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John Elford (1832 ~ 1899)

4.8. Eighth child of William Elford and Elizabeth Johns, John Elford, was born c. 1832, in Providence, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Ontario.

He married Anna Maria Allin, daughter of Samuel Allin and Maria Brimacombe, January 27, 1869, in Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Ontario and had seven children:

(4.8.1) Ella May (1869 ~ 1966)
(4.8.2) Henry Willis (1872 ~ 1874)
(4.8.3) Hartley Samuel (1874 ~ 1875)
(4.8.4) Arthur Allin (1877 ~ 1955)
(4.8.5) William Percy (1878 ~ 1962)
(4.8.6) Wallace Roswell (1882 ~ 1955)
(4.8.7) Norma Bessie (1887 ~ 1954)

John Elford died February 3, 1899, aged 66 years in Providence, Ontario, and Hannah M. Allin Elford died July 29, 1948, aged 98 years in Newcastle, Ontario and are interred at Bowmanville Cemetery.

----- MARRIAGE -----

Elford—Allin

At the B. C. Parsonage, Bowmanville, on January 27, 1869, by Mr. W. Jolliffe, B.C.M., Mr. John Elford to Miss Anna Allin, of Darlington. Bowmanville Statesman, Jan. 28, 1869.

----- MARRIAGE -----

China Wedding

On Wednesday night nearly 140 relatives, neighbors and friends met at the farm residence of Mr. and Mrs. John Elford in the capacity of a surprise party to celebrate their china wedding. Thomas Smale, Esq., Deputy-Reeve of Darlington, was appointed master of ceremonies and ably discharged the arduous duty. The ladies furnished a super fit for a king, including chicken pies and many other nice things to which all did full justice. Between 9 and 10 o’clock the company were called to order in the large sitting room by Mr. Smale and Mr. and Mrs. Elford were escorted to their positions, Mr. R. Osborne and Mrs. Northcote acting as groomsman and bridesmaid. Dr. W. E. Tilley, M. A., Inspector of Public Schools, was then called upon and read this address:

To Mr. and Mrs. John Elford.

Dear Friends.—We, a number of your friends, have unbidden taken possession of your home for an evening’s enjoyment on this the occasion of the twentieth return of your wedding day.

There are those here to-night to whom the Old Homestead recalls many hallowed associations, and others who remember the home of Grandmother and Grandfather Elford as the scene of some of the most pleasing recollections of early days.

Grandmother and Grandfather Elford have long since gone to their Home beyond, but the Old Homestead has not lost its charm. The broad Christian sympathy that prompted the many acts of live and charity on their part in those by-gone days, has since animated you in all your relations in life, and led you ever to extend the same hearty welcome and sumptuous hospitality to all.

We cordially extend to you, both, our warmest congratulations at this time, and ask you to accept these presents as a mark of our regard and esteem for you, and as an indication of our best wishes for your future welfare.

While we are not unmindful that, “’Tis not for mortals always to be blest,” yet we feel that we can rejoice with you that a kind Providence has thus far led you in paths of temporal and spiritual plenty. Thus even more abundant blessing may continue to surround you in time, tus your lives may be long spared to your family and friends here, and that the kind hand of your Heavenly Father may guide you safely Home at last, is the earnest prayer of your many friends.

Signed: Thomas Smale, Chairman

Levi More, Treasurer } Com.

M. A. James, Secretary

February 13, 1889.

The presents consisted of a $30 Royal Worchester Dinner Set of 144 pieces and a handsome Hanging Lamp, both bought at Murdoch Bros’ China Hall, and a massive Silver Dinner Cruet, bought at J. J. Mason’s Jewelry Store. A beautiful Biscuit Barrel, purchased with a contribution sent by Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Elford, Dakota, was afterwards added. All present enjoyed a very pleasant time and dispersed about midnight wishing Mr. and Mrs. Elford many more happy years of wedded life. Bowmanville Statesman, Feb. 20, 1889.

----- OBITUARIES -----

John Elford

1832 ~ February 3, 1899

In Darlington, February 3, 1899, John Elford, aged 66 years. Bowmanville Statesman, Feb. 8, 1899.

Anna M. Allin Elford

January 22, 1850 ~ July 29, 1948

One of the remaining few of the early pioneers of Darlington Township, Mrs. John Elford, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lorne Cobbledick in Newcastle, near midnight, July 29, 1948. Still alert and in fair good health at age 98, a sudden heart seizure prostrated her a few days before death came.

Born in Devonshire, England, birthplace of many pioneers of this district, she came to Canada with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Allin, as a girl of nine. They lived near Manilla where she completed her education and later married the late John Elford. For many years the happy couple pursued farming in the Providence district, northeast of Bowmanville, where their two daughters and two sons where born.

Few families won a more honoured place in the community and their interest in home, school and church marked citizenship of a high order. A lady of eminent character, Mrs. Elford transmitted her fine attributes to her children and her influence was widely felt in her constant endeavours to be of service to others so long as strength permitted.

After the deceased of her husband she continued her interest in church affairs in Bowmanville as a member of Trinity United Church and for years she was active in the W.A. and W.M.S. of the church. With the decline that accompanied advanced age she finally yielded to family persuasion and went to live with her daughter to receive loving care.

Her surviving children are Mrs. Ella Strike, Bowmanville, Mrs. Lorne Cobbledick, Newcastle; Arthur Elford, Buffalo, and Percy Elford, Toronto. Her grandchildren include: Ross Strike, K.C., Bowmanville; Glenn Strike, Magistrate, of Ottawa, Elford Cobbledick on the family homestead; Ross Cobbledick, Newcastle, and Ruth Passant, Bowmanville. There are also 11 great grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild. Mr. V. Allin, Campbellcroft, is her only surviving brother, who also attended the funeral.

The funeral services were conducted from the Morris Funeral Chapel on Saturday, July 31, 1948. Officiating were Rev. W. P. Rogers, assisted by Rev. S. R. Henderson, minister of Trinity United Church. Mrs. John Gunn played favorite hymns on the chapel organ and many floral takens expressed the esteem of friends and relatives in memory of a truly Christian character.

The bearers who were honored to officate at the interment in Bowmanville cemetery were Dr. Norman Alllin, Charles Allin, George F. Annis and Fred C. Vanstone. Bowmanville Statesman, Aug. 19, 1948.