Allan Armstrong
Husband Allan ARMSTRONG
Born: 9 Dec 1871 - London, Ont. Christened: Died: 10 Dec 1871 - London, Ont. Buried: 1871 - London, Ont.
Father: Allen ARMSTRONG (1839-1884) Mother: Margaret ROSS
Noted events in his life were:
• Burial Location
St. Paul's Anglican Cemetery
Wife
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Children
Allan Thomas Armstrong
Husband Allan Thomas ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Father: Brian Harold ARMSTRONG Mother: Gloria Jeanne BRADLEY
Wife (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Children
Allen Armstrong and Margaret Ross
Husband Allen ARMSTRONG
Born: 12 Feb 1839 - Antrim, Ireland Christened: - Antrim, Ireland Died: 9 Oct 1884 - London, Ont. Buried: 11 Oct 1884 - London, Ont.
Father: Rainey ARMSTRONG (1818-1899) Mother: Rosey McKINSTREY (Abt 1817-1888)
Marriage:
Noted events in his life were:
• Birth Location
Antrim Co., Ireland
• Burial Location
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Sect. FC Plot 20
• Occupation
Shoemaker in London
Wife Margaret ROSS (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Children
1 M Allan ARMSTRONG
Born: 9 Dec 1871 - London, Ont. Christened: Died: 10 Dec 1871 - London, Ont. Buried: 1871 - London, Ont.
2 F Rose ARMSTRONG
Born: 18 Dec 1871 - Detroit Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: William JONES (1864- ) Marr: 9 Nov 1892 - Hamilton, Ont.
3 F Eliza Jane ARMSTRONG
Born: 10 Nov 1874 - London, Ont. Christened: Died: Buried:
General Notes (Husband)
It has been hard to prove the full story of Allen's life and his descendants for two reasons. Firstly, most of his life was lived before Canadian Confederation and the start of civil record keeping in Ontario. Secondly, it was found that his living descendants did not want to provide information about the family.
Some information that has been determined is as follows:
The family Bible of his brother Robert Armstrong, records his death as Oct. 8 1884.
On the 1881 Census for Stanley Township, Huron County: Allen is not recorded with other members of the Armstrong family as is Rainey, Rosie (father & mother) James, Wilson & Robert (3 brothers). If in fact Allen was born in 1839 he would have been 41 years of age in 1881 and would probably have been gone from the home. While in 1881 his brothers, James would have been 36, Wilson 25 and Robert 21. We know that Wilson was married in 1883 and Robert married in 1886 and therefore would have been living at home.
At the Ontario Archives on November 4, 2003, a Death Registration: MS: 935 Reel 37 Reg. #10297 for an Allen Armstrong was found. Date of Death Oct. 9, 1884. Age 44. Place of Registration was, County of Middlesex, Division - City of London. It must be noted that the death date on the registration is Oct. 9, 1884. From the Bible it is Oct. 8, 1884. If he was age 44 at time of death in 1884, he would have been born in about 1839 or 1840. The family Bible said he was born Feb. 12, 1839.
On January 14, 2004, a newspaper account was found, N-336, Reel #37:
London Free Press Evening Edition - Friday, Oct. 10, 1884.
Died: Armstrong - In this city on the 9th of October. Allen Armstrong, aged 44 years. The funeral will leave the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. F. Pryce, 388 William Street on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock. Friends and acquaintances will please attend without further intimation. Seaforth & Clinton papers please copy.
January 14, 2004 on Film N-352, Reel #4:
Clinton New Era - Oct.17 1884 (Pg. 1 Col. 6)
Died: Armstrong - In London, on the 9th. Allen Armstrong, aged 44 years.
On February 11, 2004 at the Ontario Archives
On the 1871 Census - Film: C9906 District #10 for City of London Sub. Division C Ward 3 Page #3.
An Allen Armstrong is seen at dwelling #27. This location appears to be a hotel operated by a J H Ryan, age 43 and his wife Maria age 41 along with their 7 children, ages 20 down to 4. The occupation listed for J H Ryan is, Hotel Keeper. Thirty-five other persons lived at this dwelling, including Allen Armstrong. His age is given as 28 and his occupation is listed as "Shoemaker" The 35 persons are listed with occupations of various trades. Seven, including Allen are listed as Shoemakers.
On February 11, 2004 at the Ontario Archives
The London City Directory for 1886 was searched and at the address, 388 William St. a Frederick W Pryce is found. This is the name and address mentioned in the death notice for Allen seen above.
On February 11, 2004 at the Ontario Archives
London - Mount Pleasant Cemetery records were searched. This was done on the bases of Elmore Stephenson's taped interview with Rosie (Armstrong) Collins made in 1979, Rosie would have been Allen's niece, and the fact that Rosie said "Allen was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London" a check of the Cemetery records on micro-film was made. Allen Armstrong's burial was not found. However the burial of a Pryce family was found as follows:.
MS: 451, Reel #71
London Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Section: R Row: 3
Pryce, Frederick W.
Born Feb. 8, 1859 Died Feb. 22, 1923
His wife
Rosena Pryce
Born April 9, 1860 Died Sept. 4, 1941
Chester Pryce 1881-1935
Albert Pryce 1890-1942
Until proven otherwise it is the opinion of this researcher that Allen died in London on October 9, 1884 and was buried in a plot owned by his in-laws.
Ernie Wells and Ann Elizabeth Armstrong
Husband Ernie WELLS (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:Marriage:
Wife Ann Elizabeth ARMSTRONG
Born: 16 Dec 1879 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Can. Christened: Died: Buried:
Father: John A ARMSTRONG (1847-1916) Mother: Ellen CLARKE (1854-1946)
Children
David Alexander Kay and Anna Mae Armstrong
Husband David Alexander KAY
Born: 24 Jun 1894 - Kincardine Ont. Christened: Died: 17 Feb 1975 - Clinton, Huron, Ont. Can. Buried: 20 Feb 1975 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, CanMarriage: 3 Dec 1924 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, Can
Noted events in his life were:
• Alt. Death
Clinton Public Hospital
• Burial Location
Clinton Public Cemetery, A80
• Occupation
"D A Kay & Son Decorating" buisness in Clinton Ont.
• Residences
Kincardine Ont; Clinton, Ont.
Wife Anna Mae ARMSTRONG
AKA: Annie Born: 10 Nov 1894 - Stanley, Huron, Ont, Can Christened: - Stanley, Huron, Ont, Can Died: 12 Jun 1956 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, Can Buried: 15 Jun 1956 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, Can
Father: Robert ARMSTRONG (1860-1921) Mother: Emily STEPHENSON (1868-1938)
Noted events in her life were:
• Alt. Death
Clinton Public Hospital
• Burial Location
Clinton Public Cemetery, A80
• Education
Stanley, Huron, Ont. Can
• Occupation
Wife and Mother; Retail Store Keeper of "D A Kay Decorating"
• Residences
Stanley Twp; Clinton, Ont.
Children
1 M Robert Benson KAY
Born: 31 May 1927 - Clinton, Huron, Ont. Can. Christened: Died: 4 Aug 1944 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, Can Buried: 6 Aug 1944 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, Can
2 M Donald Russell KAY
Born: 11 Jan 1930 - Clinton, Huron, Ont. Can. Christened: - Ontario Street United Church, Clinton, Ont. Died: 15 Dec 1976 - London, Middlesex, Ont., Can. Buried: 18 Dec 1976 - Clinton, Huron, Ont, CanSpouse: Shirley Ruth JONES (living)
General Notes for Child Robert Benson KAY
Died at the home of his parents on Fulton St. Clinton, Ontario. On Friday
August 4 1944, in his 17th year.
Married at Never married
General Notes for Child Donald Russell KAY
Don took over the "Kay Decorating" business in Clinton from his father Dave. He operated it with his wife until the time of his death. The "Kay Decorating" business is now operated by a third generation Kay, Don and Shirley's son Robert. Robert operates the business, "Robert Kay Decorating now located in Dungannon, Ont.
Don was elected, with a large majority, Mayor of the town of Clinton in the fall of 1976. He took ill and passed away before he could be sworn in to office.
George McClinchey and Annie May Armstrong
Husband George McCLINCHEY
Born: 1875 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Christened: Died: 17 Jun 1939 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Buried: Jun 1939 - Bayfield, Ont.Marriage: 14 Jan 1903 - Bayfield, Huron, Ont., Can.
Noted events in his life were:
• Burial Location
Bayfield Cemetery, Plot 254F
Wife Annie May ARMSTRONG
Born: 7 Sep 1880 Christened: Died: 14 Jun 1947 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Buried: Jun 1947 - Bayfield, Ont.
Father: George ARMSTRONG (1854-1935) Mother: Eva "Jane" Eleanor WESTON (1856-1901)
Noted events in her life were:
• Burial Location
Bayfield Cemetery, 254F
Noted events in their marriage were:
• Marriage location
In the Rectory of the Anglican Church in Bayfield.
Children
1 M Wilmer McCLINCHEY
Born: 28 Jan 1904 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Can. Christened: Died: 23 Oct 1973 - Stanley, Twp. Huron, Ont. Buried: Oct 1973 - Bayfield, Ont.Spouse: Nettie PEPPER (1903-1989) Marr: Abt 1930 - Tuckersmith, Twp.
2 M Ernest Manning McCLINCHEY
Born: 29 Mar 1906 - Stanley, Huron, Ont., Can. Christened: Died: 30 Sep 1967 - Varna, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: Oct 1967 - Bayfield, Ont.Spouse: Ida GINGERICH (1912-2001) Marr: 20 Sep 1935 - Brownsville, Ont. Can.
3 F Mabel Ann McCLINCHEY
Born: 6 Aug 1909 - Stanley, Huron, Ont., Can. Christened: Died: 2 Aug 1999 - Hay, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: Aug 1999 - Stanley Township, OntarioSpouse: David "Emerson" KYLE (1907-1986) Marr: 8 Apr 1931 - Varna, Huron, Ont., Can
4 F Gertrude "Gertie" Evelyn McCLINCHEY
Born: 28 Feb 1916 - Stanley, Huron, Ont., Can. Christened: Died: 31 Dec 1994 - Seaforth, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: 1995 - Bayfield, Ont.Spouse: Ivan STECKLE (1897-1982) Marr: 21 Nov 1936 - Huron. Ont., Can.
5 M John "Jack" Elgin McCLINCHEY
Born: 15 Dec 1917 - Stanley, Huron, Ont., Can Christened: Died: 7 Jul 1965 - Blyth, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: Jul 1965 - Bayfield, Ont.Spouse: Bernice Olive THIEL (living)
General Notes (Wife)
BY Shirley Dickson with help from Joan Bell.
Annie May was born in Goderich Twp. on September 17, 1880 to George and Jane (Weston) Armstrong. She was the third daughter in the family and when she was almost three years old she moved with the family to West Wawanosh Township, near Nile. She spent her early years on the little farm there and went to school with her sisters. She was almost 15 when the family moved back to Stanley Township to the Armstrong home on the Goshen Line. Like her sisters, she must have been saddened to leave behind all her childhood friends. But new friends were to be made.
0n January 14, 1903, at the age of 22, Annie married George McClinchey in the Rectory of the Anglican Church, Bayfield, ON. George, age 28, was born in 1875 to Henry and Jane (Keys) McClinchey in Stanley Twp. Huron, ON. The registry at the Anglican Church recorded George's name as "McLinchey". George was from a family of thirteen children.
Annie and George had five children. Wilmer was born in 1904, Ernest - 1906, Mabel - 1909, Gertrude - 1916, and John in 1917.
Both Annie and George were hard working farm folks. With their family, they worked several farms in the area. According to information in Township of Stanley History 1836 - 1986 it states that the East part of Lot 16 and West part of Lot 17 Bayfield Road N have been tied together since Canada Company days. It was first settled in 1854 and that George McClinchey bought it in 1917. His son took it over from 1949 until 1954. Another property, this one on the Babylon, Concession VIII, Lot. 17, was sold to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey in 1929. This property was sold their son Wilmer and Nettie (Pepper) McClinchey in 1940 after George's death on June 17, 1939 in Stanley, Twp.
Annie and George lived on the farm on the Bayfield Rd. from 1917 until her death, from bronchial pneumonia, on June 15, 1947. Both George and Annie are buried in Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ontario.
General Notes for Child Wilmer McCLINCHEY
By Shirley Dickson with help from Ruth Fiebelkorn.
Wilmer McClinchey was born on January 28, 1904 in Stanley Twp. to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey.
In Tuckersmith Twp., in 1930 Wilmer married Nettie Pepper who was born in 1903. Nettie came to Stanley Twp. from Con. III Tuckersmith where she had been a teacher prior to her marriage to Wilmer. Nettie also taught at S.S.# 6 Stanley, the Varna school. She was teaching there in 1928, when she met Wilmer. A photo in the Township of Stanley History 1836 - 1986, on page 198 shows the school participating in the School Fair, with Nettie named as the teacher. Two of her pupils were Gertie and John McClinchey, her future sister-in-law, and brother-in-law!
After their marriage they farmed on the Babylon until their house burnt down. The Township of Stanley History 1836 - 1986 states: Concession VIII, Lot 17, Babylon, was sold to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey in 1929 and then to their son Wilmer and Nettie (Pepper) McClinchey in 1940. Wilmer & Nettie lived here until a chimney fire burned the house in1934 and in 1942 the barn burned because of combustion. They had built a shed in 1941. It also says that Concession X, Lot 16, Goshen, was purchased by Wilmer and Nettie McClinchey in 1939 and they lived there the rest of their life. Wilmer and Nettie did not have any children.
In 1960 they celebrated their 30th anniversary in their home and the Three Armstrong Boys (Willie, Robbie and John Armstrong) provided the old time music and a good time was had by all.
Together they farmed both places until Wilmer passed away on October 23, 1973. Nettie continued to live there and rented out the farmland until her passing on January 11, 1989. Wilmer and Nettie are buried in Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ontario.
General Notes for Child Ernest Manning McCLINCHEY
By Shirley Dickson with help from Joan Bell.
Ernest Manning was born on March 29, 1906 to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey in Stanley Twp. Huron County, Ontario, Canada.
He married Ida Alvina Gingerich on September 20, 1935 in Brownsville, Ont.
Ida was also born in Stanley Twp. to Chris and Annie (Baechler) Gingerich on June 12, 1912.
Ernest and Ida farmed, from September 1934 to 1953 at West part of Lot 16, Bayfield Rd.1/2 mile west of Varna, Ont. (where the Stanley Township Complex now stands). Ernest along with farming spent much of his time horse trading.
Ernest and Ida had two children, their son, William born in 1936 and their daughter Joan was born in 1939.
In 1955 they moved to Varna and operated the general store, that they named "McClinchey's General Store". Ida took over the business and Ernest worked on construction until his death on September 30, 1967.
Ernest was buried on Oct 3, 1967 in Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ont.
On October 16, 1976 Ida married Edmond Godkin.
Ida died at Huronview Home, R.R. # 5 Clinton, Ont. on February 18, 2001. On February 20, 2001 she was buried with Ernest in the Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ontario.
General Notes for Child Mabel Ann McCLINCHEY
Spelling of name McClinchey/McLinchey
Per a note from Carole and Don Kyle in June of 2002, Mabel and her sister Gertrude officially changed the spelling of McClinchey to McLinchey. They did this in their later years. On Mabel's tombstone, her name is spelled McLinchey. It was thought (and possibly verified) that their father George married as a McLinchey.
By Shirley Dickson.
Mabel Ann was born in Stanley Twp. on August 6, 1909 to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey. She married David Emerson Kyle on April 8, 1931 in Varna, Ontario. He was born in Kippen, Ont. on December 27, 1907. His parents were Thomas and Jean Isabel (Mitchell) Kyle.
Mabel and Emerson owned and ran the D. E. Kyle Store in Kippen from May 1931 until September 1958. In it, they carried and sold groceries, drug store type supplies and some hardware. A column from "55 years ago" in the Exeter Times-Advocate, on January 23, 2002 states: "Eight large windows, two veranda pillars and a gas pump were smashed at the Emerson Kyle store at Kippen when an RCAF ambulance went out of control." That would have been in January, 1947.
On December 22, 1933, a son Donald Emerson was born and on March 18 1951 a second son James Thomas was born to Mabel and Emerson.
After they sold the store, Mabel then spent approximately 20 years as a sales person in the Hensall and Exeter Drugstores. Emerson was a Land Appraiser and Buyer for Dept. of Highways from 1959 to 1972 and then a Land Buyer for Dome Petroleum for 1973 to 1976.
Emerson died on July 17, 1986 in Victoria Hospital, London, Ont. and was buried in Baird's Cemetery, Stanley Township, Huron, Ontario.
In Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich, Hay Township, Huron, Ontario, Mabel died on August 2, 1999 and she was also buried in Baird's Cemetery.
General Notes for Child Gertrude "Gertie" Evelyn McCLINCHEY
Spelling of name McClinchey/McLinchey
Per a note from Carole and Don Kyle in June of 2002, Mabel and her sister Gertrude officially changed the spelling of McClinchey to McLinchey. They did this in their later years. On Mabel's tombstone, her name is spelled McLinchey. It was thought (and possibly verified) that their father George married as a McLinchey.
By Shirley Dickson with help from Ivan Steckle.
Gertrude "Gertie" Evelyn was born on February 28, 1916 in Stanley Twp. Huron, Ontario to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey. She was their fourth child. Gertie attended S.S. # 6 Stanley, the Varna School. One of her teachers was Nettie Pepper, who would become her sister-in-law.
On November 21, 1936 Gertie married Ivan Steckle in Huron County. He was the son of Henry and Mary Ann (Settler) Steckle, and he was born at R. R. # 2 Zurich, Stanley Twp. on September 19, 1897.
Gertrude and Ivan had two children, Marilyn Joy, in 1939 and Ivan Henry in 1947.
Ivan died in Goderich Ont. in 1982. Gertrude died in December 31, 1994 in Seaforth Hospital, Seaforth Ont. and was buried in Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ont.
General Notes for Child John "Jack" Elgin McCLINCHEY
By Shirley Dickson with help from May Lou and Ruth.
John "Jack" Elgin was the fifth child born to George and Annie (Armstrong) McClinchey. He was born in Stanley Twp. on December 15, 1917. He attended S.S. # 6- Varna School for his elementary education. Nettie Pepper, one of his teachers, became his sister-in-law when she married Jack's brother Wilmer.
On December 17, 1941 Jack married Bernice Olive Thiel in Exeter Ont. She was born on July 11, 1918, in Blake, Ont. to Elmore
and Amelia (Koch) Thiel. Bernice went to the Blake Public School- S.S.# 9 Stanley.
Jack and Bernice had five children, Ruth Ann - 1942, Helen - 1945, George - 1947, Mary Lou - 1951, and Grace was born in 1953
Jack farmed on the family farm near Varna, Ontario in Stanley Township from December 1941 until June 1954. Then, along with his wife and five children, Jack moved to Blyth, Ontario in June of 1954.
He was an occasional laborer until his death on July 7, 1965. He is buried alongside his parents in Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield Ont.
Bernice was a Mother and Housewife until 1955. She was then employed at Parknitt Hosiery in Clinton, Ont. from 1955 to 1962, and then at Huronview Clinton, Ont. from 1962 until her retirement in 1983
One of Jack's hobbies was his interest in horses. Bernice still enjoys quilting and attending numerous Seniors Functions..
She has had T.I.A's (Trans Ischemic Attacks), but has suffered no paralysis, ever! She is very healthy and always on the go.
Arthur Wheatley Armstrong
Husband Arthur Wheatley ARMSTRONG
Born: 18 Jan 1918 - Tuckersmith, Huron, Ont. Christened: Died: 21 Jan 1918 - Tuckersmith, Huron, Ont. Buried: Jan 1918 - Clinton, Ont.
Father: Rainey ARMSTRONG (1883-1921) Mother: Margaret Ann WHEATLEY (1893-1961)
Noted events in his life were:
• Burial Location
Clinton Public Cemetery. Section D, Plot 15.
Wife
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Children
Ashlynn Armstrong
Husband
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Wife Ashlynn ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Father: Gregory Andrew "Andy" ARMSTRONG Mother: Janice Anne FARNQUIST
Children
Barry William Armstrong and Pauline
Husband Barry William ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried: Child-Par.Rel.: Father: (Relationship: Adopted), Mother: (Relationship: Adopted)
Father: William John ARMSTRONG (1912-1975) Mother: Eleta Marie McCAULEY (1914-1995)
Marriage:
Wife PAULINE (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Children
1 F Child ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
2 F Child ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
3 F Child ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
4 F Child ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
5 F Child ARMSTRONG (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
Alvin Morley Storey and Beatrice Mae Armstrong
Husband Alvin Morley STOREY
Born: 3 Oct 1906 - Elma Twp., Ont., Can. Christened: Died: 7 Apr 1986 - Seaforth, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: 9 Apr 1986 - Stanley, Huron, Ont.Marriage: 5 Sep 1941 - Elora, Ont.
Noted events in his life were:
• Burial Location
Baird's Cemetery
• Death Location
Seaforth Hospital
• Military
Canadian Forces - Army R.C.O.C. in W.W. II
• Occupation
Salesman, Veteran W.W II, Farmer, Bookeeper.
• Residences
Lot 7 Con. 8 of Tuckersmith Twp. then Seaforth Ont.
Wife Beatrice Mae ARMSTRONG
Born: 14 May 1918 - Tuckersmith, Huron, Ont., Can. Christened: Died: 11 May 2000 - Seaforth, Huron, Ont., Can. Buried: 13 May 2000 - Stanley, Huron, Ont.
Father: George Robert ARMSTRONG (1890-1972) Mother: Pearl ZAPFE (1894-1971)
Noted events in her life were:
• Birth Location
N Lot 4, Con. 22 Tuckersmith Township.
• Burial Location
Baird's Cemetery.
• Death Location
Seaforth Hospital
• Occupation
Housewife and Mother. Home Care Worker.
• Residences
Tuckersmith Twp. and Seaforth, Ont.
Children
1 F Shirley Ann Pearl STOREY (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: James WATSON (living)Spouse: Robert Edward Douglas DICKSON (living)
2 F Gwendolyn Beatrice STOREY (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: John Douglas PATTERSON (living)
3 F Joyce Diana STOREY (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: Roderick Alexander DOIG (1930-2004)
4 F Darlene Grace STOREY (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:
5 F Alva "Fay" STOREY (details suppressed for this person)
Born: Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: Bruce Norman WOOLLINGS (living)
General Notes (Husband)
Military Service: Private Alvin Morley Storey enlisted in the Central Mechanization Depot of the R.C.O.C. in December, 1942. After training in London and Barriefield, he was sent to Europe in July, 1944. After D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy in June, 1944, and once the Allies were established in the Port of Cherbourg and the Scheldt Estuary; Morley was posted to the main supply depot on the border between Holland and Belgium. There he served as a storeman and transport driver delivering supplies. He served overseas for 20 months, helping with 'cleanup' after the war was officially over. He arrived home on February 4, 1946 and received his discharge in March, 1946.
General Notes (Wife)
By Gwen Patterson.
Beatrice Mae Armstrong was born May 14, 1918 to George and Pearl (Zapfe) Armstrong. She attended S.S. #3 Tuckersmith, on the Mill Road just east of Brucefield. She graduated from grade eight in 1932, and because times were very tough, she did not attend high school, but helped out at home on the farm. When she was eighteen, she was allowed to 'work out' to earn extra money and so she did domestic work for the Cluff family in Seaforth. She did the usual kinds of activities that young ladies of the day enjoyed; attended dances, went to the beach, visited friends, etc. In 1939, she met a handsome young man who had moved into town to run his farm machinery business. Morley Storey, born October 3, 1906 on a farm near Alma, son of Walter and Euphemia (Torrance) Storey, had come to Seaforth to run the Massey Harris Dealership. They met at a dance through mutual friends, Howard and Evelyn Carroll. A courtship followed and Beatrice and Morley were married on September 5, 1941 in Elora, ON. They moved into an apartment above the grocery store on the corner of Main Street and John, in Seaforth.
On March 5, 1942, their first daughter, Shirley Ann Pearl was born in the Seaforth Hospital. The family settled in, but WW II was raging on and Morley knew he would have to go. Beatrice was expecting again, so the family moved 'home' to George and Pearl's farm. On March 20, 1943 their second daughter, Gwendolyn Beatrice would be born, also in the Seaforth Hospital. Morley would go off to war and Beatrice and the girls would remain with Bea's parents until the War was over.
Private Alvin Morley Storey enlisted in the Central Mechanization Depot of the R.C.O.C. in December, 1942. After training in London and Barriefield, he was sent to Europe in July, 1944. After D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy in June, 1944, and once the Allies were established in the Port of Cherbourg and the Scheldt Estuary; Morley was posted to the main supply depot on the border between Holland and Belgium. There he served as a storeman and transport driver delivering supplies. He served overseas for 20 months, helping with 'cleanup' after the war was officially over. He arrived home on February 4, 1946 and received his discharge in March, 1946.
In the spring of 1946, George sold the home farm and in March, he and Pearl moved to their new farm on the Mill Road. Beatrice and Morley remained in the 'old' house for a time. Morley spent the spring and summer helping his father-in-law and brother-in-law with the planting and harvest on their farms, and also looking for a farm of his own. Beatrice was expecting again, and they soon settled on the purchase of a farm on the Staffa Road; Lot 7, Con. VIII, Tuckersmith. They moved into their own place dubbed 'The Burdock Farm' in the fall and their third daughter, Joyce Diana was born on December 13, 1946.
Times were tough and although the family didn't have much money, the girls never felt deprived! You don't miss what you don't have! The very first spring, when three hundred baby chicks were purchased for the years crop of hens, there was NO place to put them where they could be kept warm enough........except in an upstairs bedroom!! And that is where they were put, until the weather was warm enough to get them into the hen house! There was no electricity to the farm. That would not be a luxury until 1957, ten years away!
Even though times were hard, it is the fun things that one remembers! Harvesting and threshing with grandparents and Uncle Bruce and Aunt Bun. Fishing with cousins and using a bent nail for a hook and crickets for bait. Visits from the Detroit relatives. Boxes of wonderful hand-me-down clothes from the city. Attending 'Storey-Torrance' reunions in Moorefield. Watching Saturday night wrestling on Uncle Bruce's TV, then euchre or solo, while the girls and their cousins Gerald and Rannie played. And those Saturday nights were a ritual not to be broken by rain, hail, sleet or snow. If the car could not get through the snow, then the horses were hitched up to the sleigh and away we would go! Then salmon sandwiches, pickles and Aunt Bun's wonderful chocolate cake! Chores, dishes, egg gathering and cleaning, old dog Nippy, twenty cats, and a pony that NOBODY could ride!
On October 28, 1954 another little daughter, Darlene Grace was born. What a good time the three older girls had looking after their little sister. They were all now attending S.S.#9 Tuckersmith School, just down the road, and they would bring home stuff for their little sister who turned out to be a whiz at Math. Then on March 15, 1957 wee little Alva Fay was born at home! And I mean wee.....she was only 3lbs. 10oz. She spent the first month of her life in Clinton Hospital, until she was strong enough to come home. And life went on!
In the spring of 1964, Morley and Beatrice sold the farm. Shirley was married, Gwen was in Teacher's College, Joyce was finishing High School and would soon be off to Nurse's Training in Windsor, Darlene and Fay were both in elementary school. Morley had the chance to do bookkeeping at his cousin George Miller's gas station and car dealership. They moved into their house on George Street in Seaforth.
To help with the income and putting all these girls through school, Beatrice and Morley also did caretaking and cleaning for the Legion, the Post Office,and the Egg Grading Station. Beatrice went back to school and enrolled in the first Homemakers course in the area, run by Conestoga College She was thrilled to get her diploma after a ten week course. Today that same 'Course' is reduced to a few days of instruction! She was posted to many jobs in the area and worked at Homecare for several years. She also took up lawn bowling and took her turn as President of the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club. In the winter she participated in five pin bowling while Morley was the bartender at the Seaforth Curling Club. He was also active in the Seaforth Legion where he was Treasurer for several years, and upon his 'retirement' from that position, he was awarded a Life Time Membership in 1978, in appreciation for his long time involvement. In the summer, both Beatrice and Morley liked to golf at the Seaforth Golf Course.
With a bit more leisure time, they were able to take some trips with the two younger girls. They toured the north part of Ontario, around Huntsville, Sudbury, and Algonquin. They also took the girls to Ottawa and Quebec, the Laurentian Hills and Kingston (Old Fort Henry). In 1967, they allowed the two girls to go by train to EXPO '67. They were 12 and 10 at the time! Bea and Morley also took some trips with friends. These were often related to Legion events. Because they both loved country music, they took a bus trip to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The longest trip was to the west coast of Canada in the summer of 1978 with Morley's brother George Storey and Irene. Beatrice claimed that she spent the entire time in the Rockies looking out the back window to see where she had been because it was too scary looking out the front or side windows as George had a 'heavy foot' and took those mountain roads a bit too fast for her comfort! And believe it or not, this trip was done with a tent trailer! George was 79, Morley 72 and Beatrice 60 years of age. What troopers!
Soon the two younger girls were off to university and then Bea and Morley were on their own. Once Morley 'officially' retired, he took up the hobby of refinishing and repairing furniture. He and his friend Norman Young would travel to Mennonite 'country' in Waterloo County and purchase items at auctions, then refinish them. A lot of wonderful furniture pieces wound up in the homes of the girls. Beatrice did beautiful handwork. She crocheted many afghans, doilies, tablecloths and even and bedspread. Morley spent many hours in his 'workshop' attached to the carport by the house. Every day the coffee pot brewed all day while friends stopped by for a chat or a game of cards.
In the early 1980's Morley was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent the usual therapy treatments, but on April 07, 1986 he passed away in the Seaforth Hospital. He is buried in Baird's Cemetery, Stanley Township.
Beatrice, now alone, sold the house and moved into an apartment on High Street. She had a great group of lady friends and they met often for lawn bowling, cards, tea, birthday parties, and Senior dinners. She continued to travel, taking her first plane ride to Halifax, then on to a bus tour of Newfoundland, and St. Pierre & Miquelon. Her daughters made sure she was included in some of their trips. Joyce took her to Tennessee and Kentucky. Gwen took her to the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. Darlene and Fay took her to New England and whale watching; Arizona and the Grand Canyon; Texas and the Southwest; a circle of Lake Huron with 'high tea' at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It was on a trip to Florida with Darlene and Fay, when she broke her leg and it was the end of travelling for Bea.
After surgery and having pins in her leg, Beatrice gradually found it more difficult to get around and so she moved into an assisted-living apartment in Huronview near Clinton in 1998. She loved the girls that helped her and they would often be found popping in to check on her and she would always have a new joke to tell them. Her sense of humour was so evident that her little great grandchildren referred to her a 'Funny Grandma' instead of Great-Grandma. She kept her mind sharp and she could remember people, names, relationships, jokes and stories. She had little notebooks all over the place where she wrote out long poems, nursery rhymes and jokes!!
In the spring of 2000 Beatrice got infection in the prostheses in her leg, and it raged through her body. She died on May 11, 2000 in the Seaforth Hospital, three days short of her 82nd birthday. She is buried in Baird's Cemetery.
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