The Port Hope Guide, Port Hope, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada, June 5, 1873

Body of a Woman Found!

SUPPOSED MURDER

We briefly noticed in our last issue the finding of the body of a woman in Mr. Jacobs' lot, near Welcome, but were unable to give particulars of the inquest being held that day (Tuesday) by Coroner Maxwell. From the evidence then taken it appears that the deceased was between 20 and 30 years old, and the body had laid in the position in which it was found for some months, being partially decomposed. The clothing found upon the body was plain, but clean and neat. The articles of dress consist of a large plaid shawl, a cloud with a card attached bearing the marks :1i" and "90," evidently a store ticket; a black velvet hat with feather; a silk hair net (brown); a white and brown cotton  dress, faded at exposed parts; wincey skirt; home-made cotton-and-wool skirt; hoop-skirt; two pairs cotton drawers; chemise; two cotton under-garments; red woolen hose; prunella boots and rubbers. A water-proof mantle and white cotton underskirt were also found near the body; also a five-cent piece and two one-cent pieces. A short distance from the body lay a book-mark of perforated cardboard, having worked on it a design representing a harp, and the words "Meet me in Heaven." A black glass button was also found near, none like it being on the clothing upon the body. The hair of the unfortunate woman is light-brown in color, and portions of it were bleached almost white from exposure. Dr. Herriman made a 'post mortem' examination of the body, and his evidence before the coroner's jury is to the following effect: The body, particularly the face, was much altered by decomposition; height, about four feet eight; age, 20 or 30 years; not emaciated; medium size. The body presented no marks of violence, except a round hole just below the right clavicle, about one inch from the sternal end, and another upon the back part of the left shoulder, just above the scapula. The holes were about three-eights of an inch in diameter, and had the appearance of being made by a bullet ― both being of the same size. In front where the wound was, appeared a substance in streaks and patches, which made the under-garment stick to the body. The same appeared on the posterior part of the body about the wound, and extended nearly to the hips. Nothing of the kind was found on the other parts." This was all the importance evidence adduced at the first inquest, which was adjourned until Monday, last, at 2 P. M.

In the interim it was discovered that the body found was that of Mrs. James Deyell, of Millbrook, a daughter of the late Abner Abby, of Hope. The inquest was resumed on Monday, at the Temperance Hall, Welcome. The following compose the Jury: ― H. Pethick, Foreman; G. S. Thompson, J. Peacock, J. B. Pearce, F. Northcott, J. Parker, J. Kearnan, W. Smith, R. Routley, Thos. Carson, senr., Thos. Carson, junr., Thos. Wade, and Thos. Jeffrey.

Polly Deyell being sworn, testified that she was the daughter of James Deyell, Millbrook; her step-mother left home on the 16th of February, Sunday, all the family being at church; thought she had gone to her mother's, but not sure; made no search that night; her father was at Uncle John's in the afternoon; did not know where he was in the evening; he was at home when she returned from church, and under the influence of liquor; looked for mother next day; father worked at Sowden's; he went to Etcher's to look for mother, but did not find her, and looked no more; he was not in the habit of abusing her; she was a good mother, and kind to us all; father drank hard sometimes, but was not cross; don't know when he came home Tuesday night; he was a little tipsy; don't keep a horse; did not see him have a horse and cutter Tuesday; he said he wouldn't look any more for mother, have heard him say he was going to get married since mother left.

To the Foreman ― Father was home on Monday night. Witness then identified the clothes produced as those worn by her step-mother when she left home, also the book-mark.

William Deyell being sworn, testified that deceased was his step-mother; he was away from home when she left; his father told him Monday, 17th Feb., she had gone, and that he couldn't find her; supposed she had gone to her aunt's, Mrs. Irwin's, west of the Guideboard, or to some of her brothers in the States; his father seemed sorry she had left; stopped at home since his step-mother left to keep his brother and sister company; his father was not at home when he left for church on Sunday, but was when he returned; he slept on Sunday night with his father, who was a little the worse of liquor; his father wished him to go to her aunt's and see if she was there; on Wednesday morning his father again requested him to go and look for his step-mother; he got a rig, and he and his sister came to Adams' corners, where they enquired of Mrs. Greer, who said she had seen a woman pass around 11 o'clock on Monday, but was not sure whether it was the one they were looking for, and could not describe her clothing; they drove to her aunt's, Mrs. Irwin's, on the Toronto road; she had not been there; then they returned to Millbrook; Mrs. Etcher, deceased's mother, and a young man named Nugent, had been to Irwin's looking for her before them; Mrs. Etcher said to him that she would have his father arrested when she went home, as he had killed her daughter; he never saw his father beat or ill-use his step-mother; he had never heard him say  he was going to get married, or that he was glad she had left. Witness also recognized a portion of the clothing produced as that worn by his step-mother, also the book-mark.

To a Juror ― His father never looked away from home for his step-mother, and that he and his step-mother always agreed well.

G. H. G. McVity testified that he is Manager of the Ontario Bank in Port Hope, also of the Savings Bank Department; did not know the deceased, Mrs. Deyell; knew that a person by that name had money deposited, and recognized a copy of her account; did not recollect her being being in the Bank of the 17th of last February; she drew $23.35 on that day, and they had her receipt for the amount she was paid four $5 bills, but could not say what the balance was paid in. James Deyell testified that he was husband of deceased; the week before she left he was working for Mr. Sowden; came home Saturday night, 15th Feb., and he and his wife went to the village, did their marketing at R. Howell's grocery, and returned home; sitting by the store she said, "Jimmy, I want you to be good to Polly"; he answered, "Elizabeth, I am always good to her"; had no words; went to bed, and got up Sunday morning as usual; he went after breakfast to see his brother-in-law, Thos. Armstrong, who was sick, returning home 11 o'clock, his wife was quite friendly, and he had no notion she was going away; young Haddad ............. over by his place and ... by his brother's, John Deyell's, slept until night; on his ... being home he stopped into Nugent's, and from there went straight home; this was about 7 o'clock; his wife was gone; the lamp was lighted on the table; thought she had gone to church with the children, so he sat by the stove for a short while; she did not return, and he went to bed and slept to morning; thought she had gone down to the old woman's, her mother's; on Monday morning he went to Sowden's and worked till noon; then came home, examined the trunk, and, found the pass-book gone, also her clothes; then he went to Mrs. Etcher's, but she had not been there, nor did they know where she was; he did not know how much money she had in the Bank, nor did he ever ask her; never heard any word of her till last Friday, when he heard she had been found dead; he was at the Bank with her once, about three years ago this fall; did not know how much money she drew; it was her own, and he did not bother with it; the money was sent to her by her brother, who was in the American army, and who has since died; and she never told him she was coming to Port Hope to draw the money; he had been in Port Hope but twice in two years, and then was working on the train; when he missed the pass-book, he thought she had gone to her brother in the States. Witness also recognized the clothing as that of his wife, and the book-mark.

To a Juror he answered that he did not intend to marry again; said so in a joke, he and his wife were always on friendly terms; he never interfered with her Bank affairs; he had written to her brother at Barren Centre, N. Y., but received no answer; he was at home Monday night, 17th Feb.; he had no knowledge as to how his wife came to her death; she was of sound mind, and healthy; there was never any jealousy between him and her, never any occasion for it; had been married about nine years.

Drs. Dewar and Powers submitted the following:

HOPE, June 2, 1873. We, the undersigned, were present when Drs. Herriman, senior and junior, exumed a body in the Port Hope cemetery today. The body was that of a female apparently below middle life, but was in such an advanced state of decomposition that we did not arrive at the cause of death. Dr. Herriman has shown me two pieces of skin taken from the body, which had the appearance of being perforated. The wounds were probably inflicted during life.

J. F. DEWAR, M. D., L. R. C. O. E.

L. W. POWERS, M. D.

The inquest was closed yesterday afternoon,, the jury returning a verdict of murder by some party or parties unknown.

The Port Hope Guide, Port Hope, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada, June 12, 1873

DEATH OF MRS. DEYELL!

Further Evidence

THE VERDICT.

The following is the remaining evidence of importance on this case (which we were unable to present to our readers last week), together with the verdict of the Coroner's Jury: ―

James Burton testified to seeing James Deyell on Sunday evening; he was then drunk or the next thing to it; didn't know then that his wife had left; didn't know they lived agreeably together or not, but it was the general talk that he did not give his wife enough to keep her comfortable; she was a quiet woman, and he supposed she had good reason for leaving; did not see him with a horse and cutter on Sunday evening, or at any time, as he had said; this was all he knew.

Susan Armstrong, who lived next to Deyell, had seen him drunk a good many times, but did not know anything of deceased's going away; recognized the water-proof.

Mary Etcher, mother of deceased, being sworn, said: ― The deceased never acted towards me as a child since she joined in the Deyell family; she was too much kept down; if I should call at her place, and her husband in, she dare not show me any kindness; she was one that kept her trials to herself, and always covered his faults; if she had told them it might have been better for her; when she left she looked like a skeleton, and I don't know how she was able to walk to Port Hope; I had not seen the deceased from the Thursday previous to her leaving, the 13th; I thought then she had a strange look, as if broken down with trouble; she had her hair down and kind of tucked up; I said, "Why, best you get a net and keep your hair tidy"; she did not say much, appeared to put it off easy, and said if she got anything new there was such a fuss about it; she left on Sunday night, the 16th Feb., and have not seen or heard from her since, although I made all necessary enquiries; I never knew of him beating her, nor did she ever say that he was cross to her; he appeared to have her so under his control that she was quite submissive to his commands and influences, and kept her from making free with her friends; I was at church on Sunday, and did not see Deyell; it was at the evening service I was I saw him on Monday; at 11 o'clock he came to our home looking for her; I saw him again at 12 o'clock, and I saw him again a little after night; I saw him again on Tuesday in company with Mr. Sowden, did not see him any more this day; I saw him on Wednesday morning about 8 o'clock; I went up to the house to see if deceased had come home; I then told Deyell I was going to look for her; he said he would go, too; I then left with my brother's son and came out to Port Hope; found she had drawn the money from the Bank on the day previous, the 17th; this is after I had come from Mrs. Irwin's, who lives at or near the Roseberry Hill, in Hope; I was also at Mr. Oliver Abby's; when I found she had got her money and was not at her friends' in Hope, I made up my mind she had gone to her brothers in the States; I wrote to them, and got answer to my first letter, saying she was not there, but none to subsequent ones I then thought they did not want me to know she was there; the letter I had the answer to was that one I had directed to Wellington Abby, my son; he lives in Wisconsin, Fondulac County, Byron P. O.; don't think he he ever resided in the State of New York; I don't know whether he (Deyell) followed her to Port Hope or not to prevent her from drawing the money from the Bank, or whether he had come out to obtain it from her after her having become possessed of it; when at Mrs. Irwin's, at Roseberry Hill, Deyell's son and daughter came there with a horse and cutter, and said they had come there looking for Mrs. Deyell; I told the boy (Willy), "Your father has killed her",; I have been shown the clothing, it is her's, the petticoat I made myself; the cloud I don't know; I never saw the book-mark, I think she must have got it sent her from the States by some of the children; she did appear to me when I saw her last, three days before her departure, a little disturbed in her mind, or, what I supposed, demented, she had that appearance; looked as if she was completely heart-broken from some cause; it was on Wednesday, the 19th Feb., that William Deyell and his sister came with the horse and cutter to Mrs. Irwin's looking for deceased, as they said.

John Owens testified to having seen a woman come part way up to his house, which is about 20 rods from the gravel road, Monday, 17th February; but he did not recognize her, nor could he describe her clothing.

Wm. Boskelly had been out hunting about the latter part of February and saw a woman sitting on a log in Mr. Brand's woods. When she saw him she rose and went on to the road near the cheese factory. He could not describe the clothing worn by the woman he saw.

William Marshall, about the 17th of February last, on his way home from Mr. John Brand's, saw a woman lying by the roadside in the snow. He passed by, and when about seventy yards from her he looked back a man get out of a sleigh, speak to her and go away. She then got up and went into the fields. She had on a white and red cloud, and he thought by her actions that she was not quite right in her head. This was about 2 or 3 o'clock. She carried a water-proof on her arm, and had a bundle under one arm. She went into Mr. Edmund Hawkins' fields, going toward Welcome. He would not know the man who spoke to her. He got out of Mr. Williams' (butcher) sleigh, the Williams boys driving. The woman was not very tall.

Albert Skitch saw the woman described by last witness walking along the Gravel Road towards Welcome, and saw William Marshall and Timothy Haskill just behind her. Did not think they spoke to her. He did say, She walked very slowly.

Charles Hutchinson, on the day of the Millbrook races, coming to Port Hope with a load of wood, found the pass-book produced on the Gravel Road a little south of Welcome, north of the hollow, on the west side of the road. About a rod south of the book he found eleven dollars in bills. He told several persons of it. He noticed a cutter track close to the fence out of the usual travelled road, near where he found the money. He gave the book and money to Coroner Maxwell, taking a receipt.

Mrs. Agnes Hutchinson, mother of the last witness, corroborated his testimony. When she found out whose book it was she enquired twice of Mrs. Deyell in Port Hope but she did not know of any person who had lost it.

Robert Little, on Monday afternoon, 17th February, (he thought) going to Port Hope on a load of wood, after passing the Guide Board, met a woman, who often stopped on the road and looked around her. He met Wm. Little and told him of the woman, saying that something appeared to be wrong with her. Next morning, Little told him he had twice asked her to ride but she did not answer. She was slim and not very tall.

Charles Hutchinson, on the day before he found the money, saw a woman a little south of the spot where he found it, going northward. He asked her to ride, but she made no reply.

William Little met his cousin, Robert Little, when returning from Port Hope on Monday, February 17th, who told him concerning the woman he met ...rv.ing, asking him to see what the matter was and ask her to ride. When he came up with her she was standing, apparently troubled, looking across the fields. He asked her twice to ride, but she gave him no answer, so he drove on. A man in a cutter came up behind him and enquired if he knew her. The man said he also asked her to ride, and she said she had no place to go. He could not describe her clothing.

John McMahon, on the 17th February, saw a woman near the culvert south of Welcome, standing on the west side of the road. As he came near she started toward him. He passed her, and she turned partly around, her back to him. She went across the culvert and went on perhaps two rods. He then met Chas. Hutchinson and another boy with a team. As they passed by she stepped to the east side of the road and got over the fence. The buildings he was passing hid her from his view, and he saw no more of her. He kept looking back, for she seemed to act strangely. He saw her hat and was sure it had something red about it, a flower or feather. He thought she had a shawl on, a light dress with dark stripes, and red cloud around her neck. He would not be positive as to the color of the cloud, but was quite sure about the color of the feather. She climbed the fence easily; he then being about 20 rods from her. The fields were nearly bare, and it was a grain field.

Luke McCormick had heard screams from a woman, one night (did not remember date) when about going to bed. The scream proceeded from a woman in a cutter just opposite his door. The cutter drove off at full speed. His wife also heard it. The scream appeared to be from a person who was frightened.

Robert Lethbridge, toll-keeper, had been told one morning by Luke McCormick that there had been murder or foul play the night before, and had made an entry of the time, "March 18,". He now knew that this was a mistake, and he should have said "February." He saw a woman pass the gate on the Monday spoken of, in the afternoon. She appeared to be in great distress, and was weeping. She wore a light striped dress, and was a little below medium height.

Charles Haskill, who lives on the Old Fox Road, one soft, dull evening, very dark, heard the report of a pistol in the direction of the ravel Road, about 10 o'clock p. m.,. Did not hear any cries, nor see anyone passing that night.

John Peacock went on Saturday afternoon to search about the place where deceased was found, thinking possibly he might find a bullet. He found a small pearl shirt-button, partially imbedded in the ground. He gave the button to Mr. McGuire, the detective, who was with him at the time.

William Hall, baker, some time in February last (did not remember the date), early in the week, saw a horse and cutter come to a stand-still before his door, the driver seemingly not knowing which way to go. He heard a woman asking "Which way are you taking me?" The man spoke so low he could not tell what he said. They turned to the Gravel Road, and the man drove the horse as tight as he could go. The woman was crying at the height of her voice, and he could hear her nearly up to Luke McCormick's. The horse had no bells on, and the snow was nearly gone around there at the time. 

Mary Grimson, about the middle of April, saw on the opposite side of the creek, and near where the money was found, and near the gateway t..... into Mr. Jacob's field, tracks as if a buggy had been turned round three or four times.

This closed the evidence, and on the evening of Tuesday, 3rd inst., the Jury returned the following verdict: ― "That the said Elizabeth Deyell came to her death on Monday, the seventeenth day of February last past, or about that time, at the said Township of Hope, in the said County of Durham, having inflicted on the right breast of the said Elizabeth Deyell one mortal wound, which she died, evidently made by a leaden bullet fired from a pistol or gun by the said party or parties unknown. The above wound presents on view a round hole, just below the right clavicle, one inch from the external end, and it made its exit, which is apparent, through the back part of the left shoulder, just above the scapula. This wound corresponds and is in appearance similar to that on the right breast, both being of the same size ― about three-eighths of an inch in diameter. From these facts (circumstances connected with this case), evidence produced to the Jurors, presents and unanimously say, that the said person or persons unknown did feloniously, willfully and of the malice of  forethought, kill and murdered the said Elizabeth Deyell egalist the peace of our Lady, the Queen, her Crown and Dignity."

John Deyell, residing on Lot 23, 3rd Concession, in his 95th year in 1878, was one of the first actual settlers. He came from the County Monaghan, Ireland, and settled on his land in 1816. He had four sons and four daughters by his wife, Margaret Lancashire, whom he married in Ireland. His descendents in 1878 are 74 grandchildren, and 56 great grandchildren living. Mr. Deyell assisted Mr. Wilmot in making the survey of Cavan, and also of part of South Monaghan. Mr. Deyell's experience was that of most of the early settlers - a life of toil and hardship. He says the first person born in the township was Florence McCarthy, and the first buried was Mr. Hyland. The first person married was Mr. McGuire to Miss McNeil. Mr. Thompson performed the marriage ceremony, and received the fee of one shilling. The first mill for grinding corn was a hand mill owned by Mr. Thorne. The first grist and saw-mill were erected by John Deyell at what is now called Millbrook. Mr. Deyell procured a boulder from the field, and got a stone-cutter to dress it down as a mill-stone. The first church was erected on Lot 12, 5th Concession, where Rev. Mr. Thompson, who had been sent out as a missionary, first preached. The first hotel was also built by John Deyell, on his farm, and his well-remembered sign, which hung out for 19 years, bore the motto - "Live and let Live." The first school-house was also built on Mr. Deyell's farm - to which he gave a grant of an acre of land.

WELLINGTON ABBEY, a general farmer and stock raiser, residing on section 20, in the town of Byron, was born in Port Hope, Canada, on the 22d day of April, 1840, and is a son of Nathaniel A. and Mary (Neugent) Abbey. The paternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Dutchess County, N.Y., but shortly after the Revolutionary War removed to Canada, where Nathaniel Abbey was born.

The mother of our subject was a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and in early life emigrated to Canada, where she became acquainted with and married Mr. Abbey. Unto them was born a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Isaac, the eldest, enlisted in the Union service during the late war, as a member of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and with the exception of the battle of Tupelo, participated in every engagement with his regiment until the close of the war. He had escaped death or injury from rebel bullets, but on the 9th of October, 1865, the day on which the regiment was discharged, he died from disease caused by the hardships and exposure incident to army life. His death occurred in Mobile, Ala., and he was laid to rest in the National Cemetery near that city. Wellington, of this sketch, is the second in order of birth. Orin, a retired farmer, now residing in Belleview, Kan., was also a valiant soldier during the late war, having served in the navy for one year, and as a member of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry for two years. Frank, when but fifteen years of age, responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the ranks of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, in which he served two years, and is now residing in Beaver Crossing, Neb. Abner is engaged in farming near Grand Forks, Dak. Elizabeth is now deceased. She had prepared to make a visit to our subject, when she was foully murdered. She was at that time residing near Port Hope, Canada. It was known that she had money in the bank, and the assassin probably supposed that she had some about her person. For three months after her disappearance no clue was found to the mystery, nor could any trace of her be found. At the end of that time the body was one day discovered, sitting erect against a step, and on examination it was found that a bullet had penetrated her heart. Sarah Ann became the wife of John Harris, and they now reside near Sauk Rapids, Minn. The children were all born in Port Hope, Canada.

Nathaniel Abbey, the father of the family, was a carpenter by trade, but in connection with that business followed the occupation of farming. His death occurred in the month of March, 1849, and he was buried in the old cemetery near where he resided. He was a man of a quiet and retiring disposition, but received the respect of all who knew him. His wife survived him for many years. After the death of her husband she became a resident of Wisconsin , locating in Sheboygan County, where she purchased a claim, which had been entered by a Mr. Grant.

TITLE

Millbrook and Cavan Township fonds. -- [between 1920 and 1940]. -- 1 folder.

BIOGRAPHY / HISTORY

The Township of Cavan, located in the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham (previously Durham County), was first surveyed in 1817 by Samuel G. Wilmot (who also surveyed North Monaghan and Smith Townships). The land which was to become Cavan Township was virgin forest, untouched by Europeans, and no longer considered Indian territory. Wilmot was assisted by John Deyell, who, with James Deyell were two of the first settlers in Cavan Township. They established a mill on a brook in 1824, and as a result, were the founders of the village of Millbrook. John Deyell was also responsible for the name of the township, Cavan County, being a neighbour of Monaghan County, the County in Ireland from whence he came. Cavan Township was settled quite quickly. The same year it was surveyed, 115 lots were ticketed. By the next year, 1818, a further 160 lots were ticketed. The total population of the township in 1819 was 244. Many of the pioneer settlers of the new township were either military men who were given land grants for their services in the War of 1812, or Irish emigrants, many who were from County Cavan in Ireland. In 1825, the population reached 936; ten years later, in 1835, the population had more than doubled to 2,575. Cavan continued grow, and its population peaked in 1861, at 4,901.

#008975-79 (Peterborough Co.) William DEYELL, 27, b. Ontario, of Otonabee, Farmer, s/o William & Mary DEYELL, married Jane Amelia ARMSTRONG, 23, b. Ontario, of Peterborough, d/o Frank & Jane ARMSTRONG, witnesses: James RUTH & Eliza DEYELL, both of Otonabee, on 8 January 1879 at Peterborough

There was a James Deyell who died October 4, 1905, in Bluevale, Concession 11, Thornberry, Huron Co., at age 78, born in Cavan Twp., Ontario, as reported by Sarah A. Deyell.

There is not many "Deyell" Genforum messages, so I'm hoping you can help.
I have a Thomas James Deyell, s/o James Deyell and Margaret Lancashire, b. 1832 d. 1875.
He was married to Mary Smithson and had 4 children.
William Thomas Alexander, b. 1864
John Alfred b. 1866 - became a physician
Mary Ann b. 1872 - m. Robert Hutchison
James Douglas b. 1868 - became a veterinarian
parents died young, and the children went to live with Mary Smithson's brother, I believe, and a census bears this out.
This was all in the Northumberland, Victoria Co. areas of Ontario.
Hope this connects to your Deyell's

The FAMILIES of SARAH ANN PARR and her husbands, ANDREW RAMSAY and JAMES DEYELL

BRIEF LIFE SKETCH of SARAH ANN PARR

Incidental biographical information, other than censuses, vital registrations, etc. were contributed by Ken Parr of Vermont, who interviewed some of the Deyell descendants in 1974.

Sarah Ann Parr was born on 29 June 1847 in Brighton township, Northumberland County, Ontario. She appeared on the 1851 and 1861 censuses of Brighton township, Ontario as a child to Young and Charlotte Parr, also on the 1871 census with them in McKillop township, Huron County, Ontario. She was known to have had at least 2 illegitimate children (or by common-law marriage). A birth registration shows an illegitimate female child born to Sarah Parr in Toronto on 1 Aug. 1878. However, there is no knowledge of a female being raised. This may have been a mistake in registration, which did not occur until early September of the same year. In support of this supposition, Sarah appears on the 1881 census of Morris township, Huron County, Ontario under the name of Sarah A. Ramsay, with a child, William J. Ramsay, age 2. This child would fit into the time frame of the registered birth, if his birth were in August, and the census taken around April. An Ontario Marriage registration was found between Sarah and Andrew Ramsay (widower), son of Henry and Mary Ramsay, on 26 May 1880, at Wingham, Huron County, Ontario. Andrew apparently died within the next year, as Sarah appears on the 1881 census as a Widow. However, a death registration has not been found for him. The child, William James Ramsay, grew up and married Sarah Jane Routledge on 1 Nov. 1899 at Turnberry twp., Huron Co., Ontario. He was age 21 at the time of the marriage, and she was 22. His parents' names were given on the registration as Andrew Ramsay and Sarah A. Park (error in registration). Her parents' names were given as Edward J. Routledge and Elizabeth A. Webb. An interesting addition to this information, is that a man named Ramsay visited the Robert Parr family in the early 1900s, in Simi, California, and claimed to be Sarah Parr's son. (Copy of letter describing this, in author's possession.)

Sarah Ann Parr married James Deyell on 8 March 1883 at Wingham, Huron Co., Ontario. He was born 23 Feb 1831 and was from the Peterborough, Ontario, area, son of John and Mary Deyell. He was said to have had a hotel and sawmill there. Problems with his first wife developed, the story goes, so that he walked away from everything to Peterborough where other Deyells were living. The first wife was found dead the next spring. At his marriage to Sarah Parr Ramsay, he was listed as being a widower, age 39, occupation carpenter, and religion Presbyterian. Sarah was listed as being a widow age 35, daughter of Young and Charlotte Parr, Methodist. James Deyell took up a small place outside of Wingham, near the present cemetery, and he specialized in driving a livery horse, especially for the local doctor. He was a heavy drinker. He died 4 Oct. 1905, age 78. Both he and Sarah are buried in the Wingham Cemetery, Wingham, Ontario.

Sarah Parr Deyell was evidently a very large and strong woman. In her earlier years she was strong enough to lift her husband bodily into bed when he came home drunk. In her later years she became a firebug, and had to be restrained on many occasions, even tied when in bed. She died in January, 1926, at Wingham, Ontario, having been a widow for over 20 years.

Sarah and James Deyell had three sons:
Robert Deyell
Isaac Deyell
John Deyell

Robert Deyell was born 3 Feb. 1885, probably in Wingham, Ontario. According to the Wingham Advance Times, he married Janie England on 5 May 1905 at Wingham, Huron Co., Ontario. However, according to the Ontario marriage registration, he married Jessie England on 5 Sept. 1905. She was age 21 at marriage, a Baptist, born in Turnberry twp, Huron County, daughter of Jas. England and Eliza Jane Park.

Isaac Deyell was born about 1887, most likely in Wingham, Ontario. According to the Wingham Advance Times, he married Victoria Calvert in the Congregational Church at Louddow, Ontario on 2 Jan. 1923. Bride and groom were both of Stratford, Ontario at that time. It is reported that they had no children.

John Deyell was born 13 Aug. 1890, probably in Wingham. He married, and had three children:
Percy Deyell b. 25 May 1915. Marr. Jane E. Johnston.
Louise Deyell b. 13 May 1917. Marr. J. Wilfred Gannett, 1927-1970. They had a daughter Mary Gannett who married a man by the name of McArthur, residence at Brussels, Ontario.
Elmer Deyell b. 11 June 1923.

Sources of Information

Sarah Ann Parr

1. Appears as a child age 5 on the 1851 census of Brighton twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; appears as a child age 13 on the 1861 census, same place.

2. Appears as a young lady of 23, with her parents, in the 1871 census of McKillop twp., Huron Co., Ontario.

3. Ontario marriage registration to Andrew Ramsay, 1880.

4. Appears on the 1881 census of Morris twp, Huron Co., Ontario as Sarah A. Ramsay, with child William James Ramsay, age 2. She is designated as W (for widow).

5. Ontario marriage registration to James Deyell, 1883. She was a widow.

6. Appears on 1891 census of Wingham town, Huron Co., Ontario, with husband James Deyell and 3 children.

7. Family records give birth and death dates.

8. Obituary in the Wingham Advance Times.

9. Tombstone for James and Sarah Parr Deyell in Wingham Cemetery, Wingham, Ontario.

William James Ramsay

1. Born out of wedlock, but took the name Ramsay. A birth registration was found for an illegitimate baby delivered to Sarah Parr at the Burnside Lying-in Hospital in Toronto on 1 Aug. 1878. Although the sex was given as female, an error could have been made, since the birth was not registered by the hospital until a month later. This would coincide with William's age (2) in the 1881 census listed above; he would
have been age 3 in August.
2. Ontario marr. registration gives parents' names for bride and groom. William's mother's name was erroneously given as Sarah A. Park, though father's name was given as Andrew Ramsay. William's age was 21 in Nov. 1899.
3. In the early 1900s, a man named Ramsey (sic) visited Sarah's brother Robert A. Parr in Simi, California, and claimed to be Sarah's son. Andrew Ramsay

1. Ontario marriage registration (copy on file) says Andrew was a widower, age 42, Methodist by religion, residence, Morris twp. Huron, Co., Ontario, and parents' names are
given.
2. Named as father on William James Ramsay's marriage registration.

James Deyell

1. Appears on 1891 census of Wingham, Ontario with Sarah and 3 sons.
2. Birthdate given in 1901 census of Wingham.
3. Ontario marriage registration gives parents' names, age as 39 years, widower, carpenter, and religion as Presbyterian. Gives bride's name as Sarah Ann Ramsay, widow.
4. Tombstone in Wingham Cemetery, Wingham, Ontario.

Robert Deyell

1. Age 6 in 1891 census of Wingham, Ontario.
2. Marr. notice in Wingham Advance Times of May 1905.
3. Mentioned as survivor in obituary of mother.

Isaac Deyell

1. Age 4 in 1891 census of Wingham, Ontario.
2. Marr. notice in Wingham Advance Times.
3. Mentioned as survivor in mother's obituary.

John Deyell

1. Age 8/12 in 1891 census of Wingham, Ontario.
2. Birthdate given in a letter (copy in file) from Eliza Jane Parr to Mary Parr (sisters-in-law to Sarah), saying that Sarah had a new baby boy on 13 Aug. 1890.
3. Info on John's children comes from the family records collection of Eva Archibald of London, Ontario.
4. Tombstone of J. Wilfred Gannett, husband of Louise Deyell Gannett, Wingham, Ontario.

John Deyell – A Profile

By Norman McBain

The Deyell name has been traced back to the French Huguenots who were compelled to flee from Continental Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries because of religious persecution. The original spelling of the name was "Dalziel" and the use of that name continues in Scotland where some of the family migrated in those times of hardship. Another branch of the family went to Ireland where the name became changed to Deyell. Strangely enough, the earliest census rolls in Cavan Township shows not only the name of John Deyell but also that of, Alexander Dalziel. It is also noted that the early assessors and enumerators  used their own judgement in spelling and the customary Deyell was sometimes written as Dyall or alternatively Dayall.

John and the "Iron Duke"

The Deyells of Ireland lived at Drum, County Monaghan, and it is known that the family consisted of three brothers: John, Robert and Samuel. As far as is known, John is the only one to have come to Canada. He first came in 1812 and fought against the Americans at Queenston Heights under General Brock. Surviving that war, he returned with his regiment to Europe and fought at Waterloo in 1815 under the Duke of Wellington. An interesting sidelight reveals that a couple of his grandsons were named Wellington usually abbreviated to Wellie. No doubt this happened because of his high regard for the great Duke and the stories and legends of John's military service were passed on to his sons.

First Survey of Cavan

John Deyell was born at Drum, Ireland in 1775 and died in Cavan, November 21, 1878 - an amazing lifetime of 103 years. He married Margaret Lancashire and they came to settle in Canada in 1816 with their eldest son William. They were the first white settlers in what is now known as Cavan Township. He took up land on Lot 23, Concession 3, where he raised his family. His house, still in good repair, stands on this property on High­way 28. His wife, Margaret, who bore him five sons and four daughters, died in June 1866. Deyell assisted Mr. Willmot in making the first survey of Cavan and South Monaghan Townships and had the privilege of naming both these townships after the counties of the same name in his native land.

"Live and Let Live"

Deyell operated the first lodging house between Port Hope and Peterborough, called Centreville Hotel, owing no doubt to its being located just half­way between the two towns. Over the door of his inn he placed his personal motto: "Live and Let Live" which became his sobriquet. An earlier writer, in discus­sing the life of John Deyell, posed the interest­ing question, What would people call us if they named us according to our characteristics?"

First Schoolhouse

John donated an acre of his land for the first schoolhouse which later became the site of the present Centreville Presbyterian Church and Cemetery. He established the first grist mill in Millbrook, which gave the village its name: the Mill on the Brook. He is said to have procured a boulder from the field and had a stonemason dress it into a millstone.

The story is told that John Deyell, wanting to buy a piece of land in Smith Township at Fowlers Corners, was informed that a neighbour was also interested in the same property. One day, seeing the neighbour drive past and suspecting that he was going to make the purchase, John hastened on foot cross-country to the corners, closed the deal and was leaving the property as the neighbour arrived. That property, being Lot 1, Concession 3, Township of Smith, remains in the Deyell name to this day.

Many Descendants

Following is an abbreviated summary of the sons and daughters of John Deyell and Margaret Lancashire:

1. William (born in Ireland), settled in Otonabee Township and married Mary Shannon.

2. Robert settled in Millbrook and married a Lang.

3. Samuel settled in Smith, at Fowlers Corners, and married Sarah Burgess.

4. John settled in Ops Township and, married Letitia Stenson.

5. Thomas settled in Cavan and married 1) Esther Stenson and 2) Nora Mahony.

6. Essie - Otonabee and Peterborough married 1) Thomas Ryan, 2) Thomas Barrie.

7. Ellen - Cavan, married James Hutchison.

8. Margaret - Cavan, married Joseph Armstrong (Bailieboro).

9. Mary Jane - Cavan, married Robert Lancashire.

John Deyell and his immediate family are, of course, long gone but the name goes on in his grandchildren and succeeding generations. There are still Deyell settlements in all the townships in which John's children settled and, over the years, his descendants have, no doubt, scattered over the entire continent, if not beyond. As a society dedicated to preserving our heritage, we can all be proud to claim John Deyell as our earliest pioneer and to share this pride with his descendants.

A Memorial Window

An appropriate stained glass window at the west end of Centreville Presbyterian Church, facing the doors by which the worshippers enter, is a memorial to John Deyell and his wife, Margaret Lancashire. Installed by his descendants, to dedicate the memory of his toil, friendship and the hardships of pioneer life. Depicted in its richly coloured panels are motifs of an early pioneer farm and various household articles, among them the Holy Bible, which the early settlers brought with them to their new land.

Appreciation is hereby extended to Mrs. Clarence Drain, Peterborough, who provided the bulk of the material which enabled me to provide this brief synopsis of John Deyell.

MEMORIAL WINDOW IS DEDICATED TO JOHN DEYELL AND HIS WIFE, THE PIONEER FAMILY OF CAVAN

MILLBROOK -- One hundred and fifteen years of unbroken family history, intimately interwoven with community and township progress was fittingly commemorated at the annual Deyell reunion on July 1st, the special feature this year being the unveiling of a handsome Memorial Window in the Centreville Presbyterian church, in honour of John Deyell and his wife, Margaret Lancashire, the first actual settlers of Cavan Township.

Coming out from County Monaghan in Ireland with his wife and three children, the family later increasing to nine, five sons and four daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Deyell braved the hardships and severe toll of pioneer life, the family homestead, grown from small beginnings being located less than one mile south of Centreville, on the provincial highway. The brick house, which finally replaced the original log cabin, which in turn was the first hostelry in Cavan township, and for nineteen years bore as its sign, "Live and Let Live", the favourite saying of the owner and consistently reflected in his life and conduct, has been for some time unoccupied, but in the orchard are still trees grown from the apple seed planted by John Deyell.

Descendants of the nine branches of Mr. and Mrs. Deyell's family are scattered widely over the North American continent, but approximately two hundred of them gathered for the reunion on Wednesday, and in spite of the extreme heat the event was a marked success and thoroughly enjoyed. In view of the fact that the first settler in Cavan donated the land on which the Presbyterian place of worship in Centreville is located (with its surrounding cemetery) the interior of which is beautifully furnished and well cared for, it was most fitting that this year's gathering should begin with a solemn and impressive service in the church. Rev. D.N. McCamus of London, a life-long friend of the Deyell family as were his parents before him being in charge unveiling the Memorial Window and dedicating it to the glory of God.

"We are about to open this historic service," was the minister's announcement and the congregation rose and sang the appropriate hymn, "O God of Bethel by Whose Hand Thy People Still are Led", following which Rev. Mr. McCamus offered prayer and read the Scripture lessons from the Book of Psalms and of Revelation. Robert Deyell, of Centreville, chairman of the Reunion Committee on behalf of the entire Deyell family connection, presented the window to the church officials "as a lasting memorial of our worthy grandparents, this window is dedicated and presented to the people of Centreville Presbyterian church, with the hearty co-operation of the church board."

D.N. Dodds, representing the church session, made reply, mentioning the fact that John Deyell not only gave the land on which the church stood, and where first there had been a schoolhouse, but had also signed the call to Rev. John Douglas, the first minister on the charge.

"The church is the third building erected on this lot, and the Deyell race has always taken an active part in church and Sunday School activities in this place, our confidence being that this interest and practical help will continue through all the years ahead. The first home my grandfather entered in Cavan township was that of Mr. and Mrs. John Deyell, where he was given a warm welcome and he invariably spoke with the utmost kindness and appreciation of the earliest pioneers of this township. We do well recall these pioneers, "lest we forget" what an unpayable debt we owe to them."

The hymn "Faith of Our Fathers" sung with deep feeling, preceded the unveiling of the window which practically fills the west wall of the church, back to the pulpit and choir loft, Rev. Mr. McCamus drawing the cord which draped the large Union Jack used for a covering, and pronouncing the words of dedication:

"We dedicate this Memorial Window in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and in reverent memory of John Deyell, and of Margaret Lancashire, his wife, worshippers of the true and living God in Centreville bearing testimony to the value of the gospel in their own well-ordered lives; making an influence that has lived to this present; manifesting how beautiful a thing it is to minister according to their ability of the people of this family today. Therefore we dedicate this window to the service of God, the worship of His Name, and the inspiration of His people. "

The window, which was installed by an Ottawa firm, has four panels, and is peculiarly appropriate to the memory of pioneer settlers, the first panel showing the traveller on horseback, with saddle-bags and rifle, and in the background the oxen, and the log cabin home; its counterpart in the fourth section, depicts the early settler sowing the grain by hand; and in the richly-coloured centre panels the figures are of an apostle and an angel, while inset in the small diamonds into which the stained glass is subdivided are farm implements and animals of pioneer days; household articles such as a lighted candle; hints at our forefathers' neighbours implied by the Indian headdress and wigwam; the covered wagon; the ripened grain loaded for carriage to the barn; the church; the schoolhouse; the hourglass; and the fruits of the harvest.

In his address, based on "Memory Observation and Imagination" the minister made reference to the Holy Bible in the circle above the panels on the left side, which the pioneers being remembered had brought with them, and honoured in their home and lives; the central circle with the intertwined letters of the Alpha and the Omega, "reminding us of Him Who is the beginning and the end of all"; and the burning bush in the third circle, "the type of the Presbyterian church, on fire for God and His Cause."

Interesting reminiscences recalled by the speaker included the fact that his parents came to Canada in 1844 from Manchester, England, his mother being the daughter of a Presbyterian missionary in that city and his father an Anglican. "They worshipped in this church, Rev. J. Douglas being their minister and I have often heard them tell how my father would remain home and care for the children while my mother walked the full distance to service. Neighbours, Turnbull, by name, who usually rode on horseback, when they saw mother walking would turn back, hitch their horses to the lumber wagon, and drive her with themselves to church."

Later, when his parents moved to the vicinity of Balieboro, Mrs. McCamus on the advice of her minister went with her husband to the Anglican church, which was nearer, and so all but the two eldest children were baptized in that place of worship. There was a further union later still "for my father, with his neighbours the Byers, who were Presbyterian, saw that there was no place for the young people to go on Sunday evenings, hence they agreed with the Sackvilles, Baptist by belief, to open a prayer-meeting in my parents' home, when I was but five years old, and it was carried on each Sabbath evening. My earliest recollections are associated with the families of this neighbourhood, many of whom are represented in this church today." In closing a most constructive address, Mr. McCamus urged "looking beyond the picture and knowing the Shepherd, and the Father Whom these pioneers worshipped and honoured in their day."

Following the impressive service at the church, during which Miss Gwendolyn Hutchison presided at the organ, adjournment was made by car to Wallace Point, Otonabee River, where a delightful social gathering was enjoyed, and an abundant picnic supper served. The two oldest living representatives of the sons of John and Margaret Deyell, William Deyell of Lindsay who is eighty -three, and Mrs. Ruth of Peterborough, seventy-eight were among those present and especially warmly welcomed.

High lights in the reminiscences informally related were the fact that John Deyell, "to prevent any jealousy, quarrelling, or bestowing of nicknames (since there has invariably been a John, William, and Robert in each family of descendants), settled each of his five sons in a different township, buying them each a good farm." So Otonabee, Ops, Smith, South Monaghan and Cavan have their Deyell settlements, the last two townships having been named by the original pioneer, after Monaghan and Cavan in Ireland.

John Deyell's good horse "Bess" must have been an intelligent animal, for the story was told on Wednesday of his custom, when reaching the river bank and wishing to get across, of dismounting, ordering the mare to make her way over which she obediently did, the owner then removing his clothing, fastening it about his neck, and swimming over, where it was resumed and the journey proceeded with. The same method had to be employed on the return trip. Walking was an obligatory accomplishment of pioneer days, and the story was told of Mr. Deyell's desire to buy a piece of property at Fowler's Corners, which a neighbour also wanted. Seeing the latter driving by with is team and wagon one day and suspecting whither he was bound, John Deyell left his work, made a hasty toilet, and walked to the Corners, bought the land, and when leaving met the neighbour just arriving with his team. The property is in the family today.

The part Mrs. Deyell played in the hard pioneer life, received due emphasis, particularly from the older among the guests on Wednesday, the labour involved in clothing her entire household, as well as providing the blankets and linens for her home, with the products of her toil at the spinning wheel, receiving emphasis as someone told of the visit of a relative from the Old Land and her exclamations over "such clothes" as she viewed the homespun-clad family.

The Reunion Committee, through its chairman, Robert Deyell announced the annual for 1932 on July First, at the Point. The other members are Mrs. J. R. Eakins, Millbrook, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. (Dr.) Morrison, Peterborough; Jas. Thorne, Otonabee; John Deyell of the Watchman-Warder, Lindsay; and Jas. Hutchison, Cavan.