Among the men who have sought the genial climate of the foothills in the Sierra Madre Colony, as a desirable place of residence, is the above-named gentleman. Mr. McGregor is a native of Scotland, dating his birth March 4, 1821.
His parents were Peter and Clementina (Sems) McGregor, both natives of that country. In 1822 his parents emigrated to Canada East and located at Cornwall, where his father engaged in farming and lime-burning. Mr. McGregor was reared as a farmer until eighteen years of age. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason. In 1837 and 1838, when the Patriot Rebellion broke out in Canada, Mr. McGregor, despite his youth, enlisted in the British army, or the Canada Loyalists, and served until the Rebellion was ended. In 1843 or 1844 he came to
the United States and worked at his trade in New Orleans, and also worked in Pittsburg soon after the great fire of 1845. In the fall of the latter year he returned to his home. In 1848 he married Miss Jane Moss, a native of Canada, and the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Hill) Moss. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Scotland. Mr. McGregor remained in Canada until 1849 and then decided to try his fortunes in the United States. In that year he located in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness; and he was the second settler who located in the county. He took up his residence near what is now the thriving town of River Falls, on the Kinnickinnick River. There he took up prairie land and commenced the life of a farmer. As the settlement of the great Northwest increased he engaged in work at his trade in St. Paul, and other points. He saw cities spring up as if by magic, where he had first found nothing but small trading posts, and thriving and populous towns take the place of the wilderness. Mr. McGregor prospered in worldly goods, and took a leading and prominent part in developing the resources of his section . He was called upon to fill many positions of trust and responsibility in the community in which he resided. In 1851 he was the first assessor ever elected in his district. In 1853 he was elected the chairman of the town board of councilmen, of Hudson, and was also chairman of the county board of supervisors. In 1855 he was the chairman of the Kinnickinnick board of councilmen, and a member of the county board of supervisors, and in 1857 was the first chairman of Troy board of councilmen, and a member of the county board. He was universally respected and esteemed for his manly qualities and straightforward, honest dealings. In 1876 Mr. McGregor entered into mercantile pursuits and established a hardware store in River Falls. This enterprise he conducted until 1883, when his failing health admonished him that he must seek a less rigorous climate than Northern Wisconsin. He retired from his business and spent two or three winters in California, in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, and in 1886 he came to Los Angeles County and located at Los Angeles until
August of 1887, when he decided to take up his residence in the Sierra Madre Colony. He therefore purchased a lot upon which he erected a comfortable and well-ordered cottage residence, and also planted orange and deciduous fruit trees, for family use. Of Mr. McGregor's family there are three children living.
His eldest son, Roderick, is a resident of River Falls, Wisconsin; Malcolm M. is a resident of Billings, Montana; Norval is a resident of San Jose, Santa Clara County.
Source: An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 561
Thank you to Find A Grave Contributor RiverFallsHistory (#48510304) for sharing the above biography.
Duncan McGregor's parents were:
Peter McGregor and Clementina Sems.
On Jan. 31, 1848, in Cornwall, Stormont, Ontario, Canada, Duncan McGregor married Jane Moss of Moulinette, Canada.
Duncan and Jane had five children:
1) Jessie Susan McGregor, b. in Nov. 1854 in Canada and d. in Nov. 1, 1935 in Los Angeles county, CA. Jessie marr. Thomas Lupton Hedderly.
2) Roderick McGregor, b. 1856 in WI. and d. Apr. 9, 1934 in WI.
3) Malcolm Moss McGregor, b. Feb. 4, 1859 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 24, 1895 in CA.
4. Hannah Clementine McGregor, b. May 1, 1860 and d. Jul. 27, 1863 in River Falls, Pierce County, WI.
5) Norval McGregor, b. Apr. 3, 1862 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 21, 1933 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA.
In the 1860 U.S. census, 33 yr. old Duncan McGregor, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
30 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
3 yr. old son, Peter McGregor, b. in WI.
1 yr. old son, Malcomb McGregor, b. in WI.
6 yr. old Jrpe Bowen, b. in Canada
71 yr. old Clementine Bowen
1 mth. old Clementine Bowen, b. in WI.
27 yr. old Homer Foster, b. in IL.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 49 yr. old Duncan McGreggor, a farmer, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
40 yr. old wife, Jane McGreggor, b. in Canada
16 yr. old Jessie McGreggor, b. in Canada
13 yr. old Roderick McGreggor, b. in WI.
11 yr. old Malcomb McGreggor, b. in WI.
8 yr. old Norville McGreggor, b. in WI.
In the June 17, 1880 U.S. census, 59 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a farmer, b. abt. 1821 in Scotland, was living in Troy, St. Croix, WI. with his
57 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
26 yr. old married daughter, Jessie McGregor, b. in Canada (mother of 3 yr. old Roy Hedderly)
21 yr. old son, Malcom McGregor, b. in WI.
18 yr. old son, Norman McGregor, working on a farm, b. in WI.
3 yr. old grandson, Roy Hedderly, b. in WI.
20 yr. old servant, Matilda Olson, b. in Norway
Duncan's parents were both b. in Scotland.
Jane's father was b. in Canada and her mother in Scotland.
Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Jul. 2, 1896
Good Voters Made
The following were admitted to all the rights and privileges yesterday upon proper proof being made:
C. Askeldsen, a native of Norway, and Thomas J. Walker, a native of England, by Judge Smith; John Nordqvist, a native of Sweden, by Judge Van Dyke; Thomas Darcy, a native of Canada, by Judge York, and Duncan McGregor, a native of Scotland, by Judge Clark.
With regard to Mr. McGregor, his application revealed a rather curious state of affairs. The gentleman in about 70 years of age, and arrived in this country in the notable year of 1849. He took out his first papers in Wisconsin, and in accordance with the rule observed in that and other states, voted at election and in every way performed the duties of citizenship. Upon recently coming to California, Mr. McGregor discovered that here he was not recognized in any way as a citizen of the replica, and o with all speed he made application to be formally admitted.
According to the CA. Voters Register for 1896, 75 yr. old Duncan McGregor was retired and living in the Sierra Madre precinct, L.A., CA. He was described as 5'8", with a dark complexion, blue eyes and gray hair. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Jul. 1, 1896 in Los Angeles, CA.
In the June 22, 1900 U.S. census, 79 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a landlord, b. March 1821 in Scotland, was living on Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, L.A., CA. with his
69 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. Oct. 1830 in Eng. spkg. Canada.
Duncan and Jane had been married for 52 yrs. Jane was the mother of four children, two of whom were still alive by this census.
Duncan immigrated to the U.S. in 1849 and was now a naturalized citizen.
Duncan's parents were born in Scotland
Jane's father was b. in Eng. spkg. Canada and her mother in Scotland.
February 7, 1901 River Falls Journal -Death of Duncan McGregor. Duncan McGregor, one of the first settlers and for forty years a continuous resident of this place, died at his home at Sierra Madre, California, January 29, 1901, a few minutes before midnight. Mr. McGregor had been suffering for a week with an attack of the grip, but his condition had not been considered serious. A few minutes before his sudden demise he was sitting on the edge of the bed conversing cheerfully with his wife and his son Roderick, when by what seemed to be a sudden impulse, he reclined on the bed and ceased to breathe.
Duncan McGregor was born at Perth, Scotland, in 1821 and emigrated to Canada while a boy. Here he enlisted in the British army, serving seven years as a soldier. On the 31st of January, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Moss and the following year with his wife emigrated to River Falls. Here they found one settler, Joel Foster, who had preceded them by one year. Mr. McGregor was a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade and built a number of the brick and stone store buildings in this city. He preempted from the government the homestead near this city where the family resided until the fall of 1886 when Mr. McGregor sold the property to George W. Chinnock and moved to California for the benefit of his health. For twelve years just previous to his removal to California be bad been engaged in the hardware business in this city. (102 S. Main Street from 1881 to 1883).
To Mr. and Mrs. McGregor were born four children, three sons and one daughter. The wife and two sons— Roderick, of this city and Norval, of California, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. T. L. Hedderly (Jesse), of Minneapolis, survive the departed husband and father.
The daughter, Clementine, died when she was three years of age, and one son, Malcolm, died in California four years ago.
One sister of Mr. McGregor, Mrs. Jane Tetherington of Cottage Grove, Minn survives.
Mr. McGregor, by his long residence among us; by the impulse which his interest in, and Intelligent further enhance of every work of material and intellectual advantage gave to the community: by his courteous and kindly conduct: his honesty and charity, endeared himself to the people of this community as few others have.
His parents were Peter and Clementina (Sems) McGregor, both natives of that country. In 1822 his parents emigrated to Canada East and located at Cornwall, where his father engaged in farming and lime-burning. Mr. McGregor was reared as a farmer until eighteen years of age. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason. In 1837 and 1838, when the Patriot Rebellion broke out in Canada, Mr. McGregor, despite his youth, enlisted in the British army, or the Canada Loyalists, and served until the Rebellion was ended. In 1843 or 1844 he came to
the United States and worked at his trade in New Orleans, and also worked in Pittsburg soon after the great fire of 1845. In the fall of the latter year he returned to his home. In 1848 he married Miss Jane Moss, a native of Canada, and the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Hill) Moss. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Scotland. Mr. McGregor remained in Canada until 1849 and then decided to try his fortunes in the United States. In that year he located in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness; and he was the second settler who located in the county. He took up his residence near what is now the thriving town of River Falls, on the Kinnickinnick River. There he took up prairie land and commenced the life of a farmer. As the settlement of the great Northwest increased he engaged in work at his trade in St. Paul, and other points. He saw cities spring up as if by magic, where he had first found nothing but small trading posts, and thriving and populous towns take the place of the wilderness. Mr. McGregor prospered in worldly goods, and took a leading and prominent part in developing the resources of his section . He was called upon to fill many positions of trust and responsibility in the community in which he resided. In 1851 he was the first assessor ever elected in his district. In 1853 he was elected the chairman of the town board of councilmen, of Hudson, and was also chairman of the county board of supervisors. In 1855 he was the chairman of the Kinnickinnick board of councilmen, and a member of the county board of supervisors, and in 1857 was the first chairman of Troy board of councilmen, and a member of the county board. He was universally respected and esteemed for his manly qualities and straightforward, honest dealings. In 1876 Mr. McGregor entered into mercantile pursuits and established a hardware store in River Falls. This enterprise he conducted until 1883, when his failing health admonished him that he must seek a less rigorous climate than Northern Wisconsin. He retired from his business and spent two or three winters in California, in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, and in 1886 he came to Los Angeles County and located at Los Angeles until
August of 1887, when he decided to take up his residence in the Sierra Madre Colony. He therefore purchased a lot upon which he erected a comfortable and well-ordered cottage residence, and also planted orange and deciduous fruit trees, for family use. Of Mr. McGregor's family there are three children living.
His eldest son, Roderick, is a resident of River Falls, Wisconsin; Malcolm M. is a resident of Billings, Montana; Norval is a resident of San Jose, Santa Clara County.
Source: An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 561
Thank you to Find A Grave Contributor RiverFallsHistory (#48510304) for sharing the above biography.
Duncan McGregor's parents were:
Peter McGregor and Clementina Sems.
On Jan. 31, 1848, in Cornwall, Stormont, Ontario, Canada, Duncan McGregor married Jane Moss of Moulinette, Canada.
Duncan and Jane had five children:
1) Jessie Susan McGregor, b. in Nov. 1854 in Canada and d. in Nov. 1, 1935 in Los Angeles county, CA. Jessie marr. Thomas Lupton Hedderly.
2) Roderick McGregor, b. 1856 in WI. and d. Apr. 9, 1934 in WI.
3) Malcolm Moss McGregor, b. Feb. 4, 1859 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 24, 1895 in CA.
4. Hannah Clementine McGregor, b. May 1, 1860 and d. Jul. 27, 1863 in River Falls, Pierce County, WI.
5) Norval McGregor, b. Apr. 3, 1862 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 21, 1933 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA.
In the 1860 U.S. census, 33 yr. old Duncan McGregor, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
30 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
3 yr. old son, Peter McGregor, b. in WI.
1 yr. old son, Malcomb McGregor, b. in WI.
6 yr. old Jrpe Bowen, b. in Canada
71 yr. old Clementine Bowen
1 mth. old Clementine Bowen, b. in WI.
27 yr. old Homer Foster, b. in IL.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 49 yr. old Duncan McGreggor, a farmer, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
40 yr. old wife, Jane McGreggor, b. in Canada
16 yr. old Jessie McGreggor, b. in Canada
13 yr. old Roderick McGreggor, b. in WI.
11 yr. old Malcomb McGreggor, b. in WI.
8 yr. old Norville McGreggor, b. in WI.
In the June 17, 1880 U.S. census, 59 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a farmer, b. abt. 1821 in Scotland, was living in Troy, St. Croix, WI. with his
57 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
26 yr. old married daughter, Jessie McGregor, b. in Canada (mother of 3 yr. old Roy Hedderly)
21 yr. old son, Malcom McGregor, b. in WI.
18 yr. old son, Norman McGregor, working on a farm, b. in WI.
3 yr. old grandson, Roy Hedderly, b. in WI.
20 yr. old servant, Matilda Olson, b. in Norway
Duncan's parents were both b. in Scotland.
Jane's father was b. in Canada and her mother in Scotland.
Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Jul. 2, 1896
Good Voters Made
The following were admitted to all the rights and privileges yesterday upon proper proof being made:
C. Askeldsen, a native of Norway, and Thomas J. Walker, a native of England, by Judge Smith; John Nordqvist, a native of Sweden, by Judge Van Dyke; Thomas Darcy, a native of Canada, by Judge York, and Duncan McGregor, a native of Scotland, by Judge Clark.
With regard to Mr. McGregor, his application revealed a rather curious state of affairs. The gentleman in about 70 years of age, and arrived in this country in the notable year of 1849. He took out his first papers in Wisconsin, and in accordance with the rule observed in that and other states, voted at election and in every way performed the duties of citizenship. Upon recently coming to California, Mr. McGregor discovered that here he was not recognized in any way as a citizen of the replica, and o with all speed he made application to be formally admitted.
According to the CA. Voters Register for 1896, 75 yr. old Duncan McGregor was retired and living in the Sierra Madre precinct, L.A., CA. He was described as 5'8", with a dark complexion, blue eyes and gray hair. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Jul. 1, 1896 in Los Angeles, CA.
In the June 22, 1900 U.S. census, 79 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a landlord, b. March 1821 in Scotland, was living on Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, L.A., CA. with his
69 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. Oct. 1830 in Eng. spkg. Canada.
Duncan and Jane had been married for 52 yrs. Jane was the mother of four children, two of whom were still alive by this census.
Duncan immigrated to the U.S. in 1849 and was now a naturalized citizen.
Duncan's parents were born in Scotland
Jane's father was b. in Eng. spkg. Canada and her mother in Scotland.
February 7, 1901 River Falls Journal -Death of Duncan McGregor. Duncan McGregor, one of the first settlers and for forty years a continuous resident of this place, died at his home at Sierra Madre, California, January 29, 1901, a few minutes before midnight. Mr. McGregor had been suffering for a week with an attack of the grip, but his condition had not been considered serious. A few minutes before his sudden demise he was sitting on the edge of the bed conversing cheerfully with his wife and his son Roderick, when by what seemed to be a sudden impulse, he reclined on the bed and ceased to breathe.
Duncan McGregor was born at Perth, Scotland, in 1821 and emigrated to Canada while a boy. Here he enlisted in the British army, serving seven years as a soldier. On the 31st of January, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Moss and the following year with his wife emigrated to River Falls. Here they found one settler, Joel Foster, who had preceded them by one year. Mr. McGregor was a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade and built a number of the brick and stone store buildings in this city. He preempted from the government the homestead near this city where the family resided until the fall of 1886 when Mr. McGregor sold the property to George W. Chinnock and moved to California for the benefit of his health. For twelve years just previous to his removal to California be bad been engaged in the hardware business in this city. (102 S. Main Street from 1881 to 1883).
To Mr. and Mrs. McGregor were born four children, three sons and one daughter. The wife and two sons— Roderick, of this city and Norval, of California, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. T. L. Hedderly (Jesse), of Minneapolis, survive the departed husband and father.
The daughter, Clementine, died when she was three years of age, and one son, Malcolm, died in California four years ago.
One sister of Mr. McGregor, Mrs. Jane Tetherington of Cottage Grove, Minn survives.
Mr. McGregor, by his long residence among us; by the impulse which his interest in, and Intelligent further enhance of every work of material and intellectual advantage gave to the community: by his courteous and kindly conduct: his honesty and charity, endeared himself to the people of this community as few others have.
Among the men who have sought the genial climate of the foothills in the Sierra Madre Colony, as a desirable place of residence, is the above-named gentleman. Mr. McGregor is a native of Scotland, dating his birth March 4, 1821.
His parents were Peter and Clementina (Sems) McGregor, both natives of that country. In 1822 his parents emigrated to Canada East and located at Cornwall, where his father engaged in farming and lime-burning. Mr. McGregor was reared as a farmer until eighteen years of age. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason. In 1837 and 1838, when the Patriot Rebellion broke out in Canada, Mr. McGregor, despite his youth, enlisted in the British army, or the Canada Loyalists, and served until the Rebellion was ended. In 1843 or 1844 he came to
the United States and worked at his trade in New Orleans, and also worked in Pittsburg soon after the great fire of 1845. In the fall of the latter year he returned to his home. In 1848 he married Miss Jane Moss, a native of Canada, and the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Hill) Moss. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Scotland. Mr. McGregor remained in Canada until 1849 and then decided to try his fortunes in the United States. In that year he located in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness; and he was the second settler who located in the county. He took up his residence near what is now the thriving town of River Falls, on the Kinnickinnick River. There he took up prairie land and commenced the life of a farmer. As the settlement of the great Northwest increased he engaged in work at his trade in St. Paul, and other points. He saw cities spring up as if by magic, where he had first found nothing but small trading posts, and thriving and populous towns take the place of the wilderness. Mr. McGregor prospered in worldly goods, and took a leading and prominent part in developing the resources of his section . He was called upon to fill many positions of trust and responsibility in the community in which he resided. In 1851 he was the first assessor ever elected in his district. In 1853 he was elected the chairman of the town board of councilmen, of Hudson, and was also chairman of the county board of supervisors. In 1855 he was the chairman of the Kinnickinnick board of councilmen, and a member of the county board of supervisors, and in 1857 was the first chairman of Troy board of councilmen, and a member of the county board. He was universally respected and esteemed for his manly qualities and straightforward, honest dealings. In 1876 Mr. McGregor entered into mercantile pursuits and established a hardware store in River Falls. This enterprise he conducted until 1883, when his failing health admonished him that he must seek a less rigorous climate than Northern Wisconsin. He retired from his business and spent two or three winters in California, in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, and in 1886 he came to Los Angeles County and located at Los Angeles until
August of 1887, when he decided to take up his residence in the Sierra Madre Colony. He therefore purchased a lot upon which he erected a comfortable and well-ordered cottage residence, and also planted orange and deciduous fruit trees, for family use. Of Mr. McGregor's family there are three children living.
His eldest son, Roderick, is a resident of River Falls, Wisconsin; Malcolm M. is a resident of Billings, Montana; Norval is a resident of San Jose, Santa Clara County.
Source: An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 561
Thank you to Find A Grave Contributor RiverFallsHistory (#48510304) for sharing the above biography.
Duncan McGregor's parents were:
Peter McGregor and Clementina Sems.
On Jan. 31, 1848, in Cornwall, Stormont, Ontario, Canada, Duncan McGregor married Jane Moss of Moulinette, Canada.
Duncan and Jane had five children:
1) Jessie Susan McGregor, b. in Nov. 1854 in Canada and d. in Nov. 1, 1935 in Los Angeles county, CA. Jessie marr. Thomas Lupton Hedderly.
2) Roderick McGregor, b. 1856 in WI. and d. Apr. 9, 1934 in WI.
3) Malcolm Moss McGregor, b. Feb. 4, 1859 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 24, 1895 in CA.
4. Hannah Clementine McGregor, b. May 1, 1860 and d. Jul. 27, 1863 in River Falls, Pierce County, WI.
5) Norval McGregor, b. Apr. 3, 1862 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 21, 1933 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA.
In the 1860 U.S. census, 33 yr. old Duncan McGregor, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
30 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
3 yr. old son, Peter McGregor, b. in WI.
1 yr. old son, Malcomb McGregor, b. in WI.
6 yr. old Jrpe Bowen, b. in Canada
71 yr. old Clementine Bowen
1 mth. old Clementine Bowen, b. in WI.
27 yr. old Homer Foster, b. in IL.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 49 yr. old Duncan McGreggor, a farmer, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
40 yr. old wife, Jane McGreggor, b. in Canada
16 yr. old Jessie McGreggor, b. in Canada
13 yr. old Roderick McGreggor, b. in WI.
11 yr. old Malcomb McGreggor, b. in WI.
8 yr. old Norville McGreggor, b. in WI.
In the June 17, 1880 U.S. census, 59 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a farmer, b. abt. 1821 in Scotland, was living in Troy, St. Croix, WI. with his
57 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
26 yr. old married daughter, Jessie McGregor, b. in Canada (mother of 3 yr. old Roy Hedderly)
21 yr. old son, Malcom McGregor, b. in WI.
18 yr. old son, Norman McGregor, working on a farm, b. in WI.
3 yr. old grandson, Roy Hedderly, b. in WI.
20 yr. old servant, Matilda Olson, b. in Norway
Duncan's parents were both b. in Scotland.
Jane's father was b. in Canada and her mother in Scotland.
Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Jul. 2, 1896
Good Voters Made
The following were admitted to all the rights and privileges yesterday upon proper proof being made:
C. Askeldsen, a native of Norway, and Thomas J. Walker, a native of England, by Judge Smith; John Nordqvist, a native of Sweden, by Judge Van Dyke; Thomas Darcy, a native of Canada, by Judge York, and Duncan McGregor, a native of Scotland, by Judge Clark.
With regard to Mr. McGregor, his application revealed a rather curious state of affairs. The gentleman in about 70 years of age, and arrived in this country in the notable year of 1849. He took out his first papers in Wisconsin, and in accordance with the rule observed in that and other states, voted at election and in every way performed the duties of citizenship. Upon recently coming to California, Mr. McGregor discovered that here he was not recognized in any way as a citizen of the replica, and o with all speed he made application to be formally admitted.
According to the CA. Voters Register for 1896, 75 yr. old Duncan McGregor was retired and living in the Sierra Madre precinct, L.A., CA. He was described as 5'8", with a dark complexion, blue eyes and gray hair. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Jul. 1, 1896 in Los Angeles, CA.
In the June 22, 1900 U.S. census, 79 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a landlord, b. March 1821 in Scotland, was living on Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, L.A., CA. with his
69 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. Oct. 1830 in Eng. spkg. Canada.
Duncan and Jane had been married for 52 yrs. Jane was the mother of four children, two of whom were still alive by this census.
Duncan immigrated to the U.S. in 1849 and was now a naturalized citizen.
Duncan's parents were born in Scotland
Jane's father was b. in Eng. spkg. Canada and her mother in Scotland.
February 7, 1901 River Falls Journal -Death of Duncan McGregor. Duncan McGregor, one of the first settlers and for forty years a continuous resident of this place, died at his home at Sierra Madre, California, January 29, 1901, a few minutes before midnight. Mr. McGregor had been suffering for a week with an attack of the grip, but his condition had not been considered serious. A few minutes before his sudden demise he was sitting on the edge of the bed conversing cheerfully with his wife and his son Roderick, when by what seemed to be a sudden impulse, he reclined on the bed and ceased to breathe.
Duncan McGregor was born at Perth, Scotland, in 1821 and emigrated to Canada while a boy. Here he enlisted in the British army, serving seven years as a soldier. On the 31st of January, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Moss and the following year with his wife emigrated to River Falls. Here they found one settler, Joel Foster, who had preceded them by one year. Mr. McGregor was a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade and built a number of the brick and stone store buildings in this city. He preempted from the government the homestead near this city where the family resided until the fall of 1886 when Mr. McGregor sold the property to George W. Chinnock and moved to California for the benefit of his health. For twelve years just previous to his removal to California be bad been engaged in the hardware business in this city. (102 S. Main Street from 1881 to 1883).
To Mr. and Mrs. McGregor were born four children, three sons and one daughter. The wife and two sons— Roderick, of this city and Norval, of California, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. T. L. Hedderly (Jesse), of Minneapolis, survive the departed husband and father.
The daughter, Clementine, died when she was three years of age, and one son, Malcolm, died in California four years ago.
One sister of Mr. McGregor, Mrs. Jane Tetherington of Cottage Grove, Minn survives.
Mr. McGregor, by his long residence among us; by the impulse which his interest in, and Intelligent further enhance of every work of material and intellectual advantage gave to the community: by his courteous and kindly conduct: his honesty and charity, endeared himself to the people of this community as few others have.
His parents were Peter and Clementina (Sems) McGregor, both natives of that country. In 1822 his parents emigrated to Canada East and located at Cornwall, where his father engaged in farming and lime-burning. Mr. McGregor was reared as a farmer until eighteen years of age. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason. In 1837 and 1838, when the Patriot Rebellion broke out in Canada, Mr. McGregor, despite his youth, enlisted in the British army, or the Canada Loyalists, and served until the Rebellion was ended. In 1843 or 1844 he came to
the United States and worked at his trade in New Orleans, and also worked in Pittsburg soon after the great fire of 1845. In the fall of the latter year he returned to his home. In 1848 he married Miss Jane Moss, a native of Canada, and the daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Hill) Moss. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Scotland. Mr. McGregor remained in Canada until 1849 and then decided to try his fortunes in the United States. In that year he located in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness; and he was the second settler who located in the county. He took up his residence near what is now the thriving town of River Falls, on the Kinnickinnick River. There he took up prairie land and commenced the life of a farmer. As the settlement of the great Northwest increased he engaged in work at his trade in St. Paul, and other points. He saw cities spring up as if by magic, where he had first found nothing but small trading posts, and thriving and populous towns take the place of the wilderness. Mr. McGregor prospered in worldly goods, and took a leading and prominent part in developing the resources of his section . He was called upon to fill many positions of trust and responsibility in the community in which he resided. In 1851 he was the first assessor ever elected in his district. In 1853 he was elected the chairman of the town board of councilmen, of Hudson, and was also chairman of the county board of supervisors. In 1855 he was the chairman of the Kinnickinnick board of councilmen, and a member of the county board of supervisors, and in 1857 was the first chairman of Troy board of councilmen, and a member of the county board. He was universally respected and esteemed for his manly qualities and straightforward, honest dealings. In 1876 Mr. McGregor entered into mercantile pursuits and established a hardware store in River Falls. This enterprise he conducted until 1883, when his failing health admonished him that he must seek a less rigorous climate than Northern Wisconsin. He retired from his business and spent two or three winters in California, in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, and in 1886 he came to Los Angeles County and located at Los Angeles until
August of 1887, when he decided to take up his residence in the Sierra Madre Colony. He therefore purchased a lot upon which he erected a comfortable and well-ordered cottage residence, and also planted orange and deciduous fruit trees, for family use. Of Mr. McGregor's family there are three children living.
His eldest son, Roderick, is a resident of River Falls, Wisconsin; Malcolm M. is a resident of Billings, Montana; Norval is a resident of San Jose, Santa Clara County.
Source: An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California � Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889 Page 561
Thank you to Find A Grave Contributor RiverFallsHistory (#48510304) for sharing the above biography.
Duncan McGregor's parents were:
Peter McGregor and Clementina Sems.
On Jan. 31, 1848, in Cornwall, Stormont, Ontario, Canada, Duncan McGregor married Jane Moss of Moulinette, Canada.
Duncan and Jane had five children:
1) Jessie Susan McGregor, b. in Nov. 1854 in Canada and d. in Nov. 1, 1935 in Los Angeles county, CA. Jessie marr. Thomas Lupton Hedderly.
2) Roderick McGregor, b. 1856 in WI. and d. Apr. 9, 1934 in WI.
3) Malcolm Moss McGregor, b. Feb. 4, 1859 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 24, 1895 in CA.
4. Hannah Clementine McGregor, b. May 1, 1860 and d. Jul. 27, 1863 in River Falls, Pierce County, WI.
5) Norval McGregor, b. Apr. 3, 1862 in River Falls, Pierce, WI. and d. Nov. 21, 1933 in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA.
In the 1860 U.S. census, 33 yr. old Duncan McGregor, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
30 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
3 yr. old son, Peter McGregor, b. in WI.
1 yr. old son, Malcomb McGregor, b. in WI.
6 yr. old Jrpe Bowen, b. in Canada
71 yr. old Clementine Bowen
1 mth. old Clementine Bowen, b. in WI.
27 yr. old Homer Foster, b. in IL.
In the 1870 U.S. census, 49 yr. old Duncan McGreggor, a farmer, b. in Scotland, was living in Troy, St Croix, WI. with his
40 yr. old wife, Jane McGreggor, b. in Canada
16 yr. old Jessie McGreggor, b. in Canada
13 yr. old Roderick McGreggor, b. in WI.
11 yr. old Malcomb McGreggor, b. in WI.
8 yr. old Norville McGreggor, b. in WI.
In the June 17, 1880 U.S. census, 59 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a farmer, b. abt. 1821 in Scotland, was living in Troy, St. Croix, WI. with his
57 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. in Canada
26 yr. old married daughter, Jessie McGregor, b. in Canada (mother of 3 yr. old Roy Hedderly)
21 yr. old son, Malcom McGregor, b. in WI.
18 yr. old son, Norman McGregor, working on a farm, b. in WI.
3 yr. old grandson, Roy Hedderly, b. in WI.
20 yr. old servant, Matilda Olson, b. in Norway
Duncan's parents were both b. in Scotland.
Jane's father was b. in Canada and her mother in Scotland.
Los Angeles herald (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 10, Jul. 2, 1896
Good Voters Made
The following were admitted to all the rights and privileges yesterday upon proper proof being made:
C. Askeldsen, a native of Norway, and Thomas J. Walker, a native of England, by Judge Smith; John Nordqvist, a native of Sweden, by Judge Van Dyke; Thomas Darcy, a native of Canada, by Judge York, and Duncan McGregor, a native of Scotland, by Judge Clark.
With regard to Mr. McGregor, his application revealed a rather curious state of affairs. The gentleman in about 70 years of age, and arrived in this country in the notable year of 1849. He took out his first papers in Wisconsin, and in accordance with the rule observed in that and other states, voted at election and in every way performed the duties of citizenship. Upon recently coming to California, Mr. McGregor discovered that here he was not recognized in any way as a citizen of the replica, and o with all speed he made application to be formally admitted.
According to the CA. Voters Register for 1896, 75 yr. old Duncan McGregor was retired and living in the Sierra Madre precinct, L.A., CA. He was described as 5'8", with a dark complexion, blue eyes and gray hair. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Jul. 1, 1896 in Los Angeles, CA.
In the June 22, 1900 U.S. census, 79 yr. old Duncan McGregor, a landlord, b. March 1821 in Scotland, was living on Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, L.A., CA. with his
69 yr. old wife, Jane McGregor, b. Oct. 1830 in Eng. spkg. Canada.
Duncan and Jane had been married for 52 yrs. Jane was the mother of four children, two of whom were still alive by this census.
Duncan immigrated to the U.S. in 1849 and was now a naturalized citizen.
Duncan's parents were born in Scotland
Jane's father was b. in Eng. spkg. Canada and her mother in Scotland.
February 7, 1901 River Falls Journal -Death of Duncan McGregor. Duncan McGregor, one of the first settlers and for forty years a continuous resident of this place, died at his home at Sierra Madre, California, January 29, 1901, a few minutes before midnight. Mr. McGregor had been suffering for a week with an attack of the grip, but his condition had not been considered serious. A few minutes before his sudden demise he was sitting on the edge of the bed conversing cheerfully with his wife and his son Roderick, when by what seemed to be a sudden impulse, he reclined on the bed and ceased to breathe.
Duncan McGregor was born at Perth, Scotland, in 1821 and emigrated to Canada while a boy. Here he enlisted in the British army, serving seven years as a soldier. On the 31st of January, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Moss and the following year with his wife emigrated to River Falls. Here they found one settler, Joel Foster, who had preceded them by one year. Mr. McGregor was a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade and built a number of the brick and stone store buildings in this city. He preempted from the government the homestead near this city where the family resided until the fall of 1886 when Mr. McGregor sold the property to George W. Chinnock and moved to California for the benefit of his health. For twelve years just previous to his removal to California be bad been engaged in the hardware business in this city. (102 S. Main Street from 1881 to 1883).
To Mr. and Mrs. McGregor were born four children, three sons and one daughter. The wife and two sons— Roderick, of this city and Norval, of California, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. T. L. Hedderly (Jesse), of Minneapolis, survive the departed husband and father.
The daughter, Clementine, died when she was three years of age, and one son, Malcolm, died in California four years ago.
One sister of Mr. McGregor, Mrs. Jane Tetherington of Cottage Grove, Minn survives.
Mr. McGregor, by his long residence among us; by the impulse which his interest in, and Intelligent further enhance of every work of material and intellectual advantage gave to the community: by his courteous and kindly conduct: his honesty and charity, endeared himself to the people of this community as few others have.
Gravesite Details
Duncan is buried with his wife, Jane, and their son, Malcolm Moss McGregor.
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