Mary Francis Hainer was the daughter of John Hainer and Hannah Larraway born on October 6, 1848 in Ontario. John and Hannah had seven children; Almeda Caroline (1845), Mary Francis (1846), Alice Elizabeth (1850), Dorothy Ann (1851), George A. (1853), Jasper (1855), John H (1859).

In the 1851 Ontario Census, John and Hannah are found in Louth, Lincoln County, Ontario. They have four daughters; Almeda (1845) Mary Francis (1846) Alice Elizabeth (1849) and Dorothy (1851). Mary is five years old. John lists his occupation as laborer. In the 1861 Ontario Census, Mary is found with her parents. She is fifteen. Also living with them are Almeda, Dorothy, George, Jasper, and John. They remain in Louth, Ontario. In the 1871 Ontario Census, John and Hannah are in Louth, Ontario with their remaining children ; Almeda, Dorothy, George, Jasper and John.

Mary has married John Blair probably 1865-1867. I do not find a marriage record as of yet. They live in London, Ontario and are recorded on the 1871 Ontario Census there. John Blair lists his occupation as Operator. They have a four year old daughter named Margaret (1867).

By the time of the 1881 Census, John and Mary Blair have returned to Louth, Ontario. John is a telegraph operator. They have three daughters: Margaret, Elsie (1873) and Mary Ethel (1879). Mary Francis was born and raised as a Methodist but I found it interesting that she lists herself as a Reformed Presbyterian in this Census.

In the 1891 Ontario Census, John and Mary live in the village of Grimsby. They have two daughters living with them Margaret and Elsie. John list is occupation as agent for GTR. Wonder if that means Grand Trunk Railway? Still a telegraph operator, hard to say.

1901 John and Mary are in Grimsby with four children; Maggie, Henry J, James A., Frank R.

In the 1911 Ontario Census, John and Mary Francis remain in Grimsby. They are 64 years old. John and Mary Blair had eight children, two died at birth, Margaret (1867), Elsie (1873), Mary Ethel (1879) Henry Jessop (1882), James Alexander (1886), Frank (1887).

In the 1921 Canadian Census, Mary is a widow. She is living with her married daughter, Margaret Piper. They are living in Hamilton, Ontario.

Ninety eight years ago today, Mary Francis Blair died on January 25, 1923 in Burlington, Ontario. Her cause of death is hemiplegia which appears to be a stroke. She was buried in Queen’s Lawn Cemetery located in Grimsby, Ontario next to her husband, John Blair .

Rest in peace, Mary Francis!

Love, Jan

Mary Francis Hainer Blair is my second cousin 3X remove.