PLEASE NOTE NEW CONTACT INFORMATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

The Tait Family in
Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario

And their ancestors:
The Tait Family in Northumberland, England

Contents

Click on any of the following to be taken to that section or page.

Introduction

Welcome to my page on the Tait Family of Puslinch.  This page is part of my personal family history website and represents one of my own ancestral lines.  It is also a cousin page to the Stewart Pioneers of Puslinch, a website for Puslinch researchers in cooperation with the Puslinch Historical Society.  If you are specifically looking for information on the Tait family then this is where to start.  Otherwise you may wish to begin at the start page of my family history, or at the introduction page for the Stewarts of Puslinch (just follow the preceding links).

Please Note: This page is intended only as a narrative historical overview of this family.  There is additional detailed information available for almost ever person presented on this page.  To avoid the unnecessary work of double-entering some data, the additional information can be found in the accompanying GEDCOM database.  Please make sure you click on the INDEX button at the bottom of the page so you don't miss out on potentially valuable additional information.

Acknowledgments

The research presented on this page is not mine alone.  It contains information submitted by all the Fellow Researchers listed below.  I am indebted to them for their generous contributions.  This page is intended as a place for researchers to freely and cooperatively share our research with each other.  It would be too cumbersome a task to reference each piece of data as to which researcher it has come from.  The information shown on this page should be understood as a product of ALL of the Fellow Researchers.  I am merely the editor and not the sole author. - Ryk

The Origin of the Surname Tait

The name Tait appears to have originated in Berwickshire in the border country of Scotland and their ancestral roots can be traced back to Bernician origin prior to the year 1100. (Bernicia was one of the ancient Saxon kingdoms of Britain located in the area of present-day Northumberland.)  Tait was originally a nickname probably of Old Norse origin, deriving from the word teitr, meaning "glad" or "cheerful".  As a proper name, 'Teitr', occurs several times in the Icelandic Landnamabok. Lowland Scots and English occurrences of the name can be found as early as the 14th century.

Click here to learn more about surnames.

Scots/English Border Reivers

Tait is a known Border Reiver name.  The Border Reivers were a group of lawless thieves and bandits who ravaged the lands on either side of the Scottish/English border.  Political boundaries held little meaning to them and they ravaged as freely in southern Scotland as in northern England.  The Taits are believed to be a sept of the Kerr clan, but they may also have been affiliated with the Angus or McInnis Clan (McInnis is Gaelic for "son of Angus").

The following is excerpted from The Steel Bonnets (1971) by George MacDonald Frazer. (edited)

The Taits, among others, were considered one of the Frontier Riding Families. The Border Reivers were aggressive, ruthless, robbers, marauders, plunderers, violent people, notoriously quick on the draw, ready and occasionally eager to kill in action, when life or property or honor was at stake. The Border Reivers, both English and Scottish, feuded continuously. Robbery and blackmail were everyday professions and raiding, arson, kidnapping, murder and extortion were an important part of their social system. It was a way of life pursued in peace time, by people who accepted it as normal. It meant that no householder in all the Marches could go to sleep secure; no beast or cattle could be left unguarded.

In 1511, Sir Robert Kerr, leader of the Kerr Clan, was Warden of the Middle March.  Kerr was murdered by three Englishmen.  Two were arrested and the third fled to York where he lived in constant fear.  Two of Kerr's followers, named Tait, made their way south, sometimes apparently in disguise, murdered the fugitive in his home, and brought his head back for public display.

Did our Tait family descend from the notorious Tait clan who were Borderland Reivers?  We may never know.  We have another two hundred years of history to cover before we can say for sure.  But we can probably safely assume that our Tait family has deep roots in the areas of Northumberland, England and Berwickshire, Scotland.

Leonard Tait and Jane Ord of the Borderlands

Leonard Tait was born in 1818 in England, but it is not certain where.  According to his gravestone he was born in Northumberland, but the 1841 England census shows him living in Byker, Northumberland but says he was born *outside* the county.  One of these sources must be incorrect.  A Northumberland birth is presently preferred, possibly near Norham or Etal.  Leonard's future wife, Jane Ord, came from Coldstream in Berwickshire, Scotland.  Although Coldstream and Norham are in two different countries, they are actually located less than five miles apart directly across from each other on the Lower Tweed River, which forms the border between Scotland and England.  In this Borders Region, borders had little meaning to the local inhabitants.

No marriage record has yet been found for Leonard Tait and Jane Ord, so it is not known if they were married in Berwickshire, Scotland, where Jane was from, or in Northumberland, England, where Leonard was from.  It is most likely that Leonard married Jane Ord prior to emigrating because census records claim their first child, John, was born in 1841 in England (but those same census records also show their second child incorrectly as being born in England.)

The Tait Family in Puslinch

Leonard Tait immigrated to Canada sometime between 1841-1844, the exact date is not known.  By 1844 Leonard and Jane were living in Beauharnois Canal, Châteauguay Valley, Huntingdon County, Quebec, Canada.  They appear to have lived there not long, just long enough for the birth of their second child, Mary, and possibly their third, Elizabeth.  Another Ord family has been found in the Châteauguay records matching the description of Jane's uncle John Ord, so it is possible that Leonard and Jane followed Jane's uncle and stayed with or near him, however this has not been verified.

By 1848 they had left Quebec and were living in Central Ontario.  In 1848 their fourth child was born in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario.  Another family of Taits originating from the Scottish Borders has been found in the Beverly Township records, so it is possible that Leonard and Jane may again have followed and stayed with relatives upon arriving in Ontario.  However, at present, no relationship has been confirmed between our Taits and the other Taits in Beverly.

By 1851 Leonard and Jane had finally settled on their own property just a few miles northeast of Beverly, in the next county just east of the village of Morriston in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario where they raised the rest of their family.  It is at this time that the rest of Jane's family, the Ord Family in Puslinch, are found living next door.  It is possible that Jane's family may have waiting until Leonard and Jane were settled and then followed on.

Leonard and Jane seem to have settled down in Puslinch where they remained for sixteen years -- this would be the longest time they would spend in one place for their entire marriage.

Leonard Tait had trained as a blacksmith back in England as had his father-in-law, Robert Ord, back in Scotland.  It's possible that Leonard may have apprenticed with his father-in-law or their mutual trade could simply be a coincidence.   After arriving in Puslinch, it appears that Leonard did not have the opportunity to work at his trade (neither did his father-in-law, Robert Ord), either that or he chose to work primarily as a farmer on the Ord farm, perhaps to help get his family established. 

In 1867 Leonard and Jane, along with their children, moved to the nearby industrial city of Hamilton, Ontario, where prospects for a blacksmith were much better.  Leonard was able to find work as a blacksmith for the Great Western Railroad -- this was the major east-west rail link between New York, Buffalo and Chicago and the opening western states and provinces.  Unfortunately Leonard was not long with the railroad.  Leonard Tait died four years later in 1871 at the age of 53 followed by his wife Jane in 1872 at the age of 57.  Three of their younger children, Robert (age 20), David (age 18), and Margaret (age 15) were still living at home.  Leonard and Jane along with their daughter Elizabeth are all buried in Crown Cemetery in Puslinch.

It was at this time that the eldest daughter, Mary Tait, and her husband Hugh Stewart moved to Hamilton from Puslinch and took Mary's younger Tait siblings into their home.

Leonard Tait was born in 1815 (according to census records) or 1818 (according to his gravestone) in England (probably Northumberland).  He married  ABT 1841 probably in Northumberland, England or Berwickshire, Scotland to Jane ORD, although no record of their marriage has been found.  Jane Ord was born 21 JUL 1815 in Eccles, Berwickshire, Scotland  Jane's birth family can be found on the Ord Family in Puslinch page.  They had the following children:

1. John TAIT b: 1841 in England or Quebec, Canada.  Nor birth record has been found for him.  1851/61 census records show John as being born in 1841 in England, but the 1841 census shows his father, Leonard, living in Northumberland, England with no family, and his mother cannot be found in the 1841 census.  Thus John must have been born after June 1841 when the census was taken.  John is not found in the 1871 or 1881 Canadian census records.  A possible match exists in the 1880 census for Ohio, however this is quite speculative.  It's also possible that John Tait died before 1880/81.
2. Mary TAIT b: 5 JAN 1844 in Beauharnois Canal, Châteauguay Valley, Huntingdon County, Quebec, Canada.  Some early census records erroneously indicate that Mary was born in England.  Mary married on 17 SEP 1868 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario to Hugh STEWART, b: ABT 1840 in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario.  Hugh Stewart was from the Comrie Stewarts of Puslinch family and the story of his birth family can be found on that page.  Hugh Stewart had a first cousin, Robert Stewart who married Mary's sister, Margaret Tait, below.  The story of Mary and Hugh's family is continued on the Stewarts of Hamilton Page.  Their children were:
   1. Robert Albert STEWART b: 1 OCT 1869 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. He died young
   2. Leonard Tait STEWART b: 2 NOV 1871 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. His descendants are presented on the Stewarts of Hamilton Page.
   3. Jane Ord STEWART b: 26 SEP 1875 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. Her descendants are presented on the Stewarts of Hamilton Page.
   4. James Gillespie STEWART b: 28 OCT 1877 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. He died young.
   5. Maggie STEWART b: OCT 1880 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. She died as a child.
   6. David Tait STEWART b: 24 JAN 1883 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario. He died in infancy.
3. Elizabeth TAIT b: JUL 1844 in Quebec, Canada, however her birth record has not been found.  Some early census records erroneously indicate that Elizabeth was born in England.  She died in 1864 at the age of 20 in Puslinch, Wellington, County, Ontario and never married.
4. Jane TAIT b: 12 JUL 1848 in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario (according to Duff's Church records).  She married Alexander CAMPBELL, a school teacher from Puslinch.  Like her school teaching brother Leonard, Jane and Alex moved to eastern Ontario, specifically the village of Arnprior, Renfrew South, on the Ottawa River, just west of the city of Ottawa.  Then, with Leonard, they also moved to Victoria, British Columbia.  They had the following children:
   1. Milton D. CAMPBELL b: 30 NOV 1870 in Ontario.  He married in British Columbia to Bella, whose surname is unknown.  They had the following known child and possibly others:
      1. Jessie J. CAMPBELL b: 6 DEC 1900 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
   2. Leonard Dex CAMPBELL b: 18 JUL 1871 in Ontario.  He was a school teacher, like his father.  In 1901 he was living with his widowed mother and younger siblings in Victoria, British Columbia.
   3. Robert Ord CAMPBELL b:1873 in Ontario.
   4. Cecilia E. CAMPBELL b:1875 in Ontario.
   5. Jane CAMPBELL b:1877 in Ontario.
   6. Lilian CAMPBELL b:1880 in Ontario.
   7. Mamie CAMPBELL b:30 AUG 1883 in Ontario.
   8. Maggie CAMPBELL b:30 AUG 1883 in Ontario.
   9. Alexander CAMPBELL b:19 NOV 1885 in Ontario.
   10. Hugh CAMPBELL b: 2 SEP 1888 in Ontario.
5. Robert TAIT, born 11 AUG 1851 in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario.  He went into business with his brother-in-law, Hugh Stewart (above), as partners in Tait & Stewart Grocers in Hamilton.  Census records show Robert's occupation as "commercial truck driver", so perhaps he handled the deliveries for the store.  Robert later moved to London, Middlesex County, Ontario where he married ABT 1881 to Margaret A. MCFARLAIN, b: 2 AUG 1852 in Ontario.  They had the following children:
   1. Leonard TAIT b: 9 AUG 1882 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   2. Albert Edward TAIT b: 20 JUN 1884 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   3. Edith Pearl TAIT b: 27 OCT 1885 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   4. Bertha M. TAIT b: 28 DEC 1887 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   5. Robert H. TAIT b: 8 NOV 1889 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   6. Olive R. O. TAIT b: 24 JAN 1890 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
   7. Margaret B. TAIT b: 11 DEC 1893 in London, Middlesex, Ontario
6. David TAIT b: 1852 in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario.  He remained in Hamilton and became a shoemaker. David married sometime BEF 1884 to a woman named Mary, whose surname is unknown.  The 1885 Hamilton Directory lists a "Mrs. Mary Tait (widow of David)", so it appears that David may have died in 1884.
7. Leonard TAIT (Jr) b: 26 JUN 1853 in Morriston, Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Ontario married in 1873 in Elora, Wellington County, Ontario to Agnes MIDDLETON, b: 11 APR 1855 in Ontario. They moved to Madoc, Hastings County, Ontario and later to Victoria, British Columbia where Leonard became an esteemed schoolteacher and local businessman. Some of their descendants later returned to Ontario.  Leonard and Agnes had the following children.  This branch is being researched by David Nason and Shelagh Greenaway.
   1. James Leonard TAIT b: 21 JAN 1875 in Madoc, Hastings County, Ontario who married Alice SMITH.  It is not known if they had children.
   2. David Spragge TAIT b: 11 DEC 1878 in Madoc, Hastings County, Ontario married on 1 JAN 1912 in Victoria, British Columbia to Emily Margaret JOHNSTON.  They had the following children:
      1. Shelagh Denise TAIT b: 1913 in Victoria, British Columbia
      2. Eileen TAIT b: ABT 1916 in Victoria, British Columbia
      3. Robert John Compton TAIT b: 22 JUN 1919 in Victoria, British Columbia
   3. George Leslie TAIT b: 7 MAY 1880 in Ontario.  Me may have later moved to Quincy, Illinois, United States, where he was a police detective.
   4. Mary M. TAIT b: 3 NOV 1883 in Ontario
   5. Ernest L. TAIT b: 27 JAN 1886 in Ontario
   6. Edwin S. TAIT b: 4 FEB 1889 in Ontario
   7. Frank J. TAIT b: 31 AUG 1890 in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
   8. Hazel E. TAIT b: 8 MAR 1894 in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
   9. Amy Cecile TAIT b: 28 OCT 1896 in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia who married Edward Francis NASON and had the following child:
      1. Donal O. NASON b: Private
   10. Harold TAIT b: 9 DEC 1900 in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
8. Margaret Anne TAIT b: 2 MAY 1857 in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Upper Canada Colony, British North America who married in 1882 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario to Robert STEWART.  Robert was born 2 DEC 1851 in Puslinch Township, Wellington County, Upper Canada as the son of William Stewart and Agnes McLean of the Stewarts of Hamilton (follow that link for more information on this family).  Robert was a first cousin to Hugh Stewart who married Mary Tait, above.  Margaret and Robert had the following children.
   1. John Leonard STEWART b: 19 JUN 1884 in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario
   2.     Edna Jean STEWART b: 1886 in Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario.  She died at 4 months and is buried with her Stewart grandparents.
   3. Robert Roy STEWART b: 8 DEC 1887 in Hamilton, Ontario
   4. Norman Murray STEWART b: MAR 1890 in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario
   5. David Arkell STEWART b: 12 NOV 1891 in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario
   6. Wilbur Tait STEWART b: 6 FEB 1895 in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario

This concludes the known descendants of the Tait family.

Research Leads

Other Leonard Taits in Northumberland, England

The name Leonard Tait is far from common.  A small handful of records have been found for other persons named Leonard Tait all from Northern England.  Could these be related to our Leonard?  Research on these records is still ongoing.

1841 - Lowick, Glendale (East), Northumberland, England

Marth TAIT (transc as "Sait"), age 45, ag lab (born outside county)

1. John TAIT, 20, mining coal (born outside county)

1851 - Braehead, Scremerston Eccl parish, Ord Civil parish, Berwick, Islandshire, Northumberland, England

John TATE, head, m, age 27, coal miner, b Cornhill, Northumberland
Margaret TATE, wife, m, age 28, b Berwick, Northumberland

1. John TATE, 7, Bowsden, Northumberland

2. Leonard TATE, 5, Felkington, Northumberland

3. Rachel TATE, 1, Unthank Square, Northumberland

4. Martha TATE, 66, mother, born Folly, Northumberland

1861 Census - Scremerston, Northumberland, England

John TAIT, head, married, age 40, Coal miner, born Cornhill, Northumberland & Margaret TAIT, wife, married, age 39, coal miner's wife, born Berwick, Northumberland

1. John TAIT, son, age 16, labourer in a coal mine, born Lowick, Northumberland

2. Leonard TAIT, son, age 14, labourer in a coal mine, born Norham, Northumberland

3. Rachel TAIT, daughter, age 11, scholar, born Tweedsmouth, Northumberland

4. Mary TAIT, daughter, age 8, scholar, born Tweedsmouth, Northumberland

5. Martha TAIT, daughter, age 6, born Ancroft, Northumberland

6. Margaret TAIT, daughter, age 2, born Ancroft, Northumberland

7. Elisabeth TAIT, daughter, age 1 month, born Ancroft, Northumberland

8. Martha TAIT, mother, widow, age 72, formerly Farm Lord(?), born Norham, Northumberland.

1881 - Lowick Village, district of Glendale, parish of Lowick, Northumberland, England

Leonard TAIT, head, married, age 33, coal miner, born Scramerston, Northumberland, Isabella TAIT, wife, married, age 33, born Scotland

1. John TAIT, son, age 14, coal miner, born Scramerston, Northumberland

2. George W. TAIT, age 10, scholar, born Lowick, Northumberland

3. Walter TAIT, son, 8, scholar, born Bedlington, Northumberland

4. Leonard TAIT, son, 6, scholar, born Bedlington, Northumberland

5. William S. TAIT, son, 3, born Bedlington, Northumberland

6. Robert TAIT, son, 1, born Ancroft, Northumberland

1891 - Lowick, Lowick, Northumberland, England

Leonard TAIT, head, married, age 45, coal miner, born Norham, Northumberland and Isabella TAIT, wife, married, age 43, born Scotland

1. George Wm. TAIT, son, single, 20, carter, Lowick, Northumberland

2. Walter TAIT, son, single, 18, carter, Choppington, Northumberland

3. Leonard TAIT, son, single, 16, carter, Choppington, Northumberland (b Oct 1869)

4. William I. TAIT, son, 14, illeg., Choppington, Northumberland

5. Robert TAIT, son, 10, scholar, Ancroft, Northumberland

6. Elizabeth I. TAIT, daughter, 5, scholar, Lowick, Northumberland

7. James TAIT, son, 2, Lowick, Northumberland

Residing three houses away from Thomas ORD, 47, Bedford, Northumberland, wife Mary Ann, 43, sons Thomas and James.

1900 - Lowick, Lowick, Northumberland

Leondard TAIT, head, m, 54, coal miner, Felkington, Northumberland
Isabella TAIT, wife, m, 54, NK Northumberland

1. James TAIT, son, 12, Lowick, Northumberland

m Jan 1869 Leonard TAIT and Isabella Sutherland in Berwick, Northumberland

George TAIT or SUTHERLAND bap 6 APR 1868 in Scremerston, Northumberland (presumably illeg.)

George Leonard TAIT m OCT 1901 to Elizabeth Helen Hope or Janet Mary G. Smith

Unknown TAIT, d BEF 1841, Farm Lord, m Martha UNKNOWN, b ABT 1789 in Norham, Northumberland.

1. John TAIT, b. ABT 1821 in Cornhill, Northumberland, England (only known child for this couple), coal miner, m Mary UNKNOWN, b ABT 1822 in Berwick, Northumberland

   1. John TAIT, b. ABT 1845 in Lowick, Northumberland

   2. Leonard TAIT, b. ABT 1847/48 in Norham Felkington, or Scramerston, Northumberland, coal miner, m ABT JAN 1869 to Isabella SUTHERLAND, b ABT 1848 in Scotland (poss. birth 25 NOV 1868 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland to George Sutherland and Elizabeth Geddes)

      1. John TAIT, b. ABT 1867 in Scramerston, Northumberland

      2. George William TAIT, bap. 6 APR 1868 in Scremerston, Northumberland (illeg.)

      3. Walter TAIT, b. ABT 1873 in Bedlington, Northumberland

      4. Leonard TAIT, b. abt 1875 in Bedlington, Northumberland

      5. William I. TAIT, b. ABT 1878 in Bedlington, Northumberland

      6. Robert TAIT, b. ABT 1881 in Ancroft, Northumberland

      7. Elizabath I. TAIT, b. ABT 1886 in Lowick, Northumberland

      8. James TAIT, b. ABT 1889 in Lowick, Northumberland

   3. Rachel TAIT, b. ABT 1850 in Tweedsmouth, Northumberland

   4. Mary TAIT, b ABT 1853 in Tweedsmouth, Northumberland

   5. Martha TAIT, b ABT 1855 in Ancroft, Northumberland

   6. Margaret TAIT, b. ABT 1859 in Ancroft, Northumberland

   7. Elisabeth TAIT, b. ABT 1861 in Northumberland

Other Glendale Taits

Robert TAIT, b 1791, res 1841 in Carham, Glendale (West), Northumberland, shepherd
Jane TAIT, b. 1796.  All born in Northumberland.

1. Margaret TAIT, b 1821

2. John TAIT, b. 1826

3. Jane TAIT, b. 1826

4. Grace TAIT, b. 1827

5. Sarah TAIT, b. 1829

6. Catrine TAIT, b 1831

7. Thomas TAIT, b. 1834

8. Sarah TAIT, b. 1781

9. John Jeffrey, 25, ag lab.

Alexander TAIT, blacksmith, 59, b 1782, res 1841 in Kilham, Glendale (West), Northumberland, England, born Scotland!!!!!
Ann TAIT, 60, b Nthd, b 1781

1. John TAIT 20, b 1821,, blacksmith journeyman

2. Henry TAIT, b 1823, 18, blacksmith apprentice

3. Mary TAIT 17

possible marriage: Alexander TATE and Ann TAYLOR, m 15 APR 1811 Christ Church, Tynemouth, Northumberland, England (3 other possibles)

Possible child (LDS member submitted)

Elizabeth TAIT, bap 7 JUL 1819, Old Grey Friars, Edinburgh, Midlothian, dtr of Alexander and Ann Tait.

George TAIT, b 1796, ag lab, res 1841 Doddington, Glendale (East), Northumberland, England
Ann TAIT, 35, b Scotland

1. Andrew TAIT, 20, Nbld

2. Jane 15

3. Elizabeth 15

4. John, 13

5. George 9

6. Ann 6

7. Thos 5

8. Ellen 5

9. Margt 2

Lancelot TAIT, b 1791 in Northumberland, tailor, res 1841 Doddington, Glendale (East), Northumberland, England (3 doors from George)

1. Philis TAIT, 1828 in Northumberland

2. Luke TAIT, 1833 in Northumberland

George TAIT, 40, ag lab, b 1801, res 1841 in Ford, Glendale (West), Northumberland, England, all births show "in this county: N"
Margaret TAIT, 40

1. James 15

2. Alison, 15

3. Catherine, 10

4. John, 11

5. George 9

6. Sarah 6

7. Isabella, 4

8. James 1

John TAIT, 35, shepherd, res Carham, Glendale (West), Northumberland, England
Margaret, 33 (all born in Nthd)

1. Jane 12

2. Joseph 9

3. Isabella 7

4. John 4

5. George 2

Henry TAIT, 65, res 1841 in Wooler, Glendale (East), Northumberland, born SCOTLAND
Eliza TAIT, 65, b Nthd

1. Ann, 13

2. Eliza, 11

3. Henry, 11

4. James Wilson TAIT, 5

Mary TAIT, 55, b Nthd, res 1841 in South Earle, Doddington, Glendale (East), Northumberland

1. Selida TAIT, 30, b Nthd

2. Elizabeth TAIT, 20, Scotland, female servant

Res with Thomas LELLY (LOLLY, POLLY?), 85, b Nthd, independent
Ann LELLY, 45, b ENG
Charles LELLY, 25, b Nthd
Ann BLUCKE (Black?), 55, b ENG
Thomas DUNN, 30, farm bailiff
Jane KERR, 15, female servant

Res near Ralph TAIT, 15, shepherd, b Nthd
William TAIT, 40, Nthd, miller

William TAIT, 55, b Nthd, ag lab, res 1841 Chatton, Glendale (East), Northumberland
Isabella TAIT, 55 Nthd

1. Jane TAIT, 25 Nthd

2. Robert TAIT, 20 Nthd, ag lab

Margaret TAIT, 57, Nthd, ag lab, res 1841 Lowick, Glendale (East), Northumberland, res with John Ferguson, 58 Nthd, ag lab, and Mary Ferguson, 56, Nthd

Mary TAIT, 40, Scotland, Fem serv to James Cairns occ Steward, res 1841 Doddington, Glendale (East)

Leonard Tait's Parents?

For fellow researchers of this family:  It is significant to note that Mary Tait and Hugh Stewart used various maternal surnames for the middle names for their children including: Tait, Ord, Gillespie, and Albert.  All but the name Albert can be accounted for in the present genealogy.  Tait and Ord come from Mary's parents, Leonard Tait and Jane Ord, and Gillespie is Hugh's mother's maiden name.  However no corresponding person has been found with a surname of Albert.  Robert Tait also named his first born son Albert.  It is speculated therefore that Leonard Tait's mother's maiden name may have been Albert.

It should also be noted that the name Albert occurs below in the Beverly Taits as one of the children of Andrew and Tirzah Tait.

The Beverly Taits

There are very few occurrences of the surname Tait in the area of Puslinch and they are all depicted below.  It is believed that all the following persons come from the same family of origin.  It is further believed that this family had its origins on Coldstream, Berwickshire, Scotland, which is where the family of Jane Ord (wife of Leonard Tait above) came from and is right across the river from where it is believed that our Leonard Tait may have come from in Norham or Etal, Northumberland, both of which are only about 8km from Coldstream.

I have referred to these Taits as the "Beverly Taits" as most of them seem to have lived in or near Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario, which is just south of Puslinch.  It is believed, but not proven, that the Beverly Taits (below) came from the following family of origin:

James Tait

James TAIT, born about 1781 in Scotland and recorded at his marriage as being "of Stow, Midlothian", married on 12 MAY 1806 in Coldstream, Berwick, Scotland to Agnes Cairns.  They had the following children:

1. Helen TAIT, b: 3 MAR 1807 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland, baptized: 12 APR 1807, Stow, Midlothian, Scotland
2. James TAIT, b: 25 MAR 1809 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland, baptized: 30 APR 1809, Stow, Midlothian, Scotland.  He is presumed to have died young prior to the birth of his same-named half-brother.
3. Walter TAIT, b: 9 JUL 1811 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland, baptized: 11 AUG 1811, Stow, Midlothian, Scotland.  He is presumed to have died young prior to the birth of his same-named half-brother.
4. Robert TAIT, b: 9 JUL 1811 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland, baptized: 11 AUG 1811 Stow, Midlothian, Scotland
5. Andrew TAIT, b: 24 DEC 1818 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland, baptized 21 MAR 1819, Stow, Midlothian, Scotland.  He is believed, but not confirmed, to be the Andrew Tait found later in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario, shown below.

It is believed but not confirmed that this same James Tait married secondly on 2 FEB 1821 in Stow, Midlothian, Scotland to Mary FOWLER and had the following children:

1. Agnes TAIT, b: 15 AUG 1821 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
2. James TAIT, b: 20 AUG 1822 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
3. William TAIT, b: 23 OCT 1824 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
4. Janet TAIT, b: 10 AUG 1826 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
5. Edward Hume TAIT, b: 27 SEP 1829 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
6. Walter TAIT, b: 6 AUG 1832 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.  He is believed, but not confirmed, to be the Walter Tait found later in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario, shown below.
7. George TAIT, b: 8 JUN 1834 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
8. Mary TAIT, b: 28 MAR 1836 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.
9. Elizabeth TAIT, b: 18 NOV 1840 in Dod, Heriot, Midlothian, Scotland.

Tait Families in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario

The following families were found living in or near Beverly Township, south Puslinch, or north Flamborough in various census records during the mid to late 1800s.  It is believed that they may all come from the same above family of origin above.  It is believed that they may be related to Leonard Tait in the principal family shown at the top of this page.

1. James TAIT, b: NOV 1848.  Died as a child.  Recorded as "son of Andrew and Tirzah Tait, grandson of Rev. David Culp, died in Waterdown, age 3 years, 3 mos, 31 JAN 1852."
2. Jennie TAIT b:25 JUL 1853 in Ontario.  She is found in 1901 living in Orford with her brother Albert.
3. W. Bernice TAIT, b: 1858 in Ontario
4. Albert A. TAIT, b: 16 MAY 1859 in Ontario.  He is found in 1901 living in Orford with his sister Jennie.
5. A. Vincent TAIT, b: 1862 in Ontario
6. Ada TAIT, b: 1864 in Ontario

Walter TAIT, b: 1832 in Scotland and living in Beverly Township in 1881.  Shown as "married" but living alone in 1881, working as a carriage maker.

1. Walter C. TAIT, b: 15 SEP 1879 in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario
2. John M. Tait, born 20 SEP 1881 in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario
3. James Tait, born 15 MAR 1888 in Beverly Township, Wentworth County, Ontario

Other Nearby Tait Families

1901 Census

It is believed that the following Taits are all related to the Beverly Taits above.

John Tait

John Tait, born 4 JAN 1875 in Ontario of Scottish origin, can be found in the Brantford East district of Wentworth County.  His occupation appears to be listed as "messenger" although the handwriting is uncertain.  His wife Eleanor was born 7 AUG 1876 in Ontario of English origins.  Their religion is listed as Congregationalist.  They have no children in 1901.

Franklin Tate

Franklin Tate, born 12 JAN 1871 in Ontario, but of English origin, can be found in the Blenheim district of Wentworth County.  His occupation is illegible.  He could also be a sibling of the above family, but the "English" origin raises doubts.  His wife, Agatha, was born 1 OCT 1874 in Ontario of English origin.  Their religion is listed as Methodists.  They had the following child by 1901:

1. Walter Tate, born 10 APR 1898 in Ontario.

Frank J. Tait

The following household represent the only other Taits in Orford (see Andrew above) in 1901.

Samuel H. Gilmore, b: 2 DEC 1866 in Ontario, and his wife Jennie H. Gorham, b: 20 MAR 1865 in Ontario, are found in 1881 living with Jennie's mother, Hannah Gorham, b: 11 FEB 1829 in England (immigrated in 1831) and the following two step children:

1. Frank J. TAIT, b: 22 AUG 1888 in Ontario
2. Alma E. TAIT, b: 16 FEB 1890 in Ontario.

Jessie Tait

The following family is found living in Meaford, Grey County, Ontario in 1901 sharing the names Vincent and Frank as common above.  Jessie Tait cannot be found in the 1881 census.

Killean Cemetery

J. H. Tait

Fellow Researchers

People researching this family include the following.  If you wish your name added to the fellow researchers' list, please contact me.

Index & Personal Information Pages (GEDCOM)

For more information on any individual person featured on this page, please:
1. click on the INDEX button below,
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The index button will take you to my searchable GEDCOM database hosted by RootsWeb's World Connect Project. This allows you to download my GEDCOM in 10-generation chunks.  Then you can import my data directly into your own genealogy program without having to retype it.

Legend

= This person has known descendants.

ABT = "about" and is used in three ways:

1. Where it precedes a precise date of birth, such as "ABT 3 DEC 1855", then it means that the person was baptized on 3 DEC 1795, but his/her exact date of birth is unknown.

2. Where it precedes a semi-precise date of birth with the month only given, such as "ABT DEC 1855", then that means that the birth is recorded in the civil birth registrations for the quarter ending with that month.  Thus the person's birth was registered sometime between the beginning of October 1855 and the end of December 1855, but no baptism record has been found nor any more precise birth record.

3. Where it precedes a year only, such as "ABT 1855", then it means that there is no information on the person's birth date at all and an educated guess has been made that he/she was probably born sometime around 1855.

Contact

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This page was last updated on December 07, 2007