William Templeton (1848 - 1908)

Born 10 Nov 1848 in Napanee, Lennox, Ontario

Ancestors

Husband of Sarah Adeline (Perry) Templeton — married 25 Sep 1878 in Napanee, Lennox, Ontario

Descendants

Died 3 Mar 1908 at age 59 in Napanee, Ontario

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Biography

William was born in 1848. His parents were William Templeton (perhaps Ayrshire, Scotland) and Janet McIlquham (Lanark County, Ontario).

The 1861 Napanee household: Janet 39y (widow), James 15y, William 13y, Janet J 10y

The 1871 Napanee household: Janet 40y (widow), James 24y, William 22y, Janet J 20y

William became a printer and then a co-publisher of the Napanee Beaver (in the early 1870's). After his death, his wife, Sarah Adeline, took over as publisher, and after her death, their son William A. continued as the Beaver's publisher.

In 1878, William married Addie Perry.

The 1901 Napanee household: William 52y, Adeline 43y, Winnifred 21y, Margaret (Maggie) Agusta 20y, Janet 18y, Charles P, 16y, William Alan 11y, Alice Franklin 16y (domestic.

William died on March 3, 1908, in Napanee, Ontario.

From the Harkness Scrapbooks

"Templeton, William

It is with feelings of regret and a deep sense of loss that we are called upon to chronicle the death of Mr. Wm. Templeton, late editor and proprietor of this paper, which occurred on Tuesday morning, 3d March, after a brief illness. Three weeks ago today deceased, who was not feeling as well as usual, left the office and went home.

The first week of his illness he seemed to improve at times and no alarming symptoms developed until the following week, when he sank rapidly and passed peacefully away to his reward, after having spent a very successful and useful life. The best of medical skill was obtained, doctors from Montreal and Kingston being in attendance with the local profession, and all that loving hands and hearts could do was of no avail.

Mr. Templeton was born in Napanee on the 27th November, 1848, and with the exception of a few years, has spent his whole life in our midst. When about seventeen years of age he became an apprentice to the printing art, shortly after entering The Napanee Express as journeyman. Afterwards he spent a term in offices in Montreal, Toronto and New York, where he completed his course at the business and was satisfied to return to his boyhood home. In partnership with Rm. Edw. Stevenson, he purchased The Beaver. At a later date Mr. Geo. M. Beeman and Mr. W.C. Scott were associated with him in the office.

In 1892, Mr. Templeton purchased the plant and has conducted it ever since. So successful has his business career been that The Beaver is a welcome weekly visitor into almost every home in the town and county, and is recognized as one of the foremost journals of its class, all due to his progressive spirit and business ability. Deceased was closely identified with the general social interests of the community.

He was a member of the Royal Arch Masons, A.O.U.W., I.O.O.F., about twenty years has been United States Consul at Napanee. For a number of years he was also a valued member of the Board of Education. His death spells a distinct loss for the whole community, especially for the Presbyterian church, of which he had long been a devoted member.

He was an Elder of the church, and Clerk of the Session. Twenty-nine years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Addie Perry, who, together with five children are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. The children are: Wm. A. and Janet, at home; Mrs. J. G. VanEvery, Owen Sound; Dr. Chas P. Templeton and Mrs. J. M. McIntosh, Brandon, Man., who were all with him at the last. Mrs. D. H. Preston, a sister, also survives him.

A shadow of gloom was cast over the whole town. His brother curlers closed the rink all week, and on Thursday afternoon the schools were all closed. Floral wreaths, bouquets and flowers in profusion covered the casket and room. The funeral at the home on Thursday afternoon was attended by a large concourse of friends and acquaintances from near and far, showing the respect and esteem in which he was held by all. The service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. R. Conn, assisted by Rev. W. H. Emsley, after which the beautiful burial service of the masons, who had charge of the funeral, was read at the vault. His smiling greeting will be greatly missed, not only in the home, but at the office and on the street. His friends were legion, ad expressions of sorrow an regret are heard on every hand. The bearers were Messrs. J. L. Boyes, W. H. Boyle, J. W. Robinson, J. J. Flach, F. F. Miller, and W. T. Gibbard."

Sources

• CC1861 Napanee, Lennox, PG=19 lines 24-27
• CC1871 Napanee, page=30 HH=120 lines 15-18 Family Search
• 1878 Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927 Family Search
• CC1901 Napanee, Lennox, Ontario, PG=5, HH=55 Family Search
• The Napanee Beaver for Wednesday, November 25th, 1970 -- A century old and still going. Napanee Beaver fonds - QUA - Database of Archival Holdings Queens U. Archives
• Adolphustown-Fredericksburgh Heritage Website Adolphustown-Fredericksburgh Heritage Website