James Alexander Hopkins (abt. 1857 - 1906)

Born about 11 Mar 1857 in Ontario, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Isabella (Rowat) Hopkins — married 8 Feb 1882 in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

Descendants

Died 26 Nov 1906 at about age 49 in Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada

Biography

James A. Hopkins received his education in the public schools of his native county (Simcoe), and while growing to manhood engaged in work on his father's farm, also working at the lumber business. In 1888 he located in Toronto, remaining there one year, at the end of which time he purchased land at Dovercourt (editors note then know as Main Street, now 66 Geary Avenue), opening the grocery and provision business, which he continued up to his death, November 26, 1906. In 1904 Mr. Hopkins erected the present stone and cement dwelling and store building. In October 1891, he was appointed postmaster at Dovercourt, and continued to act in that capacity until he died. Mr. Hopkins was married on February 8, 1882, to Isabella Rowatt, who was born on September 17, 1855, daughter of James Rowatt, one of the pioneer farmers of County Simcoe, and a native of Scotland. Four children were born to Mr. And Mrs. Hopkins: Maggie, born July 27, 1882, is the wife of Dr. R. S. Conboy, of Toronto, and has one daughter, Ruth; Jessie Alice, born on September 27, 1885, was a student in a commercial college, and is now a clerk in the store; James A.W. , born December 11, 1887, attended a commercial college, and is a clerk in the store; Alfred died in childhood (editor's note, "Alfred" was born William John Alpheus McQuaig Hopkins, 16 July 1894 and died July 9, 1895, of whooping cough).

When he moved to Toronto (actually the Dovercourt area of Toronto), he opened up a general store. According to the 1891 directory of Toronto, James is listed as a grocer, with the store located on the south side of Main (now called Geary Avenue). A postcard has the address of 78 Main Street. This store included a post office. James Hopkins was Postmaster of Toronto Sub Office #43 (4643). Originally the Post office district was "Dovercourt." (Changed 1908-03-01). James served as Postmaster from 1892-10-01 to 1906-11-30 (died). On his death, his daughter Jessie "Allie" Hopkins took over as Postmaster form 1906-12-27 to 1910. In 1910 she resigned as postmaster so she could travel to western Canada..

He married at the age of 24 to the then 25 year old Isabelel Rowat. The marriage register list him as a farmer of the Presbyterian faith.. His bride was also a Presbyterian, and they were married by Rev. George Craw on February 8th, 1882 in Medonte, Ontario. The witness were William and Margaret Rowat of Flos, Ontario. Bibliography: ArchiviaNet. Canadian Post Office Records. Toronto Sub Office #43.

Sources

• Ontario, Canada, Marriages, 1801-1928
• Birth S: "Ontario Births and Baptisms, 1779-1899," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XL5S-G4Z : accessed 21 April 2016), James Hopkins in entry for Margaret Hopkins, 27 Oct 1882; citing Innesfel, Simcoe, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1,845,582.

Death : Ontario Vital Records, MS935, Reel 124, Record #004590.