Does anyone know where or how to find the names of the workers that built the Rideau Canal 1826-1832. Am particularily interested in the section through Newboro.

Thanks
Bonnie

Hi Bonnie
Just outside Newboro, on Hghy 42, & located right next to the Hutching's Cemetery is the old Sappers & Miners Cemetery in which many of those workers, who died, usually of malaria, are interred. As well, at Chaffey's Lock, there is a small cemetery, which has been restored, located behind Brown's Marina & a Memory Wall of dedication.
There are some very good websites on the history of the canal that you could try - -
URL: www.rideau-info.com/canal/history/locks with related links or www.rideau/lockhouse/index.html
Friends of the Rideau also has some good info. Address is
www.rideaufriends.com
Good luck in your quest.

Libby:
Thanks for your reply. I'm from Newboro originally and have looked through the cemetary etc. I'm hoping to find some sort of government records e.g. pay records etc that would list the names of the workers. I'll check out the sources that you sent. If you ever find anything more please let me know. Thanks again.
Bonnie

My great grandfather John Acton who came from Castle Bar in Ireland landed in quebec in 1832. Settled in what was to becom Acton's Corners (named after him). He was a shoemaker and also a stone-mason and worked on the Rideau Canal. He also built other buildings in the community - one being the Oxford mills Grist Mill. He died July 20th, 1891 and was buried in the Church of England cemetery, Kemptville (1807-1891).

Hope this is of some intrest to you.

David Bromley

The Web Site "Bytown or Bust" at http://www3.sympatico.ca/ag.lewis/history.htm has many of the Rideau Canal labourers listed (and still looking for more).

David: Do you mind if I add your "Acton" surname to the web site with your e-mail address as a contact for other researchers/genealogists? Ditto for Bonnie, if you wish to send me a surname in which you're interested.

... Al Lewis

Yes you can add the Acton name and info if you wish. I will be doing more research in the Acton's Corners area re: buildings/grave sites etc. this spring.

Al:

Thanks for the info. Please add my name to your list. My e-mail is bbatchelor@shaw.ca and the name I'n looking for is TAYLOR.

Thanks again.

David:

Thanks for you reply. Unfortunately Acton is not one of the names I'm after. However, will keep it in my file just in case. Thanks again.

Came across your John Acton; I am wondering if we may be related?
My GGreat Grandmother was Elizabeth Acton born about 1789 near Castle Bar, Co. Mayo Ireland married William Henry Greer. in 1809, arrived via Montreal Quebec.
Here is her obit.
Greer - Mrs. Wm H
Kemptville Weekly Advance, June 28, 1900.
One of Kemptville's oldest residents has passed to her reward. Elizabeth Acton, widow of the late Wm. H Greer passed away Tuesday 26, she was born near Castle Bar, Co. Mayo Ireland in 1809 married when 20 years of age and started for Canada with her parents, husband and three children. It was in 1837, the year that the immigrant fever and small pox carried off so many. Sickness over took them on them on board the ship, small pox carried off one of her little ones and her mother succumbed to the fever. Both are buried at Grosse Island. After arriving here they lived at Beckett's Landing for a few years and then moved to Oxford Mills where they continued to reside until the death of Mr. Greer in 1876 at the age of 82. Most of the time since then the widow has resided here with a daughter- in- law, Mrs. William Henry Greer. She leaves 3 children, 31 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. The funeral service will take place at St. James Anglican Church at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

It seems to me that last year there was a memorial erected re the Rideau Canal Labourers, with maybe a list given.

I wonder if Google might offer a list of the names on the memorial or has someone got a list made by Colonel By who oversaw the Rideau Canal's construction?