McLaren Left it All to the McLeod Sisters–His Maids!

 

Daniel McLaren was William Muirhead’s uncle, the brother of his mother Agnes. He also was  a bachelor and very well to do. Mary McLeod and her sister Isabella were Daniel’s housekeepers and apparently upon his death when his will was read; he had left his estate to the McLeod sisters.

Christina/Christena Muirhead took the sisters to court and was successful in recovering all the real estate and chattels. All the McLeod sisters were left with after the court case were a bunch of blankets. Lawyers argued that it was a scene that had played over and over countless times  throughout the years. An old man verging on senility had the “wool blankets” pulled over his eyes by a couple of conniving and unscrupulous attendants.

These two sisters did not stop there. They also spread rumours that Christina/Christena Muirhead had poisoned her husband and then had her accused of murder. The trial was in Perth and upon opening statement the judge said to the lawyer,

“These two sisters say they heard you said that William Muirhead died from poisoning!”

The doctor quickly answered,

“I did say that- it was poisoning from the infection following a leg amputation, but not poison given to him by anyone!”

The case was immediately dismissed.

Next story: Life in Beckwith

 

 

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

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.

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  28 Apr 1887, Thu,  Page 3

 

 

Christena McEwen– The Belle of Beckwith Part 1 -“The Woodcocks”

Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

Was a Boldt Castle Boathouse Once in our Midst? See the Home of the Daphne!

He Hailed from Carleton Place– Harold Box– The Forgotten Scientist?

“Bossin’ Billy” McEwen Muirhead –Box family