Joseph Philip Peters was born in 1838 in Newry, Armagh, Ireland. He was Florence Maud Gallson’s grandfather.
Joseph signed up with the Royal Navy and served on the HMS Hastings in 1859 as a Seaman 2nd Class.
However, in the 1861 census, Joseph was onboard the HMS Topaze “a 51-gun Liffey-class wooden screw frigate of the Royal Navy” in the Esquimalt Harbour – yes, in British Columbia, Canada.
The crew of the HMS Topaze built the Race Rocks Lighthouse:
Race Rocks Light is one of the first two lighthouses that were built on the west coast of Canada, financed by the British Government and illuminated in 1860. It is the only lighthouse on that coast built of rock, (granite) purportedly quarried in Scotland, and topped with sandstone quarried on Gabriola Island. The Islands of Race Rocks are located just off the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 16 km (10 mi) southwest of Victoria, British Columbia
And another interesting little jaunt that the HMS Topaze made was going to Easter Island and digging up one of the moai statues, dragging it onboard the Topaze and offering it as a gift to Queen Victoria. The lieutenant on the ship made a sketch of the moai (see above) after it was dragged onto the Topaze.
WW1 – Volunteered in 1915 and was sent to the Eastern Front where he took part in heavy fighting in the Dardanelles. On the evacution of the Gallipoli Peninsula he was draftered to Egypt and served in the important operations in that theatre of war, but contract malaria. He was in hospital for some time, and was eventually demobilised in 1919. He holds the 1914-15 Star and the General Service and Victory Medals.
Joseph was born in 1895 in London, married Winifred Richards and was the brother of Florence Maud Peters, my grandmother.
Lester was born March 13, 1897, Ewen, Michigan. He served in the 228th Regiment.
Lester was the son of William Keech and Jane McNamara. Jane was the daughter of Elizabeth Pennell and John McNamara. Elizabeth was the sister of my grandmother, Alice Smith (nee Pennell).
In the picture below, Lester is in the 2nd row, middle.
The following is from Myrtle Connolly's book "Growing Up On A Farm".
How well I remember the day that my brother Lester came home from Camp Borden to bid us goodbye. How smart he looked in his uniform, so tall and handsome. He knew he would have to go so he enlisted in 1916. We didn't see Lester again until May 1919, the ar ending November 11, 1918. The sick and wounded were sent home first.
Mother sent him a box of goodies every month. He received them all except three. He used to go to Uncle Johnnie's in London on his long leaves. He also spent some time with his grandmother Mrs. Edwin Keech (Elizabeth Forsey). Lester was her first grandson. It was a real reunion. All she could talk about weas Father who left England at the age of seventeen.
Finally Lester called Mother that he was coming home and would be stopping at the Bay to see his grandparents, the McNamara's, which was on a Sunday, but instead came home on Sunday, therefore, there was no one to meet him from our family. Mother was preparing a big dinner. I was the one that saw a soldier coming up the road. I called Mother and sure enough it was Lester. Everybody was excited. He had changed. The war had taken away his youth. He bumped his head on the door, then on the stovepipes. He said, "I guess I had forgotten that I am taller than the door and stovepipes."
He just stay home a short time, then went to North Bay and got a job on the railroad as a baggage man. He decided that was not for him, became a fireman on the railroad, and then an engineer.
He married Eva McChesney, bought a bungalow beside his grandparents that his grandfather had built. During the war he brought supplies by railroad up the the front lines. With bombes dropping all around this was not the most desirable place to be.
Lester died February 21, 1957, sitting in his car on Main Street, North Bay. He was so looking forward to his retirement. He had two sons, William Albert, M. D., a graduate of Western University, and Gerald Lester, PH.D., McMaster University. Bill was in the Air Force during World War II, shot down over Belgium, a prisoner of Stalag III, was in the Great Escape, which was made into a movie, and also took part in the Wooden Horse Escape.
Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, a cousin, told me "that they don't make men like Lester Keech anymore". She bought his bungalow after his death.
"Growing Up On A Farm" by Myrtle Connolly, pages 15-16
George Jr. was born March 22, 1883. He was the son of George Mathew Pennell Sr. and Charlotte Edmunds of Rutherglen, Ontario. George Sr. was the brother of my grandmother, Alice Smith (nee Pennell).
George is front row, far left.
George joined the war effort February 25, 1916 with the 159th Overseas Battalion, 1st Algonquin and had belonged to the 97th Regiment of Active Militia. He sailed on the S. S. Empress on October 31, 1916 to England. On August 31, 1917, he was hospitalized for a schraple wound in his back and he received the Military Medal for bravery. He later was transferred to the 58th Battalion. He was promoted from Private to Lance Corporal. On August 27, 1918 George was killed in action with R.F.B. (Retained Foreign Bodies) and the family legacy was that he died at the Battle on Mons. In fact, George's sister, Emma, who married L.J. Rose, named her 10th child and first child after George's death, George Mons Rose (although we all knew him in Rutherglen as Jiggs).
However, the Battle of Mons took place in November 1918, months after George was killed. On August 21–30, 1918, the 58th Canadian Infantry Battalion was in Arras and specifically on August 27 they had just moved into Bois du Sart, France. George was among 30 "other ranks" killed on the 27th. There were many small battles in the Hundred Days Offensive that eventually lead up to the Battle of Mons, which ended the war on November 11, 1918.
"Whilst taking part in the advance North West of Boiry-Notre Dame, he was hit in the head and instantly killed by an enemy machine gun bullet." George is buried at the Vimy Ridge Cemetery in France.
Scroll the images below. The "M.M." beside George's name means he received a Military Medal.
Wayne was born December 3, 1954 in North Bay, Ontario, the son of Lloyd George Smith and Joan Vera Gallson. He's my older brother. And you can hear some things about him in the posting A Song For Wayne and in the many Stories I've posted.
Wayne recently discovered that he is a carrier of a genetic mutation of the COL11A1 gene that causes Type 2 Sticklers syndrome. Features of this syndrome are eye abnormalities (high degree of myopia), hearing problems (in about 40% of individuals), arthritis, short stature, spinal abnormalities.
Wayne is an Electrical Engineer and a graduate of the University of Waterloo. He's married to Rita Seguin. They met and married in Porcupine, Ontario, and have moved and lived in many places. Currently they are in Saskatoon, moving to Vancouver Island in August 2024.
They have 3 children: Darren, Joseph and Amy-Lynn. Joseph and Amy are both married with children of their own.
(from Wayne's Storyworth memories) These events happened a lot on our farm in the 60’s. Mom was terrified of them. She would get us all… Read more: Thunderstorms and Lightning
(Wayne's Storyworth) Before the government decided that only their supporters could sell milk , farmers had a way of making a few dollars by selling… Read more: Making Butter
Answering the question “Have you ver feared for your life?” Dads tractor had no brakes among other broken stuff . Learning to drive this way… Read more: Flying Emmett (Wayne’s Storyworth)
Lets see. Getting my Electric Train. Getting my Mold Master. Using Wendy’s Easy Bake Oven. Getting my Red Tractor when I was two(That I still… Read more: Favourite Childhood Memories
Suzan was the daughter of Brenda Canning and the granddaughter of Phyllis Vera Peters.
Suzan Birdsall Obituary, Death - January 21, 2024 - London, England – Suzan Birdsall, who was affectionately known as Sue, passed away, and it is with profound grief and heavy hearts that we share this news with you. Earlier today, at 16:46, she left this world while surrounded by her devoted family, bringing an end to her time on earth. Her departure occurred in the embrace of her family. We are acutely aware that many of you had a great connection with Sue, and while we are conveying this sad news through this medium, we are also grateful for your support. We like to express our deepest condolences to her family and friends on the demise of this beloved member of our family.
Sue was a treasured friend, a confidante, and a source of delight for those who had the luxury of knowing her. She was more than just a coworker; she was a source of joy. There was a big turning point in the lives of individuals who worked with Sue because her presence at the workplace lasted for more than a decade. Beyond the domain of professional endeavours, our connections became stronger, and they eventually developed into a friendship that endured the ups and downs of life. We were able to lean on each other in times of need and celebrate the basic joys that life had to offer, which was frequently accompanied by laughing and the occasional drink that was shared.
We have been overcome with grief, and the vacuum that it has left in our hearts is unimaginable. All of you who knew and loved Sue are experiencing a profound sense of disbelief and shock as a result of this tragic loss. A heartbreaking reminder of the camaraderie that characterised our friendship was provided by the opportunity to see her in the hospital during her final hours. This opened the door for the interchange of memories that we both shared.
Sue was more than simply a friend or a colleague; she was a lovely spirit who left an unforgettable effect on our lives. Her legacy will live on forever. As we say our goodbyes, we will carry in our memories the warmth, the generosity, and the innumerable moments that we enjoyed together that characterised our time spent together. The melancholy departure of our wonderful friend will constantly be tempered with the experience of having Christmas tea with Santa, which was an event in which she participated as a joyful participant.
As we go through this period of grieving, let us come together to pay tribute to Sue’s memory. It is my hope that the joy and companionship that we experienced together will be the enduring legacy that will outweigh the sorrow that we feel over her absence. Dear Sue, may you rest in peace knowing that your memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of being able to include you in their circle of friends.
Suzan is survived by her husband Mark Birdsall, brother Paul Canning and sister Shelly Canning. She has 5 children.
When I first connected with Suzan in November 2021, she let me know that her Mom, Brenda Thorpe was adopted. Phyllis (who had married Bernard Bramwell Thorpe) had a son, Phillip, who only lived a few days, and after adopted Brenda. I was a little disappointed but Suzan also told me that her "Gran" (Phyllis) was very dear to her and she had great memories of her. Brenda died a couple of years ago (around 2020ish).
Suzan also had very fond memories of Aunt Edie and then revealed the open family secret: Brenda was actually the daughter of Aunt Edie and when Aunt Edie was dying she told Brenda that she was real family - not an outsider. Edie was born in 1903 and Brenda was born in 1943. The story is likely true. Phyllis would have known that when SHE was born, her mother Hannah adopted her to save the fallout of the scandal and the reputations of Florence or Ellen. So Phyllis likely didn't think twice to adopt Aunt Edie's baby as her own, her only son having died as an infant.
Suzan was born Canning and married Jonathan Dove (not the composer). They had 3 children and then Jonathan died. Suzan entered into a relationship with Giovanni Lisi and had 2 more children. She is now with Mark Birdsall and goes by Suzan Birdsall.
Shortly after this, Shelley Canning, Suzan's younger sister, reached out to me on Facebook. Shelley has Aunt Edie's scrapbook which is where the drawing of Gramma Gallson came from. I hope to get more insight into this scrapbook.
Updates
The memorabilia collection that Suzan had was passed onto her brother, Paul, in the fall of 2023. Now I'm waiting for Paul to get through the photos. So far, Paul has sent me an additional picture of Florence standing beside a chair and a picture of Edie, Ellen and Phyllis sitting on a park bench dressed in their Sunday best.
On February 2, 2024: Suzan's husband Mark Birdsall committed suicide. This information is from Paul Canning, Suzan's brother. He also sent me a picture of Suzan's three oldest children. Note Samantha's red hair. Paul also said in his message that Auntie Edie had "really red hair."
Tommy, Andrea & Samantha Dove
March 17, 2024: I convinced and offered to pay for an Ancestry DNA kit for Shelly Canning, Suzan's sister. I'm hoping this will answer the question: Was Brenda Canning (nee Thorpe) adopted or was she actually Edith Peter's daughter?
Uncle Jake was a larger-than-life personality. He was kind, funny, sweet, loving, generous in spirit (not money because Aunty Jo only allotted him 25 cents per week).
He loved to play the bag pipes and the fiddle and was so proud of his Scottish heritage, although he was born in Westmeath, Ontario. He was a member of the Sons of Scotland, both his sons play the bag pipes and know how to dance the "Highland Fling". Aunty Jo was also a member of the Daughters of Scotland.
Masculine Buchanan PlaidFeminine Buchanan Plaid
Even the switch plate going into their home bore the Buchanan plaid.
Uncle Jake Bowling
He was in the North Bay parades and at events playing the bagpipes, something we always had to go and see.
Uncle Jake at an event.Uncle Jake in a parade.Crossing the lake to the Ollivier cottage
Uncle Jake played the pipes everywhere he could.
Uncle Jake playing the fiddle and Aunty Jo playing her organ
Uncle Jake’s sister, Norma Durrell lived in a beautiful house on the east side of the Buchanan cottage, while on the west side was Uncle Jake’s brother, Peter Buchanan and his wife Queenie. Norma Durrell’s colour television was the first one I ever saw. Both the Durrell’s and Peter’s house were beautiful “modern” homes compared to our farmhouse.
Sometimes, Uncle Jake would play his bagpipes around the cottage. He’d walk and play along the dock right to the end, and stand there, playing. The sound of the pipes was beautifully haunting echoing across the lake. I loved it. This is a beautiful memory.
Uncle Jake playing at their cottage
A great story that my Mom told me, was the day my parents were married.
Uncle Jake proposed a plan that when my parents came back to Rutherglen from North Bay after taking vows, he would pipe them up the long driveway to the house where the wedding party was to take place. The plan was set and when my parents arrived at the gate, Uncle Jake was waiting to precede them. However, my Dad, being a quiet shy man not prone to ostentatious behavior, saw Uncle Jake waiting, he said to Mom, "Ta'hell with that!" and drove straight up the driveway, not waiting for Uncle Jake.
Uncle Jake was a showman. He and Aunty Jo took ballroom dancing lessons and they would always take to the floor to whirl about around the room at weddings. My first childhood waltzing experience was standing on Uncle Jake's shoes. They also taught square dancing and Uncle Jake would call the dance. He was a music lover and in particular, he loved Connie Frances.
Uncle Jake's Obituary
Jake was born on July 25, 1915 in the little pioneer town of Westmeath, 45 miles east of Pembroke, on the Ottawa River. A year and a half later, he moved to North Bay with his parents.
During his early school days, Jake contracted everything going: Scarlet Fever, St. Vitus Dance, Mumps, Measles, you name it. In spite of these difficulties, he still managed to enjoy his childhood. He attended King George and Worthington Street schools, and later Algonquin Collegiate.
In the 1930's Depression era, when there were few luxuries, Jake roade a bicycle everywhere - to Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, Toronto, looking for work. He eventually returned to North Bay where he began at Canadian Longyear as "Cost Accountant". He was there for 43 years, ending his career as Canadian Purchasing Agent.
He attended St. Andrew's United Church where he and Jo have been wonderful and faithful "spiritual elders" to so many. Jake served the church in various capacities, from running off the worship bulletin every Saturday to tallying the offering. In recent years, with Jo, he would play the violin for background music at The Company of Good Cheer and at our hymn sings and Casselholm worship services.
In 1927, Jake started playing the bagpipes for entertainment. He was with the North Bay Pipe Band for 25 years. He also learned the violin in high school, just for fun.
Did we mention Jake loved to dance? He was always interested in both Round and Square dancing. In 1950, he started Square dancing with the Recreational Council. After several years as instructor, he danced with R.C.A.F. Squares at the local air base. The "Squarenaders", "Gateway Swingers" on Thursday P.M. (Round, Square and Scottish Folk Dancing) and later The Gateway Gliders. He also was an avid Bridge player, an enthusiastic member of the Golden Age Club and of the Sons of Scotland.
On Christmas Eve 1937, in the old St. Andrew's manse on Worthington Street, Jake married Georgina "Jo" Smith. They have been blessed with two devoted sons, wonderful daughters-in-law and five attentive and exciting grandchildren.
With thanks to an earlier article by Flo Skerrett.
"A Service In Loving Memory Of Jake Buchanan" St. Andrew's United Church, North Bay, Ontario
Cecil was born February 1, 1898 in Rutherglen, Ontario, to Eliza (nee Pennell) and John "Jack" James.
Cecil married Marie Tremblay and had two sons. From his will below, I can only make out the name of his 2nd son, Leonard.
He fought in World War I in the 12th Reserve, 1st Corp., 75th Battalion CEF, D Co., #3035764 and held the rank of Private. He was discharged May 12, 1919 and returned home in June of 1919 on the R.M.S. Mauretania.
UK World War I Service Medals and Awards RollMarriage of Cecil to Marie Tremblay
In 1950, Cecil was living in Kapuskasing, and later in New Toronto. He died February 12, 1959.
James was born December 27, 1889 to Mary Ann Pennell and William James of Rutherglen, Ontario. He married Margaret I. McDonald and died October 12, 1976. James served in World War I. In 1953, he lived in Englehart and operated Tray Express Company.
