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STORIES BEHIND THE STONES

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My Name is Leila (Howley) Pettigrew.  I was born in 1932 and grew up on Mines Road about a mile and a half from Unity Church. Unity was a big part of my youth attending every Sunday for service and Sunday School. We were always present for teas and other church gatherings until its eventual closure. My father, Ross Howley, served as the Church treasurer for many years as did my mother, Ora Howley, who was also active in the W.M.S at Unity.

My great grandfather, Thadeous Howley, was born in 1830 in Ireland and sailed to Canada when he was 5 years old. Both of his parents died during the crossing. He married Charity Shaw and they took up homestead on Hwy. #6 beside the old Welcome School. Charity was born in 1840. Thadeous died in 1900 and Charity in 1925. Both are buried at Unity. Thadeous and Charity had 4 sons, Gilbert, 1866 to 1957, Edward 1871 to 1873, William 1876 to 1957 and David 1866 to 1946. David was my grandfather and he married Elisa Jane Thompson 1870 to 1943. All are buried at Unity.


David and Elisa had 3 children Harvey 1896 to 1966 married Nellie Hopkins 1911 to 1993, Vera who married Keith Weylie, and Stanley Ross 1900 to 1964 who married Ora Leeming 1904 to 1984.  With the exception of Vera and Keith all are buried at Unity.  Vera and Keith had three children:  Norma Weylie (James Mosgrove), Edna Mae Weylie Shea, and Everett (Grace) Weylie.

Ross Howley was a hard working happy go lucky man who raised horses and cattle shipping milk to Silverwoods Dairy in Hamilton.  He was proud of his animals and his farm. He loved the fall fair but was always home for milking time.


My parents had two children, myself and my brother, Glen. Glen 1929 to 1989 married Patricia Glenny 1933 to 2003.  They had six children, Grant, Maxine, Lyle, Edward, Glenna and Neil.  Maxine passed shortly after birth and the remaining five children were raised on the family farm on Mines Road. Glen carried on the family farm. He loved to attend auction sales and often ended up hauling cattle for other farmers in the area. Pat was a well known school teacher in the community. All of their children have a close connection to the area and to Unity.  Grant still participates in services and the United Church in Caledonia and Ed is on the Board of Directors for Unity. Glen, Pat, and Maxine are all buried at Unity. Grant with the assistance of his siblings still maintains the family farm.


I married Donald Pettigrew and had 6 children, Ross, Gwen, Dawn, Ray, Faith, and Carl. My family moved away from the area but as a young family we would often visit the Howley farm.  These visits often meant a trip to Unity. With five generations of Howleys buried at Unity there is a definite connection that is felt by all of the current generation.

William Carl Hebert

William was born on December 11, 1940 in Shediac, New Brunswick.  After getting married and having one son, William left his wife and son temporarily in New Brunswick while he came to Hamilton, Ontario to secure work.  Soon, William was established as a train operator at Stelco.  He then sent for his wife and son to come to Ontario so that they could build a life together.  William continued as a train operator at Stelco for 35 years, until he retired. 

William was always known to be a stylish dresser and was known for his generous ways.  He also was always worried that everyone was doing okay.  William’s hobbies included watching Nascar, travelling, and shopping.  William had a good sense of humour, and was generous, thoughtful, and brave.  He died on April 6, 2005, and is buried in Unity Cemetery.


Christopher William Hebert

Christopher was born on May 17, 1962 to William Carl Hebert and Josie Nugent in Shediac, New Brunswick.  Christopher was raised in Hamilton, Ontario.  He loved playing and watching sports and getting together and socializing with friends.

Christopher worked as a mail carrier.  He was known for his love of all sports and his very warm smile.  Christopher enjoyed being with his friends and held them close to his heart.  Christopher was sociable and had a great sense of humour.  Christopher was brave and never complained when he was sick.  He died February 5, 2016, and is buried in Unity Cemetery.



BEVERIDGE FAMILY

Mary Isabel (Aikens) Beveridge

Born:  August 1, 1931

Died:  August 13, 2016

Born in Hamilton, grew up on a farm in Ancaster township then moved to the farm on Unity Road when she married Albert Beveridge in 1951.  Mother of 4 children.  Isabel had a love for farm life, family, friends, and her grandchildren.  She had a special fondness for her Jersey cows.  Her hobbies and interests included playing the piano, gardening, quilting and cooking.  She was a member of the Unity Cemetery Board for 25 years.


William Albert Beveridge

Born:  November 4, 1927

Died:  March 26, 2014

Albert was born on the farm on Unity Road and lived all his life there.  He was a farmer and worked for MTO for 31 years.  Albert was a quiet man who loved his family, farm and gardens.  He had a keen interest in machines, Jersey cows, black lab dogs, and all things car related.  He enjoyed attending farm auctions and fall fairs.

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