"Henry Ryder Farm"
Mary Butler spent all her married life once in Canada
(map Mcgill digital library project)
Mary Butler spent all her married life once in Canada
(map Mcgill digital library project)
Mary Butler (1810 - 1885)
Mary Butler was born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England and baptised April 15, 1810. Mary's parents were David Butler and Sarah Jerome.
Prior to Mary I have little information about the family. I did find two siblings, David and Elizabeth but little else. He father was the child of Elizabeth Butler and the father is unknown. Did he die before the couple had a chance to marry or was she left to fend on her own. This suggests that David had a difficult upbringing.
Mary married Henry Rider when she was in her nineteenth year, March 29, 1829 in Lambourn. The couple remained there for several years, before immigrating to Canada.
Their life would not have been an easy one. They were pioneers of this country and together raised a family of at least twelve and possibly thirteen children.
Mary died in Acton March 2, 1885, from pneumonia, in her seventy-fifth year. She was buried alongside her partner of forty-six years in Churchill Cemetery, Acton, Ontario.
Prior to Mary I have little information about the family. I did find two siblings, David and Elizabeth but little else. He father was the child of Elizabeth Butler and the father is unknown. Did he die before the couple had a chance to marry or was she left to fend on her own. This suggests that David had a difficult upbringing.
Mary married Henry Rider when she was in her nineteenth year, March 29, 1829 in Lambourn. The couple remained there for several years, before immigrating to Canada.
Their life would not have been an easy one. They were pioneers of this country and together raised a family of at least twelve and possibly thirteen children.
Mary died in Acton March 2, 1885, from pneumonia, in her seventy-fifth year. She was buried alongside her partner of forty-six years in Churchill Cemetery, Acton, Ontario.
Acton Free Press (Acton, ON), 12 Mar 1885, p. 3, column 3
-- Ryder --
in Esquesing on the 2nd inst., the wife of the late Henry Ryder, aged 68 years
-- Ryder --
in Esquesing on the 2nd inst., the wife of the late Henry Ryder, aged 68 years
Children of Henry Ryder (1801 - 1875) and Mary Butler (1810 - 1885)
Generation VIII
1. George Ryder (1829 - 1903) -- Ann Jane Masales (1835 - 1898)
George was Henry Ryder and Mary Butler's eldest son, born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England. He came to Canada as a young lad and must have laboured with his father to prepare the rugged land for the family.
There is some confusion with George Ryder and his wife Ann. I believe her to be Ann Jane Masales, while many others have her as Ann Jane Swackhamer. According to my research, Ann was the daughter of Peter Masales and Catherine "Treenie" Swackhamer. Her death certificate confirms this.
The family had nine children while in Acton:
Mary C. Ryder/Forbes (1856-1892), Hugh (1858-1924), Emma Jane Ryder (1861-Unknown), Maria Ryder (1864-Unknown), Henry Ryder (1866-1915), Melinda Ryder (1870-Unknown), George Ryder (1873-1946), Martha Ryder/Willsey (1876-1906) and James Ryder (1878-1952)
The George Ryder family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan at some point and the children continued their lives in the United States. Saginaw realized significant growth due to the lumber industry boom of the 19th century. Two cities had been established Saginaw City and East Saginaw, which were consolidated into the current city of Saginaw in March, 1890. It further grew when it became a manufacturing city for auto parts and later for munitions during WWII.
Both George and his wife died in Saginaw, Michigan. George in 1903 and Ann preceded him in 1898.
*All the children's births, marriages and deaths list Ann Masales (or variations of the name as the mother)
1. George Ryder (1829 - 1903) -- Ann Jane Masales (1835 - 1898)
George was Henry Ryder and Mary Butler's eldest son, born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England. He came to Canada as a young lad and must have laboured with his father to prepare the rugged land for the family.
There is some confusion with George Ryder and his wife Ann. I believe her to be Ann Jane Masales, while many others have her as Ann Jane Swackhamer. According to my research, Ann was the daughter of Peter Masales and Catherine "Treenie" Swackhamer. Her death certificate confirms this.
The family had nine children while in Acton:
Mary C. Ryder/Forbes (1856-1892), Hugh (1858-1924), Emma Jane Ryder (1861-Unknown), Maria Ryder (1864-Unknown), Henry Ryder (1866-1915), Melinda Ryder (1870-Unknown), George Ryder (1873-1946), Martha Ryder/Willsey (1876-1906) and James Ryder (1878-1952)
The George Ryder family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan at some point and the children continued their lives in the United States. Saginaw realized significant growth due to the lumber industry boom of the 19th century. Two cities had been established Saginaw City and East Saginaw, which were consolidated into the current city of Saginaw in March, 1890. It further grew when it became a manufacturing city for auto parts and later for munitions during WWII.
Both George and his wife died in Saginaw, Michigan. George in 1903 and Ann preceded him in 1898.
*All the children's births, marriages and deaths list Ann Masales (or variations of the name as the mother)
Acton Free Press March 5, 1903
2. Maria "Sarah" Ryder (1830 - 1901)
I have recently discovered more information on Maria Ryder. Like her elder brother she was born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England and immigrated to Ontario with her parents when she was a young girl.
When Maria Ryder was born on February 12, 1830, her father, Henry, was 28, and her mother, Mary, was 19. She like her mother would have a large family. Not the dozen her mother produced but eight.
She married James Lighthart on July 16, 1849, in Streetsville, Ontario. Their eight children were born over the next 17 years, and are as follows:
Mary Jane Ryder (1851-1868), Maria Emily “Annie” Ryder (1856 -1888), Cordelia Ryder/Gibson (1860-1940), Martha Ryder/Wynne (1861-1951), James Albert (1865-1885), Minerva Augusta Ryder/Abbott (1865-1931), Sylvester (1865-1936) and William Henry (1866-1882)
She died suddenly on October 3, 1901, in Elgin, Ontario, at the age of 71 of heart problems.
I have recently discovered more information on Maria Ryder. Like her elder brother she was born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England and immigrated to Ontario with her parents when she was a young girl.
When Maria Ryder was born on February 12, 1830, her father, Henry, was 28, and her mother, Mary, was 19. She like her mother would have a large family. Not the dozen her mother produced but eight.
She married James Lighthart on July 16, 1849, in Streetsville, Ontario. Their eight children were born over the next 17 years, and are as follows:
Mary Jane Ryder (1851-1868), Maria Emily “Annie” Ryder (1856 -1888), Cordelia Ryder/Gibson (1860-1940), Martha Ryder/Wynne (1861-1951), James Albert (1865-1885), Minerva Augusta Ryder/Abbott (1865-1931), Sylvester (1865-1936) and William Henry (1866-1882)
She died suddenly on October 3, 1901, in Elgin, Ontario, at the age of 71 of heart problems.
RYDER DAVID AND FAMILY 1923
David is in the centre flanked by his daughter Adeline (right) and son-in-law Lemeul West (left)
3. David Ryder (1832- 1926) -- Phoebe Cordillia Swackhamer (1835 - 1916)
David Ryder, second son of Henry and Mary (Butler) was born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England. I have in my research come across a date of birth for him as February 11, 1831 but the christening date of which I have concreted proof is March 1832. This leads me to believe he was most likely born in 1832 not 1831.
David married Phoebe Cordillia Swackhamer daughter of Jacob Swackhamer and Mary Thompson 21 February 1855 in the Congregational Church started by her father.
The couple had ten children:
Adeline Ryder/West (1856-1925), Mary Marilda (1858-1876), James H. (1860-1936), Jane Ryder (1861-Unknown), William Augustus (1864-1944), Hannah Eliza Ryder/Allen (1866-1899), Bertha Evalina "Eva" Ryder/McCuen (1870-1899), Minnie Druscilla Ryder/Wilson (1873-1956), David Wesley Ryder (1876-Unknown), Charles Frederick (1880-Unknown)
In 1875, Henry Ryder, his father, left him $100 in his will.
I found David's death record. Phoebe preceeded him by ten years and at one point he went to live with his son James. He died in Toronto at the age of ninety-four from gangrene, complications caused by arterial sclerosis. He and Phoebe are buried at Churchill Cemetery in Acton.
David Ryder, second son of Henry and Mary (Butler) was born in Lambourn, Berkshire, England. I have in my research come across a date of birth for him as February 11, 1831 but the christening date of which I have concreted proof is March 1832. This leads me to believe he was most likely born in 1832 not 1831.
David married Phoebe Cordillia Swackhamer daughter of Jacob Swackhamer and Mary Thompson 21 February 1855 in the Congregational Church started by her father.
The couple had ten children:
Adeline Ryder/West (1856-1925), Mary Marilda (1858-1876), James H. (1860-1936), Jane Ryder (1861-Unknown), William Augustus (1864-1944), Hannah Eliza Ryder/Allen (1866-1899), Bertha Evalina "Eva" Ryder/McCuen (1870-1899), Minnie Druscilla Ryder/Wilson (1873-1956), David Wesley Ryder (1876-Unknown), Charles Frederick (1880-Unknown)
In 1875, Henry Ryder, his father, left him $100 in his will.
I found David's death record. Phoebe preceeded him by ten years and at one point he went to live with his son James. He died in Toronto at the age of ninety-four from gangrene, complications caused by arterial sclerosis. He and Phoebe are buried at Churchill Cemetery in Acton.
4. Ann Ryder (1833 -1906) -- Jacob Masales (1831 -1906)
Ann was Henry and Mary's first child to be born in Canada. She came into the world December 14, 1833 in Trafalgar, Esquesing Township, Ontario. Her first years would have been rudimentary as her pioneering parents carved out their place in the new world.
Ann married Jacob Masales son of Peter H. Masales jr. and Catherine "Treenie" Swackhamer. They married in Nassagaweya Township, Halton, Ontario, in 1852.
Their marriage produced twelve children; James Albert Masales (1853-1854), Mary Samatha Masales/Gamble (1855-1930), Peter Lorne Masales (1857-1925), Tabitha Masales/Coon (1859-1921), Henry Nelson Masales (1861-1904), John "Jack" Alfred Masales (1863-1927), Thomas Palmer Masales (1866-1921), Jane Florence "Jennie" Masales/Allan (1868-1892), Minnie Letitia Masales/Allan (1870-1942), (married her brother-in-law), Elizabeth Grace Masales/Gamble (1873-1933), Jacob Norman Masales (1875-1951), William Howard Masales (1877-1961).
All their children married and had families of varying sizes. There is a lot of information on Ann and her family.
The couple lived into their seventies and died within five days of one another. Jane from a stroke and Jacob, heart disease. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery in Acton. Ann's father Henry left her $50 in his will.
Ann was Henry and Mary's first child to be born in Canada. She came into the world December 14, 1833 in Trafalgar, Esquesing Township, Ontario. Her first years would have been rudimentary as her pioneering parents carved out their place in the new world.
Ann married Jacob Masales son of Peter H. Masales jr. and Catherine "Treenie" Swackhamer. They married in Nassagaweya Township, Halton, Ontario, in 1852.
Their marriage produced twelve children; James Albert Masales (1853-1854), Mary Samatha Masales/Gamble (1855-1930), Peter Lorne Masales (1857-1925), Tabitha Masales/Coon (1859-1921), Henry Nelson Masales (1861-1904), John "Jack" Alfred Masales (1863-1927), Thomas Palmer Masales (1866-1921), Jane Florence "Jennie" Masales/Allan (1868-1892), Minnie Letitia Masales/Allan (1870-1942), (married her brother-in-law), Elizabeth Grace Masales/Gamble (1873-1933), Jacob Norman Masales (1875-1951), William Howard Masales (1877-1961).
All their children married and had families of varying sizes. There is a lot of information on Ann and her family.
The couple lived into their seventies and died within five days of one another. Jane from a stroke and Jacob, heart disease. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery in Acton. Ann's father Henry left her $50 in his will.
Masales, Jacob and Ann (née Ryder)
appeared in Acton Free Press (Acton, ON), 13 Dec 1906, p. 3, column 3
In Death Not Divided
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Masalas
Both Die within Five Days
Jacob Masalas and Ann Ryder spent fifty-five years together in wedlock, and when the faithful and beloved wife was called home on Wednesday of last week, the lonely husband lingered afterward, but five days, when his spirit took its flight and to-day he will sleep beside her in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery.
Mr. Masalas has been troubled for some time with dropsy and gradually grew worse. On Monday he was taken to the hospital at Guelph and a few hours after arrival deth ended his sufferings. His remains were brought home Tuesday evening and the funeral willbe held this afternoon at 2:30.
About the middle of November Mre. Masalas was striken with paralysis and never rallied. She died on Wednesday of last week and the funeral was held on Friday afternoon.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Masalas were native sof this country. Mr. Masalas was the son of the late Peter Masalas and was born in Nassagaweya on the town line, in 1829. His wife Ann Ryder, was a daughter of the late Jacob (Henry) Ryder, and was born in Trafalgarin 1833. They were married in 1851 and settled on the farm at present occupied by David Black Esq., Nassagaweya. In 1871 they purchased lot 2 con. 3 Erin, and resided there for twenty-three years. In 1 894 they came to Acton and for twelve years they have been esteemed residents here. Seven sons and five daughters blessed the home and all but one reached maturity. There were Mrs. Thomas Gamble, Peter, and Mrs. Isiah Coon, Acton; Nelson who was a Baptist minister in Michigand and died two years ago; John, of Wassau, Ohio; Thomas of Parry Sound; the late Mrs. William Allan and the present wife of Mr. William Allan; Mrs. E. F. Gamble, Acton, Norman of Hepworth, and Howard of Acton. The funerals were both conducted by Rev. H. C. Priest, B.A. assisted by Rev. g. W. Barker. The remains were carried to the grave by three sons and three sons-in law.
appeared in Acton Free Press (Acton, ON), 13 Dec 1906, p. 3, column 3
In Death Not Divided
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Masalas
Both Die within Five Days
Jacob Masalas and Ann Ryder spent fifty-five years together in wedlock, and when the faithful and beloved wife was called home on Wednesday of last week, the lonely husband lingered afterward, but five days, when his spirit took its flight and to-day he will sleep beside her in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery.
Mr. Masalas has been troubled for some time with dropsy and gradually grew worse. On Monday he was taken to the hospital at Guelph and a few hours after arrival deth ended his sufferings. His remains were brought home Tuesday evening and the funeral willbe held this afternoon at 2:30.
About the middle of November Mre. Masalas was striken with paralysis and never rallied. She died on Wednesday of last week and the funeral was held on Friday afternoon.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Masalas were native sof this country. Mr. Masalas was the son of the late Peter Masalas and was born in Nassagaweya on the town line, in 1829. His wife Ann Ryder, was a daughter of the late Jacob (Henry) Ryder, and was born in Trafalgarin 1833. They were married in 1851 and settled on the farm at present occupied by David Black Esq., Nassagaweya. In 1871 they purchased lot 2 con. 3 Erin, and resided there for twenty-three years. In 1 894 they came to Acton and for twelve years they have been esteemed residents here. Seven sons and five daughters blessed the home and all but one reached maturity. There were Mrs. Thomas Gamble, Peter, and Mrs. Isiah Coon, Acton; Nelson who was a Baptist minister in Michigand and died two years ago; John, of Wassau, Ohio; Thomas of Parry Sound; the late Mrs. William Allan and the present wife of Mr. William Allan; Mrs. E. F. Gamble, Acton, Norman of Hepworth, and Howard of Acton. The funerals were both conducted by Rev. H. C. Priest, B.A. assisted by Rev. g. W. Barker. The remains were carried to the grave by three sons and three sons-in law.
5. James Ryder (1835 - 1886) (1) Mary Priscilla Swackhamer (1839 - 1872) (2) Frances Sophia Martin (1851 - 1932)
James Ryder, my great-grandfather and Frances Martin my great-grandmother. James sired fifteen children of which my great-grandmother was stepmother to five and mother to eight. She raised them after the death of Priscilla. Henry Ryder, his father, left him $50 in his will.
This is my ancestral link to the Ryder family. There is more information here. Just click on each of the above links to open a new page for the family.
* Follow the red links above for James, Mary Priscilla and Frances to see the decendency of the families.
James Ryder, my great-grandfather and Frances Martin my great-grandmother. James sired fifteen children of which my great-grandmother was stepmother to five and mother to eight. She raised them after the death of Priscilla. Henry Ryder, his father, left him $50 in his will.
This is my ancestral link to the Ryder family. There is more information here. Just click on each of the above links to open a new page for the family.
* Follow the red links above for James, Mary Priscilla and Frances to see the decendency of the families.
6. Sarah Ryder (1836–1836)
There is mention of a daughter Sarah born March 23, 1836 and dying several days later March 27, 1836. I see it in other Family Ancestries. I have not yet found proof of this child but continue to search. I have also seen the eldest daughter Maria is often noted as Sarah, indicating that she might be in fact Maria born in 1830.
There is mention of a daughter Sarah born March 23, 1836 and dying several days later March 27, 1836. I see it in other Family Ancestries. I have not yet found proof of this child but continue to search. I have also seen the eldest daughter Maria is often noted as Sarah, indicating that she might be in fact Maria born in 1830.
7. Mary "Lizzie" Elizabeth Ryder (1838 - 1924) William Grant (1826 - 1917)
Mary Elizabeth Ryder born October 1, 1838 was Henry and Mary's fifth and possibly sixth child in less than ten years. This says something for the Butler's and the Ryder's. He was apparently good at siring children and she strong enough to bare them. There life would have been meager with all the mouths to feed and the hard work on the farm but they managed.
"Lizzie married William Grant, son of Alexander Grant and Mary Sutherland, from Maxville, Ontario, 11 February 1858, the same year James married Priscilla Swackhamer. These marriages would have taken place in the Churchill Church next to the family farm on Jacob Swackhamer's property.
The couple had nine children during their marriage of fifty-six years as follows: Henry Alma Burns Grant (1859-1935), Alexander Sylvester "Vesey" Grant (1861-1871), Sarah Jane Grant/Swindlehurst (1862-1896), Henrietta A Grant (1865-1871), George William Grant (1866-1919), Mary Clarissa Grant/Czerwinski (1868-1946), Charles Wesley Grant (1872-1951), Ellen (Nell) Marion Grant/Taylor (2) Gillies (1875-1952), Martha Ann Grant/Wheeler (1877-1980).
The Grant's spent most of their life in and around the Halton area, eventually living in Georgetown. The couple moved to their sons place in St. Mary's prior to their death. She died in June of 1924 but William died before her in 1917. The couple is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Georgetown.
There was an interesting story about Mary and William's son Alexander "Vesey". He was know was unable to walk due to an affliction with his back. This was an incurrable disease but the young man became a wonderful carver of doll furniture. He would finish the pieces just like real furniture. He died at a very young age due to the affliction and is buried in the old cemetary. Acton Free Press
Mary Elizabeth Ryder born October 1, 1838 was Henry and Mary's fifth and possibly sixth child in less than ten years. This says something for the Butler's and the Ryder's. He was apparently good at siring children and she strong enough to bare them. There life would have been meager with all the mouths to feed and the hard work on the farm but they managed.
"Lizzie married William Grant, son of Alexander Grant and Mary Sutherland, from Maxville, Ontario, 11 February 1858, the same year James married Priscilla Swackhamer. These marriages would have taken place in the Churchill Church next to the family farm on Jacob Swackhamer's property.
The couple had nine children during their marriage of fifty-six years as follows: Henry Alma Burns Grant (1859-1935), Alexander Sylvester "Vesey" Grant (1861-1871), Sarah Jane Grant/Swindlehurst (1862-1896), Henrietta A Grant (1865-1871), George William Grant (1866-1919), Mary Clarissa Grant/Czerwinski (1868-1946), Charles Wesley Grant (1872-1951), Ellen (Nell) Marion Grant/Taylor (2) Gillies (1875-1952), Martha Ann Grant/Wheeler (1877-1980).
The Grant's spent most of their life in and around the Halton area, eventually living in Georgetown. The couple moved to their sons place in St. Mary's prior to their death. She died in June of 1924 but William died before her in 1917. The couple is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Georgetown.
There was an interesting story about Mary and William's son Alexander "Vesey". He was know was unable to walk due to an affliction with his back. This was an incurrable disease but the young man became a wonderful carver of doll furniture. He would finish the pieces just like real furniture. He died at a very young age due to the affliction and is buried in the old cemetary. Acton Free Press
8. William E. Ryder (1840 - 1920) Eliza Jane Parks (1847 - 1923)
William born in Acton October 24, 1840 would become a carpenter. At some point early in life he left Acton, most probably looking for employ and settled in Wheeler, Illinois. There he met and married Eliza Jane Parks, daughter of Andrew Parks and Sarah Harwood, on January 24, 1869.
They had seven children: Henry Ryder (1873-1940), Frank Avery Ryder (1874-1951), Lena Ryder/Morris (1874-1950), Ada Centennial Ryder/Wiles (1876-1961), Naomi Pearl Ryder/McWhorter (1878-1968), Mollie M. Ryder/Neal (1880-1931), May B. Ryder/Meurlott (1882-1965).
Henry seems to have played favourites. He left William only $5 in his will.
William died in Illinois March 10, 1920 and Eliza three years later. They are buried in Wheeler Cemetery, Wheeler, Illinois.
William born in Acton October 24, 1840 would become a carpenter. At some point early in life he left Acton, most probably looking for employ and settled in Wheeler, Illinois. There he met and married Eliza Jane Parks, daughter of Andrew Parks and Sarah Harwood, on January 24, 1869.
They had seven children: Henry Ryder (1873-1940), Frank Avery Ryder (1874-1951), Lena Ryder/Morris (1874-1950), Ada Centennial Ryder/Wiles (1876-1961), Naomi Pearl Ryder/McWhorter (1878-1968), Mollie M. Ryder/Neal (1880-1931), May B. Ryder/Meurlott (1882-1965).
Henry seems to have played favourites. He left William only $5 in his will.
William died in Illinois March 10, 1920 and Eliza three years later. They are buried in Wheeler Cemetery, Wheeler, Illinois.
9. John Henry Ryder (1842-1924) (1) Caroline Lucinda Swackhamer(1845-1883) (2) Susannah Anita "Nettie" Kennedy (1864-1917)
John Ryder like his older brother James married one of Jacob Swackhamer and Mary Thompson's daughters Caroline Lucinda. The marriage would produce five sons: Oscar Hiram Ryder (1865–1951), Albert Melvin Rider (1866-unknown), Jacob Christopher Ryder (1871–1924), William Emerson Ryder (1874–1949), Thomas Frederick Ryder (1878–1944).
After the death of Caroline, John remarried Susannah Anita "Nettie" Kennedy, daughter of Darius Kennedy and Hannah Elizabeth Forsythe. The couple produced five more children from this union: Norman Arthur John Ryder (1887–1965), Ethel Blanche Sopronia Ryder/Roberts (1890–1975), Mary Elena Florence Ryder/Duffield (1892–1933), Harold Ross Wesley Ryder (1896–unknown), George Charles Alma Ryder (1903–1904).
John Ryder like his older brother James married one of Jacob Swackhamer and Mary Thompson's daughters Caroline Lucinda. The marriage would produce five sons: Oscar Hiram Ryder (1865–1951), Albert Melvin Rider (1866-unknown), Jacob Christopher Ryder (1871–1924), William Emerson Ryder (1874–1949), Thomas Frederick Ryder (1878–1944).
After the death of Caroline, John remarried Susannah Anita "Nettie" Kennedy, daughter of Darius Kennedy and Hannah Elizabeth Forsythe. The couple produced five more children from this union: Norman Arthur John Ryder (1887–1965), Ethel Blanche Sopronia Ryder/Roberts (1890–1975), Mary Elena Florence Ryder/Duffield (1892–1933), Harold Ross Wesley Ryder (1896–unknown), George Charles Alma Ryder (1903–1904).
10. Amelia Ryder (1846 -1918) Andrew Murray (1840 - 1927)
Amelia Ryder born 16 Aug 1846 was the second youngest girl in the Henry Ryder family. Born on the family farm as the others she grew up just outside of Acton. The family all attended the Swackhamer School, just atop Swackhamer Hill with her brothers and sisters and the Swackhamer children. The two families would have been enough to fill the tiny building. She would also have attended church services at the Churchill Church formed in 1838 by the Rev. Hiram Denny in the school house located on Jacob Swackhamer's farm. Jacob Swackhamer was one of the first two deacons of the Church. Prior to Churchill the Sunday meetings took place at the Swackhamer homestead.
On May 27, 1866 Amelia married Andrew Murray, son of Peter Gray Murray and Ann Sutherland. The couple settled in Erin to raise a family of eight: Jesse Rose Annie Murray (1866-1929), Peter Albert Murray (1868-1926), Thomas Hilliard Murray (1871-1930), Mary Estelle Murray/Kingsbury (1874-1925), George Wesley Murray (1879-1952), Isabelle Ida Murray/Denny (1880-1965), Robert Edward Murray (1883-1957), John Andrew Murray (1885-1964).
Amelia Ryder born 16 Aug 1846 was the second youngest girl in the Henry Ryder family. Born on the family farm as the others she grew up just outside of Acton. The family all attended the Swackhamer School, just atop Swackhamer Hill with her brothers and sisters and the Swackhamer children. The two families would have been enough to fill the tiny building. She would also have attended church services at the Churchill Church formed in 1838 by the Rev. Hiram Denny in the school house located on Jacob Swackhamer's farm. Jacob Swackhamer was one of the first two deacons of the Church. Prior to Churchill the Sunday meetings took place at the Swackhamer homestead.
On May 27, 1866 Amelia married Andrew Murray, son of Peter Gray Murray and Ann Sutherland. The couple settled in Erin to raise a family of eight: Jesse Rose Annie Murray (1866-1929), Peter Albert Murray (1868-1926), Thomas Hilliard Murray (1871-1930), Mary Estelle Murray/Kingsbury (1874-1925), George Wesley Murray (1879-1952), Isabelle Ida Murray/Denny (1880-1965), Robert Edward Murray (1883-1957), John Andrew Murray (1885-1964).
Murray, Andrew Sr., Mrs., (nee Amelia Ryder) News appeared in Acton Free Press, 1 Jan 1919, page 3, column 2 IN MEMORIAM
MRS. ANDREW MURRAY
The first death in the family of Andrew B. Murray, Sr., took place on Saturday when Mrs. Murray passed away after a very brief illness. She had been over at her daughter's, Mrs. E. J. Kingsbury's at Crewsons Corners, during the illness and funeral of Mr. Kingsbury and caught a heavy cold. This developed into pneumonia with fatal results. Mrs. Murray was Amelia Ryder, daughter of the late Henry Ryder, of the third line. She was 73 years of age. Fifty-three years ago last May she was married to her sorrowing husband. Three years ago they celebrated their golden wedding with their children and grandchildren all participating. Mr. and Mrs. Murray spent all their married life in this vicinity. Five sons and three daughters blessed the home, all of whom survive and reside on farms in this section with the exception of Edward, who is a millwright in Kitchener. They are Peter, Thomas Hilliard, Wesley, Edward, Andrew, Jennie, Mrs. Edward J. Kingsbury and Mrs. Fred Denny. Mrs. Murray was a member of Siloam Methodist Church. The funeral was conducted on Monday afternoon by her pastor, Rev. W. E. S. James, B.A., R.D. Mr. Thomas Ryder, a brother, died on November 17, last.
MRS. ANDREW MURRAY
The first death in the family of Andrew B. Murray, Sr., took place on Saturday when Mrs. Murray passed away after a very brief illness. She had been over at her daughter's, Mrs. E. J. Kingsbury's at Crewsons Corners, during the illness and funeral of Mr. Kingsbury and caught a heavy cold. This developed into pneumonia with fatal results. Mrs. Murray was Amelia Ryder, daughter of the late Henry Ryder, of the third line. She was 73 years of age. Fifty-three years ago last May she was married to her sorrowing husband. Three years ago they celebrated their golden wedding with their children and grandchildren all participating. Mr. and Mrs. Murray spent all their married life in this vicinity. Five sons and three daughters blessed the home, all of whom survive and reside on farms in this section with the exception of Edward, who is a millwright in Kitchener. They are Peter, Thomas Hilliard, Wesley, Edward, Andrew, Jennie, Mrs. Edward J. Kingsbury and Mrs. Fred Denny. Mrs. Murray was a member of Siloam Methodist Church. The funeral was conducted on Monday afternoon by her pastor, Rev. W. E. S. James, B.A., R.D. Mr. Thomas Ryder, a brother, died on November 17, last.
Andrew died December 21, 1927 almost eight years later from old age. Both are buried at Fairview Cemetery, Halton, Ontario.
11. Mary Jane Ryder (1848 - 1924) Danford Swackhamer (1845 - 1878)
Mary Jane Ryder September 03, 1848. She was Henry and Mary's youngest daughter. She like others in the family would marry into the Swackhamer family, however not one of Jacob's sons but rather one of Jacob's brother's John's sons.
Mary Jane married Danford Swackhamer son of John Swackhamer and Hannah Hainer, when she was nineteen and he twenty-three. He would take over the John Swackhamer farm at some point.
The couple had a total of five children in their marriage cut short by tragedy. Angeline Pricilla Swackhamer/Chisholm (1867-1944), Roxy Swackhamer/McLam (1869-1935), Orpha Swackhamer/Forbes (1871-1890), Franklin Swackhamer (1874-1944) and William Danford Swackhamer (1879-Unknown)
Mary Jane married Danford Swackhamer son of John Swackhamer and Hannah Hainer, when she was nineteen and he twenty-three. He would take over the John Swackhamer farm at some point.
The couple had a total of five children in their marriage cut short by tragedy. Angeline Pricilla Swackhamer/Chisholm (1867-1944), Roxy Swackhamer/McLam (1869-1935), Orpha Swackhamer/Forbes (1871-1890), Franklin Swackhamer (1874-1944) and William Danford Swackhamer (1879-Unknown)
The year Mary Jane became pregnant with William Danford, her husband was killed by a timber from a barn raising bee to build a new barn for their farm. Daniel was just thirty-three December 18, 1878 when the misfortune befell them. William Danford was born four months later and named in his father's honour.
Mary Jane would also lose a child before her time. Orpha died six months after her marriage to Thomas Forbes before her nineteenth birthday.
At the time of his death Henry left her $50 in his will.
Mary Jane Swackhamer died at 745 Markham Street, Toronto at the home of her son Franklin from senile decay. She never married after the death of Danford, choosing instead to raise her family alone. She is buried with her husband in Churchill Cemetery in Acton.
Mary Jane would also lose a child before her time. Orpha died six months after her marriage to Thomas Forbes before her nineteenth birthday.
At the time of his death Henry left her $50 in his will.
Mary Jane Swackhamer died at 745 Markham Street, Toronto at the home of her son Franklin from senile decay. She never married after the death of Danford, choosing instead to raise her family alone. She is buried with her husband in Churchill Cemetery in Acton.
Thomas Edgar Ryder (1850 - 1918) -- Ella Smith (1855 --1935)
Thomas born on 18 April 1850 seems to be the only one of Henry and Mary's children that did not have a family of their own. He would also be the one to get the largest inheritance from his father. When Henry died Thomas got 90 acres E and S Lot 31, 4th Conc., that is to say the family farm near Acton. He was yet to marry when Henry died.
He married Ella Smith on October 5, 1875. Ella's parents were David Wardell Smith and Emeline Druscilla Swackhamer. Her mother was one of Jacob Swackhamer's daughters. This shows how interconnected the Ryders and the Swackhamers were. Among several family name that appear often are Swackhamer, Denny and Masales, all who were implicated in the original Churchill Congregational Church.
Thomas died November 17 1918 and and while Ella went on to remarry when she died in 1935, her remains were buried alongside her first husband in Churchill Cemetery.
Thomas born on 18 April 1850 seems to be the only one of Henry and Mary's children that did not have a family of their own. He would also be the one to get the largest inheritance from his father. When Henry died Thomas got 90 acres E and S Lot 31, 4th Conc., that is to say the family farm near Acton. He was yet to marry when Henry died.
He married Ella Smith on October 5, 1875. Ella's parents were David Wardell Smith and Emeline Druscilla Swackhamer. Her mother was one of Jacob Swackhamer's daughters. This shows how interconnected the Ryders and the Swackhamers were. Among several family name that appear often are Swackhamer, Denny and Masales, all who were implicated in the original Churchill Congregational Church.
Thomas died November 17 1918 and and while Ella went on to remarry when she died in 1935, her remains were buried alongside her first husband in Churchill Cemetery.
12. Hiram Ryder (1856 - Unknown) Mary Alma Saville (1858 - Unknown)
The last child for Henry Ryder and Mary Butler was Hiram born June 24, 1856. It is possible that Hiram was in the Canada, Nominal Rolls and Paylists for the Volunteer Militia, in the year 1874, ( 20th Regiment, St Catharines, 20th Halton) but I cannot be certain. I did find a Hiram Ryder but cannot prove it to be his as of yet.
He married Sarah Alina Saville, daughter of William Saville and Miriam Easton, on April 3, 1880 when he was in his twenty-fourth year. The marriage took place in Acton five years after the death of his father.
He and Sarah had their first child in 1880 and went on to have five more all but one a girl: Charles Wentworth Ryder (1880 - 1962), Chester Melvin Ryder (1882 - 1950), Alfred Ray Ryder (1885 - 1981), Ruby Ryder- (1890 - Unknown) and George (1897 - Unknown).
The family moved to Muskegon Ward 4, Muskegon, Michigan in 1889 before the birth of Ruby.
In 1910 Hiram and Sarah divorced and it remarried twice after that. First to Frank a Gates and later to Joseph Kenna. She died in Acton, July 27, 1934. I have yet to find a death notice for Hiram but some say he died in January 1, 1926 according to some research but I have yet to find his death either.
It would appear that Hiram was not a happy man from his young life until his death. Perhaps he expected to receive the farm from his father but instead was left with nothing.
The last child for Henry Ryder and Mary Butler was Hiram born June 24, 1856. It is possible that Hiram was in the Canada, Nominal Rolls and Paylists for the Volunteer Militia, in the year 1874, ( 20th Regiment, St Catharines, 20th Halton) but I cannot be certain. I did find a Hiram Ryder but cannot prove it to be his as of yet.
He married Sarah Alina Saville, daughter of William Saville and Miriam Easton, on April 3, 1880 when he was in his twenty-fourth year. The marriage took place in Acton five years after the death of his father.
He and Sarah had their first child in 1880 and went on to have five more all but one a girl: Charles Wentworth Ryder (1880 - 1962), Chester Melvin Ryder (1882 - 1950), Alfred Ray Ryder (1885 - 1981), Ruby Ryder- (1890 - Unknown) and George (1897 - Unknown).
The family moved to Muskegon Ward 4, Muskegon, Michigan in 1889 before the birth of Ruby.
In 1910 Hiram and Sarah divorced and it remarried twice after that. First to Frank a Gates and later to Joseph Kenna. She died in Acton, July 27, 1934. I have yet to find a death notice for Hiram but some say he died in January 1, 1926 according to some research but I have yet to find his death either.
It would appear that Hiram was not a happy man from his young life until his death. Perhaps he expected to receive the farm from his father but instead was left with nothing.
Acton Free Press
July 16, 1875
Liquor Case Dismissed
Complaint was made a few days ago by
Hiram Ryder against Mr. E Morrow, druggist,
for selling liquor for other than medical purposes without a license.
The case was tried against a magistrate court yesterday and
after the examination of the complainant and several witnesses, t
here was found to be no evidence of infringement of the liquor law
and the case was dismissed --
the complainant to pay costs.
July 16, 1875
Liquor Case Dismissed
Complaint was made a few days ago by
Hiram Ryder against Mr. E Morrow, druggist,
for selling liquor for other than medical purposes without a license.
The case was tried against a magistrate court yesterday and
after the examination of the complainant and several witnesses, t
here was found to be no evidence of infringement of the liquor law
and the case was dismissed --
the complainant to pay costs.