McFarlanes –Stewart’s Fire– and Other Things in Ashton

Donna McFarlane sent me this note yesterday:

“Sometime before 1874 the old log house across from the mill pub in Ashton was a hotel or stopping place operated by Donald McFarlane. I noticed that it was now restored to log.. Donald’s son William later opened a hotel at Youngs Point”.

So I am looking for information about the hotel. If anyone knows anything or has heard stories- leave comments, PM me, or send me an email sav_77@yahoo.com

 

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  15 Apr 1887, Fri,  Page 3

 

Meanwhile I found this..

 

In the old days the more outside buildings you owned around your home or farm- the more prosperous you were.  Or people thought you were. The complex at the old McFarlane farm in Ashton as it came to be known consisted of many log buildings scattered around the property.

The first building was a log shanty, and they threw it together quickly because they had too. Those buildings were the one with the large spaces between the logs that blew in the cold air in the winter. However, those shantys grew too small for growing families, so they were abandoned and usually a new frame house was built until the ultimate home could be achieved. That would be a stone home–meaning: they were now at the top of the heap in prosperity and social stature.

The McFarlane’s finally added a stone home to their complex and it had everything from the newel posts at the bottom of the stairs to the square fanlight and side lights. These were all the signatures of a master builder. But, it is the outbuildings that are a fascinating part of this farms history to me. Small medium and large log buildings frame the vista of meadows, flower and vegetable gardens making it a rich overall feel of rural contentment.

The Crown deeded the property to James McFarline in 1828. Similar to a lot of misspellings in those days his last name was later changed to McFarlane. When he died in 1867 the farm was given to his children and in 1891 his eldest son, James McFarlane was listed as the owner. James Lorne McFarlane was the last of the family dynasty to own the property obtaining the title in 1949.

In 1966 the McFarlane family ceased owning the property.

 

Updates from Donna McFarlane– Thanks Donna!

The comments in the article above are not all accurate as the information was given by the owner at the time of the open house.

The farm lot 24 conc 10 was settled by James Mcfarlane in August of 1820

and settlement duties completed it was deeded in 1828. After his death

his youngest son James bought out his siblings (Catherine Drummond, Grace

Mccuan, Ann,Elizabeth,Janet, Martha and William) and retained this

property. James sr also owned Lot 23 conc 9 Beckwith which oldest son

William bought his siblings out and retained.

The log home was burnt and replaced by the stone home. The small two

storey log home that was used by the Mcfarlanes for a hen house was

actually moved by Lorne from lot 25 conc 10 (property that Lorne owned)

In Feb 7 1964 the properties were deeded to John Mcfarlane with Lorne and

Gladys having a life interest however because the farm could not support

two families John went to work off farm and it was sold.

Donald of Ashton and James of Beckwith and William of Goulbourn were

three brothers from Comrie Perthshire Scotland.

 

 

Joseph Arthur Mcfarlane who was dean of medicine at

U of T was born on the Gordon Bourne property that his father Joseph son

of William of Goulbourn owned. He attended the Derry School.–Donna McFarlane

Ashton Choir no idea of year–I’d say 50s??

Photos sent to me by Donna McFarlane

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  19 Feb 1897, Fri,  Page 5

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  10 Mar 1945, Sat,  Page 18

 

Mary Jane was daughter of Donald of Ashton.. the other was granddaughter of James of Beckwith–Donna McFarlane

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  03 Jan 1929, Thu,  Page 22

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  10 Feb 1900, Sat,  Page 7

 

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ Mamas (USA)

 

Related reading:

 

The Ghost of the Lanark County Old Log Cabin

Home and Garden Before Home and Garden Magazine