, b. 22 Dec 1894, Eden, Rosedale, Manitoba, Canada , d. Sep 1916, Germany (Age 21 years)
2. Randolph Russell Gardiner, b. 28 Aug 1897, Eden, Rosedale, Manitoba, Canada , d. 31 Aug 1974, Campbell River, British Columbia (Age 77 years)
3. Myrtle Marjorie Gardiner, b. 25 Feb 1901, Neepawa, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada , d. Mar 1967, Oak Park, Illinois, United States (Age 66 years)
4. Ethel Gardner, b. 25 Mar 1901, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
5. James Stewart Gardiner, b. 28 Jun 1904, Neepawa, Winnipeg, Manitoba , d. 9 Sep 1964, McCreary, Manitoba, Canada (Age 60 years)
6. Elizabeth Ellen Gardiner, b. 19 Feb 1907, Neepawa, Winnipeg, Manitoba , d. 23 Oct 1908, Neepawa, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Age 1 years)
7. Harold Raymond Gardiner, b. 1910, McCreary, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN, Hudson Hope, British Columbia

Euphemia Stewart married secondly on 16 Dec 1914 in Kelwood, Neepawa, Manitoba to Andrew Alexander, b. 23 Apr 1874, Eramosa Township, Wellington County, Ontario , d. 9 Dec 1964, Kelwood, Neepawa, Manitoba (Age 90 years). They had the following children:

1. Elizabeth Rebeane Alexander, b. 1918, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Dorothy Mary Alexander, b. 2 May 1919, McCreary, Manitoba, Canada , d. 19 Mar 1971, Kelwood, Manitoba, Canada (Age 51 years)
3. Walter Bruce Alexander, b. 25 Dec 1921, McCreary, Manitoba, Canada , d. 25 Mar 1922, McCreary, Manitoba, Canada (Age 0 years)

3. Robert Richard Stewart, b. 18 Jul 1876, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 25 Sep 1965, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Robert Richard Stewart, b. 18 Jul 1876, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 25 Sep 1965, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 89 years).

Robert farmed two miles west of Arden.

Robert Stewart married to Ellen Elizabeth Robertson, b. 1890, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. 26 Jul 1957, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 67 years). They had the following children:

1. Elizabeth Stewart, b. 1915, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. Bef 1984 (Age < 68 years)
2. John Richard Stewart, b. 16 Apr 1917, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Isobel Stewart, b. 4 May 1918, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. Bef 2004 (Age < 85 years)
4. William Alfred Stewart, b. 19 Sep 1919, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. Bef 2004 (Age < 84 years)
5. Gordon Stewart, b. 4 Feb 1922, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
6. Duncan Stewart, b. 5 Feb 1923, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
7. Grace Stewart, b. 24 May 1926, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. Bef 1931, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada (Age < 4 years)
8. Ellen Mary Mae Stewart, b. 1930, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

4. Sarah Stewart, b. 18 Jul 1878, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 4 Apr 1969, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada

Sarah Stewart, b. 18 Jul 1878, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 4 Apr 1969, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 90 years).

Sarah Stewart married in 1908 to Herbert Richard Gerrish, b. 16 May 1872, Ontario, Canada , d. 12 Sep 1936, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 64 years). They had the following children:

1. Susan Jane Gerrish, b. 24 Sep 1909, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 19 Aug 1946 (Age 36 years)
2. Ernest Cliffert Gerrish, b. 16 Nov 1910, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Herbert Lindsey Gerrish, b. 16 Jul 1912, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
4. Violet May Gerrish, b. 12 Mar 1915, Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. 2011, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada (Age 95 years)

5. Georgina Stewart, b. 12 Jun 1880, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada, d. 27 Feb 1903, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Georgina Stewart, b. 12 Jun 1880, Puslinch, Wellington, Ontario, Canada , d. 27 Feb 1903, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 22 years).

Georgina Stewart married on 25 Dec 1901 in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada to Marc Burgess Espen, b. UNKNOWN, d. UNKNOWN.

6. Rachel Evelyn Stewart, b. 23 Apr 1883, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, d. Jul 1949, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Rachel Evelyn Stewart, b. 23 Apr 1883, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. Jul 1949, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Age 66 years)

Rachel Stewart on 8 Apr 1914 in Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Francis Samuel Bailey, b. 3 Nov 1879, Plympton, Lambton, Ontario, Canada , d. 13 Nov 1961 (Age 82 years).

7. Roseanne Stewart, b. 4 May 1885, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, d. 3 Aug 1947, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

Roseanne Stewart, b. 4 May 1885, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 3 Aug 1947, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 62 years).

Roseanne Stewart married on 22 Dec 1902 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Robert Arthur Riddell, b. 22 Apr 1880, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada , d. 16 Apr 1949 (Age 68 years). They had the following children:

1. Leila Riddell, b. Jan 1904, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Gordon Stewart Riddell, b. Jan 1907, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Carl Mitchel Riddell, b. Sep 1909, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
4. Murray Reid Riddell, b. 1917, Lansdowne, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
5. Raymond A Riddell, b. 1926, Lansdowne, Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada , d. UNKNOWN

8. Janet May Stewart, b. 29 Dec 1889, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, d. May 1974, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

Janet May Stewart, b. 29 Dec 1889, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. May 1974, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 84 years).

Janet Stewart married on 8 Jan 1913 in Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada to Guomundur Mindy Johann Goodman, b. 18 Apr 1887, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada , d. 1954, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada (Age 66 years). They had the following children:

1. Dorothy Victoria May Goodman, b. 22 Jul 1913, Last Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
2. Gordon Stewart Goodman, b. 1915, Last Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada , d. UNKNOWN
3. Harold Murray Goodman, b. 7 Feb 1919, d. UNKNOWN
4. Donald Oliver Elroy Goodman, b. 30 Dec 1931, d. UNKNOWN

9. William Gordon Stewart, b. Jun 1890, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, d. 14 Dec 1902, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada

William Gordon Stewart, b. Jun 1890, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 14 Dec 1902, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada (Age 12 years)

He died in childhood.

10. John Stewart, b. 1891, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada, d. 1902, Manitoba, Canada

John Stewart, b. 1891, Arden, Lansdowne, Manitoba, Canada , d. 1902, Manitoba, Canada (Age 11 years)

John Stewart died in childhood.