William Milne and Catherine Johnson

Early Life

William Milne was the seventh child of Charles and Elspet Milne. According to his family Bible, he was born at Dundas, Ontario on March 6, 1850. He was always called Billy by family and friends and was said to be extremely stubborn.

Catherine Johnson was born in New York City on November 16, 1846. She moved to Ontario with her mother and sister, Mary, after her father died. Catherine's mother, Rebecca, remarried and had another daughter, Agnes.

According to the marriage registration, Billy and Catherine were married at Black's Tavern, Flamborough West Township, Wentworth County on October 3, 1871. The tavern was owned by Joseph Black, the father-in-law of Billy's brother, Charles.

Family

In the late 1870's, William and Catherine moved first to Grey Township, Huron County and then to Elma Township, Perth County where they purchased land at West 1/2 Lot 1, Concession 7.

Only two of Billy and Catherine's four children lived to adulthood. Mary Rebecca died before her second birthday and is buried at Millgrove Cemetery in Flamborough West. William Johnston (Willie) was kicked by a horse. Two newspaper accounts describe how he suffered terribly for three months before dying at age eleven. He is buried at Elma Centre Cemetery in Elma Township, Perth County.

Robert James, the eldest of Billy and Catherine's children, lived most of his adult life in Grey Township, Huron County and at the family farm in Elma. In the early 1920's, Charles Alexander moved his family to Texas.

Later Life

Catherine died on October 31, 1911 after a series of strokes. Billy died on May 30, 1932. Both are buried with their son, Willie, in Elma Centre Cemetery a short distance from their farm.

William (Billy) at the Farm