No Title

MY SINCERE THANKS TO BOB JOHNSON OF QUEENS COUNTY FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN KNOCKING DOWN A BRICK WALL.

Descendants of Lachlan McPherson

Generation No. 1

1. Lachlan1 McPherson1,2,3,4 was born in Scotland. He married (1) Elizabeth Urguhart Bef. 1791. She was born in Scotland. He married (2) Hannah West. He married (3) Rebecca Cole.

Notes for Lachlan McPherson:
The following has been taken from a pen and ink article dated 1937, found amongst miscellaneous papers found in the attic of Perkins House, Liverpool, NS. Presumably it supported a talk given to Queens County Historical Society circa 1937. That society purchased the Perkins House after the death of its last occupant, and later deeded the property to the Province of Nova Scotia, which opens it to the public under operation of the Nova Scotia Musuem. Additional supportive data has been added after the end of the paper itself. Original author unknown.

LAUCHLAN MACPHERSON married ELIZABETH URQUHART in Scotland. Just here, a few words about the background of these people may not be inappropriate.

Each of them was a descendant of members of a Scottish Clan. The heads of these clansm from generation to generation, bore titles and their wives were of equal rank. The Clan was held together by its ties of blood, one surname predominating. The MacPhersons and MacKintosh Clans were rivals through 600 years for the chieftanship of the great Clan Chatton, a confederacy of 16 clans, which in addition to the two just mentioned included the MacGillivrays, Shaws, Farquharsons or Farquhars, MacPhails, Gows, Clarks, MacQueens or MacQuins, Davidsons, Gillespies and a few of whom nothing is known but the names. Excepting the MacBeans and MacPhails, and the MacGillivrays who live in Halifax, descendants of all these clans wre, or are, residents of Queens County, Nova Scotia and Bridgewater, NS.

The family of Urguhart is also of great antiquity though not as old as was the belief of a rather eccentric member of the family, Sir Thomas Urguhart, who traced his pedigree in the direct line to Adam and Eve. The name appears in records from time of Edward I when William Urquhart was heritable Sheriff of Cromartie County, Scotland, The Urguharts were a branch of the Clan Forbes.

Our records state that Lauchlan MacPherson and his wife Elizabeth settled at Sheburne, Nova Scotia, afterwards removing to Jordan /river, Nova Scotia and eventually to Liverpool, NS.

They had six children: James, Evan, Donald, John, Janet and Elizabeth. (it becomes apparent at this point that Lauchlan MacPherson was married three times. There were no children by his third wife. Therefore the following format deviates from the original to provide a greater clarity of the lineage.

Children of Lachlan McPherson and Hannah West are:
2 i. Hannah2 McPherson. She married (1) Captain James Jenkins; born in Wales. She married (2) William B. Phillips.
3 ii. James McPherson, Jr.. He married Mary Baxter; born in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Children of Lachlan McPherson and Elizabeth Urguhart are:
+ 4 i. James2 McPherson, born Abt. 1791 in Scotland or Shelbourne, Nova Scotia; died 1881 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.
5 ii. Evan McPherson5.

Notes for Evan McPherson:
Was born in Nova Scotia and removed to Pugwash.

+ 6 iii. Donald McPherson, born 1794; died July 30, 1874 in Nictaux, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.
+ 7 iv. John McPherson, died in East Boston, MA.
+ 8 v. Janet McPherson.
9 vi. Elizabeth McPherson. She married John D. Cummins; born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Generation No. 2

4. James2 McPherson (Lachlan1) was born Abt. 1791 in Scotland or Shelbourne, Nova Scotia, and died 1881 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. He married Mary Randall.

Children of James McPherson and Mary Randall are:
+ 10 i. John3 McPherson, born February 04, 1817 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia; died July 26, 1845 in North Brookfield.
11 ii. Elizabeth McPherson.
12 iii. Mary Ann McPherson.

6. Donald2 McPherson (Lachlan1) was born 1794, and died July 30, 1874 in Nictaux, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. He married Letitia Parker, daughter of Major Parker and Salome Whitman. She was born 1794, and died March 24, 1880.

Notes for Donald McPherson:
Born in Nova Scotia and settled in North Brookfield, NS. married and had two sons and several daughters (one of whom is Irene who married her first cousin, the poet John MacPherson).

Children of Donald McPherson and Letitia Parker are:
+ 13 i. Charlotte Jean (Irene)3 McPherson, born January 02, 1822 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia; died January 12, 1906 in Burdett, (Pawnee Co) Kansas.
14 ii. Elizabeth McPherson6, born 1827; died June 03, 1843. She married James German.
15 iii. David McPherson. He married Lavinia Parker December 22, 1852 in Annapolis, Nova Scotia6; born in Annopolis, Nova Scotia.

7. John2 McPherson (Lachlan1) died in East Boston, MA.

Children of John McPherson are:
16 i. Honorable David3 McPherson.
17 ii. Honorable E. M. McPherson.

8. Janet2 McPherson (Lachlan1) She married Donald McKay.

Notes for Janet McPherson:
Janeet MacPherson, the mother of the clipper ship builder, Donald MacKay, was only one example of the many MacPherson/MacKay intermarriages in Nova Scotia. Queens County can almost claim the three famous MacKay brothers as native sons because Jordan River was part of Queens County when the MacKay progenitor received his grant at that location. The detail of Donald MacKay's tombstone inscription as well as his monument at Boston may be of interest: "His bust is enshrined at the Louvre. He designed and buildt more wooden clippers than any other constructor, and almost every vessel he fashioned made a name for herself."

Notes for Donald McKay:
Donald Mckay was a disbanded soldier of the Clan MacKay who had given land grant at Jordan River, NS. Eighteen children, three of who made a world wide reputation: Donald the East Boston, Mass clipper ship builder, Lauchlan a sea captain and Nationiel a shipbuilder and economist. Another son, John settled at Hunts Point, NS had several children with only one son still living in 1937.

Children of Janet McPherson and Donald McKay are:
18 i. Donald3 McKay, born 1810; died 1880 in Boston, MA.

Notes for Donald McKay:
Donald MacKay 1810-1880. Master Builder whose Genius produced ships of beauty and speed before unknown which swept the seven seas made the American Clipper Ship famous the world over and brought renown and prosperity to the City of Boston. this monument erected by private subscription - 1933.

19 ii. Lauchlan McKay.
20 iii. Nathaniel McKay.
21 iv. John McKay.

Generation No. 3

10. John3 McPherson (James2, Lachlan1) was born February 04, 1817 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died July 26, 1845 in North Brookfield. He married Charlotte Jean (Irene) McPherson, daughter of Donald McPherson and Letitia Parker. She was born January 02, 1822 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died January 12, 1906 in Burdett, (Pawnee Co) Kansas.

Notes for John McPherson:
Of John MacPherson, the poet, the late William Marshall has this to say, "He was born at Liverpool in 1817 and died at North Brookfield, Queens County in 1845. Consumption ended his short and tragic life. He was totally unfitted for the privations of a pioneer settlement. He tried school teaching and carpentering and could not make a living, but he wrote songs in his time of ill health and despair. He was buried in a field near the Old Annapolis Road, where it crosses the hill fronting Lake Tupper. The only stone to his grave was a common roadside slate on which the widow had carved with a nail J. MacPherson, 1845. Sixty years later the loneliness of the spot stirred R.R. McLeod to collect a fund for a suitable monument. The remains of the young poet were transfered to the churchyard at North Brookfield where a modest marble inscribed with his verse and the old slate stone, resever to the community his almost forgotten name. In 1862 John MacPherson's poems were collected and edited by John Thompson, Editor of the Nova Scotian and father of the fourth premier of Canada, and published as the "Harp of Acadia, which is now (1937) very rare.

More About John McPherson:
Occupation: Poet and teacher in Kempt, Queens County, Nova Scotia

Child of John McPherson and Charlotte McPherson is:
+ 22 i. Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, born January 01, 1843 in Kempt, Queens County, Nova Scotia; died July 06, 1928 in Syracuse, Kansas.

13. Charlotte Jean (Irene)3 McPherson (Donald2, Lachlan1) was born January 02, 1822 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died January 12, 1906 in Burdett, (Pawnee Co) Kansas. She married (1) John McPherson, son of James McPherson and Mary Randall. He was born February 04, 1817 in Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died July 26, 1845 in North Brookfield. She married (2) Thomas Kempton Freeman September 27, 1848 in Nova Scotia. He was born December 10, 1819 in Milton, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died February 08 in Bear River, Nova Scotia.

More About John McPherson:
Occupation: Poet and teacher in Kempt, Queens County, Nova Scotia

Child is listed above under (10) John McPherson.

Children of Charlotte McPherson and Thomas Freeman are:
+ 23 i. Sarah C.4 Freeman, born July 15, 1849 in Harmony, Queens County, Nova Scotia.
24 ii. Susan/Susanna Freeman7, born January 04, 1852 in Milton, Queens County, Nova Scotia. She married Charles T. Aldrich.

Notes for Charles T. Aldrich:
Susan was his second wife. 1st unknown

25 iii. Elizabeth (Libbie) l. Freeman8, born November 06, 1855. She married Andrew Little West.

Notes for Elizabeth (Libbie) l. Freeman:
She had seven children

Generation No. 4

22. Mary Rebecca4 McPherson (John3, James2, Lachlan1)9,10 was born January 01, 1843 in Kempt, Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died July 06, 1928 in Syracuse, Kansas. She married Fredrick William Ruggles11 October 24, 1865 in Milton, Queens County, Nova Scotia12, son of Charles Ruggles and Eliza Travers. He was born May 10, 1840 in Alberton, Prince County, Prince Edward Island, and died January 26, 1927 in Umatilla, Florida13.

Notes for Mary Rebecca McPherson:
Obituary - July 13, 1928 - Syracuse Journal and Republican News

Mary Rebecca McPherson was born January 1, 1843 at Kempt Nova Scotia and died at the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. W.E. Patton, of Syracuse at 3:30 Friday morning, July 6th. She was united in marriage in 1864 to Fred. W. Ruggles of Summerside, Prince Edward Island and during their residence there six children were born, five of whom survive them. From Canada they moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, later coming to Kansas about 1887. They remained in this state until about eight years ago when they decided to try the balmy air of Florida for their failing health. Mr. Ruggles passed away at their home in Umatilla, Florida on January 26, 1927, after which Mrs. Ruggles came back to Syracuse to make her home with W.E. Patton and family. Though so frail and delicate in body, Mrs. Ruggles had enjoyed good health during the past year, unusual to one of her age. Her mind remained clear and active and her interest in the daily news read to her by the grandchildren did not lessen until a few days before the end. The many friends and neighbors who so faithfully called and kept her room a bower of flowers during her many happy hours of cheer and comfort.

While it was known that she was gradually failing, the sudden change on Monday night came as a shock to the family and friends. On Tuesday morning she rallied for a little while and talked with her pastor and friends who had gathered to care for her. She named her children and grandchildren and knew each one for a moment. She realized the end was near as a few words about the "boat" the "river" and Jesus were caught by the listeners. She was able to clasp her hands and say clearly, "Now I shall see Fred."

On Wednesday, her son (Benjamin) B.W. Ruggles and family arrived from Wichita and she was conscious long enough to recognize and speak to them. From then on she slept continuously until she passed peacefully away Friday morning.

Two weeks ago, mrs. Ruggles received a paper published in a city of Nova Scotia, in which was printed a two column article on the life and works of her father, John MacPherson, whose monument, erected to his memory by the people of his native land, bears the inscription: "The Bard of Arcadia." The article stated that as only a few of his books published in 1862 were in exsistence, a re-edition of them was contemplated in the near future.

Mrs. Ruggles in her girlhood gaber herself unreservedly to Christ united with the Christain church to which faith she steadily adhered through the changing scenes of the years. She was a member of Evergreen Rebekah Lodge of Syracuse and was presented with a Life Membership Certificate by this organization a few years ago.

Mrs. Ruggles led a long and useful life, for all through her life she championed temperance and prohibition movements, traveling over this state for years as an organizer and lecturer. Western Kansas was the scene of much of her activity and here she was a pioneer, working under many disadvantages, holding nothing too dear to sacrafice for the great reform to which she had pledged her life and talents. She was an interesting and powerful speaker and those who knew and heard her spoke of her as the "wee woman with a big speech."

The local W.C.T.U. of Syracuse, several years ago, made her a life member in deference to her successful labors. In the possession of her daughter is a legal document, signed by government officials at Washington DC expressing appreciation of her work for prohibition in Kansas.

Her last public work was to organize the first WCTU in Umatilla, Florida five years ago. During the past year she has been able to occassionally attend church and bible class of which she was a member. Hers was a sunny and beautiful soul and she ever sought and found the best in everyone and all who have knwon this believed sister feel sure there will be "many stars in her crown."

Though sister Ruggles received many awards during her lifetime which were priceless memories to (unable to read.....) became he tender and loving care of the children and grandchildren who ministered in her last hour of need.

The funeral services at the home of W. E. Patton at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon July 6th were conducted by Mrs. C. W. Mashin, pastor of the Christain church assisted by Rev. James P. Wiley of the Methodist Church. Her text was, "Oh, that I might fly away and be at rest. Her talk followed the thought of "rest after labor," and her review of the life of our departed sister was a comforting and touching tribute. Quartette music was rendered by Messrs Cory and Smith and Mesdames Zerbe and Reeve. By special request Mrs. Zerbe sang a favorite old hymn, "All the way my Savior leads me."

Respect and sympathy were beautifully expressed in the many floral offering which were sent by various organizations and individual friends.

Those left to mourn her loss are, Charles G. Ruggles, Boston Mass, B.W. Ruggles, Wichita Kansas, A.G. Ruggles and Mrs. Irene Elliott, Umatilla, Florida and Mrs. Louise Patton, Syracuse, Kansas, her children and one sister, Mrs. C.T. Aldrich, Berkley, California.

She was laid to rest in the Syracuse cemetery. In the words of her poet father:

"To lay the wearied body down
and soar beyond the sky
To wear an everlasting crown
why call we this - to die?

For them to close the mortal sight
to yield the mortal breath
Is but to rise to Heaven's own light
to wake from sin and death.
John McPherson

More About Mary Rebecca McPherson:
Burial: Syracuse, Kansas
Cause of death (Facts Pag: Chronic bronchitis and influenza
Fact 1: Belonged to the Womens Temperance Union

Notes for Fredrick William Ruggles:
According to death certificate Fredrick W. Ruggles had been a resident of of Florida for six years upon his death in 1927.

Alberton, PEI.

A flourishing village in Township No. 4, parish of Egmont, county of Prince. This is the principal harbour in Edmont Bay, and main rendezvous for fishing vessells, being the only port between Bedeque and Malpeque. The soil in this vicinity is very productive, 70,000 bushels of oats and 30,000 bushels of potatoes have been shipped from here in one season. Shipbuilding is carried on to a considerable extent. There is here an office of the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Co. Distant from Charlottetown 80 miles, from Summerside 43 miles. Mail bi weekly, population about 700. (1871)

Obituary - Syracuse Journal and REpublican News - Feb 4, 1927

The death occurred on Wednesday evening, January 26 of Fredrick W. Ruggles of Umatilla. The end came peacefully, the culmination of eighty six years of usefulness, the final weakening due to his great age being accelerated by nephritis of which he had been a chronic patient sufferer of for some time.

Deceased was born in the Provnce of Prince Edward Island, Canada on May 10, 1840 and had been with his wife and other members of his family a resident of Umatilla for the past six years where he lived in the evening of his life, quietly surrounded by loving members of his family.

Those of his family un Umatilla who live to mourn their loss are: his wife, Marry R; a son, A.G, a daughter Mrs. G. W. Elliott, two grandsons, F.A Ruggles and Fred Elliott. Immediate relatives of the deceased who live abroad are: Charles G. Ruggles of Boston, MA, Mrs. W. E. Patton Syracuse, Kansas, a daughter, B. W. Ruggles, Wichita, Kansas, a son.

One of natures noblemen, the sturdy old gentleman had the universal love and admiration of all who knew him and his friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

Funeral services were held Thursday from the residence at Collins Street. Interment was to Glendale Cemetery immediately following, the body being prepared for burial by I.E. Beyers. - The Umatilla (Florida) Tribune.

More About Fredrick William Ruggles:
Burial: Glendale Cemetery
Death Certificate: #1055 - State of Florida, Lake County
Occupation: Painter of houses and carriages14

Children of Mary McPherson and Fredrick Ruggles are:
26 i. Irene Anvira5 Ruggles, born March 12, 1866; died October 28, 1867.

Notes for Irene Anvira Ruggles:
died young. Reference from the Public Archives and Records office, letter dated Sept 27, 1999.

More About Irene Anvira Ruggles:
Baptism: April 01, 1866, Christ Church, Kildare
Burial: Old Dock Presberterian Cemetery, Alberton

27 ii. Charles Gilbert Ruggles, born June 05, 1868. He married Rose M Bowers in Watertown, MA.
+ 28 iii. Arthur Gidney Ruggles, born September 12, 1872 in Prince Edward Island, Alberton, Prince Co,; died August 14, 1938 in Larned, Kansas.
29 iv. Benjamin J. W. Ruggles, born 1874; died December 07, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas. He married Mararite E. Gross in Kansas.
30 v. Irene Ruggles, born March 17, 1875; died August 20, 1962 in Frostproof, Florida. She married George Elliott in Kansas.
+ 31 vi. Louise Ruggles, born July 04, 1879 in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia; died August 31, 1976 in Syracuse, Kansas.

23. Sarah C.4 Freeman (Charlotte Jean (Irene)3 McPherson, Donald2, Lachlan1)15 was born July 15, 1849 in Harmony, Queens County, Nova Scotia. She married Edwin Bamford Beals, son of Issac Beals. He was born 1843 in Annapolis, Nova Scotia or Queens County, Nova Scotia, and died December 24, 1912 in Montral, quebec.

Children of Sarah Freeman and Edwin Beals are:
32 i. Irene5 Beals.
33 ii. Effie Beals.
34 iii. Jessie Beals.
35 iv. Arcibald Beals.
36 v. Pearl Beals.
37 vi. Chester Beals.
38 vii. Lee Beals.
39 viii. Mabel Beals.
40 ix. Lyle Beals.
41 x. Andrew Beals, born 1884; died January 18, 1895 in Blaine, Maine.

Generation No. 5

28. Arthur Gidney5 Ruggles (Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1) was born September 12, 1872 in Prince Edward Island, Alberton, Prince Co,, and died August 14, 1938 in Larned, Kansas16. He married (1) Elizabeth (Bessie) J. Haskins17,18 Abt. 1900 in Massachusetts. She was born November 1874 in Providence, Rhode Island. He married (2) Helen Katherine Doherty19 Abt. 1903 in Boston, MA, daughter of P. Doherty. She was born April 03, 1883 in East Boston, Mass., and died December 17, 1917 in Dodge City, Kansas.

More About Arthur Gidney Ruggles:
Burial: August 15, 1938, Larned State Hospital, Kansas, cemetery middle row
Cause of death (Facts Pag: Mentingo Encephalitis
Occupation: Painter

More About Helen Katherine Doherty:
Burial: December 1917, Maple Grove Cemetery, Lot 3, Block 84 Div 3, Matt Down Rd, Dodge City, KS 67801
Fact 1: Remembered as always singing

Child of Arthur Ruggles and Elizabeth Haskins is:
42 i. Mary Louise6 Ruggles20, born December 04, 1899.

Children of Arthur Ruggles and Helen Doherty are:
+ 43 i. Fredrick Arthur6 Ruggles, born August 08, 1904 in Woburn, MA; died March 25, 1965 in Florida.
44 ii. Mary Helen Ruggles, born March 03, 1905 in Woburn, MA; died January 14, 1992 in Kansas. She married Siguard Peterson in Topeka, Kansas.
+ 45 iii. Alice Mae Ruggles, born December 07, 1907 in Stoneham, MA; died January 24, 1999 in Queen Creek, Maricopa, AZ.
46 iv. Gladys Love Ruggles, born September 25, 1910 in Woburn, MA; died January 1996 in Magnolia, Larue, KY. She married Otis Gillock21 in Kentucky; born 1925 in Ky; died December 1993 in Elizabethtown, KY.
+ 47 v. Willietta Louise Ruggles, born February 24, 1913 in Belpie, Kansas; died August 23, 1950 in Chicago, Ill.
+ 48 vi. Charles Edward Ruggles, born July 23, 1915 in Kinsley, Kansas; died October 10, 1974 in Kansas.
+ 49 vii. Helen Kathrine Ruggles, LIVING

31. Louise5 Ruggles (Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1)22 was born July 04, 1879 in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and died August 31, 1976 in Syracuse, Kansas23. She married William Patton. He was born May 30, 1878, and died March 1965.

More About Louise Ruggles:
Burial: Syracuse Cemetery
Cause of death (Facts Pag: Cerebral infaraction - celebral sclerosis
Death Certificate: 76-012893
Funeral Home: McFadden Mortuary - Syracuse, Kansas
Occupation: Housewife

Child of Louise Ruggles and William Patton is:
+ 50 i. Fern6 Patton.

Generation No. 6

43. Fredrick Arthur6 Ruggles (Arthur Gidney5, Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1) was born August 08, 1904 in Woburn, MA, and died March 25, 1965 in Florida. He married LaVonne McKibben in Colorado. She was born June 24, 1905, and died June 1972.

Children of Fredrick Ruggles and LaVonne McKibben are:
51 i. Elizabeth7 Ruggles.
52 ii. James Fredrick Ruggles.
53 iii. Elsie Pearl Ruggles.

45. Alice Mae6 Ruggles (Arthur Gidney5, Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1)24 was born December 07, 1907 in Stoneham, MA, and died January 24, 1999 in Queen Creek, Maricopa, AZ. She married John Vance in Macksville, Kansas.

Children of Alice Ruggles and John Vance are:
54 i. Katherine7 Vance.
55 ii. John Fredrick Vance.
56 iii. Sally Vance.

47. Willietta Louise6 Ruggles (Arthur Gidney5, Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1) was born February 24, 1913 in Belpie, Kansas, and died August 23, 1950 in Chicago, Ill. She married Chick DeRensis in Chicago, Ill.

Child of Willietta Ruggles and Chick DeRensis is:
57 i. Celeste Dorothy7 DeRensis.

48. Charles Edward6 Ruggles (Arthur Gidney5, Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1)25 was born July 23, 1915 in Kinsley, Kansas, and died October 10, 1974 in Kansas. He married Velma Laura Compton in Kansas. She was born October 10, 191526, and died June 198726.

Nickname: Bob
Occupation: commercial artist

Children of Charles Ruggles and Velma Compton are:
+ 58 i. Laura Lea7 Ruggles,
+ 59 ii. William Irl Ruggles
60 iii. Jacqueline Mae Ruggles,.
61 iv. Thomas Charles Ruggles,
62 v. Robert Patrick Ruggles

49. Helen Kathrine6 Ruggles (Arthur Gidney5, Mary Rebecca4 McPherson, John3, James2, Lachlan1)29. She married (1) Elford L. Thomas

Children of Helen Ruggles and Elford Thomas are:
+ 63 i. Carolyn Lee7 Thomas, LIVING
+ 64 ii. Patricia Ann Thomas, born July 04, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA; died September 30, 1975 in Norwalk, CA.
65 iii. Nancy Jean Thomas, born January 31, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA; died April 01, 1947 in Los Angeles, CA.

McPherson's of Queens County, Nova Scotia

Nancy Mills