Angus Bell-----Marriage 1841 approx-----Jane McDowell
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Family
History
Angus Bell------Marriage
1841 approx-----Jane McDowell
Born 1816 ca Born 1823 ca
Isle of Islay
Scotland Ireland
Died 18 Sep 1897 Died 25 Aug 1878
Singhampton, Singhampton,
Ontario Ontario
Int’d Union Cemetery, Int’d Union Cemetery,
Singhampton, Singhampton,
Ontario Ontario
Children
Ronald
Margaret
Born 1842
ca Born 1843 ca
West
Gwillimbury
Township,
Canada
West Canada
West
(Ontario) (Ontario)
Died Died
Int’d Int’d
Born 1845 ca Born 22 May 1847
Canada
West Canada
West (Ontario) (Ontario)
Died Died 1941
Int’d Int’d Union Cemetery,
Singhampton,
Ontario
Angus (jr) Sarah
Jane
Born 24 Aug 1848 Born 1851 ca
Nottawasaga
Twshp., Canada West Canada West
(Ontario) (Ontario)
Died 2 Mar 1906 Died Feb 1928
Singhampton, Shellbrook,
Ontario Saskatchewan
Int’d Int’d
Saskatchewan
Catharine Thomas
Wildridge
Born 3 Sep 1854 Born 1856 ca
Singhampton,
Canada West Canada West
(Ontario) (Ontario)
Died 21 Dec 1927 Died
Islington
(Toronto)
Ontario
Int’d Union Cemetery, Int’d
Singhampton,
Ontario
Agnes
Janet
Born 1858 ca Born Oct 1860
Canada West Canada West
(Ontario) (Ontario)
Died Died 4 Feb 1891
Singhampton,
Ontario
Int’d Int’d Union Cemetery,
Singhampton,
Ontario
John
Born 9 Aug 1863
Singhampton,
Canada West
(Ontario)
Died 3 Apr 1864
Singhampton,
Canada West
(Ontario)
Int’d Union Cemetery,
Cemetery
(?)
Singhampton,
Canada West
(Ontario)
¨
Angus
was born in Scotland apparently on the Isle of Islay located off the west coast
Scotland. Shortly after immigrating to America in about the year 1832 at the
approximate age of 13 years, he settled in Upper Canada in the Township of
Innisfil and/or West Gwillimbury.
¨
Jane
was born in Ireland and was probably living in the Township of Innisfil or West
Gwillimbury where she met Angus. They were married in approximately 1841.
¨ 1842 ca. Ronald, a son, born in West Gwillimbury Township,
County of Simcoe,
Upper Canada.
See
Biography of Ronald Bell
Note: Upper Canada was a colony created in 1791 when the old Province
of
Quebec was divided into Upper and Lower Canada. This lasted
until 1841, when
Upper Canada became Canada West and Lower Canada (present day
Quebec)
became Canada East. Together, Canada West and East, were known
as the
Province of Canada. Internal self-government was granted in
1848.
In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was established by the British
North America
Act forming the Confederation of the provinces of New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia
Quebec (formerly Canada East) and Ontario (formerly Canada
West). Later
additions to Canada were the Provinces of Manitoba (1870),
British Columbia
(1871), Prince Edward Island (1873), Alberta and Saskatchewan (1905)
and
Newfoundland (1949)
¨ 1843 ca. Margaret, a daughter, born in Canada West (probably
West Gwillimbury or
Innisfil Township, County of Simcoe).
See Biography of Margaret Bell
¨ 1845 ca. Mary Ann, a daughter, born in Canada West (probably
West Gwillimbury
or Innisfil Township, County
of Simcoe).
See Biography of Mary Ann Bell
¨ 1846 Reference Creemore Star (newspaper) Village
of Singhampton in 1889, written
by J. B. Spurr, Editor.
See 1889 Entry
“In 1846 he (Angus) settled
on the lot which has seen the rise and progress of the
village of Singhampton.”
¨ 1847 Elizabeth, a daughter, born in Canada West, May 22 (probably
in Singhampton,
Nottawasaga Township, County of Simcoe, since Angus
and Jane had moved to
this location in 1846).
See Biography of Elizabeth Bell
¨
1848 Angus, a son, born in Nottawasaga
Township, County of Simcoe, Canada
West, August 24.
See Biography of Angus (junior) Bell
¨
1850 Reference the publication “The Outburst of
the Iroquois” Published in 1934 by
THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE NOTTAWASAGA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
INTRODUCTION
Some gleanings of the
Historical Committee in connection with the Centennial
Celebration
of the first settlements in the Township. Held at Duntroon, July 1st,
2nd,
1934
Minutes of the First Council Meeting
Held in Nottawasaga
Nottawasaga, Jan. 21st,
1850
The toll book having been received showing that the following were elected Councillors for this Township for the current year, viz:
Peter Ferguson, Esquire, Malcolm Livingstone,
Esquire, Donald Patterson, Esquire, Alex Campbell, Esquire.
The above named Councillors met according to
appointment for the election of a Town Reeve, and proceeded with the election
accordingly.
When it was moved by Mr. Livingstone and seconded by
Mr. Patterson that
P. Ferguson, Esquire be Town Reeve for the Current
Year. (Carried).
Moved by Mr. Livingstone, seconded by Mr. Patterson
that Mr. Angus Bell be the Township Clerk for the current year.
(Carried).
Moved by the same and seconded by the same that Mr.
John Ferguson of Collingwood be the Township Supt. of Common Schools for the
current year. (Carried).
Moved by Mr. Patterson, and seconded by Mr.
Livingstone that the Township be divided into three afsefsment (assessment)
districts, each to be afsefsed (assessed) by the particular afsefsor (assessor)
to be appointed for the same. (Carried)
Moved by Mr. Patterson, and seconded by Mr. Campbell
that the first district extend from the Townline of Mulmur to the sideline
between Lot 15 and 16 acrofs (across) the Township, and that Mr. Mathew Dowling
be the afsefsor (assessor) therein. (Carried).
Moved and seconded by the same that the second
district extend from sideline between Lots 15 and 16 to sideline between Lots
27 and 28 acrofs (across) the Township and that Mr. John Campbell of Lot 21 and
the 10th confsefsion (concession) be the afsefsor (assessor)
therein. (Carried).
Moved by Mr. Livingstone, seconded by Mr. Campbell
that Francis Hewson, Esq., be the Township Treasurer for the current year. (Carried).
Moved by Mr. Livingstone, seconded by Mr. Campbell
that Mefsrf (Messrs.) Francis Kerr and John More be Auditors for the current
year. (Carried).
The Council then adjourned.
(Signed) Peter
Ferguson, Town Reeve
Signed
Angus Bell, Town Clerk
¨
1851
ca.
Reference the publication “The Outburst of the Iroquois” Published
in 1934
by THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE NOTTAWASAGA CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION.
INTRODUCTION
Some gleanings of the Historical Committee in
connection with the
Centennial
Celebration of the first settlements in the Township. Held at
Duntroon,
July 1st, 2nd, 1934
When Avening Flourished
The following
are three excerpts are from the subject article.
The following sketch of Avening was written by Mr.
George Carruthers of
Toronto, president of
Interlake Tissue Mills and a son of one of the early pioneers
of Avening.
My grandfather, George
Carruthers, a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, came to
America in 1848, by
way of New York. He lived for a time in Albany, later in
Buffalo, and took up
land in what is now Avening, about 1850. Some clearing
was done by my
grandfather’s brother John and his son John (my Uncle John) and
the family moved on to
that property about 1851.
When the Carruthers’
family settled in Avening in the early 50’s there was only
one other settler on
the second line northward, near Cashtown.
When our family first
moved to Avening, six months would sometimes pass
without their seeing
any man from the outside world. When Mr. Angus, the
Township Clerk, came
they unyoked the oxen, got the bacon down from the
garret, and had a good
visit with him for the rest of the day, and in this way they
got quite a lot of
news as to what was going on in the Township,
¨ 1851 ca. Sarah Jane, a daughter, born in Singhampton, County
of Simcoe, Canada
West.
See Biography of Sarah Jane Bell
¨ 1854 Catharine, a daughter, born in Singhampton, County
of Simcoe, Canada West,
September 3.
See Biography of Catharine Bell
¨ 1856 Reference Plan of Town
Plot of Singhampton on the Mad River as laid out on
Lot
No. 15, 12 Con. Nottawasaga. 1856
The
Township Clerk’s Office (Angus Bell) is
identified on the subject map as
being located south of the Mad River on Victoria Street,
east of Melancthon
Street.
¨
1856 ca. Thomas Wildridge, a son,
born in Singhampton, County of Simcoe, Canada
West.
See Biography of Thomas Wildridge
¨ 1858 Reference Assessment Roll for the
Township of Nottawasaga 1858.
Occupants: Angus Bell
Profession, Occupation, &c: Tp Clerk
Freeholders, Householders: H
Age: 40
No. of Lot: NW ¼ 17
No. Acres: 50
Value of each Lot: £125
Total Value of Real Property: £125
Total Value of Real and Personal property: £125
£ symbol for Pounds currency. The dollar currency was introduced at a
later
date.
¨
1859 ca. Agnes, a daughter, born in Singhampton,
County of Simcoe, Canada West.
See Biography of Agnes Bell
¨
1860 Janet, a daughter, born in
Singhampton, County of Simcoe, Canada West,
October ca.
See Biography of Janet Bell
¨
1860 Angus and Jane’s daughter,
Margaret, age 17, marries Robert Lang, age 26,
in Nottawasaga Twp, Canada West, December 5.
See Biography of Margaret Bell
¨
1861 Census Province of Canada West (Ontario), Enumeration
District No. 2 of the
Township of
Nottawasaga in
the County of Simcoe. Page 4.
Enumerator Angus Bell.
Angus Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: Farmer
Place of Birth: Scotland
Age next Birthday: 43
Married or Single: M
HOUSES- Brick, Stone, Frame, Log, &c: Log
No. of Stories: one
No. of families living in house: one
Jane Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Ireland
Age next Birthday: 38
Married or Single: M
Ronald Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: Labourer
Place of Birth: Canada West
Age next Birthday: 19
Married or Single: S
Mary Ann Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Elizabeth Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Age next Birthday: 14
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Angus Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: Labourer
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Sarah Jane Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Age next Birthday: 10
Attending School within the year.
Catherine Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Thos. W. Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Agnes Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Attending School within the year. (probably an
incorrect entry)
Janet Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Births in 1860: 1 (Janet)
¨
1863 John, a son, born in
Singhampton, County of Simcoe, Canada West (Ontario),
August 9.
See Biography of John Bell
¨
1864 Township of Osprey, Village of
Kelvin, Lot No. Being a subdivision of the
East-end of Lot No. 9 Con. A. Andrew Yuill, proprietor, Regst 7 Nov
1856.
Queen Street
Mortgage
9956 B&S* 27 Feby
30 Mch George Angus Bell **
$100 & other
1864 1864 Christie
lands
& Wife
* Bargain & Sell ** not defined other than
being a subdivision of the East-end of Lot No. 9 Con A.
Angus did not reside on the
subject property. His residence was on Lot 17 in
Concession 12
which was on the east side of Melancthon Street in the Village of
Singhampton. The Village of Kelvin was located on the
west side of Melancthon,
mainly on the south side of the Mad River.
¨
1864 Angus and Jane’s son, John,
died in Singhampton, Canada West (Ontario),
August 26.
See Biography of John Bell
¨
1865 Reference Directory of the
County of Grey in 1865, which is Reproduced from
the Gazetter of the County Published by W. W. Smith of Owen Sound in
1865.
SINGHAMPTON
Angus Bell
Ronald Bell
¨ 1866 Reference Gazatteer and Directory of the County of
Simcoe for 1866-7.
LIST OF CORONERS
Note: There were 23 coroners
listed for the County of Simcoe of which only nine
(including Angus) were not doctors.
SINGHAMPTON—A rising village on the county line, between Simcoe
and Grey,
partly in Nottawasaga and partly in Osprey, 35 miles from
Barrie. Water power is
furnished by the Mad River, a tributary of the
Nottawasaga. There are said to be
no water
privileges on the Mad River above Singhampton, but any number
immediately below. Richard Richmond first settled here
about 1840, in which
year he erected a saw mill. The village was laid out in
1856 by Messrs. C. R. and
J. R. Sing, who owned the property. For some years after
its first establishment,
the Post Office was called Mad Mills P.O. The mills,
which consist of a grist mill
of two run of stones, and a saw mill, were built about 11
years ago, and are about
a quarter of a mile east of the principal street in
Nottawasaga. The Post Office,
Store, and Common School are also on the Simcoe side. The
Post Office was
established in 1852. There is a Canada Presbyterian and a
Wesleyan Methodist
Church. The School House is a comfortable stone building,
with a large
attendance of pupils. There are also a Lodge of the Loyal
Orange institution, No.
586, and a Lodge of the British American Good Templars,
No. 371. Mails daily to
and from Durham, Collingwood, and intermediate places.
Population about 150.
Algeo, James, boot and shoe maker
Bell, Angus, conveyancer, issuer of marriage licences,
township clerk
Nottawasaga, coroner, &c.
Bell, Ronald, licensed auctioner. (Angus’ son)
Grant, David, carpenter and J.P.
Green, Mrs, weaver
Glenning, Edward, miller
Hamilton, Jas. General merchant
Hilts, Frederick, limeburner
Kitchen, Robert, blacksmith
Lang, Alex. Weaver
Lang, John, laborer
McDougall, Thomas, blacksmith
McDonald, Neil, teacher
McKinnon, Donald, blacksmith
Ough, John, proprietor Royal Hotel
Richards, James
Richardson, Alonzo, waggon maker (wagon-maker)
Richmond, Mrs. tailoress
Sing, Joseph
SING, JOSIAH R. postmaster, commissioner in B.R. &c.
Stinson, John, proprietor Victoria Inn
Thornbury, Thomas, M.D.
Williamson, Mrs. C. teacher
TOWNSHIP OF NOTTAWASAGA
Angus Bell, tp. clerk Con 12 Lot 17h
Ronald Bell, auctioneer Con 12 Lot 17h
NOTTAWASAGA
Nottawasaga
(Iroquois, “River, or Mouths of the Ojibways,”) was settled about
1833.
Capt. Edward A. Walker obtaining his patent in that year, but its
remoteness
offered so little encouragement to settlers that little progress was
made
for several years. The lots bordering the lake were first sold, but in 1842 the
population
was only 420.
About
the year 1837, by the assistance of the Government, two small settlements
were
commenced. The “Yankee Settlement” on Hurontario street, about three
miles
from the southern boundary of the township, under the direction of Mr.
Bowerman.
The land was judiciously chosen, being generally of excellent quality.
The
“Scotch Settlement” on the same road, and about six miles further north, was
entirely
composed of Scotch Highlanders. A thrifty race, economical, and hard
working,
in a few years they purchased the lots they first settled, and adjoining
ones
also, many of them emerging from obscurity of poverty to the possession of
lairdships,
which in some instances rival in territorial extent a German
principality.
The original village, composed exclusively of shanties, has
disappeared,
but “Scotch Corners,” or Bowmore, seven miles from Collingwood,
occupies
the site. (Bowmore eventually became
known as Duntroon)
Nottawasaga
contains a great deal of excellent land, and, like all the other
townships,
some of a very indifferent quality. It originally consisted of two
townships,
called Java and Merlin, but was surveyed as one, with the present
name.
It contains one hundred thousand acres, equivalent to about one hundred
and
fifty-six square miles, or a square thirteen miles in length. A spur of the
Blue
Mountains
enters the township, and forms a precipitous cliff of several hundred in
height,
from which can be seen Sunnidale, Flos, Vespra, Tiny, and the Georgian
Bay.
Nottawasaga is bounded north by Nottawasaga
Bay, east by Sunnidale, west by
the
townships of Collingwood and Osprey, Co. Grey, and south by Mulmur.
Population
(1861) 3890.
¨
1866 Angus and Jane’s son,
Ronald, age 24, married Elizabeth Williamson,
age 24, in Nottawasaga Twp,
Canada West (Ontario), October 13.
See Biography of
Ronald Bell
¨ 1870 Angus and Jane’s daughter, Catharine, age 17, married John Taylor,
age 26,
bachelor in Singhampton, Ontario, February 23.
See
Biography of Catharine Bell
¨
1870 Angus and Jane’s daughter,
Sarah Jane, age 19, married Thomas Rusk,
age 22, in Singhampton, Ontario, July 7.
See Biography of Sarah Jane Bell
¨
1871 Census Province of Ontario, District No.42, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division
1. Page 1. Enumerator: Angus Bell
Junior. (Angus and
Jane’s son)
Angus Bell, age 52.
Country or Province of Birth:
Scotland
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation:
Accountant
Married or Widowed: M
Jane Bell,
age 50.
Country or
Province of Birth: Ireland
Origin: Irish
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: M
Mary Ann,
age 26.
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation:
Seamstress
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Elizabeth,
age 24
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Angus,
age 22
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Thomas W., age 15
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Agnes,
age 13
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Instruction: Going to School
Janet, age 11
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Instruction: Going to School
Religion of each family member recorded
as Presbyterian.
Schedule No 3---Return of
Public Institutions, Real Estate, Vehicles and
Implements.
Grand total of
acres of land owned: 100
Number of dwelling houses owned: 1
Number of barns and stables owned: 2
Number of carriages and sleighs: 2
Number of cars, wagons, and sleds: 2
Number of ploughs and cultivators: 1
Fanning mills: 1
Town Hall (The Town Hall was located on Angus’
property, Con 12 Lot 17)
Number of buildings: 1
Grand total of acres of land owned: ¼
Number of town or village building lots: 1
Schedule No
4---Return of Cultivated Land, of Field Products and of Plants
and Fruits.
Range
or Concession: 12
Number of Lot: 17
Owner, Tenant or Employee: O
Total Number of acres occupied: 100
Number of acres improved: 40
Number of acres in pasture: 10
Number of acres in gardens and
orchards: 1
Wheat Acres: 10. Spring Wheat
Bushels: 250
Bushels of Barley: 200
Bushels of Oats: 150
Potatoes
Acres: 1. Bushels: 175
Bushels of Turnips: 500
Hay Crops Acres 7.
Tons of 2000 lbs., or bundles of 16 lbs., of Hay: 20
Schedule No
5---Live Stock, Animal Products, home-made Fabrics and Furs.
Horses
over 3 years old: 1
Working Oxen: 2
Milch Cows: 4
Other horned Cattle: 6
Sheep: 12
Swine: 8
Cattle killed or sold for slaughter
or export: 1
Sheep killed or sold for slaughter
or export: 3
Swine killed or sold for slaughter
or export: 8
Pounds of Butter: 300
Pounds of Wool: 60
Schedule No 7---Return of
Products of the Forest.
Cords
of Fire Wood: 100
¨
1871 Reference Hogg’s Map of the
County of Simcoe. Compiled & Published by
John Hogg. Collingwood Ontario.
Subject: Concession 12, Lot 17
The subject map locates Angus Bell’s property as the
second lot south of the Mad
River fronting on the east side of the Singhampton main
street, Melancthon.
Lot 18, bordering the Mad River on the north side of
Angus’ property, was owned
by W. Pearson.
Lot 16, to the south of Angus’ property, was owned by W.
Jacques.
¨
1871 Angus and Jane’s son, Angus (Jr),
age 22, bachelor, married Eliza Greenaway,
age 21, spinster, in Stayner, Ontario, December 1.
See Biography of Angus (Jr) Bell
¨ 1872 Reference Gazetteer and Directory of the County of
Simcoe for 1872-3.
Presbyterian Printing House,
102 Bay Street 1872.
SINGHAMPTON.---A
village on the county line between Simcoe and Grey, 35
miles
from Barrie, and 14 from Collingwood. There is excellent water power in
the
neighborhood. Population about 150.
Algeo,
James, shoemaker
Bell,
Angus, conveyancer, ag’t. Can. Per. Bldg. and Savings Society
Blackstock,
Edw., hotel-keeper
Donaldson,
John, M.D.
Gowan,
Wm., hotel-keeper
HAMILTON,
JAS., P.M, merchant
Hilden,
James, blacksmith
Londrie,
Eli, storekeeper
McKinnon,
Donald, blacksmith
O’Neil,
Thos., wagon-maker
Pearson,
Wm., miller
Rancier,
Joseph, waggon-maker (wagon-maker)
Rowbotham,
Wm., hotel-keeper
Sing,
J. R., commissioner
Sproule,
R. J., storekeeper
Stinson,
John, storekeeper
Thompson,
George, saddler
Thornbury,
Thomas, M.D.
Classified
Business Directory:
Conveyancers:
Angus Bell, Singhampton
Under
the following heading NOTTAWASAGA
Angus,
sen. Bell Lot 12 (17) Con. 17 (12) f (freeholder)
Angus, jun. Bell Lot 12 (17)
Con. 17 (12) f (freeholder)
The
lot and concession numbers were reversed in error in the subject publication.
¨
1872 Angus and Jane’s daughter,
Elizabeth gave birth to a son Thomas Thornbury,
March 23.
The birth appears to have been out of wedlock, the
father being
Thomas Thornbury M.D. (Reference the 1866 and preceding
entries)
See Biography of Elizabeth Bell
¨
1872 Township of Nottawasaga, Village
of Singhampton, Lot No. 3 South (South
side)
of Osprey St.
Mortgage
68565
B&S* 1 Aug 1872 28 Sept/72 William
Angus Bell
$1.00 ½ acre
Pearson et al
Trustees
of
Presbyterian
Church
of Canada
in
connection with
The
Church of
Scotland
*Bargain & Sell
¨
1878 Death Registration
#013243-78. County of Simcoe, Division of Nottawasaga.
Name and Surname of Deceased: Jane Bell
When Died: August 25th 1878
Sex--- Male or Female: Female
Rank or Profession: Tp. Clerk’s wife
Where Born: Ireland
Certified cause of Death, and duration of Illness: Not
Known to the Profession.
15 years.
Name of Physician, if any: Drs. Kirkland, Stephens,
Snell, Thornbury, Mitchell,
McKinnon.
Signature, description and residence of informant: Angus
Bell, Tp Clerk,
Singhampton.
When Registered: 31st August, 1878.
Religious Denomination of Deceased: Presbyterian
Signature of Registrar: Angus Bell
Jane’s gravesite is located in the Union Cemetery and
identified by a large red
granite family monument of approximately seven feet in
height.
Jane’s inscription reads as follows:
JANE
BELOVED WIFE OF
ANGUS
BELL
DIED
AUG. 25, 1897
AGED 54 YRS
The year of Jane’s death was inscribed
incorrectly. The actual year of her death
was
1878.
¨
1878 Angus and Jane’s son, Thomas
Wildridge, age 18, marries Elisa Jane Bates,
age 17, in Feversham, Ontario, December 16.
See Biography of Thomas Wildridge Bell
¨
1881 Census Province of Ontario, District No.139, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division No. 2. Page 11. Enumerator:
John McKie.
Angus Bell, age 63.
Country or province of Birth:
Scotland
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade: Commissioner
Married or Widowed: W
Elizabeth Bell,
age 32 (Angus’ daughter)
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Mary Ann Bell, age 30 (Angus’ daughter)
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade:
Seamstress
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Agnes Bell, age 19 (Angus’ daughter)
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Profession, Occupation or Trade: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Thomas E. (Edward) Bell, age 9 (Angus’
grandson, son of Elizabeth Bell and
Dr. Thornbury)
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade: no entry
Instruction: Going to School
¨ 1881 Reference Last Will and Testament of Angus Bell.
The subject Will was made on November 30,
1881.
I, Angus Bell, of the Township of Nottawasaga in
the County of Simcoe,
Notary Public, being in ill health,
and of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my
last will and testament hereby
revoking all former wills by me at
any time heretofore made.
See 1898 Entry for Probate of Will.
¨
1882 Reference The Enterprise and
Collingwood Messenger (Collingwood,
Ontario
newspaper). Date Thursday January 12.
The following was commonly found in each
edition of the subject newspaper in
the advertisement area on the front
page.
ANGUS BELL
NOTARY PUBLIC, CONVEYANCER, COM-
missioner in B.R., Coroner for Simcoe
and Grey, issuer of Marriage Licenses under
the new Act, Land and General Agent.
Singhampton.
¨
1882 Reference The Enterprise and
Collingwood Messenger (Collingwood,
Ontario
newspaper). Date Thursday March 16.
BREVITIES
We are pleased to learn that our old friend, Mr. Angus
Bell, is again able to attend
to his duties as Clerk of Nottawasaga.
¨
1884 Angus and Jane’s daughter,
Agnes, age 26, marries Thomas Greenaway,
age 24, in Singhampton, Ontario, December 24.
See Biography of Agnes Bell
¨ 1884-86 Reference County of Simcoe Directory And Gazetteer
for the Years 1884-
5-6, Including Directories
of the Towns, Villages and Postal Localities,
and
the Post Office Addresses of the Farmers and Other Residents of the
Townships
of Adjala, Cardwell, Essa, Flos, Monck, Morrison, Muskoka,
Nottawasaga,
Orillia, Oro, Sunnidale, Tay, Tecumseth, Tiny, Tossoronto,
Vespra,
Watt, West Gwillimbury and Wood.
W.
H. Irwin & Co., Compilers and Publishers, Hamilton.
CORONERS
RESIDENT IN SEVERAL TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS
Nottawasaga,
Angus Bell, T. B. Dack, F. Hewson.
SINGHAMPTON.---A village on the county line
between Grey and Simcoe, 14
miles
from Collingwood. Population 100.
Algeo,
James, shoemaker
Bell,
Angus, commissioner in B. R.
Bell,
John, hotel keeper (Relationship to Angus, if any, unknown)
Brown,
Robert, merchant
Butler,
--- , M. D.
Chestnut,
Alexander
Chittic,
C. blacksmith
Flint,
Rev. Paul (Methodist)
Grant,
David & Son., wagonmakers
Lindley,
E., hotel keeper
McKinnon,
A., blacksmith
Moore,
Alex., merchant
Pearson,
Wm., miller
Sing,
J. R., insurance agent
Smith,
James, wagonmaker
Smith,
---, shoemaker
Stinson,
John, P. M., merchant
Taggert,
Mrs., grocer
NOTTAWASAGA
TOWNSHIP
Angus
Bell jr, Linghampton (Singhampton), f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus
sr. not recorded.
¨
1889 Assessment Roll for the
Municipality of Nottawasaga for 1889.
Name
and P. O. Address of Taxable Party: Angus Bell
Occupation: Farmer
Freeholder, Householder, Tenant, Landholder’s
Son, or Wage Earner: F
Age of Assessed Party: 69
Address: Singhampton
No. of Lot, House, &c: Pt 15
No. of Concession: 10
No. of Acres: 5
Name and P. O. Address of Taxable Party:
Thomas Greenaway
Occupation: Farmer
Freeholder, Householder, Tenant, Landholder’s
Son, or Wage Earner: T
Age of Assessed Party: 25
Address: Singhampton
No. of Lot, House, &c: Pt 17 &
18
No. of Concession: 12
No. of Acres: 50¼
No. of Acres Cleared: 25¼
Thomas was Angus’ son-in-law, the husband
of his daughter, Agnes.
From the preceding information, it appears
Thomas and Agnes were tenants on
the 50¼ & 25¼ acres lots while Angus
resided on a five acre lot on Concession
10.
Total Value of Real Property: $400.00
Total Value of Real and Personal Property and
Taxable Income: $400.00
No. of Persons in the family of each Person
rated as Resident: no entry
¨ 1889 Reference The Union Publishing Co’s (of Ingersoll.)
Farmers and Business
Directory for the Counties
of Durham, Muskoka, Ontario, Simcoe and Victoria
for
1889.
NOTTAWASAGA
TOWNSHIP
Angus
Bell, Singhampton, f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus Bell jr, Singhampton,
f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus
Bell, Broker & Appraiser Canada Permanent Loan & Savings Co.
¨
1889 Reference the publication “The Outburst of
the Iroquois” Published in 1934 by
THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE NOTTAWASAGA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
INTRODUCTION
Some gleanings of the Historical
Committee in connection with the Centennial
Celebration
of the first settlements in the Township. Held at Duntroon, July 1st,
2nd,
1934
Some
Early History of Singhampton
The following is a sketch of
the Village
of Singhampton in 1889,
written by J. B.
Spurr, then Editor of The
Creemore Star
Singhampton, holding a commanding position on the
plateau of the Blue
Mountains above the Collingwood valley, is
picturesquely situated on the Mad
River on the Town Lines of Osprey and Nottawasaga.
Its history dates back to
the year 1850 when it was first laid out by Mr.
Sing, who at that time had a saw
mill, grist mill and woollen factory there. It then
went by the name of Mad
River Mills, but as the place grew, it received
another name and was called
Mortimer. Mr. Sing endeavored to have the name
changed from Mortimer to
Sing Sing, but as there was at that time another
post office of the same name in
Canada a change was made to its present name,
Singhampton. Part of the town
is situated in Nottawasaga and part in the township
of Osprey, but the greater
number of buildings are on the Nottawasaga side,
there only being fourteen
stores and residences in Osprey. There are in the
village altogether thirty-eight
stores and dwellings, not including other buildings.
Situated here are also three
churches representing the Episcopalian, Presbyterian
and Methodist
denominations. Mr. Cooper is the present pastor of
the English Church and
resides at Duntroon, while the resident ministers
are Mr. Wetheral and Mr.
Wallace of the Methodist and Presbyterian
denominations respectively. The
village also contains a good school house of which
Mr. Brett is the present
teacher, a cemetery in trustees’ hands free to all
denominations and an Orange
Hall which is regularly attended monthly by a large
membership. A daily mail
plies between Duntroon and the village, and the
inhabitants have daily
connection with Collingwood, Creemore and Durham, as
well as tri-weekly
mail to Shelburne.
Among the principal business houses of the village
is John Stinson, who keeps
a large and commodious general store on the corner
of Melancthon and Osprey
streets. He is also the postmaster. The store has
also a telegraph office and
money order office in connection.
Robert Brown on (the) Osprey side of
Melancthon street, is also a general
merchant. Miss Grant has a general grocery and
confectionery. She also has a
well equipped millinery department in connection.
Mrs. Taggart has a similar store to that of Miss
Grant.
J. Smith carries on business as a wagon builder.
James Algeo, shoemaker, has
been here for about thirty years. Mr. Brewster is
also a shoemaker. Mr.
McMillian is a blacksmith. Neil McKinnon also
carries on blacksmithing. Mr.
Thompson is a saddler and harness maker.
Singhampton House on the corner of Gerholm and
Melancthon streets, is
owned by Mr. Bell. The Exchange Hotel on the Osprey
side of the Town Line,
is kept by Mr. Blackstock.
The Township Clerk, Angus Bell, Esq., also resides
here in a cosy residence
south of the Mad River, opposite a suburb of the
village which for some
unobscure (obscure) reason was named Kelvin.
In 1832, at the early age of 13
years, he left his native home in the Island of
Islay, on the west coast of
Scotland and came
to the township of Innisfil, where he spent a number of his
earlier years in teaching school. In 1846 he settled
on the lot which has seen
the rise and progress of the village of Singhampton, at that time a forest and
under government control. His learning and education
soon brought him into
prominence so that in 1850 he was appointed clerk of
the township of
Nottawasaga, which office he has filled for
thirty-nine consecutive years since,
and enters on his fortieth year, having seen, in all
probability, more years of
office than any other township clerk in the country.
Mr. Bell still continues to
be an active worker in his municipal capacity and
during his many years of
office has performed a faithful duty to the
township. He is also a conveyancer
and does an extensive business in this line. As a
friend, Mr. Bell is of the most
genial kind and his hospitality is unbounded.
Mr. Sing does a large business in lime kilning on
one of his farms. Mr. Sing is
Justice of the Peace and dispenses justice to those
who need it.
Robert Stephenson has two large lime kilns on lot
15. Mr. Pearson is owner of
the mills situated on the Mad River.
¨ 1890 Reference The Union Publishing Co’s (of Ingersoll.)
Farmers and Business
Directory for 1890. (Incomplete
Title and information)
NOTTAWASAGA
TOWNSHIP
Angus
Bell, Singhampton, f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus Bell jr, Singhampton,
f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus
Bell, Broker & Appraiser Canada Permanent Loan & Savings Co.
¨ 1891 Census Province of Ontario, District No. 117
Simcoe (County), S. District: e,
Township of Nottawasaga, No. 2. Page 32-33.
Enumerator and
Date: James Bridges, 23 April 1891
Angus Bell
Age: 72
Place of Birth of Father:
Scotland
Place of Birth of Mother: Scotland (Ireland)
Wage Earner
Elizabeth Bell
Age: 36
Relation
to Head of family: Daughter
Place
of Birth of Father: Scotland
Place
of Birth of Mother: Ontario
Age 30
Relation to Head of family:
S, L (Son-in-Law)
Country or Province of
Birth: Ontario
Place
of Birth of Father: Ontario
Place
of Birth of Mother: Ireland
Agnes Greenaway (Angus’ daughter and Thomas’ wife)
Age: 30
Country
or Province of Birth: Ontario
Place
of Birth of Father: Scotland
Place
of Birth of Mother: Ontario
Age: 5
Place
of Birth of Father: Ontario
Age: 2
Place
of Birth of Father: Ontario
Age: 18
Place
of Birth of Father: Ontario
Profession, Occupation or
Trade: Student
Alice
Taylor (Daughter of Catharine [Angus’ daughter] from her marriage to
John
Taylor)
Age: 18
Place
of Birth of Father: Ireland
The Religion of each family
member was recorded as Presbyterian.
All members of the family except
Ernest and Thomas B. were recorded as able to
Read and Write.
¨
1891 Angus’s daughter, Janet, age
30 years, 5 months, died of Consumption in
Singhampton, Ontario, February 4.
See Biography of Janet Bell
¨
1892 Reference The Enterprise and
Collingwood Messenger. (Collingwood, Ontario
newspaper) Date Thursday February 11, 1892.
Auditors
Statement
--OF THE—
FOR THE YEAR 1891
TP. OFFICERS’ SALARIES AND CONTINGENCIES
Angus Bell, Municipal Election Expenses………………… $165.00
Bulletin,
Printing…………………………………………….. 30.00
Enterprise……………………………………………………. 21.00
Martin
McLeod, error in taxes………………………………. 8.67
Alex
Currie “ “
…..……………………………. 3.28
(Etc, etc)
Jas.
Bridges, rep. Town Hall…………………………………
16.05
W.
H. Hamilton, lock T. Hall………………………………...
1.80
R.
T. Gray, ins. on Town Hall………………………………..
9.00
Selectors
of Jurors, Clerk……………………………………. 10.00
“ “
Reeve…………………………………… 8.00
“ “
Assessor…………………………….….. 8.00
J.
W. Archer, Grant to G. N. E……………………………….
25.00
F.
Hewson, Tp. Treas, Salary………………………………... 250.00
“
“ “ Postage, &c…………………………………
30.00
Councillors
Sal., J. Hamilton………………………………... 100.00
“ “ Wm.
Millie………………………………... 100.00
“ “ Geo.
Glover……………………………….. 100.00
“
“ Dr. McAllister……………………………..
105.00
“ “ Jno.
McBride……………………………... 100.00
Angus
Bell, Tp. Clerk, Salary……………………………….
310.00
¨ 1893 Reference The Union Publishing Co’s (of Ingersoll.)
Farmers and Business
Directory for the Counties
of Haliburton, Peterboro, Simcoe and Victoria
for
1893.
Angus Bell, Appraiser Canada Permanent Loan & Savings
Co & Broker
NOTTAWASAGA TOWNSHIP
Angus
Bell, Singhampton, f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus Bell jr, Singhampton,
f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
¨ 1894 Reference
N.W. Ayers & Son’s American Newspaper Annual 1895.
A
Catalogue of American Newspapers.
Listed under Ontario, Canada was the following;
SINGHAMPTON, pop. 300; SIMCOE Co. (C.) pop. 84,834. On Mad R., 50 m. W. of
Barrie.
Nearest railroad stn., Duntroon, Grand Trunk R.R. Tel (Telegraph).
Exp (Express)
Bank, Collingwood.
Name of newspaper: Argus
Issue day: Wednesday
Political: Ind. Conserv.
Estab: 1894 (According
to the December 27, 1894 edition of the Argus,
publication commenced on
February 19, 1894)
Pages: 4
Size of page: 20x26
Subscription: 1.25
Circ: no entry
Name of Editor: John D. Mills
Name of Publishers: Mills & Brown
¨
1894 Assessment Roll for the
Municipality of Nottawasaga for 1894.
Name
and Post Office Address of Taxable Party: Angus Bell
Name and Post Office Address of Taxable
Party: Thomas Greenaway
Thomas was Angus’ son-in-law, the husband
of his daughter, Agnes.
Name and Post Office Address of Taxable
Party: Thomas E. Thornbury
Thomas was Angus’ grandson, the son of his
spinster daughter, Elizabeth.
Thomas would have been 22 years of age at
this time.
Occupation: no entry
Freeholder, Householder, Tenant, Landholder’s
Son, or Wage Earner: no entry
Age of Assessed Party: no entry
Address: no entry
No. of Lot, House, &c: no entry
No. of Concession: no entry
No. of Acres: 55
Total Value of Real Property: no entry
Total Value of Real and Personal Property and
Taxable Income: $850.00
No. of Persons in the family of each Person
rated as Resident: 8
¨ 1894 Reference The Singhampton
Argus (Singhampton, Ontario newspaper)
Date
Thursday December 27, 1894.
The following advertisement appeared on the
front page.
ANGUS BELL
Notary
Public, Conveyancer, Commis-
sioner in H.C.J., Coroner for
Simcoe and Grey
Government
issuer of Marriage Licenses
General Land
Agent.
Township Clerk for Nottawasaga
SINGHAMPON, ONTARIO
Note:
It is interesting to see the misspelling of Singhampton.
¨ 1895 Reference The Union Publishing Co’s (of Ingersoll.)
Farmers and Business
Directory for the Counties
of Muskoka, Ontario and Simcoe for 1895.
Angus
Bell, Appraiser Canada Permanent Loan & Savings Co & Broker
NOTTAWASAGA TOWNSHIP
Angus
Bell, Singhampton, f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
Angus Bell jr, Singhampton,
f (freeholder) Con 12 Lot 17
¨
1897 Reference The
Enterprise-Messenger. (Collingwood, Ontario newspaper)
Date Thursday Sept. 23, 1897.
Mr. Angus
Bell
DEATH OF NOTTAWASAGA’S VENERABLE CLERK,---A VETERAN OFFICIAL,---OVER
FIFTY YEARS IN HARNESS.
On Saturday morning, at his
home in Singhampton, Mr. Angus Bell, Township
Clerk of
Nottawasaga, passed away to his long rest, after a long and painful
illness, in the eighty-first year of his age.
Mr. Bell was one of the oldest municipal officers in the
Province, having been
Clerk of the Township since the early forties. He was one
of the early settlers of
Nottawasaga, and of
course one of its best known residents. He was an expert in
municipal affairs,
and a faithful and attentive official, for long years a guide in
procedure and public affairs to the Township Council, and
he possessed the
confidence and esteem of each successive body that he
served so well. He resided,
at Singhampton since his appointment over fifty years
ago, on his farm.
Deceased had a large family. His wife died some years
ago. The best known of
the survivors are his sons, Angus of Singhampton, and
Thomas of Dakota. Of the
daughters, Mrs. Greenaway (Agnes) and Mrs. Riddell (Catharine)
live at
Singhampton, and another Lizzie, lives on the homestead.
One daughter lives in
Toronto, and another in Collingwood Township.
The funeral took place on Monday at one o’clock, to the
Singhampton cemetery,
under the auspices of the Orange body, of which deceased
was a member for
nearly half a century. He was an honorary member of
Singhampton Lodge. The
Rev. Mr. Davey was the officiating clergyman, and the
Township Council
attended in a body. There was also a large attendance of
the general public.
¨
1897 Reference The Collingwood
Bulletin. (Collingwood, Ontario newspaper)
Date Friday, Sept. 24, 1897.
ANGUS BELL DEAD
We regret to learn of the death of Mr. Angus Bell, the
veteran clerk of the
township of Nottawasaga, which occurred at his residence
at Singhampton, on
Saturday last. The deceased has not enjoyed the best of
health for some time, but
was always found in his place at the meetings of the
council. He was in his
eighty-fourth year and had served the township as clerk
for over forty years. His
funeral took place on Monday. Further particulars will be
given next week.
¨
1897 Reference The Collingwood
Bulletin. (Collingwood, Ontario newspaper)
Date Friday, Oct 1, 1897.
SINGHAMPTON
In our last issue we referred to the death of Mr. Angus
Bell, the veteran Clerk of
the Township of Nottawasaga. The deceased was born in
Islay, Scotland in 1817,
and when a young lad emigrated to America. After coming
to this country he
attended school and obtained a certificate on which he
taught in the townships of
Innisfil and Gwillembury (Gwillimbury) for some years. About fifty years ago he
came to Nottawasaga and settled at Singhampton on the
farm on which he died.
Two years after his arrival there he was appointed clerk
of the township, a
position which he has since held continuously. His wife
died at Singhampton
nineteen years ago. Their family consisted of three sons,
Ronald and Thomas who
are in the States and Angus who resides at home, and
three daughters, Mrs.
Stephenson, of Toronto, Mrs. Crawford, of Osprey, and
Lizzie who is at home.
The funeral took place under the auspices of Singhampton
Lodge L.O.L. of which
Mr. Bell was a honorary member. Rev. Mr. Davey was the
officiating minister
and Dr. Ball conducted the funeral ceremony of the
Orangemen. A large
concourse of people followed the remains to their last
resting place in the Union
Cemetery here. The township council attended in their
official capacity. By the
death of Mr. Bell the township has lost a most careful
and efficient officer, and
one who was always attentive to his business.
An article also appeared in the subject newspaper as
follows:
RESIGNED TO BE
CLERK
At the meeting of the township council on Saturday afternoon (September 25th)
Reeve (Dr.) McAllister
resigned and was appointed to the vacant clerkship at
a salary of $350 per year.
With reference to
the 1892 entry, one can determine there was a substantial
difference between the
wages of an elected and an appointed official.
¨
1897 Death Registration
#023449-97. County of Simcoe, Division of Nottawasaga.
Name of Deceased: Angus Bell
Sex (M. or F.): Male
Date of Death: 18th Sept 1897
Age: 80
Residence
No. or House or Lot: 17
Concession or Street: Con. 12
Occupation: Notary Public
Where Born: Scotland
Cause of Death, Length of Illness: Kidney and Heart
disease- 6 months
Name of Physician in Attendance: F. J. Ball
Religious Denomination: Presbyterian
Name of Person Making Return: Dr. Ball
Date of Registration: 10 Dec 1897.
Angus’ gravesite is located in the Union Cemetery and
identified by a large red
granite family monument of approximately seven feet in
height.
Angus’ inscription reads as follows:
IN
MEMORY OF
ANGUS
BELL
DIED
SEPT. 18,
1897
AGED 81 YRS
Angus’
wife, Jane and daughter, Janet, who predeceased Angus are also interred at
the
subject site.
¨ 1898 In the Surrogate
Court of
the County of Simcoe
In The Estate of Angus
Bell
Jany 25th 1898
I have the honor to submit the
following papers hereunto annexed in the above
matters all of which have been duly signed, sworn
and executed namely:
1.
Application of Elizabeth Bell for
Probate
2.
Schedule of Real Estate, valued at $ 700- and Inventory for Personal Estate valued at $ 90-
INVENTORY AND VALUATION OF REAL ESTATE
In the Surrogate Court of
the County of Simcoe
In
the Estate of Angus Bell
DECEASED
Inventory and Valuation of the REAL ESTATE OF THE SAID DECEASED.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF
PROPERTY
N.
W. ¼ of Lot 17 in the 12th Concession of Nottawasaga in the
County
of Simcoe (50 acres)
650.00
Part
of Lot 15 in the 10th Concession of Nottawasaga, Co Simcoe
5
acres 50.00
700.00
I,
Elizabeth Bell of the Township of Nottawasaga
in the County of Simcoe,
Spinster
make oath and
say that I am the executrix named in the Will of the said
Angus
Bell deceased THAT
the above is to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief, a true Inventory and valuation of
the REAL ESTATE of
the said deceased at the time of his
death, so far
as I can at present ascertain.
Swore
before me at
the Town
of Collingwood
in the ------ County
of Simcoe Elizabeth Bell this 30th
day
of December A.D. 1897
This affidavit is filed on behalf of the Executrix
Bruce
& Fair
Solicitors
I, AngusBell, of the Township of Nottawasaga in
the County of Simcoe,
Notary Public, being in ill health,
and of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my
last will and testament hereby
revoking all former wills by me at
any time heretofore made.
First. I hereby constitute and appoint my daughter
Elizabeth Bell, to be sole
executrix of this my last will,
directing my said executrix to pay all my just
debts and funeral expenses.
Second. After the payment of
my said debts and funeral expenses, I give and
devise to my said executrix all the
rest, residence and remainder of my real
and personal estate. (except my
parlor Organ, sheet and book music and silver
watch), to hold to her, her heirs
and assigns for ever, my real estate being
composed of the North West quarter
of lot seventeen in the twelfth Concession
of the said township of Nottawasaga
containing fifty acres of land more or
less.
Third. I
give to my daughter Agnes Bell my parlor Organ, sheet and book
music and silver watch.
Fourth. I
give to my son Angus Bell all my wearing apparel and the several
volumns (volumes) of books containing
the Report of the Ontario Agricultural
Commission.
Fifth. All the rest of my
children, namely: Ronald, Margaret, Sarah Jane,
Catherine, Mary Ann, Thomas Wildridge,
and Janet have all had their
portion during my life time, I
therefore leave them nothing.
this to be my last will and
testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below this thirtieth day of November
in the year of the Lord Eighteen hundred
and Eighty one.
Signed, sealed published and
declared by the said Angus Bell as and for his
last will and testament in presence
of us, who, in his presence and in the
presence of each other and at his
request have published our names as witnesses
hereto.
James
Richards
Neil
McKinnon
¨
1934 Reference the publication “The Outburst of
the Iroquois” Published in 1934 by
THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE NOTTAWASAGA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Also reference recollections of Madeline June
Mander, great granddaughter of
Angus Bell.
About
the time the subject publication became available, June Mander recalled
that
her mother (Georgina Leonard) became very upset with a publication error.
The
following explanation was the most likely reason.
Page nine of the subject publication
displays a photograph of a gentleman with
large mutton chop whiskers. The top
of the photograph was inscribed “Clerk 1850
to 1897” and the bottom inscribed
“Angus Bell”
This photograph was incorrectly inscribed
in that this was the photograph of an
Angus Bell that lived on Lot 23 of
Concession 8 in the Duntroon area of
Nottawasaga Township.
In the 1967 and 1981 edition of the
subject publication, page six, a correction was
made to the photograph inscribing
the photograph as “Batteau Angus Bell. He
chopped down the first tree at
Duntroon”
In the 1967 and 1981 editions, the
correct picture of the Township Clerk Angus
Bell was inserted on page 74 with
the following inscription: “Angus Bell First
Township Clerk Served 1850 To 1897”
There have been other instances of
mistakes made in publications confusing the
two Angus Bells.
For example, the publication History
of Simcoe County by Andrew F, Hunter.
Page 233 of the subject publication
describes “one of the earliest (settlers)
to
arrive at the five acre lots (at Duntroon) was Malcolm Bell who came
with his
family in October, 1834.” The
article continues on to state “His eldest son, Angus
Bell, was Clerk of the Township for
a number of years.”
Malcolm Bell was the father of
“Batteau” Angus Bell not the Township Clerk
Furthermore, the Township Clerk,
Angus Bell, did not arrive in Nottawasaga
Township until approximately 1846
and his father’s name was Angus.
Malcolm Bell’s Angus who also was
born in Islay, Scotland arrived in
Nottawasaga with his father and
brothers. Angus purchased Lot 23 of Concession
8. He married Flora Currie in 1845
and had a number of children including also
an Angus junior.
Angus Bell (Batteau) was appointed a
fence viewer in the Nottawasaga Township
meeting of March 15, 1850. The
Singhampton Angus Bell was the presiding
Township Clerk at that time having
been appointed on January 21, 1850.
Angus (Batteau) was a prominent
member and elder in the Presbyterian Church in
the Collingwood, West Nottawasaga
and Stayner areas. He died on May 28, 1907
in his 90th year.
¨
1981 Reference the publication “Let’s Reminisce”
about Nottawasaga “The Outburst
of the Iroquois” Originally Published in 1934 by THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
NOTTAWASAGA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Third
Printing, 1981—With Revisions and Added Biographies by Charles
Garrard
Reeves, Clerks & Treasurers
Years.
Long terms in municipal office probably have records
or near records in the
township of Nottawasaga. How few have had the
township clerk for forty-eight or
a treasurer for fifty years, or a reeve for ten years.
All these have been in
Nottawasaga.
Frank Hewson was treasurer from 1850 to 1900, while Angus Bell, who was
appointed at the same time, 1850, continued till his death in 1897.
v
Biography of Ronald Bell
¨
1842 ca Reference Return of
Marriages, Solemnized by The Revd James Greenfield
a Minister of The Canada Presbyterian Church for the
year ending 31st day
of December, A.D. 1866.
The subject document records Ronald’s place of birth as West
Guilby
(Gwillimbury, Canada West) and his age as 24 years.
Therefore Ronald was
born in approximately 1842.
¨
1861 Census Province of Canada West (Ontario), Enumeration
District No. 2 of the
Township of Nottawasaga in the County of Simcoe. Page 4.
Enumerator Angus Bell. (Ronald’s father)
Ronald Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: Labourer
Place of Birth: Canada West
Age next Birthday: 19
Married or Single: S
Ronald was recorded along with his parents, Angus and
Jane Bell, brothers,
Angus, age 12, Thos. W., age 5 and sisters, Mary Ann,
age 16, Elizabeth, age 14,
Sarah Jane, age 10, Catharine, age 8, Agnes, age 3 and Janet,
age 1.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨
1865 Reference Directory of the
County of Grey in 1865, which is Reproduced from
the Gazetter of the County Published by W. W. Smith of Owen Sound in
1865.
SINGHAMPTON
Ronald Bell
¨ 1866 Reference Gazatteer and Directory of the County of
Simcoe for 1866-7.
SINGHAMPTON
Ronald Bell, licensed auctioner.
TOWNSHIP OF NOTTAWASAGA
Angus Bell, tp. clerk Con 12 Lot 17h
Ronald Bell, auctioneer Con 12 Lot 17h
¨
1866 Return of Marriages,
Solemnized by The Revd James Greenfield a Minister of
The Canada Presbyterian Church for the year ending 31st day
of December,
A. D. 1866.
BRIDEGROOM
Name: Ronald Bell
Age: 24
Residence: Singhampton
Place of Birth: West Guilby (Gwilliambury)
Name of Parents: Angus Bell, Jane McDowell
BRIDE
Name: Elizb Williamson
Age: 24
Residence: Singhampton
Place of Birth: St. Catherines (Ontario)
Name of Parents: Andrew Williamson, Mary Turnbull
WITNESSES
Name: John More (?)
Residence: 8 line Nottawa
Date of Marriage: Oct 18, 1866
¨
1870 Ronald’s sister, Sarah Jane,
age 19, marries Thomas Rusk, age 22, in
Singhampton, Ontario, July 7.
¨
1878 Ronald’s
mother, Jane, died in Singhampton, Ontario, August 25.
¨
1897 Reference The
Enterprise-Messenger. (Collingwood, Ontario newspaper)
Date Thursday Sept. 23,
1897.
Within the subject
obituary of Angus Bell (Ronald’s father) was the following
item.
“Deceased had a large
family. His wife died some years ago. The best known of
the survivors are his sons, Angus of Singhampton, and Thomas
of Dakota. Of the
daughters, Mrs. Greenaway (Agnes) and Mrs. Riddell (Catharine)
live at
Singhampton, and another Lizzie, lives on the homestead.
One daughter lives in
Toronto, and another in Collingwood Township.”
See Biography of
Angus and Jane Bell
There was no
mention of Ronald. However, see the following obituary.
¨
1897 Reference The Collingwood
Bulletin. (Collingwood, Ontario newspaper)
Date Friday, Oct 1, 1897.
Within the subject
obituary of Angus Bell (Ronald’s father) was the following
item.
“His wife died at Singhampton nineteen years ago. Their
family
consisted of three sons, Ronald and Thomas who are in
the States and Angus
who resides at home, and three daughters, Mrs.
Stephenson, of Toronto, Mrs.
Crawford, of Osprey, and Lizzie who is at home.”
See Biography of
Angus and Jane Bell
Ronald was residing in the States at this date. However, no specific
location is
identified.
¨ 1898 Reference Last Will and Testament of Ronald’s
father, Angus Bell.
The subject Will was
probated on January 25, 1898.
All the rest of my children, namely:
Ronald, Margaret, Sarah Jane,
Catherine, Mary Ann, Thomas Wildridge,
and Janet have all had their
portion during my life time, I
therefore leave them nothing.
See Biography of Angus and Jane Bell
v
¨
1843 ca. Reference 1860
Marriage Registration. County of Simcoe, Division of
Nottawasaga. Page 171.
The subject document records Margaret’s place of birth as U.C.
(Upper Canada)
and her age as 17 years. Therefore, Margaret was born in
approximately 1843.
¨
1860 Return of Marriages
Solemnized by the Rev. John Campbell A.M.
A Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in Connection with the
Church of
Scotland for the Year ending the 31st day of December A.D.
1860.
No 75½ Recorded this 9th of Jany A.D. 1861 at 10 o’clock
A.M.
AGE: 26
RESIDENCE: Nottawasaga
PLACE OF BIRTH: U.C. (Upper Canada)
NAME OF PARENTS: Jas Lang & Cath. Shields
BRIDE
NAME: Margaret Bell
AGE: 17
RESIDENCE: Nottawasaga
PLACE OF BIRTH: U.C. (Upper Canada)
NAME OF PARENTS: Angus Bell & Jane McDowell
WITNESS
NAME: Andrew Calr(?) & Mary Lang
RESIDENCE: Nottawasaga
DATE OF MARRIAGE: December 5th 1860
¨
1871 Census Province of Ontario, District No.42, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga,
Division 1. Page 1. Enumerator: Angus
Bell Junior.
Robert Lang, age 42.
Country or Province of Birth:
Ontario
Origin: Irish
Profession, Trade or Occupation:
Farmer
Married or Widowed: M
Margaret Lang,
age 27.
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: M
Sarah Jane,
age 10.
James,
age 8
Joseph, age 6
Catherine, age 4
Emiline, age 2
Religion of each member of the
family was recorded as Presbyterian. Each child
was recorded as born in Ontario of
Irish origin. There was no indication of the
children attending school.
Schedule No 3---Return of
Public Institutions, Real Estate, Vehicles and
Implements.
Grand total of
acres of land owned: 100
Number of dwelling houses owned: 2
Number of barns and stables owned: 3
Number of carriages and sleighs: no entry
Number of cars, wagons, and sleds: no entry
Number of ploughs and cultivators: 1
Fanning mills: 1
Schedule No
4---Return of Cultivated Land, of Field Products and of Plants
and Fruits.
Range
or Concession: 11
Number of Lot: 17
Owner, Tenant or Employee: O
Total Number of acres occupied: 40
Number of acres improved: 20
Number of acres in pasture: no
entry
Number of acres in gardens and
orchards: no entry
Wheat Acres: 4. Spring Wheat
Bushels: 100
Bushels of Barley: no entry
Bushels of Oats: 200
Potatoes
Acres: 3/4. Bushels: 100
Bushels of Turnips: no entry
Bushels of Mangelwutzel and other Beets: 1
Hay Crops Acres 10.
Tons of 2000 lbs., or bundles of 16 lbs., of Hay: 12
Schedule No
5---Live Stock, Animal Products, home-made Fabrics and Furs.
Horses
over 3 years old: no entry
Working Oxen: 2
Milch Cows: 1
Other horned Cattle: 1
Sheep: 6
Swine: 12
Cattle killed or sold for slaughter
or export: no entry
Sheep killed or sold for slaughter
or export: 2
Swine killed or sold for slaughter
or export: 6
Pounds of Butter: 100
Pounds of Wool: 18
Schedule No 7---Return of
Products of the Forest.
Cords
of Fire Wood: 40
¨
1878 Margaret’s
mother, Jane, died in Singhampton, Ontario, August 25.
¨ 1898 Reference Last Will and Testament of Margaret’s
father, Angus Bell.
The subject Will was probated on January 25,
1898.
All the rest of my children, namely:
Ronald, Margaret, Sarah Jane,
Catherine, Mary Ann, Thomas Wildridge,
and Janet have all had their
portion during my life time, I
therefore leave them nothing.
See Biography of Angus and Jane Bell
v
Biography of Mary Ann Bell
¨
1845 ca. Reference 1861 Census Province of
Canada West (Ontario), Enumeration
District No. 2 of the Township of Nottawasaga in the County of Simcoe.
Page
4. Enumerator Angus Bell
The subject document records Mary Ann’s place of birth as Canada West
(Ontario) and her age as 16 years. Therefore, Mary Ann’s birthrate
was
approximately 1845.
¨
1861 Census Province of Canada West (Ontario), Enumeration
District No. 2 of the
Township of Nottawasaga in the County of Simcoe. Page 4.
Enumerator Angus Bell. (Mary Ann’s father)
Mary Ann Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Mary Ann was recorded along with
her parents, Angus and Jane Bell, sisters,
Elizabeth, age 14, Sarah Jane, age 10, Catharine, age 8,
Agnes, age 3 and Janet,
age 1 and brothers Ronald, age 19, Angus, age 12 and Thos
W., age 5.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨
1871 Census Province of Ontario, District No.42, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division 1. Page 1. Enumerator: Angus Bell Junior. (Mary Ann’s
brother)
Mary Ann,
age 26.
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation:
Seamstress
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Mary Ann was recorded along with her
parents, Angus and Jane Bell, sisters,
Elizabeth,
age 24, Agnes, age 13 and Janet age 11 and
brothers Angus, age 22
and
Thomas W., age 15.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨ 1878 Mary Ann’s mother, Jane,
died in Singhampton, Ontario, August 25.
¨
1881 Census Province of Ontario, District No.139, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division No. 2. Page 11. Enumerator:
John McKie.
Mary Ann Bell, age 30 (age in question, more likely age
26. See 1871 census)
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade:
Seamstress
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Mary Ann was recorded along with her
father, Angus Bell, sisters,
Elizabeth,
age 32, Agnes, age 19 and nephew Thomas
E., age 9, son of Elizabeth.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨ 1898 Reference Last Will and Testament of Mary Ann’s
father, Angus Bell.
The subject Will was probated on January 25,
1898.
All the rest of my children, namely:
Ronald, Margaret, Sarah Jane,
Catherine, Mary Ann, Thomas Wildridge,
and Janet have all had their
portion during my life time, I
therefore leave them nothing.
See Biography of Angus and Jane Bell
v
Biography of Elizabeth Bell
¨
1847 Reference 1901 Census Province of
Ontario.
Elizabeth was recorded as born in Ontario, May 22, 1847.
¨
1861 Census Province of Canada West (Ontario), Enumeration
District No. 2 of the
Township of Nottawasaga in the County of Simcoe. Page 4.
Enumerator Angus Bell. (Elizabeth’s father)
Elizabeth Bell,
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Place of Birth: Canada West
Age next Birthday: 14
Married or Single: S
Attending School within the year.
Elizabeth was recorded along with her parents, Angus
and Jane Bell, sisters,
Mary Ann, age 16, Sarah Jane, age 10, Catharine, age 8,
Agnes, age 3 and Janet,
age 1 and brothers Ronald, age 19, Angus, age 12 and Thos
W., age 5.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨
1871 Census Province of Ontario, District No.42, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division
1. Page 1. Enumerator: Angus Bell
Junior. (Elizabeth’s
brother)
Elizabeth,
age 24
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Trade or Occupation: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Elizabeth was recorded along with her
parents, Angus and Jane Bell, sisters,
Mary
Ann, age 26, Agnes, age 13, Janet age 11 and brothers Angus, age 22
and
Thomas W., age 15.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨
1872 Reference Birth Registration
#020396-72. County of Simcoe. Division of
Nottawasaga.
Name: Thomas
Name and Surname of Father: Thomas
Thornbury
Name and maiden surname of Mother:
Elizabeth Bell
Rank or profession of Father: M. D.
Signature and residence of Informant: Angus Bell, Esqr.
Singhampton
Name
of Accoucheur: Mrs. Green
Signature
of Registrar: Angus Bell
Division:
Nottawasaga
County:
Simcoe
The
birth appears to have been out of wedlock, the father being, the Singhampton
doctor,
Thomas Thornbury M.D.
¨
1878 Elizabeth’s
mother, Jane, died in Singhampton, Ontario, August 25.
¨
1881 Census Province of Ontario, District No.139, N.
Simcoe, Sub- District a,
Nottawasaga, Division No. 2. Page 11. Enumerator:
John McKie.
Elizabeth Bell,
age 32 (Angus’s daughter)
Country or
Province of Birth: Ontario
Origin: Scotch
Profession, Occupation or Trade: no entry
Married or Widowed: no
entry
Elizabeth was recorded along with her
father, Angus Bell, sisters,
Mary
Ann, age 30, Agnes, age 19 and son Thomas E., age 9.
See Biography of Angus and
Jane Bell
¨ 1881 Reference Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth’s
father, Angus Bell.
The subject Will was made on November 30, 1881.
I hereby
constitute and appoint my daughter Elizabeth Bell, to be sole
executrix of this my last will, directing my said executrix to pay a