Person:William Ormsby (4)

1881 Canadian Census. James Ormsby, born about 1834 in Ontario, resided in Orillia, Simcoe North and worked as a labourer. His ethnic origin is listed as English and religion as Calvanist Methodist. He lived with Ellen, his wife, aged 29, William, aged 21, Albert, aged 18, Ellen, aged 14, Charles, aged 12, Robert, aged 4 and Elizabeth, aged 3.

1884. Living in Severn Bridge. Witness at following wedding: 010599-84 - William EDWARDS, 23, Canada, Severn Bridge, Farmer, s/o James & Ellen EDWARDS, married Alexandiena BENNETT, 19, Canada, North Orillia, d/o Hernon & Harriet BENNETT, wtn: William ORMSBY of Severn Bridge & Sophia HAWKINS of North Orillia, on September 28, 1884, at North Orillia

1888. Listed as James Ormsby on marriage certificate. Birth and marriage certificates of all the children list him as William. James and Ellen Ormsby listed as parents on his marriage certificate.

1901 Canadian Census. Listed as William Ormsley, born 25 Nov 1862 in Ontario. He is married to Maud. Children are Edrie, age 11, Evelyn, age 9, Norma, age 6, Olive, age 4, Margaret, age 3. Religion is Presbyterian. Occupation is merchant. There are two servants living in the house with the family. Both servants earned $30/year.

1894. William Ormsby bought back the McKenzie House and 0.6 hectares in Severn Bridge from Henry Anderson for $500.

1896 William Ormsby owned a general store in Severn Bridge.

1904 “Mr. Wm. Ormsby, a prominent business man of Severn Bridge, Ont., is in the city, the guest of his sister, Mrs. Robert Finlay. He intends to go as far as Vancouver, and will spend about three months in British Columbia recuperating.”Manitoba Morning Free Press, September 5, 1904, page 14

7 Jul 1906. Died at the age of 45 of leukaemia after an illness of 2.5 years. Death certificate lists his place of birth as Oro Township. Religion listed a Presbyterian.

Obituary - Orillia Times, 12 Jul 1906 Severn Bridge, July 10. A gloom has been cast over our village and surrounding community by the death of Mr. W. Ormsby, who has for many years carried on business here as general merchant, and was highly respected and beloved by those who knew him. For two years Mr. Ormsby had been doctoring but for the past six months had been almost altogether confined to his bed, three months of which he spent in Toronto Hospital, until on Saturday evening death relieved him of his suffering and he passed peacefully away surrounded by his wife and family. He was forty-five years of age and leaves a wife and seven children, six girls and a boy, who have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement. The funeral will take place this afternoon at Orillia cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful among them being a pillow from his children, anchor, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Page, star, Independent Order of Foresters Lodge, anchor, Ancient Order of United Workers, wreath, L.O.L., all of which he was a member. Those from a distance who attended the funeral of Mr. Ormsby, were Mr. and Mrs. A. Ormsby, Mr. Robert Ormsby, Misses Lizzie and Kate Ormsby, Miss Langman of Bass Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf, Hawkstone, Mr. and Mrs J. Beatty of Gravenhurst.

Obituary - Orillia Packet, 12 July 1906. The great reaper, Death, has once more visited this quiet village, taking away a dear husband and father, and a highly respected citizen. On Saturday evening, the 7th, Mr. W. Ormsby, breathed his last, after a lingering illness caused by stomach trouble. Although it was known for some time that he could not recover, the death has cast a gloom over the community. Mr. Ormsby was a prosperous merchant, who, by judicious management of business affairs, was in a position to enjoy life without worrying as to the future. He leaves to mourn his loss a loving wife and seven children, besides a large circle of friends and relations who sympathize with the bereaved family. On Sunday, the Orangeman of Severn Lodge marched to church, where an impressive sermon was preached by the Methodist pastor, the Rev. T. R. White, who is a member of the order in high standing. The turnout was exceptionally good, and the members presented a creditable appearance, indeed, in their clean, white uniforms decorated with emblematic sashes. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity, number having only standing room. After the service the members marched to the residence of their late brother, William Ormsby, and quietly viewed his remains. They intend celebrating the Glorious Twelfth with the brethren at Huntsville.

1. ↑ Ontario, Canada Deaths, 1869-1932
   Roll: MS935_126.
2. ↑ 1901 Census of Canada.
3. ↑ Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1857-1922.
4. ↑ Ontario, Canada Deaths, 1869-1932
   Roll: MS935_126.
5. ↑ 1901 Census of Canada.
6. ↑ Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1857-1922.
7. ↑ Ontario, Canada Deaths, 1869-1932
   Roll: MS935_126.
8. ↑ Tombstone.
9.   1881 Canadian Census.
10.   William T. Angus. Severn River: An Illustrated History.
11.   William T. Angus. Severn River: An Illustrated History.
12.   Seana Jones. Ormsby Family.