HISTORY OF BOWMANVILLE
Part 33
By Mr. J. B. Fairbairn, P. M.
Being so near the Scotch Thistle, I am reminded of another Scottish household who have always been mixed up with the commercial affairs of Bowmanville since they arrived. Coming into prominence about the time of the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856, "Kilmarnock" is an ancient burgh lying within twenty miles of Glasgow. Famous for the blue bonnets which are so largely manufactured there and for carpets Kidderminsters are turned out in such quantities that there is only one other place in all Scotland that exceeds them. It is surrounded by one of the most fertile and rich districts in the kingdom being noted for the immense quantity of cheese sold from there. Above all it is in the county of Ayrshire, which has been immortalized in many a song by Robert Burns, his place of birth being not far from this celebrated town. A fine monument to perpetuate his memory is among the first attractions of the place. About three miles out there was a farm which was in the tena
ncy of the Murdoch’s for three generations. I have heard our Mr. Peter Murdoch so often dilate on the place and the youthful days he spent in the old stone house and about the yards and grounds, that I feel somewhat as if I had myself at some time been a visitor at Gruger Mains-that is the name of the holding. He grew up as most Scottish lad do in a highly religious atmosphere. I have no doubt but that the home was modelled on the lines so truthfully and graphically portrayed by Burns in his "Cotter’s Saturday Night," and also in industrious habits. There could have been no loafing or killing time on that farm where it took every effort and all the skill they possessed to pay the high rents demanded by the landlord and which he had no difficulty in getting when the place became vacant. It was one of great productiveness. They had also a large family to provide for. I knew three of the brothers and they were all workers.
It was in the pursuit of healthy occupation that Peter Murdoch got his muscular strength so developed that it has and still enables him to bear the great physical strain to which he has been subjected. At 18 years of age he left Kilmarnock, in which he spent some time in getting a rudimentary training in the grocery department and went into the great teeming city of Glasgow to try his hand among the crowd who were full of strenuous efforts to come out ahead in their worldly pursuits. He got on there very well and for a short time tried it on his own account. During his experience there he got a thorough knowledge of his calling. I question if there is a more thoroughly competent grocer in town today.
As Peter grew older he began to speculate as to his future and realized the fact that all the world was not centred in Glasgow and having so far conquered the difficulties of his new position he felt it incumbent on him to look out for a wider arena in which to strive for that which is in the eye of every Scotchman the main thing to win the bawbees.
I have been of late following the path that so many have apparently been compelled to tread that I am almost growing to be a fatalist. There seems so much that is tragic and unaccountable in every cast that comes under my cognizance. If Peter as a boy riding on the old cart over the broad acres of his native place could have foreseen what fate had in store for him in the future, I fancy he would have shrunk from the undertaking if he could have done so. However wild a flight of fancy his imaginings might have taken it could not have pictured him anything like the actual facts. Could any willpower of his own have altered the issue? I doubt it very much. He laid his plans with care after getting all the information he could as to the best place in which to spend his energies. At last he set his face towards this fair land where so many have risen from just such humble beginnings to the height of worldly prosperity.
Peter first put his foot down in the delightful neighboring town of Cobourg, then one of the most important in the counties where it is situated. He had relatives there who had preceded him from home and this accounts for his entrance there as a suppliant at the foot of Dame Fortune for success. He took service for one year with a firm who were following the same kind of trade. It was then he got a knowledge of the methods adopted generally in Canada which he found widely different from those prevailing in such a city as Glasgow. Tea and sugar were not doled out in pennyworth’s and other things in like quantities. Full of desire to make a name for himself he again set out on the hunt for some good locality where to put up his sign manual, "Peter Murdoch, Dealer in all kinds of Groceries."
Shall we say whether it was fate, chance or wise judgment that brought Peter Murdoch to our little town? At any rate, he turned up here as bright and smiling as a daisy by the river’s brink. I shall never forget my first interview with him. Fair and fresh, full of vitality, his eye which even yet has a peculiar brilliancy was glistening like a star. Can you guess, my friends, what was the cause? Tell it not in Gath. The Canadian Whiskey was not like the stuff smelling of the peat reek and to which he had been accustomed when he did use it in Glasgow. He had not properly gauged its strength and although not "fou", still he had a wee drappy in his eye and this so brightened up his faculties that it did not take him long to reckon up the pros and cons and lead him to a prompt decision in our favor which was a wise one. I must, however, do him justice, for when I have occasionally jogged his memory he labours under the halucination that it was I and not he, who was the guilty
part. This was in 1857.
Mr. Murdoch’s first efforts were put forth in the brick building in the West End where Mr. Wm. Fishleigh who is a skilled operator does some mechanical engineering. He shortly afterwards removed to a larger place across the street now used as a dwelling and owned by the Ruebottom estate. About a year after he commenced, his elder brother, the late John Murdoch joined him in the enterprise and it became Murdoch Brothers. Subsequently they bought a brick building from John D. Fee now owned by Mr. C. M. Cauwker. They did a large lucrative trade and heaped up money rapidly. A fire occurring completely destroyed the shop, making a clean sweep of the stock as well. By this they were heavy losers. Nothing daunted they went at it again with full purpose and it was not long before with the co-operation of the man who owned the east half that there arose from the ashes of the old one the present handsome Beaver Block.
After they re-stocked things went on swimmingly but darke days were in store. Like so many who by an undue ambition to increase their means are induced to undertake something that they do not understand, forgetting the advice to "let well enough alone," and this is what happened to the then prosperous firm. They ran up against the dry goods and came badly to grief. The tide which they had taken at the flow and which led on to fortune began to ebb and they did not afterwards stem the tide. John who was a man of firmness and marked intelligence came to Canada not with a view to a mercantile life but he intended following the cultivation of the soil, the intricacies of which he had a complete knowledge. I take it that the allurements of business, it being supposed a much easier way of earning the needful, induced him to change his plans. He never took kindly to an indoor life. He was a shrewd pushing Scot and saw an opportunity for making money more rapidly in the apple trade
which was then growing to be a large spot on the horizon and likely to become an important element in the material well being of this part of Ontario. This suited him exactly and he gave it his personal attention, buying packing and shipping this delicious fruit across the Atlantic. By his honest careful dealing he got a name in the old country market which when placed on the barrels commanded a ready sale. He was indeed a pioneer in this industry which has grown in late years to such a prodigous extent. He continued a large shipper up to the time of his unfortunate illness which resulted in his death last 20th of April. Although stern and quick in manner his heart was always sound. Up to his last days he took an interest in all that related to the world around him.
The other brother William Murdoch, was out in Canada for a few years and spent a portion of the time here. He went back and died and as Stephenson says: "Sleeps under good Scotch clods".
There were three sisters, Elizabeth, the eldest married at home and lived for a long time in Helensburg, a suburb of Glasgow. The last year or two of her life she spent here and left for the better land from Bowmanville. Of the other two, Janet and Mary, the former after a long busy life sleeps also in our well kept, lovely cemetery. Mary, the youngest, is still able to look after her household affairs and Mr. Peter Murdoch resides with erh. The Murdoch’s have all been numbered among those who have most loyally supported spiritually and financially the cause of Presbyterianism, not only locally but in the bounds of the Presbytery.
Mr. Peter Murdoch married Mary, daughter of the late Alexander Beith. She was the very quintessence of kindness, our dear friend and neigbor. No one ever lived in her house no matter in what capacity who did not receive attention and help in some direction from her. She had a mind and will of her own. Both in the church and domestic life her opinions were of great value. Her influence was not confined to her own immediate relatives but spread out and took in a large circle around her. Her sterling worth made her deeply regretted when death came. Knowing her all my life, I am able to write of her from personal knowledge.
If you would like to know the family record in public affairs, religious convictions and national sentiment, just strike Peter when he is leaving the Post Office on the proper day and you will ascertain the kind of pabulum on which their brains are nourished. His hand firmly clasps the Daily Globe, The Presbyterian and the Scottish American – pretty good diet for Scottish Grits. Miss Kate Murdoch is the only young representative of the Murdoch family in the Province of Ontario.
Mrs. Murdoch’s only sister, Christina, grew up in the township of Clarke where her early life was spent. The homestead lay on the boundary between the two townships. It was a well known place. There was always an open door there for the numerous friends who so often enjoyed their hospitality. Twenty-three years or more ago, Mr. Beith decided to retire from active work and moved into town. He rented "Beaconfield" on Liberty St. and from there she was married to Mr. William McKay who was born and frew up in the township of Pickering. His parents were among the first settlers in that rich township. The father bore the distinguishing characteristics of his clan. William was very much like his father in personal appearance. The family were among the most prominent people in that section. Mrs. McKay, Sr., was a sister of Mrs. Daniel Galbraith, Queen Street. After William came to Bowmanville he gave his attention to kook-keeping. He w
as an expert accountant and among other positions held that of Secretary-Treasurer of the Dominion Organ & Piano Company. This important post he efficiently filled. While in the full vigour of his manhood he was suddenly cut down having only left his place at the desk some two days. When this sad news which came like an electric shock was heard, it was keenly felt by the whole community. Indeed, they could scarecly realize the terrible fact. He was very popular indeed and much liked by the employees of the Company as well as the employers. Although outspoken and independent in his opinions he was so genial that he grew and held a large place in the estimation of his fellow citizens.
After her husband’s death, Mrs. McKay purchased the beautiful house and grounds already referred to an has made it a permanent home. The remarks made in reference to Mrs. Murdoch apply with equal force to Mrs. McKay. She has been a blessing to all around her. Her brothers, James and Robert Beith reside with her.
Mr. James B. Fairbairn, P M. underwent a very critical surgical operation at the General Hospital, Toronto, performed by Dr. Cameron, last Wednesday. We are glad to hear from Miss Fairbairn who is with him that he stood the operation exceedingly well and altho’ he has suffered severe pain since he is doing very well and progressing as well as can be expected for man of his advanced age. His numerous friends will be delighted to hear of his complete restoration to health and return to duty. Dr. John Hoskin, K. C. who is ever mindful of his West Durham friends was one of the first to call to see Mr. Fairbairn after the operation, and has visited him different times since.
Next - Bowmanville and Darlington History Part 34
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