Wardens of Renfrew (1861-1989 Renfrew County, Ontario)

By Carol Bennett-McCuaig

This book contains biographical sketches of all the Wardens who have served since Renfrew became a Provisional County in 1861 up to 1989. It also features several Renfrew County men who at an earlier served as Warden of the United Counties of Lanark & Renfrew.

Genealogists will find this book useful. In addition to the data all the 117 Wardens there is mention of a number of others who have served on County Council from time to time.

It is considered an honor to be chosen Warden of Renfrew County. Even so, the position isn't all glory; many hours must be spent away from home and family and very often the men and women who serve on County Council devote years to the job. This book is a small tribute to the 116 men and one woman who have served as Wardens here. It is also a tribute to their spouses and children.

The Warden of of a County in Ontario is elected by their peers on County Council, to act as the chief executive officer of the county for their term. They preside over council meetings, provide leadership, and represent the county at official functions.

For some people, serving the Community is a family affair. In several cases brothers or father-son combinations appear in the list of Wardens, and sometimes several generations of one family have served on their village or township council. The Wallaces of the Cobden district possibly hold the record with five generations in municipal politics.

Some Wardens later served as Members of the Provincial or Federal governments. All Wardens contributed something worthwhile to the history of Renfrew County. This is their story.

Contents include:

• Preface
• Renfrew County [short historical sketch]
• Main section - individual biographical sketches of all Wardens 1861-1989 with pictures of all but a few of them.
• Biographical sketch and picture of S. E. Mitchell, Clerk Treasurer 1869-1910
• Picture and biographical sketch of Michael J. Johnson, Administrator and clerk treasurer in 1989
• Acknowledgements
• Group picture and names of Renfrew County Council and officials in 1889
• Group picture and names of County Council in 1934
• Index (click here to view complete Index)

After decades of being out of print, Wardens of Renfrew is available once again in its complete original format under an exclusive publishing agreement with the author's heirs.

Details:

• 68 Pages
  
• 8-1/2 x 11"
  
• Photographs / Illustrations
• Softcover - Coil bound
  
• Originally published by Juniper Books, Renfrew, 1989 under ISBN 0-919137-19-9
  
• This new edition published by Global Heritage Press, Carleton Place, 2022 under ISBN 978-1-77240-204-9