THE TOMLINSON FAMILYCommunity Spirit With Farming, Township Clerk,
School Board, And Even Bell CanadaCaptain Nicholas Tomlinson came from England by boat with his brother who settled in Southern Ontario. Captain Nicholas settled in Laird, the deed stating the date 1883. Thomas Matthew, son to Nicholas and Martha, was born in 1852. He married Elizabeth Wright from a neighbouring farm to the south which was purchased by Carson and is now part of the Tomlinson farm. Thomas was one of the eight Laird representatives who witnessed “on hands and seals” the signing of the historical Trust Deed of Laird Cemetery.

Thomas died in 1920 and Elizabeth in 1938. They are both buried in the old Laird Cemetery but there is no stone. Three children were born to Thomas and Elizabeth; William Carson, in 1885; John Henry, born in 1888; and Martha Gertrude, born 1889. Carson married Emma Salisbury from Hespeler in 1907 and they had only the one child, Harold. Carson attended the Bluff School and later served on the school board for 24 years. He did custom wood cutting with his buzz saw and along with Roy Murray did custom threshing for a number of years. He was interested in mixed farming having chickens, beef cattle and a few pigs. Eggs and butter were exchanged for other staples. Carson died on December 22, 1966.

William Harold was born in 1908. He married Lillian Peterman from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in 1915 and the couple had three children: Roy, born in 1936; Helen, born in 1941; and Kenneth, born in 1944. He followed in his father’s footsteps, attending Bluff School and farming as well as the custom wood cutting. He also worked as repair man for Laird and MacDonald telephone system from 1950 until Bell Canada took over in 1967. Lillian became Township Clerk in 1954, a position she held until her retirement in 1977. Ken has remained on the farm with his Wife, Judy, and their three children. In 1971, a partnership was formed between Ken and father, Harold, and another 300 acres of land and buildings were purchased from Oscar Pylkanen. The dairy herd was moved to the new property and the land was farmed as one by both families. Harold maintained a keen interest and helped out as much as possible until his death in 1988. Lillian lives with her son Roy and his Wife in Sault Ste. Marie where he is employed by Bell Canada. Helen also lives in Sault Ste. Marie.

Curious to know more?  Delve Further Into The Tomlinson Family History here:
Laird Chronicles Chapter 10 – The Pioneers
Family History/Photos – The Tomlinson Family