The Wolves of Lanark County

In 1871 in Dalhousie Township the deer disappeared and Archibald Browning decided to put an end to it by going on a hunting spree in 1873. One of the wolves he caught was over 3 feet high, 6 feet long and weighed over 80 pounds. It was purchased by the Museum of Natural History in Montreal. Browning ended up killing 72 wolves 70 bears to save the deer population in Dalhousie Township

Kevin Bingley–Archibald Browning recorded in the 1851 Agricultural Census living at Lavant. Item/listing # 6 Browning: Con, 7 West part lot 6 – 100 acres. Photo courtesy of Michael J. Umpherson.

When Archibald Browning was born on February 19, 1819, in Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland, his father, Archibald, was 39 and his mother, Janet, was 26. He married Janet “Jessie” Robertson in 1838. They had two children during their marriage. He died on February 16, 1900, in Lavant, Ontario, having lived a long life of 80 years.

Paul Rumleskie Further up the valley around Wilno the settlers hated the wolves also and I even remember my father speaking of this…

Claudia Tait You can’t judge what these people had to do to survive unless you had to feed a family without the privileges of a supermarket, a vehicle, warm winter clothes, electricity, air conditioning, central heating and medical assistance.

Elaine DeLisle Very interesting read. Back then venison was what got most families through the winter. Bear meat too. Skins were tanned and used for mitts and clothing. It was a way of life. No big supermarkets people.

Another wolf in Watson’s Corners.. Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 01 Jun 1920, Tue

1. 1. This Ram was Ten Yards Long Sir and His Horns Reached the Sky

      Dancing With Wolves in Perth

   2. Sometimes You Just Need to Remember– Reggie Bowden

   3. Angry Mobs, Wolves and Bloodsuckers –Selby Lake

      Shades of The Godfather in Dr. Preston’s Office in Carleton Place

      Is This Story Just Up a Tree?

   4. A Bird Weighing How Much was Found Near Barry’s Bay

Dancing With Wolves in Perth

Photo– see below-1887-Photo from Perth Remembered

 

The Perth Courier January 1, 1891

The Perth Courier says : The padded-cut skin of the wolf poisoned by Mr. Thomas Tully, Burgess, has been on view for the past week in the window of Mr. Geo. Devlin, merchant, and has been the centre of attention of many hundred people since. It has now been heard that the wolf had a mate, as the tracks of both were plainly seen in the snow in the Tully neighbourhood.

These animals had created an immense amount of havoc throughout North Burgess and North Crosby daring their raid some weeks ago, killing as many as a few hundred sheep in the course of their destructive career. It is supposed that the pair came from the back country Sharbot Lake, as no wolves have been in this district for years.

 

Photo from Perth Remembered—they saved this Auction Poster from the garbage pile at Shaw’s when they were renovating the store after the “Shaw Girls” sold the store in the early 80’s. This poster would have been printed by the Perth Expositor that was on the second floor of Shaw’s at the time. This poster is dated Drummond 1887. George Devlin was the auctioneer. Perth Courier, December 29, 1871. From–LANARK COUNTY COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY — 1881/2

DEVLIN, C. & M.; Tanners & curriers............................Basin, PERTH
DEVLIN, Charles; (C. & M. Devlin).....................................PERTH
DEVLIN, George; Dry g'ds & Groc.; Auctioneer, Land ag't. List of Parties
          Wishing to Buy, or Having Farms to Sell.Gore, Cor Herriott, PERTH
DEVLIN, Michael; (C. & M. Devlin).....................................PERTH

McLaren-Devlin—Married, at Perth, on Friday, 22^nd Dec., at the residence of the bride’s brother, Wm. Devlin, by the Rev. W. Burns, W. McLaren, Esq., merchant, Osceola, County Renfrew to Miss Catherine Devlinof Drummond.

March 18, 1870 – On the 6th Concession of Drummond. John Devlin, son of John Devlin and brother of George Devlin, merchant, of Perth, met with an accident which caused his death. The unfortunate man was in the stable preparing to harness his horse. Holding a pitch fork in his hand, the handle of the tool happened to come in contact with the horse. The animal became frightened and with both legs kicked Mr. Devlin driving him back a few feet and before he could get out of the way, the infuriated horse again let fly with both legs striking him square in the stomach, the force of which lifted him off the ground landing him more than ten feet into the yard. As may be imagined, fearful injuries were inflicted on the unfortunate man, from which he never rallied. He lingered in great pain until the following evening

Perth Courier, Jan. 9, 1891

 

Devlin—Died, at Perth on Tuesday, 6^th Jan., William F. Devlin aged 60 (?)

 

 

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in Hometown News