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In the winter time sleighs would bring the worshippers to the log house and they would stay the entire day and far into the night."
Indians also roamed the forests, but they did not molest the settlers, Mr. Annis said. One day when a pioneer family returned to their homestead after attending a prayer meeting, they were amazed to find a number of bears in possession of the pig sty.
From 1818 to 1827 many ministers visited the public house of Levi Annis, which was not recognized as a station, but only as a meeting place. When the Wesleyan Methodist united with the parent body in England, the cause advanced rapidly in the township and in 1838 the first Methodist church in Scarboro was built on the site of the present structure. It was named Washington after one of the pioneers who had contributed largely towards it's upkeep. Little is known of Stephen Washington beyond the fact that he conducted the services prior to the appointment of a regular preacher.
Methodists preachers from the United States came over at different times, but the majority of the ministers were British born. About the same time as the inauguration of the church, Markham was set off as a circuit and Washington became one of it's stations. In 1865 Washington was made a circuit with Wexford and Highland Creek, Rev. Joshua P. Lewis being the first pastor. An organ was installed in the church in 1871.
Hold Family Connection
The history of Washington church is the history of the Annis family. William D. Annis, a former reeve of Scarboro and now township clerk, still attends the church of his fathers and with his brother Levi, maintains the family connection with this ancient seat of Methodism. W. D. Annis first worshipped at Washington more than 40 years ago. His interest in it's welfare has never abated.
The Annis family are of old Empire Loyalist stock, their forefathers having landed at Plymouth Rock from England. Editor's note: The author was unaware of the positive connection to Charles "Cormac Annis with his branch of the family. There is no record of an Annis landing at Plymouth Rock.
Mr. Levi Annis is one of the the vice-presidents of the York Pioneer and Historical Society and also holds the unique distinction, that is for a Liberal, of being made a justice of the peace by the Whitney government.
The present minister at Washington United church is Rev. J. S. Humphreys, who has been in charge for the past eight years, and is given credit for the growth and prosperity of the church in recent years. The congregation is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the preaching of the gospel on the present site, the 90th year of the organized church, the 43rd year of the present church building and the third year of it's entry into the United Church of Canada.
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The following is a clipping from the Toronto Daily Star of February 10, 1931 referring to the writer of this booklet - Levi Edward Annis.
By TED FARAH
In the federal election of 1926 he ran as the Liberal prohibition candidate for South York riding, but he admits having lain on his back intoxicated for the best part of a day. The incident it must be hastily added occurred more than sixty years ago, when Levi Annis caught his left hand in the first hay cutter that ever came into Scarboro.
There were no anaesthetics in those days. The old family doctor had to operate on the mangled member. He took a bottle of whiskey and kept pouring it steadily down the injured lad's throat to dull the pain. He worked with one lance-like instrument for something over eight hours and managed to save one finger, for which Mr. Annis to-day says he is most thankful. Modern practitioners, he believes, would have amputated the hand at the wrist.
This early handicap and the fact that he was never able to attend university, Mr. Annis states, impressed upon him the necessity for trying so much harder than most people in order to compensate. The story of his life is evidence that his efforts were not fruitless.
In the year 1876 when he was 18 years old, he was placed in charge of a class at old Jarvis St. collegiate. He had just graduated from the school and was by no means an officially qualified teacher. Of the eight teachers on the school staff then, he is the only one still living.
He did not remain a teacher for many years but went to work on his father's farm. He also studied agriculture, the chemistry of the soil and stock breeding.
Shortly after his marriage, in 1886, he was elected to the township council. While serving on this body he worked hard to get Scarboro the electric radial franchise. Its partial removal recently has been the subject of much feeling and discussion. After three years stewardship he withdrew because of the press of more personal and domestic interests. He has been requested several times since to run but has declined. In 1890 he installed the first silo and automatic water supply in the township. These were on the old Fawcett homestead.
Following an unsuccessful venture into the furniture and undertaking business, he was engaged to travel about the British Isles with Col. T. H. Race as assistant commissioner of the department of exhibition of the Dominion government.
On his return Mr. Annis worked for the Canadian Northern railway as a specialist in real estate and the purchase of right of ways. Incidentally, during this period he bought farmland for
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R. J. Fleming, Sir Henry Pellatt, Lord Somers, and W. H. Moore. M.P. He also acted in an advisory capacity on matters agricultural.
Prior to 1907, Mr. Annis was associated with the department of agriculture as a lecturer. And for three years he performed the Herculean feat of doing all the judging of farm crops at the Canadian National Exhibition.
As prohibition candidate on '26 he reduced Premier Henry's previous majority of 8,300 by more than 3,000.
A member of the Annis family of Scarboro pioneer days, Mr. Annis has taken it upon his shoulders the task of writing a family history. It is nearly completed and will be published this spring. He is President of the York Pioneer and Historical Society. He has long been a member of Washington United Church and a Mason. He was too, with George Henry and others, one of the organizers of the Farmers Dairy.
* * *
Levi and Rhoda Conant Annis' twelfth child was Andrew, born 1823, died 1912 aged 89 years. He married Sarah Taylor born June 1829, died Nov. 1918, aged 89 years. They raised a family of nine - one member of this family writes - "There doesn't seem to be anything outstanding in this family, in fact all seemed modest in regard to the matter, preferring not to talk of themselves". and then proceeds, - "Most are church workers, holding minor offices in different clubs, organizations, Sunday Schools, et., all I think are industrious, making good citizens in their own quiet way."
Family of
Andrew Annis and Sarah Taylor
Port Union, Scarboro
Standing: Levi Garry, Cynthia Thom, Fanny Pherrill
Seated: David, Arthur, Andrew, Sarah Taylor Annis, Emily Chester, William
Kneeling: Letitia Armstrong, Nellie Purdie
As editor of this booklet, I am long ago convinced that the above beautiful touch of modesty is an outstanding feature of this and many other branches of the Annis family. Of this fairly large family of 4 boys and 5 girls all have been pretty strong and healthy, like their father and mother's family. The big stone house standing over Port Union - their home - has been a family social centre now, for two generations, a rallying place for Uncles and Aunts, with the attractions of boating an fishing and other social and church gatherings, not forgetting the hunting of rabbits and foxes with hounds and guns, and a little secret on the inside or hip pocket. Every member of the clan enjoyed a visit at the home of Uncle Andrew, and Aunt Sarah, the welcome was unforgettable, it was truly Annis hospitality, and radiated through the "Clan", and into the surrounding countryside, citizens were improved, the Church was stimulated, and the whole family connection mellowed with a love and devotion because of the great big loving heart of Uncle Andrew.
Ed. Note: The photographs and above and below were not included in "Annis Annals", but because of the photographs merits, it has been added, courtesy of Bruce and Bea McCowan of Scarborough, Ontario Canada.
Golden Wedding Anniversary of
Andrew Annis and Sarah Taylor
Port Union, ScarboroIn the picture are:
Mrs. Jim Taylor, Sarah Chester Knowles, Edwin Annis, Havelock Annis, Andrew Chester, Olive Annis, Mr. Beer, David Purdie, Alex Thom, Nellie Thom, Tom Armstrong
Mrs. Beer, Margaret Chester Lewis, Mrs. Gary Annis, Ethel Chester, Annie Brander, Cynthia Thom, Jenny Purdie, Ruth Annis, Maude Chester, Art Chester, Will Annis
Sarah Taylor Annis, Andrew Annis, Will Taylor, Margaret Chester Annis, Will Thom, Ivan Annis, Blake Annis, Hazel Annis, Ethel Armstrong, Myrtle Armstrong, Cecil Annis, Elva Annis
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Two members of this branch won life partners from another pioneer family in the district, viz:- Thomas Chester. David Annis married Maggie Chester, and Emily married Thomas Chester Jr. The pioneering spirit was thus fostered and carried into New North Ontario. Uncle Andrew was an outstanding pioneer - very striking in appearance of wonderful physique - with a massive flowing beard and head erect exposing a high intellectual brow, commanding attention and respect by all who came in contact with him. He had a soul filled with spiritual fire, a resonant voice, and a smooth flow of language - what a prophet he was, and Sarah his wife, guiding, and admonishing, and teaching that large family of boys and girls for their real task in life. What a heritage they obtained, and what a responsibility they carry, and how successfully they are doing what their father and mother tried to do during those 89 years of useful and fruit bearing toil. The whole Annis family with bowed heads breath a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the well spent lives of Uncle Andrew and Aunt Sarah Taylor Annis.
Andrew Annis had great driving power in the Church, in a political campaign and on the farm. His brothers and he owned a Community Thresher, and all attempts to impress their early rising habits by arriving by three or four o'clock in the morning were foiled, while strenuous, these experiences were happy and invigorating. Uncle Andrew was a member of the York Pioneer and Historical Association, and among his best friends were Col. R. L. Denison, the first President of 1869; Rev. Dr. Scadding; Danny lamb; Rev. John N. Lake; and the present President, Dr. James L. Hughes.
The eldest of the family of nine was David, born April 30, 1855. He married Margaret Chester in 1880, and located on Con. 7, Township of Pickering, and soon became Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School and was Bible Class teacher for 40 years. He was besides a church official, a School Trustee, and Deputy Reeve for the Municipality. Mrs. Annis was Pres. of the Ladies Aid and a teacher in the S.S. They had five children, Maggie, Edwin Ernest, Thomas Chester, Edna Ruth Letitia and David Blake. The first named Edwin born in 1883, married Mina Hawkins and started a mercantile business in Brougham, organized a Citizens League, and a Fire Brigade. They had three children, Florence Myrna, born 1911; Andrew Mervyn, born 1912; and Ruby Evelyn, born 1914.
Ruth (Edna Ruth Letitia) was President of the Ladies Aid at the age of 19, and Sec. and S.S. Teacher. She married David Francis Turner in 1914, and settled on the Turner homestead. Frank was half back in the Shamrock football team, Intermediate Champions of Ontario for 3 years and a winner of Silver Cups and gold medals as an athlete. They had five children, viz:- Donald Ross, born 1916; Lois Margaret, born 1919; David Neil, born 1921; Wilbur Owen, born 1923; and Duncan Otis, born 1925.
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David Blake Annis born 1890, married Eliza White in 1920. Blake played centre for the Shamrocks Intermediate Champions, and a most promising athlete, they had one child, Wilbur Donald, born 1924.
Andrew and Sarah's second child of the family was Emily Annis, who married Thomas Chester, a farmer who pioneered in New Ontario, opened a store, and became Government inspector of homesteads in New Liskeard. They had a family of eight, viz:- Sarah Jane, Arthur Thomas, Margaret Annie, Andrew Annis, Emily Ethel, Reginald David, Helen Ada, and Cynthia Maud Chester. The first named, Sarah Jane, married Edward Knowles, farmer, and had two children, Emily Louise, a teacher, and Emerson Grenfeld of Toronto University and Treasurer of the Annis Association.
The 2nd, Arthur Thomas Chester, married Stella Isabell Sloutenburgh.
The 3rd was Margaret Annie, who married Albert Richard Lewis, farmer and butcher, from a long line of Christian parentage, and who was S.S. Superintendent and official representative to the United Church Presbytery. They had two children, Margaret Audrey, and Carman Albert Lewis, High School students.
The fourth was Andrew Annis Chester, who married Elma Walker.
The next was Emily Ethel Chester, who married George Ernest Emms, they had three children, George Gordon, electrician; Alex Ernest, student; and Ethel Meryl Emms, student.
The sixth child was Reginald David Chester, a farmer in New Ontario, who married Mary Stephenson and they had four children, Emma Florence, Wilma Mary, a Normal School student; Thomas Stephenson; and Winnifred Laura Chester.
The next in order was Helen Ada Chester, her husband was Richard Reuben Pearse, farmer, they had 6 children, Austin Lee Pearse; Elda Louisa; Chester; Keith Stainton; Mary Helen; and Gladys Pearse.
The 8th and last child of Emily and Thomas Chester was Cynthia Maud Chester, her husband was Richard Scott, farmer, New Ontario.
Another son of Andrew and Sarah Taylor Annis was Arthur, his wife Alma Evelyn Pugh, a son Austin Havelock Taylor married Anna Jane Pierson; one child Doris Irene Pierson (Ed. Note: This is evidently a typo, as her name should be "Doris Irene Annis", although the writer may have left off the last name as he did Austin's, and Doris' name would be Doris Irene Pierson Annis, student. A daughter of Arthurs, Olive Beatrice Evangeline married Elwood Farley, accountant. Then a daughter, Alice 22 years, Bookkeeper; Dorothy 20, optician - plays first Coronet in a superfine orchestra; Edythe, 15 yeas, piano student; and Elva L. Mildred and William Myens Annis.
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A daughter of Andrew and Sarah Annis, Fanny, her husband Tilmoth Pherrill, farmer, one son Arthur married Flora White, with two of family, Lloyd and Elmer, High School students. Another son, Maitland died from injuries received in an accident.
Another daughter of Andrew and Sarah Annis was Sarah Cynthia, her husband was Alex Thom, they had one daughter, Helen Annis Thom, Treasurer of the Women's Association, and President of the Mission Band, Dunbarton Church.
The 3rd son of Andrew and Sarah Annis was Levi Garry, his wife Sarah Anne Pugh, they had three children, Ivan Garry, Motor Inspector and mechanic; Hazel Wanita and Cecil Pugh Annis. Ivan married Gladys Parker White, with one child, Fanny Gertrude Annis, student. Hazel, a stenographer, elocutionist and Compiler of most of the genealogy of the Andrew Annis branch, and a past efficient Sec. of the Annis Association, and she writes this of her younger brother Cecil.
He died of wounds received in the 1914-1918 war. He served three years in the war and died three months after his 21st birthday. He was a N.C.O. Before enlisting he was a star Rugby player on the Malvern Ave. Collegiate Rugby team. Taking a prominent part in other sports. His funeral was under the Artillery Service branch of the Department of Militia, Dominion of Canada. The internment at the old Annis family Cemetery, Washington Church, the only occasion when guns boomed in that sacred rural spot.Another daughter of Andrew and Sarah Annis was Helen, affectionately known as "Nellie", her husband David Purdy, farmer. They had one daughter, Janet Taylor Purdy who married Harold McCowan, farmer. Harold's father was a J.P., Reeve of Scarboro, winner of the worlds prize for grain at Wembly, London, Eng., and a cousin of Alex McCowan, Sheriff of York, and an ex-M.P.P. for Ontario Provincial Legislature. Harold and Jenny had four children, Bobbie, Jack, Helen, and William David McCowan.
Another daughter of Andrew and Sarah Annis is Annie Letitia. Her husband Thomas J. Armstrong, they had three children, Myrtle Irene, she married Ronald McClennand, Theatre Manager and owner, with a family of three, Bruce, Donald Grey, and Barbara Johanna, students, - Letitia and Toms second child Ethel Levina, married Arthur Poyntz, Dr. in Dentistry, - The third child was Elizah Alfred, real estate and land valuator.
The youngest son of Sarah Taylor and Andrew Annis was Andrew William, his wife was Lucy Ruby. They occupy the old stone house overlooking Port Union, Lake Ontario, "The Manor".
The thirteenth and youngest child of Levi Annis and Rhoda Conant Annis was David Annis, who married Annie Moffatt. Uncle David, like all his eight older brothers wore a Patriarchal beard. It seemed the most natural, and it is told of him, that when attempting
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to apologize to a young lady, after carrying out the regulations of a penalty kissing party, said, - "How do like kissing a man with a beard." The reply came quick, "Oh! I'd as leave eat potatoes without salt as to kiss a beardless boy." Uncle David was ever ready with a joke or anecdote, and his presence at any gathering helped to create mirth and joy. He lived on the old Annis homestead on which his grandfather Charles Annis squatted in 1793, and in the house built by his father Levi, which sheltered many a weary traveler journeying along the oxcart road, built by Asa Danforth, or better, cut by him and Levi Annis and Wm. Knowles in the year 1800 and afterwards called Kingston Rd. This old hostelry was a rallying place for the "Rebel Party" in 1837 and for many days sheltered the much loved leader, William Lyon McKenzie.
The writer can recall Uncle David vividly describing those days, when he was a mere youth how the rebel leader lifting him to a vantage position, to a cellar window, and relaying the information to Mr. McKenzie what the redcoats might be doing to secure the bounty offered by the Family Compact Government for the head of the rebel leader, about 150 yards south of the present brick residence built by David about 1880 may be seen the depression in the earth resulting from incomplete earth filling, which was the original cellar in which the political epic occurred. Uncle David was never in a mood to apologize for the part the Annis' played during those stirring days in helping to obtain Responsible and Representative Government and permanent Peace for Canada; Uncle David was an aggressive business man and successful farmer, but never was a seeker for public office. He was a friend to all, whether relatives, strangers, or the church. Upon his land was built the first Methodist Church in Scarboro, and freely gave more when the boundaries needed extending and today the United Church of Canada manse stands almost directly in front of his later palatial home.
David and Annie Moffatt Annis had a family of five, viz:- George Abraham, Ida Mary, Rhoda May, Albert James, and Edna Annis.
George A. married Edith Maxwell, they had three children - Earl Maxwell, and his wife was Rita Melba Cameron, and they had one child, Barbara Bernice Annis. The second was Lloyd Clifford, who married Agnes Muir Ross and had one child, Edith Nancy Annis. George's third child was David Wilfred.
* * *
Charles Annis, a soldier in the revolutionary war, had several sons - Charles, David, Roger, Ezra, William, and Levi; but after settling in Upper Canada, Roger and Ezra seem to have gone back to the United States, perhaps Charles also went, leaving David a wealthy bachelor. William and Levi, the last two named becoming the parent stock of the Canadian Annis' .
William and his wife Fanny raised four boys and two girls - William, Sally, Levi, Andrew, Fanny, and Ezra. The first named
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son, William, married Sarah Hemmingway and had five of a family, Elizabeth, Edwin, Aurilla, Hannah, and Sarah Ann, of who Edwin had three, William of Chillawack, B.C., Maud of 119 Constance St., Toronto, and Lillian of Oregon, U.S. Aurilla had six children, viz.- Mary, Walter, Frank, Norman, Fred and Ethel, while two, Hannah and Sarah Ann, never married.
The second child of Wm. and Fanny, viz. Sally, married James Sanderson, and raised four of a family, John, Agnes, William and James.
William's third child was Levi, whose wife had three girls- Edna, Clara, and Annie, their home was somewhere near Drayton, Ont.
Mr. Oliver Hezzlewood of Toronto, who married Letitia Annis of Oshawa, writes as follows concerning his father-in-law, the late Andrew Annis. Andrew Annis was born Oct. 6th, 1828, died April 26th, 1904. He was the son of William and Fanny Annis, who came from Genesee County, New York, and located just west of Oshawa, where the subject of this sketch was born. At the age of 25 he entered College at Batavia, N.Y., where he remained for two years, and then returned to East Whitby and entered successfully, not only his life's business of farming, but into public and church work. He was one of the charter members of the Sons of Temperance Division at Oshawa, and all his life engaged in temperance work and practice. He served as a member of the Township Council, ans as a Magistrate or J.P. and member of the School Board.
He was always cheerful and optimistic, even when faced by great responsibilities and discouraging situations. He was of the fibre of those pioneers who gave Ontario its right to be considered one of the foremost and most stable parts of Canada.
He was twice married and at his death left a family of five sons and five daughters. His devotion to, and pride in his relations, amounted almost to clanishness and nothing pleased him more than their visits and comradeship. His doors were always wide open to those who came, either for consultation, or as visitors.
Mr. Annis was a staunch supporter of the Liberals in politics, but always commanded the respect of those whom he opposed.
All of the Annis connection enjoyed a visit to Cousin Andrew Annis, commonly termed the Oshawa Andrew, as a boy. The editor recalls the large home on the hill just west of the town of Oshawa connected with a well cultivated farm,- and the fairly large family, with Ermina the eldest child-energetic, hospitable and vivacious. Cousin Andrew would lead us along fascinating avenues of thought, into the realms of education, trade and commerce, religion, politics, and agriculture. A most interesting and capable talker, as the writer thought, the cleverest man that carried the name Annis. He was regarded by his fellow
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towns people with admiration. They trusted him, they loved him, and while we cannot hope to live on the reputation of our relations, yet we do feel the better for having known him, for we still love his memory and we trust and pray that the succeeding generations of the Annis name will get a glimpse of the true worth of such men in genealogical line of ancestors.
Andrew Annis, 1829-1904. Dr. M. B. Annis, (Ed. Note: Dr. Mervin Baldwin Annis) Lindsay, writes as follows:-
Perhaps the most important single element has been work, example and tireless energy of our ancestors. We therefore acknowledge their worth, and their achievements for the present and future generations, of sacrifices, handicaps, and influences for good. History was made when our ancestors, the Conant and Annis connection, as U.E. Loyalist left their homes at Boston and settled on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, near Oshawa and Scarboro.
Among these was the father of the above mentioned. Andrew Annis, who located on the old Kingston Road one mile west of the City of Oshawa, then only an Indian village called Skeas, or Skeas Corners. His other sons were William, Levi, and Ezra, they bore the good old family names which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Andrew was born in a log house on the homestead, Oct. 6th, 1829, and passed away in a frame house built on the same location in his 76th year.
Always of a cheerful disposition, a good conversationalist, well read, and thoughtful, he had a rich fund of information on all subjects, never tired of relating incidents and adventures of his own life, and of his father, who was a dispatch and mail carrier from Toronto to Oshawa, mounted on a horse, and who had many encounters with highway robbers and Indians, and later, before the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway, he drove the Royal Mail Coach from Toronto, east over a corduroy road, that was afterwards planked with four inch pine, laid on cedar mud sills, which proved to be a high point in the development of good roads. But with all the prevailing banditry he never lost a mail bag. William, for that was the name of Andrew's father, delighted to tell of the help given to William Lyon Mackenzie during the rebellion of 1837 and how the forces of the Family Compact were defeated. Andrew like his father was a public-spirited man, a reliable and recognized leader in social reform movements. He loved his country home life, and urged his boys to stay on the farm. Better than riches he left his family a good education, and an enduring example of good living.
Elgin W., the eldest son, showed industry on the farm, in the church, and in social service, married Annie Pascoe, a teacher and organist in the Methodist Church and Sunday School, they developed
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a delightful home life. Their son Gordon, living in Oshawa, conducts a plumbing and steamfitting business.
The second son, Elsworth, with honors at High School, and a thorough farm training and obtaining teachers certificates while continuing his farming, was chosen by the Ontario Government to manage the Experimental Farm at Dryden, New Ontario. He was public spirited and active in social and church work. A member of the Dryden and Prangeville town Councils, and Board of Trade, an insurance agent, and a Prohibition Candidate in the Ontario Provincial Elections.
Another son of Andrew was Mervin Baldwin, an honor graduate of Oshawa High School, with teachers certificates, taking the gold medal in Chemistry at his graduation in 1894 at the Ontario College of Pharmacy, and the Degree of Ph.B, Toronto University. He managed a drug business in N.Y., Toronto and Brantford, then obtained his Degree of Doctor of Optics from N.Y., Detroit, and Toronto, and a member of the Ontario Optometrical Association, a writer of scientific magazine articles, a member of social, poitical, and fraternal organizations, Board of Trade, Town Council, and of the Soldier's Aid Commission. His wife was Emma Arnott, and their one child Mildred, is in the Honor Class of the B.A. Students at Queens University.
Surely it is of interest also to note that the Dr. is a Curling, Checker, and Chess player of note, the prizes and trophies in his home attest to the fact.
Andrew's daughter, Letitia (Hezzlewood) is an honor graduate of Ontario Ladies College. Her services have been given freely to church, and social service work. She prizes a life membership medal from the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and was a member of the Executive, to whom was given the responsibility for the erection of Willard Hall, Toronto.
Letitia's husband, Oliver Hezzlewood, born at Raglan, one of a large family, a teacher at Oshawa, entered the office of the McLaughlin Carriage Co., and by dint of honesty, talent and application entered the General Motors as executive and financier, but did not cease writing poems, bible teaching, or pulpit or platform work.
When the Great War broke he did his best as recruiting officer. In 1926 a volume of poems issued from his pen-
To ease the burdens of thy life He also wrote "Trinity Book" a war record of the members of Trinity United Church who enlisted.
And make thee victor in its strife
And share its load;
May faiths firm footsteps forward tread,
And loves glad garments be outspread
O'er all the road.
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A most striking characteristic of this whole family is they all were deeply interested in social and church work; Louise who married Judson Pugh is a stirring example, their daughter Irene and son Harold also. And Eva who married Elwood Lick, also Leon their son is a business man in Calgary, Evelyn, a daughter, a graduate nurse of Oshawa, Miriam, a B.A. of Queens, and Wilfred of Gilders Airplane fame.
Summing up the features of this family - Andrew Annis by his precepts and example has fully demonstrated the value of early training, and good home surroundings in developing character in individual members of the family
* * *
William's fourth child was Andrew, who married Clarisa Burke of Oshawa, 1st wife, they had eight children, viz.- Ermina, Letitia, Elgin, Elsworth, Alfred, Mervin, Louisa, and Eva. The first named Ermina died early. The 2nd child Letitia married Oliver Hezzlewood of the Mclaughlin Motor Car Co., they had one child Helen who married Doctor Norman Clark.
Andrew's fourth child was Elsworth who married Jennie Dickie, and had three children, Clara, Flora who married Henry Emerson, and Bert. Andrew's fifth child was Alfred whose wife Cora Moore had five of a family, viz.- Evelyn, Dorothy, John, Wilfred, and Margaret. Mervin, the sixth child of Andrew and Clarisa, mentioned on the previous page.
Andrew's seventh child was Louisa who married Judson Pugh and had a son, Doctor Harold Pugh of Brooklyn, N.Y., who married Mabel Forbes and they raised two children, viz.- Crystal and David, and one daughter, Irene Evans.
Andrew's second wife was Susan McKettrick, they had two children, viz.- Fanny who married Percy Upjohn, and Ezra.
* * *
The fifth child of Grandfather Wm. and Fanny Annis was Fanny who married Godfrey Cook, they had eight children, viz.- Hannah, Goffrey, Andrew, Martha, Elizabeth, Albert, Ermina, and Henry, while Goffrey is the only survivor.
* * *
The sixth and last child of Grandfather Wm. and Fanny Annis was Ezra who married Mary Worden and raised five children, viz.- Thomas, Minnie, Etta, Fanny, and Wesley. Fanny married Joseph Fleming and had one son Doctor Pliny Fleming, while Thomas is living in Sask., Minnie in Mitchell, and Wesley in Mitchell, Ont.
In the cemetery behind the Washington church in Scarboro, on the property donated by Levi Annis, who was born in the Genesee Valley in New England in 1781, we find the following inscriptions on tombstones:
LEVI ANNIS
Died August 18th, 1855
Aged 74 years
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 |
RHODA
his wife
Died December 2nd, 1828
"Go home our friends and shed no tears
For we must lie till Christ appears
We were not yours, but God's alone
He loved us best and called us home."
-Erected by J. and D. Annis
DAVID
Son of Levi and Rhoda
Died September 27th, 1825
Aged 19 years
FANNY
Daughter of Levi and Rhoda
Died June 5th, 1824
Aged 6 days
"Friends and physicians couldn't save
These mortal bodied from the grave
Nor could the grave contain is here
When Christ our Saviour doth appear"
In loving memory of
LEVI ANNIS
Died September, 1894
Aged 74 years
"Asleep in Jesus"
In loving memory of
CHARLES ARTHUR ANNIS
Died March 13, 1921
Aged 72 years
FANNY CHESTER
his wife
Died January, 1888
Aged 36 years
CHRISTINA J. ANNIS
Sister of Charles A. Annis
Died April, 1878
Aged 25 years
"Till we meet again"
In memory of
JEREMIAH ANNIS
Died October, 1902
Aged 81 years
"At Rest"
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JANE ANN FAWCETT
His beloved wife
Died Feb., 1906
Aged 78 years
In loving memory of
ANDREW ANNIS
Born September 23rd, 1823
Died March 1912
SARAH TAYLOR
Beloved wife of Andrew Annis
Born June 1829
Died Nov., 1918
DAVID ANNIS
Died Dec., 1903
Aged 77 years
In memory of
ANNIE
wife of David Annis
Died October, 1888
Aged 37 years
In memory of
GEORGE A. ANNIS
Died February, 1913
Aged 39 years
In memory of
ALBERT JAMES
Son of David and Annie Annis
Died Jan., 1900
Aged 16 years
"At Rest"
In loving memory of
CECIL ANNIS
Son of Levi and Annie Annis
Died of war wounds
Sept., 1918 - Aged 22 years
"He saved others, himself he could not save"
In memory of
ROSS HARDING
Son of William D. and Elizabeth Annis
Died March, 1901
Aged 4 months
In memory of
WILLIAM A. HERON
Died March, 1900
Aged 52 years
52.
In memory of
GEORGE SKELDING
Died July 1889
Aged 81 years
"Gone but not forgotten"
"THE ANNIS CLAN"
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Finis
Additional Notes
The Annis Family of Oshawa, Ontario and environs continue to be an intregal part of the research efforts of the present day Annis Family Association. Several descendants of Charles Annis {1738-1804} are active members and have contributed valuable documents, data and information concerning this proud and hard working branch of our family. They include, but are not limited to:
Bruce Gregg Annis of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: William A., Stanley E., Levi E., Jeremiah, Levi, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Richard Gordon Annis of East Hampton, Ontario, Canada: Lloyd R., Gordon H., Elgin W., Andrew, William, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Richard Carleton Annis (1902-2004) of Grand Rapids, MI: Levi C., David M., William, Levi, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Wendy Veronica Annis of Tiverton, Ontario, Canada: Franklin R., George F., George E., William E., William, William, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
David Annis of Duncan, British Columbia, Canada: Roy E., William S., William H., William E., William, William, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Richard Annis of Gloucester, Ontario, Canada: Edward S., Stanley E., Levi E., Jeremiah, Levi, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Terry Annis of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada: William A., William S., William H., William E., William, William, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Karen (Annis) Cowan of Milton, Ontario, Canada: William A., Stanley E., Levi E., Jeremiah, Levi, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Maureen Schaber of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., Canada: Mary M., William S., William H., William E., William, William, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Bruce and Bea McCowan of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada: William D. McCowan, Janet T. (Purdy) McCowan, Helen (Annis) Purdy, Andrew Annis, Levi, Charles, John, Abraham, Cormac
Annis Family Association
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