McKenzie

(submitted by Jerry Thomas, with additions)

Robert McKenzie (1851–1936) was born in Dingwall, Scotland to William McKenzie and his wife Mary McIntosh. In 1857 William and his family came to Canada, settling in Warwick Twp. Their other children were Mary Ross (1853–1889) and Janet Munro (1855–1888). William and Mary’s fourth child George (1857–1896) was born at sea on their way to North America. They had at three more children born in Warwick Twp.: Philip (1860–), William J. (1863–) and Margaret (1865–1943).

William was a carpenter and builder, as was his son Robert. George became a teacher in Warwick and Plympton Twp. Mary Ross McKenzie married Angus Grant of London Twp. in 1879.

Robert McKenzie married Sarah Jane Thomas (1855–1913), daughter of John Thomas and Elizabeth Rees of Birnam, in Warwick Village in 1883. Robert and Sarah had these children: William John McKenzie, M.D. in Detroit (1886–1973), Mary Elizabeth (1887–1958), Jessie Flora (1889–1970), Norman R. (1891–1945), and Margaret Grace (1895–1979).

Robert built and lived in the large white brick house in Warwick Village (7078 Egremont Rd.) and the General Store next door. He also built other homes in the village and nearby areas. The store was built in 1909 and has always been known as the General Store, and is still in business in 2008. Robert was also postmaster in the post office which was part of the store.

Jessie and Grace never married. They were trained as nurses and lived their adult years in Detroit, Michigan. Grace was the first Industrial Nurse in the city. They were great friends of my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I had many opportunities to visit with them as a youngster. Trips to Kingsville to visit with Grace, Jessie and other relatives were a summer highlight. The McKenzie family spent part of their summers in Kingsville, Ont.

Chapter 24 of 25 - McKenzie Family

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