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Michael Prentice, Hastings, Ontario: Incomplete


Michael Prentice of Hastings Co., Ontario, Canada
By Linus Joseph Dewald Jr., Editor
Winter 1999 and Revised 7 Feb 2011

Update of 9 Oct 2006: This article is now replaced by our Spring 2009 article entitled Michael Prentice of Hastings, Ontario .

We are helping Patricia Burke, Wendy Cosper, Dale Hughey and Eileen, Doug Storie, Glen Campbell and William J. Stewart in their search for their Prentice ancestors. Here is what we have so far:

1. Michael Prentice. There is some uncertainty as to the date of his birth. Information provided by his son on Michael's death dertificate, with whom he was living when Michael died, says he was born in 1811. However, the 1891 Hastings Co. census showed his age as 69 which would indicate a birth year of about 1822. The 1811 date provided by Michael's son would seem to be the more reliable date.

There is also uncertainty as to his place of birth and ancestry of his parents. The 1871 census of Carlow, Hastings, Ontario says that Michael was then 52 (b. c. 1819) and born in the United States. The census designates his "Origin" as "Dutch."

By way of contrast, the 1881 Carlow census says he was then 64 (b. 1817) and reads as follows:

	Michael Prentice, Catholic, German, farmer

It is unclear whether the "German" refers to his place of birth or to German origins. The "Dutch" in the 1871 census may be a corruption of "Deutch," or German. We tend to think of "Prentice" as an English-Irish-Scottish name, but in our research we have found a fair number with German roots. "Michael" was a fairly common German name in that period. 

According to a Township History published in 1977, Michael came to Canada from Ogdensburg, NY when he was 21 years old. Depending on Michael's birth year, that would be about 1832 or 1841.

That would be consistent with information received from Elizabeth Robbins by email of 6 Feb 2011. She relates that her mother-in-Law, Ann (Levitsky) Baker Robbins (now deceased), is the daughter of Cora Prentice, granddaughter of William James, ggranddaughter of Benjamin and gggranddaughter of Michael 1837. According to Ann, her oral family history relates that Michael spoke fluent French and she believed Michael was from Quebec and his parents were from the US.

It is said that Michael selected his own wood & metal handles for his own casket, which was made by Andrew Stringer of Carlow. His funeral became the talk of the contryside. He was carried behind black Percherons who had mounted brass harnesses.

Michael married Eliza Jane Oram in 1850 and the marriage record shows them both to be residents of Blythfield. The names of their parents were not given. However, by email of 8 Oct 2002, Dale Hughey advises that Eliza Jane is the daughter of Alexander and Matilda Oram; he relates that Alexander and Matilda lived at Calabogie Lake, Ontario, in 1864 and they later moved to Carlow Twp., Hastings Co., Ontario. Wedding witnesses were William Gordon and G. Ross. Children born in Renfrew County: 

  1. Catherine Prentice, b. 25 Apr 1851, Bagot Twp and d. in the Spring, 1938, Carolow. She married, as his second wife, David "Dave" Kennedy on 2 Sep 1868, Mayo Twp. Patricia Burke's email of 29 Oct 2000, citing a book on local history, says Catherine was known as one of the grand old ladies of Carlow Township. Her home was overlooking the Conroy Marsh.

    An article describing her 85th birthday celebration in Havergal on 26 Apr 1936 names some who were there, including Mrs. William Prentice & Miss Agnes Prentice. It states that she was born at Calabogie, Renfrew County in 1851, daughter of Michael Prentice & Elizabeth Oram. It related that the family had moved to Carlow in 1864, along with many, many families from Renfrew County.

  2. Margaret Prentice, b. 3 Dec 1852, poss. in Hastings County, and d. 17 Jun 1916. She m. Archibald Kernochan (Carnochan, Kernighan). Both are bur. in the Carlow United Church cemetery.
  3. Maria Prentice, b. 11 Jan 1854, Hastings, Ontario. . . . . . . . . . [2]
  4. Eliza Jane "Jeannie" Prentice 1857-1942 (per Carlow United Church Cem., Carlow) and m. William J. McNaual/McNeil (1854-1935). Children (per Carlow United Ch. Cemetery):
    1. Mary McNauel/McNeil, b. 1879 and d. 1918. She m. J. A. MacDonald.
    2. Dolly McNauel/McNeil, b. 1893 and d. 1936. Se m. S. Dennison.
  5. Benjamin Prentice, b. 11 Feb 1860, Boulter. . . . . . . . [3]
  6. Susanna Prentice, b. 1862 and m. William J. Sadler. 
  7. John Prentice, b. 11 Apr 1863 and d. 1950 (per Carlow cemetery record). He m. Matilda Perrier.
  8. Grace Prentice, b. 17 Mar 1866, Carlow Twp. .. . . . . . [4]
  9. William Prentice, b. 11 Jan 1868 and d. 31 Mar 1959, Carlow. He m. Caroline Foster, b. 5 Oct 1871 and d. 20 Nov 1954.
  10. George N. Prentice, b. 1869/70 and m. Melissa Brenette (or Burns?) and Elizabeth Hynes.
  11. Agnes Prentice, b. 1872. Did not marry. 
  12. Michael Prentice, b. 1877 and d. 1950. . . . . . . [5]

2. Maria Prentice, b. 11 Jan 1854, Hastings, Ontario (per Wendy Cosper, 12 Jan 2001). She m. William Rufus Landonon 27 Sep 1881 at Combermere,Radcliffe Twp. He was b. c. 11 Jun 1857, son of Rufus (b. 12 Jul 1817, Eliabethtown, Ontario and d. 7 May 1861, Fitzroy) and Susanna DeLancette (b. 24 Apr 1828, South Gower, Ontario) and in 1881 lived in Fitzroy, Combermere, Ontario. Wedding witnesses were George Bisonette(?) and Jane McDonald, both of Combermere. Children (per Lorraine Taylor, email, 6 Jan 2004):

  1. Eliza Jane Landon, b. 9 Mar 1882.
  2. Margaret L. Landon, b. 24 Sep 1883.
  3. Susannah Landon, b. c. 1884 on 29 Aug. 1906 at Bracebridge.. She m. James McCracken, 22, farmer, Canada, Draper Twp., s/o James McCracken and Mary Presley, 22, Canada, Oakley Township. Witnesses were Henry & Henrietta Rice, both of Vankoughnet,
  4. Henrietta M. Landon, b. c. 1886. She m. Henry Rice, 28, 6 July 1904 at Vankoughnet, Oakley Twp. He was a laborer, King Twp., Oakley, s/o John Rice and Harriet White. Witnesses were William Tinkiss of Ryder & Margaret Landon of Oakley. Henry (Harry) Rice died in 1952 and is buried in Mickle Memorial Cemetery, Bracebridge.
  5. William J. Landon, b. 10 Feb 1888.
  6. Lewis J. Landon, b. 11 Apr 1891.
  7. Laura Landon, b. 29 Dec 1896.

3. Benjamin Prentice, b. 11 Feb 1860, Boulter, Hastings County and d. 26 Jan 1916.  He m. Jane/Jannet Kelly on 7 Nov 1882.  She was the dau. of Benjamin Kelly and Elizabeth Kilby. Both are bur. in the Carlow United Church Cemetery. Children (per Neeta Magee E-mail of 23 Feb 2000 and Trish Burke E-mail of 27 Oct 2000):

  1. Mary Elizabeth Prentice, 1883-1928.
  2. Benjamin Prentice, 1886-1951. He m. Eliza Bruce, 1886-1981. Both are buried in the Carlow cemetery.
  3. George Samuel Prentice, 1888-1955. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [3.1]
  4. William James Prentice, b. 9 Jul 1890 Carlow Twp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [6]
  5. Charles John Prentice, 1893-1968. 
  6. Herbert Michael Prentice, 1896-1955. He m. Grace M. Lavoy, 1893-19??. Both buried in the Carlow cemetery.
  7. Markham Robert Prentice, b. 4 May1899, Boulter, Hastings, Ontario, and d. 9 Jan 1918.
  8. McLaren/McLearn Archibald Prentice, b. 1902 and d. 1970. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [7]
  9. Irene Violet Prentice, b. 18 Feb 1905 and d. 16 Oct 1966. She m. Howard P. Stewart who was b. 23 Feb 1893 and d. 14 Sep 1959. Both are bur. in the Carlow cemetery.
  10. Myrtle Prentice, b. 7 May 1907 and d. 28 Oct 1911.

3.1 George Samuel Prentice, b. 17 Mar 1889, Carlow, Hastings City, Ontario, and d. 2 Apr 1955, Maple Leaf, Ontario.

He m. Mary Etta Lavoy on 23 Oct 1915, Carlow. She was b. 6 Feb 1891 and d. 28 Apr 1980 in Maple Leaf. Children:

  1. Emmerson Prentice
  2. Ross Alan Prentice
  3. Emma Elizabeth Prentice
  4. Reginald Ronald Prentice
  5. George Edgar Prentice. He m. Rowena.
  6. Rosebud Etta Prentice. She m. Mr. Cook.
  7. Vivian Fern Prentice. She m. Ross Plumely who d. 20 Jan 1995.
  8. Dorthy Gwendolyn Prentice, b. 29 May 1917 in Carlow, Hastings Cty, Ontario, Canada. She m. Gordon H. Chalmers and had 3 sons and 3 daughters.
  9. Melville Emerson Prentice, b. 11 Oct 1918 in Carlow, Hastings Cty, Ontario, Canada . and d. 2 Apr 1945, European War Zone.

4. Grace Prentice, b. 17 Mar 1866, Carlow Twp., Hastings County, and d. 11 Jun 1946. She m. James Robertson Stewart on 30 Jun 1886. James was b. 6 Mar 1864 and d. 10 Dec 1940 (per William J. Stewart, email, 2 May 2005). Both are bur. in the Carlow United Church Cemetery. Their children included:

  1. Allan Burton Stewart, b. 23 Jul 1907 and d. 1 Jul 1997. Bur. United Church Cemetary in Hermon. He m. married Mabel Bruce on 5 Jun 1933. She was b. 18 Sep 1913 and d. 1 Jun 1997. Children:
    1. James Allan Stewart, b. 7 May 1943. He m. 1st Ann Holmes on June 24, 1972. She was b. 5 Nov 1950. Children:
      1. Tracy Ann Stewart, b. 2 Feb 1973. She m. Joe Goncalves on 5 Feb 1994. He was b. 24 Jun 1972.
      2. William James Stewart, b. 10 Apr 1974. He m. Shelly Timmins on 24 Oct 1992. She was b. 27 Nov 1971.

      James m. 2nd. Linda Smith on 14 Feb 1993. Son:

      1. Donald Stewart.

  2. Donald Stewart
  3. Micheal James Stewart
  4. Howard Peter Stewart
  5. Lillian Agnes Stewart
  6. Henry Robertson Stewart
  7. George Arnold Stewart
  8. Viola Catherine Stewart
  9. Mary Alma Stewart
  10. Duncan Stewart
  11. Hugh/Hughie Stewart
  12. Wilfred Stewart

They had 1 or more grandchildren, including:

  • Ernie E. Stewart, d. 1941 and bur. same cemetery.

5. Michael Prentice, b. 20 Jan 1877 and d. 9 Feb 1950, age 73 (per cemetery record) in Carlow.

He m. Elizabeth F. Stuart Wilson, b. 14 Nov 1887 and d. 1864, age 77. Children (per Doug Storie and Ancestry.com.

  1. Douglas Philip Prentice, b. 6 Oct 1913 and d. 28 Feb 2007, Pictor, Ontario, age 93.
  2. Fern Prentice, b. 1915.
  3. Dennis Prentice b: in Bancroft, Hastings Co, Ontario, Canada
  4. Verna Prentice, b. 1919, and d. 23 Dec 2005, age 86. She m. Bernard James Inwood.
  5. Agnes Prentice, b. 1921. She may be the same person as Nessie, below.
  6. Nessie J. Prentice, b. 1922 and d. 2005, age 83.
  7. Murray Prentice, b. 1923. He m. Faye Helen Whyte or Wyhte. Son:
    1. Steven Prentice.
  8. Charlotte Fern Prentice, b. 1025, and d. 26 Sep 2010, age 85. She m. Robert Cornall.
  9. Caroll Elizabeth Prentice b: 1928 and d. 1930. Bur. Carlow, Hastings Co., Ontario
  10. William Prentice b: 1932 in Boulter, Hastings Co, Ontario. Died Belleville, Ontario, Canada. He m. Miss Head and had a child.
  11. Dean Daniels Prentice.

6. William James Prentice, b. 9 Jul 1890 Carlow Twp. and d. 26 Aug 1962 in S. Porcupine, Ontario.

He m. Mary Olive Kennedy on 20 Jun 1923 in Carlow Twp. Mary was b. 7 Sep 1903 in Carlow Twp. and d. 14 May 1982 in Toronto. She was the dau. of Nathan Dayton Stoughton Kennedy & Catherine Lillian Young.

William and Mary had 3 sons and a daughter, but, by request of a descendant, those persons and their children have been removed from this article.

7. McLaren Archibald Prentice, b. 1902 and d. 1970. Buried in the Carlow cemetery.

He m. Ethel Wannamaker c. 1930-35. She was the dau. of Robert Nicolas Wannamaker (b. 1857 in Madoc, Mayo twp. North Hasting Co., Ontario) and Margaret Kennedy (b. 16 Aug 1860 in Calabogie, Bagot Twp. Renfrew Co., Ontario. Ancestor Charts for her can be found at Rootsweb.com . Children, probably b. after 1935:

  1. Amy Prentice She m. and had 2 sons surnamed Blanchett
  2. Ruby Prentice. She m. Rev. Douglas Conlin.
  3. Josie Prentice. She m. Mr. Rowe and had a son and daughter.
  4. Myrtle Prentice. The Rootsweb.com website, above, says Myrtle was b. 1900 and d. 1904. That cannot be correct since McLaren Prentice, identified as her father, was b. 1902. Either Myrtle's dates are wrong, or she is not McLaren's daughter.

Also buried at the Carlow United Church Cemetery are the following persons who are probably descendants of Michael Prentice, but their exact relationship is not yet known:

  1. Elinor/Eleanor M. Prentice, b. 1918.
  2. Daniel R. Prentice, b. 1910 and d. 1972. His wife, also buried there, is Helen Langdon, b. 1913.
  3. Ruby Alice Prentice, b. 12 Apr 1917. She m. Percy Mayhew, b.7 Jul 1912 and d. 31 Dec 1982. Both buried there.
  4. Nicholas John (Jerry) Prentice, b. 1899 and d. 1974. He m. Jessie Kirk McKie. She was. b. 1911. Both buried there.

Who are Michael Prentice's Parents?

There is a striking similarity to a search being conducted by Elizabeth Robbins pertaining to her Michael Prentice. She had posted a query at GenForum seeking information about her Michael Prentice who Elizabeth said was born in Quebec, Canada about 1837 and later moved to Hastings County Ontario.

Her query indicated that Michael had married " --- Orm" and had children named Benjamin, Catharine and Grace born in the 1860s. We received from Elizabeth Robbins an email of 6 Feb 2011 in which she relates that her mother-in-Law, Ann (Levitsky) Baker Robbins (now deceased), is the daughter of Cora Prentice, granddaughter of William James, ggranddaughter of Benjamin and gggranddaughter of Michael 1837. According to Ann, her oral family history relates that Michael spoke fluent French and she believed Michael was from Quebec and his parents were from the US. While working on another project this morning, I think I may have identified the ancestry of your Michael Prentice who is discussed in our Winter 1999 PRENTICE NEWSLETTER at http://www.prenticenet.com/news/99/michael_prentice_hastings_ontario.htm

Update of 15 Dec 2005: Our article indicates that there is some uncertainty at to Michael's date of birth. - Information provided by his son on Michael's death certificate, with whom he was living when Michael died, says he was born in 1811. - The 1891 Hastings Co. census showed his age as 69 which would indicate a birth year of about 1822. - The 1871 census of Carlow, Hastings, Ontario says that Michael was then 52 (b. c. 1819). - The 1881 Carlow census says he was then 64 (b. 1817).

If, and that is a big if, the 1822 date is correct, then Michael might be the Michael Prentice who was chr. in Drayton by Banbury, Oxford, England in 1825. That Michael Prentice is a descendant of Zachariah Prentice in our "Other Immigrant Prentices" eBook. A christening, of course, might be months, or even years, after the actual birth date. The thing that piques my curiosity is the fact that Michael does not appear in the 1851 and later census in England. It might mean only that he died before 1851, but it might also mean that he emigrated to another country before 1851.

A pre-1851 emigration would be consistent with the information that your Michael emigrated to New York not later than 1841. It is also consistent with the fact that Michael's father, Thomas was would have quite elderly by 1841 and may have died by then, which would give some credence to a desire on Michael's part to emigrate.

In any event, it is a possibility worth pursuing.


Correspondence:   If you have any information about the folks mentioned in this article, please send your information to us at the Prentice Newsletter. Be sure to give the full title and date of this article in the Subject line of the email.

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