SKETCH XIV
THE CLAN McCALL
Far was it from the mind of Donald McCall when he gazed upon his native heath in “Auld Scotia” for the last time that he was to become a founder of a mighty clan McCall in an interior part of the New World, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness roamed over by savages. Indeed, when he landed on our shore with his family, on that 5th day of June 1796,[1] he could not have dreamed of the wonderful increase of his posterity which one short century would bring about. Donald was well advanced in years when he built his log cabin on Lot 18, 4th concession of Charlotteville more than a hundred years ago; and to-day his great-grandson, the present Reeve of Charlotteville, is the owner and occupant of a part of this same old homestead. And right here lies the secret of the high standing attained by the family in the social circles of the township. While other families broke up and scattered, some going into other portions of the Province, and many others floating off to the great American Republic, the McCalls possessed an abiding faith in the land of their birth, and remained at home. All through the century they seem to have been actuated with the idea that old Charlotteville was good enough for them. In fact, it seems to be a principal inherent in the family to cling to the old land-marks. This love of home and of home institutions have made them numerous in the land where their old Highland forefather settled; and it has placed them in comfortable circumstances and made them influential and highly respectable. The social fabric of South Norfolk is so interwoven with the McCall element that it would fall to pieces were that element eliminated. In public matters it is the same. Whoever saw a Charlotteville Council or a County Council without a McCall factor in it? And they are not content with framing municipal by-laws; they must take part in provincial legislation; and so we find the names of two different members of the family on the county list of past parliamentary representatives. Another principle inherited from the man who fought England’s battles for seven years, is the principle of loyalty to British institutions. This is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the McCall family. The war of 1812 brought them to the front in the Norfolk Militia. In fact, there was no important action taken by our militia during those troubleous times that was not aided by a McCall acting as colonel, major or captain.
Donald McCall and Elsie Simpson had five sons—John, Duncan, Daniel, James and Hugh; and three daughters—Catherine, Elizabeth and Mary.[2] The old pioneer was past sixty when he came to Long Point. He settled on the lot mentioned on account of its rich, natural pasture advantages and its water priviledges. He died early in the century, being survived by his wife several years.[3] The history of his early manhood is given in the sketch entitled “Two Highland Lads.”
John McCall, eldest son of Donald, was ten years old when the colonies threw off their allegiance, and thirty when the family came to Long Point. He married Martha McCool, and settled on Lot 18, 6th concession of Charlotteville, which he received as a U. E. Loyalist grant. He was possessed of a rough-and-ready nature, and was a conspicuous personage in the settlement. He was endowed with a coarse vein of humour, and being an expert hunter, was one of the best known characters of his time. He died in 1839, in his 74th year, leaving one son, Daniel. His wife died in 1858, at the age of ninety.[4]
Daniel McCall, only son of John, married Janet, daughter of William Cowan, and succeeded to the homestead. He died in 1854, in his 48th year, leaving an only son, Daniel, who is the present owner of the old homestead.
Major Duncan McCall,[5] second son of Donald, was born in Baskingridge, Somerset County, New Jersey, in 1768.[6] He married Jemima, sister of the original Noah Fairchild, and was the only son married when the family came to Long Point. Duncan remained behind one year and came in 1797 with a stock of merchandise, which he disposed of in the manner described in sketch entitled “Old Fort Monroe.” He was newly married, and his young bride came with the families in 1796. After spending a few years in merchandising—notably in the fur trade—he settled on his government grant, being Lot 22, 5th concession of Charlotteville.[7] In 1798 his young wife died, leaving an infant son, Daniel, and a baby daughter, Margaret. This young mother is the subject of the sketch entitled, “A Young Mother’s Grave.” Mr. McCall married a second time; and by his second wife, Mrs. Lockwood, he had one son, Duncan.
In 1824 Major McCall was elected to a seat in the Provincial Parliament, retaining it until 1833, when he was stricken down with cholera while in Toronto attending to his official duties. He died in his 64th year.
Major Daniel McCall, elder son of Duncan, was probably, the first white child born in Charlotteville. He married Hannah, daughter of Robert Shearer, and settled on the homestead. The children in this family who grew up were three sons—Daniel A., Francis and Simpson; and one daughter, who married William Nevett. All settled at or near St. Williams.[8]
Duncan McCall, younger son of Duncan, married Naoma, daughter of Oliver Mabee, and settled on Lot 12, 5th Concession of Charlotteville. He had two sons—Samuel and Oliver. Subsequently, he married Rhoda Mann, by whom he had one son, Joseph, who settled at Vittoria.[9]
Margaret McCall, only daughter of Duncan, was left a motherless babe in the little settlement a hundred years ago. She married Aquilla M. Walsh and settled on the Walsh homestead. Her children are enumerated in the Walsh family genealogy.
Lieut.-Col. Daniel McCall, third son of Donald, was born in the New Jersey home in 1772, and was twenty-four years old when the family came to the settlement. He married Jane Decew, of Sussex County, New Jersey, and settled on Lots 22 and 23, 6th concession of Charlotteville. This son of the old Highlander inherited much of his father’s martial spirit. He served in the war of 1812 as captain of a company, and was at the battle of Fort Erie. He was at “Malcolm’s Mill” with his company, and in justice to Captain McCall and his men be it said, they maintained their military integrity until all else had broken ranks and fled. In the sketch entitled “Grandfather’s Tales of the War of 1812,” an account is given of the part he played in the capture of the “Dickson bandits.” Daniel McCall worked his way up in the Norfolk militia from corporal to lieutenant-colonel.
In about 1798 he built a frame house on his land,[10] and many years afterwards it was moved to Vittoria, and is at present occupied as a dwelling.
Colonel McCall died in 1848, in his 77th year, and his wife died two years afterwards, in her 79th year. He left three sons—Duncan, Daniel and William; and two daughters—Elsie and Mary.[11]
Duncan McCall, eldest son of Colonel Daniel, married Fanny Harvey, settled in the Gore of Woodhouse and had three sons—James Harvey, Edwin and Charles; and two daughters—Harriet and Isabel.
Daniel McCall, second son of Colonel Daniel, was a school teacher. He taught a term in the Kitchen school-house, after which, his health failing, he went south, where he died with smallpox.
William McCall, third son of Colonel Daniel, married Elizabeth McCoy, and settled on the homestead. He had two daughters—Maria and Rebecca, both of whom died single.
Elsie McCall, elder daughter of Colonel Daniel, married Charles Perley, and settled in Burford. She had four sons—Daniel, Charles, Thomas and Allen; and five daughters—Helen, Alice, Elizabeth, Phoebe and Charlotte. Mr. Perley’s farm comprised five hundred acres. He employed a large number of men, and in harvest time Mrs. Perley cooked meals, sometimes for as many as 120 persons.
Mary McCall, younger daughter of Colonel Daniel, married Jacob McKenna, and settled on Lot 19, 5th concession of Charlotteville. She had two sons—Daniel W. and Van Ranssaelar; and two daughters—Jane and Charlotte. The family moved to the States.
James McCall, fourth son of Donald, was born in 1781, and was fifteen years old when the family came to Upper Canada. He married Nancy McQueen and after a short stay near Port Rowan, settled on the old homestead near Vittoria. He had seven sons—Simpson, Daniel, James A., John H., David W., Duncan and Jacob; and three daughters—Phoebe, Elsie and Susan. Mr. McCall died comparatively a young man, leaving a widow with a large family of small children, the eldest of whom, Simpson, was only about thirteen years old.
Simpson, eldest son of James, married Priscilla Lamport, and succeeded to the homestead. He had four sons—James H., George D., Thomas Simpson and Malcolm J.; and two daughters— Mary and Martha. A sketch of Mr. McCall’s life is given elsewhere under the title, “Comforts of Old Age.”
Daniel McCall, second son of James, died single.
James A. McCall, third son of James, went to the Western States, married and had two daughters.[12]
John H. McCall, fourth son of James, married Ann Cowan and settled on part of the homestead. He had four sons—William, Arthur, Angus and John; and five daughters—Nancy, Margaret, Mary Ann, Hannah and Emma. John succeeded to the homestead.[13]
David W. McCall, fifth son of James, married Harriet Mann, and settled on Lots 15 and 16, 7th Concession of Charlotteville. He had five sons—Alexander, Thomas, Frank, Louis and Walter; and three daughters—Caroline, Ettie and Hannah. The two eldest sons acquired considerable wealth in the lumbering business- Alexander being well known ex-Mayor of Simcoe.[14]
Duncan McCall, sixth son of James, settled in California.
Jacob McCall, youngest son of James, married Sarah Palmerston and settled on Lot 8, 1st concession of Charlotteville. He had one son, James W.; and two daughters—Susan and Mary. All settled in the States.[15]
Phoebe McCall, eldest daughter of James, married, and settled in the States.[16]
Elsie McCall, the second daughter, married William Goodland, and settled in Charlotteville. She had several children but all died in childhood.
Susan McCall, youngest daughter of James, married Chauncey Huff, and died young, leaving no children.
Of James McCall’s family, Simpson and Jacob, the eldest and youngest, are the sole survivors.
Hugh McCall, youngest son of Donald, was the baby, being only three years old when the family landed at the mouth of Big Creek in 1796. He married Eamer, daughter of Captain John Haveland, of Townsend. He was possessed of a roaming disposition and was fond of adventure. Having a strong predilection for boating, he purchased a vessel of Cross & Fisher, and engaged in the shipping business, carrying surplus products from Long Point ports to Buffalo and other points, returning with merchandise and such supplies as were in demand in the settlement. Late in the season of 1819, he was caught in the ice off Port Rowan, while trying to make that port with salt and other supplies. This caused a salt famine in the settlement, and salt went up to two dollars a barrel. Mr. McCall was awarded a grant of land in the township of Sombra, but he could not tie himself down to the task of improving it. For a time he engaged in the fur traffic. Finally he went to California, and did not return until he had grown old. He died in 1873, in his 81st year.[17] His family settled near Port Stanley. His son Allen, kept a hotel for several years on the St. Thomas and Port Stanley gravel road. Subsequently, he moved to St. Thomas, where he died. George McCall, son of Hugh, was a carpenter, and he settled in Yarmouth, where he raised a family. Hugh had a daughter, Sarah, who died single.
Catherine McCall, eldest daughter of Donald, was born in 1770, and came to the settlement at the age of twenty-six, being the wife of Lieut. James Monroe. Her children are enumerated in the Monroe family genealogy.
Elizabeth McCall, second daughter of Donald, came to the settlement when she was fourteen years old, and became the wife of the original Noah Fairchild. Her children are enumerated in the Fairchild family genealogy.
Mary McCall, youngest daughter of Donald, was only nine years old when she came to the wilderness of Norfolk. She married Ephraim Cole Mitchell, and settled in Charlotteville. In 1815 they settled in Bayham, where they lived the remainder of their lives. In the Mitchell family were three sons—Thomas, Simpson and George; and two daughters—Elsie and Mary Ann. Thomas is still living; George married Jane Harvey, and settled in Houghton; Elsie married a man named Stansell, and settled in Bayham; and Mary Ann married James McGuire, a shoemaker, and settled in Houghton.
The McCall genealogy, as given in this sketch, was dictated by Simpson McCall, Esq., in his ninety-first year, from memory, which is a most remarkable feat for any man, young or old, to perform.
[1] The date of June 5, 1796 for the arrival of the McCall party at Big Creek, Walsingham Township, Norfolk County is from family tradition. Donald McCall, his son John McCall, and Patrick Haggarty formed “Haggarty and McCall Associates” in New Jersey and made a first visit to the area a year earlier in June 1795 at which time they petitioned for a tract of land for 100 settlers. They then returned to New Jersey to find little interest. Donald and John McCall brought a small settlement party to Upper Canada a year later. The Secretary of the Executive Council noted on the above petition that on June 28, 1796, John McCall appeared personally before the Council to make application for his grant at Long Point. (Source: Upper Canada Land Petition “H” Bundle 1, Doc. No. 78). The McCall party’s settlement was noted in a document of July 25, 1796 filed with the Surveyor General’s Office. This letter signed by Donald McCall stated that he brought the following settlers into the Province: Elihu Price, Thomas Price, Robert Henderson, Noah Fairchild, James Blaney, David Ream and James Monro. Source: “Settlement Files” Archives of Ontario RG 1, Series A-1-7; MS 892, Reel 10. See also “Donald McCall, UE” by R. Robert Mutrie in The Long Point Settlers Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2
[2] An additional daughter of Donald McCall mentioned in McCall family records was Margaret McCall who was born c. 1779 and died on October 27, 1785
[3] The commemorative gravestones erected in after years in McCall-Fairchild Cemetery, Charlotteville Twp. gives Donald McCall’s death date as July 18, 1819 and Elsie’s as March 27, 1837.
[4] John McCall had two children mentioned in his will—John and Daniel McCall. The elder son John Jr., born in 1799 married Charity Wilson and farmed in Charlotteville Twp. where he was recorded in the 1852 Census. There were seven children in the John McCall Jr. family—Mary Ann, born April 19, 1823, married James Carrow; Margaret Ann, born April 16 1825, died June 23, 1841; Elsie Elizabeth, born June 10, 1827, married Henry Olds; James Alexander, born 1831, died 1832; John Henry, born February 19, 1834, married Barbara Leask; Phoebe, born c. 1835, married Daniel Walter Walsh; and Cynthia Jane, born c. 1839, married Henry B. Palmerton. The younger son of John Sr—Daniel McCall, born c. 1807 married Janet Cowan and farmed on his father’s homestead, also recorded in the 1852 Census. His only child Daniel William McCall, born on August 3, 1854 married Mary Elizabeth Cowan. (Source: Will of John McCall, filed in Norfolk County Surrogate Registry, Early Series, Archives of Ontario GS 1, Reel 249)
[5] During the War of 1812, Duncan McCall served as a Captain in the First Regiment of the Norfolk County Militia, recorded in the County Muster Rolls as such until 1814. No record has yet been found of a promotion to the position of Major.
[6] The gravestone of Duncan McCall in McCall-Fairchild Cemetery, Charlotteville Twp. states that he died on November 25, 1832 aged 63 years and 7 days. This would place his birthdate on November 18, 1769.
[7] Duncan McCall’s Crown Grant comprised Lot 18, Concession 5 and Lot 24, Concession 6, Charlotteville Township recorded in the township Abstracts of Deeds Register. On June 25, 1798, Duncan McCall applied for and received a Crown Lease on Lot 23, Concession 5, Charlotteville Township (Upper Canada Land Petition “M” Leases 1798-1823, Doc. No. 9). He sold his Crown Grants and Lot 23 became his homestead, not Lot 22 as stated by E. A. Owen. Duncan later bought out the Crown Lease, his purchase recorded in the Abstract Index of deeds. At his death, Duncan willed the homestead to his older son Daniel. (Source: London District Surrogate Registry, Doc. No. 202)
[8]The Register pages in the Daniel McCall Family Bible, copy at the Norfolk Historical Society Archives, show three additional children. The oldest son James Duncan McCall, born on 27 Feb 1822, died on 18 Aug 1872 according to his gravestone in McCall-Fairchild Cemetery, Charlotteville Township. He married Frances Anne Isabella McKay and farmed at Vittoria, Charlotteville Township recorded in the 1852 Census. Rachel Jemima McCall, born 18 Sep 1827, died on 10 Oct 1842 and was buried in McCall-Fairchild Cemetery. Margaret Elizabeth McCall, born 4 Sep 1834, died in 1868 and was buried in the same cemetery. She married William Miller and had children. Their sister Elsey Jane McCall was born on October 16, 1829 and was buried in Newkirk Cemetery, St. Williams, Walsingham Township. She married William Nevett. Besides the above, in this family Simpson, born on July 8, 1825 settled on the homestead in Charlotteville Twp. and moved later to Portland, Oregon where he was buried in Riverview Cemetery. The younger children settled in the village of St. Williams on the Charlotteville side of the town line.
[9] Duncan McCall had an additional daughter born to his first marriage—Rebecca Ann McCall, born on July 31, 1826, according to her gravestone in Greenwood Cemetery, Waterford. She married Isaac Gilbert Wyckoff. His oldest daughter Mary Drake McCall was mentioned in his will (Norfolk County Surrogate Registry). By his second marriage, Duncan also had a daughter Amy N. McCall who died young and was buried in Vittoria Baptist Cemetery.
[10] Daniel McCall had Crown Grants of Lot 19, Concession 5 and Lot 23, Concession 6, Charlotteville Township recorded in the Abstracts of Deeds Register, and made the latter his homestead.
[11]The Daniel McCall Family Bible register pages, copy at the Norfolk Historical Society show Daniel McCall, born on April 12, 1772, died on January 26, 1848 and his wife Jane born on August 7, 1780, died on October 22, 1850. This source includes two additional children—Abraham, born on February 20, 1814, died on April 12, 1814 and David born on March 12, 1815, died on May 12, 1815.
[12] According to a genealogy written by John Cardiff, James Alexander McCall died at Alpha, Fayette County, Iowa on September 7, 1887. He married at Racine, Wisconsin on September 29, 1836, Sarah Fish (daughter of Elisha and Elmira Maria (Weed) Fish), born at Jamestown, Chautaqua Co., New York on May 22, 1817, died at Alpha on December 16, 1898. They were buried in Bethel Cemetery, Alpha. The couple had the following children: Daniel Elisha, Julia Elmira, Nancy Sally Ann, Eliza Jane, John William, David Edmond, Elsie Maria, Mary Harriet, Priscilla Elizabeth, Arthur Allen, and James Elassing
[13] John H. McCall had several more children. James Arthur McCall died on September 11, 1847 and Charles Simpson McCall died on June 1, 1870 aged 23 years 2 months and 8 days according to their gravestones in Vittoria United Church Cemetery. A child Cyrena McCall, born c. 1869 was recorded with John H. McCall in the 1871 Census of Charlotteville Twp.
[14] A McCall genealogy by John Cardiff notes that David W. McCall had an additional son named George who was born and died in 1842.
[15] Besides children who died young, Jacob had the following recorded with him in the 1852 and 1861 Censuses: Susan Mary, born on March 16, 1852, married James Duncan; Martha, born in 1855, married Joseph Tierney; James A., born 1856, married Nancy McQueen. Susan Mary and Martha lived in the Simcoe area.
[16] Prior to her marriage, Phoebe is believed to have mothered a natural son James W. McCall, born c. 1836 who was recorded with her in the 1852 Census. He married first to Adelia J. Loftus and second to Susan (Morrison) Jenkins. James lived in Charlotteville Township, recorded in the 1861 to 1901 Censuses.
[17]According to his gravestone in Vittoria Baptist Cemetery, Hugh McCall died on March 6, 1874.