May 8, 2021: Picture Source: From War to Winterlude, 150 Years on the Rideau Canal, By Mary E. Peck, ISBN 0-660-51015-4, 1982, page 78. Keywords: Lieutenant Colonel Henry Francis Ainslie (1803 to 1879)
Blockhouse at Merrickville, 1839
May 3, 2021: Picture Source: The Rideau: A Pictorial History of the Waterway, Edited by Adrian G. Ten Cate, Besancourt Publishers, ISBN 0-920032-04-4, 1981, page 28.The Colonel William Merrick House and the Mr. William Pearson House, early 1900's
March 10, 2021: Picture Source: The Rideau: A Pictorial History of the Waterway, Edited by Adrian G. Ten Cate, Besancourt Publishers, ISBN 0-920032-04-4, 1981, page 190.Aerial View of Burritts Rapids
February 8, 2021: Picture Source: The Rideau: A Pictorial History of the Waterway, Edited by Adrian G. Ten Cate, Besancourt Publishers, ISBN 0-920032-04-4, 1981, page 168. Keywords: Percival Stove and Plow Works
December 28, 2020:The Flight of Locks at Merrickville Photograph Source Rideau Waterway by Robert Legget, University of Toronto Press, 1955, ISBN 0-8020-2189-I, page 168. 
December 20, 2020: Picture Source: Building The Rideau Canal: A Pictorial History, by Robert W. Passfield, 1982, ISBN 0-88902-706-4, page 88,89 Watercolour by John Burrows.
December 16, 2020: Photo source: Building The Rideau Canal: A Pictorial History, by Robert W. Passfield, 1982, ISBN 0-88902-706-4, page 80, 81 Keywords: John Burrows, Prescott, Wolford Township, Montague Township
November 17, 2020: Photo Source: Invisible Army: Hard Times, Heartbreak and Heritage, by Ed Bebee, ISBN 978-0-9696052-4-9, page 146Keywords: the Ottawan steamer
May 27, 2019:Links: Marlborough Township, Montague Township Source for the above text block is Lumber Kings and Shantymen - Logging and Lumbering in the Ottawa Valley, by David Lee, page 14
December 30, 2014:Merrickville, Upper Canada Library and Archives Canada MIKAN Number 2836388 Dear Al, You can use me for a contact for the Burritt and Merrick families if you wish. My great-great-grandfather was Stephen Merrick who married Margaret Brown. Stephen was the brother of William Merrick, founder of Merrickville. Margaret was the daughter of Nathan Brown. After Stephen died in 1830, Margaret married James Dunn. My great-grandfather was Hiram Merrick, son of Margaret and Stephen Merrick. He was born shortly before his father died. In 1853, he married Lucretia Burritt, who was born in Burritts Rapids..Oxford Twsp. She was the granddaughter of Daniel Burritt. Both families were UEL and were from Wales originally. Best regards, Carol Ann Westbrook July 5, 2004: New E-mail: carolann@rogers.com
December 8, 2002: Haven't much, but you might want to tuck it away just in case it fits in somewhere! An Edward BURRITT, married Elsie Jane Albro SMITH (b. 1869) - she was daughter of Alexander SMITH, (from Scotland, and my G.Grandfather) and Elizabeth Roger HALL (b:1842, Peterborough, Ont.), who was the daughter of James HALL, III, who married Jane Albro in Halifax in 1830. The Albro's came up from Rhode Island, but were originally from England. Edward and Elsie Jane had a daughter, Jeanie Burritt who married Creasor. To my knowledge, from the time of the Burritt/Hall marriage they were always in the Ottawa area. I knew Jeanie fairly well, although she was Mum's generation. When I approached her years ago (she's been dead now for over 10 years) about helping to fill in some of my blanks she responded by saying she had absolutely no interest in 'family' so was no help. However, I was very fond of her. If anything fits, please let me know. Thanks. Julia Cameron
May 3, 2004: My grandfather was H. Burritt Merrick who was buried in Merrickville circa 1924. He had emigrated to the United States. Where might I go to find and understand who were his other family members? Herbert Burritt Merrick, m. Maude Macintosh Merrick, d. 1924 and buried in Merrickville, ONT. Mary Merrick Reefer, 1912-present, aged 92. Has some memories relating to her Merrick relatives and summer visits to Canada to be with them between 1912-1950. Her mother, Maude, died in 1951. ... Thomas Merrick Reefer, Ed.D. E-mail: schreefer@reeferboys.com
May 18, 2004: I spoke to my mother who confirmed that her father’s father was Ralph Burritt Merrick, and that my grandfather, Herbert Burritt Merrick, was buried in Spencerville, not in Merrickville! ... Thomas also posted on May 18, 2001, data from the 1881 census: This is one of the few Welsh families in the Ottawa area in the 1880's. Most are Church of England -- Anglican in Canada, Episcopal in the United States. And a variety of occupations! 1881 Census Place: Merrickville, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist D Page 7 Family 30 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace Terrane MERRICK M W 43 Welsh Ontario Occ: Farmer Religion: Church of England Judeth MERRICK F W 75 Irish Ontario Religion: Church of England ___________________ Census Place: Merrickville, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist D Page 14 Family 70 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace Carolin MERRICK F W 63 Irish Ontario Religion: Weslyan Methodist Walter MERRICK M 30 Welsh Ontario Occ: Merchant Tailor Religion: Wesleyan Methodist Samuel PEARSON M 51 Irish Ontario Occ: Agent Religion: Wesleyan Methodist ____________________ 1881 Census Place: Merrickville, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist D Page 22 Family 117 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace Henery MERRICK M M 44 Welsh Ontario Occ: M.P.P. Leg Ont Religion: Church of England (Member of Parliament in Ontario government) Sarah J. MERRICK F M 23 Scottish Ontario Religion: Church of England Florence M. MERRICK F 18 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England Stephen H. MERRICK M 16 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England George F. MERRICK M 11 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England Lucy MERRICK F 9 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England ________________________ Census Place: Merrickville, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist D Page 4 Family 17 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace P. Y. MERRICK M M 37 Welsh Ontario Occ: Chemist And Druggist Religion: Church of England Mary A. MERRICK F M 27 Irish Ontario Religion: Church of England John H.K. MERRICK M 8 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England Mary MERRICK F 1 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England Born: Mar; 1/12 ________________________ Census Place: Merrickville, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist D Page 27 Family 140 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace William R. MERRICK M M 51 Welsh Ontario Occ: Miller Religion: Church of England Jain E. MERRICK F M 48 Irish Ontario Religion: Church of England William T. MERRICK M 22 Welsh Ontario Occ: Watch Maker And Telephone (Telegraph?) Operator Religion: Church of England Eleanor A. MERRICK F 20 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England Arthur MERRICK M 17 Welsh Ontario Occ: Labourer Religion: Church of England Mary G. MERRICK F 13 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England George MERRICK M 7 Welsh Ontario Religion: Church of England ____________________BURRITT pioneers 1881 Census Place: Oxford, Leeds & Grenville North, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867 NAC C-13231 Dist 107 SubDist E Div 3 Page 35 Family 172 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace Hamlet BURRITT M 58 English Ontario Occ: Merchant Religion: Church of England Mary BURRITT F 58 English Ontario Occ: Merchant Religion: Church of England Nina BURRITT F 40 English Ontario Religion: Church of England Sarah BURRITT F 34 English Ontario Religion: Church of England
May 19, 2004: My mother told me that her grandfather, Ralph Burritt Merrick, attended Eton in England. Additionally, she added that her father and mother were Episcopalians who were married at Little Church around the Corner (Church of the Transfiguration) in New York City; they were in NYC so he could play hockey for a Canadian hockey team! That would be something to try to figure out! I wish I knew some more about being a UEL – what does that mean? Cheers. _____________ Thomas: Click here to go to the United Empire Loyalist web site. ... Al
November 22, 2004: Merrick and Burritt family reunion to be held in July, 2005
January 30, 2019,Photo of Log Cabin: Burritt's Rapids, 1793-1900, by Ruth G. Burritt, ISBN 0-919615-26-0, page 12 -------------------------------------------------------------- May 9, 2006: Hi everyone: My name is Angela Wolverton. John Augustus Merrick's Father was Dr. John Augustus Merrick, his Father was William Merrick who founded Merrickville, Ontario. I am related to the Merricks mentioned in this e-mail. I am very interested in finding out who is still alive in the Merrick family. I noticed that there are family reunions. I am interested to find out if there is a future reunion planned and where at. Maybe we can share pictures of the family members over the internet, letters written, etc. I have a picture of Dr. John Augustus Merrick, William Merrick's son and also John Augustus Merrick, the son of the doctor. I just started researching my family history and my husband came across this web site. I am anxious to hear from you. Sincerely, Angela I also have a copy of my Great Great Grandfathers obituary (Dr. J.A. Merrick), that I could share, it mentions his Father William Merrick and him being the founder of Merrickville. ... Angela
July 6, 2007: Thanks to Thomas Merrick Reefer for the following photograph:L to R: Percy Merrick(?), Mary Brooks Merrick and Ralph Burritt Merrick
September 27, 2007: Here are a couple of photographs taken on a recent day trip to Merrickville and Burritt's Rapids.Merrickville Masonic Lodge #55 (located in Burritt's Rapids)
Photograph below: Scene from Nicholson's Locks between Burritt's Rapids and Merrickville. Photograph was taken in September of 2007 but the scene is mostly unchanged from September of 1832.Nicholson's Locks There is a very good biography of Harry McLean who was a well-known international builder of railways and hydro-electric dams from North Dakota to New Brunswick in the 1920's. He was headquartered in Merrickville for many years, a self-made man who became wealthy and made a lot of charitable donations directly to his workers and to his community. He paid off many mortgages for persons in unfortunate circumstances. More to come about this book. It's called Building an Empire: "Big Pants" Harry F. McLean and his Sons of Martha ... Al
November 22, 2007: Hi Cathie, Al, Jean Claude, Cheryl and Sue, I just got an email from Merrickville Library about my request for lookups for Chabot..........in 1851 the census for them said they were RC..... so the Library gave me the web site for the RC Church in Merrickville and the Parish existed in 1823 and had kept ALL of their Church records in Shoe boxes.......the information is now being put into a book and will soon be ready........So i believe we will finally get some answers very soon about the Chabot/Sharbot families we now seek.......I sent an email to the Church tonight and hope to get an answer back and i will keep you informed...............Miracles do happen!!!!!... Best to All ... deb ________________________ Note: This book will probably contain the names of many of the workers on the about four townships surrounding Merrickville. ... Al
May 8, 2008:Burritts Rapids, Marlborough Township, Carleton County, in 1879 Source: McGill University Digital Maps
In the village of Burritt's Rapids, the Rideau River is the boundary between Marlborough and Oxford Townships. The Rideau Canal is in Oxford Township, about a hundred yards from the river. Note all of the crown land (ordnance property) along the canal right-of-way. This was susceptible to squatters who often stayed for years until they were able to buy their own land.
Burritts Rapids, Oxford Township, Grenville County, in 1879 Source: McGill University Digital Maps
January 5, 2010:
January 8, 2009: Loren Kelly is researching his ancestors, Thomas Kelly and Hannah Brown, who were in Burritt's Rapids by 1838. Related surnames in the area are Lemax, Fulcher, Grue / Grew and Tomkins.
February 15, 2009: Julia Cameron has a new e-mail address. It is incorporated in the list below ... Al
June 12, 2009: Hi Everyone, Here is a photo of David Laurier Burritt, son of Albert Burritt and Agnes Edith Robertson. He is on his grandfather (David Robertson's) knee and appears to be about a year old. Albert is the son of Charles Burritt and Martha Dulmage who lived around Maitland Ontario. If anyone has photos of Albert and Agnes I'd love to hear from them, anyone wanting a copy of the described photo, just let me know. If anyone is looking for information on this family you can give them my email address. Enjoy the photo. I can be contacted at Hope to hear from you, Wendy TappingDavid Robertson and Grandson David Laurier Burritt
March 8, 2010: See a video of the pioneer McGuigan Cemetery in Merrickville.
June 26, 2011:Merrickville House Tour, July 9, 2011, 10AM to 4PM Visit six historic homes in Merrickville - here's a picture of one of them For more details and photos of the other houses, see Merrickville House Tour, July 9, 2011, 10AM to 4PM For more information, visit the web site of the Anglican Parish of Merrickville
February 13, 2015: Here is a CD containing Catholic marriages from 1875 to 1911 in Merrickville, Ontario. This CD is available at the Library of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.
December 30, 2016: From Facebook today: CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN CEMETERY - (OPEN SECTION), BURRITT'S RAPIDS - Carleton Co. , Ontario was recently completed by Cliff Seibel with the assistance of Bonnie Bowkett, Sandra Lindsay and Lorne Shunk. There are 400 photos and 1032 name entries. http://canadianheadstones.com/on/cemetery.php?cemID=2943
March 8, 2017: Added a few names of Irish famine immigrants of 1846 and 1847 who travelled from the Fever Sheds of Montreal to Merrickville, Ontario. Merrickville is on the Rideau Canal system, between Ottawa and Kingston and by Black '47 had an established Irish community of builders of the Locks and Dam there -- built by Irish canallers twenty years previously. Names Number in family group Mary Machale / McHale Expecting her husband E. McEntire / McIntyre 2 children F. McGavin / Gavin One adult male and one adult female Loughlin KELLY (from the famine emigrant list of the Mahon Estate in Strokestown, County Roscommon, Ireland) Some of the famine emigrants stayed here in Merrickville and others moved north to the Ottawa Valley. Source: Names of Emigrants from the 1845-1847 records of James Allison, Emigrant Agent at Montreal, Irish Research Group of the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, publication number 94-2, 1994, ISBN 1-55116-72-8. This publication (112 pages) is now available from Global Genealogy in either hardcopy format or as a download in .pdf format. ... Allan Lewis
January 15, 2019: (post-retirement)Here is a painting by Philip Bainbrigge, dated c. 1838, showing early Merrickville
February 16, 2019: There is a very good biography of Harry McLean who was a well-known international builder of railways and hydro-electric dams. He came from Bismarck, North Dakota to Canada in the 1920's. He was headquartered in Merrickville, Ontario for many years, a self-made man who became wealthy and made a lot of charitable donations directly to his workers and to his community. He paid off many mortgages for persons in unfortunate circumstances. Here is the book: It's called Building an Empire: "Big Pants" Harry F. McLean and his Sons of MarthaSource for the next two photographs is Building an Empire: "Big Pants" Harry F. McLean and his Sons of Martha Page 14 ... AlPage 35
November 26, 2019:Photo Source: Invisible Army: Hard Times, Heartbreak and Heritage, by Ed Bebee, page 131
