My Pet Peeve For Today

Food Basics now have green opaque produce bags that many consumers THINK are composable. One gentleman actually told me he loves to use them because he reuses them with his green waste. OMG!!

Also today I saw a woman put a mesh bag of onions into a green produce bag – WHY?? Also bananas – what are they protecting themselves from? The peel comes off – same with oranges. And things that you don’t peel, you wash before you eat.

Its so frustrating going grocery shopping. I walk around with my cell phone, posting and bitching on Facebook.

LOL!

Rutherglen Rural Telephone Company

February 17, 2012 – Email to Bell Canada from me.

Hello,

On February 10, 1921, my grandfather A. W. Smith bought 22 shares at $5.00 each in the Rutherglen Rural Telephone Company, Limited (Ontario).  This rural telephone company would have been bought by Bell Telephone.

What happened to these shares?  Are they still valid?

Thank you for looking into this for me.

Wendy Smith

February 20, 2012 Email from investor.relations@bell.ca

Good afternoon!

Thank you for your email.  No, those old certificates are no longer valid.  Bell bought hundreds of rural companies 40-50 years ago.  In most cases, shareholders received their payout without having to return their old certificates.  That could be the case.  If not, then, after so many years, rights belongings to past arrangements become obsolete.

Sincerely,

The Old Reliable

“The old reliable on a Sunday morning” is written on the back of this photo.

To date this picture, I zoomed in on the license plate and Googled “Ontario License Plates” which resulted in the image behind the photo. With this, I was able to date the picture to 1922.

Also note, when I zoomed in on the license, over the back wheel, there are two little faces I hadn’t seen before.  This is the 1922 version of photo-bombing!!  I can only make an educated guess that these two little faces belong to Lloyd (my Dad) and Emmett.

The people standing to the right of the car are likely (L-R) Vera, Uncle Chester & Gramma.  Standing on the step of the car looks like Georgina (“Jo”). (Always thought this was Grampa, but when you zoom in you can see that the face looks more like Uncle Chester).

This was taken between the house and the “Milk Shed” (the logged building on the left) at our farm in Rutherglen.

Step-Brothers & Half-Siblings

There are very few pictures of Grampa in the “early” days, without white hair and a mustache. So you might not recognize Grampa in this photograph believed to be taken at the funeral of his mother, Great-grandma, Leah Eady, who died May 28, 1924. When I found out that Grampa’s biological father was not actually a Smith, it changed the way I looked at these pictures, now knowing that the half-siblings were really step-siblings.

L-R: Henry (step), Emerson (Willard’s son), Willard (step), Orin (half) and Grampa.  Henry, Willard and Orin are all sons of Philander Smith.  Henry’s and Willard’s mother was Ann Dean, the 2nd wife of Philander.  Orin’s and Grampa’s mother was Leah Eady, 3rd wife of Philander. The centre woman in front is Annie Scobie (Eliza Ann Smith), full sister to Henry and Willard. Her husband died one year before this photo. She would later marry John Mullen. Next to Annie is Georgina, full sister to Orin. Missing is Julia, Orin’s twin sister. The woman to the left of Annie looks nothing like other pictures I have of Julia.

The identification in the top picture “Third Row #2”, being that she “looks like Grandma Smith”. Of course, its not her as this is her funeral. And can’t be any of Leah’s sisters as Leah was the last surviving female of the siblings.

Nide and his Children

“Rutherglen – in front of the farm house before it was sheeted in. Taken in 1915.” 

Dad, born in 1917,  isn’t in the picture of course. Aunt Edna said that was a big deal as every time he saw the picture, he’d get angry because he thought he was in the house and no one called him out for the picture.

This house would be our farm house.  The thin sapling behind Aunt Edna’s shoulder became a huge lovely tree that shaded and cooled the back yard on hot summer days.

L-R: Chester, Georgina, Grampa, Elmo, Vera, Gramma, Emmett and Edna

1954
1983
2009

Rahill Red Lake Mining Company Limited

From Wayne:

“Billy Hill got some money from Grandpa.  He was famous at the dances in Rutherglen because he would [become intoxicated] and step dance like crazy up on the stage.  Last time I saw him was at the Orange Lodge and he fell off the stage.  He sure could step dance.  He lived between Jackson’s gas station and Westley Rose’s grandma’s in a tiny house.”

John Gallson – Life Timeline

Below is a Timeline of John Gallson’s life as my sister, Donna and I have been able to put together using military and life documents. There are many interesting things in this table, some surprizing and some trivial. For me, the most significant year is 1930. Gramma Gallson was committed to a mental asylum in December of 1929. Mary moved in with the family sometime in 1930, with Donald age 2, and gave birth to Jackie AND was pregnant with Jimmy by February 1931.

DateDescriptionExtra details
11/25/1896 or 11/13/1896bornMustjala, Saarma Island, Estonia (birth registration Tallinn) discrepancy in birth date is likely because in 1918 Estonia switched from Julian calendar to Gregorian
6/13/1913departed Glasgow, Scotland on board Ship Columbia bound for New Yorkage 17, Finland; with many other Estonian men bound for work with CPR in Chapleau
6/16/1913arrived Ellis Island, NYC; destination Shapleau, CPR, ON; Labourer, Russia, Lifland, father Mich Ounpuu; $25 cash; friend Johannes Lonn
3/10/1916Attestation Paper – in Webbwood, used name John Gaallsonborn – Arensburg, Mustel, Palrapelle. Father – Mich Gaallson, Arensburg, Palrapelle (Finland, Russia)
3/10/1916119th Overseas Battalion. Badge # 754360. Height 5’9″, Fair, Light Blue eyes, Fair hair, RCbirth date – November 18th, 1896. Trade – Lumber Jack, weight 155 (another card states b/d 11/13th,1896)
3/10/1916Joined on enlistment 119th Overseas Battalion
3/10/1916WebbwoodEnlisted – trade Lumberjack
3/10/1916T.O.S. (Taken on Strength) of a unitUnit: 119th Battalion
3/15/1916D.O. 24 of 15-3-16 (Daily order) of a unit
3/30/1916Anti-Typhoid Inculations
3/31/1916Paid from Mar 10thsig or rec’t
4/17/1916Anti-Typhoid Inculations
4/30/1916Paidsig or rec’t
5/31/1916Paidsig or rec’t
6/22/1916VaccinationsRight arm
6/30/1916Paidsig or rec’t
7/31/1916Paidsig or rec’t
8/8/1916Sailed from HalifaxS.S. Metagama
8/8/1916Halifax119th Bn – Embarked Canada
8/8/1916Unit Sailed
8/8/1916Paid toN
8/19/1916LiverpoolDisembarked England
8/19/1916Arrived in England S.S. Metagama
9/13/1916Anti-Typhoid Inculations
10/2/1916Mil Isol Hosp A’shottMumps – List # 18 [Mumps vaccine not avail. until 1960’s]
10/2/1916Mil. Isol. AldershotParotiditis (Man Rgt) – List No 18
10/2/1916OC 119th Battn – Admt’d Isol Hosp. AldershotBramshott – 1-10-16, D.C.L. #18 PtII D.O. # 187 – Mumps
10/25/1916Dis ed – A’shottRubella – List # 27 [Rubella vaccine not avail. until 1960s]
10/26/1916Army will bequeath estate to Miss Gladys Hall, 83 Blackfriars, LondonWitness by McAdam, Sault Ste. Marie and Archibald, Seaforth.
10/26/1916OC 119th Battn – Discharged, Isol HospitalAldershot – 25-10-16 DCL # 27 Pt II C.O. # 208
11/28/1916Bramshott Camp119th Bn – Proceeded overeseas for service with 52nd Bn – Part II D.O. No.236
11/28/191652nd Battalion Canadian InfantryTheatre of War – France. Home address: Gen Del, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
11/28/1916transferred – 52nd Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force
11/28/1916OC 119th Battn – Transferred to 52nd BattnBramshott Pt II DO 236 WTR
11/29/1916O.C.C.B.D. – Landed in FranceTaken on Nom. Roll
11/29/1916strength 52nd Cdn. Bn.Pt II D.O. d/ 4.12.16
12/3/1916O.C.C.B.D. – Left for UnitNom. Roll
12/4/1916OC 52nd Battn – Taken on strengthField, 29-11-16 Pt II DO 60
12/6/1916O.C. 52nd Bn. – Arrived Unit for dutyB.123 d/9.12.16
1/4/1917ad 16 Genl – Le Treport V.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – W3034 #190
1/5/191716 Genl to 39 Genl – Le HavreV.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – W3034 #195
1/5/1917No. 39 Gen.,Le HavreList No A244 & A245 – W3034 # 192
1/29/191739 Genl – forfeits Fld Allw. Is placed under stoppage of pay at the rate of 50 cents per diem while in Hspl 01643 ConSect 2396. P II # 11 2/2/17 6-1-17 to 29-1-17 (24 days)
1/29/191739 Genl – V.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea]to Rfts. Havre – W3034 #218
1/30/1917CBD – Canadian Base DetailT.O.S. – UR
2/5/191742 CCS (Aubigny) – forfeits Fld Allw. Is placed under stoppage of pay at the rate of 50 cents per diem while in Hspl.01643 ConSect 2463 P II # 75 16/2/17 1-1-17 to 3-1-17 (3 days)
2/5/1917OC 52nd Battn – Discharged General HospitalHavre 17-1-17 – CL A262 90 VDG [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea]
2/9/1917CBD – left for unitField UR
2/12/1917OC 52B – joined unitField – B213
52nd Batt’n was part of the 3rd Division under Major Gen. Lipsett, CMGand was part of the Gun Co. in the 9th Brigade under Brig. Gen. F. W. Hill
3/10/191752nd Batt’n movedVillers au Bois where it seems they were billeted
3/11/191752nd Batt’n movedfrom Villers au Bois to “line”
3/22/191752nd Batt’n movedto Bruay
3/29/191752nd Batt’n movedBruay to Villers au Bois
4/1/191752nd Batt’n movedto the front line
4/3/191752nd Batt’nraiding enemy trenches, emptying “saps”. Grampa was a “sapper”
4/9/1917Attack on Vimy Ridge
Sometime here, 52nd Batt’n headed to Ypres, BelgiumBattle of Passchendaele at Ypres, Belgium
10/26/1917SW head – ad 11CSA to CCS ( Brielen )AB6/a8636
10/27/1917SW head – ad 44 CCS to 33 AS ( Brielen to Bethune)AB6/a8979
10/27/1917SW head – ad 83 GenlW3034/a9201
10/29/1917No 14 Mil Can Gen EastbourneS.W. Head Sev. -List No B53 – W.O. List 4454
10/29/1917Admitted Eastbourne – DeWalden Court – Hosp Wounded (SW) head (scalp) 26 X 17, bone just groved, no cerebral ????, f.b. removed. Wd cleaned
10/29/1917T.Bipped, Wound looks clean.
10/29/1917SW head – posted Man Regl Dep S’cliffeW3083/4301 PII 102 17/11/17
11/2/1917Examined for re-engagement
11/4/1917Cable 12/4 M.6294 – Notified Next of KinAdm.Mil.Hosp.Eastbourne.Oct.29th.17. GSW.Head.
11/4/1917EastbourneHealing
11/5/1917Discharged from De Walden Court Eastbourne Hosp -S.W. Head – clean – looking well7 days in Hospital
11/5/1917Admission to Red X Hosp. Cantelope Rd., Beahill ?? – S.W. Head(Could be Red Cross Hospital, Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, UK
11/6/1917Wound of R Mid-parietal region, large enough to hold a pidgeon’s egg. Bottom of wound slightly sloughy, sides healthy. Filled up with Bipp. (Bismuth iodoform paraffin paste) Man heavy & slow of speach, does not complain of headache. Eye movements of pupils normal
11/6/1917MRD (Minimal Residual Disease?)T.O.S. – Igt 29-10-17 PtII O 42 B 20-12-17
11/6/1917MRD – TOS ex 52ndRgte Pte 29-10-17 – 82 Pt II Q102 D/17-11/17 Pt # O242
11/10/1917A.T.S. 500 unitsAnti Tetanus Serum I.P.(A T S)
11/17/1917wound healing rapidly under BIP: allowed to go out
11/18/1917ATS 500 units
11/26/1917wound quite healed
12/9/1917MR – 52 7 ?? C.G.H.Eastbourne14-12-17 CL B 93. SW Head Sev.
12/12/1917wound has healed up nicely: this man is of Scandinavian origin and slow in understanding English which makes him appear at times to be mentally dull.
12/13/1917Discharged from Red X Hosp. Cantelope Rd., Bexhill ?? – S.W. Head – site healed38 days in hospital
12/13/1917Admission to No. 14 Canadian General Hospital, Meads, Eastbourne, Sussex – S.W. HeadS.W. Head Sev. (Man Rgt)
12/14/1917No. 14 Can Gen Hosp Eastbourne, SussexTransferred from V.A.D. Hosp. – Bexhill, Quite Recovered, D.I. category
12/14/1917No. 14, CGH EastbourneSW Head Sev – List No B93 – W.O. List 8427 (Man Regt)
12/17/1917Boarded – No 14 Canadian General Hosp Eastboure, SussexCategory – DT (the T has a dot above?)
12/21/1917Dischaged – OverSeas Casualty – Place in Hospital – 7DT 1st Can Com Depot (note small dot above the T)
12/21/1917Discharged – D.I.to D T (note small dot or # 1 placed above the T)
12/21/1917Discharged from No. 14 Can Gen Hosp, Eastbourne, Sussex – S.W. Headtransfer from V.A.D. – no disability – 9 days in hospital
12/24/1917Discharged, EastbourneSW Head Sev – List No B90 – W.O. List 2048
12/26/1917MRD – O/C to 1st C.C.D.21-12-17 Pt II O 291
12/27/1917DischargedS.W. Head – List No B98-2
12/27/1917MR – 52 Dis ex C.G.H.EastbourneCL B – 98
3/4/1918Admission to Canadian Hospital, Etchinghill, Lyminge – V.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – primiary Syphillis
3/5/1918Can Mil Hos Etchinghill Lymenge KentV.D.G. (Man Regt) – List No C161 – W.O. List 13811
3/12/1918Disease contracted at LondonPrimary sore appeared
3/13/1918Canadian Hosp Etchinghill, LymingePlaced on Syphilis Register
3/13/19181st Canadian Convalescent Depot
3/13/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal, Intravenous .3 DiarsenolDiarsenol is arsenic
3/14/1918Treatment – Intramuscular injection T (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
3/18/1918Admitted to Canadian Hospital Etchinghill, Lyminge – Full course treatment W.O.
3/18/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal, Intravenous .3 Diarsenol
3/22/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal, Intravenous .3 Diarsenol + intramuscular injectionT (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
3/26/19181st CCD – admitted from Eastbourne 21.12.17 DO # 284a 29/12/17
3/26/1918Having been over 21 days in Etchinghill C.L.K.ceases to be attached to this Depot effective 4.3.18
3/26/1918St Martens PlainsDO # 83
3/27/1918MRD – Ceases on com 1st C.C.D.S’cliffe 2.3.18 Pt II 86 1st CCD Pt II DO 83 d/26.3.18
3/27/1918M.R.D. Cease Com to 1st CCDShorncliffe 4.3.18 – Part II 86-10
3/27/1918M.R.D. Adm C.M.H. Etch.HillShorncliffe 4.3.18 – Part II 86-11
3/28/1918Treatment – Intramuscular injection T (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
4/4/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal. Intramuscular injections + .5 GalylT (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
4/11/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal. .4 Galyl & Intramuscular injectionsT (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
4/18/1918Treatment – Intramuscular injection T (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
4/24/1918Discharged from Can Hosp., Etchinghill, Lyminge – V.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea]52 days in hospital – discharged as cured
4/25/1918Discharged, EtchinghillVDG – List No C194 – W.O. List 4654
4/25/1918Can Etchinghill Lymenge Kent – DiscVDG – List No C199-1
4/25/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal, Intravenous .6 Diarsenol + intramuscular injectionT (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
4/26/1918Admitted to 1st C.C.D. From LymingeD.O. Pt II, No 114
4/30/1918MRD – On com 1st CCD S’cliffeSeaford 24.4.18 Pt II 120 ist CCD Pt II DO 114 d/26.4.18
5/2/1918Treatment – Urine – Normal, Intravenous .5 Diarsenol + intramuscular injectionT (with dot above and below right top of T) dose of Metallic Mercury in grains
5/14/1918Ceases to be attached on proceeding to Rly. Tho. PurfleetD.O. No. 132
5/15/1918Depot CRT – T.O.S. From M.R.D.Purfleet 14-5-18 DO 135 & MRD DO 137 ? = 17.5.18
5/15/1918CRT Depot – Taken on Strength from M.R.D.on reporting from 1st CCD S’cliffePurfleet 14-5-18 Pt II D.O. 135
5/17/1918MRD – Ceases on com 1st C.C.D.Seaford 14.5.18 DO 137
6/8/1918Mil H. PurfleetV.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – List No C228 – W.O. List 19387
6/10/1918Admission to Canadian Hospital, Etchinghill, Lymine – Gonorrhoea
6/11/1918Can H. EtchinghillV.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – List No C229 – W.O. List 19554
6/14/1918Slight defects but not sufficient to cause rejectionTHB/2 (could be Total Hemoglobin)
6/20/1918Slight defects but not sufficient to cause rejectionTHB/2 (what does “slight defects” mean)
8/10/1918Discharged from Can Hosp., Etchinghill, Lyminge – Gonorrhoea 62 days in hospital – 3rd attack – discharged as cured
8/12/1918Discharged, EtchinghillV.D.G. [Venereal Disease Gonorrhea] – List No C281 – W.O. List 7319
11/24/1918Examined or Discharged by a Medical BoardStation – Purfleet Isocs
12/7/1918CRTD [Canadian Reserve Training Depot] – SOS [Struck Off Strength] on trans from OMFC [Overseas Military Forces of Canada] to CEF [Canadian Expeditionary Force] in CanadaPurfleet 7-12-18 Pt II 0 339
12/7/1918Sailed for CanadaShip: Olympic; Rank “Spr” (SAPPER); residence: Sault Ste. Marie
12/7/1918From O/S – Taken on strength No. 1 District Depot London, D.O. 248
12/14/1918R/C then #232 over 26??
1/6/1919DO6 – Daily Order (of a unit)# 1 DN
1/7/1919SOS Dis -Struck off strength(of a unit) – dischargedDem 06
1/7/1919Discharged on Demobilization; tattoo reg. #119 on Lt. arm, scar on forearm & scalpLondon, ON; 119th Battalion. C.O.M.F.; age 22, 5’9″, blue eyes, Lumberman
undatedIndex card with John’s US Military number on itAdah, Fayette, PA, USA
6/10/1919arrived in Buffalo, NY; claims DOB is Nov 13, 1896 via Grand Trunk Railwayaddress: 1320 Water Street, Wheeling, West Virginia; last foreign residence: Toronto
12/16/1920Declaraton of Intention – USA Naturalization ServiceDistrict Court of US, Wheeling West, Virginia; address: 1320 Water Street,Wheeling, West Virginia
12/18/1920Enlistment Record; US Army #6476877 – Pt. – took travel pay, enlisted for 3 yearsFt. Thomas, Campbell Co., KY; $142.25 + bonus $90.00; Howitzer Co.
12/29/1920Dec 16, 1920 documents he declared he had NEVER been treated for Gonorrhea, never been hospitalized or treated by a physicianto Wheeling, West Virginia; for service in 6th Infantry Camp Gordon, GA for 3 years
12/29/1920Assigned to co. “E” 5th Infantry, Camp Jackson, SC Howz. Co. 6th Marksmanship, gunner qualifications or rating: R.N.B.; Main Occ: Labourer 7 years, odd jobs heavy lifting $45/wk
1/14/1921Permanent marks and physical defectsRight chest ?M, Left abdomen RM, Lt Arm Arm Tattoo 119, Rt Back Bmk (birthmark?) 1/2″ D. (diameter?)
1/14/1921Vaccinations: Typhoid, paratyphoid,othersWheeling, WV; Friend: Mrs. Nora Tucker, R.F.D.1, Mystic, Georgia
2/1/1921PromotedGrade: RMB Pvt (Put)
3/11/1921PromotedGrade: RMB Pvt 1cl (Put)
5/10/1921Change of addressHowitzer Co. 6th Inf., Camp Jackson, SC, USA
7/9/1921Honorable Discharge from US Army, 6th Infantry, Howitzer Co., camp Jackson, SC, USAReason: reduction of army; character: excellent; Address: 1320 Water St., Wheeling West Virginia
11/15/1921Change of address – NOTE: double “a” gets dropped from document – Gallson165 East 128th St., New York, NY, USA – This is when he may have met Florence
3/7/1922Marriage to Florence M. Peters, age 25, Manhattan, NYaddress: RFD#1, Pateson, NJ, USA
1/10/1923Jeanette Ellen born; baptized April 15, 1923 St. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchWaterville, Main
1/25/1923Desp.Regn. No. 75832
25/11/1924US Dept of Lab letter requesting $1.00 fee; to Zolfo Spring, Floridafor copy of Declaration of Intention for Naturalization
1/4/1925Joan Vera bornWauchula, Florida
3/18/1926Phillip John bornZolpho Springs, Florida
4/6/1927Letter from US Dept of Labour, to Zolfo Springs, Floridaacknowledging $1.00 received for copy of Naturalization Intention
4/11/1928Listed in directory of Endicott – Binghamton, NYtanner, 200 North with Flora
4/12/1929Listed in directory of Endicott – Binghamton, NYshwkr (shoeworker), 206 North with Flora M.
7/21/1929border crossing from US to Canada, thru Niagara FallsJohn, Florence, Jean, Joan, Phil; to Lot 15, Conc. B, Widdifield Twp., North Bay, ON
12/21/1929Florence is admitted to New Toronto Mental Asylum
1930Jean, Joan & Phill are disbursed to “foster” homes
1930Mary & 2-yr-old son Donald move in with John and childrenDonald died in 1950 at age 22. His obit says he lived in Mattawa for 20 years.
1930Mary gives birth to JackieListed on census as “John”
2/15/1931Mary becomes pregnant with Jimmy13 months after Florence’s admission to hospital
6/1/1931Widdifield CensusMary is “housekeeper”, Donald Morrison and John Morrison are her sons.
11/15/1931James “Jimmy” born
1935Barbara born
9/18/1937Hilda born
5/19/1939May “Maisey” born
1942Elizabeth “Betty” born
11/9/1945Florence transferred to St. Thomas
1946first dated letter to Eduard in Estoniarefers to a previous letter containing information about John’s “first wife” having mental problems
11/30/1947John got up in the morning and disappearedaccording to newspaper article
12/13/1947Reported missing and OPP were searching for him. Article states “There is a possibility that he is an amnesia victim as he suffered shrapnel wounds in the head while serving in World War 1.”“Mattawa Man Is Reported Missing” North Bay Nugget
11/28/1948John is either still in hiding or went into hiding a 2nd time in Goulois River, Algoma.answered letter from Joan, expressing that he didn’t want to be found.
12/17/1948Letter to Joan from Goulois River, Algomaanswered letter from Joan
1950Donald dies in car accident
2/9/1960Florence dies in St. Thomas
1946 to 1977John corresponds with brother Eduard, sister Aliise, brother August all in Estonia/GermanyLanguage gradually becomes more formal and letters shorter
About 1975John living in rooming house in Mattawa; taken home by JeanJohn and Mary legally marry around this time
10/28/1975Mary applies for “Delayed Statement of Birth” for herselfAssumption: to legally be able to receive John’s supplemental penion should he die and to be beneficiary of the Gallson farm and to receive death benefit
3/24/1978John dies in North Bay

Joan Vera Gallson’s Life

Joan was born in Wauchula, Florida, January 4, 1925 to Florence Maude Peters of London, England and John Edward Gallson of Saaremaa, Estonia (born Johannes Ounpuu).  In 1929, the Gallson family, including her older sister Jean and younger brother Phil, moved from the United States to Widdifield, Ontario, area.

Joan’s first memories are when she was about 3 or 4 years old and she fell down a flight of outside stairs. They were living in an upper apartment. She also remembers Christmas in the same building and there being a Christmas tree in the hall. She remembers her mother having nice things and in particular some beautiful napkin holders. Joan’s next memories are when she was about 5 and living in Widdifield. Their house was built with a drop floor and the basement would fill with water after a rain. Joan and her siblings would drop wood into the water and pretend they were boats. She recalls always getting into trouble doing this. Across the road lived Duncan McBeth. Joan remembers falling out of the back of the truck when going to Trout Mills and her father having to stop and pick her out of the ditch.

She remembered her mother “getting sick” while they were living in Widdifield. After the institutionalization of Florence, four days before Christmas, on December 21, 1929, Joan and her siblings were separated into foster homes. Her father, John, managed within a very short time to bring the family back together by acquiring the services of Mary Morrison, a single mother who was pregnant with her second child. They then moved to Mattawa.  The family would continue to grow with the births of Jimmy, Barbara, Maisie, Hilda, and Betty. Unfortunately, the children survived many years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of Mary while John spent months at a time in the bush as a lumberjack.  Mary was a strict and brutal home-school teacher which revealed itself when Joan finally attended school, grade 5 or 6.  She was so far ahead, she was skipped a grade.  She remembered doing well in history and geography, but not so well in arithmetic.

Joan’s teacher occasionally had to call the Children’s Aid Society to investigate the bruises that were found on Joan’s shoulders.  John was so angry with Mary, that he told her to “stop beating on the kids”.  This prompted further threats from Mary, that if the kids ever complained, they would be beaten worse.  Once in high school, Joan suffered even more abuse from her classmates as her clothes were shabby and ill‑fitted. Joan had members of being bullied and taunted with rhymes such as “Farmer John with her big boots on…”

Through all this, Joan did so well in school that she was exempt from writing the entrance exam for high school.  Her sister Jean was not so fortunate and was denied high school entrance for failing the test.  Phillip, her brother, was exempt from writing as well, but never attended high school either.

Joan didn’t remember having any aspirations or dreams – only “to get the hell out of that house!” So after 6 months in grade 9, Joan left school and found relief from her home life by working as a live‑in housekeeper. Her first position at the tender age 13, was with Verice Chenier. After only two months, she worked for Joe Rochon. Her salary was about $1.00 per month. It was her third position with Mrs. John Smith of Mattawa that set the stage for her future. The son of Mrs. Smith, Newton, was married to Helen Cross. Helen’s mother, Mrs. Viola Cross became ill, so Joan took employment at her house in Eau Claire. By the age of 15 or 16, Joan was working for Mrs. Cross’s other daughter, Bessie, who was married to Harry McLaren in Rutherglen. They had a 1‑year old daughter, Jeannie, at the time. She soon met Lloyd Smith who was a good friend of Harry’s.

When Joan’s salary rose from $5 to $15 per month, her father instructed her to send $5 per month home to Mary.

Wanting to better herself, Joan would go to the employment office in North Bay to look for jobs. She found one in the kitchen at St. Joseph’s Hospital. While working there, she boarded with Mrs. Miller on Algonquin Avenue. Joan was often visited by her gentleman caller, Lloyd Smith. Joan’s next position was with the Gordon’s on Jane Street, who’s father‑in‑law was Senator Gordon. The Gordon’s did not allow Joan to have callers, so she would sneak Lloyd into the house for their visits. Joan went back to work for Bessie and Harry McLaren in Rutherglen for a short period before taking a position at the home of Myrtle Buchanan in North Bay. Myrtle was a spinster, a teacher and the sister‑in‑law of Lloyd’s sister, Georgina Buchanan. Lloyd eventually proposed to Joan by asking her if she would like to “help him milk the cows”.  And even though she hated milking cows, she said yes.

While working for Myrtle, Joan took a 3‑month course at Algonquin Secondary School with Lloyd’s other sister, Vera, and his cousin, Iva Rose. It was a training course for women who wanted to assist in the war effort. Joan took Drafting and Machine Shop. This course would also give Joan a good paying job in Toronto so that she could save for her wedding. So in the fall of 1942, Joan, Vera and Iva set off for Toronto. Vera worked at a small arms factory just outside of Toronto, while Joan and Iva found work at the John Inglis factory as a Cutter‑Grinders. One of their duties was sharpening blades. Joan and Iva boarded with a family named Hough. One night, while on her way to the bathroom, Joan was surprised to see that Mrs. Hough was completely bald. Also working at Inglis was Joyce Worsnop, a woman who would become Joan’s best friend. Joan spent many weekends at Joyce’s family farm near Barrie.

In June of 1943, Joan and Lloyd were married. For her wedding, Joan had a “street length frock of powder blue with lace inserts and white accessories. She wore a corsage of Premium roses. Mr. and Mrs. J. Buchanan attended the couple.” For the first few years, they lived with Lloyd’s parents in Rutherglen.

Lloyd was Anglican and Joan was United Church.  Lloyd used to take his mother, Alice, to church every Sunday.  Joan wouldn’t go and would walk over to Bessie McLaren’s house.  Lloyd informed his mother that he and Joan would not be attending the Anglican Church after Alice invited the Anglican minister over to sign them up.  This caused much tension between Joan and Alice.  Joan always felt that Alice resented her for not converting, and felt unfairly treated as Lloyd’s sister, Georgina, converted to United Church when she married and remained on good terms with Alice.

Joan embraced being a farmer’s wife. She not only milked the cows, she cooked meals for threshing gangs, drove tractors, prepared chickens from henhouse to table, shoveled manure, fed livestock, chopped wood, made preserves, jams, jellies, bread, pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, sewed, knitted, embroidered, crocheted, quilted, smocked, gardened vegetables and flowers.

In 1945, Donna Lee was born; in 1948, Carol Joan; in 1954, Wayne Lloyd and in 1956 Wendy Vera.

Joan belonged to many different organizations – the UCW (United Church Women), the WI (Women’s Institute), the WA (Women’s Association) and the True Blues of the Glen. She was the District President of the WI as well as a leader for the 4-H Club in Rutherglen. She won so many ribbons and prizes at the Bonfield Fair, she was able to buy most of her 12-place setting bone china and silverware from the prize money.

Lloyd and Joan attended church regularly; square danced at every opportunity and played cards with many friends.

In 1968, with the help of Bessie’s husband, Harry McLaren, Lloyd got a job at the Ontario Mental Health Centre in Porcupine, Ontario as a Stationery Engineer.  So with Joan, Wayne and Wendy, they left farm life behind and moved to Porcupine. Joan found a job at the Golden Mile Restaurant as a short-order cook. Later she worked at Woolworth’s department store where she headed the Notions Department for many years. During this time she made many friends and joined a bowling league. To her already bulging skillset, she added découpaging, copper tooling and ceramics. She loved anything crafty – making something out of nothing. When the hospital finally closed, Lloyd was transferred to Gravenhurst.

That’s when Joan became an AVON Lady winning many awards including the Mrs. Albee award for top sales. After Lloyd’s retirement in 1982, they moved back to North Bay, buying a semi-detached home on Ferguson Street, the other semi being owned by Harry and Bessie. Together, Lloyd and Joan learned to curl, golf and play bridge.

Joan’s story parallels with Lloyd’s until his death from cancer in March of 1988. For all the long days, weeks and months he was in the hospital in Toronto, Joan was by his side. She stayed with their youngest daughter, Wendy. One year after Lloyd’s death, Joan sold their home on Ferguson Street in North Bay. Even though the memories within the home were all good ones, Joan sought to escape the pain and loneliness by buying a condominium on Main Street West. The pain became less with time, but the loneliness continued.

A year later, Joan sold their home on Ferguson Street to make a fresh start in a condominium on Main Street West. In 1991, Joan met an Austrian widower, Albin Miklautsch, at the Golden Age Club. They were married in September of 1992 and travelled to many places including Austria, Germany, Portugal and Hawaii.  Albin passed away in 2004 after a severe stroke.

Joan remained in North Bay, living at Marina Point and Empire Living Centre until 2016 when her memory began to deteriorate to the point where she couldn’t live alone.  Her daughter moved her to Muskoka Landing Long Term Care facility in Huntsville to be close to her.  Joan passed away surrounding by her children in October 2017.

Rutherglen

  • Alexander Cecil Pennell
    Family rumor was that Alexander Cecil Pennell was gassed during the war and this was the cause of his death, so its with no surprize there’s no mention of “gassed” in his death certificate..  It says coma due to diabetes. Included in his military records is how they were treating him with insulin and watching his diet. He is buried in Mount Pleasant cemetery at Ogleston’s Corners in Rutherglen.
  • Herb Gordon Pennell
  • Lester William Keech
    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).
  • George Mathew Pennell, Jr.
    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).
  • Cecil Francis James
    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. In 1950, Cecil was living in Kapuskasing, and later in New Toronto. He died February 12, 1959.
  • James Richard James
    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.
  • John Thomas Victor James
    John was born December 29, 1887 in Rutherglen, Ontario. He served in the 59th Battalion during World War I. He was a member of Branch 23 of the Royal Canadian Legion in North Bay where he received a 50-year pin. He was also a member of the Orange Lodge and a founding member of the Elk Lake Masonic Lodge No. 507. John also spent some time in jail and he worked for the ONR as an engineer. He married Annie Gertrude “Gerti” Smith, who was the daughter of Willard Smith and Mary Johnson on Rutherglen. Gerti was a widow, having… Read more: John Thomas Victor James
  • William James
    William was the son of Mary Ann Pennell and William James of Rutherglen, Ontario. William was born January 12, 1900 and served in World War I. He lived in Lac Vert, Sask, and died February 10, 1978 in Miracom, Sask.
  • History of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church
    St. Margaret’s, Rutherglen was built around 1855. In 1891, St. Margaret’s was entirely rebuilt after being blown down in a storm. The church was consecrated by Bishop Charles Hamilton on October 30, 1896. In 1951, construction of a new St. Margaret’s began and the church was consecrated by Bishop Robert Jefferson on July 6, 1952. The log frame of the old church was torn down and removed. St. Margaret’s is part of the parish of Mattawa. Source: http://archeion-aao.fis.utoronto.ca/ , March 9, 2009 St. Margaret’s Cemetery I tried to find out the full list of burials at St. Margaret’s Church. I… Read more: History of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church
  • Alexander Escar Pennell
    Alexander Pennell, b. 1892, son of George Matthew Pennell (Gramma Smith’s brother) and Charlotte Edmunds.  This Alex served 4 years in WW1 as a gunner.  He was severely wounded twice and sent to England where he met his future wife, Dorothy Rhodes, a nurse.  Alex worked as a Game Warden in Gravenhurst.  He had one child, Gabriel Pennell.  Alexander’s brother was Herb Pennell, who also served in WW1. Alexander Pennell’s brother, Richard William Pennell married Carrie Sullivan (Melvin’s sister). He was a Fireman. Their children were Walter Pennell and Austin Pennell. Then Richard married Mary Ellen Farmer (Aunt Hazel’s sister). … Read more: Alexander Escar Pennell
  • History of Rutherglen
    Squatters in Bonfield in the register of “Free Grants” under “The Free Grants + Homestead Act” Dated November 22, 1882 Richard Pennell (SR) (lot-26)(Conc 8&9) took claim 200 acres with 16 cleared, length of occupation 2 years, value at $400 Richard Pennell (JR) (lot-25)(Con-9) took claim 100 acres with 8 acres cleared, length occupation 2 years, valued at $200 The Railroad came through Rutherglen in fall 1879, Bonfield – January 1, 1879. First train to arrive in North Bay August 1882… I believe it would be safe to say the Pennells worked their way to Rutherglen by rail and took… Read more: History of Rutherglen
  • James Hone
    Throughout my childhood, I had no idea I was related to the Hones, much the same as I was totally naive to the fact I was related to Alice McLaren and her family. Yet I knew I was related to Alice’s sisters out west because I didn’t clue in that they were all siblings. Stupid. Alice and Kenny McLaren were always at all the family functions and I always wondered why. HOWEVER, the Hones were never at family functions. I guess once relatives get too many times removed, they stop being invited or an imaginary line is drawn. I seem… Read more: James Hone
  • Eliza “Liza” Jane Pennell (James)
    Liza was born September 8, 1872, in Horton Twp., Ontario, the first child of Richard and Rachel Pennell to be born in Canada. She married John “Jack” James, the brother of William C. James who married her sister Mary Ann. Liza lived in a small house right across the road from our farm in Rutherglen. Even though I never knew her, “Aunt Liza” was very much a part of my life and I explored her abandoned home many times. Liza died March 6, 1955 in a sanatorium in Gravenhurst, Ontario from tuberculosis. She is buried at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church… Read more: Eliza “Liza” Jane Pennell (James)
  • Mary Ann Pennell (James)
    Mary was born January 19, 1868 in Greenwich, England. She immigrated with her family on the S. S. Niger from Liverpool to Quebec City when she was only 3. She married William C. James of Rutherglen, who was the brother of John “Jack” James who married her sister Eliza. Mary died October 3, 1955 in North Bay, Ontario. The family gossip is that Mary and William “adopted” a daughter Mary. Mrs. McNeilly felt that Mary was overworking the adopted daughter, so took her from Mary and William to the United States. I have no idea is this is true or… Read more: Mary Ann Pennell (James)
  • Frances Ann Pennell (Smith)
    Frances was born May 15, 1865 in Land’s End, England, and would have celebrated her 6th birthday of the S. S. Niger when they immigrated from Liverpool, England to Quebec City. She married Reuben James Smith (not related to my Smiths), on October 22, 1882 in Renfew, Ontario. Reuben was the son of William and Catherine Smith. Reuben and Frances lived in Rutherglen for a short time in the house across the Trunk Road from the maple tree hill once owned by Richard and Rachel Pennell. Some may remember it as Carl and Millie Sullivan’s house. Frances and Reuben eventually… Read more: Frances Ann Pennell (Smith)
  • George Matthew Pennell, Sr.
    Born April 27, 1858, Lewisham Place, Kent, England, George immigrated with his family on the S. S. Niger on May 11, 1871. George married Charlotte Edmunds and lived in Rutherglen, Ontario. He died August 31, 1930 and is buried at St. Margaret’s Anglican Cemetery in Rutherglen. When Richard Pennell, James Hone and the Crew sisters made their way to Rutherglen, they brought their “children”, but Richard Jr. and George would have been in their 20’s, ready to have their own farms. George Pennell’s descendants are many and integral to the fabric of Rutherglen, Ontario. George was a short stout man… Read more: George Matthew Pennell, Sr.
  • Richard Pennell & Rachel Crew
    Rachel wanted to return to England after the Pennells and the Hones brickmaking business in Carlton Place failed. But, undeterred, Richard tried again by applying for a land grant in Bonfield Township at Rutherglen where they obtained crown land in approximately 1879. Richard loaded his family (now 6 children) into a sleigh and made his way in the middle of winter to his 200 acres. The original log house stood on the property until 1990, when it was dismantled by Jourgen Mohr who was planning to rebuild it in another location as a heritage house. To the best of my… Read more: Richard Pennell & Rachel Crew
  • Pennells, Crews & Hones – Canada
    As I posted in a Crew History, Tales and Truths, Bethnal Green was not a great place to live and everyone had a brickyard. Competition likely made eking out a living extremely difficult. Mortality rates were high and life expectancy rates were low. Rachel had lost a baby in 1863 and Eliza lost her last two babies in 1868 and 1870. Life expectancy was low. Of 1,632 deaths in 1839, 1,258 (77 per cent) were of ‘mechanics, servants, and labourers’, who had an expectancy of 16 years, 273 of tradesmen, with an expectancy of 26, and 101 of gentry and… Read more: Pennells, Crews & Hones – Canada
  • The Clothes Line Stand
    This picture is one that I had developed from a box of negatives that I found in the old Pennell home in Rutherglen.  This clothesline stand is a big memory for me and was still there beside the porch door when we moved from house in 1968.  Although I can’t make out her face well, I’m assuming this is my grandmother, Alice Pennell. This stand was Buster’s (our family dog) summer home.  Off to the left, you can see someone on a ladder, likely picking apples from the small crab apple tree that was beside the house.  It was to… Read more: The Clothes Line Stand
  • Rutherglen 1901
  • Rutherglen 1891 Census – Partial
  • Rutherglen Rural Telephone Company
    February 17, 2012 – Email to Bell Canada from me. Hello, On February 10, 1921, my grandfather A. W. Smith bought 22 shares at $5.00 each in the Rutherglen Rural Telephone Company, Limited (Ontario).  This rural telephone company would have been bought by Bell Telephone. What happened to these shares?  Are they still valid? Thank you for looking into this for me. Wendy Smith February 20, 2012 Email from investor.relations@bell.ca Good afternoon! Thank you for your email.  No, those old certificates are no longer valid.  Bell bought hundreds of rural companies 40-50 years ago.  In most cases, shareholders received their… Read more: Rutherglen Rural Telephone Company
  • Nide and his Children
    “Rutherglen – in front of the farm house before it was sheeted in. Taken in 1915.”  Dad, born in 1917,  isn’t in the picture of course. Aunt Edna said that was a big deal as every time he saw the picture, he’d get angry because he thought he was in the house and no one called him out for the picture. This house would be our farm house.  The thin sapling behind Aunt Edna’s shoulder became a huge lovely tree that shaded and cooled the back yard on hot summer days. L-R: Chester, Georgina, Grampa, Elmo, Vera, Gramma, Emmett and… Read more: Nide and his Children
  • Rahill Red Lake Mining Company Limited
    From Wayne: “Billy Hill got some money from Grandpa.  He was famous at the dances in Rutherglen because he would [become intoxicated] and step dance like crazy up on the stage.  Last time I saw him was at the Orange Lodge and he fell off the stage.  He sure could step dance.  He lived between Jackson’s gas station and Westley Rose’s grandma’s in a tiny house.”
  • A. W. Smith Memorabilia
    My Dad had a lot of memorabilia from my Grandfather and I also was able to save some from my Uncle Emmett’s home as he inherited it from his parents. These are receipts from 1942 when my Grandfather sold cattle.
  • Gas Coupons
    When I found these, I wondered how Grampa Smith got the gas he would have needed to run his tractor.  But I then remembered that he likely used his team of horses.  In my memory, Dad had a team of horses – Duke & Bess – and only later had a tractor. However, in my wondering thoughts, I did found this on the internet: “If you were employed in a factory that supported the war effort, you were issued a “B” card, while doctors, nurses, farm and construction workers, and mail employees were issued a “C” card, each of which… Read more: Gas Coupons
  • Our Farm
    We moved from the farm in 1968.  Its hard to believe I was close to being 12 years old – I seemed so much younger. This is my “childhood” memory of the layout of the farm.  Aunt Liza’s (Eliza Pennell) house is no longer there and our house burnt to the ground some years after we moved.  The “Pioneer Baby Graves” (“Indian Baby Graves”) were not graves – that’s just what Dad said they were.  They were just different shaped mounds.   Wayne built a fabulous tree house in the Forest (bottom right).  The “Lamb Pasture Hill” (bottom centre) was the… Read more: Our Farm
  • Living in Rutherglen
    Introductory Memory from Wayne of the fields in front of the house: I can close my eyes and visualize just about any part of the farm. Its all still there. Getting a little foggy but still in pretty good shape. So let’s take a look at the front fields… On the left I see hay which also called timothy. It blows in the wind like waves on the ocean. In the middle on the field there was a rock with a sharp edge on the top of it. Dad had Fielding McLaren dig it out one year. There is a… Read more: Living in Rutherglen
  • Lloyd George Smith
    Lloyd was born June 17, 1917 to Adoniram Smith and Alice Pennell in Rutherglen, Ontario. He married my mother, Joan Gallson, on June 25, 1943 and they had 4 children. Dad died March 30, 1988. My Dad learned how to farm from his Dad. He went to a one-room school house, very close to our farm until grade 8. When Mom and Dad were first married, they lived with Dad’s parents until Mom was pregnant with my oldest sister Donna. Then Mom pushed Dad to look for a home of their own. My Grandparents actually considered building another house on… Read more: Lloyd George Smith
  • Vera Myrtle Smith (Hughes)
    Vera was born April 14, 1910 and died October 11, 1951. Vera married Cyril Hughes in August 1950 and October 11 the following year, died of complications surrounding childbirth. Mom told me that they received news that a baby boy was born, and both mother and child were well. The story then says that Vera was left alone and hemorrhaged. I was told that Vera was a very warm and caring person. When her brother, Elmo, was killed March 1950, Vera made many trips to his widow and children, bringing clothes and food.
  • Chester Warner Smith
    Chester was born July 16, 1908 and died October 17, 2001. He married Hazel Farmer. They had no children, the reason being (I was told) Chester had mumps as an older youth/man and was infertile. Hazel always called Uncle Chester, “Ches”, and she’s the only person that I remember calling him that. Their farm was right next (behind) to our farm. His farm was the original farm owned by Willard Smith, Grampa’s step-brother. Uncle Chester and Aunt Hazel treated farming like a business, not a hobby. They invested in machinery that would give them better returns on their sweat and… Read more: Chester Warner Smith
  • Elmo Adoniram Smith
    Born January 3, 1907, Elmo was the 2nd child of Adoniram and Alice Smith. He married Marie Transborg and had 6 surviving children. In 1950, when the youngest, Danny, was only 2 years old, Elmo died in a farming accident. His wake was held at Andy Green’s house.
  • Edna Eliza Smith (Ollivier)
    Daughter of Adoniram “Nide” Warner Smith and Alice Maria Pennell. Born May 17, 1905 in Rutherglen, Nipissing, Ontario, Canada. Died Feb 14, 1994 in North Bay,Nipissing Dist., ON, Can (88 years, 8 months). Married Clifford Charles Ollivier Jan 10,1928 in Rutherglen, Nipissing, Ontario, Canada. Edna was baptized into St. Margaret’s Anglican Church by the Rev. Gordon Postlethwaite.She was the only child of Nide and Alice Smith to complete high school and continue toreceive her Teaching Certificate. One of her first positions was likely in Earlton, ON. Shecould also play piano. When Vera Hughes (Smith) died after giving birth, Edna and… Read more: Edna Eliza Smith (Ollivier)
  • Alice Maria Pennell
    It seems strange to say that I don’t have a lot of information about my Grandmother Smith. There were certainly lots of people in my life who knew her well. Most of what I know came from my mother who did not get along with her and didn’t have many good memories of her. Alice was born April 5, 1876 in Horton Twp., Ontario. She married Adoniram Warner Smith April 13, 1904 in Rutherglen. She became a large woman as her children were born, but developed diabetes in her later years and lost her excess weight. I was born in… Read more: Alice Maria Pennell
  • Emmett Richard Smith
    Emmett was born January 27, 1915, Rutherglen, Ontario and died March 24, 1990. He was the 2nd youngest son of Adoniram and Alice Smith. In the summer, Uncle Emmett helped Dad in running the farm as much as he could.  He’d often drive over his tractor to pull the plow or the seeder or the rake. While using the bailor, Dad and Uncle Emmett would take turns either driving the tractor or pulling the bails off the bailor and stacking them on the wagon.
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