NOTABLE PEOPLE



Potentially Significant People  / PIONEERS


Agnew, George Sr.




Biography: Died 1910
Claims: Earliest land holding in area, patented in 1879; broke land in 1880; E14-5-23W
Probable Significance: High
Source: A Century of Living/159
Images: As Above
Content: No additional information

Blair, John



Biography: Born 1854 Ontario; left for Alberta in 1910
Claims: Pioneer; livery stable and implement business; post office official
Probable Significance: High
Source: A Century of Living/205
Images: As Above
Content: Mino additional information






Callander, James


Biography: Born 1870 Blyth Ontario; moved in 1891
Claims: Homesteaded in 1882; general merchant; church services in family home; undertaking
Probable Significance: Medium
Source: A Century of Living/235
Images: As Above
Content: Good additional information



Calverley, Moses

Biography: Ontario; Married Annie White, 1885; Died 1932
Claims: Pioneer in 1882; Successfull farm. Built large stone house.
Probable Significance: Major
Source: The Mere Living/
Images: Ken
Content: Good additional information
Source: A Century of Living 327
Images: As Above
Content: Some additional information


Duthie, James



Biography: Born Aberdeen Scotland 1855; Died 1932
Claims: Pioneer in 1882; wrote Day Book of early community activities; first President of Hartney Ag Society; councilor; President of Shorthorn Breeders Association
Probable Significance: Major
Source: The Mere Living/
Images: Ken
Content: Good additional information
Source: A Century of Living/309
Images: As Above
Content: Some additional information



The “Day Book” which he kept for fifty years, provided valuable insight into the day-to-day trails and joys of pioneer life. See “A Century of Living”  P3



Fee, John Messmore




Biography: Fee was here for 30 years
Claims: First in area, 1881; founding member of Farmers Institute; involved in creation of Cameron and Whitewater RMs
Probable Significance: Major
Source: The Mere Living/33
Images: Frontispiece
Content: Good additional information
Source: A Century of Living/317
Images: As Above
Content: Good additional information

Founding member in 1893 of a Farmer’s Institute, a forum for farmers. Met monthly – exchanges ideas took turns making presentations on area of expertise.

34 of the most progressive farmers – met at his house and signed the necessary petition.

First Reeve of R.M. of Cameron 1897


Hartney, James Harvey



Biography: Born 1848 Arnprior Ontario; Died 1922
Claims: Pioneer; merchant; reeve in 1891; MLA 1892-95; provincial Immigration Agent; community named for him;
Probable Significance: Major
Source: The Mere Living/53
Images: N/A
Content: Some additional information
Source: A Century of Living/372
Images: N/A
Content: Some additional information

- Local pressure convinced the CPR to re-name name it’s new town (Airdrie) to Hartney

James Hartney’s farm, which he purchased from the CPR (9-6-23) in 1881 became the centre of the community by 1883 when he had established a Post Office and Store on his land. PO Called Hartney – became name for District.
In 1891, he was elected Reeve of the Municipality of Glenwood then, the next year, a member of the provincial legislative assembly (1892-95) for the new constituency of Avondale.
In January 1900, he was appointed provincial immigration agent, based in Toronto, Ontario. He held the position until December 1915 when the position was abolished. He died in Toronto on 27 December 1924.

Long, Samuel F.




Biography: Born 1850 Simcoe County
Claims: First in area, 1881
Probable Significance: Major
Source: The Mere Living/33
Images: N/A
Content: Good additional information
Source: A Century of Living/454
Images: As Above
Content: Some additional information