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Margaret Elizabeth Johnston  (1883 ~ 1959)

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5.9.4. Fourth child of Isabella Adams and Robert Johnston, Margaret Elizabeth Johnston, was born August 15, 1883, in Midland, Simcoe Co., Ontario.

  She married Alfred Edward Switzer, son of Samuel Switzer and Esther Smith, May 27, 1901, in Midland, Ontario and had 11 children:  

 

 

  Margaret E. Johnston Switzer died March 5, 1959, aged 82 years in Hamilton, Ontario and Alfred E. Switzer died April 8, 1951, aged 74 years in Smiths Falls, Ontario and are interred at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario. 

 

 

----- OBITUARIES -----

 

Margaret E. Johnston Switzer

At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Todd, 202 East 15th St., on Thursday, March 5, 1959, Margaret Johnston, wife of the late Alfred E. Switzer, in her 77th year, dear mother of Samuel, Burlington; Ray and Robert, Toronto; Russell, Midland; Mrs. John Todd (Doris), Mrs. John Hebner (Vera), Mrs. James West (Phoebe), Mrs. M. Milligan (Margaret) all of Hamilton. Dear sister of James, John, and Miss Maude Johnston, Midland, also survived by 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Resting at the L. G. Wallace Funeral Home, 151 Ottawa St. N. Funeral service on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Interment in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Hamilton. Hamilton Spectator, Mar. 6, 1959.

 

Alfred E. Switzer

April 8, 1877 ~ April 8, 1951

A former resident of this district, Alfred E. Switzer, veteran harness horse driver and trainer, died suddenly on his 74th birthday, Sunday, April 8, 1951, at Smiths Falls.

  Mr. Switzer had lived for many years in Midland, where his family was raised, and in Penetang, where he worked at the J. T. Payette stables. He moved to Pembroke about seven years ago, and about four years ago went to Smiths Falls, where he was manager of the Past Time stables.

  Following service at Smiths Falls, a funeral service was held from a Hamilton funeral home, April 11, with interment in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Hamilton.

  Mr. Switzer is survived by his wife, the former Margaret Johnston; four sons, Samuel, of Hamilton; Raymond and Robert, Toronto; and Russell, of Midland. Also, four daughters, Mrs. John Todd (Doris), Mrs. John Hebner (Vera), Mrs. Ted West (Phoebe) and Mrs. Walter Milligan (Margaret), all of Hamilton; one brother, Dalton, of Creemore; three sisters, Mrs. Bert Wallace, Creemore; Mrs. Thomas Smith, Toronto and Mrs. F[rancis]. Butcher, St. Catharines. There are also several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Midland Free Press, Apr. 18, 1951.

                                                                                    

Samuel Switzer

January 20, 1848 ~ September 1, 1938

The funeral of the late Samuel Switzer, Creemore’s oldest resident, who died on September 1, 1938, was held on Saturday, September 3. He had reached the venerable age of ninety years. The record of an active, manly, wholesome life of such duration can hardly even be touched in the space of a few sentences.

  Born in 1848 (when young Queen Victoria was in her early twenties) in Albion Township, he was the son of William and Elizabeth Switzer, of United Empire Loyalist stock. In his early boyhood his parents settled in Sunnidale Township where his father took up business of saw-milling, in which occupation Mr. Switzer himself spent the years of his youth. He married Esther Smith of St. Vincent, and took up and cleared the farm in Nottawasaga and Sunnidale Townships on which the remainder of his active life was spent. He retired over fifteen years ago, when the farm was acquired by his son, Dalton, who now carries it on.

  Mr. and Mrs. Switzer came to reside in Creemore, where our late friend lost his life’s partner nine years ago. In his declining years Mr. Switzer lived with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Walker, to whose constant care and kindness he owes so much of the peace and happiness that he always enjoyed.

  He is survived by two brothers, Peter and William Switzer of our own community, and one sister, Miss Josephine Switzer of Barrie; also by three sons, Alfred of Penetang, William Dalton on the old homestead, and Robert in the United States; and by three daughters, Mrs. T. E. Smith of Toronto, Mrs. Ethel Butcher of St. Catharines, and Mrs. G. B. Walker, Creemore, and by thirteen grandchildren.

  He was laid away on Sunday to rest amongst those loved ones who had gone before him, following a beautiful service at the home conducted by Rev. E. C. Currie. Old friends and young friends, from far and near, gathered to pay their last tribute of respect. The pallbearers were all friends of many years standing: Messrs. Thomas Hanna, George Switer, John Butcher, Ross Walker, George Brokks and Joseph Day.

  His life was in his work, but his interests were in everything that touched his own life or the lives of others. He loved his farm¾the farm that he had made himself¾and all that was on it. He loved a good horse; it was his greatest hobby; out he abhorred the gambling spirit that discredits any pure sport. He had a lifelong interest in politics, being known as a staunch Conservative; but he had no use for any politician unless he could trest him to be patriotic, clean, trustworthy.

  Perhaps the tribute of all tributes that he would have liked best from those who knew him was contained in the note strick with fine feeling by Rev. Mr. Currie at the funeral service, the tribute to a Good Neighbor. That is just what he was throughout all his life, as those who knew him longest knew best. So he rests in peace amongst his Neighbors. Creemore Star, Sept. 8, 1938.

 

Esther Smith Switzer

January 25, 1852 ~ December 4, 1928

After a lingering illness borne with Christian fortitude, Mrs. Samuel Switzer answered the Master’s call on Tuesday, December 4, 1928. Her death occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. B. Walker who was caring for her in her long illness.

  The deceased whose maiden name was Esther Smith was born in St. Vincent Tp., Grey County in 1852. Her marriage to Samuel Switzer took place in Creemore in 1876, Rev. Carson officiating. Together they took up farming about three miles east of Creemore, where they lived until eight years ago when they retired and bought a home in Creemore.

  A family of four boys and three girls came to bless the home, one son Thomas was killed by lightening about ten years ago and of the other, W. D. is on the homestead, Alfred is in Midland, Robert in the U.S.A., Ida, Mrs. Tom Scott, lives in Toronto, Ethel, Mrs. Frank Butcher of St. Catharines and Phoebe, Mrs. G. B. Walker in Creemore. Besides the family Mrs. Switzer is survived by her husband and four sisters.

  The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church and had lived a life filled with kind acts and made warm friends.  At her funeral on the 6 inst., her minister Rev. J. E. Kirkwood took the service in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. A very large concourse of friends gathered to pay a final respect. The floral tokens were many and beautiful, testifying to the sympathy and love felt for the family in their bereavement. 

  The pall-bearers were, Alfred and Dalt. Switzer, sons, George Switzer, nephew, Tom Smith, F. Butcher, and G. B. Walker sons-in-law. Creemore Star, Dec. 13, 1928.

 

William M. Switzer

1822 ~ May 7, 1897

Mr. William Switzer died at his home, Switzerville, on Friday, May 7, 1897, in his 77th year. The deceased was a descendant of the U. E. Loyalists. He was born in the County of Frontenac, near Kingston. His father, Lieut. Col. Switzer, moved with his family to the township of Albion, where he commenced and continued farming operations. The deceased sold his farm and moved to the township of Sunnidale in the year 1855, built a saw mill, and continued in the lumber business till the timber became exhausted a few years ago. The deceased then purchased the Prentice estate near his former residence and commenced farming which he continued until his death. Mr. Switzer will be greatly missed, as he was always a prominent figure at meetings of the people, whether religious, social or political. He was for about a quarter of a century in the municipal council of Sunnidale and was a few years ago Warden of the County of Simcoe. He was a consistent Methodist, and an ardent Conservative, but void of bigotry or prejudice. A very prominent trait in his character was charity. There was no half and half about him; he entered upon every duty with earnestness, and the side he was on was always most conspicuous. Even his opponents gave him credit for that feature of his nature. He held the position of post master at New Lowell at the time of his death. The deceased was prevailed upon to contest the County Council election, and during his canvass in very inclement weather, contracted a cold from which has never recovered. Though confined to bed for four or five months he did not suffer much very acute pain. His mental faculties were bright to the last. He bade a “good evening” to some friends who left his bedside fifteen minutes before his demise. He just breathed rather heavily once or twice, and simply fell asleep. It is a consolation to see a Christian die. He leaves to mourn his loss his respected and kind hearted widow; his sister, Mrs. Orr of New Lowell, Mrs. Richie; Mrs. Kerr; his sons, Samuel, Peter and John, who are married and on farms on their own, near the homestead; and William, Ollie and Jessie who remain with the mother. The interment took place in the Creemore Cemetery on Sunday. The funeral cortege extended about a mile. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Leishman, of the New Lowell Presbyterian Church and Rev. Mr. Pluckett of the Methodist church. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Robert Pillon, M.P.P., Angus Bell, George Roberts, John Gordon, James Calvery and John Matthews. Barrie Examiner, May 13, 1897.

 

Elizabeth J. Kee Switzer

March 29, 1825 ~ February 20, 1915

Mrs. Elizabeth Switzer, who died at her home in Jane St. on Saturday, February 20, 1915 had reached the advanced age of ninety years. Deceased was born in Ireland, and came to Canada when a girl. For nearly forty years she lived in Sunnidale, during half of which time her husband Wm. Switzer represented Sunnidale in the County Council. He was one of the few Sunnidale men who have been honored with the wardenship. He died in 1897 and since that time Mrs. Switzer has lived in Barrie. She leaves four sons and four daughters and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The body was taken to New Lowell on Monday. Barrie Examiner, Feb. 25, 1915.

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