Mom and Dad gave me for Christmas these pictures of Kate (Catherine, nee MacSwain) and George Lowe, who lived in the house from 1907 until theuir deaths. The pictures were given to Mom by Jane Aucoin, a grand-niece of Kate's who happens to attend Mom and Dad's church in Murray River. They got to talking and discovered the connection. These are studio photographs and judging by their clothes and their ages, I am guessing these were taken around 1900, maybe before, and the background matches so I'm assuming they were taken at the same time.
Below is their headstone in the Murray River cemetery, a photo I took in 2008. He would have turned 27 in 1900, and she 28. Just guessing, but they could be younger than that a the time that these photographs were taken. I wonder if these were taken at the time of their marriage? Often back then, if you could afford it, you had individual studio photos taken of bride and groom, more often than a picture of them together. White wedding dresses were not the norm yet either, so its a possibility. I have some family information on George and Kate (read on) but no wedding date, which would have helped.
Below is information on the Lowe family that was sent to me by Donna Collings, Curator of the Garden of the Gulf Museum in Montague, and coincidentally, grand-neice of George's.
Link to the Museum website:
Husband: Joseph T. Lowe, Jr.
Born: 12 March 1797 in Colchester, Essex, England
Died: 25 June 1859 in ?
Buried: in possibly Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Born: 12 March 1797 in Colchester, Essex, England
Died: 25 June 1859 in ?
Buried: in possibly Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Cemetery, PEI (no stone)
Father: Joseph T. Lowe, Sr.
Mother: Elizabeth Urla Vail
Joseph immigrated to Murray River, Prince Edward Island in 1819 with his stepfather Philip Sanders. The Lowe's of Murray River area are descendants of this Joseph.
Father: Joseph T. Lowe, Sr.
Mother: Elizabeth Urla Vail
Joseph immigrated to Murray River, Prince Edward Island in 1819 with his stepfather Philip Sanders. The Lowe's of Murray River area are descendants of this Joseph.
Joseph and Margaret's land is where the Murray River (Wilmot) Pioneer Cemetery is located. He made his will on March 8, 1859 and it was proved on June 25, 1859, witnesses to his will were David Johnston, James McKerson (MacPherson), and Isaac A. Bears.
Wife: Margaret Johnstone
Married: 7 December 1829 in St. Paul's Anglican Church,
Charlottetown, PEI
Born: in Scotland
Died: in ?
Buried: in possibly Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Born: in Scotland
Died: in ?
Buried: in possibly Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Cemetery, PEI
Father: ?
Mother: ?
Alternate spelling of her name Johnston.
Child 1: Jane Rachel Lowe
Born: 9 February 1831 in ?
Died: 11 September 1916 in ?
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Father: ?
Mother: ?
Alternate spelling of her name Johnston.
Child 1: Jane Rachel Lowe
Born: 9 February 1831 in ?
Died: 11 September 1916 in ?
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: Ambrose Cleaves Horton born 11 October 1824 died 28
Spouse: Ambrose Cleaves Horton born 11 October 1824 died 28
August 1912
Married: 8 Nov 1854 in PEI by Rev. Donald McDonald
Witnesses to their marriage were John H. Bear and Philip Blake. Alternate date of birth for Jane gravestone 1830.
Child 2: Thomas Johnston Low
Born: 22 Feb 1834 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 30 Mar 1834 in PEI by Rev. Cooney
Died: 14 May 1908 in ?
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Married: 8 Nov 1854 in PEI by Rev. Donald McDonald
Witnesses to their marriage were John H. Bear and Philip Blake. Alternate date of birth for Jane gravestone 1830.
Child 2: Thomas Johnston Low
Born: 22 Feb 1834 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 30 Mar 1834 in PEI by Rev. Cooney
Died: 14 May 1908 in ?
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone) Pioneer
Cemetery, PEI
Married: 20 Jun 1861 in PEI by Rev. Jesse Whitlock, to
Married: 20 Jun 1861 in PEI by Rev. Jesse Whitlock, to
Sarah Bell born 21 October 1832 died 11 February 1899
Father: James Bell, Sr.
Mother: Mary Watson
Father: James Bell, Sr.
Mother: Mary Watson
Sarah had one child before her marriage to Thomas Lowe. Witnesses to Thomas and Sarah marriage were William Hawkins and Sarah Sencabaugh. Their property was where the Wilmot Pioneer Cemetery is located in Gladstone, PEI.
1881 PEI census Lot 64: Thomas Lowe, age 47; wife Sarah, age 49; ch: James, age 19; Mary, age 17; Philip, age 15; Margaret, age 12; Demaras, age 10; George, age 7; Etta, age 1; Elizabeth Bell, age 25; - all born PEI.
1891 PEI census Lot 64: Thomas, age 57, farmer; father b. England; mother b. Scotland; wf: Sara, age 59, father b. England, mother b. Scotland, Philip, age 25, farmer; Francis, age 20; George, age 17; Henrietta, age 2; also listed in home: Mary J. Keenan, age 28; Sarah J., age __; Margaret,
age 2.
age 2.
Thomas' will was made 20 March 1908, lists his son Philip John Lowe, who inherited the property.
Child 1: Elizabeth Ann 'Lizzie' Bell
Born: 4 April 1855 in PEI (see note 1)
Died: 18 February 1915 in PEI age 59 yrs. 10 mos.
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone)
Child 1: Elizabeth Ann 'Lizzie' Bell
Born: 4 April 1855 in PEI (see note 1)
Died: 18 February 1915 in PEI age 59 yrs. 10 mos.
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone)
Pioneer Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: John P. Brennan born ca 1854
Elizabeth was stepdaughter to Thomas Lowe born to Sara out of wedlock. Time of 1881 PEI census Elizabeth was living with Thomas and Sara. There are two stories on why Elizabeth and John never married until later years. (1.) Tradition has Elizabeth was Protestant and her husband John was of the Roman Catholic faith. He wasn't allowed to marry her or he would be disinherited, they had a daughter before they married. Elizabeth went to the United States to work for a time, later when John's father died she married John. (2.) In notes of Oma (Blanche Hollinghurst). Oma's grandmother wouldn't let Elizabeth marry John as he was a Catholic and they had to wait until after her death to marry.
Child 2: James Watson 'Jim' Lowe
Born: 23 August 1861 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 18 May 1862 in PEI by Rev. McDonald
Died: 15 July 1951 in Quincy, Mass., USA
Buried: in ?
Spouse: Mary Ann MacDonald born 15 August
Spouse: John P. Brennan born ca 1854
Elizabeth was stepdaughter to Thomas Lowe born to Sara out of wedlock. Time of 1881 PEI census Elizabeth was living with Thomas and Sara. There are two stories on why Elizabeth and John never married until later years. (1.) Tradition has Elizabeth was Protestant and her husband John was of the Roman Catholic faith. He wasn't allowed to marry her or he would be disinherited, they had a daughter before they married. Elizabeth went to the United States to work for a time, later when John's father died she married John. (2.) In notes of Oma (Blanche Hollinghurst). Oma's grandmother wouldn't let Elizabeth marry John as he was a Catholic and they had to wait until after her death to marry.
Child 2: James Watson 'Jim' Lowe
Born: 23 August 1861 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 18 May 1862 in PEI by Rev. McDonald
Died: 15 July 1951 in Quincy, Mass., USA
Buried: in ?
Spouse: Mary Ann MacDonald born 15 August
1870
died 17 March 1953
Married: in ?
Child 3: Mary Jane Lowe
Born: 10 November 1863 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 1 February 1864 in PEI by Rev. Donald
Married: in ?
Child 3: Mary Jane Lowe
Born: 10 November 1863 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 1 February 1864 in PEI by Rev. Donald
McDonald
Died: 20 February 1918 in ?
Buried: in ?
Spouse #1: Thomas Keenan
Married: Jul 1884 in ?
Spouse #2: William Allen
Mary Jane and Thomas marriage bondsman was Philip John Lowe (her brother). Mary lived with her parents Thomas Johnston and Sarah Lowe time of 1891 PEI census, also living in household were her two children Sarah and Margaret Keenan.
Died: 20 February 1918 in ?
Buried: in ?
Spouse #1: Thomas Keenan
Married: Jul 1884 in ?
Spouse #2: William Allen
Mary Jane and Thomas marriage bondsman was Philip John Lowe (her brother). Mary lived with her parents Thomas Johnston and Sarah Lowe time of 1891 PEI census, also living in household were her two children Sarah and Margaret Keenan.
Mary Jane had a daughter Enora born 1903 died 1918, buried at Murray River, which husband was Enora's father?
Child 4: Philip John 'Phil' Lowe
Born: 25 March 1866 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 29 January 1868 in PEI by Rev. James
Child 4: Philip John 'Phil' Lowe
Born: 25 March 1866 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 29 January 1868 in PEI by Rev. James
McColl
Died: 30 August 1952 in PEI at age 86 yrs.
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Occupation: Farmer, Merchant
Spouse: Mary Hume born 3 August 1873
Married: 1 October 1891 in Georgetown, PEI by
Died: 30 August 1952 in PEI at age 86 yrs.
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Occupation: Farmer, Merchant
Spouse: Mary Hume born 3 August 1873
Married: 1 October 1891 in Georgetown, PEI by
Reverend W.A. Mason
Philip and Mary's marriage bond was signed 1 Oct 1891, bondsman George Hume, tanner, Philip Lowe, bachelor and Mary Hume, spinster. Their bond was issued the same day as their marriage license, witnesses to their marriage were George Hume and Isabella Lowe. Philip and Mary lived in Gladstone, PEI. He had red hair. After their marriage break up he went to California, USA to live
with his sons for a number of years because of his asthma. He then moved back to live Gladstone Road, Murray River, PEI and owned and operated a general store in Murray River, this store was later owned and remodeled by Bev Baird. Philip spent his last years in Beach Grove nursing home until time of his death.
Child 5: Margaret Catherine 'Maggie' Lowe
Born: 17 June 1868 in Gladstone, PEI
Died: 23 September 1910 age 42 yrs.
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: Calvin 'Cal' MacLeod born 23 July 1858
Philip and Mary's marriage bond was signed 1 Oct 1891, bondsman George Hume, tanner, Philip Lowe, bachelor and Mary Hume, spinster. Their bond was issued the same day as their marriage license, witnesses to their marriage were George Hume and Isabella Lowe. Philip and Mary lived in Gladstone, PEI. He had red hair. After their marriage break up he went to California, USA to live
with his sons for a number of years because of his asthma. He then moved back to live Gladstone Road, Murray River, PEI and owned and operated a general store in Murray River, this store was later owned and remodeled by Bev Baird. Philip spent his last years in Beach Grove nursing home until time of his death.
Child 5: Margaret Catherine 'Maggie' Lowe
Born: 17 June 1868 in Gladstone, PEI
Died: 23 September 1910 age 42 yrs.
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: Calvin 'Cal' MacLeod born 23 July 1858
died 15 January 1939
Married: 11 April 1885 in ?
Maggie and Calvin's marriage bondsman was
Married: 11 April 1885 in ?
Maggie and Calvin's marriage bondsman was
Archibald Bowles.
Child 6: Francis Demas 'Frank' Lowe
Born: 15 March 1871 in Gladstone, PEI
Died: 26 September 1904 in PEI age 33
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone)
Child 6: Francis Demas 'Frank' Lowe
Born: 15 March 1871 in Gladstone, PEI
Died: 26 September 1904 in PEI age 33
Buried: in Murray River (Wilmot, Gladstone)
Pioneer Cemetery, PEI
Occupation: Carpenter
Donna Collings: "One time we had a large tool chest that was made by Frank, my grandfather Frank Lowe's uncle, his namesake, given to my grandfather when he was a boy about nine years of age after uncle's death in 1904. Frank never married."
Child 7: George Smith Lowe
Born: 21 August 1873 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 29 August 1875 in PEI by Rev. Goodwill
Died: 12 July 1948 in Murray River, PEI
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Occupation: Carpenter
Spouse: Catherine 'Kate' (McSwain) MacSwain
Occupation: Carpenter
Donna Collings: "One time we had a large tool chest that was made by Frank, my grandfather Frank Lowe's uncle, his namesake, given to my grandfather when he was a boy about nine years of age after uncle's death in 1904. Frank never married."
Child 7: George Smith Lowe
Born: 21 August 1873 in Gladstone, PEI
Baptized: 29 August 1875 in PEI by Rev. Goodwill
Died: 12 July 1948 in Murray River, PEI
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI
Occupation: Carpenter
Spouse: Catherine 'Kate' (McSwain) MacSwain
born 1872 died 18 June 1945
Married: in ?
PEI 1928 Cummins atlas. George Lowe, carpenter, wife, Catherine MacSwain. Geoge had no issue. George left his property to his house keeper Mary Ann (MacDonald) Buell.
Child 8: Henrietta Johnston 'Etta' Lowe
Born: 26 January 1876 in ?
Baptized: 17 June 1876 in PEI by Rev. Goodwill
Died: in ?
Buried: in ?
Married: in ?
PEI 1928 Cummins atlas. George Lowe, carpenter, wife, Catherine MacSwain. Geoge had no issue. George left his property to his house keeper Mary Ann (MacDonald) Buell.
Child 8: Henrietta Johnston 'Etta' Lowe
Born: 26 January 1876 in ?
Baptized: 17 June 1876 in PEI by Rev. Goodwill
Died: in ?
Buried: in ?
Child 3: Phillip Lowe
Born: 1836 in PEI
Died: 11 Apr 1923 in ? age 87 yrs
Buried: in Alma Cemetery, NS
Spouse: Catherine Jardine born ca 1831 died 30 November 1923
Married: 21 Jan 1869 in Church of Scotland, NS
Family Bible belonging to the late Lulu Lowe has Philip born 1836. Philip moved from Gladstone, PEI to Mount William, NS, married and settled there. Marriage record for Philip Lowe, age 28, bachelor, farmer to Catherine Porter, age 34, widow, parents of Philip, Joseph and Marg (Margaret) Lowe, parents of Catherine, Joseph and Elizabeth Jardine.
Child 4: John Thomas Lowe
Born: 1842 in PEI
Died: 1920 in ?
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI # 149
Spouse: Elizabeth White born 1846 died 1921
Married: 20 July 1864 in PEI by Rev. Donald McDonald
Witnesses to John and Elizabeth marriage were Finlay MacDonald and George MacLeod. 1881 PEI Census for Lot 64: family of John Lowe, age 39; wf: Elizabeth, age 34; ch: Margaret, age 13; Joseph, age 10; Isabella, age 8; Frances, age 5; Watson, age 3; John, age 1; mother-in-law: Elizabeth White, age 70; all born PEI.
Born: 1836 in PEI
Died: 11 Apr 1923 in ? age 87 yrs
Buried: in Alma Cemetery, NS
Spouse: Catherine Jardine born ca 1831 died 30 November 1923
Married: 21 Jan 1869 in Church of Scotland, NS
Family Bible belonging to the late Lulu Lowe has Philip born 1836. Philip moved from Gladstone, PEI to Mount William, NS, married and settled there. Marriage record for Philip Lowe, age 28, bachelor, farmer to Catherine Porter, age 34, widow, parents of Philip, Joseph and Marg (Margaret) Lowe, parents of Catherine, Joseph and Elizabeth Jardine.
Child 4: John Thomas Lowe
Born: 1842 in PEI
Died: 1920 in ?
Buried: in Murray River Cemetery, PEI # 149
Spouse: Elizabeth White born 1846 died 1921
Married: 20 July 1864 in PEI by Rev. Donald McDonald
Witnesses to John and Elizabeth marriage were Finlay MacDonald and George MacLeod. 1881 PEI Census for Lot 64: family of John Lowe, age 39; wf: Elizabeth, age 34; ch: Margaret, age 13; Joseph, age 10; Isabella, age 8; Frances, age 5; Watson, age 3; John, age 1; mother-in-law: Elizabeth White, age 70; all born PEI.
1891 PEI Census: John Lowe, age 49, wf; Elizabeth, age 44, ch: Joseph, age 20, Isabelle, age 18, John, age 11, David J., age 9, Fannie, age 7, Sarah E., age 2, mother-in-law; Elizabeth White, age 84.
Child 5: Margaret Lowe
Born: ca 1843 in ?
Died: 29 February 1876 in ? age 33 yrs
Buried: in New Dominion Cemetery, Lot 67, PEI
Spouse: George Smith
Married: 14 May 1867 in ?
Marriage for George Smith, bachelor to Margaret Lowe, spinster, witnesses were John Smith and Barbara MacKay. One child.
Child 5: Margaret Lowe
Born: ca 1843 in ?
Died: 29 February 1876 in ? age 33 yrs
Buried: in New Dominion Cemetery, Lot 67, PEI
Spouse: George Smith
Married: 14 May 1867 in ?
Marriage for George Smith, bachelor to Margaret Lowe, spinster, witnesses were John Smith and Barbara MacKay. One child.
Child 6: Catherine 'Katie' Lowe
Born: 4 June 1846 in ?
Died: 27 Oct 1916 in Gaspereaux, PEI of pneumonia age 70
Buried: 29 Oct 1916 in Murray Harbour North Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: David Sencabaugh born 23 May 1833 died 19 June 1896
Married: 14 Jul 1870 in PEI by Rev. Stephen G. Lawson
David was a widower and Catherine a spinster at time of their marriage, witnesses were James McKay & Mrs. S.G. Lawson.
Born: 4 June 1846 in ?
Died: 27 Oct 1916 in Gaspereaux, PEI of pneumonia age 70
Buried: 29 Oct 1916 in Murray Harbour North Cemetery, PEI
Spouse: David Sencabaugh born 23 May 1833 died 19 June 1896
Married: 14 Jul 1870 in PEI by Rev. Stephen G. Lawson
David was a widower and Catherine a spinster at time of their marriage, witnesses were James McKay & Mrs. S.G. Lawson.
Newspaper Memoriam 1916..... "Mrs. David Sencabaugh. There passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. MacLean Graham, Gasperaux, Lot 63, on October 27th, Catherine Lowe, relict of the late David Sencabaugh of that place. Mrs. Sencabaugh and reached the good age of 70 years, and had been in fair health until stricken with pneumonia which in a few days resulted in her death.
Three sons, David, Wilbert and Garfield, and three daughters, Mrs. MacLean Graham, Mrs. James P. Clow, and Mrs. Fred Llewellyn, as well as two brothers, John Lowe and Philip Lowe, are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother and sister. The funeral service was conducted on Sunday, October 29, by Rev. Mr. Sutherland, and was largely attended by friends and neighbours."
Three sons, David, Wilbert and Garfield, and three daughters, Mrs. MacLean Graham, Mrs. James P. Clow, and Mrs. Fred Llewellyn, as well as two brothers, John Lowe and Philip Lowe, are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother and sister. The funeral service was conducted on Sunday, October 29, by Rev. Mr. Sutherland, and was largely attended by friends and neighbours."
Thank you Donna for the Lowe family information.
