McPherson

(submitted by John (Jack) McPherson)

There have been members of the McPherson clan living in Warwick Twp. since 1844. In 1836, my ancestors Gillis and Ann (Puller) McPherson and their family immigrated to North America from Perthshire, Scotland, landing in New York, USA, where Gillis’ brother, Dr. Thomas McPherson, was living.

Gillis arrived with empty pockets, not having enough money to pay the family’s stage fare. He worked at various jobs, mainly road making, and in 1840 they crossed into Canada where he continued in the same occupation in various communities until the family came to Lambton County in 1844. They located on a 200 acre tract of land in Warwick Twp., Lot 19, Con. 6 NER (for which he had paid $2.50 per acre) in an area known as the Tamarack Swamp.

Gillis Hugh McPherson. Courtesy J McPherson.

With the help of his growing sons, the land was cleared and gradually turned into a productive farming enterprise. Through the years additional land was acquired and put under cultivation, so that at the time of Gillis’ death, he and his sons owned 800 acres. This land was divided evenly between their four sons, one of those being my great-grandfather William McPherson, who had married Janet Maxwell.

William had worked alongside his father. The original 200 acres became his at the time of his father’s death. William and Janet had three children: Gillis H. (my grandfather), Annie who married Johnson Anderson of Warwick, and Joseph who married Agness Ross.

My grandfather, Gillis H., married Harriet Ann Smith and raised a family of five, two boys and three girls: Charles, Vaughan, Jessie, Roberta, and Winifred. Charles, known as Charlie, farmed one part of the farm with his wife Bessie (Butler) and their family. His younger brother, Vaughan, farmed the other parcel while providing a home for his mother and sisters. The McPherson brothers, Charles and Vaughan, lived and raised their families side by side until Charles’ son wished to marry.

Roberta married George Martin and moved to the USA, but upon her death the family was asked to raise her infant daughter, Evelyn. A bassinet was purchased for the wee babe. Years later it was used for both my brother and I. Evelyn loaned it to us for our son Roger.

When Vaughan wished to marry the local teacher, Gertrude Manders, he purchased the farm from his mother. She then moved to Arkona with Jessie, Winifred and young Evelyn.

One of the stories often chuckled over happened when Gertrude McPherson was driving the gravel road to the Birnam store to show her young son, LaVerne, how eggs were graded. She was driving their 1936 Plymouth car when one of the Woods boys from Arkona passed her at a great speed, scaring her. She inadvertently pressed her foot harder on the gas pedal, ploughed through a steel fence and over small trees which came back up behind her, leaving the car completely hidden. No one was hurt, but they both had to walk home.

My father and mother, Vaughan and Gertrude, sold their farm to Charlie’s son Keith who married Wilmot Watson. The farm is now owned by Keith and Wilmot’s daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Mason Hall, with a small parcel severed off and owned by Lynn’s brother Marvin and his wife, Barbara (Frayne).

Vaughan and Gertrude McPherson then purchased 150 acres on the 4th Con. NER (Birnam Line). They also obtained 50 acres on the corner of Tamarack Line and Nauvoo Rd. as part of the agreement. At this time I was driving to the continuation school in Arkona with my horse and buggy and I rebelled at continuing in school. Dad needed me, so on the last day of school I dropped my books as I left, never to return, much to my mother’s frustration. I then worked along side my dad until his death. My brother, LaVerne, known as Scotty to his friends, was my mother’s helper.

Although theirs was a mixed farming enterprise, Dad was recognized as one of the most prominent apple growers in the area. My mother had laying hens and a large raspberry patch, selling berries to local stores in the area. My mother (Gertrude), brother (LaVerne) and I carried on farming together after dad’s death.

Two years later I married Jean Karr, whose father’s family were also long time Warwick residents, although she lived in Forest with her parents. My mother, LaVerne, Jean and I entered into a partnership. Mother returned to the teaching profession. Our son, Roger, was born the following year.

When LaVerne married Helen Heaman the partnership changed. Jean and I purchased the family farm from my mother. LaVerne and Helen purchased the 75 acre Herrington farm on the north-west corner of Birnam Line and Quaker Rd. This farm was across the road from us, so my brother and I continued as partners for a few years. LaVerne also farmed the 50 acres on the Blind Line still owned by our mother. LaVerne and Helen became famous locally for the Tamworth pig team they trained to pull a wagon. LaVerne died tragically when he drowned in 1991 while swimming in Lake Erie.

Our son Roger was joined by our daughters Barbara and Gloria. Jean and I purchased and rented more land and we purchased bigger equipment. Instead of sharing work with our neighbours we did most of our own work. I did custom work, and following in the footsteps of my Scottish ancestors, was also a “drover” with our own cattle truck.

Jean and I have taken an active role in our community. Jean served on the Lambton County School Board for six years as the trustee for Arkona, Forest, Watford and Warwick Twp. When Jean stepped down, I decided to run for Warwick Council and spent 12 years serving our community as Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. We were both appointed to terms on the St. Clair Parkway Commission. In earlier years Jean led or assisted with the leading of 4-H clubs for girls, carrying Gloria to meetings in a bassinet. In retirement she has become known for her quilting skills. I was a long-time member of the Arkona Lions Club.

Our son Roger married Janetta (Janet) Vandenberg. They continue on the farm. Their family, Alicia, Kyle and Brien, still call Warwick Twp. home. Our daughter, Barb, married Frank Thuss of Parkhill, and since his death lives in London. Our younger daughter, Gloria, resides and teaches in Toronto with her husband Henry Ramirez.

Chapter 24 of 25 - McPherson Family

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