The House at 180 Henry Street Carleton Place – John Armour

A little Carleton Place history. Life in early 20th century was not easy and filled with disappointments. This is one example. Two out of six children survived to an old age.

This house today is located at 180 Henry Street in Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. This is history of just one family of occupants.

On June 26, 1890, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 30 year old Robert Armour (b. August 17, 1860 Edenvale, County Antrim, Ireland – d. 1945, Carleton Place) married Jessie McNeely (b. Circa 1854 Lanark, Ontario – d. 1950 Carleton Place). They resided at this house. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad shops in Carleton Place.

Their household children were:

William “Willie” John Armour (b. August 21, 1890 – d. August 12, 1911) Died as a result of an accident, age 20 – photo holding axe and death certificate.

Robert “Robbie” Armour (b. April 25, 1893 – d. November 7, 1914) – Tuberculosis death age 21 (young child photo)

Walter Armour (b. May 1, 1895 – d. May 15, 1980)

Charles James Armour (b. May 26, 1898 – d. May 20, 1975)

Jessie Armour (b. November 26, 1901 – d. November 26, 1901)
Mary Ellen Armour (b. November 26, 1901 – d. November 29, 1901)

Births and funerals were most commonly carried out at home. The deaths (4 total – 2 boys and twin infant girls) would have been “waked” probably in the front parlour of the house (see death certificate for William).

They are all buried in Pine Grove/United Cemeteries, Carleton Place.

Thank you John Armour for all you do — you are amazing!

There is nothing like logging into Facebook and seeing someone has sent photos. Thanks Justin McNeely– Couple of old photos of the house at 180 Henry Street.

Related reading