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F Jenet Bains

Mariages et enfants

Notes

Notes individuelles

Eleven other children.

Information from Ron Buchanan, Buchanan of Essex, Ontario, Canada, RootsWeb WorldConnect Project.

Commemorative Biographical Record of the County of Essex, J. H. Beers & Co., Toronto, 1905, p. 580-581:
William A. Grubb, Sr., who has been a resident of Point Pelee, in the County of Essex, for over thirty years, and for a long period was the keeper of the Dummey Lighthouse, at Point Pelee, was born March 2, 1850, in Colchester township, County of Essex.
     Mr. Grubb comes of Scotch ancestry. John Grubb, his grandfather, was born in Scotland in the vicinity of Edinburgh, and emigrated to Canada, settling in Weston, near Toronto, where he followed farming and operated a distillery. Later he became the owner of real estate in different parts of Ontario, owning 400 acres in Colchester township, County of Essex. His death took place at Weston, where he was one of the most substantial men of the place. In religious views the family was reared in the Presbyterian Church, and in politics, he was a Reformer, and he served as county warden.
     Walter Grubb, father of William A. Grubb, was born in Edinburgh, and was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Canada, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father and attending the schools in his neighbourhood. While still a young man, he came to the County of Essex, and located on a farm of 200 acres which was given him by his father. This land was near Oxley, and an adjoining 200 acres was occupied by his sister, Mrs. Dr. Hawkins. Here Mr. Grubb began clearing up his large estate, and continued to live upon it through life, making many fine improvements, including a comfortable dwelling. He was a man of intelligence and public spirit, was a promoter of education and religion, and was one of the leading supporters of the Liberal party in this section. He encouraged agricultural combinations, and was one of the first members of the Mersea Agricultural Society. Mr. Grubb kept abreast of the times, followed improved methods of farming and kept fine stock. His death took place in advanced life, and he was buried in the Sackville cemetery. For a number of years he was a member of the Loyal Orange Association.
     Mr. Grubb married Nancy McCormick, of Colchester township, daughter of the late Alexander and Mary (Lidwell) McCormick, and a granddaughter of the first Alexander McCormick who settled in the County of Essex. Mrs. Grubb died at the home of her daughter at Harrow, Colchester township, at the age of seventy-eight years, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband. Both were consistent members of the Church of England. They had twelve children, and we have record of: John, a resident of Michigan; William A.; Mary, now the wife of Alexander Buchanan, of Colchester township; Miss Susan, of Harrow, Lavina, deceased wife of Walter Grubb; and Edward, of Harrow.
     William A. Grubb spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the district schools in his township, which at that time were very poorly equipped, giving few advantages. When he was sixteen years of age, he left home to make his own way in the world, crossing to Pelee Island, in search of employment. Here he found work on a fishing-boat belonging to Thomas and Arthur McCormick, and was engaged at wages of $20 a month during the busy season. His winters were spent in cutting wood and in other work. After three years he embarked in fishing on his own account, coming then to Point Pelee, where he followed this industry for five years, buying his own fishing ground, and finding his market at Sandusky, Ohio. This business he still continues, now on a large scale, with the assistance of his three sons,operating seventeen fish pounds. The products of this large fishery are contracted for by Post & Co., of Sandusky, Ohio, with whom Mr. Grubb has had business dealings for thirty-two years.
     In addition to his large fishery interest, Mr. Grubb owns other real estate, some 100 acres of marsh land (on which his son George B. is residing and which he is operating), and forty-two acres at the Point, and also has an interest in ninety more acres. In 1879 he was appointed keeper of the lighthouse at Point Pelee, to succeed his father-in-law James Edwards, and he held this responsible position until 1894. He has also been connected with the life-saving crew at Point Pelee, and has made a record for courage and efficiency. They did this work gratuitously. On April 1, 1886, Mr. Grubb, in company with Adam Oper, James Rugglesworth, John De Laurier, Elias Mooney, and John Enright, saved the crews of the schooners "Vennetta" and "Star of Hope", which were wrecked off Point Pelee on that date, and, in recognition of his bravery, he was presented by President Glover Cleveland, of the United States, with a gold watch, chain and anchor charm. On the watch is inscribed: "From the President of the United States of America, to Mr. William A. Grubb for bravery in rescuing the crews of the "Vennetta" and "Star of Hope", on the 1st of April, 1886". Each of those who were associated with him in the rescue received a gold medal. Mr. Grubb has on more occasions proved his brave and courageous spirit, and has preserved life on both the east and west side of Point Pelee. He is a true mariner, and has passed many years of his life on the water.
     At Kingsville, Mary 12, 1872, William A. Grubb married Miss Helen Edwards, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Richard Herrington, of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Grubb was born at Middle Bass Island, Ohio, March 23, 1846, a daughter of James Edwards, who for many years was the keeper of the Point Pelee lighthouse, and was the first to receive the appointment. Mrs. Grubb, like her husband, is noted for her hospitality, and is beloved as a devoted wife and mother and a kind neighbour. When sickness occurs in the village, it is her sympathetic hand which administers to those in trouble, and her Christian charity extends to all who need it. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Grubb were: James Walter, born Nov. 24, 1873, who is engaged in operating three fish pounds, makes his home with his parents; William A., born Jan. 6, 1875, who operated six fish pounds, married Lucina Chambers, of Mersea, daughter of Silas Chambers, and they have had two children. James Edison and Everett, who died young; Zenas Quick, born Nov. 2, 1878, died Dec. 7, 1878; and George B., born Jan. 9, 1880, who operates 100 acres owned by his father, married Martha Ferguson, daughter of Frank Ferguson, and they have one child, Hazel B. An adopted daughter, Helen Elizabeth, is also a member of the family.