The House on the Hill — Up the 8th Line of Ramsay — Jaan Kolk Files

It began with a question to the Lanark County Genealogical Society— Chris Michie asked: “Is there any information on the old house in the bush at the corner of Camelon road and Ramsey concession #8??”

James Scott was listed as a carriage and buggy manufacturer– was this his home at the bottom of the hill? Some people call this the tannery.

Dawn Jones– The Clappertons resided in this house in the 70’s. Ian was his name. His first wife was a teacher of home economics at Naismith. I was sure that he and second wife still lived there. I always thought the Tannery was the school house as that is what we called it. The school house is owned by the MacPherson family

Jaan Kolk That is, I think, in the NW corner of Ramsay Conc. VIII, lot 16. The 1879 Belden Atlas marks a carriage shop at about that location. James Scott, listed as a carriage manufacturer, owned lot 16 in concession VII across the road. Here is crop from the Atlas.

I presume The Tannery references the tannery marked in the 1879 Belden atlas. As James Scott was listed as a carriage and buggy manufacturer, it would have made sense for him to have a tannery as well.

Ottawa historian Jaan Kolk tried to help, and our local historical gal Jennifer E. Ferris contributed greatly to try and find out who owned the former home.

I felt like I was standing back in time as I walked up the hill accentuated with fences from a time gone by.

The house was not hard to spot, but had the trees been in full foliage. A clear view might have been difficult.

Jennifer E Ferris—1863 map Ramsay twp. Possibly R. Yule with a wee line drawn to the lower box. There is a Robert Yuill on land record at that time on 3/4 of an acre.

It was a house that appeared to have long been empty. The house seemed to be standing on memory alone.

Imperfection is still beautiful, and all I wanted to do is paint sunlight on the side of the door.

Jennifer E Ferris I remember someone living there when I was younger. They had a dog that would bark when you went by on a bike. It looked run down then.

So what can you tell us about this home?

Brian Munro —The last resident’s grandson lives in house behind it

When you turn off the main road you have to expect things you would not see every day. These signs were a few feet down the road

Deb Knapton I believe that belonged (belongs) to Barr’s who built the bungalow across the road and whose family built the split level on the same property just ahead up Camelon. I think there used to be a sign on the property placed by the historical society. There were several right at that corner (Leckie’s Corners), pretty sure they have all disappeared.

Photo Jennifer E Ferris-1863 map Ramsay twp

Jo Camelon There was a Camelon family cemetery near there I think.

Thanks to Jaan Kolk and Jennifer E. Ferris for helping out!

Ramsay Township Settler list click here

Clipped from

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 andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)