Descendants of John & Margaret STEWART
 Fourth Generation 
23. Robert STEWART (Elizabeth STEWART11, John5, Alexander1) was born on March 10, 1828 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada,4 died on July 15, 1918 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada4 aged 90, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
STEWART, Robert , is the second son of the late James and Elizabeth Stewart. He was born in the Scotch Block, Esquesing Tp. Co. Halton, in 1828, Robert left home when his mother died and father remarried. He went to live with Grandfather John in his big house. Grandmother died the same year. As a young man he went to Toronto with uncles Alexander and Robert to learn the building trade. Here he acquired that knowledge of his business which has since made him proprietor of one of the largest and best planing mills and sash and door factories in Western Ontario. Mr. Stewart first came to Guelph at the time of the November fairs in 1853. In Oct., 1854, he set. permanently in Guelph and established a lumber business on the site where St. James' Church now stands. There was no competition nearer than Galt, and in his early days, when there were no railways, lumber was teamed in from Puslinch and Flamboro. In those days the demand for lumber was limited and the supply unlimited. At the present time the conditions are reversed, and his supplies are purchased from Muskoka and Parry Sound, and imported from the United States. The firm has two lumber yards, one located on the corner of Cardigan and Norwich Sts. and a large yard opposite Goldie's mill. The two yards cover over one acre of ground, and the stock carried will aggregate over one million five hundred thousand feet. Their planing mill in Upper Wyndham Street is the largest in Western Ontario, being a brick and stone block three stories in height, containing all the modern improvements and appliances for their business. Until 1904 the business was under the name of Robert Stewart , and since that time it has been Robert Stewart Limited, in partnership with his sons, Edward McLean and Robert Douglas. Mr. Stewart is the oldest manufacturer, and the oldest business man living in Guelph. There is not one man in business now, who was in it at the time he came. He has never held municipal office, but has been an active worker for the Liberal party. In religion he is a Presbyterian. He m. Annie, dau. of Lachlan McGregor, of Eramosa Township.
From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto:Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906.
Robert married Anne McGREGOR, daughter of Lachlan McGREGOR and Elizabeth BELL, in 1855.3 Anne was born on March 1, 1831 in Eramosa Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,3 died on September 27, 1922 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada3 aged 91, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 43 F i. Margaret Elizabeth STEWART 3 was born on January 10, 1856 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died on October 4, 1952 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 96.
44 F ii. Phoebe Elizabeth STEWART was born on July 1, 1862 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died in 193017 aged 68.
45 F iii. Mary Scott STEWART was born about 1865 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died about 1865 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
46 F iv. Ann Urquhart STEWART was born in 1866 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died on January 29, 1943 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 77, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
Ann married Edward Siegmund SINGER, son of Simon SINGER and Annie (__?__), on May 2, 1898 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.17 Edward was born in 1847 in , , , France17 and died on January 12, 1918 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 71.
+ 47 F v. Helen Scott STEWART was born on November 4, 1868 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died on June 9, 1938 in Fergus, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 69, and was buried in Fergus Belsyde Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
48 M vi. Charles Edward STEWART was born on June 15, 1871 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died on September 16, 1871 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
49 F vii. Robina Lamont STEWART was born on October 22, 1872 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died on December 6, 1968 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 96, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
50 F viii. Jessie Ellen STEWART was born about 1873 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died about 1877 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged about 4, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
+ 51 M ix. Edward McLean STEWART was born on February 12, 1875 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died in 193917 aged 64, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
+ 52 M x. Robert Douglas STEWART was born on June 15, 1878 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died in 195417 aged 76, and was buried in Guelph Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
25. Margaret Elizabeth STEWART (Elizabeth STEWART11, John5, Alexander1) was born on March 24, 1834 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada10,11 and died on August 30, 1918 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada5,10 aged 84.
Events
• Margaret resided in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1871 .
• She resided in Nassagaweya Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1881 .
• Margaret resided in Acton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1891 .
• She resided at the Elliot Home in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1911.
Margaret married James Henderson LAIDLAW, son of James LAIDLAW and Ann HENDERSON, on May 24, 1859 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.10 James was born in 1832 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada10,18 and died on April 29, 1864 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada10,18 aged 32.
Events
• James farmed at Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada, 1861
Children from this marriage were:
+ 53 M i. John Calvin LAIDLAW was born on June 13, 1860 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada11,13 and died on June 24, 1925 in Vancouver, , British Columbia, Canada5 aged 65.
+ 54 F ii. Anne Henderson LAIDLAW was born in 1862 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada and died on November 20, 1934 in Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada aged 72.
Margaret next married Archibald CAMPBELL, son of Duncan CAMPBELL and Janet McGREGOR, on December 20, 1872 in Guelph, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Archibald was born about 1812 in , , , Scotland20 and died on May 22, 1899 in Acton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada5 aged about 87.
Events
• He worked as a yeoman in 1873 in Nassagaweya Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.
• Archibald resided in Nassagaweya Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1881 .
• He resided in Acton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1891 .
26. Christina Ann "Christy" STEWART (Elizabeth STEWART11, John5, Alexander1) was born about 1838 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada4 and died on January 28, 1889 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada3 aged about 51. She was usually called Christy.
Christy married Robert MICHIE, son of William MICHIE and Margaret STIVERT, on January 23, 1869 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.3 Robert was born about 1837 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada3 and died on September 10, 1885 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada3 aged about 48.
Children from this marriage were:
55 F i. Elizabeth Ann MICHIE 3 was born on November 21, 1859 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada,17 died on August 8, 1928 in , Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 68, and was buried in Boston Cemetery Esquesing Twp, Halton, Ontario, Canada.
+ 56 F ii. Margaret MICHIE was born in March 1862 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died on April 26, 1884 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 22.
57 F iii. Mary Jane MICHIE was born on December 14, 1863 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died on March 21, 1902 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 aged 38.
58 M iv. William MICHIE was born about 1868 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died after 1891 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.17
59 F v. Isabella MICHIE was born on March 9, 1870 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died after 1928 in Woodbridge, York Co, Ontario, Canada.17
Isabella married Colin CAMERON on September 21, 1920 in Woodbridge, York Co, Ontario, Canada.17 Colin was born on July 23, 1874 in Woodbridge, York Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died after 1928 in Woodbridge, York Co, Ontario, Canada.17
60 F vi. Ellen Christina MICHIE was born on January 29, 1876 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died after 1928 in , Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.17
Ellen married Alexander BELL, son of John BELL and Catherine HOOD, on December 23, 1902 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.17 Alexander was born on March 31, 1876 in Nassagaweya Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada17 and died after 1917 in Acton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.17
31. Elizabeth STEWART (Duncan12, John5, Alexander1) was born on March 16, 1853 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada3,12 and died in Milton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.12
Events
• Elizabeth resided at the home of her brother Neil Stewart in Milton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901. 13
Elizabeth married John STOREY, son of George STOREY and Janet ROBERTSON, in March 1870 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.12 John was born on June 6, 1842 in Trafalgar Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada12,21 and died on December 5, 1875 in , , Ontario, Canada12,21 aged 33.
Children from this marriage were:
61 M i. George STOREY was born on May 30, 1869 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.12
Events
• George resided at the home of his uncle Neil Stewart in Milton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901.
+ 62 M ii. Duncan Stewart STOREY was born on May 11, 1873 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada12 and died in 1917 in , York County, Ontario, Canada12 aged 44.
63 M iii. John STOREY was born on November 16, 1875 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.3,12
34. Christopher James RUSSELL (Margaret STEWART13, John5, Alexander1) was born on April 11, 1847 in , , Ontario, Canada,9,13 died on December 15, 1924 in Georgetown, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada aged 77, and was buried in Acton, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.
Events
• Christopher resided at the home of his mother in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1871.
• Christopher farmed at Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada, 1881
• He worked as a farmer in 1901 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.
Christopher married Isabella HENDERSON, daughter of David HENDERSON and Agnes (__?__), on December 20, 1874 in Chinguacousy Twp, Peel Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Isabella was born on June 25, 1848 in , , Ontario, Canada.13
Children from this marriage were:
64 M i. Christopher RUSSELL was born on May 2, 1880 in Erin, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.13
65 M ii. David A. RUSSELL was born on April 17, 1882 in Erin, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.13
66 M iii. James RUSSELL
35. Anne STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born on August 18, 1835 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada13 and died on May 3, 1911 in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada14 aged 75.
Anne married James LAIDLAW, son of Walter LAIDLAW and Margaret ROBERTSON. James was born on November 25, 1830 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada4,13 and died on May 30, 1913 in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada4,14 aged 82.
Events
• James resided in Elderslie Twp, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada in 1871 .
• He resided in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada in 1891 .
Children from this marriage were:
+ 67 F i. Jennet Brown LAIDLAW was born in 1855 in , , Ontario, Canada.9
+ 68 F ii. Margaret R. LAIDLAW was born on July 8, 1858 in Glen Williams, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada9 and died on October 9, 194022 aged 82.
69 M iii. Walter A. LAIDLAW was born in 1861 in , , Ontario, Canada.9
70 M iv. John Stewart LAIDLAW was born on February 28, 1868 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada13 and died on March 20, 1911 in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada14 aged 43.
Events
• John resided at home in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada in 1901.
71 F v. Mary S. LAIDLAW was born on February 25, 1870 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.13
Events
• Mary resided at home in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada in 1901.
• She resided at home in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada in 1911.
72 F vi. Helen Ellise LAIDLAW was born on October 30, 1871 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.13
Events
• Helen resided at home in Louise, Lisgar, Manitoba, Canada in 1911.
36. Margaret L. STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born on June 13, 1836 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada4 and died on October 14, 1911 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada4 aged 75.
Margaret married Gregor McGOWAN, son of Robert McGOWAN and Mary McGREGOR, in 1859 in , , Ontario, Canada.4.,11 Gregor was born in 1834 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada4 and died on July 1, 1899 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada4 aged 65.
Events
• Gregor farmed on Lot 39, Con 3, East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada, in 1861
Children from this marriage were:
+ 73 F i. Mary McGOWAN was born on September 5, 1859 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.9,11,15
74 M ii. Robert B. McGOWAN was born on May 12, 1862 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.9,13,15
Events
• Robert farmed at Blyth, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada, 1899
Robert married Jennettie J. SHIPLEY, daughter of John B. SHIPLEY and Mary Ann McFARLANE, on June 21, 1899 in , Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Jennettie was born on April 14, 1862 in London Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.13,19
+ 75 F iii. Annie Russell McGOWAN was born on March 17, 1863 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.9,13,15
76 F iv. Margaret McGOWAN was born in 1867 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.9,15
Margaret married John W. McFARLANE, son of George McFARLANE and Ann SHIPLEY, on December 21, 1892 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.19 John was born in 1862 in , , Ontario, Canada.19
• Marriage Ceremony conducted by Rev. Arch. McLean at the home of the brides parents on Con 3, in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.
Events
• John farmed at McGillivray Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada, 1892
77 F v. Helen McGOWAN was born on February 21, 1871 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.13,15 Another name for Helen was Ellen.
Helen married J. Archibald SHIPLEY, son of John B. SHIPLEY and Mary Ann McFARLANE, on June 1, 1898 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.19 J. was born on May 3, 1866 in , , Ontario, Canada.13,19
Events
• J. resided in London Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada in 1898 .
78 M vi. John Stewart McGOWAN was born on August 20, 1875 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.15,23
79 F vii. Maria Barrie McGOWAN was born on March 18, 1878 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.23 Another name for Maria was Bessie Lamont.
Events
• Maria resided at the home of her brother Robert in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901.
Maria married Thomas William JENKINS, son of Giles JENKINS and Anna (__?__), on September 26, 1906 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Thomas was born in 1882 in East Wawanosh, Huron Co, Ontario, Canada.19
38. Elizabeth "Libby" STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born in 1840 in , , , U.S.A.11 and died on August 11, 1892 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada aged 52. She was usually called Libby.
Events
• Libby resided in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada in 1861 .
Libby married John DUFF, son of Donald DUFF and Janet CAMPBELL, on May 1, 1868 in Caledon, Peel Co, Ontario, Canada.19 John was born in 1838 in , , , Scotland19 and died on October 31, 1905 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada5 aged 67.
Events
• He emigrated from Scotland in 1852.
• John farmed at Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada, 1881
• John farmed at Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada, 1891
• John farmed at Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada, 1901
Children from this marriage were:
80 F i. Mary S. DUFF was born in 1869 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada20 and died on August 4, 1897 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada aged 28.
81 M ii. Donald DUFF was born on December 15, 1870 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.13,23
Events
• Donald resided in Thornloe, Timiskaming Dist, Ontario, Canada in 1912 .
Donald married Luella CRAGG, daughter of David CRAGG and Mary Jane LOVE, on June 25, 1912 in , Ontario Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Luella was born in 1890 in , Ontario Co, Ontario, Canada.19
82 F iii. Jessie DUFF was born in 1873 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.20
Events
• Jessie resided at the home of her grandfather John Stewart in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada in 1881.
83 M iv. John Stewart DUFF was born on April 3, 1875 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.13
Events
• John resided at the home of his father in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901.
John married Mary STEWART, daughter of Charles STEWART and Mary Catherine SCHRAM, on July 6, 1904 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Mary was born in 1880 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.19
84 F v. Annie Marie DUFF was born on March 19, 1881 in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada.13,23
Events
• Annie resided at the home of her father in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901.
85 M vi. Robert Cameron DUFF was born on December 7, 1884 in Rockwood, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada..13,23
Events
• Robert resided at the home of his father in Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario, Canada in 1901.
39. Helen STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born in August 1845 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada.11,16
Helen married George SHIPLEY, son of George SHIPLEY and Elizabeth BELL, on July 1, 1869 in Brampton, Peel Co, Ontario, Canada.19 George was born in May 1839 in , , Upper Canada16,19 and died on November 25, 1919 in Collingwood, Simcoe Co, Ontario, Canada5 aged 80.
• Marriage witnessed by James Laidlaw of Brampton.
Events
• George resided in East Williams Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada in 1871 .
• He resided in Collingwood, Simcoe Co, Ontario, Canada in 1911 .
Children from this marriage were:
86 M i. George Stewart SHIPLEY was born in 1872 in Ailsa Craig, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19
Events
• George farmed at McGillivray Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada, 1904
George married Johana Maude STEWART, daughter of Donald F. STEWART and Elizabeth CARMICHAEL, on January 20, 1904.19 Johana was born in 1879 in Ailsa Craig, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19
Events
• She worked as a school teacher in 1904 in Ailsa Craig, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.
87 M ii. John SHIPLEY was born in May 1873 in Ailsa Craig, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.16
John married Jessie Marion TELFER, daughter of Charles TELFER and Mary STEWART, on June 5, 1912 in Collingwood, Simcoe Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Jessie was born in 1888 in Collingwood, Simcoe Co, Ontario, Canada.19
40. Mary STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born in 1848 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada,8,11 died on March 4, 1889 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada8 aged 41, and was buried in Paisley Cemetery, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.
Mary married Edward Francis BOYLE, son of Francis BOYLES and Mary McPHILLIPS, on March 11, 1879 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Edward was born on June 7, 1850 in Thornhill, York Co, Ontario, Canada,8,24 died on March 28, 1928 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada8 aged 77, and was buried in Paisley Cemetery, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.
• Marriage witnessed by James Storey and Jas Hamilton both of Paisley.
Events
• Edward resided in Markham Twp, York Co, Ontario, Canada in 1851 .
• He worked as a machinist in 1876 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.
• He worked as a machinist in 1881 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.
Children from this marriage were:
88 F i. Jane McKenzie BOYLE was born July7, 1881 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.13,23
89 M ii. Frank Stewart BOYLE was born on March 9, 1883 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada13,23 and died on October 26, 1916 in Somme, , Centre, France aged 33. The cause of his death was M.I.A.
Frank Boyle, a private in the 44th Battalion, was declared Missing in Action on October, 25, 1916 at the Somme, while attacking the Regina Trench at Courcelette.
The Somme: 1916 - Courcelette & Regina Trench from TheGreatWar.ca
The year of 1916, can best be described as a blood bath for the allies. The French army's battles at Verdun would prove to have a horrible effect on the men of France. Germany's objective of having France "bleed itself white" was almost fully realized as approximately 800,000 French casualties were counted. As the attacks persisted the French would endure a mutiny within the ranks and a casualty list that could not be ignored. Looking for a broad push that would push the German infantry into a retreat, and in part, to relieve the pressure on the French forces at Verdun, Field Marshall Haig had planned a British attack for July 1, 1916 in the region of the Somme River.
After a immense artillery barrage on the German line, the plan called for over 100,000 men go "over-the-top" and smash the German lines. It was believed that after such artillery, the lines would be obliterated and the sweep of the German forces would begin with few casualties. The outcome, of course, could not have been more tragic. It soon became obvious that the German forces had endured the artillery in their deep underground dug-outs, the barbed wire had not been destroyed and that the British forces were easy targets for the German machine gunners as they, in full daylight, moved into no-man's land. As the day wore on, the British would experience their worst day in history by having over 58,000 killed.
On this day, the First Newfoundland Regiment would be sent into battle (Newfoundland was not yet a part of Canada) at Beaumont-Hamel on the Somme front. Of the 801 Newfoundlanders that left the trenches on July 1, 1916, only 69 were able to present themselves for the next day's role-call.
By September of 1916, the Canadians were brought into the action in relief of the Australia's and New Zealand's forces which had met with little success on the Somme. It is also recognized that the Canadians were brought into the situation in the hope that they could achieve the same level of success they had earned in previous actions against the Germans and in no small way save Haig's reputation and career.
On September 15 the Canadian Second Division attacked at Courcelette. For the first time, their attack would be supported by seven tanks and a rolling barrage. The Canadian First Division, replacing the Australian and New Zealand regiments attacked at Pozieres Ridge. The Canadian Third Division moved against the strongly defended Fabeck Trench. The three Canadian divisions fighting both the heavy rains, thickening mud and a well entrenched enemy achieved success but at heavy costs. The formidable, Regina Trench, however, still was not taken. Regina Trench was the longest German trench on the front and stood well supported behind barbed-wire and machine guns. Regina trench was attacked for two months before the Canadian Fourth Division was brought into action. The position fell on November 11, 1916.
In roughly six months of fighting the Somme offensive had gained the allies a mere 10 kilometres at a total cost of over 620,000 dead and wounded. Canadians during the slightly more than two months on the Somme had taken 24,029 dead and wounded.
It is fair to say that the Canadians had learned a number of lessons and sent out a few messages during this time. Canadians were now viewed by both sides as a top level fighting force that would not settle for anything less than success. They had also realized that new tactics must be developed and planning must include provisions for protecting lives. Perhaps the most important lesson learned: it was time for the Canadian General Staff to listen more to their own voices in the planning stages and less to those from the British High Command.
The high price of success paid on the Somme at Courcelette and Regina Trench would prove its worth during the following spring at Vimy Ridge.
Events
• He worked as a steelworker in 1915 in Tillsonburg, Oxford Co, Ontario, Canada.
90 F iii. Mary Ellen "May" BOYLE was born on July 9, 1886 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada,13 died on April 25, 1985 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada aged 98, and was buried in Paisley Cemetery, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada. She was usually called May. She had no relationships and no children.
Paisley Advocate, April 1985
BOYLE - Mary E. at Bruce Lea Haven Nursing Home, Walkerton on Thursday April 25, 1985, Miss May Boyle , late of Paisley .
Daughter of the late Edward Boyle and Mary Stewart. Survived by one nephew Frank M. Rock and his wife Jessie of Oakville and three great nephews , Gary Rock of Oakville, Dr. Michael Rock of London, and Franklin Rock of Ottawa.
Predeceased by two sisters Jean and Margaret Rock of Edmonton and one brother Frank Stewart Boyle who died at the battle of Somme in 1916.
May went to school in Paisley and Kincardine after which she graduated from Stratford Normal School. She taught in Southampton, Paisley and Collingwood, retiring in 1955.to her home in Paisley .
She was a member of the Paisley Presbyterian Church and in politics was a staunch Liberal. Her Liberal roots going back to the early days of Canada when the country was ruled by the Family Compact and the Clergy Reserves. In 1837 her grandfather, John Stewart of Milton , Ontario , later owner of Paisley Agricultural Works joined with his friend William Lyon Mackenzie in the Rebellion of '37. The result of this rebellion was that "Responsible Government " was established in Canada.
No funeral home visitation . Funeral service will be held at the Kent Milroy Paisley Chapel 216 Queen St. South on Monday April 29, at 2 p.m. Interment Paisley Cemetery . Memorial contributions to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
+ 91 F iv. Margaret Anna BOYLE was born on February 6, 1891 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada,13 died on July 6, 1966 in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada aged 75, and was buried in Paisley Cemetery, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada.
42. Sarah "Maria" STEWART (John S.15, John5, Alexander1) was born in 1857 in Esquesing Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, Canada11 and died on April 29, 19364 aged 79. She was usually called Maria.
Events
• Maria resided in Paisley, Bruce Co, Ontario, Canada in 1881 .
• She resided at 55 Askin Street in London, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada in 1916.
Maria married George Alexander STEWART, son of Neil STEWART and Isabella (__?__), on May 4, 1882 in McGillivray Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19 George was born about 1853 in Sheffield Beverly Twp, Wentworth Co, Ontario, Canada.4
Events
• He worked as a contractor in 1882 in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada.
• George farmed at Enniskillen Twp, Lambton Co, Ontario Canada, 1890
• George resided in Red Deer, , Alberta, Canada in 1911 .
Children from this marriage were:
92 M i. George Shipley STEWART was born in 1883 in , , Ontario, Canada.20
Events
• He worked as an Electrical Engineer in 1911 in Toronto, York Co, Ontario, Canada.
George married Anna Christina CALVERT, daughter of William S. CALVERT and Cornelia SUTHERLAND, on September 14, 1911 in Strathroy, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19 Anna was born on February 2, 1885 in Metcalf Twp, Middlesex Co, Ontario, Canada.19
93 F ii. Isabella STEWART was born in 1888 in , , Ontario, Canada.16
Events
• Isabella resided at the home of her parents in Red Deer, , Alberta, Canada in 1911.
94 M iii. Kenneth Scott STEWART was born on May 5, 1889 in Enniskillen Twp, Lambton Co, Ontario Canada.20,23
Events
• He worked as a yard master for the G.D.P. RR and lived at 694 19th Street in 1916 in Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada.
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