Petheram Portraits

During the 1840’s a new wave of settlers arrived in Norfolk County from the British Isles and continental Europe. Among them were Richard Petheram (1815-1888), his wife Elizabeth (Betsey) Baker (1813-1864) and their young children Emma 7, Samuel 4, Eliza Jane (Jennie) 2, Henry Walter 1 and infant Susan Ann. They emigrated from Somerset County, England on the ship Dependant, E. Dobson, Captain and arrived at Quebec on June 27, 1843. The baby Susan Ann died during the crossing on April 13, 1843.

The family settled on Lot 22, Concession 3, Walsingham Township northwest of the village of St. Williams on what was locally known as the Tinkertown Road. Here five more children were born to the couple—Susan Ann (1845) named after the infant who died at sea, Sarah Baker (1846), Elizabeth M. (1848), Margaret Helen (1850), John Baker (1853) and Alice Maud (1854).

This Petheram family picture was taken before the passing of Elizabeth Baker Petheram in 1864. The portraits on this page were provided by descendant researcher Diane Wheeler.

In the 1852 Census of Walsingham Township, Richard Petheram was listed as a cordwainer then in the business directory section of the 1856 Tremaine map under the heading of “Manufacturers & Dealers in Boots & Shoes.” He was listed in the 1861 Census of Walsingham as a shoemaker and moved soon after to Rockford, Townsend Twp. where he continued his occupation as a shoemaker.

After his first wife died Richard married widow Phebe (Decew) Wilder (c. 1814-1880) and had two more children Mary C. (1869) and Margaret (1873). He then married a third time to Margaret (Robinson) Cooper and had a son Charles Richard (1880).

Elizabeth Baker Petheram, first wife of Richard Petheram died on March 31, 1864. She had nine children born on both sides of the Atlantic between 1836 and 1854 and lost one during the crossing in 1843. She was buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Renton, Townsend Twp. and her husband was buried beside her in 1888.