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Author: SWILLIAMSON1234
Surnames:
Classification: queries
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.calder/465/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
Looking to connect with descendents of the above. I have much information on them but am
always eager to learn more. I am posting each one separately so you can skip rather than
read through a novel that does not pertain to your family.
James Calder was born in 1785 to William Calder and Isabel Lamb. His is the only recorded
christening to this couple, however, I know he had a sister Isabella.
James was a tailor by trade and rumor has it that he served as a tailor to the Duke of
Wellington during the Battle of Waterloo. This was information handed down through the
family and although I do not believe the story, would be remiss in not stating same as it
is part of the family lore.
James married Janet Mackintosh in 1807 Nairn. I have no information on Janet. I visited
Nairn in hopes of finding her burial site but no luck there.
At the time of his marriage he was as soldier in the 10th or Invernesshire Militia.
Service was mandatory during this time per King George.
James and Janet had nine recorded children all christenend in Nairn. Janet died between
1828 when her last child was born and 1832 when James left for Canada.
James, his sister Isabella and most of his children came to Canada in 1832. The first
land record is dated December of 1832 wherein it states "James Calder, lately from
Scotland".
James must have planned to move the entire family to Dumfries, Ontario. He is first
recorded in William Dickson's ledger in 1826. William Dickson was from Dumfries,
Scotland and acquired the land in Dumfries, Canada for a song. He advertised in Scotland
for settlers; how James in Nairn ever found out about this is a family mystery, but his
name is recorded nonetheless.
It is said in the family that he purchased the farm for his son William. This is more
than likely true as James continued his tailoring business up until his death in 1869.
Although the farm was in his possession at the time of his death, he died at his Stanley
Street residence in Ayr, Ontario (which was right down the road from his farm in North
Dumfries).
Later, he married Margaret Wyllie Guthrie (a widower as well) in 1841 Dumfries. They had
no issue. Margaret was from Ayrshire, Scotland. Her first husband, David Guthrie, died
when a well that he was digging on his farm caved in on him. James Calder's farm was
next door to the Guthrie farm.
I am looking for anyone connected to this family.
Sherry
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