Matthew Wilkins ^{474,475,476,477,478}

  General Notes:

Matthew WILKINS, 26, Co. Sligo Ireland, Mono, s/o Matthew & Ann WILKINS, married Sarah LITTLE, 18, Mono, same, d/o George & Alice LITTLE, witn; William FORD of Adjala. 24 July, 1858 http://virts.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maryc/simcoe58.htm

WILKINS DEAD. - Was One of Orangeville's Oldest Citizens and Fenian Raid Veteran. - Mr. Matthew Wilkins, one of Orangeville's oldest citizens, died at the family residence on Zina St. about 8 o'clock on Monday evening at the ripe age of 86 years. Deceased had been confined to the house for perhaps three months, but had only been bedfast for the last two weeks. His death was due to general breakdown resulting from extreme old age. The late Mr. Wilkins was born in County Sligo, Ireland and came to Canada when about 18 years of age. A short time after his arrival he settled in Mono township, where he farmed for a number of years. About 50 years ago he moved to Orangeville and opened a real estate and insurance office. This business he has carried on ever since, in recent years in partnership with his son George, who intends to continue the business. Mr. Wilkins was one of Orangeville's young men in the stirring times of the Fenian Raid. His loyalty and ardour impelled him to volunteer for the defence of his country and he enlisted and served through the Raid with the Orangeville militia company As one of the veterans of the Raid he received his medal from the Government, the grant of $100 voted a few years ago and a land grant in New Ontario. Deceased was a member of the Methodist Church, a pronounced Conservative and was formerly identified with the Orange and A.O.U.W. Orders. He was closely attentive to his business affairs and until last year or so was seldom absent from his office in business hours. As a citizen he was held in general esteem and he will be greatly missed by many old and tried friends. He was married to Miss Sarah Little, a daughter of the late George Little, of Mono. His widow and a family of four sons and three daughters survive. The sons and daughters are: -- Matthew, of Regina, Sask., Will and Chas., of Killarney, Man., George, of Orangeville, Mrs. Will Richardson, of Winnipeg, Mrs. D. Grierson and Mrs. Geo. Switzer of Toronto. The sympathy of their many friends is extended to the widow and family in their time of sorrow. There was a large attendance of friends and townsepeople at the funeral which was held to the Forest Lawn Cemetery at 2.30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Rev. G. W. Robinson and Rev. G. W. Tebbs conducted services at the house and grave and members of the Methodist Church choir led in the song service. There were numerous beautiful floral offerings. The pallbearers were Matthew and Geo. Wilkins, two of the sons, D. Grierson, a son-in-law, Roy Switzer, a grandson, T. J. Wilkins, a nephew, and Wm. Little, a brother-in-law.

CHAN: _WT_USER phild

Matthew married Sarah Little, daughter of George Little and Alice Francis Barber, on 24 Jul 1858 in Mono, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. (Sarah Little was born in 1838 in Mono, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada, died on 4 Apr 1934 in Parkside Private Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Orangeville, Dufferin, Ontario, Canada.)

  Marriage Notes:

MARR: _UID 6F7F16FF-D7D5-473B-8FE6-479866A4213B
MARR: RIN MH:FF896