Foodie Friday - Beer and Mock Plum Pudding

From a Tyrconnell Heritage Society book called 
12 Days of Christmas

Recipes submitted by Barbara Backus-Zernicke from handwritten cookbooks belonging to her grandmother, Eliza Potticery Backus, a grade school teacher in Tyrconnell and wife of Andrew Storey Backus.

HOME BREWED BEER

Using brown sugar, ginger, hops, molasses, yeast, water, bottled in in bottles with rubber corks securely tied.  Beer will be ready in two days but will keep a year. 

Please note: no quantities were written.

MOCK PLUM PUDDING

1 cup suet

1 cup sweet milk

1 cup raisins

1 cup molasses

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon soda

Steam 4 hours.

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You may not know that all our events, admission and programming income goes into maintaining our heritage buildings, daily operating expenses like utilities, and funding future events.  If you are able to contribute financially by purchasing a Tyrconnell Heritage Society Membership or making a donation in any amount your support would be greatly appreciated.  Memberships - Individual $30; Couple $35; Family $40; Organization $45; Business $75; Individual Lifetime $250  Here is the link to our page at CanadaHelps http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/tyrconnell-heritage-society/

Foodie Friday - Maple Syrup Pie

From a Tyrconnell Heritage Society book called 
12 Days of Christmas

MAPLE SYRUP PIE

Recipe submitted by Barbara Backus-Zernicke from handwritten cookbooks belonging to her grandmother, Eliza Potticery Backus, a grade school teacher in Tyrconnell and wife of Andrew Storey Backus.

1 ½ cups maple syrup

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons flour

yolks 2 eggs

Cook on stove till thick, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla, put in crust.  

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You may not know that all our events, admission and programming income goes into maintaining our heritage buildings, daily operating expenses like utilities, and funding future events.  If you are able to contribute financially by purchasing a Tyrconnell Heritage Society Membership or making a donation in any amount your support would be greatly appreciated.  Memberships - Individual $30; Couple $35; Family $40; Organization $45; Business $75; Individual Lifetime $250  Here is the link to our page at CanadaHelps http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/tyrconnell-heritage-society/

Foodie Friday - Spooke Bread

From a Tyrconnell Heritage Society book called 
12 Days of Christmas

SPOOKE BREAD

Recipe submitted by Barbara Backus-Zernicke from handwritten cookbooks belonging to her grandmother, Eliza Potticery Backus, a grade school teacher in Tyrconnell and wife of Andrew Storey Backus.

To make the “spooke” take 3 pts. unsalted potato water, add 1 cup white sugar, dissolve yeast cake in 1 cup luke-warm water, and after it is thoroughly dissolved, let settle and pour of liquor into the potato water.  Let stand in a warm place until it foams and it is ready for use to make the bread:

At noon on the day previous to baking, take the water in which the potatoes were boiled (unsalted) and add the “spooke”.  Let this set in a warm place until evening.  Pour half of this into a glass fruit jar (taking care not to fill too full) add 1 cup white sugar, screw on the cap and keep in cool place for your next baking.  Take the remaining half, add enough luke-warm water to make the amount of bread required ( 2 or 3 potatoes mashed fine will improve the bread) salt to taste and mix hard with flour.  In the morning mold into loaves and when light, bake 1 hour in a moderate oven.  

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You may not know that all our events, admission and programming income goes into maintaining our heritage buildings, daily operating expenses like utilities, and funding future events.  If you are able to contribute financially by purchasing a Tyrconnell Heritage Society Membership or making a donation in any amount your support would be greatly appreciated.  Memberships - Individual $30; Couple $35; Family $40; Organization $45; Business $75; Individual Lifetime $250  Here is the link to our page at CanadaHelps http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/tyrconnell-heritage-society/

Foodie Friday - Lamb Roast

From a Tyrconnell Heritage Society book called 
12 Days of Christmas

LAMB ROAST

Recipe submitted by Betty Ann Bobier, passed on to her by Clarence Bobier, grandson of settler Joshua Bobier who arrived in the Tyrconnell area in 1869. 

Leg of lamb

Lard

Salt pork or bacon

Pepper

Cloves

Currant or Mint Jelly

Take a leg of lamb and lard it well with strips of (salt pork) bacon in deep slits in the meat which has been previously rolled in pepper and cloves.  Bake two hours or according to the size of roast, basting frequently while in oven.  About a hour before serving, spread over it currant or mint jelly.  Return to oven and let it brown.  Bake between 325 and 350. 

Please note: No measurements came with this written recipe.

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You may not know that all our events, admission and programming income goes into maintaining our heritage buildings, daily operating expenses like utilities, and funding future events.  If you are able to contribute financially by purchasing a Tyrconnell Heritage Society Membership or making a donation in any amount your support would be greatly appreciated.  Memberships - Individual $30; Couple $35; Family $40; Organization $45; Business $75; Individual Lifetime $250  Here is the link to our page at CanadaHelps http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/tyrconnell-heritage-society/

Is This Old Lady Crane?

Can anyone help Sandra Sales identify the woman in these photographs?  

"These are photos of a woman that our family lore says is “Old Lady Crane” - or Mary (Willson) Crane. Mary Crane was the daughter of Captain Gilman Willson of Port Talbot, who was a captain alongside Leslie Patterson in the War of 1812. Mary Willson was married to Peter Crane, the son of Thomas Talbot’s helper, George Crane, and his wife Isabella Finlay. Mary (Willson) Crane lived from April 14, 1814 to March 23, 1892. She is buried in the Tyrconnell United Church Cemetery.

The woman in this photo is dressed in the traditional mourning garb of the late 1870s and 1880s and wears a wedding ring. Mary Crane’s husband, Peter, died in 1882. Mary spent her final years in the house she and her husband built in 1861 on Concession 9, Lot 6, south half. Her son Benjamin Crane had taken over the farm by the time she died.

Because only family lore identifies this woman, I would like to see if there is any other labelled copies of this photo around. Or I would like to get the photo out to people who might be interested in this family.  

Sandra Sales"

Comments and photos can be sent to info@backuspagehouse.ca and I will forward on to Sandra.

Fun Fact Friday #17 - Don't Forget to Carve Your Turnip! 🎃

      Now, this post is going to be less of a fun fact and more of a fun (fictional) tale about the history of jack-o-lanterns and how they got their name.  

      Many of the stories that surround the naming of the glowing pumpkin come from a man named Stingy Jack. Stingy Jack was a troublemaker to say the least. He would drink as much as he could and then play tricks on everybody, even the Devil himself. One day Jack tricked the Devil into climbing an old apple tree. After the Devil climbed the tree, Jack left crosses all around it's trunk. Of course, the Devil is unable to touch crosses, so he was not able to climb down. He did this so the Devil would promise to not take his soul when he died. The Devil promised, Jack took away the crosses, and the Devil climbed down. 

Stingy Jack and his turnip jack-o-lantern.

      When is was Jack's time to pass on he went up to Heaven and met Saint Peter. Jack was told that becasue he was mean and nasty during hi lifetime he was not allowed into Heaven and was sent down to the dark depths of the Devil's home. The Devil kept his promise, though, and would not let him in. Jack was lost somewhere in the middle, called the Netherworld. He asked the Devil how he could leave this lightless place, so the Devil showed him an ember to lead him back to the depths. 

      In this story, Jack always carried a turnip with him because it was one of his favourite foods. Jack hollowed out the turnip and stuck the ember inside. From that day forward, Jack wandered Earth, with no resting place, lighting his way with his "Jack-O-Lantern". 
      
      This story came from Ireland and it's ancient Celtic traditions on All Hallow's Eve. Because Ireland was lacking pumpkins, they would use turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes, or beets. 

      The Tyrconnell area was once known as Little Ireland because of the amount of Irish people that lived there. It is possible that the settlers might have carved some sort of vegetable on All Hallow's Eve. 

Come for a tour at the oldest house in Little Ireland, the Backus-Page House Museum!
29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, ON
(519) 762-3072

Fun Fact #10 - Weather Watchers ⛅

      Did you know that early settlers were able to read the sign language of nature? 

Farm equipment used to plow fields (approx. 1850)

      Farming was extremely important not only now, but also during the 19th century. Farms and crops were essential for living away from cities or towns. These days farmers are able to just check the weather network to see if it's going to rain, snow, or be sunny and hot all day long. The weather network, of course, was not around in the 1800's. Instead, farmers had to be able to figure out the signs of different weather conditions and then move forward accordingly. For example, a light dew and no wind, a bright sky with clouds that had dark middles, a fog on hilltops, and a possible wind coming from the east could mean that rain was on it's way. 

      Farmers have always been coming up with clever and productive ways to improve their fields. 

Back Pages Band

Come check out Tyrconnell Heritage Society's Heritage Farm Show this weekend (Sept. 8 & 9 10:00 Am to 4:00 PM) to find out more interesting facts about the history in the agriculture industry! There will be 165 heritage farm artifacts on display and the Back Pages Band will be performing in both days! It is $8.00 admission and kids under the age of 12 are free. 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, Ontario. Call 519-762-3072 or visit www.backuspagehouse.ca for more                       information.

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

  

Civil War Meme Monday #3

Did you know the pier at Tyrconnell was built to sell goods to the US during the American Civil War?  Local families, mostly famers, gathered $2000 in capital for the Dunwich Pier Company in 1861, So many men from Elgin County crossed the border to serve.  They deserve to be remembered by us for their sacrifice.  Join us for our first ever Civil War Reenactment July 29-30 at Backus-Page House Museum.

Family History Friday - Stevenson

Thanks to Sandra Sales for providing these photographs because she read a past blog post about the Stevenson family bible from July, 2014 donated to the museum by Jennifer (Stevenson) Worth.  Click here for that post.  If you have local family photos from West Elgin, Southwold, Aldborough and Dunwich townships we'd love to feature your family on the blog.  Just contact Angela at 519-762-3072 or email info@backuspagehouse.ca   Corrections on final photograph added January 9, 2019.

1. Likely Eliza (Williams) Stevenson wife of James Stevenson, b. circa Mar. 12, 1825 Watson’s Corners (near Burwell’s Corners), Gravestone inscription In memory of/Eliza/wife of/James Stevenson/died/March28, 1877 AE 52 y’s/& 16 d’s/Blessed are the dead/that die in the Lord. Fingal cemetery.

1. Four generations - Myrtle May Waite b 1895, d. 1975, James Stevenson b. 1814 Stirlingshire, Scotland, m. 1842 Eliza Williams of Watson’s Corners, d. 1906 Watson’s Corners, Annie (Stevenson) Waite, Robert Stevenson.

1. Robert Stevenson family – Back row: Ida Stevenson b. circa 1874, m. Radebaugh (a confectioner in Dutton), d. Aug. 1962 California, James P. (Jim) Stevenson b. circa 1874, d. June 28, 1945, Annie Stevenson, Maggie Stevenson, Henry (Harry) Albert Stevenson b. Feb. 8, 1877, m. Lois Bedford, daughter of preacher John Bedford Tyrconnell, d. Jan. 26, 1960. Front Row: Robert Stevenson b. 1843, d. Mar 9, 1919, Elizabeth Sarah (Lizzie) Stevenson b. 1882, m. Phil Bedford, d. 1978, Sarah (Crane) Stevenson b. Dec 17, 1844 Port Talbot, d. Dec 1925 Tyrconnell. This family had their own orchestra and entertained locally.

1. Sylvia Ann (Annie) Stevenson b. 1870, m. Richard Waite 1895, d. Oct. 7, 1948 and Margaret (Maggie) E. Stevenson b. circa 1868, m. William Brush, d. Apr. 3, 1947 – daughters of Robert Stevenson – mentioned in the Patterson diary at Backus-Page House.

1. Likely Sarah (Crane) Stevenson wife of Robert Stevenson, daughter of Peter and Mary (Willson) Crane Tyrconnell, granddaughter of George and Isabella (Findlay) Crane (who were Thomas Talbot’s first settlers 1806 Plum Point Dunwich), b. Dec. 14, 1844 Port Talbot, d. Dec. 1925 Tyrconnell.

1. Stevenson reunion 1944 to celebrate Annie and Richard Waite’s 50^th anniversary. Standing: George Waite, Allan Waite, Maggie Waite, Richard Waite, Annie (Stevenson) Waite, Earl Stevenson, (?), Jim Stevenson, John Robb, Maggie (Stevenson) Brush, Lois (Bedford) Stevenson, Henry (Harry) Stevenson. Kneeling: (?) (?) possibly Jim Stevenson’s two daughters, Dorothy (Stidwell) Stevenson and Wayne, Marion McFarlane (my mother), Neil McFarlane.

1. A Crane family picnic on Aug. 22, 1901 at Tyrconnell Ontario. Children and their spouses of Peter and Mary (Willson) Crane of Coyne Road Tyrconnell. Back row: John E. Crane, Will Crane, Robert Stevenson, Ben Crane. Front row: Sarah Catherine (Mitchell) Crane, Sarah Jane (Austerhout) Crane, Sarah (Crane Stevenson, Belle (Crane) Haycroft, Emma Maria (Crane) Cole, Hattie (Morrish) Crane. 

1. Annie Waite and Jim Stevenson with 100 year old Maria (pronounced Mariah) Burwell Johnson of Watson's Corners. Her father was first cousin of Mahlon Burwell and she was the first cousin of Robert Stevenson. http://dorothystewart.net/2017/01/05/maria-burwell-johnson-1835-1938/ 

World War Wednesdays: "A Galaxy of Brains": Wallacetown's Wartime Shining Stars

The Keillor family outside the Wallacetown Cheese Factory ca. 1900, which they owned from 1883-1918
Elgin County Archives

     Through my current work at Backus-Page House Museum, I have had the honor of compiling research on our local area's veterans of the First World War. As I was working my way through the lists of names, I noticed that one name in particular seemed to be common in the Wallacetown area, and, being a Wallacetown resident myself, observed that there don't seem to be many traces of the family left in town. It wasn't until one of their descendants happened to stop in at the museum recently that I decided to pay a special interest to the family, and once I did there were many interesting stories to be found. I decided to compile some of their war-related material this week in the hopes that people will find it as interesting as I do, and of course with the goal of reaching relatives and family friends who have dispersed away from home. Without further ado, here are some anecdotes related to the Keillor family of Wallacetown, who made their community proud during WWI.

Wallacetown Woman at 82 has Knit 260 Pairs of Socks (ca. 1940-45)

Mrs. Ada Keillor, Mother of Great War Veterans, Helping War Effort

     Mother of four sons who fought in the last Great War, one of them paying the supreme sacrifice, Mrs. Ada Keillor, grand old lady of Wallacetown is setting an example by her war efforts. Eighty-two years old, Mrs. Keillor's busy fingers have not lost the knack of manipulating knitting needles, acquired as a girl in the pioneer district of Tyrconnell. Since the outbreak of the war, Mrs. Keillor has knitted more than 260 pairs of socks for men in the active services. Her score to October 31 of this year was 255 pairs- an average of more than ten pairs a month.

     Think of that effort by a woman who has passed the four score mark, who continues to do her own housework and also cultivates a neat garden during the spring and summer months.

     Mrs. Keillor, who is the widow of Alvro Keillor, well-known resident of Wallacetown for many years, knitted during the first Great War, just as she is knitting in this war. She knitted for her stalwart sons in the active service forces and she knitted for the sons of other Canadian mothers. 

     Truly a good and patriotic woman is Mrs. Ada Keillor, a charming and winsome old lady, a consistent Christian, a true friend and a good and loyal citizen of Canada. The people of Wallacetown district are justly proud of Mrs. Keillor and the record of war service she has achieved. 

Alvro Keillor with his wife Ada (Green) Keillor, on their wedding day, November 17, 1880.
Elgin County Archives

     In addition to her welcomed handmade contributions to the war effort, Mrs. Keillor also sacrificed four sons to the service, with one of them never to return. Here is the information on the Keillor boys, in addition to their photographs:

Captain Clifford M. Keillor

ca, 1918, Elgin County Archives

     Born June 11, 1891 in Wallacetown; served as a physician.

Captain Benjamin Franklin Keillor

Elgin County Archives

     Born August 23, 1881 in Wallacetown; residence listed as Dutton; next-of-kin Annie Maude Keillor, wife, of Dutton.

Frederick Anson Keillor

Elgin County Archives

     Born January 9, 1883 in Glencoe; residence listed as Edmonton; next of kin Martha Lillian Keillor, wife, Edmonton; served as a physician and surgeon.

Sydney J. Keillor

ca. 1915, Elgin County Archives

     Born in 1896 and enlisted on October 13, 1915. Served with the Canadian Infantry (Western Ontario Regiment) in the 18th Battalion and was killed on April 13, 1918. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, grave reference XXIX.B.7A, and is commemorated on page 440 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.

     If, like me, you noticed a high proportion of medicine-related service in this family, you will be interested to read the following article on how the surviving Keillor boys made their careers after their return.

19 Native Sons of Wallacetown Studied Medicine

West Elgin Community, Which has Never Attained Status of Village, Has Given Many Brilliant Men and Women to Other Professions

By Medicus- April 9, 1952

     If a village in Elgin County were to boast that at least two of its native-born sons have studied Medicine, it could be proud of itself, because it is above the average of the whole country. It is surprising, then, to learn that Wallacetown, which never attained the status of a village, can claim that 19 of its sons have graduated in Medicine. Another source of pride [are] its nurses, lawyers, dentists, teachers and preachers (Baptist and Presbyterian), engineers, authors, professors in Canadian universities, politicians (a mayor of Toronto), contractors, successful businessmen and prosperous farmers. With such a galaxy of brains, it is not surprising that Wallacetown has been dubbed the intellectual centre of West Elgin (it is the home of the originator of The Outlooker column of the Times-Journal). 

     But back to the doctors. Alvro Keillor's family heads the list with three sons and a grandson: Dr. Ben F. Keillor, a retired Pension Medical Examiner of Ottawa, living in Vancouver; Dr. Fred A. Keillor, a successful surgeon and businessman of Edmonton (ex-alderman and mayor); Dr. Clifford M. Keillor, Canadian Pensions Commissioner of Ottawa, who hopes to retire soon to his home in Kingsville; and a grandson, Dr. Sydney Lucas, son of John and Ermyn (Keillor) Lucas, an intern of Victoria Hospital, London, Ont. ...

     I hope these local stories serve as a reminder of Wallacetown's golden days, while also representing the often-overlooked accounts of veterans' lives after they answered their final roll call. Articles and information are courtesy of the Wallacetown Women's Institute's Tweedsmuir History of Wallacetown, and photos are once again thanks to Elgin County Archives.

     Thanks for reading,

Delany (@DLeitchHistory on Twitter)

World War Wednesdays: Historical Randomness and Updates

"A Bridge in Tyrconnell," unidentified children, ca. 1900 courtesy of Elgin County Archives

     Hopefully you don't mind the break from tradition too much, but I was thinking it's been a long time since I've done a good old update and and general mismatched post! There just hasn't been as much time lately for me to write a good long one thanks to exams and wrapping up my third year at uOttawa, but I'm happy to say that it's all behind me now and I've returned to the Backus-Page House for the summer. I look forward to meeting as many readers as possible and hope to see you at all the exciting events we have coming up this season! Without further ado, I've compiled a random assortment of things I've been meaning to tell you for ages now and finally have enough of to compile:

Battle of the Atlantic Sunday

Veterans awaiting the arrival of dignitaries at the Battle of the Atlantic memorial ceremony in Ottawa

     This past Sunday, May 1 was observed as the occasion commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, which is always done during the first weekend in May. As has been mentioned in previous posts which can be found to the right, the Battle of the Atlantic was the longest engagement of WWII and lasted the war's entire duration from 1939 to 1945. The Naval Association of Canada describes the Battle as the Royal Canadian Navy's "defining moment," making it "the lifeline for democracy and the key to ultimate victory." This was due to the Navy's essential role in escorting large Merchant Navy convoys which carried vital supplies between Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition to recognizing the incredible service of the men and women involved in the Battle of the Atlantic, I would also like to highlight the experience of Atlantic Canadians and Newfoundlanders who found themselves on the edge of such a dramatic and lengthy theater of war.

Local WWI Tune that's Worth a Listen

     You're not going to want to miss out on this one, especially not if you're from the local southwestern Ontario region. If you've ignored every other YouTube link I've ever posted up until now, this number is one to change your tune! The song is called "Stammering Song" or "K-K-K-Katy," and was composed by Chatham native Geoffrey O'Hara in 1917 and published in 1918. The sheet music advertised it as "The Sensational New Stammering Song," and "The Sensational Stammering Song Success Sung by the Soldiers and Sailors." It was first played at a garden party fundraiser for the Red Cross in Collins Bay on Lake Ontario. The inspiration for the "Katy" character in the song was Katherine Craig Richardson of Kingston, Ontario (who did not stutter), a friend of O'Hara's sister whose parents recall his writing the song in their living room.
     From May 1918 to January 1919, the song was a top 20 hit, and number one from July to September. It was recorded by Billy Murray on March 8, 1918 and released on Victor 18455. The song also made a comeback during the Second World War, when WWI songs became popular at training camps and were often preferred over more modern tunes. It was one of many brought to the front by officers who had heard it while on leave in England.
     Listen for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BukkBfrVOHQ

Photo of Geoffrey O'Hara from the George Grantham Baine collection, Library of Congress

     Geoffrey O'Hara was born in Chatham, Ontario on February 2, 1882. Initially planning for a military career, he attended the prestigious Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario at age 18 and trained with the 1st Hussars. After his father's death, he abandoned that career path and moved to the United States in 1904, where he began performing in Vaudeville. In 1905, he began recording for Edison Records, later conducting the recording of traditional Indian songs for the American government. During the First World War, he was a singing instructor of patriotic songs for the American troops. "K-K-K-Katy" was his most popular work by far and one of the most notable from the war in general, and O'Hara was later commissioned by the Woodrow Wilson administration to compose the modern-day version of the Star Spangled Banner.
   
91st Battalion Anniversary Weekend
     If you've been following my posts or the Backus-Page House blog in general, you've likely seen the calls for relatives of those who fought with our local 91st Battalion during the First World War to share some information in regard to the upcoming commemorative event this summer. The official schedule for the event was released today, so I thought I'd share it so that it can be fit into the busy summer schedule:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 24, 25 and 26, 2016
On June 25, 1916, the 91st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, numbering over 900 men, mostly from Elgin County and St. Thomas, marched to the MCR station on Talbot Street and departed for Halifax to fight overseas. Now exactly 100 years later the citizens of St. Thomas, the County of Elgin and the descendants of the original Battalion will again celebrate this proud moment in our history. 
Follow the 91st Battalion as we retrace their final weekend in St. Thomas!
Friday, June 24th, 2016
7-9 pm - come visit the historic encampment of the 91st Battalion set up on the grounds of the Armoury, 40 Wilson Avenue, St. Thomas. Meet with re-enactors; visit the tented camp, complete with a medical facility as it would have been in 1916. 
At sunset, 9:00 pm, plan to be at the Armoury as the re-enactors and serving members of 31 CER (The Elgins) lower the flags for the day and prepare for the evening routine. Once dark the names and stories of all 901 members of the original Battalion will be displayed on the outer wall of the Armoury – a roll call of the men who answered the call to duty 100 years ago. 
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
At 11:00, Saturday morning, the Battalion will march past City Hall on its way to the MCR station (now known as the CASO station). Be on Talbot Street to watch as the parade re-traces part of the historic march. 
Beginning at 11:30 a memorial plaque will be unveiled by descendants of the original 91st Battalion at the CASO station. Members of the community, friends and family are all welcome to attend this special event. At the conclusion of the dedication the troops will board trains, the band will play and the train will depart the station!
Join the 91st and their friends and family at a picnic at Pinafore Park. At 1:30 pm be at the band shell in the park for a 1916 picnic and music concert. Period music from the Henry Meredith Plumbing Factory Band, vintage vehicles, patriotic speeches and more! Bring a lunch and a lawn chair, no food or beverage will be provided. 
7-9 pm - come visit the historic encampment of the 91st Battalion set up on the grounds of the Armoury, 40 Wilson Avenue, St. Thomas. Meet with re-enactors; visit the tented camp, complete with a medical facility as it would have been in 1916. 
7-9 pm - Registered families and friends of the 91st Battalion will be welcomed into the recreated “Soldiers Canteen” to share stores, photographs and hear the stories of Battalion members. The Canteen, located at the Armouries is open only to registered participants. 
At sunset, 9:00 pm plan to be at the Armoury as the re-enactors and serving members of 31 CER (The Elgins) lower the flags for the day and prepare for the evening routine. Once dark the names and stories of all 901 members of the original Battalion will be displayed on the outer wall of the Armoury – a roll call of the hundreds of men who answered the call to duty 100 years ago. 
Sunday, June 26th, 2016
Trinity Anglican Church, 55 Southwick St., will again open its doors to members of the 91st Battalion as they host a memorial Church Parade and Remembrance Service starting at 10:00 am. The colours of the 91st were laid up at Trinity Anglican Church in 1935 within a chapel dedicated to the battalion and to the 173 men they lost. Everyone is welcome to the service and for a reception that will follow. 

    Well, that seems to be all I have in the mix for this week! Thanks so much for your continued interest in the Dutton letters and I'll be sure to continue with the rest of the collection in the weeks to come. 
     Thanks for reading, 
Delany (@DLeitchHistory on Twitter)

Family History Friday - Andrew Backus

When compiling information about a person from the past, you sometimes get overwhelmed with all the dates that may or may not be important to telling their story.  I am consistently finding dates that fit into the biographies of the people associated with Backus-Page House Museum and surrounding area.  I've found it helpful to open up a Word document and start a timeline for each of them.

I thought I'd share with you the current timeline for Andrew Backus. There will be many duplicates between Andrew and his wife, Mary Jane's, timelines since they share children, family, and residence.  Her timeline was posted last week.  If you have information that can be added please post a comment or send me an email at info@backuspagehouse.ca
Happy History!
Angela Bobier
Cultural Manager

Biography of Andrew Backus

1812    January 1 in Dunwich Twp.  Lot 13 Concession 10

1814    Log house of Stephen and Anne (Storey) Backus was looted during War of 1812.

1814    Brother Joseph Backus born

1816    September 28 Brother Thomas Backus born

1816    The Year Without Summer (weather anomaly due to volcano eruption)

1818    June 28  Sister Mary backus born

1820    April 16 Thomas BACKUS, born Sept. 28, 1816, bap Apr. 16, 1820, son of Stephen & Anne; sponsors Leslie PATTERSON, John PEARCE, Elizabeth & Sarah STEWART  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1820        April 18 Mary BACKUS, born June 28, 1818, bap Apr. 18, 1820, dau of Stephen & Anne; sponsors Leslie PATTERSON, John PEARCE, Elizabeth & Sarah STEWART  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1821        May 22 Sister Olivia Backus born

1822    The first school was held in the home of John Pearce in 1822 – The first teacher was Thomas Gardener.

1822    June 26 Olivia BACKUS, born May 22, 1821, bap. June 26, 1822; dau of Stephen & Anne; sponsors Walter STORY, Mary STEWART & Elizabeth STEWART  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1823    Sister Sarah Anne Backus born

1823    September 8  Sarah Ann BACKUS, bap Sept. 8, 1824, dau of Stephen & Anne; sponsors William PEARCE, Frances PEARCE & Catherine PEARCE  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1824    John Miles Farlane kept school in a house on Lot 11 Concession 11, this was located on one side of the settlement and the people felt that the school should be more centralized and so erected a school on the corner of the Backus land.

1825    Brother Stephen Jr. Backus born

1825    June 21  Stephen BACKUS, bap June 21, 1825, son of Stephen & Anne; sponsors Walter STORY, Leslie PEARCE, Elizabeth & Sarah STEWART  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1825    Stephen and Anne (Storey) Backus built west section of house.

1827    Brother Robert Backus born

1827    August 21 Robert BACKUS, bap Aug. 21, 1827, son of Stephen & Anne  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1827    August 21 Andrew Backus confirmed by Lord Bishop of Quebec in Dunwich Twp

1829    Brother Henry Backus born

1831    January 19 Sister Hannah Backus born

1831    January 30 Hannah BACKUS, born Jan. 19, 1831, bap Jan. 30, 1831, dau of Stephen & Anne; sponsors Walter PATTERSON, Hannah PATTERSON and Mary Anne PEARCE [note - surname is incorrectly spelled "BECKIS" in register]  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1832    October 29  Brother Walter Backus born

1832    November 18  Walter BACKUS, born Oct. 29, 1832, bap Nov. 18, 1832, son of Stephen & Anne, sponsors John PEARCE, William PEARCE, Frances PEARCE  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1833  The school on the Backus land fell into decay and seeing the need for a new school, the settlers got together in 1833, organized a bee and a log schoolhouse was erected on land donated by James Conn. The schoolhouse was completed in 1835. The older children and youths went to St. Thomas to further their education.

1838    Andrew was given his grandmother’s property; he would eventually build the Backus-Page House here

1839  May 2  Married            to Mary Jane Hamilton in Dunwich Twp Andrew aged 27 Mary Jane 23

1839    Stephen Backus, Andrew’s father, gave him 125 acres of land

1840 November 5 Daughter Eliza Ann Backus                      

1842 February 2 Son Walter Backus Born

1842  March 20  Walter BACKUS, born Feb. 2, 1842, bap Mar. 20, 1842, son of Andrew & Mary, sponsors Joseph BACKUS, Sally BACKUS & Stephen BACKUS  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1842    Grandmother Mary Storey died

1843    March 4 Daughter Mary Jane Born

1843    April 9  Mary Jane BACKUS, born Mar. 4, 1843, bap Apr. 9, 1843, dau of Andrew & Mary Jane; sponsors William PEARCE, Olivia BACKUS & Mary MOREHOUSE  Baptisms by Rectors of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas

1844    February 15 Brother Henry Storey Backus Died

1844    February 23 and 25  Eliza Ann and Walter Died

1844    December Son Stephen Alexander Backus Born

1846    Son William Henry Backus Born

1848    Son Andrew Storey Backus Born

1848    Robert Morris was hired to build the east section of the Stephen Backus House

1850    June Daughter Sarah Ann Backus Born

1850    Andrew employs Robert Morris to help him built the house

1851    June 13 Family eat their first meal in house.

Wills of Elgin County 1846-1852  Estate of John Pearce – Andrew Backus was one of 3 witnesses. 

1852    August late Son Robert John Backus Born

1852    September 10 Robert John Backus Died

1853    The Tyrconnell Wharf and Harbour Company began. Andrew and his family did not invest

1854    Daughter Katherine Elizabeth Born

1857    April  Anne Storey, Andrew’s mother Died

1858    Amelia Olivia Victoria            Born

1859    Infant daughter born

1859    Infant daughter died

1860    Sister Olivia Died

1860    Brother Walter Died

1861    April  Andrew bought shares in the Dunwich Pier Company for $20 a share

1862    Elizabeth Hamilton, Mary Jane’s mother, died

1862    Son Arthur Edmond Backus Born

1862    Arthur Edmond Backus Died at 10 days old

1864    Sister Hannah Died

1865    November  Stephen Backus, Andrew’s father, died

1871    Sarah Ann Backus married Thomas Leslie Pearce

1874    Mary Jane Backus married John R. Gow

1877    March 1  William Henry Backus married Euphemia Buchanan at St. Thomas

1878    Stephen Alexander Backus married Francis Morrish

1879    Amelia Olivia Victoria Backus married Thomas C. Humphries

1880    Andrew Storey Backus, a local farmer, married Eliza Ann Potticary

1883    Alexander Hamilton, Mary Jane’s father, died

1884    Sister Sarah Anne Died

1885  March 22 Andrew Backus died and left the farm to his son, Andrew Storey Backus.