The Swan family...



Information here has been contributed by Taylor Kennedy. His email address sounds like taylor dot kennedy at sympatico dot ca.

An event of note is the Swan Picnic, to be held in 2008 on the Swan farm near Barrie, Ontario.

The Swan Community Cemetery is located on Penetanguishene Road 2, Lot 52. Please see map...

Cemetery dedication ceremony information, part 1, part 2. Newspaper article.

Taylor Kennedy's wife Cheryl Copeland is descended from the "Penetanguishene Copelands and Flos Swans".


How the Swan family connects...

Margaret May Swan

  • born February 22, 1876, in Flos Township, Simcoe County
  • married on August 11, 1897, in Midland, Ontario, to William Alfred Looker (born October 7, 1875, in Allendale, Ontario; son of Thomas Alfred Looker and Mary Isabella Hurst)
  • Thomas Alfred Looker is the brother of Mary Martha Looker, who married Archibald John Longhurst
  • see more details about Margaret May Swan below...
  • William Alfred Looker died in June, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario
  • Margaret May Swan died May 3, 1952, in Barrie, Ontario

THE SWAN CHRONICLES - May 31, 2006

by Taylor Kennedy (taylor dot kennedy at sympatico dot ca)

It has been my aspiration for some time to provide a synopsis of ancestral life of families that I investigate, based on fact and folklore, so the common individual can identify with the story without the confusion of data that researchers are familiar with and understand.

In exploring family ancestry, there are many paths one embarks on; one in particular, is that of comparing research data with key descendents, on fact and accuracy. There is a certain amount of data based on vital statistics in relation to births, deaths, marriage, tombstone inscriptions and Church records and a certain amount on family folklore and individual knowledge that has been lived, experienced and passed down through generations. The Swan Chronicles is in fact based on the above mentioned scenario.

The Swan Chronicles of 2006 now contain the Irish rendition and history. I received permission to utilize Lyn (Swan) Franks’ information to supplement the original writings that in fact had some erroneous data, which was based on speculation, and has now been altered to reflect a more accurate version of reality. It has been compiled with the efforts of Rosa (Dirom) Swan of British Columbia, Lyn (Swan) Franks of Cavan Co. Ireland, her daughter Lucy of Scotland, Gary French of Simcoe County, Paul Robins of Wasaga Beach, in memory of Glen Alan Swan who first contacted Lyn and Lucy in Ireland and me, Taylor Kennedy, husband to Josephine Louisa Swan’s great granddaughter, Cheryl. Together we hope that both the Canadian and Irish appetite will be fulfilled.

About 1750 + Arthur Griffith, wrote a topographical account of his travels in Ireland and mentions in his chapter on the Farnham Estate that Mr. Swan the land Stewart said "such and such "about spreading lime on agricultural land to make it fertile. (I know this, because I have read that chapter).That W. Swan came to Ireland along with 2 brothers to find work. Incidentally the Earls of Farnham hailed from Lothian which is the district in which Edinburgh is situated.

The land Stewart in Farnham was the first of our line to arrive in Ireland. He lived according to my mother in the district of Drumbar, which is on the Farnham Estate, yet his death record gives his address as Farnham. His family, son, rented a plot of land in the district of Deredis, Derryheen on the Farnham estate. Not a very large piece of land, and from notes read by my daughter Lucy in the National Archives in Dublin, the Swans in Deredis were very, very poor indeed. The lord of the manor at the time recorded in his diary that a request had been made by the Swans in Deredis to roof their home and fence their land since their pigs were found wandering the roads in search of grass and food. The lord of the manor described their home as a hovel!

W. Swan from Scotland had family; his son Oswald (No.1) was the first occupant of Deredis and according to the Lord of the manor's notes was not a good man - why I don't know. It could be because he asked the lord that his family should be treated like the English tenants - which might have meant paying less rent. Oswald No. 1 had sons: William, James, Thomas and Oswald No.2 and maybe lots of daughters also. I have no record of his wife's name. James and Thomas went to Canada and were rewarded for their services to the English Army by getting land, free or at a price, I don't know. James was killed one day when the door of his barn fell upon him and he had no heirs. His father had to travel to Canada to claim the land of his deceased son James. This father was Oswald No. 1 - first generation Irish.

Back in Ireland, after Oswald no.1 left with his son, daughter in law and two granddaughters, Oswald No. 2, son of Oswald no. 1, and second generation Irish, was the occupant of the Deredis homestead and small patch of land. This fellow lived to a ripe old age, and would have lived longer if he had not mown a field of corn at the age of 92! Oswald no. 2 married firstly, a teenager called Miss Ebbitt. She was 17 when she died giving birth to a baby boy, who was christened John Alexander. I guess she must have been very frail during pregnancy cause the story goes that her young husband used to wheel her round the yard in a wheelbarrow.

Oswald no. 2 married again, this time to a lady from the County Longford, called Amelia Brock. They had issue: James, Oswald no. 3, Rebecca, William and possibly more. James and Oswald no. 3 became saddlers in the town of Cavan.

Oswald No. 3 did not have a happy life - mother said that he never married. John Alexander immigrated to Canada - at what age I do not know. His half brother William was my grandfather. When my grandfather was about to get married the Swans of Deredis purchased a farm in the town land of Monery, about 8 - 10 miles from Deredis. Not a very fertile or rewarding piece of land, cause I tried to farm there for 21 years and had to sell it. I still do not know where the money came from to purchase Monery, but I have suspicions that the Anglican Church in those days must have given out low interest loans.

William, son of Oswald no2 had five children. Oswald no. 4, George, Mabel Rebecca, William Henry and John James, Emma died in infancy. John James was my father, and I have memories of all his siblings. Aunt Mabel and my father were the only two to have children. Oswald No. 4(my uncle, whom his brothers called Ozzil) went to live in Deredis with his grandfather, Oswald No 2, when he was a very young man -18 or 19 years of age. He inherited the small farm and also over time, the farm of his neighbours the Nesbitts in Deredis. Harry Armstrong (Mabel Rebecca's son) inherited this farm from Oswald No. 4, and his widow Lily lives in the family home at present. I have all this information is from word of mouth. It is a pity that I was not more curious when I was a child - I could have learned so much from Oswald No. 4, because he lived in my father's house for a year or two after Harry and Lily took over his farm. Mother remembers visiting Deredis and being shown a picture of Oswald No. 1 and being told the story of his sail to Canada - the reason being was "to claim land."

My records dictate, Thomas and James were veterans of the 66th Regiment, 2nd Battalion of Berkshire, stationed in Quebec. It is from here, I wish to take you back into the past.

The 66th Regiment, 2nd Battalion of Berkshire was created on May 25th, 1756 to enhance the British Army's strength during the outbreak of the Seven Year War, and in spite of this, the 66th, 2nd Battalion of Berkshire never participated. We'll advance from this date to the year 1823. At this time; the 66th was in Spain and Portugal and were ordered to return to England in March of that year. Then they were ordered to Ireland, but waited in Liverpool for 2 days, due to stormy seas. They finally landed in Dublin, Ireland, where they marched on to Caven Co., where one wing of the Regiment was deployed while the other wing went to Enniskillen. It was during this operation in Caven Co., in 1823, the Swan boys were recruited or enlisted. The 66th 2nd Battalion of Berkshire arrived in Quebec in August of 1827, and circled Ontario, with deployments to Montreal, Kingston, Fort George in Niagara, Fort York in Toronto, finally returning to Quebec before embarking on their journey to Ireland. Thomas and James were discharged while in York County and it is here where they applied for the Land grants promised by the Military for their services. The timeline shows that the boys would have been 19 and 21 years of age at the time of enlistment. James served 8 years and 8 months with the regiment while Thomas served 6 years and 224 days. Thomas was discharged in 1830. Thomas' first son was born then and it may have been the determining factor for him to retire from the Forces and take up farming. James was discharged in 1833, settling on his land almost instantly. It took six years before Thomas' land approval came through, receiving it in 1836.

James and Thomas received land grants of 100 acres each to settle around the Town of Penetanguishene. James received his and settled there on the Old Military Road to Penetanguishene. In 1836, James and his neighbors requested that the Government survey for a new road, as it was laborious and very costly to maintain the existing road that had existed for the last three years. The portion of road maintained by James and his neighbors was a three mile stretch.

Thomas requested and received, Lot 51 on the first line and his brother James received, Lot 47 on the West side of the Penetanguishene Military Road. Over the early years, James sold or traded Lot 47 and became owner of Lot 52. Both boys had married while in Quebec. James had no children. Thomas married Elizabeth Hopley about 1829 and had their first son, John Oswald Swan in 1830. The second son, Thomas James Jr. was born in 1835, also in Lower Canada.

Oswald, who was Thomas's father and William, his brother, Williams' wife Mary Ann Hamilton and three daughters Elizabeth Jane, Mary Anne and Rebecca headed for Canada, to Flos Township arriving in 1840. Thomas's brother James died suddenly, in the same year, leaving a wife, but no children. Oswald took over Lot 52 on the second line in Flos Township upon his arrival in Canada. It was shortly after that, in 1842 Oswald passed away, leaving his estate to his son William.

In 1841, a fourth son, Joseph Henry Swan, was born to Thomas and Elizabeth. Joseph married Mary Anne Hart, having two boys and two girls. The only one surviving to adulthood was Joshua Swan who married Margaret Charlotte Copeland and in1842, Elizabeth, was the first daughter born to Thomas and Elizabeth Hopley, who went on to marry William Henry Brock, having four girls and four boys.

In the year of 1844, a second daughter, Margaret Swan, was born to Thomas and Elizabeth. She went on to marry William Cassidy, having two boys and five girls.

Finally in 1847, the last child, a fifth son by the name of William Joshua Swan was born. He married Mary Ann Clute, who had three sons, and six daughters.

Thomas's brother, William was married to Mary Ann Hamilton and they had seven children, one son, William Herbert Swan, born about 1851 in Ontario and six girls. Elizabeth-Jane born about 1835 , Mary Anne born about 1837 , Rebecca born about 1839, all in Ireland. Harriet born about 1842 , Caroline born about 1844 , and Amelia born about 1850, all in Ontario. Shortly after the birth of William Herbert Swan, William was in Barrie on business and died suddenly on July 6th, 1855, dying intestate.

Because all the children were under the age of 21, Mary Anne Hamilton applied for Letters of Administration of his personal and real property. At this time, Mary Anne was 38 years old and needed someone to assist in the support of her and her children, so she married Michael Rodgers, who was 19 years of age at the time.

The four eldest daughters, Jane, Mary Ann, Harriet and Rebecca were all married by the time the 1861 census rolled around. Jane married Henry Brittain in 1856, a farmer in Tay Township and had 7 children, five sons and two daughters. One son was named Hamilton Brittain, paying respect to her mother Mary Anne Hamilton. Rebecca married James O'Brien and Mary Anne married John O. Swan, son of Thomas Swan and Elizabeth Hopley. John and Mary Anne went on to have 3 sons, William Henry, John Jr., Thomas James Herbert and they also adopted Robert Swan, son of John and Mary Ann Swan’s daughter. John and Mary Anne’s' daughters were Elizabeth Caroline who married Edmund Goldring, Rebecca who married Wm. Simpson, Harriet who married Richard Goldring, Margaret F. who married Henry Weatherup, Mary Emma who married Frank Goldring, Melissa who married her cousin Samuel Thomas Brock, Josephine Louisa who married George Alfred Copeland, and Victoria Adelaide married Robert Eason Brock.

The following comes from the diaries of Oswald Henry Swan, son of John Alexander Swan, who was born in Ireland in 1839 and traveled to Canada, arriving in 1864. Oswald Henry claimed that his father, John Alexander Swan, was one of a family of four brothers and two sisters living in the area of Flos Township. In fact he also stated that when John Alexander arrived in 1864, he stayed on Lot 52 in Flos before removing to Tay Township, in Vasey, to settle down for good. John Alexander married Elizabeth Rankin, a Scottish woman, and had two boys, and two girls. The connection to Thomas, James and William in Flos has been determined with the death registration of John Alexander Swan Sr., who passed away on January 19, 1920 from heart failure at the age of 80 years and 10 days, where his parents are listed as Oswald Swan and Amelia Brock, whereas Oswald is the brother to Thomas, James and William of Flos Township, making John Alexander Swan a nephew. John was born to the first wife Jane Ebbett and she died during his birth, but was raised by Amelia, Oswald’s second wife.

Sadly, there have been several early deaths within the Irish Swan descendents of Flos Township, in both the women and the men. By 1891, the Swans filtered throughout Ontario, as other descendents of the brothers and sisters, who are now being tracked down, one at a time, to validate their existence, their ancestry, their descendency and families that are searching for their roots as am I.


Updated July 6, 2007...

Thomas Swan

Thomas Swan

Was a veteran with the 66th Infantry. Received a land grant in 1836 to settle around the Penetanguishene area. Took Lot 51 on the first line. - source "A History of Simcoe County" by Andrew F. Hunter 1863 - 1940, Originally published in Barrie by the County Coucil 1906

ISBN 0-9682808-1-1

From the 1861 census for Flos Township, page 12, line 28, shows Thomas Swan, Church of England, born in Ireland, married, age 58, making his birth year about 1802.

From the 1871 census for Simcoe North, sub section Flos Township, division F, page 51, Line 7, shows Thomas Swan, C.E. born in Ireland, age 68, making his birth year about 1802.

Thomas Swan - Upper Canada Land Book - S21/10 - cross referenced gives me

S21 bundle, page 10, Volume 473, Microfilm C2820 to find the land request 1836-1837

To His Excellency John Colborne K.G.B. Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada, Major General Commanding His Majesty's Forces therein, In Council

The Petition of THOMAS SWAN

Humbly sheweth

That your Petitioner is a native of Ireland. That he served 6 years and 224 days in His Majesty's 66th Regiment as appears by his discharge and has not received any land, or order for land from the Crown.

He therefore humbly prays your Excellency will be pleased to grant him 100 acres as a discharged Private and as in duty bound, your Petitioner will ever pray.

I certify that Thomas Swan, the bearer was discharged from the 66th Regiment about 6 years ago, and lately an order came from England to give him a grant of 100 acres of land, which Mr. Davidson the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Quebec, informed me has been communicated to the authorities at Toronto. I have therefore directed Thomas Swan to make application to the Civil Secretary at Toronto who will direct him of what to do to obtain his land.

Signed in Quebec July 12th, 1837 by JAMES BAIRD, LT. COLONEL COMMANDER of the 66th Regiment.

Your Petitioner also respectfully and prays that Your excellency will be pleased to permit him to locate on Lot No. 51 in the 2nd Range W.P. Road in the Township of Flos, County Simcoe, wishing to settle on the Lot immediately. Signed by Thomas Swan

Name: Thomas Swan

Residence: City of Toronto

Status: Discharged Soldier from the 66th Regiment

Authority: O.C. 10 Aug 1837

100 acres Lot 51 2WPR Flos

Location date: 12 July 1837

Destination No.: L167

SWAN, Thomas, m, Aug. 10 1879, 76 years, County of Cavan Ireland, disease of the heart died very suddenly, farmer, infm; Thomas G. PORTER, Flos, (Simcoe Co.) 013567-79

This is the Last Will and Testament of me THOMAS SWAN of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe and Province of Ontario, farmer, made this twenty fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.

I give, devise and bequeath to my FIFTH son WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN by my first wife ELIZABETH the south half of Lot Number Fifty One in the Second Concession of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe and Province of Ontario containing by admeasurements fifty acres more or less.

I give, devise and bequeath to my present wife ANN for and during her life five acres and one quantity of land together with the buildings therein being composed of the South West corner of Lot Fifty One in the First Concession in the Township of Flos, old survey, and at the death of my said wife ANN then to my FIFTH son WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN.

I give and devise to my grandson JAMES WILLIAM SWAN and my two daughters ELIZABETH BROCK and MARGARET CASSIDY all my personal estate and effects, goods and chattels whatsoever and whomsoever share and share alike providing that my said grandson JAMES WILLIAM SWAN remains with me and my wife during our lives and in case he does not remain with us then to my two daughters subject only to the payment of my just debts financial and testamentary expenses and the change of proving and reflecting this my Last Will.

And I nominate and appoint my son JOSEPH SWAN and ARTHUR CRAIG to be executors of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills.

In witness whereof I the said THOMAS SWAN have hereunto set my hand and seal the Twenty-fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Seventy nine . signed by Thomas Swan [able to read and write]

The witnesses were; ROBERT P. DAVIS and THOMAS McJANNETT.


Updated July 6, 2007...

Descendants of William Joshua Swan

1. WILLIAM JOSHUA4 SWAN (THOMAS JAMES3, OSWALD SWAN2 1, WILLIAM1 SWAN) was born September 06, 1847 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, and died July 12, 1912 in Flos Township, Simcoe County. He married MARY ANNE CLUTE September 05, 1870 in Tiny Township, Simcoe County. She was born March 14, 1851, and died October 11, 1928 in Flos Township, Simcoe County.

Notes for WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN:

Listed as son and early Pioneer of Simcoe according to "A History of Simcoe County" by Andrew F. Hunter 1863 - 1940, Originally published in Barrie by the County Council 1906

ISBN 0-9682808-1-1

From the 1861 census for Flos Township, page 12, line 28, shows William Swan, Church of England, born in Ontario, single, age 14, making his birth year about 1846.

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows

William's birthday as September 6, 1849 and at an age of 52 years.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 1, page 4, line 18 shows William's age as 47 years old and born September 1863. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

This is the Last Will & Testament of me, WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN, Farmer, of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe and the Province of Ontario made this Twenty Eighth day of May in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twelve. I revoke all former Wills and Testamentary dispositions by me at any time heretofore made and Declare this only to be and contain my Last Will & Testament.

I direct all my just debts, funeral and Testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my Executor and Executrix hereinafter named as soon as conveniently may be after My decease.

I devise and bequeath all my Real Estate and personal Estate of which I may die possessed in the manner following that is to say:

To my wife MARY ANNE SWAN I give and bequeath Five cows, Four yearling cattle, One two year old Star and Three spring calves. Ten stove pigs and a sow with four suckling pigs. One team of horses, One set of single harness, One clement buggy, One wagon, One single plough, One Gerry plough, One spring toothed cultivator and seeder combined. One McCormick horse ??rake??, One five foot bin step, One set of iron ??herrows?? and one root puller. One five foot mirror, one Jenning mill, one cutter and ??robe??, one folding ?????, one cream separator and all household furniture and fixtures.

To my youngest daughter PEARL I give and bequeath one cow named Daisy.

In the Estate of WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN, late of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe, Farmer, Inventory and Valuation of the Property of the said deceased:

- Household goods and furniture $75.00

- Farming implements etc. $210.00

- Horses $150.00

- Horned cattle $415.00

- Sheep and Swine $50.00

- Farm produce of all kinds $300.00

- Real Estate - NIL.

The affidavit was filed on behalf of the Applicant by Joseph Swan, Executor of the Will on July 29, 1914. Total value was $1200.00.

More About WILLIAM JOSHUA SWAN:

Burial: 1912, St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Craighurst

Will: MS 1641, Registration # 8397

Notes for MARY ANNE CLUTE:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Mary Ann's birthday as March 14, 1851 and at an age of 50 years.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 1, page 4, line 18 shows Mary Ann's age as 51 years old and born March 1860. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

In the Surrogate Court of the County of Simcoe, whereas Mary Ann Swan, late of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe, widow, deceased, died on or about the 11th day of October 1928 and had at the time of her death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Flos in the said County of Simcoe and whereas the said Mary Ann Swan died intestate and we the undersigned being children of the said Mary Ann Swan do each of us hereby expressly renounce all our right and title to the administration of the said Mary Ann Swan, in favor of Mr. Joshua Abraham Swan, our cousin.

In Witness Whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal this 16th day of November 1928.

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of W. A. Boys,

Jas E. Crompton, Mary Ida Colgan, Walter Burtch, Joseph Swan, Margaret May Looker, Violet Crompton

Dominion of Canada, Province of Ontario, County of Simcoe to wit, in the matter of the estate of Mary Ann Swan, late of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe, widow deceased, I Joseph Swan of the Township of Flos, in the Sounty of Simcoe, farmer, do solemnly declare that

1. I am a son of Mary Ann Swan deceased and the said Estate is justly and truly indebted to me in the sum of $2200.00 for wages at the rate of $200.00 per year since my father's death in July 1912.

2. Shortly after my father's death my mother promised me she would leave me the farm at her death and again on other occasions repeated this promise and pursuant to the same I stated on and worked the farm for her receiving only my board and spending money and clothes.

3. My said mother died intestate and I have not received the said farm as promised and I therefore feel that I am entitled to be paid wages for the said period I was on the farm.

In the Surrogate Court of the County of Simcoe, in the matter of the Estate of Mary Ann Swan late of the Township of Flos, married woman, deceased.

I, John R. Boys, of the Township of Barrie in the County of Simcoe, Solicitor, make oath and say as follows:

1. That I am a member of the firm of Boys & Boys, solicitors for the Administrator of the said estate and as such have knowledge of the matters herein deposed to.

2. Attached hereto is a copy of a declaration made by Joseph Swan, setting out the particulars of his claim for wages against the said estate.

3. Attached hereto is a copy of a notice of the administrator Joshua Swan disputing the claim.

4. The following and no others are the heirs at law of the said Mary Ann Swan, deceased.

Joseph Swan, Son, Phelpston

Mary Ida Colgan, Daughter, Craighurst

William R. Swan, Son, Phelpston

Violet Crompton, Daughter, Carleton Place

Pearl Crompton, Daughter, Smiths Falls

Maggie Looker, Daughter, Allandale

Grant Swan, Adult Grandson, Toronto

Gladys Swan, Adult Granddaughter, Elmvale

Grace Swan, Adult Granddaughter, Elmvale

John Swan, Infant Grandson, born May 13/08, Elmvale

Violet Murray, Adult Granddaughter, Midland

Joyce Burch, Infant Granddaughter, born July 4/18, Midland

Sworn before me at the Town of Barrie in the County of Simcoe this 21st day of April, 1929.

Schedule A - Form 1 and 2 showing an inventory in detail of property wheresoever situate

The succession Duty Act (Ontario) In the Surrogate Court of the County of Simcoe

In the matter of the estate of Mary Ann Swan, deceased, late of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe, widow.

South half, Lot 51, Con 2, Flos. (Old survey) $3000.00

West 5 ½ acres Lot 57, Con 1. Flos. 400.00

Schedule C - Forms 1 and 2. Showing names of legatees and their relationship

The Succession Duty Act (Ontario)

In the Surrogate Court of the County of Simcoe

In the Matter of the Estate of Mary Ann Swan, late of the Township of Flos in the County of Simcoe, Widow

Mary Ida Colgan Daughter Craighurst 1/8 share 631.88

Maggie Looker Daughter Allandale 1/8 share 631.88

Grant Swan Grandson Toronto 1/32 share 157.97

Gladys Swan Granddaughter Elmvale 1/32 share 157.97

Grace Swan Granddaughter Elmvale 1/32 share 157.97

John Swan Grandson Elmvale 1/32 share 157.97

Violet Murray Granddaughter Midland 1/16 share 315.94

Joyce Birch Granddaughter Midland 1/16 share 315.94

Joseph Swan Son Phelpston 1/8 share 631.87

Violet Crompton Daughter Smiths Falls 1/8 share 631.87

Pearl Crompton Daughter Carleton Place 1/8 share 631.87

William R. Swan Son Phelpston 1/8 share 631.87

TOTAL 5055.00

This is Schedule "C" referred to in the Affidavit of Value and Relationship of Joshua Abraham Swan, sworn before me on the 5th day of December AD 1928

John A. Boys,

More About MARY ANNE CLUTE:

Burial: 1928, St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Craighurst

Will: MS 1434, Registration # 13229

More About WILLIAM SWAN and MARY CLUTE:

Marriage: September 05, 1870, Tiny Township, Simcoe County

Children of WILLIAM SWAN and MARY CLUTE are:

i. ELIZABETH5 SWAN, b. October 21, 1871, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. September 09, 1928, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. JOHN A. RICHARDSON.

Notes for ELIZABETH SWAN:

Birthdate taken from the 1901 census for Barrie, Simcoe 114, A-3, page 9, line 14 shows Lizzie Swan born October 21, 1872 working as a servant with her sister Mary Ida. Living at 12 Wosley Street. Buried with her sister Mary Ida and George Colgan in St. John's Anglican in Craighurst. Tombstone for Elizabeth A. Swan reads as: October 21, 1871 - September 9, 1928.

2. ii. MARGARET MAY SWAN, b. February 22, 1876, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. May 03, 1952, Barrie, Simcoe County.

iii. MARY IDA SWAN, b. June 06, 1877, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. March 17, 1949, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. GEORGE D. COLGAN, December 28, 1904, Penetanguishene, Midland; b. December 04, 1866, Grey County; d. November 08, 1942, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

Notes for MARY IDA SWAN:

Birthdate taken from the 1901 census for Barrie, Simcoe 114, A-3, page 9, line 14 shows Minnie Swan born June 6, 1877 working as a servant with her sister Elizabeth. Living at Wosley Street.

From the 1911 Census for District 120 North Simcoe, Sub district 1, Enumeration District 2, Page 7, Line 1 shows Mary is 38 years old and born December 1863 in Ontario. But her age mathematically works out to 1873.

No record of any children. Marriage age matches tombstone recordings as 1973. Enumerator was Dureau N. Morrision.

Notes for GEORGE D. COLGAN:

From the 1911 Census for District 120 North Simcoe, Sub district 1, Enumeration District 2, Page 7, Line 1 shows George is 45 years old and born December 1866 in Ontario. Enumerator was Dureau N. Morrision.

Marriage Notes for MARY SWAN and GEORGE COLGAN:

MS932, Reel # 119, Registration # 17691 - Midland - George Colgan, age 33, residence Flos, born in Grey Co., farmer, s/o John and Hester Colgan, to Mary Ida Swan, age 31, residence Flos, born in Flos, spinster, d/o William Swan and Mary. Witnesses: Harley Ritchie and Violet Swan. By Rev'd John Hanna on December 28th, 1904.

More About GEORGE COLGAN and MARY SWAN:

Marriage: December 28, 1904, Penetanguishene, Midland

3. iv. BENJAMIN SWAN, b. January 22, 1878, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. December 06, 1923, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

4. v. JOSEPH SWAN, b. April 20, 1881, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. April 22, 1964, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

5. vi. LAURA SWAN, b. July 24, 1883, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. 1920, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

vii. VIOLET SWAN, b. September 15, 1885, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. WILLIAM CROMPTON.

Notes for VIOLET SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Violet's birthday as September 15, 1885 and at an age of 15 years.

viii. LILLIAN SWAN, b. May 21, 1888, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. 1888, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

ix. PEARL SWAN, b. May 21, 1888, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. CHARLES CROMPTON.

Notes for PEARL SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Pearl's birthday as May 21, 1888 and at an age of 12 years.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 1, page 4, line 18 shows Pearl's age as 23 years old and born May 1888. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

x. WILLIAM R. SWAN, b. June 02, 1892; d. 1922; m. BESSIE ??.

Notes for WILLIAM R. SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows William's birthday as June 2, 1892 and at an age of 8 years.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 1, page 4, line 18 shows William's age as 19 years old and born June 1892. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

Full name William Reginald Swan. He joined the 157th Battalion, Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on January 31, 1916, regimental numbers 643331. Living in Fergusonvale, was born in Flos Township, June 2, 1893. Next to kin was his mother, Mary Ann Swan. His trade was a farmer. No previous military life. William Reginald Swan was 23 years and 7 months old at the time of enlisting. He stood 5 feet and 8 1/2" tall. Fully expanded girth was 37" and had a 3" expansion. His complextion was Fresh, Blue eyes and Brown hair. Distinctive marks were appedix was removed 2 years ago and his eyes turned outwards. Sworn in February 10, 1916.

Generation No. 2

2. MARGARET MAY SWAN (WILLIAM JOSHUA4, THOMAS JAMES3, OSWALD SWAN2 1, WILLIAM1 SWAN) was born February 22, 1876 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, and died May 03, 1952 in Barrie, Simcoe County. She married WILLIAM ALFRED LOOKER August 11, 1897 in Midland, Ontario, son of THOMAS LOOKER and MARY HURST. He was born October 07, 1875 in Allendale, and died June 1942 in Toronto, Ontario.

Notes for MARGARET MAY SWAN:

From the 1901 census for Simcoe 115, sub District Allandale, sub Dist. "A", division 1, page 15, line 29, Family 161 shows Margaret's age as being 25 years old, Irish and born February 22, 1876.

More About MARGARET MAY SWAN:

Burial: Union Cemetery in Barrie

Notes for WILLIAM ALFRED LOOKER:

From the 1901 census for Simcoe 115, sub District Allandale, sub Dist. "A", division 1, page 15, line 29, Family 161 shows Williams age as being 25 years old, English and born October 7, 1875.

More About WILLIAM ALFRED LOOKER:

Burial: Union Cemetery in Barrie

Marriage Notes for MARGARET SWAN and WILLIAM LOOKER:

MS932, Reel # 94, Registration # 13423 - Midland - William A. Looker, age 21, Residence Parry Harbour, Born in Allendale, bachelor, butcher, s/o Thomas and Mary Anne to Margaret A. Swan, age 21, born in Flos, residence Flos, spinster, d/o William J. Swan and Ellen. Witnesses: Charles H. Black and Edmund C. Hanna. By Rev'd J.A. Hanna on August 11, 1897. Registered September 3rd by Rev'd Hanna.

More About WILLIAM LOOKER and MARGARET SWAN:

Marriage: August 11, 1897, Midland, Ontario

Children of MARGARET SWAN and WILLIAM LOOKER are:

i. THOMAS ALFRED REGINALD6 LOOKER, b. December 21, 1896, Barrie, Simcoe County; d. December 03, 1917, Berkshire, England.

Notes for THOMAS ALFRED REGINALD LOOKER:

Enlisted on March 6, 1916 to the Depot Squadron Royal Canadian Dragoons, Serial Tag No. 550146. Trade at the time was a butcher. Age at that time was 20 years, 2 months. Stood 5 feet, 9 1/2 inch tall. Has a 37 inch chest with an expansion of 2 1/2 inchs. Complexion was fair, grey eyes and dark brown hair. Had a vaccination mark on the left arm. Died overseas on December 3, 1917 and is buried in Oxford (Botley) Cemetery, Berkshire, United Kingdom.

ii. ALFRED LOOKER, b. December 21, 1896.

Notes for ALFRED LOOKER:

This child may be the same as Thomas as the birth dates are the same, however Enlisted Tag numbers differ and time of enlistment also differs.

iii. WILLIAM HENRY LOOKER, b. August 05, 1903, Barrie, Simcoe County.

Notes for WILLIAM HENRY LOOKER:

39442-03 (Simcoe Co) LOOKER, William Henry, m, b 5 Aug 1903, father - William Alfred LOOKER, brakeman; mother - Margaret MAY; infm - father, Jacobs Terrace, Barrie

iv. GEORGE ARTHUR LOOKER, b. 1914, Barrie, Simcoe County; d. August 24, 1916, Stroud, Ontario.

More About GEORGE ARTHUR LOOKER:

Burial: Methodist Cemetery, Stroud, Ontario

3. BENJAMIN5 SWAN (WILLIAM JOSHUA4, THOMAS JAMES3, OSWALD SWAN2 1, WILLIAM1 SWAN) was born January 22, 1878 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, and died December 06, 1923 in Flos Township, Simcoe County. He married AGNES HOUDEN July 12, 1905 in Medonte, Simcoe County, daughter of CHARLES HOUDEN and ISABELLA RICHARDSON. She was born August 28, 1872 in Fergusonville, Flos Township.

Notes for BENJAMIN SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Benjamin's birthday as January 22, 1878 and at an age of 22 years.

Died at the Ontario Hospital, Tiny Township after 13 1/2 years as a patient.

Notes for AGNES HOUDEN:

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 6, page 7 line 16 shows Agnes's age as 37 years old and born August 28, 1872. Enumerator was James McDermott taken on June 12, 1911.

Living on Lot 9, Concession 10 in Flos Township with her parents and 3 of the 4 children.

Marriage Notes for BENJAMIN SWAN and AGNES HOUDEN:

MS932, Reel # 119, Registration # 17618 - Benjamin Swan, age 27, residence Hillsdale, born in Flos, bachelor, farmer, s/o William Swan and Mary Anne Clute, to Agnes Houden, age 20, residence Elmvale, born in Fergusonville, spinster, d/o Charles Houden and Isabella Richardson. Witnesses Joseph Swan and Mary Lewes. By Rev'd A.J. Paul on July 12th, 1905.

More About BENJAMIN SWAN and AGNES HOUDEN:

Marriage: July 12, 1905, Medonte, Simcoe County

Children of BENJAMIN SWAN and AGNES HOUDEN are:

i. GLADDYS6 SWAN, b. March 03, 1906, Hillsdale, Flos Township; m. WILLIAM ARCHER, Abt. 1926.

Notes for GLADDYS SWAN:

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 6, page 7 line 16 shows Gladdys's age as 5 years old and born March 1906. Enumerator was James McDermott taken on June 12, 1911.

Living on Lot 9, Concession 10 in Flos Township.

From the Ontario Archives - October 29, 2005 - Microfilm MS929, Reel # 181, Registration # 041203 shows Gladys Swan being born March 03, 1906 to Bejamin Swan and Agnes Houden, living in Hillsdale, Lot 52, Concession 1. She is a twin to Grant Swan.

More About WILLIAM ARCHER and GLADDYS SWAN:

Marriage: Abt. 1926

ii. GRANT SWAN, b. March 03, 1906, Hillsdale, Flos Township; d. March 06, 1987; m. EVELYN MAE GARDINER, October 25, 1945, Toronto, Ontario.

Notes for GRANT SWAN:

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 4, page 12 line 7 shows Grant's age as 5 years old and born March 1906. Enumerator was John McCauley. Grant is listed with Joseph Houden and listed as a nephew. Benjamin married Agnes Houden and also Grace, Benjamin's daughter was also born in March 1906. I beleive that this is the first set of Swan twins. Also Grant is listed in the Last Will and testament of his grandmother Mary Ann Clute in 1928, who is an adult grandson living in Toronto.

From the Ontario Archives - October 29, 2005 - Microfilm MS929, Reel # 181, Registration # 041202 shows Grant Swan being born March 03, 1906 to Bejamin Swan and Agnes Houden, living in Hillsdale, Lot 52, Concession 1. He is a twin to Gladys Swan.

More About GRANT SWAN and EVELYN GARDINER:

Marriage: October 25, 1945, Toronto, Ontario

iii. GRACE SWAN, b. April 01, 1907, Hillsdale, Flos Township; m. WILLIAM GOUGHLIN.

Notes for GRACE SWAN:

From the Ontario Archives - October 29, 2005 - Microfilm MS929, Reel # 188, Registration # 042571 shows Grace was born April 01, 1907 to Benjamin Swan and Agnes Houden, living on Lot 46, Concession 2.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 6, page 7 line 16 shows Grace's age as 4 years old and born April 1, 1907. Enumerator was James McDermott taken on June 12, 1911.

Living on Lot 9, Concession 10 in Flos Township.

iv. JOHN GODFREY SWAN, b. May 07, 1908, Hillsdale, Flos Township; d. 1936.

Notes for JOHN GODFREY SWAN:

From the Ontario Archives - October 29, 2005 - Microfilm MS929, Reel # 188, Registration # 045094 shows John Godfrey was born May 07, 1908 to Benjamin Swan and Agnes Houden, living on Lot 46, Concession 2.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 6, page 7 line 16 shows John Godfrey's age as 3 years old and born May 7, 1908. Enumerator was James McDermott taken on June 12, 1911.

Living on Lot 9, Concession 10 in Flos Township.

4. JOSEPH5 SWAN (WILLIAM JOSHUA4, THOMAS JAMES3, OSWALD SWAN2 1, WILLIAM1 SWAN) was born April 20, 1881 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, and died April 22, 1964 in Flos Township, Simcoe County. He married (1) JENNIE ROSELLA TUDHOPE Abt. 1929. She was born Abt. 1898, and died Abt. 1960 in Flos Township, Simcoe County. He married (2) ESPIE ?? Aft. 1942.

Notes for JOSEPH SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Joseph's birthday as April 20, 1881 and at an age of 20 years.

From the 1911 Census for 120 North Simcoe, Flos Township, Sub district 1, Enumeration district 1, page 4, line 18 shows Joseph's age as 30 years old and born April 1881. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

More About JOSEPH SWAN:

Burial: 1964, St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Craighurst

More About JOSEPH SWAN and JENNIE TUDHOPE:

Marriage: Abt. 1929

More About JOSEPH SWAN and ESPIE ??:

Marriage: Aft. 1942

Children of JOSEPH SWAN and JENNIE TUDHOPE are:

i. WILLIAM HOWARD6 SWAN, b. March 14, 1920, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. April 18, 1992; m. ANASTASIA VERONICA HAYES.

ii. LAURA WINNIFRED SWAN, b. January 19, 1922; d. May 27, 2006, Barrie, Simcoe County; m. STEWART A. MACDONALD.

Notes for LAURA WINNIFRED SWAN:

MacDONALD, Laura W. (nee Swan) - Peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital , Barrie on Saturday, May 27, 2006 in her 85th year. Predeceased by her husband Stewart. Loving mother of Dorothy Middel, Bill & Jackie MacDonald and David MacDonald. Dear Nana of Michael & Kenneth Dubé, Bill & Cory MacDonald, Douglas & Tina MacDonald, John MacDonald & his fiancé Tanya Kitchener. Great Nana of Ryan, Nicole, Christopher, Moriah & Sarah. Dear sister of Dorcus Bradley, Frances Juneau (Earl), Dalton Swan (Maxine), Delbert Swan, Marjorie Smith (Patrick) and Doris Swan (David). Predeceased by 4 brothers. Laura was a long time member of Collier Street United Church and the Kempenfelt Chapter of the I.O.D.E. Friends may call at Collier Street United Church on Friday from 1 p.m. until time of remembrance service in the church on Friday, June 2nd at 2 p.m. Cremation. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Care Centre through MARSHALL W. DRIVER CREMATION & BURIAL SERVICE, 19 Ross St., Barrie 734-7616.

iii. FRANCIS MARIE SWAN, b. November 09, 1925; m. EARL JUNEAU.

iv. JOSEPH DALTON SWAN, b. November 12, 1928; m. MAXINE CLARK.

v. LORNE R. SWAN, b. November 28, 1930, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. October 19, 1952, Flos Township, Simcoe County.

vi. DELBERT MAURICE SWAN, b. January 29, 1933; m. JOYCE EDNA CAMPBELL.

vii. MARJORIE LOUISE SWAN, b. March 16, 1935; m. PATRICK SMITH.

viii. JAMES RUSSELL SWAN, b. February 08, 1937, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. December 04, 2004, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. GAIL BALKWELL.

ix. JOHN GARFIELD SWAN, b. January 14, 1939, Flos Township, Simcoe County; d. October 10, 1989, Flos Township, Simcoe County; m. PEARL FLORENCE MONTGOMERY.

x. DORIS JANE SWAN, b. April 20, 1942; m. DAVID JAMES COMPTON.

5. LAURA5 SWAN (WILLIAM JOSHUA4, THOMAS JAMES3, OSWALD SWAN2 1, WILLIAM1 SWAN) was born July 24, 1883 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, and died 1920 in Flos Township, Simcoe County. She married WALTER BURTCH June 21, 1905 in Flos Township, Simcoe County, son of JAMES BURTCH and MARY (PHILLIPS). He was born December 20, 1884 in Orr Lake, Ontario.

Notes for LAURA SWAN:

From the 1901 census for District 114, Flos Township, sub section "D", Division "1", page 6, Line 33, living on Lot 52, Conc. 1, shows Laura's birthday as July 24, 1883 and at an age of 17 years.

From the 1911 census for Simcoe North 120, Flos Township, sub District 1, Enumeration District 1, Page 6, Line 30 shows Laura Burtch's age as 27 years and born July 1883.

Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

Notes for WALTER BURTCH:

From the 1901 census for Hillsdale, Simcoe 113, sub District Medonte, sub Dist. "C", division 1, page 4, line 28, Family 39 shows Walter as 16 years old, born in Ontario on December 20, 1884.

From the 1911 census for Simcoe North 120, Flos Township, sub District 1, Enumeration District 1, Page 6, Line 30 shows Walter Burtch's age as 26 years and born December 1884.

Labourer in saw mill. Enumerator was Fred Richardson.

Marriage Notes for LAURA SWAN and WALTER BURTCH:

MS932, Reel # 119, Registration # 17614 - Walter Burtch, age 20, residence Hillsdale, born in Orr Lake, bachelor, s/o James Burtch and Ellen Filleps [Phillips] to Laura Swan, age 21, born in Flos, residence Flos, spinster, d/o William Swan and Mary Ann Clute. Witnesses: Pearl Swan and Charles Calhoun. By Rev'd J. Kidd on June 21st, 1905

More About WALTER BURTCH and LAURA SWAN:

Marriage: June 21, 1905, Flos Township, Simcoe County

Children of LAURA SWAN and WALTER BURTCH are:

i. JOYCE6 BURTCH, b. July 04, 1918.

Notes for JOYCE BURTCH:

Information taken from Mary Ann Swan, grandmother's Last Will and Testament.

ii. VIOLET BURTCH, b. April 1906.

Notes for VIOLET BURTCH:

From the 1911 census for Simcoe North 120, Flos Township, sub District 1, Enumeration District 1, Page 6, Line 30 shows

Violet Burtch's age as 5 years and born April 1906.

Enumerator was Fred Richardson.


This file last modified 3/15/2016...

: Home :