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Note: Andrew was kicked by a horse and subsequently died from the injuries. Marshall Neilson, Landmark Farm, R.R. #2 Georgetown, Ontario, Canada L7G 4S5, suspects he probably died from peritonitis since he was kicked in the stomach. Andrew's passing was a real tragedy to the family.
Marshall's notes indicate that our name was pronounced Nelson until recent times. Marshall didn't understand why until he discovered the original name Nillson was pronounced Nelson.
The 1861 census of Esquesing Township, Halton County, Ontario page 14 shows the family consisted of Andrew Nelson (34), Janet Fleming Nelson (34), Daniel Neilson (9), Mary Nelson (6), Catharine Nelson (3), Andrew's nephew George Wooding (18), Janet's mother Catharine Fleming (70) and Andrew's step mother Hellen Redpath (60).
Marshall has been told that Helen lived in a log cabin on the property.
Notes on the Census: Upper Canada is the former name for Ontario. Lower Canada was Quebec. N. Con. stands for New Connection Methodist. U. P. is United Presbyterian a break away faction of the Presbyterian Church. This memoir of Mr. Andrew Neilson, of Esquesing was published in the April 5, 1866 edition of the Canadian Champion newspaper. The author of the piece was Mr. James Caswell.
"Memoir -- Mr. Andrew Neilson, of Esquesing. The biographical is a species of literature in which every branch of the true Church of Christ is rich, generally written with melancholy pleasure, and read with interest and profit. All flesh is grass; fragility and brevity of existence are characteristics of even the Christian's life in this vale of tears. We all do fade as a leaf. The sceptre of the King of Terrors is swayed over the Church equally with the world. In this respect one event happeneth to all. But though all die, all do not die alike. Mr. Wesley once gave utterance to a very forcible and striking sentiment in favor of that much decried but really glorious form of Christianity he had been honored in originating. Our people, said he, died well. Yes, they died well. The end of thousands of his spiritual children was morally sublime. Always placid, often most rapturous and animating. This was to Wesley the broad seal of heaven put upon the correctness and faithfulness of his teachings, as it was to their diligent and devout improvement of them. And thank God tens of thousands of Methodists yet die well, and no branch of the church is richer than the Methodist in Memorials of the departed good, if not great of the earth. Andrew Neilson, though once strongly prejudiced against Methodism, is now amongst the sons of light, placed there instrumentally by the sect he once disliked, if not despised. Prior to his conversion to God he ran with the giddy multitude to do evil, but when most valiant for Satan he entertained great respect for the ministers of the gospel, and even trod the courts of the Lord with becoming decorum. He was awakened under the ministry of the Rev. T.M. Jeffreys during revival services conducted by him in the Baptist chapel, Farlton. The occasion of his attending that meeting regularly illustrates the merciful and overruling providence of Almighty God. His mother-in-law had been in the locality of the revival, and entirely ignorant of its nature and fruits, thinking it an ourburst of ignorance and fanaticism, and consequently a fit subject for ridicule, she directed Andrew to the scene in search of sport. In search of fun he entered the sacred structure, but soon the solemnity of the scene, the hearty singing, the solemn, fervent prayer, the pointed, faithful sermon, riveted his attention, pierced like barbed arrows his evil heart, and brought him to his knees crying God be merciful to me a sinner. He did not seek alone, others joined him, prompted by sympathy and love for his precious soul. The answer was not long delayed and came with such power, as to leave no shade of doubt respecting his acceptance, and renawel(sic). He could say -- "No condemnation now I dread, Jesus and all in him is mine." He now gave himself to the church which had been instrumental in his conversion, and remained to his dying hour one of the most loyal, exemplary, and useful of her members. He was not long amongst our people before his talents were brought into requisition, and usefully employed in promoting the glory of God. His first efforts were in the prayer circle, and next as an assistant class leader, exhorter, and ultimately as a local preacher. In the latter capacity he was ever acceptable. His pulpit efforts were distinguished by modesty, simplicity, earnestness, and the presentation in a clear and forcible manner of the leading truths of the gospel. In his private life he was a pattern of Godliness. He walked with God. His piety, therefore, was even symmetrical and undemonstrative. He let his light shine. He was candid, honest, and benevolent; no person could be long in the company of Andrew Neilson without knowing and feeling that he was a ripe, decided Christian. He was a kind neighbor, an invaluable husband, a wise and loving father, and a trustworthy and affectionate friend. He was much beloved by his brethren in the church. His integrity won their confidence, and the purity of his life secured their esteem. To his ministers he was strongly attached. His heart, his house, his purse was open to them. He was liberal in his support of the cause. When our new church in Milton was projected, he with a few other noble spirits came forward with a most handsome subscription and to all the funds of the circuit he was a willing and liberal contributor. In his death the Connexion, and especially the Milton Circuit, sustained a great loss. Though out of health for some time prior to his death, the event came rather sudden and unexpected. His sufferings during the few days he was confined to bed were very great, but borne with remarkable patience and fortitude. To part with his beloved partner, and dear children was a hard struggle, but grace made him equal to the task. The day before his death he called his little ones around him, and labored until he was completely exhausted in impressing upon them their duty to God, and to their now to be bereaved mother. He then most solemnly and lovingly gave them his blessing, and commended them to the God of his salvation. To his partner, to whom he was tenderly attached, he spoke in the language of encouragement, bidding her trust in God, assuring her he would be a husband to her and supply her every want. With respect to his prospects for glory, he spoke in the most humble, but confident manner. His trust was in the rock of ages. When or where has it ever failed to support such trust? Sometime before his death his sight and speech failed, but by signs he testified that all was well. His much attached friend Mr. Brownridge, was with him to the last, and as he spoke to him of Christ and glory, the dying saint pressed his hand, and then waved it round his head, in token of victory, and at last fell asleep in Jesus, March 12th, 1864, aged 37 years. He left behind him a wife and six children, for whose spiritual and eternal welfare the prayers of all who read these lines are solicited. The death of our dear brother was improved in an appropriate sermon by the Rev. T. Goldsmith, from Revelation, xiv. 13, and his remains were committed to the dust in the Presbyterian burial ground adjoining his residence.
James Caswell." ------------------ 1881 Census
Name Marital Status Gender Ethnic Origin Age Birthplace Occupation Religion Mary J. NEILSON W Female Scottish 54 Scotland Farmer'S Wife C. Presbyterian Catherine NEILSON Female Scottish 23 O <Ontario> C. Presbyterian Andrew F. NEILSON Male Scottish 20 O <Ontario> Farmer C. Presbyterian Wm. Geo. NEILSON Male Scottish 18 O <Ontario> C. Presbyterian
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source Information: Census Place Esquesing, Halton, Ontario Family History Library Film 1375894 NA Film Number C-13258 District 150 Sub-district G Division 1 Page Number 41 Household Number 183 ______________ Neilson, Andrew, Obituary , appeared in Canadian Champion, 5 Apr 1866 , page 2 , column 2 Memoir - Mr. Andrew Neilson, of Esquesing. ...Some time before his death his sight and speech failed, but by signs he testified that all was well. His much attached friend Mr. Brownridge, was with him to the last, and as he spoke to him of Christ and glory, the dying saint pressed his hand and then waved it round his head, in token of victory, and at last fell asleep in Jesus, March 12th, 1864, aged 37 years. He left behind him a wife and six children, for whose spiritual and eternal welfare the prayers of all who read these lines are solicited. The death of our dear brother was improved in an appropriate sermon by the Rev. T. Goldmsith, from Revelation, xiv. 13, and his remains were committed to the dust in the Presbyterian burial ground adjoining his residence. JAMES CASWELLL
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