Colonel Dr. George E Kidd |
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If you did not go on our LCGS Bus Tour of Beckwith Township or have read the book “The Story of the Derry” by Dr. G. E. Kidd you did not hear about the strange man named Patmos who along with his family settled on 220 acres of Beckwith swampy land. But–when they arrived, or when they left, or where they went, is not known.
Why did the Beckwith locals give the man the name of Patmos? Was it because of some religious indication? Long ago the apostle named John found himself “on the island called Patmos” which is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. On account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” While “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day,” he heard a loud voice instruct him to “write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” What John saw and wrote has become the most influential — and controversial — vision in the history of Christianity. Was Patmos of Beckwith a holy man also, and is that is why they called him by that name?
It was said Patmos lived a life of isolation and loneliness as the summer months was cut off by the waters of the swamp. One can only assume his year’s supplies and his cattle managed during the winter months. Historical documents say that his daughter died and he carried her lifeless body through the swamp and across a section of the river to have a proper burial at the church he wanted her to have the proper rites at the Church of Kirk.
So why did the early settlers call this mysterious man Patmos who lived on the only grassy knoll in a small clearing with a few wild plum trees? Word is only a few odd stones show the remainder of a foundation where a home and a family lived on a rough passing trail.
Perth Courier, Sept. 12, 1946
Dr. George E. Kidd of Vancouver was a recent visitor to Carleton Place. He is the author of a series of stories in the Carleton Place Canadian entitled “The Derry” relating to the history of Beckwith Township and in last week’s the 14th chapter, which told of the Kid Farms was printed as follows:
“At the time of his death in 1851 this lot—Lot 21—was owned by John Kidd who, coming to Canada from Ireland in 1818, had located on its east half. He was then a young man 20 years of age. He had married in Ireland but his wife had died, either at sea or immediately after landing on the Canadian side. She left a baby boy who was placed by his father in the care of a foster mother in Quebec city. Two years later, John had made a home for himself and went back to claim his son. They returned by boat to Richmond Landing and from here the father walked through the woods carrying the child. The boy’s name was Andrew and he later settled in Huron County.”
“John Kidd was accompanied to Canada by his father Andrew Kidd, his mother Jane (whose maiden name was Kilfoyle) together with three brothers and four sisters, all of whom were younger than himself. The names of these were as follows: Thomas, Andrew, George, Mary (Mrs. Leeson), Jane (Mrs. Shirley), Betsey (Mrs. Mills) and Sarah (Mrs. Kilfoyle).”
“When John decided to clear a farm for himself in the newly created township of Beckwith, his father chose to take the remainder of the young family to Montague which was by this time well settled. Some of Andrew’s descendents still reside here but for the most part they are scattered over Canada.”
“Some years after the deceased of his first wife John Kidd remarried. His second wife was Margaret Garland, daughter of John Garland. They had been neighbors in Ireland and in Canada we find them living on adjoining farms. Together, John and Margaret walked over the 20 mile bush trail to Perth for the wedding ceremony. They had a family of 14 children named as follows: Thomas, the eldest who married Mary Ann Leach and lived first in North Gower Township and later in Renfrew County; John who married Betsey Gibson and settled for a time in western Ontario but later moved to Saskatchewan; George who was drowned while crossing a river in a lumbering area; William who married Leonora McGrath of Fergus and became inspector of schools for Kingston; Eli who married Jeanette McKea of Franktown and moved to Huron County; Wesley who was a wanderer and was lost sight of; and Richard who married Ann Edwards
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ 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.
The Case of the Bell that Disappeared
What’s in Your Home? — Weird Things in My House
The Dacks and the Mysterious Old Anchor
The Floating Bridge of Carleton Place — Found!
The Writing on the Wall Disappeared but the Memories Don’t
Maybe We Should Film Oak Island in Carleton Place? The Day the Money Disappeared
The Carleton Place House That Disappeared
The Old Woman Who Walked From Perth?
The Strange Disappearance of Bertha Sumner of Carleton Place
The Man of the Walking Dead of Maberly
I have been writing about downtown Carleton Place Bridge Street for months and this is something I really want to do. Come join me in the Domino’s Parking lot- corner Lake Ave and Bridge, Carleton Place at 11 am Saturday September 16 (rain date September 17) for a free walkabout of Bridge Street. It’s history is way more than just stores. This walkabout is FREE BUT I will be carrying a pouch for donations to the Carleton Place Hospital as they have been so good to me. I don’t know if I will ever do another walking tour so come join me on something that has been on my bucket list since I began writing about Bridge Street. It’s always a good time–trust me.
Are You Ready to Visit the Open Doors?
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lindaseccaspina 