FAMILIES WHO LIVED IN THE CEMETERY LODGE BUILT IN SEPTEMBER 1854 SAMUEL CALVER was born in 1822 in Suffolk, England and immigrated to this country in 1838. He married Sarah Rouse, also from England. Samuel was appointed the first Cemetery Keeper in 1854. In 1855, he was replaced by George Bates as Samuel went on to be in the Nurseryman and Florist business on Paisley Street in Guelph. On October 1, 1869 he was reappointed as Cemetery Keeper of Union Cemetery. His obituary states that under his care the cemetery has become one of the most beautiful spots to be found in this neighbourhood. Samuel Calver died on December 23, 1882 at his residence, the lodge built in September 1854 for Cemetery Keepers on the same site as the present white brick Lodge. His age was 60 years, 2 months. Block E-8 2 Terms: 1854, 1869-1882 Location: Tall limestone monument below maple. GEORGE BATES was appointed Cemetery Keeper for a brief term. Unknown Term 1855-1856 Research in Progress WILLIAM HASKINS was born May 27th, 1828 at County Wicklow, Ireland and educated in Dublin as an engineer and surveyor. He emigrated in 1852, obtaining a position as an Assistant Engineer on the Great Western Railway of Canada, on the survey and construction of which he was engaged for two years. The next appointment mentioned in his obituary was in October 1856 and that year he retired his position at Union Cemetery, Guelph where he did the laying out of lots and acted as secretary and superintendent. Mr. Haskins had been engaged in 1855-1856 at Union Cemetery to superintend the grounds, keep and direct the work of the Cemetery Keeper subject to instruction for the Chairman. Mr. Haskins was a Member of the Canadian Society of Engineers and qualified to practice in the Dominion as a land surveyor. While in the Guelph area he surveyed lots near Marden in 1857 for a subdivision as found in the West End Tweedsmuir. The 1891 Hamilton census shows William Haskins with wife Catherine Murray and two sons. His epitaph shows he was a City Engineer of Hamilton 1856-1896. William Haskins died at his residence in Hamilton, on July 5, 1896 age 69 years leaving his widow and five sons 1. William F., 2. Frederick, 3. Raymond, 4. Gerald and 5. Thomas. Location: Hamilton (Christ Church Cathedral) Cemetery Hamilton, Wentworth Term: 1855-1856 WILLIAM SNELLING was born in 1795 in Suffolk where he married Lucy Tink on July 6, 1816 at Southerton, Suffolk, England. Lucy was also born in 1795. By 1840 the Snellings were living in Guelph Township with 2 male, and 1 female child under 16. Only the head of the family was named in the 1840 census. Their Religion was Wesleyan Methodist. William was appointed Cemetery Keeper of Union Cemetery for a brief term from March 7, 1856 to April 17, 1857. Listed with them in the 1861 Census, a male child Samuel born c1850 may have been a grandson. William Snelling died in Guelph on July 4, 1873, 87 yrs. Lucy died 28 December 1870, 74 yrs and was also buried in a Free Grave. It is believed that Morris Snelling, sometimes spelled Maurice and born circa 1835 may also have been his son. Location: Union Cemetery Free Grave Term: 1856-1857 GEORGE CANHAM was appointed Cemetery Keeper, April 10, 1857 and left his employ around April 15, 1861. The 1851 Census records show he was born in England in 1816. He married Mary Johnson born Long Melford, Suffolk England c1821. She was ill 6 months and died of consumption on August 28th, 1879, 53 yrs. Her death was recorded in Ontario at Lennox and Addington. The Canham family would have emigrated between 1851 census in England and 1857 the year George was appointed Union Cemetery Keeper. The census lists the parents and the following 8 children: 1.George (1838); 2.Harry (1840); 3.Joseph (1841); 4.Alfred (1843); 5.Chester (1844); Note: the following children marked with an * were listed in the 1861 Guelph Township census while living with their parents in the First Cemetery House. *6.Oscar born about (1843-45) in Suffolk England, enlisted in the U.S. Army Oct 28 1864 and died suddenly of inflammation of the lungs at Fort Laramie, Dacotah Territory on 16th February, 1868, age 22 yrs.; *7.Sarah Matilda born (1847) in Laxfield, Suffolk, England died June 16th, 1919 in Wellington County and was buried in Mount Forest Cemetery. She had received her education in Guelph in private schools and married Richard John Dale in 1864, a Jeweller of Mount Forest, Ontario who immigrated to Canada in 1862; 8. Martha Mary (1848); *9. Margaret (1847). George Canham’s date of death hasn’t been located. Location: unknown Term: 1857–1861 BARNABUS GIBSON Sr. was born in 1816 in the Town of Laxfield, Suffolk, England and emigrated with his family on Aug 13, 1853 on the ship Northumberland from London, England to USA. He was a stock dealer and farmer in England and was married to Sarah Gillans born 1816 in Cratfield, Suffolk a neighbouring town. Their large family, Mary Anne, William, Penelope, Edward, Susan, Harriett, Barnabus, Robert Matilda, Hannah, Emily, and Julia were all born in Suffolk England prior to emigration, only 5 children were on the Passenger List with their parents. The others were listed with servants by the name of Calner. Barnabus was engaged as Keeper of Union Cemetery Guelph on May 18, 1861 and listed as a widower in the 1861 census. Therefore his wife Sarah had died following their emigration in 1853. Researching the first Union Cemetery Burial Register shows a Sarah Gibson, native of England who died in Guelph on July 16, 1855 age 40 yrs. and a child James Gibson age 1 month. Their names were both initialled in the Burial register by William Gibson “W.G.” probably either during his term or his father Barnabus Gibson’s term as Keeper. His initials lead us to believe that Sarah may be the wife and mother of these Keepers. Barnabus Gibson died in Guelph on May 17, 1868 52 yrs. Block B-44 Term: 1861–1868 Location: To right of large Silver Fir Tree & King monument. WILLIAM BARNABUS GIBSON was born March 20, 1844 in Cratfield, Suffolk, England. He lived in Guelph and in 1866 he married an Irish girl, Elizabeth Cahill (1849-1935) of Toronto. They had 9 children Thomas, George B., Joseph Patrick, John R., Francis H., Sarah L., Mary Elizabeth, Margaret, and Emma. Barnabus Jr. (William) may have worked along with his father at cemetery duties as he received the appointment of Cemetery Keeper when his father died in 1868. He gave notice of resignation a year later due to poor health. Barnabus Gibson Jr. died 19 Sept 1924, 80 yrs. His Death Certificate shows his trade as Butcher. He was buried at St. Joseph's cemetery Guelph with his wife Elizabeth nee Cahill, along with their son Thomas and daughter Sarah L. Gibson wife of W.W. Simpson. Only Thomas and Sarah are inscribed on the tombstone. Their son Joseph Patrick is named on a monument in St. Joseph's Cemetery with his grandmother Mary Cahill. St. Joseph's Cemetery, Guelph On TERM: 1868-1869 SAMUEL CALVER purchased a family plot in 1881. A monument was inscribed for his wife Sarah in 1892 ten years after his death, but his date of death 23 Dec. 1882, 60 yrs. wasn’t inscribed. He died during his second term. He erected monuments for others, and also the following monument: JAMES /In memory of twelve children of SAMUEL & SARAH CALVER who died in infancy. SECOND Term: 1869-1882 CEMETERY FAMILIES LIVING IN WHITE BRICK LODGE SINCE 1884 PETER GOKEY was born March 1st, 1845 at Sydenham, Ontario, the son of Francis and Florence ‘Flora’ (McGillvray) Gokey. Their nationality is French. Peter received his education in Erin, Ontario. The Gokey family were Coopers there when Peter was 15. He was the 2nd of their 8 children. On June 26, 1872 he married Mary Ann Wilkinson (18451942), an English girl who came to Canada in 1861. Descendants of children Flora & Ida live in the Guelph area, throughout Canada and in the U.S.A. 2 sons Francis & Albert died young. Mr. Calver died on December 23, 1882. His terms were 1854 & 1869-1882. Peter Gokey replaced him and entered upon his duties on April 1st, 1883. Peter was the 9th Cemetery Keeper and the last to be given that title. He was known at the cemetery since 1864, being in the cooperage business. (Research shows that in 1883 the “old dilapidated lodge” occupied by Samuel Calver the previous Cemetery Keeper was removed and a “commodious and ornamental lodge built upon the site” as noted in the cemetery minutes.) It is most likely that the Gokey family lived elsewhere in the Guelph area until the lodge was completed, and Peter commuted to the cemetery until probably January of 1884. The Gokey's were the first family to occupy the Cemetery Lodge and Peter was keeper of the cemetery for 23 years. He was well known and the entrance to the Cemetery was facetiously spoken of as “Gokey’s Gates”. Under his supervision the Cemetery grounds began to take shape and over the years showed great improvement. In 1884 Peter found while going over the books that the number of burials was approximately 5000. He spared no pains to make the cemetery look beautiful. Peter Gokey died in Guelph Township on May 3, 1918 at the age of 74 years. Block E-157. Location: Although there is no longer a monument on his grave at the bottom of Block E, a Bronze plaque on granite has been erected by a tree along the roadway commemorating his service to the cemetery. After Peter’s death, Mary Ann Gokey moved to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, died June 9th, 1942 and buried there in Hillcrest Cemetery. Term: 1883 –1907 GEORGE L.M.C. STEELE was born in Guelph on December 15, 1862 where he lived most of his life. He played ball with the local teams in his younger days and contributed to baseball and other sports and activities in the city. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and a member of Chalmers United Church, the Masonic Speed Lodge and LOL 1331. On December 25, 1900 George married Jane ‘Jennie’ Sole (1873-1961) and with their sons, Edward, William, Thomas and Douglas, were the second family to live in the Cemetery Lodge. In 1907 George Steele was appointed to replace Peter Gokey, a post he held until 1921 when he resigned. He was the first Superintendent when the Guelph Cemetery Commission was formed in 1919. That same year he was the first to be provided with a uniform for attendance at funerals. George Steele died unexpectedly in Guelph on August 3, 1953, and was survived by his wife Jennie, his 4 sons mentioned above and 6 grandchildren. In a commentary by Doug Steele on a walk through Cemetery lodge in the spring of 2000, we learned from him that George called the Mayor of Guelph during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918 for help, and a bus load of workers arrived the next day to help with interments. They were doing more than 50 burials a month during the epidemic. During the time they lived in the lodge electricity was installed in the house through the upstairs floor. The second door in the front entry hall leading into the present dining room was the door to the cemetery office. The kids stood with their back against the tall heat register in the front hall to get warm. Jennie Steele used the space under the present dining room floor for a provision cellar. A crank phone was on the front hall wall between the front door and the living room. George used his carpentry skills to enlarge the sun porch and build a pantry cupboard. Block N-309. Location: At the bottom of Block N along the road behind Fleming red granite ground markers between a tall Austrian Pine and a tall cedar. Term: 1907–1921 JOHN THOMAS CROSBY was born in 1867 at Dearham Centre near London, Ontario. In 1884 the Crosby family moved to Guelph Township where he farmed alongside his father at Marden. His first marriage was in 1894 to Annie Darby who died 7 years later in 1911. They had 2 daughters. On 18 March 1914 he married Minnie Colgate (1874-1971). John worked at one time for the Guelph Radial Railway and in 1921 was appointed second Superintendent of the Cemetery Commission. The Crosby’s were the third family to live in Cemetery Lodge. In the Oct. 7, 1932Woodlawn cemetery minutes we find “Superintendent Crosby reported that he had secured prices for a new uniform and cap and these were almost identical. He was authorized to proceed and secure the necessary equipment where he considers he is getting the best value” He served for 21 years and when he became ill, Ross Armitage became acting superintendent. John Crosby died Nov. 7, 1942 age of 75. His loss was deeply felt by the public and the Cemetery Commission. He was survived by his wife Minnie, 3 daughters, Edith May, Daisy, & Lillian and 2 brothers George and Dr. F.M. Crosby. Block B-143. Location: Two red granite flat markers behind the red Crosby monument in the front row on the South curve behind the Mausoleum. Term: 1921–1942. ROSS FERGUSON ARMITAGE was born in Fergus on May 7, 1896 to John and Mary Ann (Hodgson) Armitage who moved to Guelph when he was 10. He worked at Raymond's Sewing Machine Co. and at Bond Hardware and then moved to Buffalo where he worked assembling horseless carriages for the Pierce-Arrow plant during 1915 and 1916. Upon returning to Guelph he joined the army and served overseas almost 3 years with the Canadian Signal Corps. He was a mechanic by trade and had operated R.F. Armitage Ltd., Woolwich St. He began working for the Cemetery Commission under John Crosby in 1930 and was appointed third Superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery following his death in 1942. Ross and Beatrice (1900-1980) were the fourth family to live in Cemetery Lodge. He held the position for 23 years often labouring beyond the call of ordinary duty. In “People of Interest” column Dec. 13, 1963 we find that a treasured possession was a diploma presented in 1958 by the Guelph Horticultural Society to the Guelph Cemetery Commission for “Outstanding achievement with floral displays and landscaping”. It also tells Ross and his father farmed the land from the corner of Speedvale and Woolwich (the present TD Bank) and the South Wellington Co-op. The farm went right back to Woodlawn Rd. and included Woodlawn Cemetery. Following his employment here he saw many changes, enlarging the garage and workshop, removal of many shrub beds at the front when Woolwich St. was widened. The roads were paved following 1930 until ¾ of the roads were paved by 1963. The modern office with fireproof vault and washroom facilities were added for the public about 1960. Mr. Armitage estimated it would be about 35-40 years before it became necessary to develop the land on the other side of the tracks. And that land will serve for at least 100 years. Ross Armitage died in Guelph, August 8, 1982 age 86 years, survived by nieces & nephews. Block D4-17-4. Location: Red monument at the East end of Block D4 near the road. Term: 1942–1965 JOHN PENRICE was born in Morriston on May 29, 1903. He farmed in the Puslinch and Guelph areas for many years. His first marriage was to Audrey M. Maddaugh (19081944). John worked under Mr. Armitage for approximately 10 years as assistant Superintendent before taking on the position of fourth Superintendent in 1966. During the first year of Mr. Penrice’s term the January minutes show the main entrance will be extended by removing the small gates and resetting the large stone posts, the small gates then to be welded to the main gates which will in effect give a wider entrance to the Cemetery. In April arrangements were made to have the gate posts moved back by Farnworth Memorials and in June the pillars at the front entrance were moved back. The gates have not yet been put back. Heather Pellizzari remembers that during her father’s term, her mother the former Jean Waterbury (1918-1991) and the family answered the phone and helped him where needed. She told us that John knew where everyone was buried in the cemetery and would take a family out on the grounds to the graves of their ancestor, or loved one. The Penrice’s were the fifth family to live in Cemetery Lodge. After 4 years as Woodlawn Cemetery Superintendent he resigned in 1970. John Penrice died on July 12, 1971 and was buried in Puslinch Township. John was survived by his wife Jean (Waterbury), 3 daughters, Margaret, Heather and Lana, a son John, two stepdaughters Eunice, Lois and stepson William Lovejoy. Crown Cemetery, Puslinch Term: 1966–1970 J. W. CLEMENTS HANNA became the fifth Superintendent at Woodlawn on July 1, 1970. Clem was an assistant under John Penrice and upon his retirement in 1970 took over the Superintendent's job. Mr. Hanna was born in Ireland, January 1916 and came to Guelph from there in 1969. He received a complimentary citation from the County Fermanagh Committee of Agriculture of the Government of Northern Ireland. Clem & Charlotte (nee Moore) (1929-2004) Hanna were the sixth family to live in the lodge. Clem’s daughter Ivy Woodard remembers her parents helping families with their genealogy research on weekends in the office and taking them out on the grounds to gravesites. In the minutes of Mr. Hanna’s second year we find the residence needed repairs and improvements which included alterations, new electrical circuits plastering and decorating and in November a new garage has been completed except for the doors and eaves trough. In late 1973 and early 1974 the water table had been lowered and with the investment in the cost of the well and pumping equipment it was advisable to deepen the well to produce an adequate supply of water. He retired in the spring of 1981. Clem Hanna died April 20, 2003 and was survived by his wife Charlotte, son Derek and daughter Ivy. Block W-18-24. Location: Grey granite monument along road on right above circle. Term: 1970 –1981 PAUL A. TAYLOR was appointed the sixth Superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery in June 1981 and today holds the title of General Manager. He began working for the cemetery in 1977. Paul, his wife Cindy and their 2 sons Chadd and Brett continue on with the tradition that started in 1884 of residing in the white brick Cemetery Lodge. His family have all been employed at Woodlawn. They are the seventh family to live in Cemetery Lodge. On his many tours, Paul often mentions James Scroggie the first burial site in Union cemetery near the Cemetery Lodge. During the winter of 2014 Mr. Scroggie’s monument was damaged during snow removal. Paul has had his monument restored and returned to its original position and the site safeguarded from further damage, along with enhancing the grave. The monuments of James Scroggie the first burial and Samuel Calver the first superintendent have been restored by Chris Killam and Kate Paterson. Paul Taylor’s count of burials as of 2014 is over 35,500 after 160 years compared to Peter Gokey’s count of 5000 in 1884 after 30 years. While preserving the past, Paul also makes plans for the generations to come. Paul’s interest in cemetery history is unprecedented and over his years here all of his staff have shared interesting cemetery findings to be recorded in Woodlawn Memorial Park History. Term: 1981-present General Manager/Treasurer CEMETERY LODGE WEDDINGS IDA DEVINA GOKEY, was the first known bride to be married at the Cemetery Lodge on May 17th, 1906. Ida D. Gokey, daughter of Peter and Mary Ann Gokey married Alfred Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith from a neighbouring farm situated on the west side of Woodlawn Road between the two railroad tracks later Imperial Tobacco. The wedding ceremony was performed by W. J. Smith of Dublin Street Methodist Church. The bride was attended by her niece Miss Elva Dorothea Pringle of Toronto. The guests comprised only the members of the two families and after an enjoyable lunch, gave the bride and groom a hearty send off on their trip to the Falls. Sadly Ida passed away in 1908, 12 days after the birth of her daughter Grace. Blk. E-120 Ida Devina Smith, nee Gokey 1879-15 Oct. 1908, 29 yrs. Blk E-2-2 Alfred Smith 1878-1947 FLORENCE ELIZABETH GOKEY, her eldest sister married Ranald Pringle in Guelph Township on Nov. 1, 1899. In all probability their wedding was at or from the present Cemetery Lodge. The Pringles moved to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, where they raised their daughter Elva (1901-1968). Elva was born in Toronto and married Phil Judson in 1934 in Weyburn. She died in Vancouver in 1968. Marker – (Pringle – Florence 1879-1961 – Ranald 1874-1962) Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. FRANCIS W. GOKEY, was born in Guelph April 11, 1873, the son of Peter and Mary Ann Gokey. He as a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College Guelph in 1895 as noted in the Ontario Sessional Papers, 1896 No. 28-34. In the Guelph Evening Mercury and Advertiser of July 20,1927 Cenntennial Edition we learn that he fought in the Boer War Jan. 1900-Jan 1901 “All were under the command of Lieut. John McCrea. The contingent went into camp at Ottawa, and after a short stay there entrained for Halifax, from which they sailed for South Africa, where the Canadians aided the motherland in the conflict until their return home.” At the time of discharge from the Boer War he was listed as a Veterinary Surgeon and obtained employment with his father at Union Cemetery. His niece Francise Judson tells in a letter that he was a Missionary in France and India but didn’t give the time period. During his father’s term at Union Cemetery Francis married Estella Margaret Owens in Toronto on December 26th, 1904. We have no record of children. Francis went to live in Clive, Alberta when he was discharged in WW1. Francis died November 17th, 1915 at Clive, Alberta and is buried in Clive Cemetery. MarkerFrancis Gokey 1915. Estella died on August 28, 1943 and is buried in Victoria, B.C. HEATHER PENRICE, daughter of John & Jean Penrice married Ivan Pellizzari on June 13, 1970. Heather left from the Cemetery Lodge for the ceremony and returned home afterwards so that her Trousseau could be viewed by the wedding guests. Heather and Ivan's wedding ceremony took place at War Memorial Hall at the University of Guelph. Photos were taken of the bride descending the stairs from the second floor of the Cemetery Lodge. IVY HANNA, daughter of J. W. Clements & Charlotte Hanna was employed in London prior to her wedding in 1976. She came back to her home at the Cemetery Lodge to plan her wedding. Ivy was married at Calvary Baptist Church and wedding photos were taken by the Cemetery fountain installed in the former lily pond to mark the nation’s centennial year, 1967. It was surrounded by banks of flowers and made an impressive beautiful spot. At that time there were pathways around the fountain and in a cemetery scrap book there is a photo with a caption showing a girl sitting by the fountain. ARCHITECTURE Architect of Union Cemetery Lodge JOHN DAY was born in 1849 in Guelph and was the youngest son of William Day, builder and brother of William Day Jr. well known plasterer. He spent a year or so in Cleveland before returning to Guelph where he designed public buildings and private residences, and had a thorough knowledge of his profession as an architect. He designed the 2 storey white brick Union Cemetery Lodge in 1883 as well as the white brick Stable in 1884. In 1883 John Day's spine was injured in a fall while overseeing the building of the Commercial Hotel (later the Regent) on MacDonnell St., but this did not keep him from the work he loved. Afterwards he suffered a great deal from pains in his back, head and neck. His deafness was caused by scarlet fever. Naming a few of his projects are the Speed Skating Rink in 1882, Petrie's Drug Store, additions to Sleeman Brewery and 2 storey stone dwelling, homes on Dublin, Liverpool, and St. John's Ward School. John Day died Nov. 4, 1896, 47 yrs. Blk G-8 Location: Tall grey monument to R. of a tall Litster monument by Woolwich St. fence about halfway down Blk G. Architect John Day designed the Union Cemetery Lodge "A public work which has long been a necessity has been undertaken this summer. We refer to a lodge at the Union Cemetery. This building, which is now nearing completion, is of white brick, two storeys high, with office, living and sleeping apartments. It will of course be occupied by the caretaker, Mr. Gokey. Cost about $1,200. John Day, architect; J. Hicks, bricklayer; George Bruce, carpenter; J.J.Mahoney, plasterer; William Humphries, painter; Mrs. Ker, tinsmith." Guelph Daily Mercury & Advertiser - October 24, 1883 Cemetery Keepers New Lodge The Cemetery Keeper's lodge, built in September 1854, was to be torn down. In the minutes of a meeting held on January 15, 1884 we find recorded: "The old dilapidated building occupied by the Cemetery Keeper has been removed and a commodious and ornamental lodge built upon the site, at a cost of $1,524.00 which with but few extras will complete the erection. This building was absolutely required for the convenience and comfort of the caretaker." Page 13 Frank Cooke’s History of Woodlawn Cemetery. FIRST UNION CEMETERY BURIAL IN 1854 JAMES SCROGGIE secured the dubious honour of first burial when he was interred on January 14, 1854. Scroggie was born in Scotland and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1836. They settled on lots 5 & 6, Con. 6, Div. D in Guelph Township. In 1842, the farm was registered to his son John. The Scroggie farm is North from Woodlawn on 86 Hwy, second farm on right past Wilbert St. James Scroggie lost a leg in the Napoleonic wars, a veteran of Egypt and was present at the taking of Alexandria by Ralph Abercrombie and the British. James Scroggie passed away at the age of 79 on January 13, 1854 and has the first small white monument on your left in Block F after you enter the cemetery gates. During Mr. Gokey's time at Woodlawn he took it upon himself to have the stone cleaned and the grave trimmed as he felt it looked forlorn and he wanted to be able to point it out to visitors as being the resting place of the first person buried at the Cemetery. Blk. F-1 First small white monument on left in Blk F after you enter the cemetery. FIRST ST. GEORGE’S CEMETERY BURIAL IN 1853 ELLEANOR JANE PIPE was the three year old daughter of John and Emily Pipe. Elleanor Pipe died on December 2nd, 1853 age 3 years 6 months and on December 3rd was the first to be interred in Block O in the St. George’s Cemetery. The officiating Minister was Rev. Arthur Palmer of St. George’s Anglican Church. Her burial was just prior to the official opening of the Joint Cemeteries in January 1854 when the first appointees to the Committee were: Twp - S. Wright, Thos. Hood; Town Council Mr. Knowles, Dr. Clark; St. George’s Ch. Rev. Arthur Palmer. Blk O-337 Location: 2nd row from the Woodlawn fence below Thurtell in the Anglican Section.