Why is there a Civil War Reenactment in Elgin County?

While many people are excited that Backus-Page House Museum is the NEW host of the American Civil War Reenactment that used to take place in Milton, a couple have asked what does this have to do with the Tyrconnell Heritage Society's mission statement?  Our mission is to preserve and promote the history, culture and area surrounding the Backus-Page House Museum within the Talbot Settlement.  Colonel Thomas Talbot was instrumental in settling what became 29 townships along the north shore of Lake Erie, but generally we try to keep our "area" to the municipalities of Dutton Dunwich, West Elgin, and Southwold.  While we also focus on 1850s house interiors and the look of the grounds, it is imperative to our continued success and sustainability that for special events and exhibits we share history outside of that decade while still keeping the ties to our location.    

It is our hope you will join us on July 29 & 30 when we happily go "Gone With The Wind" and find out about the Canadian (British North American) connections to the American Civil War.  Anyone who takes the time to hear about all the connections (number to be determined) gets a free hot dog or water, so its well worth your time.  This is a family friendly event.  Food available for purchase.  Visit our website for the weekend schedule.    

American Civil War & the Talbot Settlement

            More than 50,000 British North Americans (Canadians) served on both sides of the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865, including many with connections to Elgin County.  Their connection may be that they were residents before they enlisted or after they served and some joined as “replacements or substitutes” for conscripted men. 

                  In 1861 the Dunwich Pier Company was organized to build the pier at Tyrconnell.  This was a shareholders company with local farmers  and residents buying shares to fund the build.  This company hoped to take advantage of the economic boom which was occurring during the American Civil War.  Commerce declined during the depression following the war and Canadian Confederation.   

If you have artefacts or information about any of the following Aldborough or Dunwich men who served, please contact our office.  519-762-3072  Thank you to the Elgin Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society for their research. 

Christopher BRADT (or Brott)

John Rice BURWELL

Leonard HARDER

Charles O., Howard, Henry, and William JOHNSON

Abner MCKAY

Dr. Miar MCLAUGHLIN

Neil MCMILLAN

Duncan MCNABB

David MILLER

Thomas O’NEIL

  

Family History Resources

This week I thought I would share some online resources that I subscribe to for tips and tricks when researching genealogy.  

First you should become a member of your local branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.  The OGS sends an email to their members each Saturday filled with lots of articles, upcoming workshops and more.  Local branches usually have a monthly email and a meeting, usually with a speaker.  I suggest joining your local branch and maybe the one or two where you are currently researching.  Most branches have members only resources you can access to assist with your family tree.  Here's the link to the Elgin County Branch.     

You may have an ancestor who was a British Home Child, sent to Canada between 1869-1948.  Join the British Home Child Group International which is free.  Here's a link to their latest newsletter.  Find out how the BHC system worked (or didn't in some cases) and view the database and see if one of your ancestors is there or should be there.

  Are you a user of Ancestry.ca (or .com)?  I highly recommend watching their YouTube videos especially for the monthly What's New at Ancestry.  They add new features on a regular basis and it's important to know what those are because it could help you break through a brick wall.  My favourite YouTuber in this area is Crista Cowan, the Barefoot Genealogist.  Just search "Barefoot Genealogist" and watch whatever videos come up.  You will learn so much, but don't get caught up in binge watching.  Watch one or two and put that knowledge into action, then come back for a couple more.  I believe she works for or with Ancestry so she is a great resource.

Hope these three ideas assist you in your research.  Don't forget that we have an archives here at Backus-Page House Museum, along with a small library and the holdings of the West Elgin Genealogical & Historical Society.  All these are available during regular operating hours or by appointment.
- Angela Bobier, Cultural Manager

Family History Friday: Poorhouse Cemetery, Simcoe Dedication

                                                Poorhouse Cemetery Dedication

A Dedication Service is scheduled for the Poorhouse Cemetery in Simcoe this Sunday (June 5^th) at 2:00 p.m.

Located on County property northeast of the Norfolk County Court House, this site is the final resting place of many Norfolk County residents who resided at the Farm, more commonly known as the Poorhouse/County Home.

The Cemetery was designated as a Norfolk County Heritage site in 2007. It is also recognized as an official cemetery within Norfolk County

Reverend Paul Sherwood of Trinity Anglican Church will officiate. Mary Caughill, Chair of the Norfolk Heritage Committee, and Bill Terry, a member of the former Norfolk Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, will also participate in the service which will be emceed by Norfolk Councillor Peter Black. 

Ms. Caughill notes that the Heritage Committee began to plan the event some time ago. Last year a Storyboard had been installed beside 28 memorial markers that had been dug out of a wooded area and laid flat in a cement pad in the early 1970’s.

Bill Terry has unearthed a newspaper article from 1968 that appeared in the Port Dover Maple Leaf on the 100 anniversary of the home.  The article quotes from the records of Monroe Landon (1859).  The final two paragraphs offer a fitting reference point for the dedication event.

“It is the county’s intention to plant trees again on the flats and no doubt that area will eventually become part of a park system. It would seem of future historic interest to preserve and mark the site of the old house, the first cabin, the spring, the sugar maple still standing that the boy Landon planted in the southeast corner of the barn yard about 1840 and most important the old cemetery near the northeast boundary. Some of the old split cedar fence rails that were produced on the place may still be found along this cemetery. 

The old cemetery was cleaned up this winter by the reforestation crew, under Mr. Cecil Pettinger, and is deeply appreciated by all those who have noticed the improvement. We hope to plant it to ground covers and bulks.”

The public is welcome to Sunday’s event which will take place rain or shine.  Parking is available at the courthouse and along the roadway.  Attendees will be required to walk to the site.

Melissa Collver

Manager, Heritage & Culture

Norfolk County

Ph: 519-426-5870 ext. 1347

Fax: 519-427-5901