McLeay, Elizabeth

(submitted by Donald McLeay, 27 December 2014)

Elizabeth McLeay was born in the Highlands of Scotland (Ross-shire), in 1812, where she grew up with her parents and her brothers John, Donald, and Dugald.

At the age of 17, and in 1829, Elizabeth married Donald Ross.  She gave birth to a son, David M. Ross, in 1833, as well as a younger daughter.  Her husband died while this family lived in Ross-shire.

In 1840, Elizabeth decided to emigrate to Canada in order to join her older brother John McLeay in Warwick Township, Ontario.  While sailing to Canada, her young daughter died and was buried at sea.

In 1841, Elizabeth McLeay (Ross) married Major James F. Elliot, and settled (together with Elizabeth’s son David Ross) on a 100-acre parcel of land (Lot 16, Concession 1 N E1/2; 15 acres cultivated in 1850) adjacent to an adjoining 100 acres held by her brother John.  Elizabeth and James had six children:  Henry J. (born 1844, died 1922); Annie (born 1846, died Jan 6, 1897); Alex (born 1849, died 1909); James F. (born 1851, died 1936); Mary (born 1858, died 1925); and an un-named third daughter who became Mrs. McMillan.

David M. Ross (first son of Elizabeth) lived on the farm with his mother and step-father until his late 20s, when he set off with his half-brother Henry Elliot in 1861 to make their fortune gold mining in British Columbia.  After four years without striking gold, David returned to Warwick while Henry stayed in the West.

Elizabeth’s husband James was appointed Clerk of the Court in Watford, and held that position until his death in 1870.  Following her husband’s death, Elizabeth remained on the family homestead (now in the name of her son Alex Elliot) until 10 years before her death, when she retired to Watford.  She died on July 31, 1896, at age 84.     

Chapter 24 of 25 - McLeay, Elizabeth

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