Robert appears to have been a merchant, a banker,and a farmer, he married Mary Hill and produced four children. His son James, born Aug. 25 1818 and baptized in the Chapel of Garioch, became like his grandfather, a farmer, he died in 1882 in Canada. James at first married Janet Reid who was born in the parish of Monymusk, Aberdeenshire. Janet who's father was James Reid, unfortunately died at child birth in 1841 at the age of 37 years..
James then married Mary Violet Adam of the same area, however she also died at an early age, James then married Mary's sister Margaret Leslie Adam who had accompanied James and Mary when they emigrated to Canada in 1847. Margaret and James produced 13 more children, all the while looking after the 6 children of James' first two marriages.
The Laing family first settled in the Chambly, Quebec area, where they remained for a period of 10 years, they then moved into the Gatineau, to take up residence in Buckingham, Quebec.
Once he moved to the Buckingham area it is believed that he purchased land from one Henry Havelock Eaton, who was a large land owner in the Outaouais area.
Chapel of Garioch
Aberdeenshire
A village of the Garioch district in Aberdeenshire, Chapel of Garioch lies in a parish of the same name at a road junction 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Inverurie. The parish church dates from 1813.
Laing| 1st Child Unknown Laing |
OLD PARISH GRAVEYARD at St Ninian Church
The principal relic of the parish is the old churchyard on the left bank of the Don, about a mile below Kenmay bridge. All traces of the pre-Reformation church, which stood in it, have disappeared, a new private church, erected by the Leslie family, occupying its site. The graveyard itself has been levelled up, and is now seldom used for interments. This sequestered spot, surrounded by the murmuring Don and trees of patriarchal age, calls forth emotions consonant with its hallowed purpose and associations.
And of his spouse, Ann Scott, who died 29th January, 1832, aged 85 years.
| William Laing |
According to Rev Robert Laing, his Grandfather Robert was a merchant and a banker for many years , and after retiring from business he spent his last days on a farm near Fetternear, Aberdeenshire ,Scotland. James the eldest son emigrated to Canada in 1847, Robert(jr) remained on the family farm in Aberdeenshire, to which his father retired . William who appears to the the youngest son was sent off to be apprenticed to one Mr Watson in Dundee. Mary of course was married to Alexander Reid who eventually inherited the Laing family farm.
Will of Robert Laing Sr Farmer and seedman in Fetternear I nominate and appoint Patrick Downie ,farmer in Overtown of Fetternear, Alexander Cruchshank in Bogs of Coullie and Alexander Reid, my son-in-law to be my executors To the Session of the parish of Monymusk for behoof of the poor the sum of £10, to the session of Kemnay for behoof of the poor of said parish £10 , to the session of Chapel of Garioch the sum of £10 To my son William Laing presently residing with Mr Watson in the High Street of Dundee the sum of £100 To my son Robert Laing the sum of £1,000, the annual interest divided betixt my son James and daughter Mary Written on these and the two preceding pages by Revd Hanery Simson, minister of the Chapel of Garioch are by me subscribed at Overtown of Fetternear this tenth day of March , One thousand eight hundred and thirty six years before these witnesses William Kesson in Mill of Fetternear and George Watson in Bograxie |
OLD PARISH GRAVEYARD
The principal relic of the parish is the old churchyard on the left bank of the Don, about a mile below Kenmay bridge. All traces of the pre-Reformation church, which stood in it, have disappeared, a new private church, erected by the Leslie family, occupying its site. The graveyard itself has been levelled up, and is now seldom used for interments. This sequestered spot, surrounded by the murmuring Don and trees of patriarchal age, calls forth emotions consonant with its hallowed purpose and associations.
A headstone is inscribed -and his wife, Mary Hill, who died 26th April, 1834, aged 46.
Robert Laing, the son of Robert and Mary, appears on the 1841 census as 9 years old, living with his sister Mary and her husband Alexander Reid on the Overton property. He does not appear on the 1851 census, nor the 1861 census, and unfortunately we cannot find a record of burial as of Jan 2006.
James and Margaret Davies lived in Fetternear, and had nine children between 1821 and 1839. The witnesses at the children's baptisms were all neighbours - Archibald Booth, Peter/Patrick Downie, John and Patrick Walker, George Caithness, Robert Laing and Archibald Clarke
As to William Laing who in 1836 is with Mr Watson of the High Street in Dundee , we have found very little reference.
The story in the family is that inheritance money was rejected, because it had been acquired in the whisky trade. At first it was thought that this whisky trade was related to the Johnnie Walker group of companies, as there was was Walker related to the Laing family though marriage to the Scott family. However , as we can see from the below notes, there was a Watson involved in the whisky trade who had their affairs in Dundee. William Laing was residing with a Mr Watson in Dundee in the year 1836 (the date of his father's will) , so perhaps, this is the connection the family may have had with the whisky and the story about the inheritance being refused is indeed correct, even if the assumption of the relation to Johnnie Walker was not.
From " The Scotch Whisky Industry Record " by H.Charles Craig.
PARKMORE, DUFFTOWN, BANFFSHIRE, NJ329410.
Built 1894 by the Parkmore Distillery Co.; taken over by James Watson & Co. Ltd, Dundee, c.1900, who were acquired by John Dewar & Sons Ltd 1923. Passed to the DCL 1925 and transferred to SMD 1930. Silent from 1931. Licensed 1940 to Daniel Crawford & Son Ltd. Now used as warehouses and stores. Externally the most perfect survivor of the late 1890s boom in distilleries. Closed 1988 and sold to Highland Distilleries PLC.
Parkmore Distillery built at Dufftown by James Watson & Co., Seagate, Dundee. The first manager was George Smith whose father had been brewer at The Glenlivet and brother had been the founder of Cragganmore Distillery, which Georges subsequently ran as trustee, the output of which was taken by James Watson & Co.
1923 May. Ord, Parkmore and Pulteney distilleries were taken over for 'something over �2m.' by the three firms - Dewar, Walker and Lowrie together with eight million gallons of stock 'one of the most important stocks of old whisky in the country' on the acquisition of the entire share capital of James Watson & Co. Ltd, of Dundee,which was then put into liquidation.
No. 1556. WATSON, JAMES, & CO., LTD., Distillers and Scotch Whisky Merchants, 97, Seagate,Dundee, 95, Bath Street,Glasgow, 92, Great Tower Street, London, E.C., Melbourne and Sydney. Proprietors of Ord Distillery, Ross-shire, and Parkmore Distillery, Dufftown. Established 1815 by James Watson. Incorporated 1896. Directors: J.J.Watson, R.L.Watson, A.K.Watson, T.Herd and C.H. Marshall [gdb 54/3.98]
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Address: Woodside Of Fetternear
| REID | Alexander | 36 | Road contractor | Aberdeenshire |
| REID | Mary ( Laing) | 29 | wife | Aberdeenshire |
| REID | Robert | 10 | son | Aberdeenshire |
| REID | Mary | 7 | daughter | Aberdeenshire |
| REID | William | 5 | son | Aberdeenshire |
| REID | Alexander | 2 | son | Aberdeenshire |
| LAING | Robert | 9 | Independant | Aberdeenshire |
| MAITLAND | Margaret | 17 | servant | Aberdeenshire |
Alexander Reid | H | M | 48 | Farmer of 136 ac | Monymusk |
seven men + |
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Robert Davie | Sv | U | 19 | Farm servant | C of G |
1861 Census for Overton
Overton of Fetternear
| REID | Alexander | Head | 57 | Farmer 200 Acres | Monymusk |
| LAING | Mary | Wife | 47 | Chapel of Garioch | |
| REID | George | Son | 18 | Chapel of Garioch | |
| REID | Jessie | Daughter | 15 | Chapel of Garioch | |
| EWAN | Charles | 29 | Ploughman | Chapel of Garioch | |
| LAMB | George | 17 | Ag Labour | Skene | |
| ANDERSON | Isobel | 20 | Dom Serv | Fordoun,Kincardine | |
| REID | John | Brother | 53 | Ag Labour | Monymusk |
| REID | Mary L | Grandaughter | 3 | Chapel of Garioch |
OLD PARISH GRAVEYARD
The principal relic of the parish is the old churchyard on the left bank of the Don, about a mile below Kenmay bridge. All traces of the pre-Reformation church, which stood in it, have disappeared, a new private church, erected by the Leslie family, occupying its site. The graveyard itself has been levelled up, and is now seldom used for interments. This sequestered spot, surrounded by the murmuring Don and trees of patriarchal age, calls forth emotions consonant with its hallowed purpose and associations.
A headstone is inscribed -
Their son-in-law, Alexander Reid, who succeeded to Overtown, died 15th February, 1883, aged 79,
while his wife Mary Laing, died 22nd April, 1875, aged 64.
Notes from Henry Davie family web site make metions of our Alexander Reid, and the Overtown farm that he had took over from his father in law Robert Laing :-
-- James Davie died shortly after his seventieth birthday, on 21 July 1867. (His gravestone says he was 68, in 1861 he gave his age as 61, and in 1851 as 53, none of which are correct!) He is buried, as are his first wife and his son Robert, in the Catholic graveyard of St Ninian's on the banks of the Don at Fetternear. His testament is dated nine days before his death, and his goods and livestock were appraised by his (Catholic) friend and neighbour, Robert Craigen, and valued at £107/16/6. His executors were William McLeod in Netherton of Fetternear, and Alexander Reid in Overtown, for whom his son Robert had worked as a farm servant. His goods were left to his widow and the eight of his children who survived him.
-- Robert Davie (1831-1864) was born on 19 March 1831 and baptized on the 22nd, with John Walker and Archibald Clarke as witnesses. In 1851 he was working for a family friend, Alexander Reid in Overtown. However, he died on 7 February 1864, and is buried in St Ninian's Cemetery at Fetternear. First Marriage.
John Alexander Reid 1861- | Mary Elizabeth Reid 1869- | ||
1871- |
Uncertain that there were two Mary Elizabeths, but it was not unheard of to rename another child after one who died at birth
1836- |
1st Marriage
| Janet Laing 1837- |
1841 Census Chapel of Garioch
at Fetternear neighour to Fetternear School
| LAING | James | 22 | Farmer |
| REID | Janet | 36 | Wife |
| LAING | George | 6 | Son |
| LAING | Janet | 4 | Daughter |
| LAING | Jean | 2 | Daughter |
| LAING | Robert | 5mths | Son |
| BAIRD | James | 19 | Ag Labour |
| GAMMIE | William | 12 | Ag Labour |
| ADAM | Mary | 18 | Servant |
| ADAM | Agnes (Margaret) | 13 | Servant |
John Gammie of Overtown of Fetternear a daughter born of his wife Mary Reith, 6th September 1836
1837- | Married |
Not many records for George have been located as of Janurary 2006. We do know that he was in Chambly in 1851 when the Census was taken so he made the trip from Scotland with the family
Jessie was fast becoming an old maid , as oldest female child, she no likley had taken on many of the duties of housekeeper, since the death of her mother Janet in Scotland, and the step mother who accompanied the family to Canada. From what we can tell she was not much older than her stepmother Mary Adams, who upon having her third child passed in the hands of the Lord also, leaving James with a growing family of 5 boys and Jessie. We are more than certain that James was not the one changing dippers, nor making meals and doing household chores. Poor Jessie would have no choice but to undertake these tasks, along with that of ensuring that the last born had all the chances that could be given to him to survive in this new world far from friends and family, and at that in a French speaking mileu ( while Chambly was a military post for the British army, and from what the history books have stated it was a properous business center of Quebec, the majority of the population would be French speaking. For a young girl of 9 years old we can only imagine the gravity of the situation.
The relation that she had with Adam Devenney and his wife before the latter's death we do not know, but most certainly it would be more a neighbourly type suitable for the times, church meeting, barn raising, and crocheting perhaps. We do not believe that there would be much more to entice our imagination. Adam's wife died giving child birth in 1881 , leaving him with 9 living children from age 4 to 23 . The fact that Jessie left her family and took it upon herself at 46 to engage upon an adventure with a man with a complete family, can only be considered a mutual arrangement, similar that that which her second step mother did when she married Jessie's father, who was infact her Brother in law . This was what a Christian lady did , simply that nothing more, Jessie certainly had the experience, she was bound to remain an old maid if she did not take this step, and perhaps, Jessie with her marriage to Adam would at least have an opportunity to obtain some consideration as a wife, and mother even if only a step mother, to her own separate family. There 6 boys and three girls, the eldest son John married one of Jessies step sister's Mary Helen in 1885, so that left Jessie and Adam to bring up the remaining children which they did with the best of thier ability.
Children of Adam Deveny and Jenne McCullouch
The two children of Adam Devenney and Jennet McCullough (1837 -1881) who died before Jessie Laing's union with Adam were
Marriage:- Adam Devenny widower, of the Township of Buckingham, in the County of Ottawa, Province of Quebec, son of Adam Devenny, of the Township of Buckingham, County of Ottawa, Province of Quebec, Framer, and his wife Lois, both deceased, and Janet Laing, spinster, of the Township of Buckingham, and daughter of James Laing, of the Township of Buckingham, County of Ottawa, Province of Quebec, Farmer(deceased)and his wife Margaret Leslie. Both of full age and having processed special license were dully married by me in the presence of Peter Laing, and Mary Laing, both of Buckingham, and brother and sister to the Bride , on the 16th July 1883. Witness Peter laing, Mary Laing Signed Adam Devenny Janet Laing
Robert Laing Katherine Dobie Croil
Following the example and cherishing the convictions of his ancestors, he was a Presbyterian in religion. His first wife, Janet Reid, who was born in the parish of Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, a daughter of John Reid and died at the age of thirty seven years, bore him three children. Of these two are now living, namely Jessie, wife of Adam Devine, of Buckingham P.Q. and Robert whose name appears at the head of this sketch. By his second wife, Mary Adam , a native of Scotland, he had four children of whom there are now only two survivors , William Scott. and Alexander Reid . After his death he married for his third wife, her sister Margaret, by whom he had twelve children. All of these save two are now living, namely ; James, Patrick, Frank, Hugh B. , David M., Henry H., Leslie, Mary E., Emma E. and Agnes.
There was a large attendance of friends, the Ladies' College Board was present in a body and a number of the city clergy who had known Mr. Laing in his work as minister of the St. Matthew's and Principal of the College. Rev Dr. Clark conducted the service, and Dr J W Falconer of Pine Hill, an intimate friend of the late Mr. Laing, delivered an address dwelling on his bright and cherry humor and the quality of making and keeping close friends which he possessed in a remarkable degree. He mentioned the valuable work that the deceased had done in the educational interests of the Province and Canada. A quartette sang an appropriate anthem and Mr. I D Hubley played the Dead March in Saul as the congregation left the church.
Founder of Halifax Ladies' College and Former Minister of St. Matthew's Passed Away Saturday
- James Stewart of the Artillery, who is expected to return from overseas in the immediate future,
| Married November 14 1906 | Anita Courally Hunter 1875- |
Enlistment records Stuart and Allan Laing
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| Canadian Mounted Rifles formed as independent Militia squadrons throughout Canada in the style of six regiments of Canadian Mounted Rifles raised for the South African War. Squadrons subsequently reorganised or disbanded: | ||
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The Canton de Chambly In 1885 the western territory was also incorporated under the name of Chambly Bassin. As for the remained of the territory which was evven larger than that of the two new municipalities together , it was incorporated in a rural municipality, A traveller from coming from the direction of St Joseph de Chambly about 1965 was |  |
2nd Marriage| Laing | James | cultivateur ( farmer) | 33 | |
| Adam | Margaret | 21 | ||
| Laing | George | 15 | ||
| Laing | Janet | 13 | ||
| Laing | Robert | 10 | ||
| Laing | William | 8 | ||
| Laing | Alex | 6 | ||
| Laing | James | 3 | ||
| Laing | Patrick | 2 |
1868 Napierville Que | 1844-1921 |
| Jessie Laing 1868-1946 | Millie Laing 1869- | Marie Louise Laing 1872-1978 |
Alexander Reid and family moved to the USA
Marinette, Wisconsin | 1863- |
Lloyd Osbourne Coulter 1896-1980 |
The family progressed at this location, where a large farm was established .Both James and Margaret can be found in the local Buckingham cemetery, along with several of their descendants.
Buckingham: The Township and the town were named after the county in England. The first settler Justus Smith came from Montreal in 1823 He brought in a group of employees and built a sawmill on the wet bank of the Lièvre at the cascade just south of the bridge that carries traffic across the Lièvre in Buckingham. This feature was later named in honour of a Governor General Duffrin Falls. Smith sold hi mil in 1824 when it had just been completed to one of his workers Baxter Bowman. The Mill workers soon brought their families and established homes about the mill. Levi Bigelow who arrived in 1824 opened a general store to serve the growing settlement in 1826 he built a sawmill on the east side of the falls, by the Bowman enterprise. The settlement grew quickly A Roman Catholic chapel was built in 1835 it was served by the Rev John Brady from 1840 until 1862 he spent his winters in the shanties up river where most of the men of the settlement had gone. He was succeeded by the Rev L Jouvent and he in turn by the RevF R Michel. Under the leadership of the later priest a large church St Grégoire was erected by 890 (it burned in 1920 and a new church was built in 1897 there were 475 families in Buckingham. The first Protestant place of worship a union building that served several congregations for some years was erected in 1837 The first Anglican church was built in 1852, The present St Stephens church dates from 1899 The Presbyterian church on Main St. today, St Andrews United dates for 1890. The James Maclaren Co Ltd bought by Ross Bros and in 1901 the Bigelow mill passed thought several seat of hands after 1850 in 1850 it. The Maclaren interests owned he Bowman mill from 1864. Buckingham the entrepot of supplies for the shanties up river was the point of departure of many sleighs carrying provisions northward in the winter. The Hudson’s Bay Co kept a trading post about 50 miles up the Lièvre at Lac des Sables from the 1820’s. In 1849 this establishment was closed and a small store was opened in Buckingham by Thomas Taylor the former factor at Lac des Sables It was shortly taken over by Archibald McNaughton. | In 1874 Buckingham was thriving the Ottawa Citizen of Oct 6 noted that the village had grown more rapidly during the past twelve months than during the three pervious years. The road up the Lièvre had been opened up as far as Little Rapids with the aid of a gouvernment grant it was in such good condition that a buggy could be driven over it without difficulty. Eight new settlers, emigrants from France had taken advantage of the improved communication to set up homesteads along the Lièvre in the township of Portland. The plumbago (graphite) mines were in full operation Pennock & Co had twelve men digging Garret & Roberts had a new crushing mill at work that would make 400 tons of manufactured plumbago a week. It is said that many of the miners in Bucking ham came from Perth Ont The pulp industry was established early in town A mill operated for a time at the Upper falls making ground wood pulp from about 1886.At the Upper falls mill site Walter A Williams began experimental electrochemical work in 1896. John Thompson managed the old Bigelow sawmill for the Hamilton Bros of Hawkesbury from 1853 until 1869. A large building at the north east corner of Main and Church Sts is said to have been built in 1841 it was the headquarters office and store of Ross Bros who operated the Bigelow sawmill from 1869 until 1901, it may have earlier been Levi Bigelow’s store At 133 Joseph St the house was built by George Stacy about 1850, a book keeper for either Baxter Bowman or the Maclearn interest It was later the home of Arichibald McNaughton who operated a temperance hotel in the building. At 170-172 Joseph St the house was built by John Higginson who came to Buckingham with Levi Bigelow it was at one time occupied by Mr P Simpson editor of the Buckingham Post. The Buckingham Post has recorded the names of at least eighteen steamers that plied between Buckingham and High falls up stream they included L’Assomption, the Rocket, the Poupore, and the Edie May. |
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| Town of Buckingham Quebec | Laing homestead Buckingham, Quebec |
3rd Marriage
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This brought the total number of children born of James Laing to 20
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( Apparently some of the family information records may have been burnt in the Hochelaga fire
James Adam Laing,
Fire April 26 1900, reached the Hull Lumber Company yard by noon time and the stock on the pilling grounds burned
)Abt 1894 Perley & Pattee had installed the newest equipment in the the sawmill, others followed suit .
Perley & Pattee had made history in 1889 when they purchased the first traction engine in Canada, the Glover Steam Logger.
Boats built powered by steam on Lac Deshenes C B Pattee wood 1882, C B Pattee II 1904 iron
Hull Lumber Co million of board feet 1898-55,1899-25,1900-35,1901-35,1902-40,1903-15,1904-20,1905-10,1906-3 and 1907-3.
James A Laing was member of the Ancient order of united Workmen, Progress Lodge, no 234
in 1916
Laing - At Auburn California on Tuesday August 23, 1938, James A Laing , formerly of Ottawa in his 89th years and father of Robert Laing , Westboro. Funeral will be held in Auburn California
SUCCUMBS TO HEART FAILURE
AUBURN (Placer Co.), October 19 - Mrs. J.A. LAING, wife of a well known lumberman of this county, succumbed to heart failure at the family home in this city Saturday. The funeral services were held in this city this forenoon and the body was shipped to Sacramento to be cremated and East Lawn Cemetery. Mrs. Laing was almost sixty-six years old.
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Pictures
Maude Laing & Ray Haynes
Jessie & Maude Laing
Alexander Laing
Jessie Laing and Father James Adam Laing
Maude , mother Katherine, Alex, Jessie & nephew Tommy
Katherine Laing & nephew Tommy Switzer
Robert Scott Laing remained behind in Ottawa with his small family, where he first obtained a position as culler for the forest industry (the one choosing which logs were to be cut). Once the logging industry slowed in the Ottawa Valley, he procurred himself a position with the Canadian gouvernment in the department of Customs and Excise. ( His grandaughter Marilyn Joan Laing holds a position in this same department ) Robert Scott went on to acquire a position in the Revenue Department , a position which he held for some 42 years.( His grandaughter Marilyn Joan Laing holds a position in this same department)
Robert Scott's youngest child, Ella Isabel Laing married in 1942, George Murray Macfie.
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Thousand Islands:-
Robert S Laing, 77, a resident of Ottawa most of his life, died Friday, Oct 14, in a local hospital after a short illness.
Born and educated in ottawa, he was married here in 1900 to Beatrice J Dey , who survives. in his youth he was very active in many types of athletics. He lived in the Westboro district for 30 years and for the past few years had lived in Merrickville.
Mr Laing was employed with the Revenue Dept for 42 years, retiring in 1943. Surviving besides his wife are one son J Hugh Laing , Manotick, three daughters Mrs J A Clarke ( Beatrice), Mrs G M Macfie ( Isabel) both of Montreal and Mrs Marvin Smith ( Jessie) of Alexandria Bay, also 4 grandchildren ( not named but were Robert Clarke, John Clarke, Douglas Macfie and Elizabeth Macfie) and two sister Miss Jessis Laing of Auburn Calif and Mr Ross Haynes, Oakland Calif.
The funeral was held in the Tubman chapel at 2 p.m. Oct 17, the Rev Le Groux of the Merrickville United Church officiating. Intermnet was in St James cemetery ( Hull)
Mrs Beatrice J Laing, Bronson Memorial Home, 81 Bronson Ave, Ottawa
Laing Beatrice J - in hospital Monday Jan 23 1967, Beatrice J. Dey, aged 89, widow of Robert S laing and dear mother of Mrs J A Clarke ( Beatrice), Algonquin Ont, Mrs Marvin Smith (Jessie) Alexandria Bay, NY, Mrs Murray Macfie (Isabel), St Lambert, Qc and Hugh , Manotick. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Resting at the Tubman Funeral Home, 403 Richmond Road at Roosevelt. Service in the chapel Wednesday 2 p.m. Internement St James cemetery, Hull. Please omit flowers.
Mrs Marvin Smith of this village attended the funeral in Ottawa of her mother, Mrs Robert S Laing who died Jan 23. She returned here Thursday Jan 26, after being a guest of her sister Mrs J A Clarke in Algonquin for several days
-1965 |
July 1 ,1950 Montreal, Quebec |
Ottawa Ont | 1903-1960 |
Ottawa, Ont |
Mr Adam |
Ella Isabel, was born and brought up in Westboro,Ont. A small suburban area that was in 1920's called Ottawa's Westmount. At first the family lived at #____ Roosevelt, just next to the Church, below Kenwood. At the age of three Isabel and her family moved to a larger premises at #____ Roosevelt, just above Kenwood.(1919).
Miss Isabel Laing, of Westboro is expecting to leave for Vancouver on May 16. She will be the guest of Mr and Mrs Arthur Switzer.
Miss Isabel Laing of Westboro, has returned home from a visit to Vancouver B.C., points in Claifornia and Reno Nevada.
Culled from a 1927 publication "The history of Westboro"
Westboro is situated on the south bank of the Ottawa river and is about three quaters of a mile west of Ottawa. It has an area of 670 acres and a population of 2800.. Running east to weat, is the main arterial road, to and from Otta, which is known as Richmond road. This is one of the finest roadss in the country. Crossing this is Main St, which runs through the centre of the Village from North to South. One may readily note that the two roads, sddivided the Village into four sections.The section East of main St was previously know as Birchtown, so named after its first settlers . The portion west of Main St was for some years called Baytown. It was 114 years ago that the first settler arrived in what is now known as Westboro His name was Thompson and it was he who built the spacious home on the Richmond Road so long occupied by the widow of the late Thomas Cole. About this time the gouvernment built the first road through Westboro, whihc was a corduroy one, and which connected Bytown with Richmond. It was in the year 1819 that Thomas Birch and family came out from Ireland. They arrived at the City of Quebec, where they resided for a short time. It was not long however, before Brich, with others made a move which resulted in the beginning of Westboro. Brich and his brother Robert took up residence at Richmond, Ont., where he lived for several years. The advantage of locating on the banks of a river such as the ottawa could not long be lost sight of and Birch started over the trail through the bush and settled upon the section which is now know as Westboro East of Main St.
About that year 1852 the Hon Has Skead purchased a large tract of land, north of the present CPR track and part of the thompson farm, erecting one of the largest lumber mills in Canada upon the property, thereby greatly helping to increase the population and build up the settlement. Beacuse of the Hon Jas Skead's enterprise the residents of Birchtown changed the name of their settlement to Skead's Mills as a signal mark of honour to him. Two mills were erected in Westboro by Skead and both fell a prey to the flames. the first from all accounts, accidentally, on a Howwow-eve, the second a number of years later.This was a serious blow to the prosperity of the Village, but while a number of the residents moved away on this account others soon came to take their place. After many years of continued prosperity to the pioneers and the increasing numbers who began to move into the village it ws evident that the change from a pioneer settlement to a residentian section had begun. It was at this point that the agitation for a change of name began, the contention being that Skead's Mills was not an appropriate name for such a fine residential section. After a considerable number of meetings had been held and as a result of long debats upon the question, it was finally decided that the name of the Village should be Westboro.
Soon after the Ottawa Electric Railway extended its tracks to the rapidly growing centre. About this time Mr John E Cole whose father had some years previously purchased the thompson property and renamed it Highland Farm, subdvided a portion of his proberty into building lots and placed them on the market at such favourable prices as to be an inducement for new resident to locate in Westboro. At the same time he commenced a campaign in the Ottawa papers, setting out the advantages of home life in Westboro and the small cost of locating here. The great results obtained are best shown by the large increase in the Village population of which a considerable portion located in Highland Park. In 1905 the population was 200, 1913 it was1400 and in 1926 had grown to 2799.This beautiful residentail district compares favourably with any in Canada.
In the year 1905, the 10th day of June, Westboro was incorporated as a Police Village, under by law No 500 of the Township of Nepean, and by By Law 540 Township lots No 30 and the west half of lot 31, in concession A, North of the Southerly limit of the CPR track allowance were annexed to the village. There ia a complete street lighting system, excellent shools four churches and a well equipped orce of fire fighters under the able direction of Chief Howard Cummings.Westboro is splendidly located as regards rail transportation, being on the main line of the CPR and having a comfortable passenger station with a freight shed adjoining, also siding facilities for car load traffic. It is within reach through a regular and freguent switching service, of the CNR , also of the NYCR. These three railway companies' lines reach all points with which business may be done, there being an agent in charge of the CP station, a telegraph and express service in also provided. These different services are of great assistance in the tranaction of business, and an encouragement to the different interests. The Village is served by the Ottawa Electric Railway, furnishing frequent passenger car service, rendering it very easy to travel to and from the City on the east and to the villages of Woodroffe and Britannia on the Bay to the west.
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| William James Laing 1881-1953 | Married | Amy Pullen |
W J Laing (the Ottawa Citizen)
A former resident of Ottawa, William James Laing , of Newcastle , Calif., died in a Scarmento Calif hospital, Wednesday. He was 72. Son of the late Mr and Mrs James A Laing , he attended Elgin School and Knox Presbyterian Church . He Left Ottawa , in 1903 with his family to live in Auburn Calif. Surviving are his widow the former Amy Pullen, a brother Robert of Merrickville and two sisters Miss Jessie A Laing of Auburn and Mrs Ross Haynes of Oakland Calif.
Laing, William James - In hospital Scaramento, California, on December 2 , 1953. William James Laing age 72 years, beloved husband of Amy Pullen
1884-1965 |
| Margaret Jane Tuttle 1922-1922 |
Tuttle family photos
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| Peter Talbot | Katherine Talbot |
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Auburn California | 1910-1995 |
| Frederick Pierson Tuttle III 1929-1999 |
| Robert C Tuttle 1962- |
| Married | Miss Nettie Unknown |
| James Laing | Daughter Laing |
A former resident of Ottawa, Alexander Mackenzie Laing, died in Emigrant Gap. California. He was in his 64th year. A son of the late Mr and Mrs James Laing, he was educated at Elgin Street School and attended Knox Church . in 1903 he left Ottawa with his family who took up residence in Auburn California. Chief survivors include his widow ; a son , James and a daughter Mrs Alexander Mackenzie, Emigrant Gap, two sister Miss Jessie A Laing , Auburn, Mrs Ross Haynes, Oakland Calif: two brothers William J Laing , Newcastle, Calif, Robert Laing, Merrickville, formerly of Westboro.
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Emigrant Gap, California
| Daughter Laing | Married | Alexander Mackenzie |
1891-1983 | July 20 ,1887 Auburn, California | 1885-1974 |
1851-1933 | July 20 ,1887 Fort Coulonge Quebec | 1860- |
| Jessie Ann Laing 1888-1971 | Nellie Laing 1890- | Eva May Laing 1894-1895 |
| Gertrude Laing 1900-1933 | Alan Kemp Laing 1902-1993 |
| Jessie Ann Laing 1888-1971 | Married September 27, 1911 Gladstone Ill | James Edgar Wilson 1891-1991 |
| Elisabeth L Wilson 1915- | James Edgar Wilson (jr) 1916- |
| Nellie Laing 1890- | Married | Harry B Phillips 1895-1991 |
| John G Phillips 1917- |
| Alan Kemp Laing 1902-1993 | Married August 22 ,1929 | Leonadra Fisher 1901-1989 |
| Annie Laing 1875- | ||
1884-1857 |
Gertrude was residing in Manitoba in her later years, corresponding with her cousin Jessie (Laing) Smith who was in Alexandra Bay , NY ( both girls having married a Smith)
| Annie Laing 1875- | Married | Weldon Newton |
| Margaret Newton |
| Margaret Newton | Married | Archibald Kirkpatrick |
| Married | Mr Smith |
| Son Smith |
1884-1857 | Married 1908 | Beatrice Potter 1885-1979 |
| Julie Laing | Janet Laing 1913- | Frank Laing 1915-1962 |
| Frank Laing 1915-1962 | Married 1939 | Ernestine Heilberg |
| JamesFrank Laing 1915-1962 Frank LaingLaingFrank Laing 1915-1962 | Susan Laing |
1863- | December 29 1885 Buckingham Qc | 1858-1933 |
| Mable Margaret Devenney | Jean Devenney | William Devenney | Jessie Devenney |
| Gordon Devenney | Agnes Devenney 1894-1958 | Francis Devenney | Albert Donald Devenney 1903-1960 |
| Mabel Margaret Devenney | Married | Clarence Roderick Morrison |
| Jean Devenney | Married 1911 | Eames Forman |
| Mary Forman | Nancy Forman | William Forman | John Forman |
| Mary Forman | Married | William Harri |
| Marlene Harri |
| Nancy Forman | Married | Fred Johnson |
| Janet Johnson | Donna Johnson |
| William Forman | Married | Elizabeth Unknown |
| Terry Forman | Thomas Forman | Wendy Forman |
| William Devenney | Married | Lylia Booth |
| Gwendolyn Devenney | Sybil Devenney | John Devenney |
| Gwendolyn Devenney | Married | Homer Darling |
| Sybil Devenney | Married | Paul Hammond |
| Jessie Devenney | Married | Charles Nelson Crutchfield |
| Nelson Crutchfield | Gordon Crutchfield | Bruce Crutchfield |
| Nelson Crutchfield | Married | Leona Brace |
| Constance Crutchfield | Joan Crutchfield | Hollis Crutchfield |
| Mary Crutchfield | Charles Crutchfield |
| Constance Crutchfield | Married | George Scott |
| Earl Scott | George J Scott |
| Joan Crutchfield | Married | W L Mc.King |
| William King | Nelson King |
| Hollis Crutchfield | Married | George Belcher |
| Jessie Belcher | Mae Belcher |
| Mary Crutchfield | Married | William Deans |
| Tyler Deans | Keith Deans | Sharon Deans |
| Charles Crutchfield | Married | Patricia Collaway |
| Amanda Crutchfield |
| Gordon Crutchfield | Married | Eve Morehouse |
| Norman Crutchfield | Linda Crutchfield | Geoffrey Crutchfield | Andrew Crutchfield |
| Norman Crutchfield | Married | Marnia Smit |
| Kent Crutchfield | Peter Crutchfield |
| Geoffrey Crutchfield | Married | Margaret McKinnon |
| Alan Crutchfield | Gordon Crutchfield |
| Bruce Crutchfield | Married | Joan Jenkins |
| Robert Crutchfield | Bruce Crutchfield (jr) |
| Robert Crutchfiled | Married | Lynn Unknown |
| Bruce Crutchfield (jr) | Married | Miss Crowther |
| Gordon Devenney | Married | Ada Martin |
| Derek Devenney | Darlynne Devenney |
| Darlynne Devenney | Married | Bal Phatate |
| Maya Phatate |
| Agnes Devenney 1894-1958 | Married | Edward J Hermon 1893-1963 |
| Stuart Hermon | William Gerald Hermon 1917-1932 |
| Stuart Hermon | Married | Elizabeth Patterson |
| Albert Donald Devenney 1903-1960 | Married | Catherine A Davis |
1862-1938 |