Peter Pearce jr & Almira Edmunds and family by Marmora History

Keeping Track -Peter Pearce Jr.

Peter 2 2 ................... ................... 2 2 2 2 2 2

2 ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ...................

Pearce Sr. 1783 - 185 1 +Jane Bond 1784 - 1861 Aseneth Pearce Joseph Burgess Pearce 3 Arabella Pearce 1850 3 Elizabeth Pearce 1831 - 1842 Josiah Pearce Ellen Pearce + Richard Parnall Elizabeth Pearce - 1851 + Rev. John Williams Timothy Pearce +Lucinda Kennedy Samuel Pearce 1824 - 1875 + Elizabeth (Eliza) Inch Caroline Pearce 1825 - 1900 + John Parnall

Peter Pearce Jr. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

................... 3 ........ ....................... ........................... ...........................

1812-1875 +Almira Edmonds

1815-1872

J ane

1837-1924 [oseph Burgess Pearce 1840 -1923 +Lois Anne Dafoe 1840 -1923 Elizabeth Warren Pearce 1842-1842 Thomas Peter Pearce 1843 -1894 +Margaret Campion Lucinda Pearce 1846 -1932 +F red Fow ler John Pearce 1851-1852 Harriet Almira 1856-1922

Josiah Williams Pearce + Julia C. Houston +Molly J. Roblin 4 Bessie Ethel Pearce 4 Jane A/mira Pearce

1850 - 1938 +Bessie Bram/ey 1860 - 1903

1844 -1918

1855 - 1882

1879 - 1931 1881 - 1974 +Frank Newton Marett

~ The Pearees

1835 - 1906

1877 - 1936

T ~

Page: 16

The Family of Peter Pearce [r. 1. Peter Pearce Jr., born February 01, 1812 in County of Cornwall, England; died May 12, 1875 in Norwood, Ontario. He was the son of Peter Pearce Sr. and Jane Bond. He married Almira Edmunds 1837 in Norwood, Ontario.

Children of Peter Jr. and Almira Edmunds are: i. Jane Pearce, born May 13, 1838 in Norwood, Ontario; died November 26, 1924 in Norwood, Ontario; married James Vandervoort 1891. H. Joseph Burgess Pearce, born March 16, 1840 in Norwood, Ontario; died July 03, 1923 in Norwood, Ontario; married Lois Anne Dafoe 1862 in Norwood, Ontario. Elizabeth Warren Pearce, born August 08, 1842 in Norwood, Ontario; died August 31, 1842 in Norwood, Ontario.

Ill.

iv. Thomas Peter Pearce, born October 30, 1843 in Norwood, Ontario; died July 14, 1894 in Santa Barbara, California; married Margaret Campion, September 28, 1869. v. Lucinda Pearce, born June 17, 1846 in Norwood, Ontario; died 1932 in Toronto, Ontario; married Fred Fowler in 1874. vi. Josiah Williams Pearce, born January 18, 1850 in Norwood, Ontario; died May 25, 1938 in Belleville, Ontario; married (1) Bessie Bramley; married (2) Julia Houston; married (3) Molly J. Roblin Barager. vii. John Pearce, born October 12, 1851 in Norwood, Ontario; died April 20, 1852 in Norwood, Ontorio. Harriet Almira, born December 15, 1856 in Norwood, Ontario; died May OS, 1922 in unknown.

VIII.

notebook kept by Peter Pearce lr: This is the first page, dated 1856. From a

Page: 17

The Pcarccs

Peter Pearce, Jr. Son of Peter Pearce, Sr. Born: Married: Almira died: Peter died:

February 1, 1812 in the County of Cornwall, England Came to Canada with his parents in 1835 Almira Edmunds,May 29, 1837 in Asphodel (Norwood), Ontario October 9, 1872 in Norwood, Ontario May 12, 1875 in Norwood, Ontario

In 1836 Peter Pearce, Jr. was a miller of flour at Joseph Keeler's Mill at Keeler's Mill, now Norwood, and also an agent for the Keeler property - part of which was later divided into village lots for Norwood.

rheumatism. For several years she had been cared for by her daughter Jane. Mrs. Pearce was buried in Norwood Cemetery.

Later, he left to take charge of Keeler's Mill at Keeler's Creek, now Colborne and also took charge of Mr. Keeler's property, which was quite extensive. In 1793, Mr. Keeler had brought in forty settlers of United Empire Loyalist stock along with a surveyor to take up property allotted to them by the government of Upper Canada.

While living in Belmont, Mr. Pearce was a member of the Trustee Board of three neighbouring Methodist churches, one being Marmora, and secretary of all three. At the time of his death, he was President of the Bible Society of Norwood, Director of the Mechanics Institute, a director of both Township and County Agricultural Societies.

Peter Pearce Jr. married Almira Edmunds, born May 20, 1815 at Brownsville, Jefferson County, New York, who was brought to Canada with her parents and family by his mother's brother who were English of United Empire Loyalist stock. [According to notes found elsewhere, Almira was the niece of Joseph Keeler.) They were very devoted, faithful members of Wesleyan stock. For many years Peter Pearce Jr. represented Asphodel Township in the County Council. He moved to the township of Asphodel and Bethuen occupying the same position there. He was three times chosen Warden of Peterborough County - 1863, 1865 and 1866. He held many public offices; for 23 years he was the most prominent man in municipal affairs in the townships of Asphodel, Dummer and Belmont. He was nominated as a candidate of the East Riding of the County of Peterborough for the Legislature of Ontario but he always declined to go to the polls.

Peter and Almira had eight children: Joseph Burgess, Josiah Williams, Thomas Peter, Elizabeth Warren, John, Harriet Almira, Lucinda and Jane. - from notes compiled by lane Almira Marett (Pearce)

From the beginning he was a member of the Norwood High School Board of Trustees. He was a trustee of the Norwood Methodist Church Board for thirty years. The laymen of the Peterborough District elected him as their representative to the first General Conference of the Methodist Church of Canada held at Toronto, September 1874, a few months before his death. He was appointed Postmaster of the new village of Havelock, which he named after Sir Henry Havelock, K.C.B., noted British military leader. His wife Almira died in Havelock from acute From a notebook

The Pearccs

kept by Peter Pearce Jr.

Page: 18

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The Pcarces

Text of an article about Peter Pearce Jr. PETER P EARCE. ESQ.

Isa slight. wiry. vivacious gentleman. although 62 years of age. eager and apparently impressive. who will perhaps not make so good an impression at first ashe desires to make. for he isa tried Methodist of long standing. really amiable and good natured. who must be acapable man of business. or he would never have occupied the positions he has held for such long periods. if he had not possessed the confidence of community at large. as a trustworthy person. He isa native of the County of Cornwall. England. but has been more than half his life-time in Canada. He was converted at Norwood in 1841.and united with the Church. He has been Recording Steward of his Circuit. first Norwood and now Blairton. where he resides. both put together. twenty-eight years. He is Trustee of three neighbouring churches. and , Secretary to all the Boards. As to secular offices. he has been in the Commission of the Peace twenty years; has resided in the county of Peterboro' since 1835. and has filled theofficeof Municipal Councillor. Reeve and Warden; and is Reeve of the united townships of Belmont and Methuen at present. Such is the personal and religious history and official standing of another of our LayDelegates of the General Conference. We are glad to see those who helped to work the old system brough t in to work the new. The above text was probably found in a church publication prior to or during the first General Conference of the new Methodist Church of Canada.

From a notebook kept by Peter Pearce Jr.

Page.Zl

The Pearces

County of Peterborough Council-1863

County of Peterlrorough A. • 1863· Peter Pearce [father of J.B. Pearee, first reeve of, (he incorpomt~ Village of Norwood] Warden. Front Row - L to R: Edgeeembe Pearee, County Clerk; Comelius SuUivan, Reeve of Eiullsmore; George Lockle, e, M "'han;/<f; • topher . "

Page: 23

The Pearces

The following

obiturary of Peter Pearce Jr. is from an unknown newspaper.-from

NORWOOD. MA

Wendy Davis

y20.1875

THE LATEP. PEARCE.Esq. No more mournful du ty have we ever

he wasby common consent the chosen champion of Eastern

been called upon to perform than that of

rights. Hadweabattle

writing the obituary noticeof

good old English pluck were imperatively

the

towage. in which ability. and tact. and demanded. he was

gent leman whose name stands at the

the giant selected tocarry the war intorhe enemy'scamp, Had

head of this article. For so many years

we a public undertaking

hashis friendly face been familiar on our

exhibition

streets; so frequently

achieve the desired success. Was some audacious assailant of

sometimes

have the

harsh. yet always kindly

tones of his well known voice fallen

to be pushed forward. requiring the

of earnest and perservering

the good name of the community

effort. hewas the man to

to be silenced and put to

flight. his voice was always the first to be upraised. In short. he

upon our ears. and so long. and so

had become so thoroughly

intimately.

that it almost seemed as if his sudden withdrawal would

hashe been associated with

all the various interests of this portion

incorporated

endanger the whole structure.

of the County. that we can yet hardly realize that he is now nomore. We can safely say. that no event that has transpired in this section of country for many years has produced such a profound impression upon thewhole community

as the terrible accident of

last Wednesday. The ceaseless throng of anxious enquirers that. through the three long hours intervening

between the

occurrence of the accident and its fatal termination.

wended their way to the

house where the sufferer lay. bore testimony

to the intense interest in the

result manifested

by all classes. And at

length. when the final struggle was over. and it was sadly and tearfullyw

hispered

one to another. "He is dead." a heavy gloom sett led down upon the whole village. and none seemed equal to the task of carrying on their ordinary avocations. Theonly

really public man

into our body politic

Mr. Pearce was born in the year Cornwall.

1812in the

famous County

the birthplace of so many of England' s departed

heroes. A young man. twenty three years of age. he came to Canada in 1835. and ayear later. with his father. settled in the Townshipof Norwood.

Asphodel.on

the site of the present Village of

then known as Keeler's Mills.So

that for nearly

forty years he has been a resident of this community.

He was

literally the father of our now thriving and beautiful village. Possessing good naturalabilities. determination.

any amount of

as well as a laudable ambition to occupy the

foremost positions. he soon pushed himself into prominence both in connection

with the Church and the State. In his

struggle for honorable notoriety efforts of an incomparably

he was greatly aided by the

good wife. whose name. though she

is dead for a length of time. is still as "ointment throughout

this and adjoining townships.

those ear ly days was unbounded.

poured forth"

Their hospitality

No one. no ma tter w ha this

name or creed. was ever turned away cold or hungry from their door. Their residence was at once an inn. a ch urch, and a home for all. Ear ly in life he took a great interest in municipalaffairs.

in the County since the death of the late

was for many years the representative

and

of this township in the

lamented Conger. he was even something

County Council. and after his removal to the Townshipof

more than a useful public servant to us.

Belmont occupied the same honorable position there. Three

and the universal verdict was. that a great

times he was chosen to preside over the deliberations

calamity had befallen the residents of

County Council. each time filling the position with honor to

this particular locality. F or many years

himself and credit to the locality he represented.

Page: 25

of the

The Pearces

Mr. Pearce was thoroughly posted in municipal law. and took a great interest inall County legislation. Roadsand bridges. educational institutions and public buildings in all quarters of the district. testify to his public usefullness. Probably no man in the County was known to a larger number of ratepayers than Mr. Pearce. He had. in a long period of public trusteeship. made some enemies. What useful public servant was ever without them. He had. says a contemporary. his peculiarities. Of course he had. We would not have seen him withou t them. Lacking his peculiarities he would not have been the man he was. Many years ago he was honored by a commission as the Justice of the Peace. and in this capacity he transacted a vast amount of t r

business. and saved for enemies as well as friends many a lawyer' s fee. His decisions were uniformly just. and when appealed against were almost invariably confirmed by higher authority. In his capacity as an able magistrate. Mr. Pearce will be very much missed in this locality. He took a deep interest in politics. and noone in this section of the country was better informed upon the political history of the country. or could converse more intelligently upon the leading quest ions of the day. M any years ago he was a Reformer. bu t was a consistant member of the great LiberalConservative party from its organization till the day of his death. Mr. Pearce has been accused by his enemies of political trickery. The writer of this article has been intimately associated in political matters with Mr. Pearce for many years and he never knew him robe guilty of the charge. Many times. when some scheme of doubtful propriety was proposed. he at once pu t his foot on it. and said "we will figh t with fair weapons or not at all."

t路=----~----路路---------From a notebook kept by Peter Pearce Jr.

The Pearces

Page: 26

Obituary of Peter Pcarce. Jr. Original source is unknown

Peter Pearce Esq. J.P. Norwood 1812 - 1875 The late Peter Pearce was born in the County of Cornwall, England, February 1st, 1812 and died at Norwood, Ontario, May 12th, 1875, in the 64th year of his age. In 1835, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and settled the following year in the Township of Asphodel, where the Village of Norwood is now situated. Indeed to him, as its father and founder, the Village owes its existence and much of its prosperity. His decidedly religious life commenced with his conversion to God in the year 1841. From that time to the day of his death, he was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. His Methodism commenced with his birth. For many years before that event, his parents were pious members of the Wesleyan Society in their native place. After their removal to this Country, they remained faithful to the end and died at Peterborough in the faith and hope of the Gospel. The conversion of our departed friend made no change in his creed or church. His views of such matters already formed were but enlarged and confirmed by clearer light and the happy experience of saving grace. To the end of life, he was accustomed to speak with delight and gratitude of his early Methodist training, the privilege of attending the Ministry of the able preachers then laboring near his native place and his acquaintance with many of the distinguished Wesleyans of Cornwall, lay and clerical. The religious impressions made upon his youthful mind by parental influence, and the faithful preaching of the Truth, resulted in his Conversion when he had reached mature manhood, and shaped his future character and life. Having entered the inner circle of the Church, his intelligence and activity were

Page:27

soon recognized as suitable qualifications for the duties and responsibilities of official positions. He filled several offices with great efficiency. He was a trustee of the Norwood Church from the beginning and a member of two other trustee boards. For nearly thirty years, he performed the responsible duties of Recording Steward with singular diligence and ability. His well-known ability, zeal and fidelity were suitably acknowledged by the laymen of the Peterborough District in electing him, their Representative, to the first General Conference of the Methodist Church of Canada, held at Toronto, September; 1874. By careful reading, close observation and patient study, he acquired a very thorough knowledge of the doctrines and policy of the Methodist Church. He was intimately acquainted with every event of its history and every change in its discipline during the last forty years. His extensive knowledge he had always at command to be used in public or private as required. He was always ready to assist in promoting every interest of the Church. To his sagacity and forethought, we are indebted for our valuable Church property in Norwood. The extensive improvements recently made in our Church, and other buildings enlarged and erected, are to be attributed in a great degree to his wisdom and energy. He was remarkably faithful in attending all the means of grace, social and public. He loved the house and worship of God. He was the minister's faithful friend, agreeable companion, wise counselor and ready assistant. He was a man of large-hearted catholicity. While loyal to his own church and faithful in maintaining all its interests; he was always ready to assist others and delighted in their prosperity. For many years, before schoolhouse or church edifice was

The Pearccs

erected in Norwood, his house was open as the place of worship for all denominations and for the hospitable entertainment of their ministers. His dwelling, radiant with the smiles of a noble woman who was fit to be his wife, was the Church for all worshippers and the hotel for all travellers, free of charge. He took a deep interest in the Educational Institutions of the county and rejoiced in their prosperity. From the beginning, he was an active member of the Norwood High School Board of Trustees. He was an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. By the testimony of his consistent practice as a public man and by his able advocacy of strict temperance principles, he did much for its promotion. What Dr. Talmage says of his father; in preaching his funeral sermon, may be said of Mr. Pearce, "His lips had not been polluted nor his brain befogged by the fumes of the noxious weed, that has sapped the life of whole generations-. He abhorred anything that could intoxicate, being among the first in the Country to join in the crusade against alcoholic beverage-. The swill of the brewery had not been poured around the roots of this thrifty almond--".

employed in repairing a building, part of the roof blown from it's place by a gust of wind, fell on him with great violence and produced the fatal result. He lingered in a state of unconsciousness about three hours after the sad occurrence and then expired. The news of his untimely death cast a heavy gloom over the whole community. The event was properly regarded as a public calamity. Everyone seemed to mourn the loss of a personal friend. Sorrow was seen in every countenance, and for weeks, many could think of nothing else. He was honored in his death more, if possible, than in his life.

He paid particular attention to municipal affairs, and filled several public offices in the Township and County with great ability. For many years, he was a member of the County Council of Peterborough and several times Warden. His knowledge of municipal law and of the municipal institutions of the country was extensive and accurate.

His funeral procession was the largest ever witnessed in this part of the country. It was attended by many public men, who well knew his worth - from different parts of the county and from beyond its limits. Rich and poor; persons of all creeds and classes, united in paying the last mournful tribute of respect to the man, who had long been the friend of all.

Indeed, he was acknowledged as an authority in such matters, even by able lawyers, by discharging the difficult and responsible duties of Magistrate with ability, fidelity and impartiality. He was born a lawyer and took the pains necessaryto acquire a thorough knowledge of the law, relating to the office he magnified. His tact and successon the bench were remarkable. He was fearless and just, kind and considerate in the performance of Magisterial duty - "Not a terror to good works but to the evil".

Complimentary resolutions were cordially passed by the Quarterly Official Meeting, District Meeting, County Council, Orange Lodge and other bodies to which he belonged, expressing in most appropriate terms, their high appreciation of his worth and testifying to the noble qualities of head and heart by which he was distinguished.

He was a man of great energy, determination and perseverance. He was endowed with superior talents and diligent in their cultivation. Uprightness, honesty, horror; independence and benevolence were conspicuous traits in his elevated character. He was a fluent and effective speaker; always at home on the platform, able to command the attention of any audience he addressed and seldom failed to carry his point. He was remarkably free from the vice of selfishness. His busy life and rare abilities were employed for the welfare of others, more than for the attainment of personal objects. The fruits of his wisdom, energy and self-denying labors for the public good, are seen and enjoyed in every part of the county. When he could do anything to promote the interests of religion, he spared no time and feared no difficulties. At a moment's warning, he was ready to take-a long journey, incur expense, and submit to inconvenience in the service of the Church. Such service gave him the purest enjoyment, and greatly contributed to his happiness.

His loss is painfully felt in the Church and throughout the whole community. By his numerous friends, he can never be forgotten. No other man ever lived and died in the County of Peterborough, more highly esteemed and respected in life and more deeply lamented in death, than the manly, honourable, noble, gifted, pious and useful Peter Pearce. Richard Clarke. Note: Mr. and Mrs. Pearce's family was eight children, four sons and four daughters, of which six survived to mourn his death.

His death was sudden, occasioned by an accident, while

Tbe Pcarces

Page: 28

Obituary Of Peter Pearce Jr.Norwood Register. May 1875 Peter Pearce Jr. Peter Pearce was born in 1812in Mevagissey. County Cornwall. England. son of Peter Pearce Sr. and his wife. JaneBond. He emigrated with his parents to Upper Canada in 1835. aged 22. and sett led with them in Peterborough. In 1836. he left there and went to Asphodel (now N orwood) to take charge of Keeler' s M ill. the first gristmill (sometimes called flouring mill) built in that district by Joseph A. Keeler of Keeler's Creek (now Colborne). and also an agent for Mr. Keeler's property which was quite extensi ve. as in 1793. Mr. Keeler of Vermont. New York State. had brought in forty settlers of United Empire Loyalist Stock. along with asurveyor to take up property alloted to them by the Government of Upper Canada. In 1837. Peter Pearce married Almira Edmundswhowasborn May 20th.181S at Brownsville. New York State. and had come to Upper Canada with her parents and family when an infant. brought by Joseph Keeler. her mother's brother. and with whose family she lived and grew up at Keeler' s Creek (Colborne). Her parents were English and of United Empire Loyalist Stock. Mr. 6 Mrs. Pearce lived for a number of years in the house attached to the M ill. They led adecidedly religious life. were faithful members of the Methodist Church. Hisparents, when in England. were members of the Weselyan Society. F or many years. before hotel. schoolhouse. or church was built in Norwood. thePearcehousewasopenas the place of worship for all Page: 29

denominations and as hotel for all travellers. free of charge. No one. no matter what his name or creed or character. was ever turned away cold or hungry from their door. Ear ly in life. hetookagreat interest in municipal affairs and for many years represented Asphodel Township in the County Council. After his removal to the Townshipsof Belmont and Metheun, he occupied the same position there. Three times he waschosenas Warden of Peterborough County. 1863. 186Sand 1866. In ear ly years. he was appointed by commission as Justice of the Peace. On three different occasions. he was nominated as candidate of the East Riding of the County of Peterborough forthe Legislature of Ontario. but he always declined to go to the polls. He held many public offices. For twenty路three years. he was the most prominent man in municipal affairs in the Townships of Asphodel, Dummer and Belmont. From the beginning. he was amember of the Norwood High School Board of Trustees. He was atrustee of the N orwood Methodist Ch urch Board for thirty years. The laymenof the Peterborough District elected him as their representative to the first General Conference of the MethodistChurch of Canada. heldat Toronto. September. 1874. a few months before his death. He

The Pearces

wasappointed Postmaster of the new Village of Havdock. which he named after Sir Henry Havclock, K.c.B.. noted British Military Leader. His wife died in Havdock. October 9th. 1872.aged 57.She was an invalid from acute rheumatism for several years. cared for by her daughter Jane. Mrs. Pearce wasburied in Norwood Cemetary. While living in Bdmont Township. Peter Pearce was member of Trustee Board of three neighbouring Methodist Churches( one being Marmora) and Secretary of all three. At the time of his death. he wasPresident of the Bible Society of Norwood. Directorof the Mechanics Institute. adirector of both Townshipand County Agricultural Societies. member of the Orange Lodge and Masonic Lodge. His death was very tragic. While employed in repairing abuilding. part of the roof. blown from its place by agust of wind. fellon him with great violence. throwing him to the ground. He lingered in astate of unconsciousness abou t three hours. then died M ay 20th. 1875.aged 63 years. He was buried in N orwood Cemetary. His funeral procession was the largest ever witnessed in this part of the country. attended by many prominent men. A vast concourse. variously estimated at from five to eight hundred. followed his remains to the Cemetary, All places of business were closed early in the day.Norwood Brass Band headed the cortege. playing solemn funeral marches asthe heavy human waverolled silently along. Reverends Mr. Cook of Marmora, Jewell of Blairton and Richard ClarkeofNorwoodconductedthe From a notebook

The Pearces

kept by Peter Pearce Jr.

services at the Church. the latter gentleman preaching the sermon from Page: 30

the text- "There isbut a step between

me anddeath." Large numbers of the Orange Order, wearing crepe on their left arm, turned out to the Funeral. The burial service of that body was read at the open grave by Mr.GeorgeKirk.

the Worthy Master of

NorwoodLodge.

Thuspassedaway

and

was buried a man whose name the people of these Townshipswill

not willingly

let

die. "Peace to his ashes". Six children remained to mourn his loss Jane, Joseph, Thomas, Lucinda, Harriet and Josiah .

------- ~

"'''"-'

---_ - _._. .. ..•.

CARD OF 'l'HANKS. rrhe undersigne<J,. o.. behalf of: the membcrs,o.i tl:l,~r.n~·:t1l~CLtlllgcs of Korwood , rSbCjl.ccd'Jll,y. i?tHl si ncerelv thank the members IlL J.lle~:.N(ln\'.Jod IfrIlss 13iiml-: C!ip~~il~lf,Y: t~:so. n()~. ~rang()rnen thereot-. f rr ~hell S(H~pcr:(ttlOn "Yltli the Oraoll.c Borly III payF.~g the last t:'lbutc of respect to their much. lIWl(,H~6Jl, and dec('u8ed {;fothcr Peter P"afco, E;;q~,~beir sweet fUlfl solemn 'music <{ery I?uch "'uitancing t1::..csolemnity of the cccasion,

J. P. To :Mr. T. BURKE,

Page:3!

' I I

BauWN.

Band Secretary.

Thc Pearces

~'~:;;~e·3v6ita~·C9nsrste*r~m~ • • ;_/0IW,.1;~

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:~~~ JJD~;'~~~~.'.t;t::~t. 'desiiIL thesec0:PosiJ 'il/» " "''''illi(

il'f(i()irai ,

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. of.lii$ uu, timely,' (1'~8~,f'l~~ift~P't qf' the:~]3~ble /3ociQtyin ,this pl~ee, "8/' Director A)f Onl\ ,Mochanicit'lD.8hi~£~ of%t both .~i»,')i", {.. ,J:. TOWl}8~llpY;~~P(t p~~ntY!~rA:gl' . tal:~!' Socielies; 'Ho w~s lio~Qr,eSJ.iIf life!~ nd honored in hi3·'~e·a:th;J ~\.>..,-i".__.'.. ·~it.: A vast concoiirse, ;arlQu61yeatimat~' d,u,tfrom five 'tc. eight>h~ndred" inlu4i nnl.ro·:prOmifl~Ilf;·m,e,h.",fi·onl various parts of' t,he OdUp.ty, i;ilowe,d Ihis remaius to oui- b~flltijfullittle·c~iUe. fi

.',

....

tli~llerl

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/:tery

F~iday.

No sadder llrO~esSion

:,~tcr pn,s.scu.t~l~OUg.h':.our

,stree{s' All pl~(),~!),o!'0b~.si~ess'~:)~~~e sl\\~ede,~r]v' i~"'! the d,'-y,· [Jio, ~~ll1ber8 of the :!S'qrWQod ! m'JIss' }~~-nd,:hellded' the cortege, and) ..plAit.~d\sol~tp.,p funeral marches as ;th6--~ ,.4~avY',humall' WJ~VO r~Ued. ,sil~J1Jly ~16~&.;:;rho Rsy,iI!lfesst'&0'b'dJr; ,:-:~,~j'; ~

Given the nature of the death of Peter Pearce Jr., it is ironic that the following newspaper article should appear shortly after his death. The date and the newspaper is unknown, but the clipping is in the possession of Wendy Davis.

::,~

jf'!rP"'··~~~· ''Y.~/ /' :-: "i. 0"

~,._~::m

"""",'""....,,.,;;;;~ ':.".

,~~'v.\\',o~l, ~{tJ3Iairton, and ~ ~t}la!~e:, P~~orw;opd; conducJ6c1"lthe'~ '~fU ..ncr~,·/.servicesi~~l.,~o,chur.cb,:thel~u,~;s.l , ntleman pr~nching;>a,sormQu from f " I I the very aPJlro~)ri,atj) text, Thoro is t :but Il. et€p between me and' death." L~rgo J}.uulb,ers of, the Orange Body,

:~n),

STORM ANDFALLOF ABUILDING.-OnSaturdaynightlastwe were visited by a terrible storm. accompanied with thunder and lightning. a fierce wind. and large hail and heavy showers of rain. Whether from the effects of this storm we know not. but ear ly on Sunday morning a splendid barn and stable belonging to the late Peter Pearce. Esq .•fell with a terrible crash. The building was but recently erected. and in sty le of finish and accommodation was certainly superior toany inourvillage. In the upper storey was a slendid lot of dry lumber. to be used in the erection of a dwelling on the same premises. and in other parts of the building was a lotof household furniture. some pictures. acutter. etc., a large portion of which were completely destroyed. The loss by the fall of the building and damage to its contents will amount to over $200.

The Pearces

which

'Mr.'

POnl'CO

was

a member,

wearing crape on their loft arm, turned . out to the funeral of their depllr~ed brother, and thejsolenin burial 8ei:v~~G of that body was read at the open 'graTe oy Mr. George·:Kirk;.tho:'~(}!;;lly:Mas ... :iei' o&the~orw,ood l'il4g~/'" '" .. , T4us pa,s;;g., awiLJ ar~d:~vMburied a .m~~;w. h~se~Jl:rne th :O'ped,n1o of these Townshjmv;-i}q,nr;& willinglr lot die.

!",,:.,~f,;.,.~.,.~.£l,.}£t,t,' ... , ; ~ .~..

~sIi~~.' j<:'~""'". ..i~~.f:.,...~;'

Page:32

Eulogy for Mrs. Almira (Edmunds) Pearce Original source is unknown

Mrs. Almira Pearce-1816-1872 Mrs. Almira Pearce, beloved wife of Peter Pearce Esq. of Belmont, departed this life on Wednesday morning, October 9th, 1872, in the 57th year of her age. Almira Edmunds, of United Empire Loyalist Stock was born in Brownsville, Jefferson County in N. Y State. She came when young with her family to Canada. When young, she was the subject of religious feelings while sitting under the faithful ministry of the Reverends R. Jones and T Brevett in the village of Colborne. The seed of divine grace was sown, which afterwards-yielded much precious fruit. In her youth, she was never addicted to those follies, which so generally blight and wither all the good qualities and dispositions of young people. On the contrary from her earliest days, she was unusually disposed to love God and to cultivate her better and higher nature. In the year 1833, the good seed of the Kingdom began to germinate or rather to burst forth into love and action. She was then brought into the enjoyment of saving grace, ingrafted into Christ, The Living Vine, made partaker of His loving likeness and an heir of eternal life. Her conversion was genuine as her steady and noble deportment at all times testified. In 1837, she entered into the married state with Peter Pearce of Norwood and for many years lived in the village of Norwood, where the kind disposition of her heart was abundantly displayed. The country being new, there was no church accommodation. Mrs. Pearce and her kind husband gave the Wesleyan ministers an invitation to hold divine service in their house, which was accepted and for many years the people congregated in their dwelling, to hear the word of eternal life.

Pagc::33

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The Pcarces

: .â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘

t."

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Previousto that time, the house of P. Pearce Esq. was open to all comers, with the most generous hospitality. Travellers and others in a constant stream were kindly fed and housed by this gentleman and his amiable wife, free of all expense, in a manner of which few in latter times have any conception or would care to imitate. Being then the only commodious dwelling in the place, public and religious meetings were held in the house, the inconvenience cheerfully borne and all made warmly welcome. What a rich reward our dear sister will receive, when the Judge shall say "Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these, ye did it to me. " During the past few years, she has been living in their beautiful residence in Belmont where she died. For several years, she suffered extremely, but in patience, she possessedher soul. About sixteen months ago, I became acquainted with her. During that time, I frequently had the pleasure of conversing with her on those high and important questions, which concern our immortal spirits; and half an hours' conversation, reading and prayer with her, after a considerable time spent among the ungodly, was something like passing from a cold and stormy winter's day to the calmness and geniality of a beautiful summer's evening.

Inside cover of Peter Pearce's notebook Sister Pearce was exceedingly and unchangeably kind to the ministers. It was her highest ambition to make the servants of Christ at home while under her hospitable roof, and not only ministers, but all with whom she came in contact. She was always ready to feed the hungry and lodge the stranger. The following, I have taken from Dr. Poole's sketch of the early settlements of the townships in the County of Peterborough. "The first tavern accommodation in Norwood was in 1842. The Pearces

To see her meekly and cheerfully doing and suffering her Father's will, when confined month after month to her habitation or room, to hear her give testimony to the faithfulness of Him. Who said "I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee"; and to behold the calm confidence which she had in Jesus, often imparted strength and courage to my drooping faith and enabled me to go forth afresh, with my aim nerved and my soul cheered, to the conflict with the powers of darkness. During the past two months of her life, she was completely prostrated and confined to her bed, the whole of which time, though suffering much excruciating pain, she patiently bore up and could rejoice in the Lord. Her resignation to the Page: 34

Divine Will was grand and noble, and while she used all likely means to recover her health, she repined not, because they were unsuccessful. When it became evident that she must die, she was perfectly resigned to her heavenly Father's will. I was particularly impressed with her happy, trusting state on the occasion of my last two visits. She was calmly waiting "all the days of her appointed time" until her change came. "No sins nor fears disturbed her soul, No terrors from below; No worldly glory stopped her flight, or made her loath to go". She was ready and had a "desire to depart and be with Christ". Very soon after, on October 9th, at 6 a.m., the strife ended and the suffering saint entered into rest. Her remains were carried to Norwood Cemetery, followed by a multitude of people, who attended to witness the last ceremony and to drop a tear at her grave. Some wept who "were not to weeping given". No Marvel. Her worth was great and her removal was felt to be a loss to her dear family, to the Church and to the place where she lived. She was a member of the Wesleyan Church 39 years.

Allick Edmunds, father of Almira

A crowded congregation listened with deep attention when her death was improved by the writer, Rev. J. Sanderson of Peterborough, offered some excellent remarks touching the noble reputation of the deceased and Rev. J. Hill of Norwood offered prayer. May her surviving friends be found copying her virtues and following her footsteps, is the prayer of their affectionate friend. TW. Grover

Hannah Edmunds, mother of Almira

Page: 35

The Pearces

Death Notice - Almira Edmunds Pearce Wife of Peter Pearce Jr. IHED.

&;"'1, {/

1.""k

PEARCE-At Haveloek, on Wednesday, the 9th instant, Atmtra, wife of Pete:: Pearce, I:;"q., aged 57 years and 5

mouths.

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Death Notice - Hannah Edmunds Mother of Almira Edmunds Pearce ~O\.j"

UG'CU":l

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EDMUNDS.-OU Monday, 10th Instant, at the residence of her 60n. Stewart Street, Ashburnham, Mrs. Hanuau Edrnunds, aged 88 yea~7 ~

Death Notice - Ame1ia Edmunds Sister of Almira Edmunds Pearce

Hannah Edmunds, died 1858

Amelia Edmonds, sister of Almira

The Pearces

Pagc::36

Obituary of Almira Edmunds Pearce

expressed-surprIse that he should be able to come so far: ••She was such a friend, [COMMUNICATED.] that I could not stay away." She was peculiarly a home woman. Home was her One after another the pioneer-settlers theatre of action, her pedestal of beauty, , of this section of our County are dropping her throne of power. She was not often into the grave. Early last Winter we had seen abroad, and then almost always on d some errand of love or mercy. She was to re COr the departure of the veneralways reany to enter, and as reluctant to able Waiter Scott, who was followed in leave the abode of misery. It was frethe summer by his oldfriend Fowlds, and quentIy her office, and lovingly was it last Saturday were convoyed to their final ' always performed, to stay the fainting resting place the remains of an estimable head, wipe from the dim eye the tear 01' anguish, and from the cold forehead the lady who was a resident of ~he township dew of death. Though nearly always at of Asphodel before one plank of the prehome, yet she had a large circle of friends sent village of Norwood had been erected. and exerted a wide influence for good. It THE

LA-'rE MRS.

PEARCE.

. The late Mrs. Pearce, whose maiden name was Edrnunds, was born of English parentage, in Brownville, Jefferson County, State of New York, May 29Lh, 1815, and came with her parents to Canada not very long afterwards. Most of her youthful years were spent in the family of he!' uncle, the late Mr. Keeler, of Colborne, under whose direction she came a. settler to this township in 1835. She was rnarried to Mr. Pearce, then in charge of her uncle's mill, May 29th, 1837, andtook up her residence adjacent to the old mill, known to the early settle-s as Keeler's ;-i11s, and immediately commenced that long reign of whole-souled, warm-hearted, generous hospitality, which has made her name as a household word throughout all this section of the country. In the early clays of OU1' township his tory, when -places of entertainment were few and far between. her llOUS~ was oft-en a restingplace for the weary and benighted travet ler, an~ no one, however poor or unpreI?ossessmg, was sent cold or hungry away from hei- door. Especially to the Minister's of the Gospel, of all denominations was her hospital] ty shewn, Many of those pioneer preachers have gone home to their reward, but a few still linger on and' cher ish the fondest remembrances ~f the welcome smile, and the warm grasp of the hand that always met them as thev cross, ed her threshold after their' we-ary Journey through the back woods. One of these. the venerable Father Sanderson, came an the way from Peterborough to attend her . fu~~ral, remarking t.o an acquaintance who ','-"'~;;;;;''''~ •••••••••••• •••••• __ •••••••••••• "",,,,, •.•

Page: 37

°C;~h:v;l!~f,';~s::

~l:s t::a~~~~n~~f~~c~~ suasive, colloquial eloquence, which is like the noiseless but balmy influence of spring. The last decade of her life was spent at Havelock, in the township of Belmont, making home happy for her family, and taking affectionate care of an aged and helpless mother, who still survives her. Frequent attacks of acute rheumatism, giving rise to organic disease of the heart, with that enemy of the human race, dyspepsia, combined to render her last dfLYB. days of intense suffering. For months before her death she had scarcely an easy, hour, yet all was borne without It murmur: 01' a complaint, even an impatient word hardly ever escaping her lips. The writer had frequent opportunities of conversing I with her during her long illness, and can bear witness to the great Christian fortitude with which she endured her terrible sutlerings.·Death came to her relief on ~ the morning of ,the ~),lh instant. and she died, [LS she had lived, an humble, loving disciple of the blessed Saviour. An immense concourse of friends, from far and near, followed her remains to the Wesleyan Church, Norwood, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the. Rev. T. 'rV. Glover, the Superintendant of the Havelock Wesleyan Mission. The 1 funeral procession extended over a mile vjn length, and was the largest ever seen " in this part of the country. Thus died, and was buried, another of that little band of brave men and women : 'who; amid great hardships and difficulties, i succeeded in laying the foundation of our now prosperous settlements. It is only fitting that we should revere their memory, -S. P. F.s4ih.•, No~odJ.9ct. 15th, ~872: ?K~ 11

I I

The Pearces

An Article about [oseph Keeler Uncle of Almira Edmunds Pearce

Pagc::38 The Pearces

IBeforel~42 The N~rwo~d House Of Peter Pea rce., Esq., Was Open T0 All By RICHARD F. CHOATE Dr. H, G, Carleton's thoughtful: and singularly moving "Appre-j dation of the Pearce Family" relvives poignantly in memory 'many interesting phases of life in ~orwo,d during and since the earlier Victorlan era, Dr. Carleton does well to suggest the establ ishment of a rnemorial to the family in Norwood. Such an offering by a grateful. ,community would have a social I significance differing in both degree and kind from that attaching; ordinarily to the privately-erecteel individual cemetery gravestone. It is not often that an epitaph is inscribed which records the passing of an entire family. -and it is still more infrequent

I that

elegiac lines are called forth Peter Pearce was in charge of in remembrance of a family who the mill and agent for the serv,ed the. commu~ity f~r gen-: Keeler, property ~t ,;\Iorw?od, p~rt eratlons with the l!1tcgnty and: of which was divided mto vilquiet devotion of the Pearces. ~iage lots. But, memorial or not, we may] Norwoods first tavern was be sure that the good works of' opened in lSc!2 by Ro bert HartPh· h d lev I3efore that time the :'listory the earces a ve not pens e .. ,. ' " , . ,. . I records, 'The house of P~ from the earth. For it IS lllt1ll1SIC p.eaJ.:.C.f, Esq., was open to all values such as were perceived a 1 I corners with the most generous priori and called into actuality; hospitality, Travellers and others by the Pearces and others like in a constant stream were kindly them in the earlier days that gave fed and housed by the gentleman shape and direct ion to the life I and his amiable wife, free of exof Peterborough County. By the.ir I pense, in a manner of which few fruits they shall be known m in later times have any ccncepwhat to us are the dim distances i tion or would. care to imitate. of the days to come, i Being then th > only commodious As far back as lR3fi, we are 1 dwelling in th ~ place, public and 1 reminded by Poole's history, I religious meetings were held in

ih;-house, the iJlconve~ience i"In-'PeterboroughCo-unty he arid games·· were-·to~Iit-· ~tich cheertuly borne and all made; Tom Ridpath, of Lakefield, were·, games Keene and Warsaw teams, warmly welcome." pre-eminent. Occas,ional meettngs ] ; not infrequently took part. "E4ge" .In the 11.5 or so years since of the two at carnivals gave rrse . Hartley of Peterborough was then I those days, the name of Pearce t? .PUbI!c interest in their respec-! . the foremost e,~pone~t of has been inseparable from the \ tlve skills. Tom Ridpath, brother (then called fancy) skating, history of Nor-wood, as Dr. Carle- i of James Rida?th, long publisher; Speed Skaters I ton remarks. Within the memory: of the Lakef'ield News: Jo~n,. Some of the speed skaters camel i of the present older generation,. now of the Ridpath Gall:fles,! I to celebrity by jumping over an i : the services of .J.Qg'.E..l}J_l1.~ges~!Toronto; Sa:n; Bruce,.later w,:dely I incredible number of wooden i ! J:~ilrc~ (son of P!;~r ~.earce .and reno.;med :n sports, and C.ol- i sugar barrels, placed side by slde.: father of Fred Pearce, the last! oriel", fashloned his own racmg !A common form of carnival con-: of the line, who died last montn.j:' ska tes from a steel saw-blade,· test involved a sliding passage; are recorded among the sharplyTalk of the individual prowess . through barrels by skaters at! etched pictures of an era in which' of these two fine young ex- full speed. Such races usually I fl basic sturdiness, of character emplars of the sporting spirit of, came ~ff happily enough though! was a prime essential. In Aspho- those days Quickened and Widen-I, in one of them which comes to: del, those were the days of the ed and finally took shape in ar- mind the nails had not been re- 1 Gravers (Peregrine Maitland and rangements for a matched race I moved carefully and one luckless j Thomas M.); the Fnlevs; the But- .for a purse of $25 (a lot of money I competitor emerged at t'other end terfields; the Bir dsalls: th~ Rox- at that time), !nt~rest wa~ keen in a state of undress which made , boroughs; the Bucks; the F'inlays: I all over the district .and m the necessary a hasty, inglorious rethe Fords, the F'rasers and so 1City of Peterborough It was mantreat into a top-coat of undiamany others of public spirit who ifested in the offering and taking phonous staves. I cannot here be mentioned indiv- of. wag e r s of. considerable idually, amounts, I Boyhood recollection of the. ,Norw,ookd a~ t~at t!,me h:~ ~ spa! . final generation of the Pearces ClO.U5 ,;lllt 'thglvmgf amp hi U e 0 focuses not unnaturally upon the swing 0 ose 0 us ':"'"0 were. personal contacts through many carrying on the horneric hockey years with Russell S . P battles of the day, In the Lakeperry earce, fi ld . k li t· frequently in the fields of sport. del' ,~lI~ ba CU~.l~~ ~on was Russell Pearce in the Nineties was r~.llnl eh' ~ a Ig~;n er par·oae of Central Ontario's fastest Ib!on, w :dc. was eslsl y rdemkovtk t ~ le, provi 109 an .en arge s a r'and most graceful seed P s a ers, mg area when carnivals or hockey

"Ii.'~urewl

r~c

Page: 39

Thc Pcarces

Letter From Arahella Pearce to Jane Pearce

Jane Pearce Vandervoort Daughter of Peter Pearce Jr. and sister of J.W. Pearce. Born: May 13, 1837 at Norwood, Ontario

The letter is addressed to

Married: James died: Jane died:

James Vandervoort, June 1, 1891, Belleville February 23, 1899 November 26, 1924 at Norwood, Ontario

Jane Pearce daughter

of Peter Pearce,

Jr.

Joseph Burgess Pearce, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pearce Sr., remained in England. He had two daughters, Arabella and Elizabeth. They were educated as governesses and later teachers and taught in Church schools as did their father. Last heard from, all three were teaching in London National School at Brentwood, Essex under a clergman named Mr. Reeve. October 1863 ThePearces

Page: 40

cftondon ClVaIiond cfc/wot fZJ renla;ood, C5.w& C9ct ISM

1063

C/f(g aea» rk;lMin

C)fJe, aee- IIIYtf/ 50ng Utat we /uwe tliWwed 50 mang mon1h5 to pa55 wiMoal wUling to !/014°oal fl~ 500W time a Wa5 fmpOj5mle. go~eight mon1h5 we were wiMoal a 5i1aation. C)fJe, «ft Ute cfc/wot at cfaIMlM!/ kMt r:n-d51nta1Mwugh 500W mi5tuUfe.-Mtanding oelween my /aI.Iun and Ute cIe1gymen and long oal if a 5i1aation.

a Wa5 Utat which

caased IM to oe 50

C;#t cfaIMlM!/ thew- We-'Wtwo cfc/wots Ute ~ cfc/wot and Ute di55en1ing O/lej° aOoal enmlnta1 Ute DUMWt-if Ute ~ happened to oe !eatling and my /aI.Iun fMt tiA:ingUte idea if a longjowuzeg in midwinluv) applied fl~ Ute 5i1aationfl~ fMee, monl/M,"IAi5 came to ~ 9ftUWey; fi/w cIe1gy/JUUl-;)eaes and as he Wa5 a mo5t oigoted ~ DU.UJ/i.. &yJlea5ed him-o.9l'e aM:ed how he cotdd wcommend my /aI.Iun as a 50and ~ when he had applied ft~ a 5i1aation at a di55en1ing 5c/wo~ f&- a Wa5 waweIy Mwugh him- Utat we got oae pW5ent place). C)fJe, had to enLUuregreat tUats and pUtlalio/M dwdng I/ww eight monlh5o .9lOWetl~ we /uwe now got a IIIYtf/ con!/OttaOle 5i1aation. C9tapW5ent cIe1gy/JUUl-~ !/leet;e) ~ IIIYtf/ A:Uzd. g Minh g /uwe 5aid rp.dIe enough aOoal ol.l/Melt;e5 and /uwe g hope apologized fl~ not amweUng !/ota ~o

me. to thanA; !/OUfl~ Utepou'tait5o g JAotdd IIIYtf/ DU.UJ/i.. tIA:eto see any o~ !/OU can" 5end.. g JAotdd tIA:eto Aewv/WIn oae o~ COIMUM at g>elet/Jowugn.

C;# tIow

C)(Jhen!/OUwtile p/eaw leD me. 5OmeI/UngaOoal !/Ota C;# ant &zaneM who mauled ~ C)(JiIIianM,o p/eaw to leD me. whew- .she died wAet/un .she «ft any cAittUten and whew- ~ C)(JiIIianM~ now. ~ ~ IM,0

Sl]acUufa,; IetkYv .she 5aid 5OmeI/UngaOoal my mo~; wIaIW/M,°mo5t if /We in cfto/fo~ and we aee in C5.w& 50 thew- aee mang m«e.s oelween we /uwe not ~ /Win fAem, o~/WIn my mo~; ewdy /tiend5 ft~ mang

!/ea45o e#ilIe oae Iolle to !/Ota/aI.Iun &- mo~

and aft oaefdend50 fl/ota lfff'edWnaIe COlMin C)(taDeIIa- g>~

g>cf Pagc:41

C)fJe, wiD get oa» pothaiA

taA:en as 500n as po55mle and 5end fAem, to !/OU. ThcPcarccs

Jane Pearce

married

J ames Vande:rvoort

in1891atage:S4

[ VANDERVOORT.-Jamcs A. van-I \ dervoort was born in Sidn ey. Hast ings , county, Ont., January 12, 1R22. On Febr-uary 24, IM5, he wal-l un it.erl in : marriage to A mandn CI'()Utor, by whom he had five children. three of whom survive him, she having nreceded him into the spirit-land nln e years. Having moved to Rawd.m township, the year of h is m arri age, he purchased the farm upon which he ltveu and died, In llH6, (luring the pastorate of the late Rev. S. Waldron, the young couple were ÂŤonverted to God, and became members of the Methndtst Church. Bvo, Vandervoort, being a man of great force of character, soon became prominent as an official member of , the church. He retained these P1, sitlons until his departure. H is ; name, presence, purse and influence , have been associated with Wellrnau's Corners Method iat church for fif'r vthree years. He will be missed, l{is seat being seldom vacant, His testlmany in rei lows hip meeting was prompt, thoughtful. tender and 1l:Jprecfat ive or Gud'::; goodness, \Vh;l1 the connexlonal interests of Met hod ism were presented to him wi~"ly they found in him a friend, JI is last gift, when on h is deat.h-b I~, was for si, James' Fund, His i+ ness was brief, but it found him natient and trustful. His last meSl;H \~I' to his absent children-Mrs. W. H. Bird, c - Brandcn : Wilmot, of Berrs01'(1, ' toba, 'and Dr. C. of Philarlt, Pa,-wns:" Tell them to trust.", 'd." The companion of I his later ~. s, J~..., eldest dall'~h-' ter of the 1.. ~ear(:e, of Norwood, Ont., w. 'm he married June , 1, 1891. was a. t. ...â&#x20AC;˘mect indeed; EhI'. soothed his latest " ours, and SIl vs. "Tn looking had: 0\ er tilt' past f -w months, 1 never knew him t.o bp so contented and eh eerrul, " II(~ \\'<1 S I for many years a constant reader ot I Th(l GuardIan, May God Ii'ess : richly the children, g-l'nn rlr-h ilrl ren I and faithful wife of Squire Va nil ,'l"voort, who passed to the presence l':

Old Orchard Farm, Wellman's Corners - James Vandervoort, Bessie Pearce, Julia Houston Pearce, Jane Vandervoort - 1897

God, ~

2;1, 1899. ~~.{,

Page: 43

J. M.

Tbe Pcarces

FUNERAL Born at Norwood

OF MRS. VANDERVOORT When Queen Victoria Was Crowned

The funeral of the late Mrs. Jane Vandervoort took place on Friday afternoon. the 28th ult .. her pastor. the Rev. w.P. Rogers, B.A ..of Norwood Methodist church. assisted by Rev. T.M. Wesley. B.A .. of St. Andrew' s church. conducting the last sad rites of burial at the house and grave. Besides local intimate friends many relatives and friends from Toronto. Peterboro, Marmora, Bclleville and other outside points attended. The pall-bearers were Messrs. F.S. Pearce, H.R. Pcarce and F.N. Marett of Marmora, B. F ow ler of Toronto. J.F. Pearce and C.P. Pearccof Norwood. Internment was made in Norwood cemetary. The late Mrs. Vandervoort was a member of one of Norwood' s pioneer families. having been born here in 1837. the year Queen Victoria came to the British throne. She was consequently one of the oldest born residents of this village and district. her father being the late Peter Pearce. Her husband was the late Jarnes Vandervoort of Wellman' s Corners. Hastings county. After his death anumber of years ago. Mrs. Vandervoort came to Norwood to reside. Before failing health from advanced age. about a year ago. confined her to her home she was a regular attendant of her church. and her friendly and beneficient manner and Christian qualities won the esteem of many friends. She is survived by one sister. Mrs. Lucinda F ow lerof Toronto. and one brother. Mr. J.W. Pearce of Bclleville, - NorwoodRegister

Mrs. Jane Vandervoort. wife of the late Jarnes Vandervoort, and sister of the late J.B. Pearce of Norwood. died at her home on Oueen Street, in this village. on Wednesday morning. after a long illness. The funeral took place from the home of Mrs. J.B. Pearce, The late Mrs. Vandervoort was awoman of many excellent qualities and was held in high esteem by all who knew her. She was a member of the Methodist Ch urch and a regular attendant at its services as long as health permitted her. Nov.26.1924

The Pearces

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