| i. | ELIZA JANE8 KEELER, b. October 10, 1812, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada14; d. June 01, 1897, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada15; m. (1) DR. MATTHEW CRAIG GILCHRIST16; b. Abt. 1799, United States17; d. April 04, 1850, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada18; m. (2) WILLIAM BURKE, June 18, 1861, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont., Canada19; b. Abt. 1808, United States19; d. Bef. 1871, Ontario20. |
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Notes for ELIZA JANE KEELER: Nancy Cameron discovered that Young Joe had a fourth daughter, Eliza Jane, born 10 Oct. 1812. She married (1) Dr. Matthew B. (?) Gilchrist, and they had children. He died 4 April 1853, age 54. She married again and died 1 June 1897 and was buried at Lakeport near her parents. From Wesley B. Keeler: earth.vol.com/~keel/ In the 1891 Cramahe Census for Colborne Village, Eliza Jane is listed as a 78 yr old widow and living with her are: Annie E. Strong (daughter) - Widow, aged 55 yrs Charles Gilchrist (son) - Bachelor, aged 61 yrs J. Ketchum (son-in-law) - Widower, aged 55 yrs Sarah Patton (domestic) - Single, aged 26 yrs Will # 916 Surrogate Court of Northumberland Cobourg Land Title Office "Canada, Province of Ontario In Her Majesty's Surrogate Court of the United Counties of Northumberland & Durham Be it known that on the eighteenth day of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety seven, the last Will and Testament of Eliza Jane Burke late of the village of Colborne in the County of Northumberland in the Province of Ontario, Widow, deceased, who died on or about the first day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and ninety seven at the village of Colborne in the County of Northumberland, and who at the time of her death had a fixed place of abode at Colborne in the said County of Northumberland, was proved and registered in the said Surrogate Court a true copy of which said last Will and Testament is hereunto annexed, and that the administration of All and Singular the property of the said deceased, and any way concerning her Will, was granted by the aforesaid Court to Anne Eliza Strong of the said village of Colborne, Widow, the Executrix named in the said Will, she having been first sworn well and faithfully to administer the same by paying the just debts of the deceased, and the legacies contained in her Will so far as she is thereunto bound by law, and by distributing the residue (if any) of the property according to law, and to exhibit under oath a true and perfect inventory of All and Singular the said property and to render a just and true account of her executrixship within eighteen months or sooner if thereunto required. Thomas M. Grover the executor named in the said Will having duly renounced. Signed: John Fisher, Registrar The Last Will and Testament of Eliza Jane Burke of Colborne in the County of Northumberland Widow made this twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1883. I, Eliza Jane Burke do hereby revoke all former wills at any time made by me. As an equivalent to sums I am from time to time laying out on the Homestead formerly given to my daughter Josephine, I hereby give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Weller the sum of One hundred dollars. I hereby give devise and bequeath to my daughter Anne E. Strong of Colborne aforesaid all the rest of my real and personal property, to be under her entire control so that she may spend the interest and if necessary the principal, Upon Trust for the joint use of herself and such of her children as may be dependent upon her, and of my son Charles Gilchrist, for her life and their lives, and the gift to her is subject to the condition that she maintain my said son as a member of her family during his life; And after the death of my said son, and of the said Anne E. Strong, and after her children have departed from her family and provided for themselves, I give devise and bequeath all the remainder of my estate when may then be left to my four daughters Martha Weller, Anne E. Strong, Mary Ketchum, Josephine Morrow, share and share alike, the children of such of them as are then dead to receive their mother's share - and the division then made to be final. And I hereby appoint my said daughter Anne E. Strong and Thomas M. Grover, of Norwood, executors of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal the day and year above written at Norwood. Valuation: Personal $ 2,270 Real $ 300 Signed: E.J. Burke Witnesses: P.M. Grover T.M. Grover" |
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More About ELIZA JANE KEELER: Burial: 1897, Lakeport Cemetery, Conc. B, Lot 1, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont. Cause of Death: Heart Disease Medical Information: Sudden death from heart failure. Probate: June 18, 1897, Surrogate Court, Northumberland County, Ont. Religion: Anglican21 Residence: 1897, Church St., Colborne, Ont.22 Will: February 18, 1883, # 916 |
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Notes for DR. MATTHEW CRAIG GILCHRIST: Ont. Surrogate Court Records 1793 - 1858 Ont Archives Film: GS2 Reel 116 p. 64-66 Yr of Probate: 1850 "Surrogate Court - United Counties of Northumberland & Durham Probate of the last Will and Testament of Mathew Craig Gilchrist of the Township of Cramahe in teh said District, in the words following, to wit: In the name of God, Amen, I Mathew Craig Gilchrist of Colborne, in the Township of Cramahe County of Northumberland and Province of Canada, Physician, being of weak body but of sound and perfect mind and soundly blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form (?) following; - (that is to say) - First, after all say just and lawful debts and demands are paid, I will and bequeath to my only son Charles and to his heirs of his body, for and during the term of his (and their) natural life (or lives) all the rents, profits and residue of my Gains, being the north part of lot number twenty-three in the first concession of the Township of Cramahe aforesaid. Then the said farm to be equally divided between my three surviving children and their heirs of their bodies forever. Secondly, I will and bequeath all the remainder of my property, real as well as personal to be equally divided between my three surviving children, each to receive (? word) respective share, or portion at the time of their becoming of age to (? word) and their heirs and survivors forever - and I do hereby appoint Joseph Keeler of Colborne (my brother in law) to be the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Fifty. Signed, sealed, Published and Declared by the above named Mathew Craig Gilchrist to be his last Will and Testament in the (? words) of us have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testator. W. Milton (?) Ira (?) Hayes Oren H. Strong Singed: Mathew Craig Gilchrist - (sealed)" |
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More About DR. MATTHEW CRAIG GILCHRIST: Burial: 1850, Lakeport Cemetery, Conc. B, Lot 1, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont.23 Probate: 1850, Northumberland & Durham County Court Residence: Lot #23, Conc. 1, Cramahe Twp (North Part)23 |
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More About WILLIAM BURKE: Residence: 1861, Trenton, Ont., Canada24 |
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More About WILLIAM BURKE and ELIZA KEELER: Marriage: June 18, 1861, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont., Canada24 Witnesses: Donald Campbell, Colborne, Ont. |
| ii. | MARY ANN KEELER, b. September 15, 1817, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada25; d. January 27, 1837, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada26; m. BURRAGE YALE MCKYES, October 20, 1834, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada27; b. Abt. 1810, Ontario28; d. December 15, 1847, Peterborough, Ont., Canada28. |
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Notes for MARY ANN KEELER: From Reid's "Death Notices," p. 148: "1st Feb. 1837 (Wed): At Colborne, on Friday last, Mary Ann Keeler, wife of Burrage Yale McKyes, in 20th year." in Star, Coburg\ This further information was transcribed by the Kawartha Branch OGS, from the Coburg Star: "Dead. At Colborne, on Friday last, Mary Ann Keeler, wife of Burrage Y. McKyes, Esq., in the 20th year of her age. Her long and painful illness was borne with mock and Christian resignation; and she died full of hope in the Redeemer of souls. She was interred in the Church-yard of this village on Sunday last; when the conjunction of the solemn service of the dead with the customary exercise of the day participated in as they were by a large concourse of people gave peculiar interest to the melancholy but instructive scene. - Communicated. Feb. 1, 1837" St. Peter's Church Cemetery is located in Cobourg at the corner of King St. East and College St. Her son is buried with her. |
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More About MARY ANN KEELER: Burial: January 29, 1837, Sec. B, Plot CHPL, St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Cobourg, Hamilton Twp29 |
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Notes for BURRAGE YALE MCKYES: From Reid's "Death Notices" p. 247: "Friday, 17 December 1847 On Wednesday last, at his residence in this town, aged 37, Burrage Yale McKyes, Judge of the Colborne District Court and Chairman of the Quarter Sessions of the County of Peterborough. His remains were interred in the family vault in Cobourg. (Source: Peterborough Gazette)" Ontario Archives Ontario Probate Court Records Film: MS638, Reel 57 Probate: Feb. 23, 1848 I, Burrage McKyes, of the town of Peterborough in the Colborne District, Esquire, hereby make this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all others by me at any time heretofore made. I do hereby give and bequeath to my Executors, hereafter named, all the property both real and personal of which I am now seized, possessed or which I may die seized or possessed of. To Have and to hold to them and to their Survivors of Survivor of them, and to the Executors or Administrators of such Survivor in trust for their behalf and benefit of my wife and Children - and, if necessary, at any time to sell or (word ?) or dispose thereof, for the benefit of my said wife and Children, to the best of their Judgment - And I do hereby appoint Charles Merigold of Toronto in the Home District, Gentleman, Daniel McKyes, of the township of Hamilton, in the Newcastle District, Gentleman, and the Honorable George Strange Boulton of the town of Cobourg in the Newcastle District, Executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Signed: B.Y. McKyes Witnesses: I. (?) Bimes (?) Sarah McKyes Burrage & Mary Ann (with infant son) were originally buried in the St. Peter's Church Yard, but later relocated to St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery on Ontario St. N. in Cobourg. This information comes from Cemetery Inscription records found at the Cobourg Library. As well, there is a notation that the name "Charles Burrage" also appears on his stone - possibly another son? |
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More About BURRAGE YALE MCKYES: Burial: 1847, Sec. B, Plot CHPL, St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Cobourg, Hamilton Twp30,31 Occupation: 1834, Barrister-at-Law Probate: February 23, 1848, Toronto, Court of Probate Residence: Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Ont. |
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Marriage Notes for MARY KEELER and BURRAGE MCKYES: From Reid's "Marriage Notices," p. 78 [Christian Guardian, Toronto]: "19 November 1834 On Monday evening last [note by Reid: Oct. 20th], B.Y. McKeyes [sic] of Colborne, Barrister-at-Law, to Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph A. Keeler. (Rev. A.N. Bethune)" |
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More About BURRAGE MCKYES and MARY KEELER: Marriage: October 20, 1834, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada32 Married by: Rev. A.N. Bethune |
| iii. | HARRIET MARIA KEELER, b. February 28, 1822, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont., Canada33; d. December 29, 1901, Norwood, Asphodel Twp, Peterborough Cty, Ont., Canada34,35; m. PEREGRINE MAITLAND GROVER, April 04, 1846, Rochester, NY, United States36; b. October 17, 1817, Grafton, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont., Canada37; d. May 28, 1885, Norwood, Asphodel Twp, Peterborough Cty38. |
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Notes for HARRIET MARIA KEELER: A letter came in 1991 from Harriet Grover-Chmara of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, a great granddaughter of Young Joe's daughter, Harriett Maria. Harriett married Peregrine Maitland Grover. From Wesley B. Keeler: earth.vol.com/~keel/ Harriet & Peregrine are buried in Plot 079, in St. Andrew's Church Cemetery, on Danforth Rd., Grafton, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty. An interesting note about Harriet's death location "Norwood" it is also known as Keeler's Mills. A nickname given to the area where Joseph A. Keeler built his famous sawmill and grist mill, thereby founding the settlement. Excerpt from "Asphodel: A Tale of a Township" by Jean Lancaster Graham, published in December 1978 by Maxwell Review Ltd., Peterborough, p. 59: "The Keelers were great missionaries for settlement and encouraged friends, relatives and others to make the new settlement [Norwood] their home... About 1830, when Mr. Keeler's daughter Harriet was visiting the settlement, she called the village "Norwood" as she was riding in, and the name was adopted by the Keelers for the village." |
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More About HARRIET MARIA KEELER: Burial: 1901, St. Andrew's United Church Cemetery, Grafton, Haldimand Twp, Ont. Cause of Death: Old Age |
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Notes for PEREGRINE MAITLAND GROVER: The following biographical sketch is taken from "The Friendly Town 1821 - 1963" by R.A. Dean, a Centennial Project (1967) of the Village of Norwood, p. 172-175: "PERREGRINE [sic] MAITLAND GROVER Perregrine Maitland Grover - generally known to his many friends and associates simply as "P.M." - was born in Grafton, a small community in the southern part of Northumberland County, in 1817. He was a son of John Grover, a Major in the Militia, and Marry Merriam, both of whom were of staunch U.E. Loyalist families and had come to Canada from the town of Grafton in the state of Massachussetts, U.S.A. and settled in the newly formed township. During his early manhood, P.M. moved about a great deal in the new country, gaining a knowledge of the people and conditions that was to become of vast importance to him in later years. About 1842, he settled in the young town of Peterborough where he entered into partnership with James Foley, who, a short time later, became his brother-in-law. The firm of Grover & Foley, originally a real "general" store, included a Lumber-yard, a similar branch of the business in the hamlet of Keene as well as the small store of James Foley, located in Norwood, which had been opened in 1837. In 1846, Mr. Grover married Harriet Maria Keeler, a daughter of the original founder of our fair village. Shortly thereafter, the Keeler and Grover interests were united and the firm of Grover & Foley was dissolved both men finding it necessary to return to Norwood where a rapidly expanding community demanded their full attention. Soon after merging of the Keeler - Grover interests, systematic planning and surveying was undertaken for the establishment of the village which did not fully materialize for many years thereafter. Mr. Grover was a man of many talents and widely diversified interest, all of them pertaining to the advancement and welfare of his chosen community. About 1850, he built "Balsam Farm Home" amid the rolling acres which were under his control and management. The home is still standing and, although showing the ravages of time and the relentless elements, is today, a beautiful spot on the northeasterly side of Mill Street. It was here too, that the family were born and reared. In 1860, P.M. was elected as Reeve of the Township of Asphodel and served in that capacity until the end of 1866 and in the election of Warden of the County early in 1867, he was elected to that position, which he also held for the succeeding year. In 1867 too, Mr. Grover entered into political field as a Conservative candidate for Federal honours and defeated his opponent, James Anderson, by a vote of 956 to 644, thus becoming the representative of this area in the First Parliament of Canada after Confederation. He was re-elected to the second Parliament in 1872, defeating his opponent, Evans Ingraham of Otonabee, by a majority of 48 votes. Those two victories are a plain indication of the esteem in which he was held, together with his personal interest in local affairs. His manifesto to the Electors prior to the second election is concrete evidence that he was a Statesman rather than an ordinary Politician, catering to his constituents alone. A copy of his manifesto, plainly showing his interests in the progress of the new Dominion as well as his own locality is as follows: - "To the Electors of the East Riding of the County of Peterborough. Gentlement: The term of Five years for which I have had the honour of being your representative in the House of Commons is about closed and an election will soon be held, at which time you will be called upon to select a representative for the second Parliament of our new Dominion, and as again a candidate for the position, I beg to solicit your votes and influence. I have been a supporter of the Union party at present in power, in all their great measures, which I am ready to justify. For those cases in which I have voted against the Ministry, I am prepared to give my reasons. Whether I again represent you or not, I shall continue to advocate any measure calculated to aid the progress of the Dominion to the fullest extent of our resources as I believe that the development of the country should be the first objective of the Legislature. With the same objective, I am in favour of the most liberal policy with regard to the Public Lands of the North-west. I am desirous of seeing the principles of Free Trade leading in all our Customs Regulations and that no class of people should be taxed for the benefit of another class. I have supported the Financial and Railway policy of the Ministry as I thought the prosperity of the country warranted. My actions on local matters are well known to you, and feeling that I possess your confidence now, as in the past, I shall be glad to address you personally before polling day. I have the honour to be - Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, -- P.M. Grover." The foregoing, printed in the form of a small "hand bill" was distributed among the electors - which, at that time, consisted only of men over the age of twenty-one years - resulted in the election of Mr. Grover as the representative of this area in the second Parliament after Confederation. This second Parliament apparently lasted for only two years for, according to the same source of information, the Riding switched to the Reform column by the election of James Hall of the town of Peterborough, over Colonel Robet D. Rogers, father of the man who, later on, was Engineer in charge of the building the famous Lift-Locks on the Trent Canal in Peterborough. P.M. Grover was also a Justice of the Peace and among his friends and constituents, was regarded not so much as a maker of laws, but as a guide, philosopher and friend upon whom they could call for helpful advice in times of perplexity and personal problems. Succeeding his father to the Grover homestead was Thomas Maitland Grover, who, in turn, was succeeded by Perregrine Maitland Grover of the third generation, and who continued to reside in Norwood until his death in 1946. His widow, Mary Chaplin, passed on to her reward a few years later. Perregrine Maitland Grover (the first) was born in 1817, died in 1885, his wife, Harriet Maria Keeler, born in 1822, died in 1902 [death was actually Dec 29, 1901 - CR], both were interred in Grafton, not very far from their respective place of birth." From gravestone in St. Andrew's Cemetery at Grafton: GROVER In loving memory of Peregrine Maitland Grover son of John Grover Born at Grafton, Oct. 17, 1817 Died at Norwood, May 28, 1885 "There remaineth a rest to the people of God" Heb IV v. 9 Harriet Maria Daughter of Joseph Keeler wife of P.M. Grover Born at Colborne, Feb. 18, 1822 Died at Norwood, Dec. 29, 1901 "He giveth his beloved sleep." PS 127 v. 2 In the 1848 Haldimand Twp Census, Peregrine and his family appear as follows: GROVER, P.M. Residence: Concession A, Lot 23 Non-Proprietor 90 Acres total land - 70 acres under tillage; 20 acres under pasture Total Family Members = 8 (all Anglican) Single: 1 M < 5 yrs; 1 F < 5 yrs; 2 M 21 to 30 yrs; 1 F 14 to 45 yrs; 1 F > 45 yrs Married: 1 M 30 to 40 yrs; 1 F 14 to 45 yrs Historical Sites in Peterborough County: THE GROVER - NICHOLLS HOUSE "An outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture modified in the Palladian manner, it was begun about 1847 by P.M.Grover, a well-to-do merchant. A type of building rare in Ontario, it was probably inspired by a "design for a villa" appearing in Minard Lafever's "Modern Builders Guide," 1833. The square pillars of this house are a classical Greek feature popular in North America principally because they were less costly to build than round columns. Robert Nicholls acquired the property in 1851, and it remained in his family, distinguished in Peterborough for public service and philanthropy, until 1906. Here the local Masonic Lodge held its meetings in 1849-53 and in 1950 the Masons purchased this imposing house." |
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More About PEREGRINE MAITLAND GROVER: Burial: 1885, St. Andrew's United Church Cemetery, Grafton, Haldimand Twp, Ont.39 Occupation 1: 1851, Merchant40 Occupation 2: Bet. 1867 - 1874, Member of Parliament, Conservative Party, Canadian Government Residence 1: 1851, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont., Canada40 Residence 2: Aft. 1846, Norwood, Asphodel Twp, Peterborough Cty |
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Marriage Notes for HARRIET KEELER and PEREGRINE GROVER: History of St. Paul's Episcopal Church (aka Grace Church) in Rochester, NY (LDS Film #1320632): "On May 28, 1827 a meeting was held and 14 communicants were transferred from St. Luke's (west side of Genesee River) to the new parish. St. Paul's Church was located on Market St. (later re-named St. Paul Street) opposite the present Rochester Chamber of Commerce Building and was consecrated the 30 August 1830." The historical profile notes that the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 prompted a seven fold growth in the Rochester population over the following ten years, sparking the need for additional churches. From the Parish Church records, as transcribed on the above mentioned film: "Keeler, Harriett Maria - m. 4 Apr 1846 Peregrine Maitland Grower (sic) to Miss Harriett Maria Keeler at St. Paul's Church by J.V. VanIngen Wits: Miss Ewing, Miss S.P. Bowers, Rev. C.H. Platt." |
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More About PEREGRINE GROVER and HARRIET KEELER: Marriage: April 04, 1846, Rochester, NY, United States41 Marriage location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church Married by: Rev. J.V. VanIngen Witnesses: Miss Ewing, Miss S.P. Bowers & Rev. C.H. Platt |
| iv. | JOSEPH KEELER, b. May 29, 1824, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada42; d. January 21, 1881, Ottawa, Ont., Canada43; m. OCTAVIA PHILLIPS, October 12, 1848, Weston, Ontario, Canada44; b. Abt. 1827, England45; d. July 09, 1899, Toronto, Ont., Canada46. |
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Notes for JOSEPH KEELER: Joseph was the only son of Joseph Abbott Keeler. Joseph's and his wife Octavia had a son, Thomas P., who married Blanche Elizabeth. Octavia outlived her husband and when she died in 1899 she willed her entire estate to Blanche Elizabeth Keeler. Young Joe and Octavia also had a daughter, Annie Sybilla, born in 1854 and died in 1887. From Wesley B. Keeler: earth.vol.com/~keel/ In the 1871 Ontario Census, Cramahe Twp, Jane Heighson (hard to decipher) was a servant in the home. She was 22 yrs of age, single and was from Ireland. Thomasine Phillips was also living with the family - age 34 yrs, single and originally from England. She was Octavia's sister. Excerpt from the "Campbellford Herald:" "Colborne, May 20, 1880 - Joseph Keeler Esq. M.P. returned home from his parliamentary duties on Saturday evening last. He looks well." In the 1871 Cramahe Twp Census, Divison 1, Industrial Establishments, p. 4 is the following listing: Ship Building Yard Joseph Keeler, M.P. (Proprietor) Fixed Capital Invested: $ 7,000 No. of Working Months in Year: 7 Avg No. of People Employed (Males > 16 yrs): 10 Boys < 16 yrs: 3 Yearly Wages: $ 3,500 Raw Materials: Timber & Lumber, Iron, Ships Riggins Quantities: 12,000 Aggregate Value: $ 2,800 Product: 1 Sailing Vessel Value: $ 10,000 Excerpt from Eileen Argyris' book "How Firm a Foundation: A History of the Township of Cramahe and the Village of Colborne" published by Boston Mills Press in Ontario, 2000, on p. 27 & 28: "A Conservative, Joseph Keeler was elected Member of Parliament representing the riding of Northumberland East from 1867 - the year of Canada's Confederation - to 1873, and again in 1879 until his death in 1881. He was a strong supporter of Canada's first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald (later Sir John A., also a Conservative), and sided with him on the importance of building a railway across the prairies to lure British Columbia into Canadian Confederation. MP Keeler's untimely death at age 57 occurred just shortly before the final parliamentary vote ont he railway, and it is recorded that Prime Minister lamented that, "Keeler of Northumberland is very ill.." MP Keeler also fought for the creation of the Trent Canal System , particularly for the Murray Canal which joins Weller's Bay to the Bay of Quinte at Carrying Place, about 15 miles east of Colborne. At the time when road travel was uncertain and very uncomfortable, the waterways were still the fastest and easiest ways to move goods and people. The Murray Canal cut off miles of water travel and eliminated the need for centuries-old portage that was the origin of the name "Carrying Place." Joseph Keeler died in Ottawa on Jan. 21, 1881, before the commencement of work on the canal the following year. His widow, Octavia, wielded the ceremonial spade at the official sod-turning in his stead..." A brief excerpt from Memories of Haldimand Township, by the Haldimand History Committee A Series of Nine Articles, Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd, Toronto, Ont.: 1997-- p. 71 -- IV Transportation "At Keeler's Creek (Lakeport) settlers arrived as early as 1793. Wharves were constructed, a harbour developed and it became a shipbuilding site for many small ships. Don Connagher built the 82 foot schooner Thistle; John Shaw built the Jura; the Octavia was built in 1866 for Major Joseph Keeler, M.P.; and John Tait built the Sybilla, a 97 foot ship, also for Major Keeler. The Keewatin was rebuilt in 1889 for Archibald Campbell." The article goes on to speak about the early days of pioneer travel along/on Lake Ontario and the expansive trade that went on between the US/Canada. As well, it gives some insight into the difficult travel along the eventual "locks" in the river chains. I also enjoyed this piece: "In 1842, an admirer of Grafton Harbour reported that "for beauty of position and stability of workmanship, it stands second to none in the Province." In 1847, the steamer America began calling three times a week for passengers. There was a regular service between Rochester and Toronto which stopped at other ports along the north shore of Lake Ontario." Estate File # 1561 Surrogate Court of Northumberland & Durham Counties "In the Surrogate Court of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham. Whereas Joseph Keeler late of the Township of Cramahe in the County of Northumberland, Esquire, died on the 21st day of January AD 1881 and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Cramahe in the said County of Northumberland and whereas the said Joseph Keeler died intestate and without having made a last Will & Testament and leaving surviving Octavia Keeler, his widow, Thomas Phillips Keeler, his only son, and Annie Sybilla Boyer, wife of John Boyer, his only daughter. Now we the said Octavia Keeler, Thomas Phillips Keeler and Annie Sybilla Boyer do hereby expressly renounce all our right and title to Letters of Administration of the personal estate and effects of the said deceased and request that the said (?) be granted rather to said John Boyer. In witness whereof we have hereunto set out hands and seals this 12th day of February AD 1881." Signed: Octavia Keeler, T.P. Keeler & Annie S. Boyer As it was, John Boyer was granted the Letter of Administration and the estate was valued at approximately $ 1,190, detailed as follows: March 4, 1881 - Inventory of Property Household Goods & Furniture $ 500 Horses $ 60 Cattle $ 57 Moneys secured by Mortgage $ 183 Other Property $ 300 This power required John to "faithfully administer the personal estate and effects of the deceased by paying his just debts, and distributing the residue (if any) of his estate according to law..." |
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More About JOSEPH KEELER: Burial: 1881, Lakeport Cemetery, Conc. B, Lot 1, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont.Cemetery, Conc. 8, Lot 2, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty Occupation 1: 1871, Forwarder Occupation 2: Bet. 1867 - 1873, Member of Parliament (Northumberland East), Conservative Party, Canadian Government47 Occupation 3: Bet. 1879 - 1881, Member of Parliament (Northumberland East), Conservative Party, Canadian Government47 Probate: February 1881, Letters of Administration Residence: 1865, Conc. Broken Front, Lot 2 Cramahe Twp, Northumberland Cty48 |
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Notes for OCTAVIA PHILLIPS: Octavia was the youngest daughter of Rev. Thomas Phillips, D.D., Rector of Etobicoke. (Marriage Notice Information) In the 1891 Census for Brighton Village, Octavia is living at the age of 64 yrs, with her son Thomas P. Keeler and his family. This census also indicates that both her parents were born in England. Citation from Eileen Argyris' book "How Firm a Foundation," published in 2000, chroniciling the history of Cramahe Twp and Colborne, p. 28: "After that time, [death of her husband Joseph in 1881] Mrs. Keeler moved out of this area, back to the Toronto area where she had lived before her marriage. The Keelers' son, Tom, had already moved to Brighton and John Boyer, their son-in-law, became administrator of the estate. It appears that Octavia outlived not only her husband, but her son [her will below proves T.P. Keeler was still alive at her death in 1899], daughter, and son-in-law, as well. When she died in 1899, she left her remaining holdings in Northumberland to her daughter-in-law, Blanche Boyer Keeler." Octavia did not move immediately, as she is shown as living with her son Thomas & Blanche Keeler in the Brighton Village 1891 Census. Estate File #13389: Surrogate Court of York County "This is the last Will & Testament of me, Octavia Keeler, of the city of Toronto in the Province of Ontario, Widow: I give devise and bequeath all my property real and personal and of what nature or kind soever of which I may die possessed to Blanche E. Keeler wife of my son Thomas P. Keeler for her own use absolutely. And I appoint the said Blanche E. Keeler sole Executrix of this my Will. Dated at Toronto this 4th day of March AD 1899." Signed: Octavia Keeler The estate was valued at less than $ 600, detailed as follows: July 10, 1899 - Inventory of Property Promissory Notes $ 40 Cash in Bank $ 304 Other personal property $ 10 Real Estate $ 200 [about two acres in Township of Cramahe] Thomas P. Keeler provides the above mentioned details and signs the declaration of same. |
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More About OCTAVIA PHILLIPS: Burial: 1899, Lakeport Cemetery, Conc. B, Lot 1, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont.Cemetery, Conc. 8, Lot 2, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty Cause of Death: Heart Disease Medical Information: Ill for several yrs. Probate: July 14, 1899, Surrogate Court, York County, Ont. Religion: Anglican Residence: 1896, Conc. 2, Lot 32 Colborne, Cramahe Twp (Freeholder)49 Will: March 04, 1899, Estate File # 13389 (Ontario) |
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More About JOSEPH KEELER and OCTAVIA PHILLIPS: Marriage: October 12, 1848, Weston, Ontario, Canada50 Marriage location: St. Phillips Church Married by: Rev. H. C. Cooper |
| v. | EMMA ANNE KEELER, b. March 01, 1827, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada51; d. March 23, 1850, Ontario, Canada52; m. STEPHEN NILES CASEY, June 07, 1843, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada53; b. Abt. 1822, Canada54; d. Abt. 186155. |
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Notes for EMMA ANNE KEELER: In the Lakeport Cemetery burial records, the following is listed: "Annie Keeler wife of Stephen Casey d. 23 March 1850 age 26 years 23 days." |
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More About EMMA ANNE KEELER: Burial: Lakeport Cemetery, Conc. B, Lot 1, Haldimand Twp, Northumberland Cty, Ont. |
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Notes for STEPHEN NILES CASEY: Both Emma and Stephen were the youngest children in their respective families. (From Marriage Notice information) |
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More About STEPHEN NILES CASEY: Occupation: 1851, Plaster & Saw Mills56 Religion: Anglican Residence: 1843, Adolphustown, Ont., Canada |
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Marriage Notes for EMMA KEELER and STEPHEN CASEY: Marriage Announcement from The Cobourg Star newspaper (Births, Marriages & Deaths Transcribed in 1985 by Percy Climo, Kawartha Branch, Ont. Genealogical Society, p. 39): "CASEY - KEELER In Colborne, on the 7th instant, by the Rev. G.P. Barlett, Stephen N. Casey, Esq. of Adolphustown, to Anne, youngest daughter of J.A. Keeler, Esq. of Colborne. June 14, 1843" |
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More About STEPHEN CASEY and EMMA KEELER: Marriage: June 07, 1843, Colborne, Cramahe Twp, Northumberland County, Ont., Canada57 Married by: Rev. P. G. Barlett |
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