Text

Descendants of John Rodger and Janet McFarlane

Text

John1 Rodger
Residences (from children's baptism records):
Year
1783
1786–96
1799
1802

town of Barrochan

Haddookstane (farm?)
Rayles (farm?)
Parish
Houston & Killellan
Erskine
Houston & Killellan
Houston & Killellan

First edition Ordnance Survey Books (c.1860):
Barrochan (Parish of Houston) - A few dwelling houses in good repair, with corn mill and smithy etc.  On the estate of the late Wm Fleming Esq.

Haddockston (Parish of Houston) - A good farm house, with offices and land attached.  On the estate of the late W. Fleming Esq. of Barrochan.

Rayles may be Rylee/Reilly, near Barrochan.

Return to Descendant Chart.
Return to McKaig Ancestor Chart.

James2 Rodger
Johnstone addresses and occupations:
Fowler's commercial directory of the principal towns and villages in the upper ward of Renfrewshire 1829-1842; Fowler's Paisley commercial directory 1838-1854
1828-29 tailor 7 Houstoun Sq.

1829-30 (p.114) tailor & spirit dealer  7 Houstoun Sq.
1830-31 (p.126), 1831-32 (p.126), 1832-33   tailor & spirit dealer 17 Walkinshaw St.
1834-35 (p.140), 1836-37 tailor 71 High St
1841-42 (p.159), 1845-46 (p.143), 1848-49 (p.150)   tailor 1 Houstoun Sq.

Other sources:
1851 tailor High St. betw Collier & Rankin (census)
1865 tailor2 High St. (wife's death record)
Return to Descendant Chart.
Return to McKaig Ancestor Chart.
Agnes3 Rodger

According to family tradition, when her husband died, Agnes sent a lawyer to collect his pay and put in a claim for a pension.  The lawyer turned out to be a "carpetbagger" and he collected and kept James Allan's pay and told Agnes that she had no claim for a pension.

When Agnes was over 60 years old, her son John decided to try for a pension for her as she refused to live with members of the family, beyond short visits once in a while. He and his brother George worked together and proved that she was entitled to a pension, and she received all the back pension also.

James Allan pension record: she signed the documents with her mark

affidavit 23 Jun 1879: her residence is at No. 52 Bay street in the city of Hamilton, Ontario.  Also personally appeared, Alexander Anderson, residing at 25 Florence Street and John Rodger, residing at 31 Bay street, Hamilton Ontario.

Agnes was a partner with her brother in a meat market (butcher shop) in Hamilton and worked there.  The family also delivered milk in the town and Agnes earned some money by making fancy shirts, worn then with many tucks and ruffles, all hand work.  Daughters Agnes and Margaret cut down trees for their firewood.

She is said to have resembled Queen Victoria in looks.

Hamilton City Directory:
1868-69 Allen, Mrs. Agnes, h es Ray betw Little Main & Market
1869/1870/1871-72/1872-73/1874 Allan, Mrs. Agnes, widow James, h 52 Ray n

Hamilton Spectator 19 Aug 1891: DIED - ALLAN- In this city, on Aug. 19, Agnes Rodger, relict of the late James Allan, and mother of William and George R. Allan, aged 74 years and 8 months. Funeral will leave her late residence, 33 [or 83] Florence street, on Friday at 3:30 p.m. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.
Return to McKaig Ancestor Chart.

James3 Allan
On his marriage record, his occupation is given as "cotton spinner".  Later he is called "laborer".  This change may have been made by him to facilitate emigration.  It also could be a reflection of the increasing move from home industry to factories.

In 1841 the family was living on Graham Street in Johnstone.  The census district description is: a line commencing at the center of old Mill Bridge, then along the center of High Street to the center of McDowell Street, then along the center of McDowell Street, to the center of Graham Street, then along the center of Graham Street to the center of Hagg Road, then along the center of Hagg Road to the river Cart, then down the river Cart to the old Mill Bridge.

James Allan, his wife Agnes Rodger Allan and their children Agnes, Margaret and James, came from Brig O Johnstone, Scotland to Guelph ON in 1843. James was a quarryman and helped quarry the stone for City Hall and the first stone buildings in Guelph.

In 1861 the family was living in Guelph in a one story frame house.  They had one cow and five pigs.

James Allan pension record: James Allan was enrolled on the 16th day of Dec, 1863 at Leavenworth Kas, in Co. D, 16th Regiment of Kansas Cav. Volunteers, and was mustered into service as a private on the 29th day of Dec. 1863, at Fort Leavenworth, in Co. D, 16th Regiment of Kansas Cav. Volunteers.  He was paid an advance bounty and premium of $27.  On the muster Roll of Co. D of that Regiment, dated Feby 29th, 1864, he is reported deserted at Fort Leavenworth Kas Feby 18th, 1864.  Charge of desertion removed.  Admitted to U.S. General Hospital, Leavenworth City, Kansas, Feby 22nd 1864, where he died Feby 27th 1864 of Typhoid Fever.

Description: height 5 feet 5 inches, complexion fair, eyes blue, hair dark

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.
Return to McKaig Ancestor Chart.

John McKaig
He was a blacksmith at a time when horseshoes and nails had to be made by hand.  He was said to be able to handle even the most troublesome horses.  Margaret Allan was working at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton when he met her, and he courted her in Paradise Valley near the Castle.

written by Mary (McKaig) York: When we lived on Church St. there was a large store, "the shop" as we called it.  It had a long counter on one side with shelves on the wall back of it.  A big base burner was at the inside end of the counter.  On the other side of the shop was a forge and near the front was a large frame work with a big grindstone on one side, a wheel on the other side, and small emery wheels across the front - all connected by various belts to a foot treadle at the back which could turn any or all of the wheels.

Any one of the family handy at the time, had the job of working that treadle and it was a family joke that our wits were sharpened by riding the grindstone.

Several men walked miles to have John Mc sharpen their saws with which they earned their living sawing wood.  Other men came to have work done or just to visit and in that shop many weighty problems political and otherwise were discussed and solved(?) in that forum.

One Mr. Gunn by name had a fiddle and plenty of leisure.  He was a long-legged individual and he would perch on the counter and saw away on that fiddle by the hour.  Many a High School lesson had to be learned to the tune of that fiddle and the thump of his foot on the floor keeping time and maybe the addition of the noise of saw filing.  I studied in the room just over the shop.

Hamilton City Directory:
1862 McKaig, John (McKaig & Hislop), blacksmith, York n Park, h West Market & Queen
1865-66 McKaig, John (McKaig & Hislop), h Main opp Market
1867-68 McKaig, John (McKaig & Hislop), h Robinson bet Caroline & Hess
1869/1870 McKaig, John, locksmith, jobber etc., 28 York, h same
1871-72/1872-73 McKaig, John, locksmith, jobber etc., 28 York, h same

Detroit City Directory:
1873-74 McKaig, John, blacksmith, 566 7th
1875-76 McKaig, John, blacksmith, resides in Hamtramck
1877/1878/1879 McKaig, John, blacksmith, 390 Michigan Ave.

1880/1881 McKaig, John blacksmith, 7 Church
1882/1883 McKaig, sawfiler, 7 Church
1884 McKaig, John, blacksmith, 7 Church
1885/1886 McKaig, John, locksmith, 7 Church
1887/1888 McKaig, John, mach, 7 Church

1890 McKaig, John, 339 Abbott
1891 McKaig, John, hardware, 538 Michigan Ave, h 309 Trumbull
1892/1894 McKaig, John, hardware at 534 Michigan Ave (Photo 1, Photo 2), h 309 Trumbull
1895 McKaig, John, locksmith at 428 Mich. Ave, h 309 Trumbull
1896 McKaig, John, 309 Trumbull
1897 McKaig, John, locksmith, 309 Trumbull
1899 McKaig, John, locksmith, sawfiler, lawn mowers, razors & scissors, sharpened. General repairing, 338 Michigan Ave., h 330 6th

1901/1902 McKaig, John, locksmith at 336 Mich. Ave, h 99 Spruce (Photo)
1905 McKaig, John, 369 Trumbull
1906/1909/1910/1911/1912/1914 McKaig, John, 142 Pine (Photo 1 (old), Photo 2 (old), Photo 3 (today), Photo 4 (today))

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.
Return to McKaig Ancestor Chart.

Agnes Cochran5 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1882/1883 McKaig, Agnes, domestic at 46 Winder (poss)
1884 McKaig, Agnes, bkbdr, boards at 7 Church
1885 McKaig, Agnes, boards at 7 Church

Return to Descendant Chart.

Margaret Watson5 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1881 McKaig, Margaret W., milliner at Deike & Farmer, boards at 7 Church
1884 McKaig, Margaret, bkbdr, boards at 7 Church
1890 McKaig, Margaret W., seamstress, boards at 339 Abbott
1895 McKaig, Margaret, shirtmaker, boards at 309 Trumbull

1901 McKaig, Margaret W., boards at 99 Spruce
1902 McKaig, Margaret W., floorwalker at Gourlay Bros., boards at 99 Spruce
1903 McKaig, Margaret W., forewoman, boards at 99 Spruce
1905 McKaig, Margaret W., dressmaker, boards at 369 Trumbull
1916/1920-21 McKaig, Margaret, forelady at Gourlay Bros., boards at 142 Pine

Return to Descendant Chart.

Archibald Allan5 McKaig
written by Loraine McKaig Wurtz: He came to the Detroit area with his parents around 1871.  During his life he had many occupations: ranging from a molder in 1880 (at the Detroit Stove Works), a blacksmith in 1884, a motorman in 1896, to a saloon keeper in 1908 - a saloon that was said to have had a legal upstairs bar for during the week (Photo) and an illegal one downstairs for use on Sundays (Photo).

Following Johanna's death, Archibald tried dating.  But because the older children would follow him on his dates, he gave up the effort.

Archibald was a stocky man, about five foot six and two-hundred and sixty pounds.

Detroit City Directory:
1880/1881 McKaig, Archibald, molder at Detroit Stove Works, boards at 7 Church
1883 McKaig, Archibald, steamfitter, boards at 7 Church
1884 McKaig, Archibald, blacksmith at E.T. Barnum Wire and Iron Works, boards at 7 Church
1885 McCague, Archibald, laborer at Maurice O'Connor & Sons, boards at 7 Church
1886 McKaig, Archibald A., blacksmith, boards at 7 Church
1887 McKaig, Archibald A., finisher, 1028 24th
1888 McKaig, Archibald, finisher, 59 Sullivan Ave.

1890 McKaig, Archibald A., mach, 395 Ash
1891/1894 McKaig, Archibald A., mach, 546 Warren Ave. West
1892 McKaig, Archibald A., molder, 546 Warren
1895 McKaig, Archibald A., foreman, 546 Warren Ave. West
1896 McKaig, Archibald A., motorman, 548 Warren
1897 McKaig, Archibald A., barnman, 114 National Ave.
1899 McKaig, Archibald A., motorman, 550 Dragoon

1901/1902/1903 McKaig, Archibald A., motorman, 676 Artillery Ave.
1906 McKaig, Archibald A., motorman, 275 McMillan
1908/1909/1910/1911/1912/1914/1916/1917/1918/1919/1920-21/1921-22 McKaig, Archibald A., saloon at 778 Dix, h 275 McMillan

1922-23 McKaig, Archibald A., autoworker, 5671 McMillan

1923-24/1924-25 McKaig, Archibald A., 5671 McMillan

Return to Descendant Chart.

Johanna Reaney
written by Loraine McKaig Wurtz: Johanna came to the United States with her parents and siblings in late 1864.  She became a naturalized citizen in the same year.  She grew up in the area of Detroit known as Cork Town.

Return to Descendant Chart.

John Archibald6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1905 McKaig, John A., clerk at Wm Weber & Bros., boards at 275 McMillan
1906 McKaig, John A., laborer, boards at 275 McMillan
1908/1909/1911/1912 McKaig, John A., bartender, boards at 275 McMillan

1910 McKaig, John A., switchman, boards at 275 McMillan
1914 McKaig, John A., tire bldr, boards at 275 McMillan
1916 McKaig, John A., metalworker, boards at 275 McMillan
1917 McKaig, John A., bartender, boards at 275 McMillan
1919/1920-21 McKaig, John A., boards at 275 McMillan

1921-22/1922-23 McKaig, John A., autoworker, boards at 5671 McMillan
1923-24 McKaig, John A., panneller, rooms at 5671 McMillan
1924-24 McKaig, John A., body bldr, rooms at 5671 McMillan
1928-29/1929-30/1930-31 McKaig, John A. (Frances), insp. D.P.W., 6912 Rutherford

1931-32 McKaig, John A. (Frances A.), sewer inspector, 6912 Rutherford
1932-33/1935 McKaig, John A. (Frances), welder, 6912 Rutherford
1936 McKaig, John A. (Frances), welder, 8405 Cahalan
1937 McKaig, John A. (Frances), pipefitter, 8405 Cahalan

Return to Descendant Chart.

Irene Florence6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1910 McKaig, Irene F., clerk at Calvert Litho Co., boards at 275 McMillan
1914 McKaig, Irene F., clerk at Chas. J. Esterling Printing Co., boards at 275 McMillan

Return to Descendant Chart.

James Harold6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1911 McKaig, James, driver, boards at 275 McMillan
1912 McKaig, James H., butcher, boards at 275 McMillan
1914 McKaig, James H., clerk at C.H. Cook, boards at 275 McMillan
1916/1917 McKaig, James H., clerk at J.A. Peters Sausage Co., boards at 275 McMillan
1918/1920-21 McKaig, James, chauffer, boards at 275 McMillan

1921-22/1922-23/1923-24/1924-25/1925-26 McKaig, James /H., salesman J.A. Peters, boards at 5671 McMillan
1926-27 McKaig, James /H., salesman J.A. Peters, rooms at 8022 Mandalay
1928-29/1929-30/1930/31 McKaig, James (Florence/Flora), salesman J.A. Peters, 15452 Monte Vista

1931-32/1932-33/1935 McKaig, James /H. (Florence /K.), salesman J./John A. Peters, 15452 Monte Vista
1936/1937 McKaig, James H. (Flora), salesman, 1513 Ferdinand

Return to Descendant Chart.

Mary Genevieve6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1912/1917 McKaig, Mary G., stenographer for Roehm & Davison, boards at 275 McMillan
1918 McKaig, Mary G., steno Larned Carter & Co., boards at 275 McMillan
1919 McKaig, Mary G., typist, 275 McMillan

Return to Descendant Chart.

Jeanette Agnes6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1919 McKaig, Jeannette, bookbinder, boards at 275 McMillan
1922-23 McKaig, Jeannette A., steno, boards at 5671 McMillan

Return to Descendant Chart.

Archibald Allan6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1918 McKaig, Archibald A. Jr., machine operator, boards at 275 McMillan
1919 McKaig, Archibald A. Jr., chauffer for E.C. Wilson, boards at 275 McMillan

1920-21 McKaig, Archibald A. Jr., switchtender, boards at 275 McMillan
1921-22 McKaig, Archibald A. Jr., driver for John J. Schneider, boards at 5671 McMillan
1923-24/1924-25 McKaig, Archibald A. Jr., switchman, boards at 5671 McMillan
1925-26 McKaig, Archibald A., switchman, rooms at 11370 Belleterre
1926-27/1928-29 McKaig, Archie, switchman, rooms at 11370 Belleterre
1929-30 McKaig, Archie A., brakeman, rooms at 11370 Belleterre

1930-31 McKaig, Arch. A. (Ethel), switchman, 15061 Monte Vista

Return to Descendant Chart.

Donald William6 McKaig
written by Loraine McKaig Wurtz: On June 26, 1902, Donald William McKaig was the eighth child born to Johanna Reaney and Archibald Allan McKaig.  His mother died when he was six years old and so his eldest sister Margaret and his maternal Aunt Mary "Mae" Downey helped raise him and his other siblings.  Aunt Mae lived three houses down but was busy raising her own eleven children, so she probably did more supervising than actual hands on care.

Donald was raised in Detroit and was able to complete the eleventh grade at Western High School.  While in high school he worked as a railroad callboy.  After high school he worked for Timken Axle, J.A. Utley Construction COmpany, and Ford Motor Company (as a crib man).  Around 1941 he started working for Darin & Armstrong, a construction company, doing office work.  He continued to work there until his retirement in May of 1969.

He met Flora Catharine O'Henley through his brother James and her best friend Flora (who were dating each other).  They were wed on September 4, 1928 in her home town of Sheridan Township, Huron County, Michigan.  They lived in many houses in Detroit, the longest period of time was spent at 14795 Cruse (their children were raised to adulthood there).  Their last residence was 32600 James in Garden City, Wayne County, Michigan.  Together they had nine children, .... Their seventh child, Rita, died moments after birth.  Donald died of congestive heart failure on December 26, 1986 at the age of eighty-four.  He is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan, with his wife.

When I was growing up, whenever we visited my Grandparents house we were told not to bother Grandpa because he worked hard and he needed quiet.  I remember he would sit in his chair by the window, a cigarette in the corner of his mouth and he would whistle when he breathed.  The youngsters were able to help him though when he would mix drinks and needed help carrying them to the adults in the living room.  Once I was an adult I felt that he was more approachable, especially after he had his stroke.  He was known to his children as the "chief".  He enjoyed a good laugh and was a very devout Catholic.  His death was very sudden and unexpected.

Detroit City Directory:
1920-21 McKaig, Donald M., caller, boards at 275 McMillan
1922-23 McKaig, Donald W., caller, boards at 5671 McMillan
1923-24 McKaig, Donald W., inspector, boards at 5671 McMillan
1924-25 McKaig, Donald W., mach, rooms at 5671 McMillan
1925-26/1926-27 McKaig, Donald /W., mech, rooms at 5647 McMillan
1928-29 McKaig, Donald, toolmaker, rooms at 5647 McMillan
1929-30 McKaig, Don (Flora), timekeeper, rooms at 1513 Ferdinand

1931-32 McKaig, Donald (Flora), rooms at 1513 Ferdinand
1935 McKaig, Donald (Flora), mounter, 15118 Ilene
1936 McKaig, Donald /W. (Flora), laborer, 14975 Cruse (also listed at 15118 Ilene)
1937 McKaig, Donald (Flora), autoworker, 14975 Cruse

Return to Descendant Chart.

Flora Catharine O'Henley
written by Loraine McKaig Wurtz: She attended Sweeney School, which was about one mile from their house.  She went through eighth grade twice because she had nothing to do on the farm during the winter months.  Once out of school, she worked at a local bean factory and in a nearby creamery.  As an adult, she moved to Detroit and lived with her Aunt Mary McCormick Decker, her mother's sister.  While there, she worked for Burroughs and General Motors as an office clerk.

On September 4, 1928, she wed Donald William McKaig at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Sheridan Township.  Because it was during Prohibition, they made their own beer for the reception.  During the early years of their marriage, Donald had to be away from home for long periods of time in order to follow work. ...

I remember her as a woman who was very loving.  Someone you could easily talk to and who loved to have her grandchildren sit near her.  She also was a good cook and enjoyed having lots of company.  And there was always a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye whenever she talked about her childhood. ...

Return to Descendant Chart.

Alice Ruth6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1924-25 McKaig, Alice, rooms at 5671 McMillan

Return to Descendant Chart.

Mary Beethe5 McKaig
Mary moved with her family from Hamilton to Detroit in 1871 when she was 6 years old.  Before her marriage Mary was a teacher in Detroit at the Livernois School and Detroit Seminary, and in Pequaming MI.

Detroit City Directory:
1887 McKaig, Mary B., teacher at Livernois Ave. School, boards at 7 Church
1888 McKaig, Mary B., teacher, boards at 7 Church
1887 McKaig, Mary B., teacher Detroit Seminary, boards 339 Abbott
Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.
Return to Williams Descendant Chart.

Return to York Descendant Chart.

James William5 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1885 McKaig, James W., mach, boards at 7 Church
1886 McKaig, James W., brass finisher for Stephens, Scott & Co., boards at 7 Church
1887 McKaig, James W., brass finisher, boards at 7 Church
1888 McKaig, James W., finisher, boards at 7 Church

1890 McKaig, James, brass finisher, boards 339 Abbott
1891/1893/1895 McKaig, James W., finisher, boards at 309 Trumbull
1892 McKaig, James W., brassworker, boards at 309 Trumbull
1896/1897/1899 McKaig, James W., Fry & McKaig, boards at 778 Dix

1901/1902/1903 McKaig, James W., Fry & McKaig, 778 Dix
1905/1906 McKaig, James W., saloon at 778 Dix

Return to Descendant Chart.

Janet (Jessie) Ferguson5 McKaig
obituary, Detroit Free Press: The Reverend Frederick Cowen of Ann Arbor, one time Pastor of the Old Plum Street Church of Christ, will conduct the rites at the grave in Woodmere Cemetery Saturday afternoon for Miss Janet F. McKaig, retired Detroit school teacher, who was known to her friends as Jessie.  She died Monday at Oakland, California after an illness of one month.

Miss McKaig was born in Hamilton, Ontario 67 years ago, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John McKaig.  She was educated in Detroit Public Schools, graduating from the old Detroit Teacher College.  She was a teacher in Detroit Public Schools for 30 years, serving most of that time at Campau School.  Twelve years ago, she retired and moved to California.  She was a member of the Old Plum Street Church. ...

Detroit City Directory:
1890 McKaig, Miss Jessie, teacher at Bellefontaine School, boards at 339 Abbott
1891 McKaig, Jessie F., teacher at Bellefontaine School, boards at 309 Trumbull
1892/1894 McKaig, Jessie M./F, teacher at Hickey School, boards at 309 Trumbull
1895 McKaig, Jessie F., teacher at David Preston School, boards at 309 Trumbull
1896/1897 McKaig, Jarret F./Janet F., teacher at Preston School, boards at 309 Trumbull
1898 McKaig, Janet F., teacher at Daniel J. Campau School, boards at 330 6th
1899/1902/1903 McKaig, Janet F., teacher at Campau School, boards at 99 Spruce

1905/1906 McKaig, Janet F., teacher at Campau School, boards at 369 Trumbull
1908/1909 McKaig, Janet F., teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine

1910 McKaig, Jessie, teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine
1911 McKaig, Janet , teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine
1912 McKaig, Janet F., teacher at Campau School, rooms at 142 Pine
1914 McKaig, Janette F., teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine
1916/1917 McKaig, Janet, teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine
1918 McKaig, Jeanette, teacher at Campau School, boards at 142 Pine
1919/1920-21 McKaig, Janet /F., teacher at Maybury School, boards at 142 Pine

Return to Descendant Chart.

John5 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1890 McKaig, John Jr., mach, boards at 339 Abbott
1891/1893/1895/1896 McKaig, John Jr., finisher, boards at 309 Trumbull
1892 McKaig, John Jr., brass finisher, boards at 309 Trumbull
1897 McKaig, John Jr., mach, boards at 309 Trumbull
1899 McKaig, John Jr., finisher, boards at 330 6th

1903 McKaig, John, distributor, 99 Spruce
1905 McKaig, John Jr., distributor, boards at 369 Trumbull
1908 McKaig, John Jr., mach, boards at 142 Pine
1909/1910/1911 McKaig, John Jr., brassworker, boards at 142 Pine

1912 McKaig, John Jr., ironworker, boards at 142 Pine
1913 McKaig, John Jr., carpenter, boards at 142 Pine
1917 McKaig, John, cabinetmaker, 142 Pine
1918 McKaig, John, carpenter, 142 Pine
1919/1920-21 McKaig, John, finisher, 142 Pine

1918/1924-25/1925-26 McKaig, John, carpenter, boards/rooms at 2601 Trumbull
1926-27 McKaig, John, rooms at 2601 Trumbull

Return to Descendant Chart.

William George5 McKaig
obituary, Detroit Free Press 10 May 1952: A retired city plumbing inspector and life long Detroit resident, Mr. McKaig 72, of 9768 Petosky died Saturday in Highland Park General Hospital. ... Services will be at 2:00 pm Tuesday in the Maney and Hass Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Woodmere.

Detroit City Directory:
1894/1895 McKaig, William G., apprentice, boards at 309 Trumbull
1896 McKaig, William G., laborer, boards at 309 Trumbull
1896/1897 McKaig, Wm G., helper, boards at 309 Trumbull
1899 McKaig, Wm J., plumber, boards at 330 6th

1901/1902/1903 McKaig, William/Wm G., plumber, boards at 99 Spruce
1905/1906/1908 McKaig, Wm G., plumber, 721 15th

1910/1911/1912/1914 McKaig, Wm /J./G., plumber, 619 16th
1916 McKaig, Wm /J./G., plumber, 663 18th
1918/1919 McKaig, Wm G., inspector, 663 18th

1920-21 McKaig, Wm G., inspector C.S. Building, 360 Petosky
1921-22 McKaig, Wm G., inspector City Service Dept., 9728 Petosky
1922-23 McKaig, Wm G., inspector Dept. of Building & Safety Engineering, 9728 Petosky
1923-24/1924-25/1925-26/1926-27 McKaig, Wm G., plumbing inspector Detroit, 9728 Petosky
1928-29 McKaig, Wm G. (Anna), 9728 Petosky
1929-30 McKaig, Wm (Fannie), 9728 Petosky

1930-31 McKaig, Wm G. (Mae), 9728 Petosky
1931-32 McKaig, Wm G. (Anne), inspector Dept. of Buildings & Safety, 9728 Petosky
1932-33 McKaig, Wm G., inspector Dept. of Buildings & Safety, 9728 Petosky
1935 McKaig, Wm G. (Anne M.), plumbing insp City Dept. of Bldgs & Safety Eng, 9728 Petosky
1936/1937 McKaig, Wm G. (Ann /M.), inspector City Dept. of Bldgs & Safety Eng, 9728 Petosky

Return to Descendant Chart.

George Allan5 McKaig
obituary from the Biography File Card Catalog, Burton Collection, Detroit Public Library:
Funeral serviced for Mr. McKaig, Chief Accountant for Detroit Board of State Tax Administration, will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday in the Cavanagh Funeral Home, 100 West Kirby.  He died Tuesday morning in his home, 665 Merrick.  Born in Detroit January 13, 1881, and was a member of the first graduating class of the old Central High School.  For a time, he was Vice-President and Secretary of Treasury of the Old Guaranty Trust Company.

Mr. McKaig was well known in the Parent-Teacher Association, having served the council for 12 years as Treasurer.  He was employed by the Detroit Post Office for 16 years.  He was a member of the Central Woodward Christian Church and the Palestine Lodge. ...

Detroit City Directory:
1901/1902/1903 McKaig, G. Allan, clerk at post office, boards at 99 Spruce
1905/1909/1910/1911 McKaig, G. Allan, clerk at post office, 243 Park
1908 McKaig, George A., clerk at post office, 243 Park

1912 McKaig, G. Allan, clerk at post office, 409 4th
1914/1916/1917 McKaig, G. Allan, clerk, 283 Hogarth Ave.
1918/1919 McKaig, G. Allan, Asst. Treasurer Guaranty Trust Co. of Detroit, 84 Griswold, h 283 Hogarth Ave.

1920-21 McKaig, G. Allan, Asst. Treasurer Guaranty Trust Co. of Detroit, 877 Hazelwood
1921-22/1922-23 McKaig, G. Allan, treasurer, 2601 Trumbull
1923-24/1924/25 McKaig, G. Allan, Treasurer Guaranty Trust Co. of Detroit, 2601 Trumbull
1925-26/1926-27 McKaig, G. Allan, V-Pres. & Sec-Treas. Guaranty Trust Co. of Detroit, 2601 Trumbull
1928-29/1929-30 McKaig, G. Allan, Gross Isle

1930-31 McKaig, G. Allan (May H.), Gross Isle
1931-32 McKaig, G. Allan (May H.), McKaig-Jones (George Allan McKaig; Edgar D. Jones Jr. ins. 5 West Larned, 8th floor), h Grosse Isle
1937 McKaig, G. Allan (Mary), Chief Accountant State Board of Tax Administration, 665 Merrick Ave.

Return to Descendant Chart.

Mary Georgena Hampton
Detroit Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 3, P.3:
The Detroit Historical Society is suffering a most severe loss as Mrs. G. Allan McKaig, our Community Relations Director for the past 5 years, is leaving Detroit on the 15th of this month.  The smooth function of the Societies social and educational activities are, to a large degree, the reflection of her organizational ability and enthusiasm.

Mrs. McKaig attended old Central High and for many years has been associated with projects for the betterment of our City.  During WWI, she was a member of the American Trust for French wounded and the American Red Cross Canteen.  Later she served as president of the Franklin School and Northwestern High School P.T.A.  From its very beginning, she has been an active worker for the Community Chest and its successor, the United Foundation, and was east side drive chairman of the Metropolitan Section.  During the Second World War, she was a volunteer U.S.O. worker.

Mrs. McKaig was very active in the Bonstelle Civic Theater.  An active member of Central Woodward Christian Church and past president of the womens council.  Other community interests are Womens City Club, Historic Memorial Society, Aux. of Salvation Army.  Three year Chairman of Nancy Brown Bazoak project, resulting in the Nancy Bazoak Peace Tower and Carillon on Belle Isle.

Return to Descendant Chart.

Jean Allan6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1924-25/1926-27 McKaig, Jean /A., rooms at 2601 Trumbull
1925-26 McKaig, Jane, saleslady at Book of Knowledge, rooms at 2601 Trumbull
1929-30/1930-31/1931-32 McKaig, Jean, rooms at 2170 E. Jefferson #808
1932-33 McKaig, Jean, clerk at Children's Fund of MI, rooms at 2170 E. Jefferson #808

Return to Descendant Chart.

Elizabeth Hampton6 McKaig
Detroit City Directory:
1926-27 McKaig, Elizabeth, clerk, rooms at 2601 Trumbull
1930-31 McKaig, Elizabeth, student, rooms at 2170 E. Jefferson #808
1931-32 McKaig, Elizabeth, rooms at 2170 E. Jefferson #808

Return to Descendant Chart.

James Noble5 Allan


Mr. and Mrs. James Allan view the portrait of Mr. Allan, that was presented to him at a special ceremony held in his honor last night.  The portrait will be hung in the County Court house at Cayuga.  It was painted by Cleve Horn.  An exact duplicate was also presented to Mrs. Allan.  The Portrait was unveiled by Helen Kinnear, former judge of Haldimand county, and was presented by Judge Walter T. Robb.

Jim Allan Honored With Testimonial

Cayuga - Over 1,200 people jammed the auditorium at the Cayuga Technical and Vocational school here last night to honor The Hon. James Allan, provincial treasurer, who has served in Haldimand county municipal life since 1919.

The occasion was the "Jim Allan Testimonial Night".  Mr. Allan was presented with a life-size portrait of himself, as a tribute for the many years in which he has given of his time to serve others.  The portrait will be hung in the County court house at Cayuga.  Allan was also presented with a framed duplicate picture.

The event was the first such occasion of its kind ever in Haldimand County.  It was also Mr. Allan's birthday.

Former Judge Helen Kinnear of Haldimand county unveiled the portrait and Judge Walter T. Robb presented it to Mr. Allan.  Included among the 80 special guests on stage were Mr. Allan's family, his legislative colleagues and federal members of parliament.

Chairman Rev. E.C. McCullaugh of Dunnville told the gathering that it was felt something should be done to acknowledge Mr. Allan's services by presenting a lasting memorial.

Great Representative Former Ontario premier Leslie Frost said that during Mr. Allan's period in the legislature, "he has been a great representative for Haldimand - Norfolk ..., he was always down to earth ..., and always remembered the people he represented.

Hon. Walter Gordon, federal finance minister said that "Jim Allan has so many friends because of his lovable qualitites and natural charm and he is always the same even though you don't see him daily."  He read a letter from Prime Minister Lester Pearson which said "Canada needs more men like Jim Allan in public life."

Hon. Keith Roberts, minister of lands and forests, representing Premier John Robarts, read a letter from the premier which said that "know [sic] matter what one could say of Mr. Allan they would fall short of expressing it adequately".  The letter stated that the contributions Mr. Allan made has made the world a better place to live.

"It is an unparalled occasion because the man we honor is unparalled in the area", Hon. Larry T. Pennell, MP for Brant-Haldimand said.  He said that the large crowds presence at the testimonial shows a man can play an active part in politics and stand secure in a host of friends.

Royal Greeting Bringing greetings from Queen Elizabeth II, Hon. Earl Rowe, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, said that politics is big business today and "we need more wise, able and honest men like Mr. Allan".  Greetings and remarks were made by Haldimand county warden Sid Cronk and Mayor Charles Lundy of Dunnville.  Telegrams were also read from a number of other MPPs and MPs.

Making the presentation Judge Robb said that he has never known Mr. Allan to express hatred for anyone even though he doesn't always agree.  "Jim Allan's crown is in his heart," he said.

A gold life membership card in the Hamilton Automobile Club was presented to Mr. Allan.

In reply, following a standing ovation, Mr. Allan said that it was hard to express the appreciation to everyone for the kindness given him and his wife then and on other occasions.  He noted that the kindly things said couldn't help but move one.  He said that any one of the men who honored him was more deserving of such an honor than he was.  "It is only kindness on the part of those responsible," he said.

He told the gathering that he had enjoyed public service thoroughly.  Mr. Allan said he never had any disrespect for anyone, regardless of how they voted, and commented that he had always had great respect for the Liberals.  "I try to think I have as many Liberal friends as Conservatives", he said.

Noting the co-operation he had received from the press, he said the local press were builders and stood for good things and the relations with them have been excellent.  "We will cherish these memories in our hearts as long as we live," he concluded.

Music was provided by the Royal Canadian Regiment Band of London.

Long in Politics His interest in civic affairs began in 1919 when Mr. Allan was elected a member of the Canboro Township council.  Shortly after, he moved to Dunnville and became a member of the Dunnville council in 1922.  In 1929 he was deputy-reeve of Dunnville and a member of the Haldimand County Council.  For the next 16 consecutive years he was reeve or deputy reeve of Dunnville and served those years on the county council with one year as warden.

He moved to provincial politics in 1951 when he was elected to the Ontario legislature for the constituency of Haldimand-Norfolk.  He held the seat continuously since that time.  In 1955 he became minister of the Ontario department of highways.  In 1957 he was named the first minister of transport and, at the same time, continued as minister of highways.

In 1958 he became provincial treasurer and continues to hold that office.  He has been also minister of economics and development, public works and chairman of the treasury board.  In addition, he served as chairman of the select committee on cemeteries and traffic safety.

Intermingled with his heavy civic responsibilities over the years, he found time to serve as chairman of nine Victory Loan campaigns in Haldimand; as president of the Children's Aid Society; as vice0chairman of the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital; as chairman of the Haldimand Centennial celebrating committee; as president of the Ontario Good Roads Association and to serve his church as treasurer, for a period of 19 years.  He was also been active in fraternal affairs and is a past District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ontario in Canada.

See Legislative Assembly of Ontario for a tribute to him at the time of his death.  Also see wikipedia article.

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.

Thomas Richard Honeycombe
Hamilton City Directory:
1881-82 p.90 Honeycomb T, bricklayer, 24 Locomotive

Return to Descendant Chart.

Annie Louisa4 Honeycombe
She is buried at St. Paul's, Jarvis ON.  At the time of her death, Annie and her husband resided at Lot 7, Con 8, Walpole Twp, Haldimand Co. ON.

Return to Descendant Chart.

Alexander Anderson
Hamilton City Directory:
1869 Anderson, Alex, blacksmith, h 62 Ray n
1881-82 p.20 Anderson Alex, blacksmith, 25 Florence

Return to Descendant Chart.

John4 Allan
T.Melville Bailey, Dictionary of Hamilton Biography, Vol.I, transcribed by Eileen Clewlow: The family came to Hamilton in 1864, and Allan and his brothers, James and George, and three sisters received their education in local public schools.  In 1885 Allan became a builder of fine apartments in New York City, where he prospered for twenty-one years.

On his retirement in 1906 he returned to Hamilton to live.  He ran for alderman in 1908 and won.  The Spectator reported

'his maiden speech was a good one.  He had a business-like, clear-cut way of saying things that showed he knew what he had to say and how to say it.  He admitted that his knowledge of municipal affairs was not profound, but he had lots of time to learn, and he had been trained in a business where it was necessary to keep one's eyes open all the time.  He was in favour of the power by-law and from what he had learned in his talks with people it would be carried.'

In 1909 he was chairman of the Board of Works, after winning the aldermanic race by 802 votes.  In 1911 he ran for mayor and was defeated.  Three years later he was elected.  His administration was noted for its business-like methods, and he was popular with all classes.

Allan was elected Liberal MLA for Hamilton West in 1914 by thirty-six votes over Conservative Walter Rollo.  A bill presented by Allan in the legislature that 'in cities having a population of not less than 100,000 and not more than 200,000 inhabitants there shall be a board of control consisting of the Mayor and four controllers elected by a general vote' was given second reading.

In 1916 he was involved in discussions on the Temperance Act when he observed that there was one thing that might be a hardship if the Ontario Temperance Act is passed.  Several hotelmen had leases with two to four years to run.  It would not be fair to put them out of business and keep them paying rent, he said.

Allan was a member of the Commercial Club, the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of the Moose, the Red Cross Lodge, the Scottish Rite.  He assisted in the formation of the National Bricklayers' Union.  He was a Presbyterian and an avid fisherman.

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.

George Robert4 Allan
unlabeled obituary, probably from the Hamilton (ON) Spectator, 28 Feb 1940: As a member of the Board of Education and as a citizen, it is doubtful if any other had entertained a greater enthusiasm for the furtherance of education in Hamilton than Mr. Allan, ... Since his retirement from the Spectator in 1932, his energy and thoughts had been directed chiefly to overcoming difficulties and the solution of problems in connection with educational matters in Hamilton.

In many ways this keen interest tended to keep him youthful and his optimistic and bright outlook on life, his always cheery disposition might have belonged to a man many years his junior.  Robust health permitted him to enjoy a particularly active life and he was frequently a welcome and muchploved guest at ceremonies and festivities in the schools.  He evinced a kindly concern for the new members of the teaching staff and many an inexperienced teacher sought his wise and friendly counsel during the first troublesome days of a pedagogic career.

He was behind every project that advanced the status of education in Hamilton, and since his election to the Board of Education in 1904 missed only five meetings in all, a record which no doubt is unique in the whole of Canada.  His attendance at meetings of special committees to many of which he had been elected chairman was also exemplary, and the inaugural meeting of the BOard of Education on January 3 of this year was the first inaugural he had missed in all his 37 years on the board.  Mr. Allan had occupied all the offices of importance, including that of chairman, a post he held in 1913, the same year his brother, the late John Allan, was mayor of Hamilton.

The first committee on which Trustee Allan sat was the building committee and this may have had something to do with the enthusiastic interest he evinced in all building projects of the board.  He saw the schools in Hamilton grow from small, poorly equipped buildings, to the modern, handsome edifices of to-day.  For the years 1908 and 1909 he was chairman of this committee.

In 1911 the deceased occupied the chair during the meetings of the finance committee and the following year that of the internal management.  When the advisory vocational committee was organized in 1909, Mr. Allan was one of the first members and in 1919 and 1920 acted as chairman.  For some years he headed the old salary committee, which up to 1921 dealt with salary adjustments before the teachers' schedule was adopted. In 1917, Mr. Allan was elected to the unusual postion of vice-chairman of the Board of Education, serving as acting chairman during the first two-thirds of the financial year while Captain Ernest E. Linger was overseas.

When the Board of Education took over the work of the old art school, a board of trustees was formed to take charge of the trust funds, and on October 2, 1913, Mr. Allan, and the late F. J. Howell and the late J. Orr Callaghan were appointed first members.  Many years after, with the trust fund expanded by gifts from various sources, he was the only one left of the original trustee board, his record being entirely unbroken.

As a tribute to the long service rendered the Board of Education by Mr. Allan, it was decided in 1927 to name the new public school in Westdale after him.  The school was one of the most modern and up-to-date in Canada and its formal opening an auspicious event .... On October 4 of last year a $55,000 addition to the school was opened and on the occasion of its opening Mr. Allan was given a key to the school ....

His service to the Spectator was as faithful and efficient as that he gave to educational matters in later life.  He was known and loved by the entire staff, and even after his retirement from active service his weekly visits to the office, while on walks from his home on Napier street to the downtown district, kept him in touch with the newer and younger members of the staff as well as with the older employees.

Mr. Allan ... started his newspaper career at the age of 12 years.  His first job was messenger boy in the book-bindery department .... After a short time in the book-bindery department, Mr. Allan negotiated a transfer to the composing room .... His advance was rapid, and shortly after completing his apprenticeship - at the age of 21 years - he was promoted to the position of night foreman, the Spectator at that time publishing a morning edition.  Subsequently he was given a day position and put in charge of the ad. alley, a post he occupied until 1895, when he succeeded to the foremanship of the news room.

Before long it came to the attention of his superiors that Mr. Allan was not only capable of a still greater responsibility, but was a born organizer and leader of men, and in 1896 he was put in charge of all the mechanical departments of the paper.

Evidence of the affection of his associates and the esteem in which he was held by the men under him was the observance of his 50th anniversary with the Spectator, the employees assembling in the composing room at the end of the day to present him with a beautifully illustrated address and a set of smoking pipes.  The gift of a handsome cane from the head of the editorial department also testified to the high regard Mr. Allan enjoyed in other branches of the firm.

In June, 1932, after nearly 60 years of faithful service, Mr. Allan relinquished his position of superintendent, but continued to serve in an advisory capacity.  Testimony of the good will he carried with him and the affectionate place he held in the hearts of those with whom he worked, was the presentation of a handsome walnut desk and chair to Mr. Allan, and a silver basket of five dozen American Beauty roses, a rose for each year Mr. Allan was with the Spectator, to Mrs. Allan.

Mr. Allan was the youngest and last surviving member of a large family. He was born in Guelph on September 20, 1860, the son of Agnes and James Allan.

When he was four years old the family came to Hamilton, and he was sent to the schools here.

A staunch Conservative all his life, he loyally supported the party, and although he never sought office, he served as secretary of the Conservative association from 1913 to 1919.

Many of Hamilton's older residents also remember Mr. Allan in connection with the once popular Commercial club, located for many years in a stone building at the corner of James and Vine streets.  Mr. Allan had been among the original members of this club.

Mr. Allan was a Mason, belonging to The Barton lodge, No. 6, A.F. & A.M., and other fraternal affiliations included Red Cross lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Unity lodge, I.O.O.F., of which he was a past grand.  He was an Anglican in religion and attended All Saints' church.

Surviving are his wife, the former Mahala Hancock; two sons, John Rodger, on the staff of the Candian Bank of Commerce; George Robert Allan, city, and two daughters, Mrs. J.W. Davis, Hamilton, and Mrs. L.W. Smith, Dunnville, and five grandchildren.  The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon from his residence, 189 Napier street, to All Saints' church for service.  Burial will be made in Hamilton cemetery.

In tribute to George R. Allan, beloved dean of the Board of Education, flags on all schools throughout the city will fly at half-mast until Friday afternoon, Dr. W.L. Whitelock, chairman of the board, stated this morning.

"On Friday afternoon, the date of the funeral, all schools will be dismissed at 3 o'clock, and a representative group of teachers and senior students from each school in the city will attend the funeral service at All Saints' church," Dr. Whitelock said.  "Members of the BOard of Education and officials of the board will attend the services in a body."

This morning the flag at the City Hall was lowered to half-mast in respect to Mr. Allan, while in the schools in the west end of the city, where Mr. Allan was more familiarly known to the students, teachers paid tribute to the life of service rendered education in the city of Hamilton by Mr. Allan.

"The Board of Education and the children of Hamilton, and all the citizens will experience a great loss in the passing of George R. Allan, sen.," Dr. Whitelock stated this morning.  "Mr. Allan had served as a school trustee on the Board of Education continuously for over 36 years.  We, the members, are going to miss his kindly humour, his sympathy and human attributes and his wise counsel.  He can never be replaced.  There can never be another just like Mr. Allan.  Personally, I have lost not only a dear friend but one whose judgment and advice I have always sought and respected."

"I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Allan," Acting Mayor Sam Lawrence stated.  "Mr. Allan served well and faithfuly for many years on the Board of Education, rendering a great service, not only to those of the ward he represented, but in all phases of education in the city of Hamilton.  He was keenly interested in the educational welfare of the children of this city, and his passing removed from the Board of Education a trustee greatly admired and respected for his fine sense of judgment and capabilities."

Right Rev. Monsignor J.W. Englert, chairman of the Separate school board, in paying tribute to Mr. Allan, stated, "I can certainly speak in the highest terms of his great interest in the young, and his great interest in educational matters.  I can also say that his friendliness to the Separate school board has always been remarked upon, and the Board of Education has certainly lost a most highly esteemed trustee."

Throughout the morning, as news of Mr. Allan's death was learned throughout the city, many telephone calls were made to the offices of the Board of Education by friends of the deceased trustee, who expressed their sorrow upon the passing of the "dean of the board."

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.

John Orr3 Rodger
James Allan pension record: affidavit 23 Jun 1879 by Agnes (Rodger) Allan: her residence is at No. 52 Bay street in the city of Hamilton, Ontario.  Also personally appeared, Alexander Anderson, residing at 25 Florence Street and John Rodger, residing at 31 Bay street, Hamilton Ontario.

Hamilton City Directory:
1858 p.239 Rodger John, blacksmith, h. Bay, bt. Cannon and Mulberry
1862 Rodger, John, blacksmith, York n McNab, h Bay n Cannon
1865-66 Rodgers, John, 1 York, h Bay betw Cannon & Mulberry
1874 Rodgers, John, blacksmith, 26 Bay n, h 14 George
1881-82 p.153 Rodgers & Son, (John sr & John jr), blacksmiths, cor Bay and Market
1881-82 p.153 Rodgers J, sr, (John Rodgers & Son), h 48 Market
1881-82 p.153 Rodgers J, jr, (John Rodgers & Son), h 50 Hess n

Return to Rodger Descendant Chart.


Home  |  Contact  |  Introduction to Ancestor Charts  |  Surname Index


© 2003 Shirley York Anderson