Throughout the county increased reliance on the market to provide goods and services encouraged growth in rural craft and retail activities. Essential to the rural economy, both retailers and craftsmen were widespread within and central to life in rural communities.
As many as forty or fifty per cent of households were supported by craft or trading activities and craftsmen such as carpenters, shoemakers and tailors comprised a significant proportion of village populations. Shops formed an important link to the world of goods, supplying a range of non-local wares to an ever more sophisticated set of consumers.
In memory of shoemaker Thomas Wilson from Lanark Village
February 28 1908– Almonte Gazette
Many Almonte friends heard with surprise arid sorrow of the tragically sudden death of Mr. Thomas Wilson, shoemaker, of Lanark Village, last Friday evening. Mr. Wilson, who was about 55 years of age, had been in his usual good health, had done a good day’s work, and was reading in his home in the evening. His daughter went to the kitchen a few minutes after seeing him reading, and stumbled over the prostrate body of her father, who had practically dropped dead while on his way to the kitchen for a drink.
The deep and general regret of the community was shown at the’ funeral on Tuesday,
the cortege being a long one. The A.O.U.W. and I.O .F . attended in a body, Mr. Wilson having been an enthusiastic member of both orders.He was genial, warm-hearted citizen, and his death creates quite a blank in the community in which he spent all his life. The widow and family have the general sympathy in their sudden bereavement
5832-82 (Lanark Co): Thomas WILSON, 29, shoe maker, Lanark, same, s/o Thomas & Agnes, married Mary Ann O’MARA, 30, Cumberland – Russell Co., Lanark, d/o John & Julia, witn: Duncan McLAREN of Lanark, 14 April 1882 at Lanark
Wilson Cemetery, by Jean Steel (doesn’t seem to be related to Thomas)
Situated on the East and West halves of lots 13 & 14 in the 12th concession of Lanark Township, there once stood the Wilson family burying site. For many years, it deteriorated through neglect into a state of disrepair, and many of the fine old stones became flaked and broken. In September 1972, the remaining nine stones were removed, restored and placed in the Robertson family cemetery, concession 1, lot 15, Ramsay Township, as many of the pioneers buried there were interrelated.
The earliest burial in the Wilson Cemetery seems to have been in 1869. According to an obituary from the Almonte Gazette, Eliza Wilson, relative of the late John Kellough of Ramsay, who died in November, 1901, may have been the last body interred in that spot.
By the removal of the stones from Wilson’s to Robertson’s cemetery we see a fine example of family and interested friends co-operating in an effect to preserve a substantial portion of the history of the area. Let us hope many more are motivated to follow their example.
Wilson Burial Site
Lot 13 & 14, Con 12, Lanark Township.
Burials – 1869 to 1889 CLICK HERE
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)
Famous Local Shoemakers
He died June 12, 1905.
No. 5 Company (Carleton Place) 41st Brockville Battalion of Rifles:
From left to right: James Storey, William Dack, Donald Stewart, William Duff, Patrick Tucker.
“The volunteers then marched up to the Victoria Square, where the Brigade was drawn up in square of close column and the proceedings and sentence of a Court Martial on Corporal Patrick Tucker of the Carleton Place (C.W.) Rifles were read by Assistant Adjutant General George Smith. The offence proved in this case was gross insubordination. These Photos are courtesy of the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Thanks Jennifer!
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)
What Does Regal Spell Backwards? Allan’s Shoe Store
Did The Bootleggers in Lanark County Wear Cow Shoes?
James Watson– Bigamy and Shoes
Lanark County Shoe Socials? A Past Fetish or Party Game?
Bristol Stomp Shoes by Charles Jay
These Boots Were Made for Walkin’ 1905
lindaseccaspina 