Legend:  [..] below means I've added a comment, or can't decipher handwriting.


Source: Middlemore Homes, MS 517 Volume 251 (Microfilm A-1999) Canadian Archives, Ottawa, ONT.

From the ledger of Guthrie Home in London, ONT:


Page 957
Isabella Wallace, English, From Bradfield Union [Workhouse], Newbury, Berkshire
Aged 7 years [true age 9yo, as born Apr-Jun,1878]
Taken to Canada August 5th, 1887

Canadian Reports
-- March 27/88 Health good, Conduct good,  Happy.
-- October 13/90 An exceptionally fine child in every respect, quick learner.  Thought a lot of by family.  The boss says he would sooner give up his farm than let Bell go.
-- Jan 16/91 Says she is well & had some presents this Xmas from her sister in England [actually had two sisters in England] & a nice book from her Sabbath School teacher.
[above appears to be summary of later detail]


Page 958
Canadian Settlements
1. J.W. Ferrier, Twp South Dorchester, Springfield P.O., County Elgin, Sep 24, 1887.


Source: MS 517 Volume 259 (Microfilm A-2112)...


Page 1058
Guthrie Home, London, Ontario.
Sept 24th, 1887

I, J.W. Ferrier of Concession 10, Twp South Dorchester, County Elgin, P.O. Springfield, agree to receive Isabella Wallace & adopt her into my home and to treat her in all respects as my own child.
[fields on form for monthly allowance crossed out]

I agree that Isabella Wallace shall attend Church and Sunday School regularly, and also Day School, at least as long as the Canadian law requires.

I also agree that, should it be necessary for Isabella Wallace to be returned to the Guthrie Home, notice shall be sent a fortnight beforehand, her railway fare paid to London, and her clothes shall be as good and valuable as at present date.

I also agree that Isabella Wallace shall write to her friends in England, or that I will write for her as often as I am requested to do so by Mr. John T. Middlemore, or by the Manager of the Guthrie Home, and that I will communicate with the Manager of the Guthrie Home in the event of her serious
indisposition, and in no case will I allow her to go into another family without the permission of the Manager of the Guthrie Home.

I further agree that should I change my present address, I will notify the Manager of the Guthrie Home a month before effecting the change in question.

I acknowledge without reservation Mr. J.T. Middlemore's right of removing Isabella Wallace from my home and control whenever he sees fit, and I also acknowledge his right of transferring his authority in this respect to his, Mr. J.T. Middlemore's, agent, whose wishes I will respect as if they were Mr. J.T. Middlemore's, and I promise to return her immediately and without loss of time to Mr. J.T. Middlemore or to his agent whenever either of them may require her to be returned.

Signed (J.W. Ferrier)
Signed (H. Gibbens)  For John Throgmorton Middlemore

[footnote]  Mr. J.T. Middlemore calls special attention to the clause in regard to the clothes.


Guthrie Home, London, ONT, March 27, 1888
Enquiries respecting Isabella Wallace [9yo]
Health:        Good
Conduct:     Good
Happiness:  Happy.
Signature of Guardian (J.W. Ferrier)
Signature of Girl: (Isabel Wallace)


Stratford, Oct 13, 1890
To the Home of Industry, Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London E.
Report of Visitor: F.K. Panzera
Name: Bell Wallace
Employer:  Mr. J.W. Farrier[sic], Springfield P.O., ONT
Bell [12yo] [is] an exceptionally fine child in every respect.  Is fast with learning.  The family all think the world of the child.  The boss says he would part with his farm rather than let Bell go.


Stratford, Jan 16th, 1891
To the Home of Industry, Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London E.
Incidental Reports: letter
Name: Isabel Wallace
Employer:  J.W. Farrier[sic], Springfield, ONT
Isabel [12yo] was much pleased to get the papers etc. sent by Miss Macpherson & is grateful for the interest taken in her.  She is well, says she had some presents this Xmas from her sister in England [she actually had 2 sisters in England] & a nice book from her Sabbath school teacher.
[BWB: a Miss Annie Macpherson ran another Canada emigration scheme... don't know if this is the same person.  However, Annie Macpherson would take over the Canadian distribution of Middlemore children when Guthrie Home closed in 1898, so the connection is plausible.]


Stratford, Oct 29th, 1891
To the Home of Industry, Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London E.
Report of Visitor: F.K.P.
Name: Bella Wallace
Employer:  Mr. J.W. Farrier[sic], Springfield P.O., ONT
Bella [13yo]  Bella is more strongly attached to this home than ever, is very happy, grown considerably, is in the 4th book & still going to school.


Stratford, Sept 7th, 1893
To the Home of Industry, 29 Bethnal Green Road,, London E.
Report of Visitor: Mr. Maitland
Name: Isabella Wallace
Employer:  J.W. Ferrier, Springfield P.O., ONT
Isabella [15yo] is still here for board, clothes & schooling.  She is a pretty-well educated girl & has passed into Book 4.  She has never had to work hard & is a strong girl - but wilful[sic].  Mr. Ferrier is now on a farm, does not drink & considers himself all right.  Says he is not an infidel.  Isabella goes regularly to Church.


Stratford, July 22nd, 1894
To the Home of Industry, 29 Bethnal Green Road,, London E.
Report of Visitor: F. I. Johnson
Name: Isabella Wallace
Employer: Mr. Cline, Springfield, ONT
Belle [16yo] has an excellent home with Mrs. Cline.  Her former mistress now lives in Springfield & will probably take Belle with her again soon.


Stratford, August, 1895
To the Home of Industry, 29 Bethnal Green Road,, London E.
Report of Visitor: F.A.K.
Employer:  Springfield P.O., ONT
Isabella [17yo] is married and is now a Mrs. Coyle.  [BWB:  marriage/death records use Koyle spelling]