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One of the early settlers of Richmond. McKenzie Corner was named after Captain William McKenzie Waterloo
Veteran
Obituary from Woodstock
Journal November 14, 1861. Richmond has to mourn the loss
of her oldest and most respected resident in the death of Captain
William McKenzie. Capt. McKenzie was born 24 Oct.,
1788, in the Rae country, in the north of Scotland of respectable
parents who were in good circumstances. Two of his brothers
entered the army as commissioned officers. William also served his King, in the
ranks and took part in the Battle of Waterloo, for which services he enjoyed a small
pension. After his discharge he came to this county, and almost
forty years ago, in 1822 settled down in the woods at that spot,
since called from him McKenzie Corner. Around him was unbroken
forest; no roads; no means of conveyance; supplies had to be
carried on his back from the river through woods and over deep
swamps; there were no settlers within many miles except in one
direction towards the Scotch Corner. By his own labor and
patience he hewed out for himself a good farm. Before his death
he had the satisfaction of seeing the land around all taken up
and settled, a thriving village springing up beside him,
excellent roads, a neat and commodious Church; and to hear the
whistle of the Railway, now almost ready for traffic to his own
residence. Capt. McKenzie always proved
himself an active and useful subject, laboring gealously to
promote the welfare of the community. His loyalty was shown during
the Aroostook war, in which as a Captain of Militia he showed
himself a worthy officer. His efforts to promote education at a
time when education was not so much appreciated as it is now are
deserving of the highest praise. often did he support schools in
his district by large personal sacrifices ; by liberal
contributions, by giving up part of his house as a school room,
and at times by boarding the teacher at his own expense. This was
indeed the work of a good citizen who faithfully, pursued the,
public advantage. Nor was he less zealous in promoting vital
christianity. To his exertions as President of the Richmond
Branch Bible Society hat important auxiliary to the church is
largely indebted. His was a large and catholic spirit which
desired the whole welfare of the whole Church of Christ, yet was
his own Church always the most dear to him-the time-honoured
Church of Scotland. Presbyterianism in Richmond owes much to his
fostering care and efforts. He took an active part in the Sabbath
School, and in all efforts to forward the cause; and from his
place in the church he was never absent except from necessity,
and a gracious God permitted him to enjoy the ministratious he
loved up to within one preaching Sabbath of his death. Indeed he
was the moving spirit of the church in this place, ever seeking
the prosperity of Lion yet always quiet and unostentatious,
content himself to be nothing so that he might promote the
welfare of others. Here will be his loss he be most deeply felt.
Well would it be for your country, we more of such earnest,
practical, humble, and God fearing men. The early pioneers of the
settlement are fast passing away , and we ought not to let their
memory perish, we ought not to permit them to descend to their
last resting place without a tribute of well-merited praise,
especially when like Captain McKenize they approved themselves in
every walk of life. Men were celebrated in the early periods of
the world history. Say the old Greek poets, according as they had
lifted up the axe against the thick trees, Ought not the pioneers of our country to
be remembered. They were
brave men who endured much hardship and toil , the fruits of
which after generatives inherit; and among them was not a braver,
gentler. or more christain mind than that which has so lately
been called home. His loss will be long and deservedly mourned
not only by relatives, but also by his many friends. He lived by
faith and slept in Jesus peacefully and child-like on the evening
of Friday, 8 th.Nov.
Brave Spirit !
Thou are gone to rest. Courtesy of David
Webb. |
