Elizabeth (Mary) Paterson

  Noted events in her life were:

• Notes for Elizabeth l (MARY) PATIERSON. It is believed that Elizabeth Patterson was born in South Fredericksburg, Ontario from Scottish parents. A brother and sister came from Edinburgh, Scotland, and her parents eventually returned to Scotland. (However, a Killarney, Manitoba centennial book states she was born In Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to Ontario in 1869. It also states she was married in 1871). We know this marriage date is wrong by 3 years and suspect the other information is also incorrect as Census records give her as being born in Ontario. The Ontario 1871 Census for South Frederickburg township, Lennox County (Film C-9995), shows Elizabeth as a 21 year old female servant, working for the John C. Sills family, consisting of:

John C. Sills, 30 born in Ontario.
Jane Sills, 29, born in England.
Reuben Sills, 7, born in Ontario.
Kate Sills, 4, born in Ontario.
Clara Sills, 3 months, born January, 1871

One wonders if this is the source for the name of her future child, Reuben.

Interesting is that Neil Patterson, a 17 year old Scottish laborer, is almost next door in the Census, and the only other Patterson in the whole Township. Possibility that they are brother and sister.

Elizabeth married J.George Towns on 5 March, 1874. More information on their life together can be found under J. George Towns.

The Killarney Guide, Killarney, Manitoba (issue of September 2, 1904), states that " death occurred on Thursday night last, with burial on 26 August, 1904 " .Assume that death occurred on 25 August, 1904 , with Elizabeth one month shy of her 56th birthday.

Death apparently due to an accident wherein she was thrown from a run-away buggy on the shore of Killarney Lake. Her companion in the buggy "Mrs. Osborne of Ninga is still in serious condition".

Some sources state that Elizabeth came from Edinburgh, Scotland to Lennox County, Ontario, in 1869. However, the 1901 Morton census states that she was born in Ontario. It is believed that she was born in South Fredericksburg, Ontario from Scottish parents. A brother and sister came from Edinburgh, Scotland, and the parents eventually returned to Scotland.

Elizabeth is buried at Ninga, Manitoba with her husband. The tombstone reads "Rest mother, rest in quiet sleep, ~ while friends in sorrow over thee weep"

Elizabeth married George J.Towns Towns, son of John'2 Towns and Ann Bradiby, on 5 Mar 1874 in Lennox County, Ontario. (George J.Towns Towns was born on 16 May 1847 in Asgarby, Sleaford area, Lincolnshire, England and died on 28 Dec 1948 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.)