5.7.7. Lily May Ferguson (1894-1958)

Lily May Ferguson (1894 ~ 1958)

5.7.7. Seventh child of Sarah Adams and Samuel Ferguson, Lily May Ferguson, was born January 2, 1894, W. Luther Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario.

She married David Alfred “Fred” Gear, son of John Gear and Annie McLean, May 6, 1914, in W. Luther Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario and had one child:

(5.7.7.1) Addison Cecil (1915 ~ 1975)

Lily M. Ferguson Gear died August 5, 1958, aged 64 years and D. Alfred Gear died February 3, 1961, aged 71 years in Ennotville, Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, and is interred at Belsyde Cemetery, Fergus, Ontario.

----- MARRIAGE -----

Ferguson—Gear

A pretty wedding took place on Wednesday, May 6, 1914, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ferguson, West Luther, when their third eldest daughter, Lillian M., was united in the holy bonds of matrimony by Rev. S. H. Moyer, to Mr. David A. Gear. The ceremony took place on the lawn under an arch of evergreens and wedding bells. The bride entered the arch on the arm of her father, while the wedding march was being played by Mrs. Rev. Moyer. The bride looked charming in a gown of white silk, trimmed with rhinestones and shadow lace, and carried a bouquet of carnations, ferns and streamer of sweet peas; she wore a wreath of Lily of the Valley and orange blossoms. Gertrude Adams attended the bride, wearing cream san toy and a wreath like the bride’s, and also carried a bouquet of carnations and ferns. The groom was attended by his brother, Laughlin. The father’s gift to the bride was a beautiful gold watch and chain; the groom’s gift being a gold necklace and pendant, set with amythysis; to the bridesmaid a gold necklace and pendant set with pearls; to the best man gold cuff links.

After congratulations were extended the company, over 200 in number, repared to the dining room, which was decorated with evergreens, where tables were spread with the best in the land and was enjoyed by all whose privilege it was to partake of the dainties provided. Friends were present from Toronto, Guelph, Arthur, Mount Forest, Grand Valley, Monticello, Belwood and Dromore. After supper the evening was spent in games, music and dancing and at a seasonable hour the company dispersed; not before reviewing the numerous and costly presents which were given, showing the high esteem in which the young couple are held. They will reside on the 10th concession of West Luther, where their many friends trust they will spend many happy years together. Mount Forest Confederate, May 14, 1914.

----- OBITUARIES -----

Lily M. Ferguson Gear

At her residence, Ennotville, on Tuesday, August 5, 1958. Lily May Ferguson, beloved wife of D. A. (Fred) Gear, and dear mother of Addison of Ennotville, in her 65th year.

Resting at the John Thomson & Son Funeral Home, St. David Street, Fergus, until Friday noon. Funeral service in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Fergus, on Friday, August 8, at 3:30 o’clock. Interment Belsyde Cemetery, Fergus. Casket will remain open in the church until commencement of service. Guelph Mercury, Aug. 6, 1958.

D. Alfred Gear

July 9, 1889 ~ February 3, 1961

David Alfred Gear (Fred) passed away suddenly at his home in Ennotville on Friday, February 3, 1961, in his 72nd year. Beloved husband of the late Lily Ferguson, dear father of Addison of Ennotville, loved grandfather of James of Ennotville, brother of Laughlin of Fergus, and Donald (deceased).

Resting at the John Thomson and Son Funeral Home, St. David St., Fergus, until Monday at 12:30 p.m. Funeral service in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 2:30. Interment Belsyde Cemetery, Fergus. (Casket will remain open in church until commencement of service). Guelph Mercury, Feb. 4, 1961.

John Gear

February 23, 1861 ~ September 12, 1943

There passed away in Fergus, at the home of his son, L. Gear, on Sunday evening, September 12, 1943, John Gear, at the age of 83 years. He had been in failing health for the past year and a half, but was bed-fast for only the last two weeks.

The late Mr. Gear was born near Belwood on February 23, 1861. At the age of 17, he moved to West Luther Township, where he farmed until about 23 years ago, when he retired and moved to Fergus to live.

He was married in 1887 to Annie McLean, who predeceased him over three years ago. Their family consists of Fred, at Conn; Laughlin of Fergus, and Donald of Fegus, who predeceased him over three years ago. He also leaves to mourn his loss two brothers, James, Grand Valley, and Donald of Belwood, and two sisters, Mary (Mrs. Peden) of Belwood and Hattie in the United States. There are seven grandchildren.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, September 15th, from the home of his son, Laughlin Gear, to St. Andrew’s Church, Fergus. The service was conducted by Rev. Dr. L. L. Young, of St. Andrew’s Church. Interment was at Belsyde Cemetery. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Dave MacFarlane, William McLean, Dennis Bunyan, William Officer, Hugh Dickinson and George Faulkner.

The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends, and the floral tributes expressed the esteem in which the late Mr. Gear was held. Fergus News Record, Sept. 30, 1943.

Annie McLean Gear

April 25, 1865 ~ April 25, 1940

The death of Mrs. John Gear, a former well-known West Luther lady, took place in Fergus on Thursday, April 25, 1940. Mrs. Gear, whose maiden name was Annie McLean, had been in very poor health, and could not be told of the tragic death of her son, Donald Gear.

Mr. and Mrs. John Gear were for many years citizens of West Luther, where they resided on the farm now owned by Mr. Dan Eckle. After giving up farming they moved to Fergus.

The funeral services took place on Saturday afternoon from her late residence to Belsyde Cemetery, Fergus. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Laughlin of Fergus and Fred of West Luther; also one sister, Mrs. William Moore, Guelph. Mount Forest Confederate, May 9, 1940.

Donald Gear

November 2, 1834 ~ October 22, 1920

One of the oldest and most widely known men of the vicinity passed away on Friday last in the person of Donald Gear, in his 86th year. Following a slight accident a month or so ago, in which he suffered a broken rib, complications incident to old age set in, and he passed away on Friday, October 22, 1920. He was in town on fall fair day, and showed the severe shaking up his system had received. Born in Caithness, Scotland, he came to Canada with his parents when 7 years of age, and stopped at Norval for a time, and then to the 13th line Garafraxa, below Marsville. Over 65 years ago he settled on the old homestead on the 11th Concession, and made a success of farming by persistent, hard work, economy, and intelligent grasping of favourable opportunities. Mr. Gear retired to the village some few years ago, and since the death of his wife three years ago, has been at his son, James’. He had abounding energy, was a great reader and a well informed man in most things, and took great pleasure in travelling about from one place to another. He was a Reformer, and a life-long member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by the following children:—John and Margaret, in Fergus, James H., Mrs. Robert Peden, and Donald, in Garafraxa, Mrs. Hattie Genders at Eureka, Ill., and Mrs. Haight, of Saskatoon. The funeral took place on Wednesday to Price's Corners Cemetery.—Star & Vidette. Orangeville Banner, Oct. 28, 1920.

Sarah Ann Hawes Gear

May 13, 1838 ~ July 3, 1917

A noble life and a most estimable person passed away in the death of Mrs. Donald Gear at her home on July 3, 1917, after six months illness, which confined her to her bed. On New Years day she suffered a stroke which left her helpless and two weeks before her death another one indicated that the end was not far distant. Through her illness she manifested that patient resignation so characteristic of those whose faith is firmly fixed in a risen Christ, and conscious of having faithfully done her full duty as a dutiful wife and mother. The end came peacefully, with most of the family around the bed. Mrs. Gear was born in Toronto Township 79 years ago, and knew the stern realities of pioneer life. While quite a young girl she came to Garafraxa with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Haws, who settled on the farm now occupied by Orton Redman. Here she was married 58 years ago to Donald Gear, the brave couple beginning life’s struggles on Lot 10, Concession 12, and which proved the foundation for a very successful career. Here they toiled, laboured and prospered, amid privations and bitter disappointments that would have discouraged any but those possess the true pioneer spirit. Success eventually crowned their efforts and they were well enabled to retire twelve years ago to a life less exacting. Early in life she associated herself with the Christian church of which she was a devoted member. Besides her aged partner in life the following children survive: John in West Luther, James H. on the homestead, Mrs. Robert J. Peden of Garafraxa, Donald L., Garafraxa, Mrs. Genders of Chicago, Margaret at home, and Mrs. Haight of Saskatoon. The funeral took place on July 5, to Price's Corners Cemetery, and was largely attended.—Star and Vidette. Orangeville Banner, Aug. 2, 1917.

John Gear

1794 ~ July 14, 1877

In East Garafraxa, on July 14, 1877, Mr. John Gear, aged 82 years—a native of Caithness-shire, Scotland, a life-long Reformer, and one of the early pioneer settlers in Garafraxa. Fergus News Record, July 26, 1877.