Thomas Oliver1

#286, (1812 - 1897)
FatherRichard Oliver1 (1766 - 1831)
MotherSarah Mogridge1 (1770 - 1851)
RelationshipGrandson of William Oliver
Extended Family
ChartsWilliam Oliver (born ~1730) & Ann Wilson - collapsible 6 generation descendant chart
Ancestors of Sarah Oliver (my line)
Ancestors of John Andrew Linton (John's line)
Ancestors of Robert McClive Linton (Lois' line)

Children of Thomas Oliver and Sarah Way Channing

Life Events

OccupationThomas Oliver was a Schoolmaster (1841, 1851), Tavernkeeper (1871), gentleman (1881, 1897.) 
BaptismHe was baptized on 15 Jun 1812 in Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon.1 
(Heir) WillHe was named an heir in the will of his father Richard Oliver dated 2 Oct 1831. To son Thomas his dwelling house and garden which extends to the hedge on the south side, from the [---] on the north side adjoining the village now in the occupation of William Cruwys.2 
NoteThomas Oliver was given a little book by Charles H Matthews, Late Ironmonger of the City of Exeter on 4 Apr 1832. Throughout his life, Thomas jotted down quotations, math problems, accounts, family information, household hints, and numerous other snippets in his commonplace book.
Charles inscribed it with the words, "When Womens word and works Agree the Lame Shall Walk and Blind Shall See when This you See Remember Me
Good Laundy Thomas."3
 
Note.Here are two pages in Thomas' commonplace book in which he lists books he has read.3
Thomas Oliver's reading list
MarriageHe married Sarah Way Channing on 11 Jan 1834 in Cadeleigh, Devon.
Witnesses were John Channing and Sally Oliver. [Other entries indicate if by license or if resident of another parish; this entry showed neither]4,5 
Research Note The transcribed records of Cadeleigh parish done by C.A.T. Fursdon in 1933 and extracted into the IGI have Thomas & Sarah's marriage date as 10 June 1835. However, I am inclined to favour the date evidenced by the newspaper notice.
 
Newspaper Published 16 Jan 1834 in the Trewman's Exeter Flying Post or Plymouth and Cornish Advertiser.6
Thomas Oliver - Sarah Channing
marriage notice
Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, 1834
NoteThomas Oliver wrote a Petition for a place in the Excise office. However, he remained a schoolmaster so either he didn't submit the petition or it was denied.

To the right Hon. Earl L___, first Lord commissioner of the Treasury.

The humble petition of T. O. Sheweth, That your petitioner, being anxious to procure an appointment under government is induced to prefer the Excise service, from an opinion, that, from his education, habits, & manners, he is better calculated to discharge the duties of that department, than any other. Your petitioner, therefore, humbly ventures to solicit for an appointment as Excise officer in the above mentioned service; & he is the more induced to hope for success in his humble petition thus presented to the notice of your lordship, from the circumstance that his character will bane the test of any inquiry; &, if necessary, your petitioner can produce a variety of the most respectable testimonials as to the general propriety of my conduct. & you petitr as in duty bound will ever pray &c

Note The above must be backed by one of the commissioners, or it will never be effectual.3
 
NoteHe made application to the Board of Guardians of the Tiverton Union for a rise of salary (Thomas was a teacher in the workhouse) on 18 Feb 1840.3 
1841 CensusThomas and Sarah Oliver appeared on the 1841 Census of Tiverton, Devon, at Tiverton Union Workhouse. Thomas & Sarah were the resident Schoolmaster and Schoolmistress, both age 25 and born in the county. They had two daughters, Drucella (5) and Emma (3).7 
(Heir) WillHe was named an heir in the will of his mother Sarah Oliver dated 17 Jan 1844. He was noted to be of the parish of Stokeinteignhead, Devon and was bequeathed £70.8 
1851 CensusThomas and Sarah Oliver appeared on the 1851 Census of Ashcombe, Devon, living in the School House. Thomas was 36, a Schoolmaster, and was born in Cheriton Fitzpaine. Sarah was 36, a Schoolmistress, and was born in Cruwys Morchard. They had 5 daughters: Drusilla (15, born in Cadeleigh), Emma (13, Stoke Canon), Rhoda (8, Tiverton), Mary (3, Ashcombe), and Sarah (3 months, Ashcombe). Visiting them was their nephew William Pasmore (18, farmer's son, born in Cadeleigh.)9 
ImmigrationThomas Oliver immigrated to Canada with his wife and daughters in the mid to late 1850s. Daughter Sarah's death certificate and daughter Mary's obituary point to an immigration date of about 1860. Two of Thomas' brothers also emigrated. 
1861 CensusThomas and Sarah Oliver appeared on the 1861 Census of Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Canada West. The household consisted of Thomas (age 47, School Teacher), Sarah (47), Rhoda (18, attending school), Mary (12, attending school), Sarah (10, attending school), all born in England, religion Church of England. Also there were Drusilla Hari?t (24, born England, single, residence Murray, not a family member) and Ann Stots (60, birthplace Prussia, widow). Note: Drusilla was very likely their married daughter Drusilla Arnott who lived in nearby Murray Township.10 
Note.In 1862, Thomas & Sarah were probably living in Meyersburg, Ontario, as this is where daughter Rhoda was married. Meyersberg was in Seymour Township. Their daughter Mary's obituary in 1928 stated that the family lived for a short time in Meyersburg, then soon moved to Campbellford. 
Note.On 6 Jan 1869, T. Oliver paid $5.00 for a tavern license in the Township of Seymour.11 
DirectoryHe was listed in the 1871 Ontario directory as Thomas Oliver, proprietor, Dominion Hotel, Campbellford.12 
1871 CensusThomas and Sarah appeared on the 1871 Census of Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Ontario. Thomas was 54, born in England, Churchof England, English origin, married, and a Tavernkeeper. Sarah was 54, born in England, Church of England. Their daughter Sarah was living with them as well as William Walter Grills (10, attending school), George Martin, tailor, and George Hart, carpenter.13 
Research Note William Walter Grills was with Thomas & Sarah Oliver in the 1871 census [relationships are not recorded] and named his son Thomas Oliver. At his marriage, William's parents are named as John & Sophia. Was William orphaned and raised by Thomas? There is another son of John and Sophia - George H - who married in 1862. 
1881 CensusThomas and Sarah appeared on the 1881 Census of Campbellford, Northumberland County, Ontario. Thomas was age 67, married, born in England, Church of England, and a Gent. Sarah was 67, married, and born in England. With them were two Blacksmiths and a Servant. The Olivers were living in the same house as their daughter Mary Linton and family.14 
(Witness) BaptismHe witnessed the baptism of his grandson Carl Channing Bonnycastle on 17 Jun 1883 in Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Northumberland County, Ontario.15 
(Witness) BaptismThomas Oliver witnessed the baptism of his grandson George Oliver Linton on 17 Jun 1883 in Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Ontario.16 
Note.In 1884 the Mechanics' Institute Library was established on Front Street in Campbellford, eventually becoming the Campbellford Public Library. The Seymour Twp Library moved from Trent Block to the new facility which was used by both village and township residents. Thomas Oliver became the librarian in 1885, after Henry Rowed. The library stocked newspapers and magazines, lectures and entertainments were used to raise money, and there was also a place for playing checkers. John Clarke succeeded Thomas Oliver in 1886.17 
(Widowed) DeathHis wife Sarah died on 23 Jun 1888.3  
NoteThomas wrote the following in his notebook:

June 23rd 1888 My Dearly beloved wife Died she had not opened her eyes all day previous to her death but just as she was departing this life she opened them to look on Me once more which look I shall never forget she was dear to me thus she died after living together about fifty fine years farewell My dear wife until through the blessing of God we meet I heaven which if I was surely prepare I would like it to be according to Gods will she was possessed of the cardinal virtues P.F.H.&C. Patience Faith Hope and Charity. She left 22 Grand Children behind her and four daughters one Daughter Emma was buried in Ashcombe Churchard a good Monument was placed by her parents over her remains Mrs Oliver was the eldest Daughter of Mr & Mrs William Channing of Thonsley Mill in the parish of Cheriton Fitzpaine, County Devon. This is a short momento of the family connection on her side my Mothers maiden name was Mogerage or Mockerage I was the youngest of eight I wrote this after my wife had been dead nearly 3 months perhaps my grandchildren migh see this after I am.3
 
(Other) 1891 CensusThomas Oliver appeared on the 1891 Census of Campbellford, Northumberland County, Ontario, in the household of Robert and Mary Linton. Thomas was 72, born in England, parents born in England, religion Church of England, employed as a Fire Insurance Agent, and enumerated as a Lodger [although he was Mary's father].18 
DeathThomas died on 17 Feb 1897 in Campbellford, Northumberland County, Ontario.
Details from registration: Thomas Oliver, age 84 yrs, 9 mos, Residence Front St, Gentleman, born England, died of Old age, English Church, informant Robert Linton, registered 18 Feb 1897.19
Thomas Oliver
Death Certificate
Gravestone The inscription for Sarah was on the opposite side of the marker and was not in a condition to photograph. It reads, “In affectionate remembrance of Sarah, wife of T. Oliver late of Devonshire England who died June 20, 1888 Age 75 years”. Text below that was not readable in 2019.20
Thomas Oliver
Christ Church Anglican Cemetery
Campbellford Ontario
Close up of inscription
Obituary21
Obituary for Thomas Oliver
who died 17 February 1897
in Campbellford, Ontario
Last Edited20 Aug 2022

Citations

  1. Microfilm of the Parish Register of Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon, 1610-1835 (Family History Library, 0916835).
  2. Will and Administration of Richard Oliver of Cheriton Fitzpaine, 2 October 1831, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Exeter, 14 May1832 (Family History Library, film #1278965).
  3. Notebook of Thomas Oliver, Devon and Ontario, held by a descendant.
  4. Transcript of the Bishop's Transcripts & Parish Register of Cadeleigh, Devon, 1606-1837 (Family History Library, film 916767), The records were transcribed by Mr. C.A.T. Fursdon. Bishop's transcripts were used for bapt 1606-64, marr 1606-1713, bur 1606-1715. Parish registers were used for bapt 1665-1837, marr 1725-1837, and bur 1725-1837. There is also a gap 1748-51., (my notes from this say June 1835 rather than January 1834).
  5. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post (Exeter, Devon, England), 16 January 1834, Thomas Oliver & Sarah Channing marriage notice. image online at 19th Century British Library Newspapers, a Gale digital collection.
  6. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post or Plymouth and Cornish Advertiser (Exeter, England), Thursday, January 16, 1834; Issue 3558. image online at 19th Century British Library Newspapers, a Gale digital collection.
  7. 1841 Census for England & Wales, HO107/255 Book 20 Folio 1.
  8. Will and Administration of Sarah Oliver of Cheriton Fitzpaine, 17 January 1844, proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Exeter, 5 February 1852 (Family History Library, film #1278965).
  9. 1851 Census for England & Wales . HO107/1867 folio 668.
  10. 1861 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Canada West, Northumberland County, Seymour township (1), page 24.
  11. Online, Ontario Sessional Papers of 32 Victoria 1868-69 (31) Report of "Return of the Number of Tavern Licenses issued" at http://www.dcs.uwaterloo.ca/~marj/genealogy/…
  12. John Lovell Lovell's Canadian Dominion Directory for 1871, John Lovell, Montreal (1871) (Family History Library, 6046766).
  13. 1871 Census for Canada "Ontario, Northumberland East (55), Seymour (g-1)."
  14. 1881 Census for Canada "Ontario, Northumberland East (123), Campbellford (h), page 21."
  15. Parish Register of Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Ontario (Diocese of Toronto Archives, photocopied records), Carl Channing Bonnycastle baptism, 1883.
  16. Parish Register of Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Ontario (Diocese of Toronto Archives, photocopied records), George Oliver Linton baptism, 1883.
  17. Ann Rowe, Barbara Samson-Willis, Margaret Crothers ed. Gleanings: a history of Campbellford/Seymour, Campbellford/Seymour Heritage Society, Campbellford, Ontario (2000) 0968756603, page 154.
  18. 1891 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Ontario, East Northumberland (98), Village of Campbellford (Div 2), page 12.
  19. Ontario Death Registration. Thomas Oliver, #017540-97.
  20. Gravestone of Thomas & Sarah Oliver (Christ Church Anglican Cemetery, Campbellford, Ontario). Photos supplied by K. Neale, 2019.
  21. Obituary of Thomas Oliver in unrecorded newspaper, 1897.
  22. Transcript of the Bishop's Transcripts & Parish Register of Cadeleigh, Devon, 1606-1837 (Family History Library, film 916767), The records were transcribed by Mr. C.A.T. Fursdon. Bishop's transcripts were used for bapt 1606-64, marr 1606-1713, bur 1606-1715. Parish registers were used for bapt 1665-1837, marr 1725-1837, and bur 1725-1837. There is also a gap 1748-51.
  23. Indexes to Northumberland County Marriage Register, 1858-1869.
  24. Marriage certificate from the parish register of Robert Linton and Mary Oliver, married 7 November 1868 in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada (Family History Library, Film #1030061).
  25. Copy birth certificate of unnamed female [Sarah Oliver], born 5 January 1851, registered 20 January 1851 in the Registration District of St Thomas.
  26. Death certificate of Sarah Bonnycastle, died 18 March 1931, registered 23 March 1931 in the Province of British Columbia, Certificate #31-09-460010.