George Bonnycastle1,2

#45, (1880 - 1976)
FatherCharles Green Bonnycastle1,2 (1844 - 1926)
MotherSarah Oliver1 (1851 - 1931)
Relationship2nd great-grandson of John Bonnycastle
Charts5 Generations of Descendants of Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle (1791-1847)

Family

Margaret Smith Eggo (1881 - 1970)
Children

Life Events

Note.In the newspaper accounts of his children's weddings, he was referred to as Mr G F Bonnycastle. Do not yet know what the F stands for. 
BirthGeorge Bonnycastle was born on 7 Dec 1880 in Seymour, Northumberland County, Ontario.
There is a notation in the baptism register that a certificate was issued 18 Sept 1951.1,2 
(with Parents) 1881 CensusGeorge was listed as Richard [sic] Bonnycastle who appeared on the 1881 Census of Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Ontario with his parents. He was 4 months old and born in Ontario.3 
BaptismHe was baptized on 15 May 1881 in Campbellford Anglican Church, Campbellford, Northumberland County, Ontario. His baptism was the same day as his cousin Richard Henry Bonnycastle.1 
(with Parents) 1891 CensusHe appeared on the 1891 Census of Qu'Appelle, Assiniboia, Northwest Territories with his parents. He was 10, born in Ontario, father born in Ontario, mother in England, and religion Church of England.4 
Research Note Not with his parents in the 1901 census and not yet found elsewhere. 
Item. George was a salesman for the NCR company. This cash register, originally sold by George, has been in the possession of a canvas awning company in Sacramento, California since 1950. The serial number identifies its date of manufacture as circa 1905.5
Cash register manufactured circa 1905 and sold by George Bonnycastle
Newspaper Published 18 May 1907 in the Morning Telegram.

Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Eggo, of 369 Carlton street, announce the marriage of their second daughter, Margaret, to Mr. George Bonnycastle, of Boise, Idaho, formerly of this city, to take place June 19.6
 
MarriageHe married Margaret Smith Eggo on 19 Jun 1907 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.2,7,8
 
Newspaper Published 20 Jun 1907 in the Morning Telegram.

At the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Eggo, 369 Carlton street, at 7.30 last evening, the marriage of their second daughter Margaret (Daisy) to George Bonnycastle, of Boise, Idaho, formerly of Winnipeg, was celebrated by the Rev. D.M. Solandt, assistant pastor of Knox church.
     At the far end of the large double drawing-room was erected a bower of greenery studded with marguerites (the bride's name giving the idea for the blossoms), before which the marriage vows were taken. The bride, who was given away by her father, was becomingly gowned in ivory peau-de-soie, the front panel of the pleated skirt being trimmed with chiffon rose applique laid on in a vandyke design. The broad "Gibson" shoulders of the bodice were prettily trimmed with lieve lace, her tulle veil was secured with a coronet of natural valley lilies, and she carried a bouquet of bridal roses and lilies of the valley. Her only attendant was her sister, Miss Dora Eggo, who was prettily gowned in champagne marquisette trimmed with lace of the same tone, and brightened by bands and bows of turquoise blue satin, her bouquet of "Sunrise" carnations was interspersed with fronds of green. Mr. Harry Thompson was best man, and during the ceremony Miss Maude Cross played very softly "Marguerite."
     Mrs. Eggo (mother of the bride) wore black peau de soie, the bodice showing a vest of white embroidered chiffon.
     At the close of the ceremony the guests, to the number of about sixty, were ushered into the dining-room to the strains of the Mendelssohn wedding march, and refreshments partaken of from a buffet decorated with the bridal flowers, roses and valley lilies, a large wedding cake gracing the centre of the table.
     Mr. and Mrs. Bonnycastle left by the west train for the groom's old home in Chillowack; they will also visit Vancouver, Seattle and Portland, before journeying to Boise, Idaho, where they will in future reside. The bride travelled in a smart costume of dark blue broadcloth trimmed with military braid and clusters of buttons. Her little mohair toque of dark blue was caught on one side with a dark blue plume shading to a pale blue, secured with the same toned roses. The wedding presents of great value and beauty included many handsome cheques.9
 
1911 CensusGeorge and Margaret Bonnycastle appeared on the 1911 Census of Winnipeg, Manitoba, at 175 Arlington, enumerated 1 Jun 1911. George was 30, born Dec 1880 in Ontario, of English origin, and Anglican. He was a Manufacturers Agent and an employer, working on own account. He had $4000 life and $30 accident insurance costing $156/year. Margaret was 30, born in March 1881 in Scotland, immigrated in 1888, and was Presbyterian.10 
1916 CensusGeorge and Margaret Bonnycastle appeared on the 1916 Census of Winnipeg, Manitoba, at 175 Arlington Street, enumerated 1 Jun 1916. George was 35, born in Ontario, Anglican, of Scotch origin, and was an Agent working on his own account for commission. Margaret was 35, born in Scotland, Anglican, and immigrated in 1889. Their children Margaret Georgia, Jocelyn Lyall and Frances Jean were living with them, as well as a Welsh domestic servant.11 
Photograph Here is a photograph of George Bonnycastle and his sister Mary Hawkins and their families.12
George & Margaret Bonnycastle
Len & Mary Hawkins
and their children
probably taken spring or summer 1921
Residence-MovedGeorge and Margaret moved sometimes between the birth of Hugh Charles in 1917 in Winnipeg and the 1921 census in Toronto. 
Residence Circa 1919, George Bonnycastle lived in Toronto, Ontario, and was a national sales manager for I.B.M.12 
Item In 1920 George visited the Bonnycastle farm in Campbellford.13 
1921 CensusGeorge and Margaret appeared on the 1921 Census of Toronto, Ontario, at 34 Glenwood Avenue. They owned their 9-room brick house. George was 40, born in Ontario, and was a sales manager who earned $3000 the previous year. Margaret was 39, born in Scotland, immigrated in 1893. Their children were Peggy (8), Audry (6), Jocelyn (6), and George (4), all born in Manitoba. George was Church of England and the rest Presbyterian.14 
Passenger ListHe was listed on a border crossing card dated 25 Apr 1924 in Port Huron, Michigan, as George Bonnycastle, age 43, married, occupation man[ager] at Dayton Scale Co, 5' 11", med complexion, Bro hair, Blue eyes, Canadian, Scotch, born Campbelford Ont, money shown $400, last permanent residence Toronto, destination St Louis Mo, was in U.S. (Utah) from 1903 to 1909, going to Y.M.C.A., purpose of visit 1 month visit; nearest relative wife Mrs G, 34 Glenwood Ave, Toronto; travelling by rail.15 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in his father Charles Green Bonnycastle's 1926 obituary as George, of Toronto.16 
Residence Circa 1926, George Bonnycastle lived in Edmonton, Alberta, lived there ~1 1/2 yrs.12 
Residence Circa 1928, George Bonnycastle lived in Vancouver, British Columbia.12 
(Executor & Heir) WillHe was named executor and an heir in the will of his mother Sarah dated 1 Jun 1928 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Each of Sarah's children was to receive $100 annually from the sale of the farm until fully paid, and an equal share of the residue of the estate. George was also to be paid the amount, recorded in Sarah's little black book, that he had given her at different times.17
Residence In 1937, they lived at 2031 W 45th, Vancouver, British Columbia, The directory reads, Geo F (Margt) h 2031 W 45th ; at same address are Frances J, Hugh, Joselyn.18 
Residence In 1945, George Bonnycastle lived at 5-1116 Pendrell, Vancouver, British Columbia, "Geo F (Margt) slsmn Province News h[ome].18 
NoteHe sent to Campbellford Anglican Church for a copy of his birth record in 1951.19 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in Maud Barwell's 1953 obituary as brother George Bonnycastle, Vancouver.20 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in John Bonnycastle's 1955 obituary as brother George, Vancouver.21 
(Mentioned) NewspaperGreat-grandparents Mr and Mrs G.F. Bonnycastle of Vancouver were mentioned in the newspaper story about the baptism of Gilbert William Harold Puder on 30 Nov 1959.22 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in Lyall Evans's 1961 obituary as brother George Bonneycastle of Vancouver, B.C.23 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in Eleanor Mary Hawkins's 1968 obituary as brother Mr. George Bonnycastle of Vancouver.24 
Newspaper Published 10 Jan 1973 in the The Peninsula Times.

Redrooffs resident … George Bonnycastle celebrates 92 years

George Bonnycastle, who has been a resident of Redrooffs for the past year, celebrated his 92nd birthday on Dec 7 at the home of his daughter, Mrs Bill Urquhart.

He was born in Campbellford, Ontario, in 1880, but when he was only 2 ½ years old, the family moved to Saskatchewan where his father, Charles Bonnycastle took over a 2,000 acre farm near Indian head. Charles Bonnycastle built a fine home and even in bad farming years, his family never went hungry, for he was a good hunter and fisherman.

His brother Harold Bonnycastle worked with him on the farm and as his family of seven children grew up, not only did they help with the work of the farm, but there were enough of them to form the basis of a cricket team. This was important, for cricket was the chief hobby and one of the great interests of the Bonnycastle family. Part of the farm was laid down as a cricket pitch, with two creases marked and they played teams from Fort Qu’Appelle, Indian Head, Regina, Moosejaw, Grenfell and a very fine team of Indian boys from a nearby industrial school.

George Bonnycastle was an excellent cricketer and a successful hunter, but he was the only boy in the family who did not want to make farming a career, so he took a course of business training at a college in Belleville, Ontario. At the completion of his training he settled in Winnipeg where in 1907 he married Margaret Eggo, a Winnipeg girl.

For 20 years he was employed by the National Cash Register Co of Canada, starting as a stenographer and rising in the course of a few years to sales manager. For another 10 years he worked in the same capacity for International Business Machines and his work for these two companies took him travelling throughout Canada and the United States. He then joined the Canada Biscuit Company as general manager of the Edmonton factory.

Bringing his family to the west coast in 1929, Mr Bonnycastle worked for some years for the Vancouver Sun and Province, with a home on Sussex Street, Burnaby. His wife, Margaret, died in 1969, two years after they had celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary and he made his home with his daughter, Mrs Urquhart. Of his six brothers and sisters, he is the sole survivor, but he is blessed in having his own four children close enough to visit him often. His son Hugh, and his eldest daughter, Georgia Rickson, are in Vancouver, and he has twin daughter, Frances Urquhart at Redrooffs and Jocelyn Foster in Vancouver. He has 7 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Questioned about the name Bonnycastle, he explained to a Times reporter that the original family name was Castle, but his great-grandfather, Richard Castle, was knighted for his services to the British crown and took the name Bonnycastle as his title. Sir Richard Bonnycastle had built Fort Henry at Kingston and had commanded the British forces in Canada.

At 92, Mr Bonnycastle has excellent sight and hearing and a clear, active mind. He is an enthusiastic reader and has published one book, “The Secret to Success Revealed”, which is a treatise on the science of numbers, for which he obtained a copyright in 1944. Always a deeply religious man, during the past year he has become a Jehovah’s Witness and devotes several hours a week to bible study.25
 
(Mentioned) ObituaryHe was mentioned in Hugh Charles Bonnycastle's 1975 obituary as father George Bonnycastle of Halfmoon Bay.26 
DeathGeorge died on 1 Sep 1976 in St. Marys Hospital, Sechelt, British Columbia.
Information from certificate: usual residence Redroofs St, R.R.1 Halfmoon Bay, widowed from Margaret Eggo, salesman in business machines, born December 7 1880 in Campbellford Ontario, age 95, father Charles Bonnycastle, mother Sarah surname unknown. The informant was his daughter Frances Urquhart of Halfmoon Bay. Disposition by cremation.2 
AnecdoteHe was a great humorist and generous loving man (recollection of his grandson Ken.)27 
Last Edited24 Jan 2022

Citations

  1. Parish Register of Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Ontario (Diocese of Toronto Archives, photocopied records), George Bonnycastle baptism, 1881.
  2. Death certificate of George Bonnycastle, died 1 September 1976, registered 1 September 1976 in the Province of British Columbia, Certificate #76-09-015628.
  3. 1881 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Ontario, Northumberland East (123), Seymour Township (G-1), page 1.
  4. 1891 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. The Territories, Assiniboia East (198), Qu'Appelle (b-11), page 4 [poor image].
  5. Photographs by Greg Turner, Sacramento, California.
  6. Morning Telegram (Winnipeg, Manitoba), 18 May 1907, Bonnycastle/Eggo engagement. image online at Manitobia Life and Times, at the Manitoba Archives site.
  7. Death certificate of Margaret Smith Bonnycastle, died 20 September 1970, registered 20 September 1970 in the Province of British Columbia, Certificate #70-09-012946.
  8. Province of Manitoba online indexes to Vital Records. 1907,003572.
  9. Morning Telegram (Winnipeg, Manitoba), 20 June 1907, Bonnycastle/Eggo wedding. image online at Manitobia Life and Times, at the Manitoba Archives site.
  10. 1911 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Manitoba, Winnipeg City (24), subdistrict 15, page 47.
  11. 1916 Census for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Manitoba, Winnipeg City (15), ED 7 in City of Winnipeg, Page 3.
  12. Letters from Georgia Rickson, Vancouver, to J Kolthammer, dated early 1990s.
  13. Letters from Doris Knox, Ontario, to J Kolthammer, dated early 1990s "1991."
  14. 1921 Census for Canada. Image from Library and Archives Canada viewed at Ancestry.com. Ontario, York West, Sub-District 69 Toronto, Page 7.
  15. Detroit Border Crossings and Passenger and Crew Lists, 1905-1957, images (www.ancestry.com).
  16. Obituary of C G Bonnycastle in Chilliwack Progress, 14 Oct 1926 (Bennett Library, Simon Fraser University, microfilm).
  17. Will of Sarah Oliver Bonnycastle of Chilliwack, 1 June 1928, proved in the Chilliwack Supreme Court, 1931 (British Columbia Archives, File #B8/1931).
  18. BC Directory.
  19. Parish Register of Christ Church Anglican, Campbellford, Ontario (Diocese of Toronto Archives, photocopied records), baptism.
  20. Obituary of Maud Barwell in Chilliwack Progress, 10 June 1953, page 5 (Bennett Library, Simon Fraser University, microfilm).
  21. Obituary of John Bonnycastle in Vancouver Sun, 29 Aug 1955.
  22. The Vancouver Sun, Christening of Gilbert William Harold Puder, 30 Nov 1959. Image viewed at Google news archives.
  23. Obituary of Lyall Bonnycastle Evans in unknown newspaper, 1961.
  24. Obituary of Eleanor Mary Hawkins in unknown newspaper, 5 January 1968.
  25. The Peninsula Times, 10 January 1973, page 3. Digitized copy viewed online at the University of British Columbia Library Historical Newspapers.
  26. Obituary of Hugh Charles Bonnycastle in Vancouver Sun, 3 June 1975.
  27. E-mails from Ken Foster to J Kolthammer.
  28. Obituary of Frances Jean Wood in Vancouver Sun, 19 August 2006 (online, www.legacy.com).
  29. Death certificate of Hugh Charles Bonnycastle, died 30 May 1975, registered 30 May 1975 in the Province of British Columbia, Certificate #75-09-009021.