Birth

The first child of George Girling and Susanna Howlett was son John Girling born in Canada in October 1838. The date comes from the 1900 American Census when John was living in Arenac, Michigan with his son George. A probable location is Bloomingdale where the family lived before settling in Elmira in about 1845. John's age was given as 13 years in the census of 1851. The 1861 census records John at age 22 living with a German sadler and his wife. John's occupation is also 'sadler' so he must have been working as an apprentice.

SARAH. Daughter of John & Margaret GIRLING died Sept. 13, 1871 AGED 10 Mo. & 28 D's. St James Cemetery, Elmira

It's worth a note that a near neighbour in 1861 was Nathan Uttley and family.

Margaret Hill was born in Ontario on February 25, 1854. The place and date are from the Canadian census of 1901 when she was living in Peel Township with her daughter Annie and son-in-law Sanford Hill.

Marriage

John and Margaret were married in Glen Allen in early 1870:

   His name:     John Garling (with an 'a')
   Age:          29
   Residence:    Waterloo [County]
   Born:         Canada
                 Bachelor
   Profession:   Saddler
   Parents:      Geo. Garling,
                 Susan
   Religion:     Methodist

   Her name:     Margaret Hill
   Age:          16
   Residence:    Peel [Twp]
   Born:         Canada
                 Spinster
   Parents:      John Hill,
                 Hannah
   Religion:     Methodist

   Witnesses:    G.A. White, Peel
                 Elizabeth Hill, Peel
   Date:         4th Jany. 1870
   Place:        Glenallan
   By:           Thos. McGuire
                 Licence
                 Peel, Wellington

In 1870 John and Margaret have a daughter Sarah who is listed as five months old in the 1871 census the following spring. John is working as a harness maker. Ten years later in the 1881 census, John is still a harness maker and he and Margaret have four children: George (age 9), Elizabeth (age 7), Clara (age 5) and Annie (age 3). Their daughter Sarah had died before she reached one year of age.

The following year, 1882, John and family are living in Elmira on Factory Street and that's the last we know of him in Waterloo County. John's entry in the 1910 American Census records that he immigrated to the United States in 1883.

Death

In 1899 when his mother died, John is living in Omer, Michigan. The 1910 American Census records John Girling at age 70, still with the occupation of harnessmaker, living alone in Omer, Michigan. The Michigan Vital Statistics tell us that John died in Omer, Michigan on June 1, 1910 of kidney troubles and dropsy. His son George W. Girling, living in Mud Lake, Michigan was the informant.

John's death certificate says that he was widowed. His wife was very much alive when he died so the couple must have split years earlier.

The 1901 census records Margaret Girling, born February 25, 1854, living with her daughter Annie and husband Sanford Hill in Peel Township. Lola, the youngest daughter, is living there too. This is Margaret but there is no mention of her husband John.

Margaret was still living with her daughter and son-in-law in Galt, Ontario when she died on September 28, 1929. She is buried in Mountview Cemetery, Cambridge/Galt beside Annie and Sanford Hill. It does appear that Margaret and John Girling separated, but the details are not known.

Name	Birth	Marriage	Spouse	Death	Other
John Girling	Oct 1838 Canada	Jan 04, 1870 Glen Allan, Ont	Margaret Hill	Jun 01, 1910 Omer, Michigan	Buried: Omer Cemetery, Michigan
Margaret Hill	Feb 25, 1854 Ontario		John Girling	Sep 28, 1929 Galt, Ont	Buried: Mountview Cemetery, Galt
Sarah Girling	Oct 15, 1870 Elmira, Ont	infant		Sep 13, 1871 Elmira, Ont	Buried: St James Cemetery, Elmira
George W. Girling	Jan 27, 1872 Elmira, Ont	married	Mary M. _____ 1880-19xx	unknown	Children: Daniel, Russell
Elizabeth Hannah Girling	Oct 27, 1873 Elmira, Ont	unmarried	--	Sep 09, 1894 Drayton, Ont
Clara Girling	Abt 1876 Elmira, Ont	Feb 25, 1902 Moorefield, Ont	Arthur Wesley Newton 1868-19xx	Mar 31, 1915 Galt, Ont	Stillborn daughter Dec 08, 1902 Harriston, Ont
Annie L. Girling	Dec 16, 1877 Elmira, Ont	unknown	Sanford Hill 1872-1952	Jan 04, 1930 Galt, Ont	Buried: MountView Cemetery, Galt
Lola Lillian Girling	Jan 17, 1883 Ontario	Dec 04, 1901 Stirton, Ont	James Delbert Hill abt 1880-19xx	unknown	Buried: Mountview Cemetery, Galt

Birth

The second child was William Girling, born in about 1840. There is no record of his birth place, but the hamlet of Bloomingdale in Waterloo Township is a possibility. The census of 1851 records William at age 11 and the 1861 census at age 20.

Mary Jane Tyler was born June 30, 1851, the daughter of Samuel Tyler and Susannah Philmore. Her father was English and her mother was American but Jane was born in Woolwich Township.

Marriage

William married Mary Jane Tyler, known as Jane, on August 14, 1869 in Waterloo County. The Waterloo County Marriage Records 1858-1869, Folio 18, Lib 199, record the details:

     Groom:     Girling, William
     Age:       28
     Residence: Wellesley Twp
     Born:      Ontario
     Occ:       Yeoman
     Parents:   George & Susanna

     Bride:     Tyler, Mary Jane
     Age:       19
     Residence: Woolwich Twp
     Born:      Ontario
     Parents:   Samuel & Susanna

     Witnesses: James Haddock & Hannah Haddock,
                Linwood
     Date:      14 Aug 1869

In 1871 William and Jane are living with her parents, Samuel and Susan Tyler, in Woolwich Township and they have a son William who is four months old. The 1881 census has lost son William and added children Susanna, Cyrus, Wesley and Edith, and now Jane's parents are listed as living with them.

The township assessments of 1882 list William living as a tenant on 75 acres owned by his father. There are six persons living on the property (there are four children). That's the last record of William in Waterloo County.

When their son Emerson was born in 1886 the couple resided in Amabel Township, Bruce County. They remained in Amabel when son Daniel followed in 1888, and son Wheeler in 1892. William reported the death of Howard Girling, age 18 months, in 1896 at Chippewa Hill which is on the Saugeen Indian Reserve in Amabel Township.

Deaths

William survived his mother who died in 1899. William and his brother Peter inherited the grand sum of $1 in their mother's will, but the reason for William's treatment is not known.

William died in 1900 in Keppel Township, Grey County which stretches from Wiarton in the north to Owen Sound in the south. The details are scant:

     Name:       Girling, William
     Sex:        M
     Date:       Oct 16, 1900
     Age:        60
     Occupation: Farmer, Married
     Born:       Canada
     Cause:      Kefetic Neoplasmus (?)
     Physician:  Dr. Ferris
     Religion:   Methodist
     Informant:  Dr. Ferris
     Registered: Oct 18, 1900

The census the following year lists Jane, widowed and still in Keppel Township with four sons: Owen, Emerson, Daniel and Roy.

Jane was remarried soon after in the spring of 1902 to Charles Winkler, a man that was some years younger. Jane would have been over 50 years of age and not the 46 years in the record for 1902, #007-649:

     Groom:      Winkler, Charles
     Age:        35
     Residence:  Shallow Lake, [Ont]
     Born:       Neustadt, [Ont]
                 Bachelor
     Occupation: Laborer
     Parents:    George Winkler,
                 Margaret -----
     Religion:   Methodist

     Bride:      Girling, Mary Jane
     Age:        46
     Residence:  Shallow Lake, [Ont]
     Born:       Woolwich [Twp], Ont
                 Widow
     Parents:    Samuel Tyler,
                 Susanah Philmore
     Religion:   Methodist

     Witnesses:  Lorenzo Tyler, Shallow Lake;
                 Mrs. Lorenzo Tyler, Shallow Lake
     Date:       April 5, 1902
     Place:      Hepworth, [Ont]
     By:         Rev. J.R. Laidman
                 Licence
     Registered: April 7, 1902

Mary Jane Winkler died at Shallow Lake in 1926 at 75 years of age. The OVS for 1926, #015-932, provide the details:

     Name:       Winkler, Mary Jane
     Place:      Shallow Lake
     Sex/orig/marriage:  Female/English/married
     Age:        75 years
     Born:       Waterloo County, June 30, 1851
     Occupation: Housewife
     Residence:  30 years at place of death, 75 years in Ontario
     Father:     Samuel Tiler, born England
     Mother:     not known
     Physician:  Dr. F.C. Campbell, Hepworth
     Informant:  Charles Winkler, Shallow Lake, husband
     Burial:     Boyd's Cenetery, July 16, 1926
     Undertaker: E.J. Downs, Hepworth
     Date:       July 15, 1926
        Medical Information
     Name:       Mary Jane Winkler
     Date:       July 15, 1926
     Cause:      Cerebral Hemourage (?), 5 days
                 No operation or autopsy
     Physician:  F.C. Campbell, Hepworth
     Registered: July 15, 1926

Her obituary was printed in The Daily Sun-Times of Owen Sound on Saturday July 17, 1926, page 8:

SHALLOW LAKE MRS. CHARLES WINKLER     PASSED AWAY THURSDAY -----     Mrs. Chas. Winkler, who was taken succenly ill, Saturday evening last with a paralytic stroke, passed away Thursday morning, having lain in a semi-conscious state since the seizure. The late Mrs. Winkler was born at Waterloo in the year 1851 her maiden name being Mary Jane Tyler. In the year 1872 she was united in marriage to Wm. Girling, who passed away in October of 1899. After their marriage, they took up residence at Elmira and later at Southampton and 30 years ago moved to Shallow Lake when the village was in its infancy. She was one of the best known and highly respected residents of this community, was an industrious woman and always met difficulties with a smile. She married Charles Winkler who survives with a family of five sons; Wesley, Owen, Emerson, Shallow Lake; Daniel, Owen Sound; and Roy of Shallow Lake and one daughter, Mrs. Harris of Calgary. The funeral was held Friday afternoon. A service in the United Church, Rev. W.H. Bartlett in charge. Her remains will be interred in Boyd's cemetery.

Boyd Cemetery, Shallow Lake Lot 5, Concession 8, Keppel Twp, Grey County

Name	Birth	Marriage	Spouse	Death	Other
William Girling	abt 1840	Aug 14, 1869 Waterloo County	Mary Jane Tyler	Oct 16, 1900 Keppel Twp, Ont
Mary Jane Tyler	Jun 30, 1851 Woolwich Twp, Ont		William Girling	Jul 15, 1926 Shallow Lake, Ont	Buried: Boyd Cemetery, Shallow Lake
		Apr 05, 1902 Hepworth, Ont	Charles Winkler 1862-19xx
William Girling	1870			Died young before 1881
Susan Girling	Oct 20, 1871 Woolwich Twp, Ont	Nov 04, 1889 Amabel Twp, Ont	William Harris 1859-19xx		Children: Florence, Waren, Vera, Earnest and Olive
Cyrus Girling	Mar 28, 1874 Woolwich Twp, Ont	Jan 15, 1898 Amabel Twp, Ont	Lillie Solomon 1875-19xx		Children: Sydney, Catherine, Cyrus Daniel, Wilfred Patrick and Marion Lillian
Edith Girling	Oct 19, 1879 Woolwich Twp, Ont	Aug 30, 1899 Owen Sound, Ont	James William Woods 1875-19xx
Owen Stanley Girling	May 06, 1882	Jul 28, 1909 Hepworth, Ont	Bertha Flood 1893-1967	Feb 26, 1932	Children: Dorothy and Bernice
Emerson Girling	Mar 06, 1886 Amabel Twp, Bruce Co
[Ennis] Daniel Girling	Aug 04, 1888 Amabel Twp, Bruce Co	Mar 16, 1916 Owen Sound, Ont	Isabella Wood abt 1911-1985	Dec 05, 1962 Owen Sound, Ont
Roy [Wheeler] Girling	May 26, 1892 Amabel Twp, Bruce Co	Mar 15, 1916 Shallow Lake, Ont	Ida May Flood 1900-19xx
Howard Girling	May 1895 Amabel Twp, Bruce Co	infant		Nov 07, 1896 Chippewa Hill, Ont

Birth

Mary Ann Girling was born January 4, 1843 in Bloomingdale, Ontario. The family would not move to Elmira for a couple more years.

First Marriage

From the Waterloo County Marriages 1858-1869 we find:

     Bridegroom:  Heinrich Haase
     Age:         29
     Residence:   Waterloo Co
     Born:        Waterloo Tp
     Parents:     Jacob Haase,
                  Anna Keller

     Bride:       Mary Anna Girling
     Age:         32
     Residence:   Waterloo Tp
     Born:        Waterloo Tp
     Parents:     George Girling,
                  Susanna Howly

     Witnesses:   Andreas Clemes(?),
                  Maria Snyder;
                  Waterloo Co
     Date:        22 July, 1866

There were at least three children in the marriage, all of whom died in infancy. The names Albert, Sarah A. and Ida M. appear on the backside of their parents' headstone in St James Cemetery, Elmira.

Henry died on November 8, 1872 but the circumstances remain a mystery. The Ontario Vital Statistics for 1872 record scant information (#026-792):

    Name:    Henry Haas
    Date:    8th November 1872
    Sex:     Male
    Age:     35 yrs, 7 mos, 1 day
    Registered: 28th December 1872
    Remarks: Above return was sent in by
             letter without date or
             signature.

Second Marriage

Ludwig Weis was born in Germany on February 2, 1826, son of Philip Weis and Maria Albert. He came to Canada in 1870 according to the 1901 census. His first wife was Catherine Braun(?) and there were children in the marriage. Catherine who was born in 1833, died June 1, 1886 at age 52 years, 6 months and 16 days.

The next year, on October 16, 1887, Ludwig Weis married Mary Girling/Haas at St James Lutheran church in Elmira.

     Date:      October 16, 1887
     Place:     Elmira, Ont

     Groom:     Ludwig Weis
     Age:       60
     Residence: Woolwich
     Religion:  Lutheran
     Parents:   Phil. Weis, Maria Albert

     Bride:     Marianna Haas
     Age:       45
     Residence: Woolwich
     Religion:  Presbyterian
     Parents:   Geo. Haas, Susanna Haulet

• The name of the bride's father was assumed to be 'Haas' to match the name of the bride. In fact, the father was George Girling.
• The name 'Susanna Haulet' is a phonetic rendering of 'Susanna Howlett'.

Ludwig Weis died on January 10, 1902. He is buried in St Jacobs beside his first wife Catherine.

Death

Mary Ann died Tuesday August 2, 1921 at the home of her sister Matilda in Kitchener. The Kitchener Daily Record printed an obituary the following day on page 11:

OBITUARY ----- ELMIRA LOSES CITIZEN -----     There died at Kitchener, Aug. 2, 1921, Mrs. Marry [sic] Ann Weis at the home of her sister, Mrs. Matilda Bott, 18 West Ellen Street. She was born in Waterloo County, Jan. 4, 1842, having attained the age of 79 years, 6 months, 29 days. The funeral service will be held at 18 West Ellen Street at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5th (daylight saving time), whence the remains will be taken to Elmira for interment. Rev. J. P. Hauch will officiate.    Two sisters and one brother who are left to mourn the loss of a dear sister are Mrs. Matilda Bott, Kitchener; Mrs. Anna Rozell, Elmira; and James Girling, Drayton.

An obituary with much the same information appeared in The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday August 3, 1921, page 5:

OBITUARY MRS. MARY ANN WEIS.     The death occurred on Tuesday at the home of her sister, Mrs. Matilda Bott of Mary Ann Weis at the age of 79 years, 6 month and 29 days.     The late Mrs. Weis (nee Mary Girling) was born near Bloomingdale on August 4th, 1842. She had resided in Ontario all her life. Two sisters and one brother are left to mourn her loss, Mrs. Bott, Kitchener, Mrs. Rozell, Elmira, and James Girling of Drayton.     The funeral will be held Friday, August 5th from 18 Ellen St. West at 1:30 p.m. (Daylight saving time). Interment will be made in Elmira.

HENRY HAAS 1838-1872 ----- MARY A. GIRLING HIS WIFE 1841-1921 St James Cemetery, Elmira

• The following Monday, The Daily Telegraph had an item in the "Elmira News Section" that Mrs. Weiss of Kitchener was laid to rest in the Elmira cemetery on Friday afternoon.
• Mary Ann's baptism record says she was born in 1843, her obituaries give 1842 and her headstone reports 1841. The Wesleyan baptism record is closest to the source and 1843 will be taken as correct.

Birth

Daniel Girling was born November 11, 1844 from information found on his headstone. We know he was born in Waterloo Township and the location would have been Bloomingdale, Ontario based on the fact that the family did not move to Elmira until 1845. He was listed with the family at age 8 in the 1851 census and age 16 in the 1861 census both in Woolwich Township.

Marriage

On October 17, 1867 Daniel married Elizabeth George of Woolwich Township, the daughter of John and Mary (nee Wagner). Elizabeth was 23 years of age in the 1871 census and from information at her death she was born on April 14, 1848 in Woolwich Township. The marriage was recorded in the County Marriage Registers of Ontario, 1858-1869.

From the church records of St James Lutheran in Elmira, they had a son named George who died at age 5 months and 16 days on November 12, 1869. Nothing is known of any other children.

GEORGE. died Feb. 27, 1868. aged 18 Yr's 4 Mo's     DANIEL. died Jan. 20, 1871. aged 26 Yr's 2 Mo's & 9 D Sons of George & Susanna GIRLING. St James Cemetery, Elmira

Death

Daniel died January 20, 1871 in Woolwich Township. More information comes from the Ontario Vital Statistics of 1871, #020-168:

     Name:           Daniel Girling
     Date of Death:  Jan 20, 1871
     Age:            26 years 2 mo 8 days
     Occupation:     Farmer
     Born:           Waterloo Township
     Religion:       none
     Cause:          Consumption 2 yrs

     Informant:      John Girling,
                     Harnessmaker, Elmira
     Registered:     7 Feb 1871

Daniel shares a marble marker with his younger brother George in St James Cemetery, Elmira. Information about his death is also recorded on his parents' headstone which is nearby.

In the spring of 1871 when the census was taken Elizabeth was living with her family, her mother Anna Maria George and her two younger sisters Margaret and Mary, in Woolwich Township. She died early the following year (Ontario Vital Statistics 1872, #026-829):

     Name:     Elizabeth Girling
     Date of Death:  Jan 6 1872
     Age:      23 yrs 8 mo 22 days
     Rank:     Widow of late Danl Girling
     Born:     Woolwich
     Cause:    Consumption, 1 yr

There is no grave marker for Elizabeth.

Birth

Caroline Girling was born June 4, 1847. The birth would have been on the family farm just outside Elmira, Ontario as the family had moved to Elmira by 1845. The date comes from Caroline's age as recorded on her headstone and it agrees with an age of 5 on the 1851 census.

William T. Stephan was born in Germany on December 5, 1836, the son of Adam and Caroline Stephan/Stephen. He immigrated to Canada when he was 37 years old in 1873 from information in the 1901 census.

Marriage

Caroline married William on August 10, 1875 in Berlin, Ontario. The date and information about the marriage comes from the Ontario Vital Statistics for 1875, #009-397:

     Groom:      William Stephen
     Age:        37
     Residence:  Listowel
     Born:       Germany
                 Bachelor
     Occupation: Tailor
     Parents:    Adam & Caroline Stephen
     Religion:   Methodist

     Bride:      Caroline Girling
     Age:        28
     Residence:  Listowel
     Born:       Canada
     Parents:    George & Susannah Girling
     Religion:   Methodist

     Witnesses:  Joshua Bowman, Elmira;
                 Amanda Bowman, Elmira
     Date:       10th August 1875
     Place:      at Wesleyan Parsenage,
                 Berlin
     By:         Rev C. Cookman,
                 Licence

William worked as a tailor and they had at least three children: Ida L. (born 1877), Emma L. (born 1882) and Clara J. (born 1888). The couple lived in Listowel until their deaths.

Death

Caroline died in Listowel on Wednesday January 29, 1902 (Ontario Vital Statistics for 1902, #020-965). The Elmira Signet contained an obituary on Thursday February 6, 1902 on the front page:

-----     The death took place at Listowel on Wednesday, Jan. 19th, of Caroline Girling, wife of William Stephan, formerly of Elmira. Deceased, who was married 22 years ago, has sustained a series of paralytic strokes -- the first one on Oct. 22nd, 1900; the third came on the 27th, rendering her unconscious. The age of Mrs. Stephan was 54 years, 7 months and 25 days, and the remains were interred on Friday, the 31st, at Fairview cemetery. A family of three daughters and her husband survive, the daughters being Emma and Clara at home and Mrs. Geo. Ruttan, of Elma.

William died in Listowel almost six years later on January 12, 1908 (Ontario Vital Statistics for 1908, #023-379). He was 71 years, 1 month and 6 days old when he died. A brief item appeared on page 1 of The Elmira Signet on Thursday January 16, 1908:

LOCAL NEWS -----     Mr. Wm Stephan, at one time a resident of Elmira, where he conducted a tailor shop in the store now occupied by Everatt Bros, died at Listowel last Sunday. His remains were brought to the Elmira Union cemetery where the interrment took place last Tuesday afternoon.

William T. Stephan St James Cemetery, Elmira

Caroline Stephan St James Cemetery, Elmira

The headstone inscriptions are extensive:

[Front] S/ Wm. T. STEPHAN/ died in Listowel Jan. 11, 1908/ aged 71 y'rs. 1 mo. & 6 d'ys/ Father sleepeth. He lived rejoicing in hope/ Patient in tribulation, Continuing instant in prayer/ Rom. 12:12/ George Charles/ died in Elmira July 14, 1884/ aged 1 mo. & 22 d'ys./ Lena/ died in Listowel Jan 21, 1886/ aged 5 y'rs & 9 mo's./ children of Wm. T. & Caroline STEPHAN/ STEPHAN   [Back] S/ In memory of/ Caroline/ wife of/ William STEPHAN/ died Jan. 29, 1902/ aged 54 yrs 7 mos./ 25 dys./ A loving friend a dear wife, a tender parent lieth here/ Great is the loss we here sustain, but hope in heaven to meet/ again.

Birth George Girling was born in October 1849, information we learn from his headstone. The family had moved to near Elmira from Bloomingdale by then. The 1851 census lists George at age 3 and in 1861 at age 10. One age is high and the other is low. Death George died on February 27, 1868. Nothing is known about the place or the circumstances. He is buried beside his older brother Daniel in St James Cemetery, Elmira who died three years afterward.

GEORGE. died Feb. 27, 1868. aged 18 Yr's 4 Mo's St James Cemetery, Elmira

Birth

Matilda Girling was born in Elmira on Sept 6, 1853. The date of her birth is found in the 1901 census. She is listed at age 8 in the 1851 census and 18 years old when the 1861 census was taken.

George Bott was born on August 20, 1850 in Woolwich Township, the date again coming from the 1901 census. He was a son of Herman Bott and Elizabeth Wiegand.

Marriage

Matilda married George Bott on August 5, 1879 in Winterbourne, Ontario. More information comes from the Ontario Vital Statistics for 1879, #010-753:

     Groom:       George Bott
     Age:
     Residence:   Elmira
     Born:        Waterloo [county]
                  Bachelor
     Occupation:  Carpenter
     Parents:     Herman and Elizabeth Bott
     Religion:    Evangelical Association

     Bride:       Matilda Girling
     Age:         25
     Residence:   Elmira
     Born:        Elmira
                  Spinster
     Parents:     George and Susannah
                  Girling
     Religion:    Presbyterian

     Witness:     Calvin Young, Linwood
                  Sarah Ann Girling, Elmira
     Date:        5th August 1879
     Place:       at Manse, WInterbourne
     By:          Rev A.M. Hamilton
                  Licence

When Matilda's mother died in 1899, the couple were living in Berlin where they both stayed for the rest of their lives. In 1901 George was working at the Shirt Factory and the couple had two sons: Arden (age 16) and Edgar (age 14).

Death

George died on Friday February 9, 1918 at his home in Kitchener. His obituary was printed in The News Record the next day on page 1:

Another Staunch Citizen Has Been Called ----- MR. GEORGE BOTT PASSES AWAY. ----- Was Widely Known and Enjoyed a High Respect. -----     There has departed this life one of the city's staunchest residents, in the person of Mr. George Bott, who passed away shortly before three o'clock yesterday afternoon.     The death of Mr. Bott occurred suddenly, while he was sitting in the chair at his home, 18 West Ellen street.     Mr. Bott had not been well for about five years, having suffered from a stroke which necessitated his retirement from duty at the W. G. and R. But he had been able to be up and around during the greater part of that period and of late he was again to be seen at his old place of employment. But nearly three weeks ago while at his post he was overcome with an affliction which necessitated his taking to his bed, congestion of the lungs being the cause.     From this severe attack he recovered and was again up and around at his home, and was in that cheerful mood which was his characteristic. Suddenly and without any previous signs of the approach of the end life passed out.     Mr. Bott was a native of the district of Hawkesville, being born on the farm. His age was 66 years, 5 months and 19 days.     His early life was spent in the vicinity of Hawkesville. Subsequently he resided in Elmira, where he was wedded thirty-eight years ago to Matilda Girling.     Nearly twenty-three years ago he came to this city, where he had resided ever since. During his time of residence here he formed a wide acquaintance in the city and had many friends, to whom the inteligence of his death will be painful.     In the hour of bereavement they will sympathize with and offer their condolences to the bereaved wife and family.     Mr. Bott is survived by his wife and two sons, who are Mr. Arden E. Bott, of this city and Mr. Edgar S. Bott of LaCrosse Wisc. The latter with his wife had just returned to his home in Wisconsin after visiting at the bedside of his father. One grandchild also survives. There also two brothers and four sisters; John in Woolwich Township, David of this city, Mrs. Schlegel of North Dakota, Mrs. John Gies of Waterloo, Mrs. C. Brenchley of Elmira and Mrs. Fred Weick of Cleveland.     The deceased was a faithful member of Trinity Methodist Church and Ancient Order of United Workmen.     The funeral will be held at 3.30 o'clock on Monday afternoon at the residence, 18 West Ellen Street and will be private.     Interment will take place in Mt. Hope Cemetery.     The City mourns to lose such a worthy citizen, one who by his kindness genial personality straight forwardness and entertaining qualities won many admirers.

The obituary was followed on Monday February 11, 1918 with a further report on page 1: MR. GEORGE BOTT LAID TO REST. -----     The funeral of Mr. George Bott, who passed away last Friday afternoon, was held this afternoon from the residence 18 West Ellen street and was private. Numerous floral tributes which were received wre emblems of the sympathy extended by friends and also the respect in which they held the deceased citizen.     The pallbearers were Mr. Wendel Bitchey, Mr. C. S. Smith, Mr. Simon Dietrich, Mr. H. C. Wildfong, Mr. Ralph Doerr and Mr John Doerr.     Services were held at the residence at 3.30 o'clock after which interment book place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Rev. Mr. Sykes of Trinity Methodist Church, of which Mr. Bott was a member, conducted the ceremony. Fitting reference to the deceased's worth was embodied in he officiating clergyman's remarks.     The floral emblems received included:     A wreath from the Lacrosse Rubber Mills, Lacrosse, Wisc.; wreath from the W.G.R. Laundry Dept.; Mr. David Bott, floral display; floral display, Mr. Oscar Gies, Bridgeport; wreath, Myrtle Circle No. 8, Woodmen of the World; spray Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Doerr; spray, Mr. and Mrs. R. Doerr; broken wheel from the family.     Outside attendants at the funeral were Mr. John Bott of Elmira; Mrs. M. Breuchley of Elmira; Mrs. J. G. Rozell of Elmira; Mrs. M. Weis of Elmira; Mr. Conrad Krug of Chesley and Mr. James Girling of Drayton; Mr. Edgar S. Bott of Lacrosse, Wisc.; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lorch of Elmira.

GEORGE BOTT 1851-1918   MATILDA GIRLING HIS BELOVED WIFE 1853-1935 Mt Hope Cemetery, Kitchener

Matilda continued to live in the same house until her death in 1935. Her obituary was printed in the Kitchener Daily News Record on Saturday June 8, 1935 on page 15:

The Departed   MRS. MATILDA BOTT     The death of Mrs. Matilda Bott, 82, occurred at her home, 18 Ellen street west, today.     Mrs. Bott was born in Elmira, and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Girling, natives of England. She was a member of Trinity United Church.     Her husband, George Bott, died in 1918. She is survived by two sons, Arden E., Kitchener, and Edgar S., Lacrosse, Wis. There are one brother and one sister, James Girling and Mrs. Anna Rozell, both of Elmira, She is also survived by one grandson, living in Lacrosse, Wis.     The funeral which will be private, will be held at two o'clock Monday afternoon from the Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home to Mount Hope cemetery with Rev. C. F. Logan officiating. The remains will rest at the funeral home.

Birth

Peter Girling was born in about 1855, in Woolwich Township near Elmira. The census of 1861 includes Peter, age 7, and the next census in 1871 records Peter at age 16.

Jane Morrell/Morill was born May 26, 1858, daughter of John and Mary Morrell/Morril.

Marriage

Peter married Jane Morrell in Peel Township of Wellington County on February 1, 1876. The details come from the Ontario Vital Statistics for 1876, #011-617:

     Groom:       Peter Girling
     Age:         22
     Residence:   Peel [Township]
     Born:        Canada
                  Bachelor
     Occupation:  Farmer
     Parents:     George Girling,
                  Susanna Girling
     Religion:    Methodist

     Bride:       Jane Morrell
     Age:         19
     Residence:   Peel [Township]
     Born:        Canada
     Parents:     John Morrell,
                  Mary Morrell
     Religion:    Methodist

     Witnesses:   Thomas Jas. Walker, Peel
                  Mary Ann Morrell, Peel
     Date:        1st February 1876
     Place:       Township of Peel
     By:          Rev'd Richard Hapard
                  Licence

From the Woolwich Township Tax rolls of the time:

• 1876 taxrolls includes George Girling (age 62) and Peter (age 21, 2 persons in household) with a combined taxable worth of $1690
• 1877 taxrolls list George Girling (age 63, gentleman) worth $470 and Peter (age 22, yeoman, 3 persons in household) with worth $1250
  • Peter and Jane's first child George has been born
  • It seems Peter took over bulk of the farm
• In 1878 George Girling (age 63, gentleman) has a taxable worth of $300 and Peter (age 23, yeoman, 4 persons in household) is worth $1250
  • A second child James Albert has been added for Peter and Jane
• In 1879 George Girling (age 65, yeoman) and Peter (age 24, yeoman, 4 persons) have a combined worth of $1740
  • Why is Peter no longer separate? Trouble in the family?
• 1880 George Girling (age 65, yeoman) has worth of just $430 and Peter is not present. More than $1000 is taxable property left with him.

The 1881 census explains what happened to Peter and family. In Woodlands, Marquette, Manitoba (page 47, household 217) we find:

Name	Age	Birthplace	Religion	Occupation	Origin
Peter GURLING	28	Ontario	Presbyterian	Farmer	English
Jane GURLING	25	Ontario	Presbyterian		English
George GURLING	4	Ontario	Presbyterian		English
James GURLING	3	Ontario	Presbyterian		English
Peter GURLING	11 months born April	Manitoba	Presbyterian		English

There is unverified information that Peter and Jane had thirteen, or maybe fourteen, children in all:

Name	Birth	Marriage	Spouse	Death
George Edward Girling	Sept 22, 1876 Woolwich Twp	unmarried		Apr 05, 1897 Indian Reserve Southampton, Ont
James Albert Girling	Feb 08, 1878 Woolwich Twp	married	Elizabeth McAdam 1881-	Apr 28, 1917
Peter Laurent Girling	Apr 30, 1880 Manitoba	Mar 06, 1907 South Cypress, Manitoba	Persis Margaret Dowd 1886-1970	July 29, 1927 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Mary Amelia Girling	Jun 28, 1883 R.M of South Cypress, Manitoba	Mar 24, 1903 South Cypress, Manitoba	Joseph Deucett 1874-	Sep 14, 1946
		married	David Sword
Roland Oliver Girling	Mar 05, 1885 R.M. of Woodlands, Manitoba	unmarried		1942
William Wellington Girling	Oct 01, 1886 R.M. of South Cypress, Manitoba	Dec 29, 1915 Victoria, Manitoba	Hazel Blanch Wilson Abt 1890-	May 17, 1918 Pembina, Manitoba
John Morrill Girling	July 10, 1888 R.M. of South Cypress, Manitoba	child		Aug 16, 1899 Indian Reserve Southampton, Ont
Susanna Girling	Aug 12, 1890 R.M. of South Cypress, Manitoba	Aug 12, 1910 Victoria, Manitoba	Frank Wesley Stevens 1878-1956	1964
Raymond Roy Girling	April 19, 1893 R.M. of South Cypress, Manitoba	married	May Hamilton	1957
Evalena Jane Girling	Oct 28, 1894 Arran Twp, Ont	Jan 10, 1912 Victoria, Manitoba	(1) James Harrison Keller	Dec 15, 1983 Gaylord, Michigan
		married	(2) Herbert Mount
		married	(3) Robert Wuelfing
Isabella Girling	Mar 25, 1897 Scots Settlement, Ontario	Nov 21 1914 Selkirk, Manitoba	Angus J. McQuarrie 1876-	1976 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thomas Henry Girling	Aug 08, 1900 R.M. of Lorne, Manitoba	infant		Feb 14, 1901 R.M. of Lorne, Manitoba
Leslie Howard Girling	Apr 13, 1902 R.M. of Lorne, Manitoba	Aug 28, 1926 Souis, Brandon, Manitoba	Margaret Cathern Ellen Orr
Perhaps another...

Death

Peter was still alive when his mother passed away in 1899. Peter and his brother William were singled out for a $1 inheritance in his mother's will. The reason for this slight are unknown but may have its root in Peter's departure twenty years earlier.

We know nothing of Peter's death, but since some known descendants are living in Saskatchewan it assumed that Peter never returned to Ontario. Peter is not mentioned as a survivor when his older sister Mary died in 1921.

Unverified information reports that Peter died on July 2, 1910 (or as late as 1913) and that he is buried in Glenco Cemetery which is located between Cypress and Glenboro, Manitoba. Peter's wife Jane is listed as a 'widow' in the 1911 Canadian Census. From two sources but unverified, Jane died April 7, 1946 at age 87.

ELIZABETH Daughter of George & Susannah Girling DIED Aug 12, 1856 Aged 6 Months & 11 D St James Cemetery, Elmira

Birth

Elizabeth Girling was born February 1, 1856. The family lived on the east edge of Elmira, Ontario at the time. The date of birth comes from her age when she died later that same year.

Death

Elizabeth's death is given as August 12, 1856 on a small marble headstone in St James Cemetery. The same information is repeated on the marker of her parents who died some 40 years later. Nothing is known about the circumstances of her death.

Birth

Sarah Ann (Annie) Girling was born in about 1857. She was age 3 in the 1861 census and age 13 when the 1871 census was taken.

The 1901 census contains an entry for Annie Uttley a spinster in Elmira who was born May 2, 1864. This may be the same Annie Girling, but the date of birth is out by some seven years. Annie was left $1000 from her mother's estate when she died in 1899 and an equal share in the residual with five of her siblings. This accounts for why she was listed as the head of household in the 1901 census as she took over the family home.

Her future husband, Joseph G. Rozell was born on January 23, 1842 near Atwood, Ontario, a son of Joseph and Margaret Rozell. He and his first wife Elizabeth M had five children when the 1881 census was taken: Howard W, Margaret B, Georgina, Emma R and Charles H. Elizabeth left four children when she died.

Marriage

Annie was married to Joseph G. Rozell in a double wedding ceremony on Wednesday November 27, 1901. The December 5, 1901 issue of The Elmira Signet contained a writeup on page 1:

A Double Wedding. -----     Berlin News-Record: An interesting wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Bott, Ellen street, on Wednesday, Nov. 27, when Mr. Joseph C. Rozell, of Listowel, and Miss Annie Girling, of Elmira, and Mr. Ruttan, of Elmira, and Miss Ida L Stephan, of Listowel, were upited [sic] in marriage by the Rev. Dr. Williamson, of Trinity Methodist church. Both were pretty though quiet weddings. The bridal couples stood under an arch of similax and roses and assumed the marriage vows. Each in turn was supported by Miss Emma Stephan, niece of the first and sister of the second bride, while Mr. Arden E. Bott acted as groomsman.

Death Joseph passed away on December 16, 1917 at 75 years of age (Ontario Vital Statistics for 1917, #031-816). His obituary was printed in The Elmira Signet on the following Thursday, page 6: AGED CITIZEN GONE. -----     There passed away at his home on Mill street last Sunday, Mr. Joseph G. Rozell. The deceased was born near Atwood, where his wife died leaving four children. They are: Howard and Bert, of Saskatchewan, Mrs. Garnier, of Chicago, and Mrs. Bliss, of Detroit. Seven grand-children also survive. Sixteen years ago he came to Elmira when he married his second wife, in the person of Miss Annie Girling, who now, with his children and grandchildren, mourns his departure. He was sick only about ten days having suffered a paralytic stroke. The bereaved family have the sympathy of their friends in their sorrow. The funeral is being held this afternoon.

JOSEPH G. ROZELL 1842-1917 ----- S. ANNA GIRLING HIS WIFE 1857-1937 St James Cemetery, Elmira

Annie died almost twenty years later in Elmira on November 21, 1937. She had lived in Elmira all her life which was reflected in her obituary on page one of The Elmira Signet on November 25:

Life-Long Elmira Resident Dies ----- Mrs. Sarah Anna Girling Rozell Passes Away on Sunday Evening; Was in Her 81st Year -----     Mrs. Sarah Anna Girling Rozell, aged Elmira resident, died Sunday evening at her home, corner of Mill and Park streets. She was the last surviving daughter of an early pioneer family and had lived in Elmira all her life.     The late Mrs. Rozell was in her 81st year. She had been in failing health for the past year.     Surviving is one brother, James Girling of Elmira, Mrs. Rozell's husband predeceased her in 1917.     The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon from her late residence. Rev. G. Little officiated at the service. Interment was made in the Elmira cemetery.

Birth

James Girling was the last child born to George Girling and Susanna Howlett. 'James' was the name of George Girling's twin brother. From the 1861 census and from his headstone, James was born in 1859. James was 2 years of age when the 1861 census was taken and 11 years old in the 1871 census.

Marriage

James was married to Lilly Elliott in 1884 in Elmira, Ontario. More information comes from the Ontario Vital Statistics for 1884, #011-854:

     Groom:       James Girling
     Age:         24
     Residence:   Elmira, Ont
     Born:        Elmira, Ont
                  Bachelor
     Occupation:  Farmer
     Parents:     George Girling,
                  Susannah Girling
     Religion:    Methodist

     Bride:       Elizabeth Elliot
     Age:         19
     Residence:   Drayton, Ont
     Born:        England
     Parents:     Thomas Elliot,
                  Emma Elliot
     Religion:    Methodist

     Date:        4th March 1884
     Place:       Elmira, Ont
     Witnesses:   George Bott, Elmira, Ont
                  Mrs. George Bott, Elmira, Ont
     By:          A.M. McCalloch
                  Licence

A daughter followed the next year when Emma Lauretta was born on April 15th.

James was an executor to his father's will. When George Girling died in 1892, James and family were living in Palmerston. In 1899, his mother's will says that James was living in Rat Portage in northern Ontario. James was in Drayton in 1921 (from his sister Mary's obituary) and back in Elmira in 1937 (when his sister Annie died).

Death James died in 1940 and is buried in Drayton with his wife Lilly who died fifteen years earlier.

In loving memory of JAMES GIRLING 1859-1940 LILLY ELLIOTT Beloved wife of JAMES GIRLING April 22, 1865 - Oct 11, 1925 At Rest Victoria Cemetery, Drayton

[Copyright Information]
Most recent revision February 2014