Oh Those Crazy Old Family Tales…

I saw this on Gary Box’s Facebook page and I just had to share it.

Back sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s my father took us to see the local family farm in White Lake. The story goes that the house and property were to be given to the community upon the death of a family member who owned the house. However when that occurred, an Aunt Violet was living in the house at the time and was so angry that she blew the house up.

I don’t have all the facts so I don’t really know the whole story, but I do know that the house I saw way back then was nothing more than a heap of rocks! Somewhere, a brother perhaps, has the photos that we took when we visited at the time.

Violet survived the blast as she was outside when it happened. This is information from my Dad, Keith. Family members got together to re-construct it for Centennial year. I always thought my family was the only crazy one until I heard that.  And that is why my family fondly refers to her as Aunt Voilent.

There is a photo of her and her hair which was a couple of metres ( yards) long. She never cut it and her picture is at the Waba Museum.

It’s True Gary!!!!! Jean McGill– a Pioneer History of Lanark County

Archibald Laird of McNab

Archibald 13th Laird of McNab was born about 1781 at Bouvain, Glen Dochart, Scotland. In 1816, when his illustrious Uncle Francis, 12th Laird of McNab, died without a legitimate heir, Archibald inherited the title of Chief along with insurmountable debts upon the family estate. In 1822, he fled from his creditors and came to Canada, where other members of the Clan McNab had already settled. (Sir Allan Napier McNab, Prime Minister of Canada from 1854 to 1856, was his first cousin.)

Soon after his arrival in Upper Canada, the government appointed Archibald administrator of a township. He promised to settle it with Highland clansmen, hoping the scheme would enable him to return to Scotland to regain his possessions. His first Scottish settlers arrived in 1825. Archibald ruled with an iron fist. It took 18 years of peaceful resistance, petitions, court battles and legal maneuvers to oust the only feudal lord that English Canada has ever seen.

In 1835, Archibald had a small stone house erected on the shores of White Lake. Here he lived for a number of years with his common-law wife Catherine Fisher, their son Allan, and their daughter Kitty. The Laird returned to Britain in 1852; Catherine remained in the house until her death in the 1870s. Their daughter Violet married Alexander Box — hence the name “Box House”.

Later the house became the property of Violet Box. It had fallen to disrepair, and efforts were made to have the historic building restored. However, on April 12, 1936, the owners demolished it with a few sticks of dynamite. In 1967, the Box family donated the ruins and 8 acres of surrounding lakefront property to the township. The McNab Centennial Committee built a replica of Archibald’s house, using some of the original stone. The hearthstone from one of the two old fireplaces became the threshold. Archibald Corry McNab, who had then assumed the Chiefship of the Clan, laid the cornerstone of the new building in 1967. The rebuilt Waba Cottage opened to the public as a museum on June 26, 1968.

 

Prologue to Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

 

A Time of its Own– The Mystery Photo

The Short but Illustrious Life of Dr. Daniel Muirhead

What Was it Like Living in Beckwith 1800s? Christina McEwen Muirhead

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

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

 

 

 

Photo- Gary Box

Jean McGill– a Pioneer History of Lanark County

Violet Box

Prologue to Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

 A few Months ago I wrote  Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box and today I found the story before the story they say.

In October of 1890 Duncan and James sat on the steps of the father’s farmhouse just a few  miles from the small village of White Lake, Ontario. It was a beautiful day in Renfrew County and both boys watched the cows and horses graze in a field nearby while they discussed their future.

After their father married Ellen McLachlan their father Alexander (Alec) Box found out that the soil of their 200 year-old farm was rich sandy loam perfect for the growing of potatoes. In fact their potatoes were so in demand locally that customers flocked to the farm and  potatoes were bagged, loaded, and paid for on the spot by many eager buyers.

You would think that Duncan and James would be content with inheriting the farm but Duncan brought up conversation mentioning to James that there was no future for them in White Lake other than being potatoe farmers.

Duncan lamented that their friends were out west in Manitoba and he just didn’t want them to end up like their friend Lal, living alone trying to raise prize beef. He did not want his future to be a hillbilly existence and wanted to be rich as if you didn’t have money you were going to go nowhere but the shores of White Lake.

They both realized their siblings would stick around and one of them would take the farm over some day, and it was time for the both of them to leave. Their friend Tom was in Edmonton prospecting for gold in Peace River country and Duncan thought that was the life for the both of them– oil and prospecting.

Duncan wanted to know how much James had in the Arnprior Bank and James said he didn’t have a dime. When Duncan expressed surprise James told him he hadn’t liked the face of the new manager so he had taken his $ 300 out of there and put it under his mattress. Between the two of them they had $700, so they decided to leave immediately.

When their father Alec heard of their plan he wasn’t surprised but he hated to see them go. Strong good-looking boys, they had been hard workers on the farm and never given their parents any trouble. As they stood on the steps saying good bye a few days later their Mother expressed concern that she might never see them again. When they shook their father’s hand in farewell they found a few dollars in their hands.

Next the boys arrive in Winnipeg….

 

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)

 

 

Photos by Gary Box

This is the house my great great grandfather John Ambrose Box built and farmed in White Lake and is now a museum complete with a log school, small log home and log church all moved on to the property when the town took over. The church and school house were constructed in 1868…..at least that is what is indicated over the doors of each building. In fact, I was told that the school was used until 1967. He also ran the General Store. The herb and flower gardens are magnificent. White Lake is about 30 miles from Carleton Place.

 

 

 

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)

 

 

A Time of its Own– The Mystery Photo

 

The Short but Illustrious Life of Dr. Daniel Muirhead

What Was it Like Living in Beckwith 1800s? Christina McEwen Muirhead

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

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

 

The Short but Illustrious Life of Dr. Daniel Muirhead

 

McGill Montreal 1890

 

Daniel Muirhead entered McGill University in Montreal in 1885. In 1899 he graduated with an M.D. in medicine and became house surgeon at the Montreal General and Maternity Hospital 1889-1890. He served for sometime as a ship’s doctor and finally settled into private practice in Carleton Place.

On July 19, 1912 he journeyed with Norman Cram in his new top heavy Ford Runabout to visit with one of his regular patients. While attempting to pass a farmer hauling a load of hay on a small hill Dr. Dan’s front wheels caught in a rut on the rough North Gower road. His car toppled over and he was instantly killed at 46 years of age. (newspaper article says age 50)

To quote the Carleton Place Canadian from July 25, 1912:

“Quiet,skilled to an unusual degree, beloved by every person who ever met him, a valiant conqueror in a sick room–his loss is personal to all and a disaster to his profession, his town, and his country. His mother, sister and brother  W.J. survive him.”

 

 

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  24 Jul 1912, Wed,  Page 3

 

 

 

 

Brother William married Mary Gillies and took over the family home from his mother who had moved to another house she owned close by. Later on she went to live with her daughter Mrs. R.E. Box. Bill, as he was known as owned and operated a hardware store on Bridge Street in Carleton Place. He was a gentlemen, a school trustee and a leading citizen of Carleton Place, and at age 19 he became checker champion of Manitoba in an open competition.

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  03 Jan 1940, Wed,  Page 2

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  18 May 1901, Sat,  Page 7

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 Saga of a James Street Home— Christina McEwen Muirhead

What Was it Like Living in Beckwith 1800s? Christina McEwen Muirhead

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

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

The Lost Gilles Family Ephemera Rescued

 

The Saga of a James Street Home— Christina McEwen Muirhead

 

This is the home of my great grandparents Robert and Jemima Box.  Photo–Gary Box

 

Eventually Christina McEwen Muirhead moved to Carleton Place with her three children to a residence she owned in the town. The house stood on the south east corner of an otherwise vacant one acre lot. The lot was bounded on the West by William Street, on the East by Bell Street and on the South by James Street. The house was later to become the family home of William and his wife *Mary Gillies and their five children: Arnold, Eleanor,Ralph, Kenneth and Ida.

Years later when Christina’s daughter Mima (Mrs. R. E. Box) was married she was given a quarter acre lot on the South West corner (William and James). They built a large 5 bedroom brick home there in 1900. The wood trim in the house came from the family farm in White Lake. The timber logs were taken to nearby Waba, milled into the proper lumber and transported by horse and wagon to Carleton Place.

There is a beautiful oak stairway that leads to the upstairs and the dining room was panelled in oak, and very hard to come by “Bird’s Eye Maple”. The grandchildren were born in the James Street house, the funeral of Dr. Dan Muirhead, and Christina Muirhead died in this very home. Both the former Muirhead and Box homes still stand in Carleton Place and the trees planted with love from a bygone era still stand and are the lone witnesses to ongoing time.

 

Next-Dr. Dan (Dr. Daniel A. Muirhead)

 

 

 

 

*From the collection of Linda Seccaspina-Mary Gillies Muirhead posted this note on this death card.–The Lost Gilles Family Ephemera Rescued

 

*Jessie Comrie- Nurse to all the Muirhead children Death Notice–Mary Gillies Muirhead posted this note on this death card.–From the collection of Linda Seccaspina–The Lost Gilles Family Ephemera Rescued

 

 

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.

 

 

What Was it Like Living in Beckwith 1800s? Christina McEwen Muirhead

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

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

The Lost Gilles Family Ephemera Rescued

The Continuing Saga of Christena McEwen Muirhead—The McLaren Mill

 

Gillies McLaren Mill 1896 Carleton Place–Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

In our last instalment we left *Christena McEwen Muirhead with an unhappy marriage with enamoured William Muirhead. When William passed he appointed two executors of his estate: David Cameron and Donald McLaren. Christena was awarded guardianship of her three children, all minors, and she and David Cameron were authorized to sign a lease of lands and premises (the sawmill and mill site located in Carleton Place) to Peter McLaren of Perth.

The family never really knew the details, but  it seems either one or the other, or both of the executors, were accused of misappropriation of the funds of the estate– but the both of them ended up being dogged with very bad luck. Right or wrong, local rumours connected them both with dishonesty and family misfortune that followed.

In the November 18th 1887 Almonte Gazette there was a small article I found:

“It looks as if the Canada Lumber Co.— “Messrs. McLaren, Edwards & Co.—have made up their minds to allow their mills to remain in Carleton Place, as they purchased the site of the mills on Monday from the Muirhead estate, paying therefore the sum of $17,000”. 

In the family documents it reads that an agreement of sale took place with Christina Muirhead et all to the Canada Lumber Co. November 11, 1887 covering sales of lots 124 and 137 in Carleton Place. (lumber yard and sawmill) It would take effect on the expiration date of the lease to Peter McLaren which he assigned to the Canada Lumber Co. May 20,1890 for $15,000. In my research there is some discrepancy between the newspaper and the family documents on the price, which is typical for the newspapers of the times. They never took the time to check-it was all about getting those newspapers out no matter what was said.

In those days a sum of money like that was a lot of money. Christena Muirhead owned a considerable amount of real estate in Carleton Place inherited from her husband, William Muirhead’s estate, and also from his uncles and aunts.

The Box family historian, Eddie Box, noted that when his grandmother died she left $400 to each one of his siblings including him– but they never received a cent. The trust company went bankrupt and there was never any doubt that more of his grandmother’s money left in its care was also lost. So is the continuing the tale of poor Christena McLaren Muirhead from Beckwith and Carleton Place– and next time we follow her journey with Daniel McLaren and his housekeepers. That is a tale you don’t want to miss!

 

 

*Author’s Note

*Christena McEwen Muirhead- Christina’s name was spelled several ways in the documentation by Eddie Box–Christina and Christena. No wonder it is so hard to find things these days as the spelling of names was changed on a whim by those who really didn’t care to check the facts.

 

 

 

Eddie Box- Box family historian- Photo courtesy Box family

 

Gillies & McLaren

1866 – This town’s first large scale business had its start in 1866 with the opening of the Gillies & McLaren lumber mill with thirty employees.  James Gillies (1840-1909) came as its manager.  Five years later John Gillies (1811-1888), who had founded the firm in Lanark township, removed to Carleton Place.  Both remained here for life and were leaders in the town’s industrial growth.  James Gillies for over thirty five years was head of the later widespread lumbering operations of Gillies Brothers, a position occupied from 1914 to 1926 by his brother David Gillies (1849-1926) of Carleton Place.

1867-A new sawmill was built by the Gillies & McLaren firm to employ up to a hundred men.

In 1871, John Gillies sold his original mill, and home, in Lanark Township to John and James Herron8, and in 1873 he sold his share in the Gillies-McLaren holdings on the Mississippi River and at Carleton Place to his partner Peter McLaren for $330,000, about $6,270,000 in modern value.   The McLaren Company saw mill at Carleton Place employed 50 to 75 men depending upon the season –-Peter McLaren Ron Shaw

 

Bathurst Courier, November 26, 1852

Mr. Editor:  Having returned from California, and knowing you would like to have an account of my uncle, Alexander McLaren’s death, I take the liberty of writing you a few lines on the subject.

Sir, having arrived in California and having travelled around for some time, viewing the country, we at length directed our steps to one of the mining districts called Foster’s Bay, on the Yuba River, distant 32 miles from Marysville.  We had not been there eight days when I became unwell, being laid on a bed of sickness for 5 weeks, throughout this period my dear departed friend watched over me with more than a nurse’s care.

Providence was restoring me to my strength, but new troubles were awaiting me of which I was unconscious, for just as I got up from my bed of sickness for the first time, and being scarcely able to stand, he that was dearer to me than any other in that far foreign land, was visited with sickness, and frail as I was, Providence enabled me, in turn, to administer to all his wants, the same doctor that attended me (Dr. Fitch) attended him also, he used all of his endeavours to restore him again to health by administering to him medicines that he felt fitted his complaint and which he called inflammation of the bowels.  (Appendicitis)

But after having passed through a course of medicines, it had no affect whatever, the doctor being baffled in his attempts to restore him; called in another doctor for advice but by this time it was evident to me that the fell destroyer was fast gaining power over him, he gradually became weaker and weaker until, on the morning of the 7^th September, (the day on which he died on or about 12 noon), his breathing became more quick and heavy.

I had some conversation with him in the course of the morning and about ten minutes before he breathed his last, I put to him some questions which he answered satisfactorily, and proved a comfort to me in my weak state, and enabled me to believe he died putting his trust in God.  On the following day I was enabled with the help of a few friends to commit his body to the silent grave, where he now lies deeply lamented by his sorrowing and bereaved friends and where he will lie till the last loud trumpet shall sound to awake us to our judgment. He having been personally acquainted with you and with others in your immediate neighbourhood I seek to add no more.

Yours truly, William Muirhead, Beckwith, November 16, 1852

Perth Courier, February 26, 1864

Birth, in Beckwith, on Saturday the 13^th inst., Mrs. Wm. Muirhead of a son.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  31 Mar 1887, Thu,  Page 3

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  17 Mar 1887, Thu,  Page 1

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  12 Oct 1887, Wed,  Page 1

Perth Courier, January 29, 1904

 

 

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)

 

 

“Bossin’ Billy” McEwen Muirhead –Box family

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

 

Dr. Eddie Box- grandson of The Belle of Beckwith-photo courtesy Box family

 

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

 

Now if you remember the story I wrote, The Belle of Beckwith, Christena McEwen was an outspoken lass, and now the time had come for her to wed.  Suitor William Muirhead was known in the area as “a well to do man” no questions asked and Christena’s Mother favoured the match with Muirhead. Love triumphed for William, but alas not for poor Christena.  In the stories told by Eddie Box later on, dear Christena ran back home a few times to Mum and Dad once she was married. From all facts told, it was not a happy marriage.

One would say a major factor was that William was 28 years older than dear Christena, similar to the marriage we read about yesterday between Gavin Lindsay and Elizabeth Cumming.  When she resided at the marital home ‘Bossin’ Billy’ as Christena was known, and her husband made the War of the Roses look tame. Grandson Eddie Box could never swallow those facts about his dear Grandmother as he said she was always good natured and agreeable. In fact she was more than agreeable he said– she was just like Whistler’s Mother when she sat in her rocking chair in the kitchen when he visited.

Eddie admitted she didn’t have the push and fire of his very own Mother, but she was definitely prophetic. When Eddie said goodbye to her at her Carleton Place home to go to dental school in Toronto his Grandmother looked at him and said,

“Who knows we may never see each other again!”

She was right they never did.

“Bossin Billy” aka Christena  McEwen Muirhead died in her Carleton Place home in November  of 1924.

 

 

 

 

Christina McEwen (Muirhead)

Immediate Family:
Daughter of John Newcome McEwen and Christina McEwen
Wife of William Muirhead
Mother of William John Muirhead; Jemima Muirhead and Daniel Muirhead
Sister of Catherine McEwen; John McEwen; Isabella McEwen; Mary McEwen; Janet McEwen; Margaret McEwen and Hugh McEwen

 

William Muirhead

Birthdate: 1812 (58)
Death: Died October 12, 1870
Immediate Family:
Husband of Christina McEwen
Father of William John Muirhead; Jemima Muirhead and Daniel Muirhead

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.

 

 

 

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?

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

Christena  was the daughter John Newcombe and as Ed Box wrote these notations he made this remark:

As I write this there is a notation on fly leaf which reads:

To Miss Christena McEwen

For having so accurately repeated Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians in the Sabbath School

Beckwith, May 19, 1861

 

In the last days of her life my Grandmother lived out her last days at our home in Carleton Place. I can still see her as she frequently did, sitting in the comfort of her old red rocking chair in her kitchen reading the Bible before she went to bed.

 

• From the Aitkenhead Photo Collection–Photo 1 is Roy and a friend and Photo 2 is Roy and his father

One time when we were having lunch together my grandmother, my mother and Hughie and I mentioned Mr. Woodcock, owner of the town bakery. My mother said quite defiantly, “What a name,  I wouldn’t want a name like that!”

Without skipping a beat my Grandmother answered, “It could be worse!”

 

Everyone looked at her simultaneously and said, “What?”

She said,“Well it could have been woodpecker!”

 

Stories from the Box family from Carleton Place, White Lake, Prospect, Beckwith and the list goes on.

Remember if you have family stories you want to share with the LCGS please PM me or email me at sav_77@yahoo.com

 

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)

 

Wondrous! The Woodcock Bakery

Roy Woodcock Photo -Woodcock’s Bakery

Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

 

Gary and Leigh Box and family

I had the pleasure of meeting Gary and Leigh Box from Toronto along with our local belle Marion Giles McNeely the other day at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Museum. If you have never heard about the Box family from Carleton Place and White Lake etc. etc. —let me tell you they have quite the past. In fact so much so, I am going to share stories with you thanks to Gary and Leigh who were very kind to share their family memories.

Remember if you have family stories you want to share with the LCGS please PM me or email me at sav_77@yahoo.com

 

Gary Box Marion, Giles McNeely, and Leigh Box at the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum– May 2017

 

Please note that this is only a fraction of this story about the Box’s from White Lake– As they say, “The best is yet to come!” Stay tuned!

 

The History

The Second Matabele War, also known as the Matabeleland Rebellion or part of what is known in Zimbabwe as the First Chimurenga, was fought between 1896 and 1897 in the area then known as Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. It pitted the British South Africa Company against the Ndebele (Matabele) people, which led to conflict with the Shona people in the rest of Rhodesia.

In March 1896, the Ndebele revolted against the authority of the British South Africa Company in what is now celebrated in Zimbabwe as the First Chimurenga. The Mlimo (or M’limo, or Umlimo) the Ndebele spiritual leader, is credited with fomenting much of the anger that led to this confrontation. He convinced the Ndebele and the Shona that the settlers (almost 4,000 strong by then) were responsible for the drought, locust plagues and the cattle disease rinderpest ravaging the country at the time.

 

The Family Story

James and Duncan Box were murdered at the Eureka Mine while trekking near Sipolilo’s kraal on June 29, 1896 during the Matabeleland Rebellion. The body of Francis Lee Bent was also found with them in the Lomagundi District who was an engineer with the Great B. Syndicate. According to other notations I found online they were also known to have been with another prospector named Anton Henckens, prospecting gold near the Mazoe River.  

The family noted in their pages that both ancestors had set forwards towards the Zambesi accompanied by a Mr. Gilman Spence of Ireland who was killed at the same time. (The Rhodesia Pioneers and Early Settler’s Society- National Archives of Rhodesia)

 

Imposing granite memorial to Cecil Rhodes on Table Mountain Cape Town South Africa

On Table Mountain in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) there is a monument to the memory and honour of Cecil Rhodes.  On that same monument is inscribed the names of Duncan and James Box. A grateful government received the warning (read about this soon) sent by James Box and his name is listed on the Honour Roll. It was mentioned that UK lawyers contacted the Box family after their death in White Lake and some money changed hands.

 

Photo of white skulls and things taken by the Zulus in a Zulu Queen’s tent– late 1800s

 

In the inquiry from the National Archives of Rhodesia they told the family that the white skulls of the murdered were probably at one time in a zulu hut in the hinterland of the Mashonas. White skulls were prized ancestral trophies and a grim reminder of a time when the search for gold was on the minds of many.  Duncan and James Box were sadly in the wrong place at the wrong time and were never to return to White Lake where their family resided.

 

 

 

Zulus–A weekly serial called Black Heart and White Heart by Henry Ryder Haggard on zulus from Africa ran as a serial in 1896 in  newspapers as there was such an interest.

 

Some of the other noted men that  perished:

The London Gazette Issue 26954 published on the 5 April 1898. Pages 2203 to 2208.
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/search-by-number

List of Persons Reported Murdered or Missing:

Note. – In the following list of murdered and missing no hope is entertained for any of those returned as missing. All bodies that have been found have been buried.
Civilians, 114; Local Forces, 3; Imperial Troops, 1; B.S.A. Police 1-Total, 119

IRELAND, George, about June 21, 1896, Lomogondi District, Prospector, believed to have been murdered at the Eureka Mine.
JAMESON, Arthur John, about June 21, 1896, Lomogondi District, Mining Commissioner, believed to have been murdered at M.C.’s Camp,
Lomogondi.
JOUBERT, J., about June, 1896, Salisbury District.
KEATINGE, Frank, June 18, 1896, Lomogondi District, Corporal M.M.P., murdered at Gwebe River, real name was Frank Gilbert Keating
JACKSON.
KERR, June 20, 1896, Lomogondi District, Prospector
KOEFOED, S., June 16, 1896, Salisbury District, Prospector, murdered at the Beatrice Mine by ‘Mslopa people, body thrown down
well.
LAW, Horace, about June 20, 1896, Salisbury District, Storekeeper, murdered near N.C. Campbell Farm; body, supposed to be his,
found July 25, 1896
MCCULLUM (Captain), William, June 25, 1896, Lomogondi District, Telegraph Constructor, murdered at his camp, Matatima.
MCGOWAN, James, June 21, 1896, Lomogondi District, Prospector, murdered at or near Deary’s Store.
METCALF, Samuel, about June 20, 1896, Headlands, Trader; body found August 20, 1896, at Nedziwi’s Kraal.
MICHELL, William Walton, Trooper, B.S.A.P., lost on veldt, Hartley District, July 31, 1897.
MILTON, William, about June 20, 1896, Salisbury District, Transport Rider, body found, Umtali Road, August 3, 1896.
MOORE, John, about June 20, 1896, Salisbury District, Storekeeper, body found near Umtali telegraph line on August 3, 1896.
MYNHARDT, A. G. F., June 21, 1896, Lomogondi District, Native Commissioner, murdered at his camp; body, supposed to be his, found
October 30, 1896
MOONY, David Enraght, June 15, 1896, Hartley District, Native Commissioner, murdered at Mashangombi’s Kraal; body recovered and
buried, July, 1897.
NELSON, Thomas, about June 20, 1896, Hartley District, Prospector, believed to have been murdered near Umswezwe’s Kraal.
NOBLE, Andrew, about June 20, 1896, Abercorn District, last heard of May 22.
NORTON, Joseph Norton, about June 17, 1896, Salisbury District, Farmer, murdered at or near his farm Porta; body found.
NORTON, Caroline, about June 17, 1896, Salisbury District, wife of above, murdered at or near his farm Porta; body found.
NORTON, Dorothy, about June 17, 1896, Salisbury District; daughter of above, murdered at or near his farm Porta; body found.

 

 

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal,  01 Aug 1912, Thu,  Page 6

Also read–

Prologue to Killed by Zulus — Duncan and James Box

 

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)

 

Stay tuned for more about the Box family from Carleton Place, Prospect, White Lake and Beckwith.

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

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

 

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
06 Mar 1895, Wed  •  Page 5

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

This is the boathouse from one of my very favourite places Boldt Castle. There are a few boathouses on the Mississippi River, but yesterday the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum posted one great picture on their Facebook page. While I am hesitant to post a naked picture of Horace Brown like they did last week on Facebook- I think I can safely post this without comment.

This picture is of the Box family’s Boat House that was located on the river across the street from 37 Bell St. Robert E. Box married Jemima Muirhead and raised 5 sons and a daughter in their family home located at 240 James St. Four of the boys became dentists, while the other son had a successful career in banking and the daughter graduated Nursing school- Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

So what does it look like now? I think it was just about here on Bell Street below the St. James Park.

The Box Family thanks to the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Facebook page

Gary Box– That’s actually Harold, Keith’s father. Harold’s middle name was Keith. I have never seen this photo–Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

 

This is the kind of great stuff you are missing when you don’t check the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum Facebook page.. Now go back and find the picture of Horace Brown naked LOL. Wait CBC just said LOL is not cool anymore-it’s Ha ha ha!:)