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Event Date : Friday, April 22, 1966
Event Type : Death

Description : William Cyril Selby, whose pioneer ancestors in York County became early settlers in West Gwillimbury, died in York County Hospital on April 22, following a coronary. He was the last surviving member of his family to reside in this area. Born on the 9th Concession of West Gwillimbury, 76 years ago, Mr. Selby served throughout the years of the First World War with heavy artillery. Returning after the war, to the farm of his birth, he made his home there, and that farm his life interest, until 1960, when he purchased a home on Church Street and retired to Bradford. Of a quiet and kindly disposition, he was liked by his neighbours and other friends. He was a member of St. Paul's Anglican Church. The story of the Selby family is one which reminds us of the early history of this area, his great-grandmother having been Isabel Sutherland, a Selkirk settler, and another grandparent being a U.E. Loyalist. Mr. Selby was predeceased by two brothers, Mr. Ernest Selby and Percy, one time reeve of West Gwillimbury, and by a sister, Mrs. Roy Kneeshaw (Mary). Two sisters survive him, namely Mrs. Lena B. Selby of Asbury Park, N.Y., and Mrs. Thomas (Stella) of South Orange N.J. The funeral service was held in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Coulson's Hill, with the services being conducted by his rector, Rev. W. H. Warnica, and interment in St. Paul's Cemetery. The pallbearers were Dr. Selby Kneeshaw, Messrs. Carl Bowles, Keith Bowles, Victor Sloane, John Fennell and Sam Lee. Flower bearers were Messrs. Norman Bowles, J. L. Henderson, Waldy Crossland, Thos. Brown and Seward Lee.

Audio and summary of an interview with John Fennell on May 7, 2002. He is interviewed by George Jackson. They drive around identifying the land owners, churches, businesses, landmarks, and natural features which were present in the early 1900s. John gives many anecdotal details about community members living in the area (Newton Robinson and West Gwillimbury). John briefly discusses his family history. See the Related Descriptions below for links to audio and summary.

Due to length, the audio is split into three parts (see related descriptions below for links).

Audio of an interview with John Fennell on May 7, 2002. He is interviewed by George Jackson. They drive around identifying the land owners, churches, businesses, landmarks, and natural features which were present in the early 1900s. John gives many anecdotal details about community members living in the area (Newton Robinson and West Gwillimbury). John briefly discusses his family history. See the Related Descriptions below for the summary.

Due to length, the audio is split into three parts (see related descriptions below for links).