McNEIL FAMILY RECORD Peter McNeil was born in Kames, Lochowside, Scotland in Oct. 1816. Nancy Turner was born in Cowal, Argyleshire in 1824. They were married May 12, 1845 and three years later sailed from Greenock for Canada. They first came to Mt. Albion, Wentworth Co. (near Hamilton) where an uncle, Duncan Turner had preceded them by eight years. After a short stay they came to South Dorchester, Elgin Co., where other relatives had settled. They were among the first to unite with the Dorchester Disciple church after its organization in January 1850 and were active members during the remainder of their lives, Grandfather McNeil being a lay preacher in the church. A carpenter by trade, Grandfather built many of the homes and buildings of the community, carrying his heavy box of tools on his shoulders. The house West of the church, now occupied by Fred Brown is one of these still in use. Here he owned 15 acres and here eight of the family were born. The following is from his memorandum book dated August 1870: I, Peter McNeil bought this 50 acres (Lot 14 in 12th Conc.) from Robt. Putman for the sum of $2,000.00. Paid or traded my 15 acres valued at $1,200.00. I am to pay Thos. Penhale a mortgage of this sum, $800.00 to be paid in 10 yearly instalments at 8 « %. It was here he established his home, his family grew to man and womanhood and where he passed away in October 24, 1884. In 1873 the following entry was made in his record book:- Made from all sources - Milk $200.00 Barley 56 « bus. @ .96 54.24 Lambs 6 @ 2.00 12.00 3 @ 3.00 9.00 Made by my trade 139.65 ________ Total income (1873) $ 414.89 The next year his income was - $ 643.87. In 1879 we read - Money made this year $ 1,032.40. In 1878 he bought of John Biggars 50 acres (Lot 15 C. 11) for $ 2,800.00. Interest on mortgages was at 10 % and 7 % . Interest and principal was paid in full October 28, 1879. The family are : - AGNES - born in Lochgilphead, Scotland Dec. 24, 1846; baptized July 1, 1862; married to David Cropp on May 4, 1875. They lived in Aylmer. After the death of her husband she lived in Simcoe and the Canadian West with members of her family. In 1932 she passed away in Ridgetown at the home of her daughter Anne (Mrs. Harry Collier). MARY - born at Mt. Albion Jan. 16, 1849; baptized July 1, 1862; married John Turner of Mr. Albion on Jan. 18, 1870. They farmed until the death of her husband in 1896, then moved with her family to Hamilton in 1902. She passed away April 29, 1927. EUPHEMIA - born in Springfield Feb. 15, 1851, baptized Oct. 23rd, 1866; married March 3, 1875 to Thomas Bellmore. For a time they farmed on the 9th Conc. of Malahide, then lived in Lyons and for over 30 years in Springfield, where she passed away June 25, 1933. CATHERINE - born at Dorchester April 1, 1954, died a week after. CHRISTINA - born at Dorchester April 14, 1855; baptized March 22, 1870; married Feb. 12, 1883 to Darius Appleford. They farmed on the 11th Conc. where Geo. Brown now lives for 27 years. Then they moved to a farm West of Talbotville. She passed away at the home of her daughter Eva (Mrs. Harry Thomas) on Jan. 18, 1935. JOHN - born at Dorchester August 8, 1857; baptized June 1878; married to Alice Inglis and farmed on the 11th Conc. until his death June 26, 1901. Wm. and Kathleen (Lorne s daughter) Matthews now live on this farm. ELIZA - born at Dorchester Sept. 21, 1859; baptized June 11, 1874; married on October 9, 1883 to Abraham Kennedy. They lived on a farm near Ridgetown for 25 years then moved to Saskatchewan. She passed away December 20, 1948 at the home of her daughter Alma (Mrs. Roy Coates) at Melfort, Sask. ISABELLA - born at Dorchester Dec. 10, 1861; baptized June 1876. Lived with Amelia until her death on Aug. 25, 1916. Unmarried. PETER - born at Dorchester Jan 9, 1864; baptized June 30, 1879; married on Dec 22, 1891 to Ida Sowler. They farmed on the 11th Conc. (next to John s farm) and where Lorne now lives, for 20 years, then moved to Orwell where passed away Jan. 15, 1937. AMELIA - born at Dorchester Aug. 26, 1867; baptized Jan 9, 186?; married Dec. 13, 1898 to Herbert Hawes. They lived on the 11th Conc. the next farm West of Peter s until 1907 when they moved to a farm near Ridgetown. Since her husband s death she has lived in Windsor, Alberta, and now with her daughter Helen (Mrs. Rev. James Kelly) in Shelbyville,Tenn. JAMES - born at Dorchester Sept. 13, 1869; baptized Jan. 8, 188?; married on Feb. 24, 1897 to Linda Tapsall. They farmed on the homestead Lot 14, Conc. 12 until his death Feb. 9, 1908. A Dutch family bought this farm two years ago. From 1898 Grandmother McNeil lived with her daughter Amelia and passed away at her home near Ridgetown Jan. 13, 1910. Compiled by Mary McNeil Coulter Mrs. A. V. Coulter R.R. # 6, St. Thomas, Ontario Typed by Amelia S. Turner, Hamilton, Ont.