| Notes |
- From Andrea Thomas
Mabel Gwedoline Dawson was born
December 20, 1875 in London, Ontario, the third child of Melville D. Dawson and Jennie Hearn. Mabel received her primary education at Princess Avenue Public School, a ten-room school that was built in 1883. She went on to study at London Central Collegiate, which was located at the corner of Dufferin Avenue and Waterloo Street. Mabel received her high school diploma, as well as several provincial art school certificates. She was skilled in both drawing and painting.
Mabel married Dr. Horace Ferguson on June 10, 1901 at her family residence at “Cedar Grove” (located at Princess Avenue and Wellington Street in London). After their marriage, the young couple resided at Cedar Grove with Mabel's widowed father, and younger brother, Melville Dawson Jr.
Mabel and Horace's first child, Gwendoline Elizabeth, was born at Cedar Grove on November 20, 1903. Their second daughter, Eleanor Eileen, was born on July 24, 1906.
In 1907, Horace journeyed to Alberta with Mabel's brother, Lewis, with the dream of building a homestead and breeding horses for the army. Horace left his young family in London with the plan to bring them west once a proper home was established. However, Horace returned to London in 1909, and the family abandoned the idea of settling in the west.
Back in London, the family moved to 228 Oxford Street, a large brick house that served as both the family residence and office for Horace's medical practice. The family enjoyed security and success during these years, and were members of social groups including the London Hunt & Country club.
Horace and Mabel's eldest daughter, Gwen, married Leonard Thomas on August 10, 1923. The couple had seven children, and Mabel and Horace were active in helping to raise the young family, especially during the years of the second World War. Horace and Mabel's younger daughter, Eleanor, married James Arkell Cole on May 28, 1938.
Horace Ferguson died on February 4, 1953. Mabel continued to live with the family of her daughter, Gwen, until her death on April 23, 1961. Mabel was fondly remembered by her grandchildren as a generous and loving woman, who was an excellent caregiver and skilled cook.
|
1875 - Yes, date unknown
