Person Record

Metadata

Name

McQuaker, John

Othernames

Jno. McQuaker

Born

May 29, 1864

Birthplace

Holland Township, Grey Co., Canada West

Places of residence

Holland Township, Grey County
Overseas for a year in Scotland
Owen Sound, Grey County

Titles & honors

Mayor of Owen Sound (1914-1915)
Warden of Grey County (1919)

Father

William McQuaker

Mother

Agnes

Nationality

Canadian

Education

Attended No. 12 public school in Holland Township, and he and his brother went overseas to Scotland to study for a year at a grammar school in Scotland (at Glen Luce).

Notes

John McQuaker had a grocery store in Owen Sound, Grey County. It was described in 1906 as being the "first door north of the City Hall" along Poulett St.. It was called "John McQuaker & Co." (834 2nd Ave. East) and sold crockery, fruits, seeds, etc., in addition to groceries.

There is an image in the book WHERE'S THE FIRE, on p. 59, that shows the south side of the McQuaker & Co. building, where there is a Salt Seeds Flour & Feed sign in view. The image primarily shows the Owen Sound Fire Hall and the firemen posed with their vehicles, c. 1920.

John McQuaker was also involved with the Owen Sound Creamery (Pleasant View Creamery). He was assisted by Leo Stratton and Henry F. Lobban. After Mr. McQuaker died, Mr. Lobban took over the creamery business.

George Wakeford recorded that Capt. John McQuaker was Quartermaster for the 31st Grey Regiment for some time (c. 1895 until 1909).

Mr. McQuaker served as Mayor of Owen Sound in 1914-1915, and was Warden of Grey County in 1919. He was a Sunday School Superintendent from 1912-1938. In 1915, he was listed as a "Life Governor" of the General and Marine Hospital.

Mrs. John McQuaker (nee Jessie Carrie), was 91 years of age in 1956. Her family had lived in Sydenham Township, and Mr. Jas. G. Carrie was her brother. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Carrie. John and Jessie were married on __________, 18__.

Items at Grey Roots in the Grey County Archives:
-Division Street Church in Owen Sound put out a 1952 anniversary booklet that has an image of Mr. McQuaker, p. 22.
-1973.111.140 Gymnasium Banquet menu document lists J. McQuaker as giving a toast, 1904
-1973.125.017 Repro. photo of Owen Sound Creamery includes John McQuaker (duplicate is 1973.125.018, original is 1980.231.001)
-1975.008.001 is a brooch pin awarded to Mrs. McQuaker for her wartime service of sock knitting during the Great War
-1975.083.053 Birthday book lists Helen McQuaker (b. 1895) and Agnes McQuaker (b. 1897)
-X1980.101.001 Booklet ILLUSTRATED OWEN SOUND ON THE GEORGIAN BAY, 1911, has an advertisement for the John McQuaker Co. of 834 2nd Ave. E.
-1988.007.044 Business photograph shows the interior of the John McQuaker grocery store
-1994.059.008 Annual report of the General and Marine Hospital, 1915, lists John McQuaker, p. 25.
-No number on it: Advertising Print / Calendar from Jno. McQuaker, 1906 (at the Grey County Archives)
-A number of artifacts formerly owned by Mrs. Frank W. Smith were either from Mrs. McQuaker's family (the Carries) or were used by the McQuaker family
-In the 1912 town council photograph John McQuaker is included (see 1912 publication OWEN SOUND ON THE GEORGIAN BAY).

Not at Grey Roots--Further research
-There is a photograph of the banquet held for the return of the veterans in March, 1919 (event held upstairs in the hall at the Town Hall). John McQuaker is likely in the image. There also was a printed program for this event.

Occupation

Grocery Store (McQuaker's Ltd.) and Creamery business
"J. McQuaker & Co. Salt Seeds Flour & Feed"
Town Council / Mayor of Owen Sound
Warden of Grey County
Owen Sound Creamery (Pleasant View Creamery)
31st Grey Regiment Quartermaster
Justice of the Peace
Life Governor of the Owen Sound General & Marine Hospital
Y.M.C.A.

Publications

-"Mr. & Mrs. John McQuaker Hold Fine Record of Service to Community and Church" (OWEN SOUND DAILY SUN-TIMES)
-Golden anniversary article re the McQuakers in THE OWEN SOUND DAILY SUN-TIMES, Monday, March 13, 1939.