|
a.
|
Note: Noel Nicolson says that she does not think his middle name is Russell. However, Betty Miller granddaughter of Elizabeth Jean Murdoch's line says that most, if not all children had middle names and she believes that James' middle name was Russell.
"It is a family name. His tombstone has only James on it. His wedding documents have James. I have his family Bible with his own signature in it. No middle initial used. Plus there are at least four other mentions of his name, always with James Murdoch."
James was a farmer. In 1874 he visited southern Manitoba, which, at that time, was an area that was just being opened up for general settlement. His favorable impression of the area had quite an influence on the Paisley locals; eventually a number of them decided to emigrate, as a Colony, to Manitoba. In 1878, James, accompanied by John Steele, returned to southern Manitoba with the goal of selecting a site suitable for a settlement. They chose an area on the flat prairie that was dominated by a high earth mound, which could be seen for miles around. In 1878/1879, John, James, Jane and their families moved to southern Manitoba along with many other Paisley area residents, as well as a considerable group from Lanark. The town that they founded was called Pilot Mound, and for his efforts, James became known as the "Father" of the Paisley Colony. Pilot Mound was originally established at the base of the "old mound". However. in 1885, the railway came through and bypassed the town, passing a couple of miles to the south. Realizing that the town had no future if it was not located on the rail line, the residents promptly picked the whole place up and moved it a couple miles south to its present day location. James homesteaded in Pilot Mound area where he farmed until his death 03 November 1889. He also did contracting work, having built several bridges,barns and other structures in the area. His wife, Elizabeth, died on 12 September 1902. Both are buried in the Pilot Mound cemetery, although only James name is recorded on the marker. Source: Kathy Murdoch
Perth Courier, Nov 1889
We regret to learn of the death from heart disease of James Murdoch of Pilot Mount, Manitoba, brother of Mrs. John G. Campbell of this town at the age of 61 (?) years. The deceased was born on the homestead farm in Bathurst on the banks of the Fall River near Playfairville but removed first to the County of Bruce and then to Manitoba. He made his pioneer visit to Manitoba in 1874 and a published account of his visit and observations were widely and eagerly read. He made considerable explorations in what was then an almost unknown land to Ontario people and in 1878 led a party of settlers from Bruce and Lanark Counties to the Prairie Province the vicinity of Pilot Mound having been chosen for their final resting ground. The settlement became a very thriving and prosperous one and before long every lot in the reservation for them was taken up. The deceased was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and was an ardent Liberal in politics taking especially strong grounds in favor of Manitoba rights on the attempted C.P.R. monopoly. We conclude with the following obituary notice in the Pilot Mound Sentinel of 7\super th\nosupersub November. Mr. Murdoch was well known and esteemed for his upright character, his religious life and his intense hatred of wrong and injustice. He was a man of original mind and a careful observer, possessed of vast amount of experience. Although self taught he was an excellent mechanic, surveyor and engineer and several bridges in this neighborhood were erected under his supervision. Large in stature, gifted with remarkable strength and activity and possessed of extraordinary recuperative powers, he was a model pioneer. The success and advancement of the settlement here and the prosperity of the town of Pilot Mound are proofs of his sagacity in selecting a place of occupation. As a farmer, he was eminently successful and besides having his affairs financially in a most orderly fashion he leaves a well cultivated farm, one of the finest in the district, large and commodious buildings with many cattle, sheep and horses and better still, he leaves a large number of warm friends and well wishers than many more pretentious men have found to possess. Although aware from the nature of his trouble that he might pass away at any moment death for him had no terrors and during his illness he was more anxious for the welfare of others than concerned with his own danger and suffering and talked about his departure from this world without complaints but composure and cheerfulness.
|
