Journey Through The Past

Yesterday, for the second time, this blog accomplished something quite remarkable. It reconnected family across generations. In this case, the Good family. I have often wondered what happened to Lois Scott’s research papers on the Good family. Her letters to me outlining the New Brunswick connection were lost along with a number of other important papers many years ago. I had heard only vaguely that these papers were submitted to an archive somewhere in New Brunswick. Then this yesterday from Renae (Elder) Grubb.

This is so neat to connect with long lost relatives this way. I have all of Lois Scott’s research material. Once Lois passed away in 1992 her kids sent me a huge box of Lois’ genealogy research since they knew I was very interested in carrying on her research. I have been slowly going through her 12 years worth of research. I haven’t done too much research on the computer yet because of what Lois had already accomplished. Like I say I’ve been working on the files and photos that belonged to Lois. In fact, I’m putting together a book for Lois’ family for the “Deakin family reunion” this summer. So this morning I just happen to Google Lois Scott’s name and that’s how I stumbled on your research. I was in tears when I saw the same photos that I have of James and Agnes Good. Lois would be so proud.

Thank You Renae. I’m sure Lois would have marvelled at the way information is now being shared. Who would have thought back in the early eighties that publishing would become so easy and that relatives with little more to go on than common ancestral names between them could find each other anywhere in the world.


Background of this photo: In March of 2006, I came across this photo of James and Agnes Good, Helen Lottie Good’s parents and my great grandparents. The photo was placed on a University of Regina personal web page (now removed) along with other family details by a distant cousin of mine, Grant Urban. Thank you Grant. I tried to contact you but your email address is no longer active.

Update: Grant signed my guest book Aug. 5, 2007

Here is what Grant had to say (with a few corrections made through further investigation and notes from Good family researcher Lois Scott, now deceased) about our common ancestors:

James E. Good

James was born December 26th, 1857 at Mill Stream, New Brunswick. My grandmother, James’ daughter-in-law, kept his obituary notice:

The Late James E. Good

Funeral services for the late James E. Good were held from Grace United Church on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. S.A. Harry. The choir led the singing and contributed an anthem. Mrs. George Argue was soloist.

Mr. Good was born at Mill Stream, New Brunswick, December 26th, 1857. James E. Good married Miss Agnes B. McLeod on January 10, 1883. On January 10th, 1943, they celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. Good was a pioneer of the district and a most highly respected citizen. He came with family to Fillmore in 1905 where he farmed 6 miles NE of Fillmore until he moved in Fillmore to live a few years ago. He was the organizer of the first Telephone Co. in the district and was president and director of the East Rural Telephone for years. He was a member of the Old Settlers School Board, a director of the Grain Growers Association and took an active part in all community welfare. He was a member of the Baptist Church and later joined the United Church to which he gave most earnest support and held the office of Senior Elder for many years.

He leaves to mourn his wife, two sons Ira and Clifford, Fillmore; three daughters (Ethel) Mrs. Deacon, Detroit; (Gertrude) Mrs. A. Raney, (Greta) Mrs. Howard Elder. He was predeceased by two daughters and a son. Helen, Lottie and Elbridge. Lottie, while very young, and Helen, Mrs. (Rev.) Robert Charlton, while they were on a trip to England. 22 grandchildren and 3 great children also survive. Burial was made in Fillmore cemetery.

Pallbearers were all pioneer friends: Messrs. L.E. Lubiens, S. Pollock, H.J. McDiarmid, W. Wright, W.O.Turnbull, Dr. T.H. Argue. The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes, a testimony of respect on many friends. Fillmore friends join in deepest sympathy to Mrs. Good and her family in their bereavement.

Agnes Bassett Good (nee McLeod)

Agnes was born in 1859 at Mill Stream, New Brunswick. My grandmother, Agnes’ daughter-in-law, also provides her obituary notice:

The Late Ms. J.E. Good

Funeral services for the late Agnes Bassett McLeod, widow of the late James E. Good, were held Monday at 3:00 p.m. from Fillmore United Church with Rev. A.D. Slade and Rev. S.A. Harry of Avonlea, officiating. Many friends gathered to pay their respects to dearly loved pioneer. Mrs. E.B. Ramsay Jr. was pianist. Mrs. George Argue sang “Crossing the Bar”. Rev. Harry paid high tribute to Mrs. Good as a fine neighbour and friend during his pastorate here. Favorite hymns sung were “Lead kindly light” and “Abide with Me”.

Mrs. Good was born in 1859 at Mill Stream, New Brunswick. She married James E. Good on January 10, 1883 and they came west in April 1905 and settled on their farm five miles NE of Fillmore where they lived until they retired from the farm and took up residence in the village in 1936. In 1944, she was predeceased by her husband and since then has made her home with her son and daughter-in-law Ira and Mabel Good.

Mrs. Good’s home was noted for its warm hospitality and the fine Christian influence which radiated from it. Her cheerful disposition and her interest in people made her loved by all. She gave generous support to various activities of the church and to all worthwhile community efforts.

Left to mourn are three daughters and two sons: Mrs. Ethel Deacon, St. John NB, Mrs. Gertrude Raney, Cannington ONT; Mrs. Greta Elder, Fillmore; Ira and Clifford, Fillmore; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Albert McLeod, Sussex NB.

Many beautiful flowers paid silent tribute, covering the casket which was borne to the Fillmore cemetary by Messrs. H.J.McDiarmid, W.O.Turnbull, W.Wright, J.Hart, A.M.Boll and J.MacLean.