Thomsonville Cemetery, Renfrew, on

12/03/2024

The gates of the cemetery are now closed for the winter. The small walk-in gate will remain open.

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09/23/2024

Historical figures buried at Thomsonville - Section A - A.A. Wright - An early Renfrew industrialist, merchant and politician, Aaron Abel Wright was born in Athens Ontario, but lived his life in Renfrew and left his mark here. He was a chief proponent in establishing the Renfrew Creamery, an industry which employed many townsfolk. He was the president of the Renfrew Electric Company. As well as being a well-known merchant, he was a strong advocate for things that would benefit the town - The Ottawa & Parry Sound railway coming through Renfrew, the establishment of a station for the C.P.R. stop. He served as Member Of Parliament for Renfrew South, 1900-1908. Mr. Wright's company "Barr & Wright" had a prominent presence on Raglan St., at the corner of Raglan and Opeongo, in a handsome 2 1/2 story brick building - until a fire in the late 1890's gutted the interior. M.J. O'Brien acquired it and added stories to the building and it reopened as the fabled O'Brien Opera House in 1909. In 1929 it was converted to apartments and remains so, under the ownership of the Renfrew Temple Group. Many Renfrewites have never seen a picture of this original 2 1/2 story building, so we include it in our vignette of A.A. Wright.

09/21/2024

Wow.... what an amazing day today, as 9 members of Renfew Lodge #122 (the Masons) cut and trimmed the entire 6 uncontracted sections of the cemetery ! This is a fantastic contribution to our community ! Pictured are a portion of the crew, and some of the newly cut sections. Thank you Renfrew Lodge #122 !

06/10/2024

The weather did no cooperate for our community volunteer day, but thanks to the determined board members and a few community volunteers, we got some trimming and cutting done at the cemetery and it's looking much better. Thanks to the volunteers !

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06/05/2024

05/12/2024

Our sincere thanks to the fantastic crew of volunteers from Renfrew Lodge #122 who cleaned up and trimmed the cemetery on Saturday. You made a huge difference with this wonderful contribution to our community !

07/11/2023

Historical figures buried at Thomsonville - Section D - The Smallfields - Albert Smallfield hailed from Brooklyn, NY. He moved his family to Madoc, Ontario where he and his son W.E. Smallfield founded a newspaper prophetically titled "The Mercury". In 1871, when Renfrew was confirmed to be a stop on the new railroad, they moved here and under the name Smallfield & Son, founded the Renfrew Mercury. W.E. Smallfield served as both councillor and mayor, and his importance to the history of the town was assured when he authored the very important historical chronicle "The Story Of Renfrew" an invaluable record of the early settlers.

06/16/2023

Decoration day is Sunday, June 18, and thanks to a small band of dedicated volunteers, Andrew Kasprzak and Horton Twp. workers, the cemetery is all cut and trimmed.

06/07/2023

Historical figures buried at Thomsonville - Section C - John "Tanner" Smith" This large monolith stone marks the resting place of pioneer, mill owner, municipal politician John "Tanner" Smith. His extensive mill site was on the creek which bears his name. One descendant says his brewery interests there were discouraged by his temperance-inclined wife, so he turned it into a grist mill. Next to Smith's Creek, in the Stewart Park greenspace beside the Presbyterian Church is placed one of the millstones from the mill, a lasting testament to the contributions of this important figure in early Renfrew history.

06/06/2023

The cemetery board mourns the loss of long-time member Andy Smith. His contributions span many years, and we extend our condolences to his family and many friends.

06/03/2023

Historical figures buried at Thomsonville: John Lorn McDougall: Under the stately maple trees at the SW corner of section A stands an understated stone, exuding strength and stability. It is the grave of John Lorn McDougall. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to Canada in 1820 and was a fur trader with the Hudson's Bay Company. Upon his retirement he bought land in Renfrew and opened a general store here. He served on the council for the Bathurst District and on the township council for Renfrew, including several terms as reeve. His name endures in Renfrew as the builder of the grist mill by the Bonnechere, now the McDougall Mill Museum. The nearby crossroads community in Admaston called McDougall is named for his family.

06/01/2023

Ways to contribute to our community cemetery: Financial donations can be sent to Box 243, Renfrew, K7V 4A4. Volunteer grass cutters and trimmers are always appreciated - you don't need permission or to schedule a time. Families are encouraged to take an active interest in their family plot. The dire financial situation of the cemetery means that grass maintenance is at a minimum, so any time donated to cutting/trimming is appreciated.