Thanks to Shelly Marriner for all these lovely memories.
We had a wonderful time yesterday with Aunt Dorothy We visited the old house on Munro Line off the Tatlock Rd that was built in 1850. This is where our Great Great Grandfather built their first home on the 100 acres that was granted to them. ( They were the very first people to be granted land in that area).
On the same property, is the newer house that Aunt Dorothy’s Uncle Huey built (Grandpa Munro’s brother). Grandma Yuill moved back with her parents to this house just before her youngest brother Uncle Wilbert was born. Aunt Dorothy was also born in this house and she lived there until she was nine months old.
She then moved to the house on the Darling road with Grandma and Grandpa Yuill. Grandma Yuill had Aunt Eileen,Aunt Alma, and Aunt Blanche (they were all born at home) and they lived there until they moved to the house on Old Perth Road. My mom was the only one born in the hospital in 1945. ( I hope I have gotten this all straight ) Aunt Dorothy said to us while we were there ” This is a nice old place, and I don’t know, if it is because I was born here, but I have an attraction to this place. So happy to have had the opportunity to learn more about our family.
Where hearth and plenty cheered the laboring swain
How often I have loitered o’er thy green
Where humble happiness endeared each scene!
Roy Yuill in front of Archie Rankins house in Middleville in 1927. He was 4 years old. He grew up to work in Lionel Barr’s General store and at Barr’s sawmill. He later became the local electrician servicing many parts Lanark County.– Photo by Laurie Yuil
Middleville, a name which would suggest a certain location inland as being in the middle of the township or possibly that of the county, may be the hub towards which the people of the township converge. Like its neighbors Lavant, Darling, Dalhousie, the early settlers were of Scotch origin and thoroughly educated in honesty, thrift and frugality.
As I remember the village it consisted of two general stores, a blacksmith shop, shoe shop, carriage shop, saw mill, two stopping places and three churches and a school.
Climbing a gentle incline on the Lanark road, the traveler approaches the home of William Borrowman, whose surroundings would indicate the owner to be a man of intelligence and interest in the finer arts. Entering his residence he is found to be not only a gentleman farmer but a jeweller whose tradesmanship is not surpassed by the city tradesman.
Some short distance from the Borrowman home is the Congregational Church and manse occupied by Rev. J. Lambert Alexander, a young clergyman beginning his career in the ministry. He is a true success. His real object was that of including the principles of Jesus in the minds and hearts of each hearer. He was a promising youth and afterwards became a leading light in church union. He was strong intellectually, easily approachable, of kindly disposition and tolerant in his views.
Sickness in the village was rare but what did occur was skillfully taken care of by Dr. Mather, a graduate of Queen’s. The clever young doctor was a most sociable man, humorous and intensely interested in the gems of literature. He had a hobby of taking snapshots and developing the same. One fair day he had a few in his window getting the sunlight to bring them to maturity. They remained in the window overnight. The next morning the old lady who cared for his office sympathetically remarked “You didna sell many of your pictures, doctor?”
A carriage and wagon shop was operated by David Dobbie. Carriages, wagons, cutters, and sleighs were then in demand as the motor car was then just an infant. Dave was meticulously exacting in his workmanship and a neck yolk has been known to stay in the vice for three or four weeks before released to the purchaser.
Bill Sommerville, stone mason and plasterer, spent most of this time out of the village in the summer performing work in his line for farmers and other builders. He was always happy and in rain or in shine his greeting was always: “Y-a-a-a, it is a fine day!”. Through time he left the village and took up residence in Lanark where he is now a valued and respected resident.
One of Middleville’s (illegible word) characters was the late Mrs. Guthrie. She was of a calm, refined temperament. Her acts of goodness were kindly performed. Her welcomes were genuine and her life was one of kindness, helpfulness and good will for all. She was a beautiful character the memory of whom will glow forever.
The Presbyterian Church had for its clergyman Rev. Mr. Smith, a man of strong personality. He was a Scotsman and had a good deal of a “burr” in his accent which made him very pleasing to hear. Meeting him in his home was a rare treat. His affable, pleasing manner had a fascinating power which drew the visitor close to him making him forget his vices and his woes while the pastor good naturedly and kindly pointed him to the skies. He did not gain greatness by political power neither by financial power but by service. His was true greatness. He served in the pulpit and out of the pulpit, in times of joyousness and in times of sadness he was with his people, rejoicing with those who rejoiced and weeping with those who wept. He was one of them. In memory I can see and hear him as he expounds on the text “Grieve not the holy Spirit whereby you are sealed unto the day of Redemption”. The sermon done, he placed a hand under each cover and suiting the action to the words said “The book is closed, the sermon is sealed and there was a good one.”
The merchants were Mr. Croft and A.R. McIntyre. General stores were necessary in county villages at that time. The great chain stores almost annihilated the small country stores to detriment of the community. These general stores were the meeting places in the evenings, particularly winter evenings, when weighty subjects were good naturedly discussed.
An outstanding man was Archibald Rankin who for many years was clerk for the municipality of Lanark township. He was thoroughly skilled in municipal law and was a councilor to the members of the Council. He was active in all social activities being a stager of ability. Another singer of note was Peter Morris who I can still hear singing “The Old Oaken Bucket”.
The Sons of Temperance was a thriving organization with a large membership. The township of Lanark was deprived of the right to sell spirituous liquors by what was known as the Dunkin Act and is still under that dispensation.
Photo-Mr. & Mrs. Archie Rankin– Photo by Laurie Yuill
The blacksmith was a very busy man shoeing horses, making chains, ironing wagons, buggies, cutters and sleighs. Albert Cunningham, and R.(?) B.(?) Somerville stood the strain of this heavy work for many years before being compelled to retire. Christy Jackson, a free going, likeable man, conducted a stopping place near McIntyre’s store and catered to the traveling public with courtesy.
Across a little vale from Somerville’s shop, then up a slight incline to a small tableland stood the school house where Miss Spence taught many of the beginners at that time to recognize “hat, coat, rack”. Yes. 36 years ago.
The great annual event of the village was the “Fair” or more aristocratically speaking “The Exhibition”. This being the last fair of the year, it was always well patronized. Once visited, the conclusion is that fairs of major importance rank as minors in art skill and workmanship. In the building, the paintings, pencil work, crayon work, etc. hold the visitor. The needle work draws the admiration of every on looker; the fancy work of every description demands the unstinted praise of young and old, of the professional and the amateur. Outside the building lovers of animals leisurely move around viewing the horses, sheep, swine, cattle, calves, lambs and the common expression “did you ever see better?” is heard on all sides of the ring. When the day is over, the directors county their earnings and in their joy another success financially has been added to their credit.
The surrounding country is beautiful—the land productive and settled with a sturdy class of people. Here we find the Afflecks and the Somerville string to out number each other. No finer type of citizen to be found anywhere. The Crofts, the Guthries, the Blackburns, the Mathers, the Yuills, the Mitchells and many others of like type. These are real citizens co-operating in all good work their motto being “service for mankind”.
Open Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend, noon to 4pm, every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks are recommended but not mandatory for visitors. Admission $5 per person; children under 12 free.
Middleville & District Museum Tickets on Sale Now! Live History (www.livehistoryshows.com), a Governor General’s Award nominated touring theater company, is coming to Middleville. Their company tours internationally and produces site specific customizable mysteries, “A Timeless Gathering”, an interactive mystery event, will be presented on July 9th at the Middleville & District Museum (2130 Concession Rd 6D); note that the museum will be closed the day of this special event. Performances: 1pm and 3pm, designed for ages 12 years and older. Cost: $20 per ticket To purchase tickets: Contact Dawn Morrison 613-256-4997 or visit the museum this/next weekend; Visa, Mastercard, cash, or cheque accepted. Payment can also be made by e-transfer at middlevillemuseum@gmail.com.
Laurie Yuill has found the last poem that Gramma Cora had published in the paper. Thought u might like to read it. We r thrilled that he found it. Glenda Mahoney
Cora Yuill looks back on life as she turns· 90
I was born on August 17, 1905 at Halls Mills, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Munro. My sisters were older, and my brother was younger. Wilbert, who lives on the old farm at Halls Mills and my brother Earl, who used to deliver mail from the post office, drove for Eddie Munro for quite awhile.
My two sisters were both gone some years ago. Eva Fulton lived above Renfrew and Florence Watt at Galbraith. I started school at Halls Mills when I was six years old and had four teachers. There was Mary Gleeson, Aggie Lett, Luella Thompson and Mildred Royce. I tried my entrance exams in Lanark but failed, so I stayed at home and helped on the farm. Read-The Life and Times of Cora Yuill
Photo Glenda Mahoney-I have just found a picture of G Cora stitting at the table with My Mom in the farm kitchen I think today was Grandma Cora birthday
Sunday, Feb 5th, 2022– from local historian and friend Laurie Yuill
Good afternoon Linda. I hope you’re doing well. I saw you did a piece on Deachman’s Bridge. Do you know the history on the bridge? What was there before this one was built?
I’m scanning some of my Grandmother’s photos and came across a couple of pictures of a bridge with no description on it. Then I came across later in the album of the dedication to the Deachman’s Bridge on November 29, 1946. I’m thinking that the pictures of this other bridge, may be one that was built prior to its replacement in 1946. There is a tree in both pictures, that to me looks like the same tree. Could you help me confirm this?
Dang straight it was… so here is the Dedication to Deachman’s Bridge 1946 thanks to Laurie Yuill
Deachman’s Bridge, Lanark
How to Get There: ( Lanark County, Ontario)Go to Lanark Village on Highway 511. In the middle of the village on the main street (George), turn east on Owen and then onto Rosetta Road. The bridge is over the Clyde River, just out of the village.
Old and new Deachman’s Bridge–I’ll send you everything I have.
Unfortunately I don’t even have a date on when the pics were taken of the old bridge. But I have 2 of them from different angles.Charles Deachman
W.L. Dixon, F.W. Matthews, M.L. Woods, November 29, 1946
These are the Reeves for Drummond, Bathurst, Lanark Townships and the Reeve of Lanark Village
L-R L.C. Affleck, Lorne Stewart, Charles Deachman, John C. Mather, W.L. Dickson, Harold Mather, F. W. Matthews, Agnes Yuill, W. H. Stead, Lorne Somerville, Mrs. Jim McLaren, James W. McLaren, M.L. Woods, Mrs. Lorne Stewart and Mrs. M. L. Woods
Thanks Laurie Yuill you years of photos you have sent us all to enjoy!!
Feeling very nostalgic today. Is that Grandma Yuills writing with the date on the cover page . Just need to know so I can cry harder. We did not know how incredibly lucky we were. We did not even know we were making memories , we were just having fun. Glenda Mahoney
from the Almonte Gazette…Ramsay # 5 1959-1960 school year
January 1920
The township of Ramsay’s first lady school trustee is Mrs. W . A. Gilmour. At the annual meeting of School Section No. 5, Ramsay, held on Wednesday, Mrs. Gilmour was elected to fill the position for the next three years.
Mrs. Gilmour has a high reputation as an educationist, and there is much satisfaction that she should be tendered this appointment and that she should accept it. She is a daughter of the late Robert Yuill at Ramsay, and was married to Mr. William A. Gilmour, one of the most prominent agriculturists in Ramsay. Both Yuills and Giimours were amongst the first settlers from Scotland in this part of the area.
S.S. No. 5 Ramsay – Galbraith School
Daniel Galbraith purchased land on the West half of Lot 11, Concession 5 in Ramsay township in 1855. He sold half an acre to the trustees in 1870 for $1.00. The first teacher was Nell Forest. Ratepayers became enraged when the Ramsay Township School Boarded voted to close the school, so in 1958, S.S. No. 5 became a separate school section. Ratepayers donated two cords of wood per family. A new piano was purchased and a music teacher was hired. In 1969, the rural pupils were bussed to Almonte or Carleton Place. .
S.S. No. 5 Ramsay – Galbraith School—Daniel Galbraith purchased land on the West half of Lot 11, Concession 5 in Ramsay township in 1855. He sold half an acre to the trustees in 1870 for $1.00. The first teacher was Nell Forest. Ratepayers became enraged when the Ramsay Township School Boarded voted to close the school, so in 1958, S.S. No. 5 became a separate school section. Ratepayers donated two cords of wood per family. A new piano was purchased and a music teacher was hired. In 1969, the rural pupils were bussed to Almonte or Carleton Place. The school was moved across the road to become Bert Hazelwood’s cabin in his bush. Read-Recollections of Bert Hazelwood 1973
August 21, 2021 · It’s almost back-to-school and we’re going through our school books collection! This copy of ‘Vitalized English’ was used in the S.S. No. 5 Ramsay school – called the Galbraith School. The land (Lot 11, Concession 5 in Ramsay Township) was purchased in 1855 by Daniel Galbraith, who sold half an acre of that land to school trustees in 1870 for $1.
The school operated until 1969 when the Government of Ontario mandated the consolidation of county school boards, and students were bussed to either Almonte or Carleton Place for their education.
April 21, 2020 · Anne Ouimet writes. When I was very young & we would be on our way to Clayton Lake for our vacation. Just a short way from turning down the last road in. I remember my Mom pointing out a house on the left telling us it was Miss Pretty’s house. I never met the lady but we knew we were close to reaching our destination. Would that be the area this family lived in? LCGS Corporate Secretary Rose Mary replies, Here is the house you mention, yes the family lived in this area. The original Evans/Pretty house is the clapboarded one. At one time it was painted yellow. The log house was moved there in the 1970s or 1980s. It was Cora (Munro) Yuill’s house and was moved from the 3rd? line of Ramsay. Maybe someone can assist us in confirming the concession.
Dawn JonesThe original house on the left in this photo was yellow at one time and the Log house was brought in. Heather Higgs and Wayne Pender I think. Rose Mary Sarsfield
Glenda MahoneyAlex do u know where there is a copy of the poem Grandma Yuill wrote about the old house being moved.
Alexandra FolkardIt moved there in the 90’s and it moved from old perth Rd. I Remember going with my Grandma Eileen Boothby (Cora’s Daughter) to look inside the house after they built it back up
Heather HiggsHi, I lived there for over 20 years and raised my family there… It was my ex husband and I that bought the house in 1986 it was just the original house with board and batten, then we purchased and moved the log part in around 1990.
The wedding
from ancestry and Laurie Yuill marriage certificate 1931
Polling Division No. 2 – Comprising that part Of the township west of the Fifth concession line from lot 1 to lot 4, both inclusive and that part east of the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, lot 27, both inclusive
The Yuill family Connie Jackson My grandfather was raised by Robina and William. It was his mother Agnes wishes before she died when he was an infant. Grandpa ended up staying on at the farm at his Uncle Bills request. My Grandma said there was always family coming to visit on the weekends and Robina would want the dining room Judy Arnott These are my great great grandparents. Allie Yuill was my mother’s grandfather. His mother Robina was my dad’s great great aunt.scrubbed til it shone, good china out and chandelier lit to serve a tasty meal
Robert Munro and Ida Watchorn married 1895. Parents of Eva (Mrs. James Fulton, Admaston), Earl Munro, Almonte, Florence (Mrs. J. H. Watt, Union Hall), Cora (Mrs. Arthur Yuill, Darling) and Wilbert Munro, Hall’s Mills. Grandparents and great grandparents and likely gg grandparents of many!
We visited the old house on Munro Line off the Tatlock Rd that was built in 1850. This is where our Great Great Grandfather built their first home on the 100 acres that was granted to them. ( They were the very first people to be granted land in that area). 
) Aunt Dorothy said to us while we were there ” This is a nice old place, and I don’t know, if it is because I was born here, but I have an attraction to this place. 
lindaseccaspina 