ON THIS DAY in 1840

ON THIS DAY in 1840 - 169 years ago, in what is now Cardinal, Edwardsburgh Township, Grenville County, Upper Canada, James Thomas McIlmoyl (JT) was born to James Dysart McIlmoyl and Clarissa McFarland. As JT is my great-grandfather, I thought I would honour him on his birthday by reprinting an article from a newspaper clipping saved by my maternal grandmother and niece of JT's which was published in August of 1930 in recognition of his 90th birthday.

"HONOR PAID BY SAANICH TO PIONEER
J.T. McIlmoyl Created Honorary President of the Saanich Pioneers' Society
Distinguished Gathering Sunday at Saanichton Honored Oldest Living Pioneer

J.T. McIlmoyl, pioneer resident of Victoria and Saanich, was the guest of honor yesterday afternoon at a well attended "at home" held by the Saanich Pioneer Society in the Agricultural Hall, Saanichton, in honor of his ninetieth birthday. The hall was decorted [sic] with sweet peas, golden rod and baskets of ferns.

Alex. Thompson, president of the Saanich Pioneers' Society, tendered vongratulations [sic] to Mr. McIlmoyl, who thanked the society for making him an honorary life member. Recalling the early days, Mr. McIlmoyl expressed appreciation of the friendship of the late William Thompson.

ONE OF THE FOUNDERS

H.E. Tanner, president of the North and South Saanich Agricultural Society, of which society Mr. McIlmoyl was one of the organizers, extended hearty congratulations to Mr. McIlmoyl from the society.

On behalf of the Pioneers' Society Mr. MacDonald presented the guest with a box of cigars, and Mrs. R.E. Nimmo presented a bouquet on behalf of the ladies of the society, after which 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow' was sung.

A letter of congratulations was also received by Mr. McIlmoyl from the South Saanich Women's Institute.

Afternoon tea was served at small tables. A huge birthday cake, with ninety candles on it and handsomely decorated, was presented from the Thompson family, and Mr. McIlmoyl performed the ceremony of cutting the first piece. Tea was poured by Mrs. R.E. Nimmo and Mrs. F. Turgoose. The following ladies assisted in serving: Mrs. R.D. Pope, Mrs. W.D. Michell, Mrs. Wilkerson, Misses Lena Anderson, Doris Michell and Loretta Pope.

Born in Ontario on August 24, 1840, Mr. McIlmoyl came to Victoria across the Isthmus of Panama in 1862. Going to the Cariboo, he spent three years gold mining and on his return farmed in North Saanich for thirty years. In 1870 Mr. McIlmoyl married Miss Mary Ann Simpson, daughter of a pioneer Saanich family.

Of eleven children, ten survive, and the following were present at the reception: J.H., Bert and Fred McIlmoyl, and Mrs. C.A. Post of Victoria, Charles of Patricia Bay, Walter of Sidney, George of Hazelton, Mrs. Emma Morthcott and Mrs. G.T. Edwards of Vancouver.

".

JT is the opening character in the Mc Book where I will attempt to chronicle his active, adventurous and lengthy life which included, in addition to the above, being a member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for 4 years, a school board trustee, a church warden and church treasurer, secretary of the North & South Saanich Agricultural Society, a successful farmer and the Grand Secretary of British Columbia for the Ancient Order of United Workmen for over 35 years. As if that wasn't enough, he became a single father after the death of his wife when his youngest children were only 2, 3(twins) & 5 with the oldest being in their early 20s.

All in all, an amazing man whom I wish I'd been privileged to meet. I'm sure I'll become even more acquainted with him as a person and family member while writing the Book! Happy Birthday JT wherever you are!!!

8-)
JoanMC