MELVIN, David Jr. ^{1 2 3 4 5 6}

   Cause of his death was complete physical exhaustion.³

  General Notes:

David succeeded to his father's farm and conducted it
successfully until 1918, when he sold out and established the
Melvin Garage ... with his son, Hart

In the 1881 Canadian Census, the family name was incorrectly recorded as MALVIN. David Jr. birth year was also recorded in error as the same year as his mother.


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THE EVENING CITIZEN, OTTAWA, ONT.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1936.



Winchester Couple Married 50 Years

Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin of Winchester and prominent residents of the district, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary yesterday. The happy couple, both of whom are enjoying good health, were the recipients of many congratulatory messages.

Family Celebrates Golden Wedding of Winchester Couple

Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin, Outstanding Residents of Ottawa Valley, Are the Guests of Honor.
(Special to The Citizen.)

WINCHESTER, Sept. 9\emdash The home of Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin was the scene of a very enjoyable occasion today, when members of their family were all present to join with them in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. During the afternoon and evening a host of friends from near and far called at the home to offer their congratulations and to extend best wishes for the future.

Messages of congratulations were also received by long distance telephone, telegraph and through the mails.

It was on September 9th, 1886. that Miss Zella Sharpe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theron Sharpe of Winchester, was united in marriage to David Melvin, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin, of the Melvin settlement. The ceremony was per-formed at the home of the bride's parents by the Rev. Dr. Moffatt, pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian church. The couple were unattended. Following a short honeymoon Mr. and Mrs. Melvin took up residence in the Melvin settlement. They remained on the Melvin homestead, in the settlement that was pioneered and named after Mr. Melvin's par-ents for a period of 32 years. Here there reared a large family and established a home that was known over a wide area for its kind hospitality and friendship. The farm, which was one of the largest in Dundas County, was at one time a breeding center for some of the finest herds of cattle and horses in Eastern Ontario, due to Mr. Melvin's ability as a stock raiser.

In 1916, Mr. Melvin became interested in the sale of automobiles, and in partnership with Mr. M. Bailey, of Winchester, took over an agency for cars. A few years later he moved to Winchester, dissolved partnership and established an automobile sales and service, which later turned out to be one of the largest in Eastern Ontario. Taking his son, Mr. Hart Melvin, into partnership with him, they continued to build and renovate their garage and show rooms, located on St. Lawrence street, Winchester, until today it has become one of the town's chief industries, and has been a distributing center for thousands of cars and trucks during the past 20 years.

Although a great deal of his time had been taken up in looking after business, until recent years, Mr. Melvin always took a keen interest in community enterprises. He is a lover of fraternal organizations and for over 40 years has been a member of Henderson Lodge No. 383, A.F. and A.M.

Mrs. Melvin has devoted the greater part of her married life to looking after the home, where her kindly disposition, cheerful personality and wise counsel have been an influence in the lives of a large family of children, all of whom are highly respected citizens in their respective communities. She is enjoying good health.

During their married life Mr. and Mrs. Melvin were blessed with a family of ten children, seven of whom are living, and who were all present, together with members of their respective families, on this unique occasion.

One of the most enjoyable events of the day was the anniversary dinner, served at Hotel Winchester, and tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin by their children. This function was attended by the following members of the family relatives, friends and business associates: Mr. and Mrs. Ira Bower, Norma and Harry, of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Hart Melvin, Eileen, Jean, Eleanor, Betty and David of Winchester; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Melvin, Marion and Helen, of Winnipeg; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Shaver, Merle and Bernis, of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnston, Velma and Melvin, of Winchester; Mr. and Mrs. William Smith and John, of Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Hector MacLean, Sheila and Virginia, of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sharpe, Mrs. Ira Annable and Mrs. James Annable, Winchester; Mrs. Wm. Keck and Mrs. Homer Everetts, Iroquois; Mr. E. J. Umprey, general sales manager of zone no. 7 of General Motors, and Mrs. Umphrey, Montreal; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Van Allen, of Winnipeg; Mr. J. J. James, car distribution manager of General Motors Oshawa; Mr. James Smart, manager G.M.A.C., Montreal; Mr. Thomas Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Sweet, Rev. and Mrs. W. S. Atchison, Mr. Newton Salter and Miss Mina Alexander, all of Winchester, and Mr. James Challies and Mr. George Challies, Morrisburg.

At the conclusion of the dinner, Mr. Carl Melvin presided over a program of addresses, which were of a complimentary nature. During the program the guests of honor were presented with a beautiful silver rose bowl on behalf of the members of their family. The bowl, which was gold-lined, was suitably inscribed on the outside and contained a bouquet of golden-colored roses. A basket of beautiful cut flowers was also presented to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin by Mr. Howard Fetterly, on behalf of the garage staff. This was accompanied by an address which was read by Mr. Chester Timmins. During the evening Mr. Melvin was especially honored when a delegation from Henderson .Lodge, No. 383, A.F. and A.M., comprised of Wor Bros. Chester Timmins, W. A. Rowat and H. G. Graham called at the hotel and presented him with a life-membership certificate of Henderson Lodge, and extended to him and Mrs. Melvin, best wishes for future happiness.

Immediately following the dinner, a memorial service was held in memory of three deceased members of the family: Jay, Merle and Annie Melvin, with Mr. Carl Melvin officiating.

Other items of interest on the evening's program were: a toast to the guests of honor, proposed by Mr Carl Melvin; piano selections by Mrs Melvin; congratulatory messages by Mr. Aaron Sweet, Rev. W. S. Atchison, Dr. P. McLaughlin and Mr James Challies; address of welcome by Mr. Hart Melvin; greetings from General Motors Corporation by J. J. James; singing of old favorite songs and musical selections by Mrs. Hector MacLean of Ottawa.

Among the many gifts received by Mr. and Mrs. Melvin on their golden wedding anniversary was a beautiful mantle clock from General Motors of Canada Limited. ⁸

  Facts and details for David Melvin Jr.:

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada from 1871 to 1953. ^{9 10}

• He worked as a farmer in 1881 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ⁹

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada in 1881. ¹¹ Living with parents.

• He owned land Concession 9, Lot 13 between 26 Jul 1889 and 21 Jan 1913 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ¹² The W 1/2 was assigned to him from his father on 26 Jul 1889 and transfered to his on 25 Mar 1896 as his inheritance from his father. He later sold this parcel on 21 Jan 1913 to William T. Hutt for $4000.

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada in 1891. ¹³

• He owned land Concession 9, Lot 10 between 25 Mar 1896 and 8 Mar 1918 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ¹⁴ On 25 Mar 1896 he was inherited the E 1/2 from his father. On 19 Apr 1906 his cousin John Allan Melvin sold him the W 1/2 for $6000. On 8 Mar 1918, he sold the whole lot to Joseph E. Lanoue for $19,000.

• He owned land Concession 9, Lot 11 between 20 Oct 1900 and 20 Mar 1909 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ¹⁵ On 20 Oct 1900 he purchased a 25 acres parcel (W 1/2 of W 1/2) for $2,001 from Edward Biccum and his wife. On 20 March 1909 he sold it to Alva H. Riddell for $4,000.

• He worked as a farmer on 2 Apr 1901 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ¹⁶

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada on 2 Apr 1901. ¹⁶

• He worked as a Postmaster on 1 Mar 1907 in Melvin Settlement, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ⁸ He served as the one and only postmaster until 14 Feb 1913 when the post office was closed.

• He worked as a farmer on 13 Jun 1911 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ⁴

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada on 13 Jun 1911. ⁴

• He worked as an auto dealer on St. Lawrence St. From 1916 to 1937 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ^{10 17 18} In 1916, Mr. Melvin became interested in the sale of automobiles, and in partnership with Mr. M. Bailey, of Winchester, took over an agency for cars. A few years later he moved to Winchester, dissolved partnership and established an automobile sales and service, which later turned out to be one of the largest in Eastern Ontario. Taking his son, Mr. Hart Melvin, into partnership with him, they continued to build and renovate their garage and show rooms, located on St. Lawrence street, Winchester, until in 1936 it became one of the town's chief industries, and was a distributing center for thousands of cars and trucks during that 20-year period.

• He lived in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada in 1921. ¹⁸

• His obituary was published in The Ottawa Citizen in Nov 1937 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada. It read as follows:

David Melvin, 76, Noted Winchester Citizen Passes On

The passing of David Melvin at his home on St. Lawrence street here, today, removes from this district, one of the most widely known business men and a highly esteemed citizen of Winchester.

Although the late Mr. Melvin had been in ill-health for a number of years, his condition was not regarded as serious until a few days ago.

Born in the Melvin Settlement 76 years ago, deceased was a son of the late David E. Melvin and his wife, Elizabeth Annable, pioneer settlers of the district and for whom the settlement, four miles north east of Winchester, was named.

Noted Stock Broker.

When a young man the late Mr. Melvin followed farming and was widely known as a live-stock breeder. Some of the finest horses and cattle in the district today can be traced back to the thoroughbred stocks of the Melvin farm, which was considered the largest and finest dairy concern in Eastern Ontario for many years.

When the automobile was first introduced into the county of Dundas, and when the manufacturing of cars was still in its infancy, Mr. Melvin became interested and, in partnership with another local citizen, he took over the first agency to sell autombiles in the district, as a side-line to farming. As the automobile became more popular, Mr. Melvin decided to go into the business on a much larger scale.

In 1918, he and his family moved to Winchester, where he opened a grarage and started in business for himself. Since that time, the late Mr. Melvin and his son, Hart Melvin, have built up one of the largest dealer organizations in Eastern Ontario. The plant, which is one of Wincheters biggest concerns, employs a staff of 25, and distributes about 250 new cars annually. Mr. Melvin's ability as a business executive will be greatly missed in his firm.

Interested in municipal matters, the late Mr. Melvin had held many important offices while a resident of the township of Winchester, and was also a trystee of the Melvin school for many years. He was a member of the United church and took an active interest in all its work prior to his illness.

Mr. Melvin and his wife, the former Miss Zella Sharp, whom he married on September 9th, 1886, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. On this occasion Mr. Melvin was presented with a life membership certificate of Henderson Lodge No. 383, A. F. and A. M., he having been made a Mason over forty years ago.

As a citizen of this district, the late Mr. Melvin was highly esteemed, while in his business transactions he was known over a wide area for his honesty, integrity and fair dealing.

Besides his wife, the deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Annie Holmes, and Mrs. W. H. Erratt, Moosejaw, Sask., two sons, Carl Melvin, of Winnipeg, Man., fives daughters, Mrs. Ira Bowers, Mrs. Stanley Shaver, and Mrs. Hector MacLean, all of Ottawa; Mrs. Wm. Smith, of Toronto; and Mrs. Albert Johnston, of Winchester; also several grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon. Interment will be in Maple Ridge cemetery. ¹⁹

• His obituary was published in the Ottawa Journal on 4 Nov 1937 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada. It read as follows:

MELVIN -- At his residence, Winchester, Ont. on Wednesday, November 3, 1937, David Melvin, in his 77th year. Funeral service will be held at his late residence, Winchester, on Friday, November 5, at 2 p.m. Iunterment at Maple Ridge cemetery. ²⁰

• His obituary was published in the Windsor Star on 4 Nov 1937 in Windsor, Essex, Ontario, Canada. It read as follows:

Auto Distributor Dies in Winchester

WINCHESTER, Ont Nov. 4. -- David Melvin, prominent Eastern Ontario businessman and founder of the automobile distributing agency which bears his name, died here last night. He was born near here 76 years ago.

Before he entered business he was a well-known farmer of this district. He was also interested in municipal affairs and held several offices in the township.

Survivors include a son, Carl Melvin, of Winnipeg ; a daughter, Mrs. William Smith, of Toronto; and two sisters, Mrs. Annie Holmes and Mrs. W. H. Erratt, both of Moose Jaw. ²¹

• He was buried at the Maple Ridge in Maple Ridge, Dundas, Ontario, Canada on 5 Nov 1937. ⁶

• His obituary was published in the Ottawa Citizen on 7 Nov 1937 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. It read as follows:

Sincere Tributes to David Melvin
Special to the Citizen

Winchester, Nov. 7 - Many prominent business men from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa joined with sorrowing relatives and friends of the late David Melvin in paying their tribute of respect at his funeral which was held from the family residence on St. Lawrence street, Friday afternoon. The service was conducted by Rev. W. S. Atchison, pastor of the United church, assisted by Rev. W. D. Turner, of St. Paul's Presbyterian church. During the service Mrs. Percy Durant sang "Good-Night Here and Good Morning Up There". She was accompanied by Miss Annie Walker, who presided at the piano throughout the service.

At the conclusion of the regular ceremony, Henderson Lodge No. 383, A.F. and A.M., administered the last rites of the Masonic Order to a departed brother. The ceremony was conducted by the Worshipful Master, Wor. Bro. W. J. Stewart, assisted by Wor. Bro. C. B. Timmins, D. of C. and Wor. Bro. W. A. Rowat, the secretary.

Interment took place at Maple Ridge cemetery. The pall-bearers, who were all brother Masons, were Arthur Christie, Harry Flora, W. H. Agnew, Dr. A. W. Sherwood, J. J. Gray and G. E. Payne.

Included in the wealth of floral offerings, which testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held, were tributes from Henderson Lodge, No. 383, A.F. and A.M.; staff of Melvin's Garage; General Motors, Oshawa; Keyes Supply, Ottawa; Ottawa Bridge Club; General Motors Sales Representatives, Ottawa; Winchester Young People's Club and Bridge Club; Winchester Press; Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Ottawa; McArthur Motor Sales, Russell; General Motors Zone Representatives, Montreal; Winchester Town Hockey Club; Gordon's Garage, Ottawa; General Motors Acceptance Corporation Zone Personnel, Montreal.

Among those from out-of-town who were present at the funeral service were: James D. Smart, manager of Eastern Division of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, Oshawa; Bert James, General Sales Distribution Manager, Oshawa; George H. Challies, M.L.A., and Mrs. Challies, Morrisburg; Preston Elliott, ex-M.P. of Nation Valley; Harry McKercher, Toronto; Donald McArthur, Russell; Norman Ricketts, General Motors Zone Manager, and his assistant, Len Stacey, Montreal; Emile Beaudry, General Motors Accounting Division, Montreal; Douglas Fielding, assistant zone manager, Montreal; Rosco Lane, service representative of General Motors, and Irwin Deyman, sales representative of General Motors, Montreal; W. Clements and Ed Burns of Madrid, N.Y.; C. G. Keyes and Mr. Burns, of Keyes Supply Co., Ottawa; Messers. Perkins and Gray, of McMullins Supply Co., Ottawa; Wm. Allen and Vic Maylor of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Ottawa; and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. McCullough of Navan, Ont. ²⁰

David married Zillah M. SHARP, daughter of Theron L. SHARP and Emily PORTEOUS, on 9 Sep 1886 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada.¹ (Zillah M. SHARP was born on 17 Mar 1869 in Waddington, St. Lawrence, New York, United States,^{1 4 5 7 22 23} died on 15 Sep 1956 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario, Canada ^{7 22 23} and was buried on 18 Sep 1956 in Maple Ridge, Dundas, Ontario, Canada ^{7 23}.)

  Facts and details related to their marriage were:

• A wedding anniversary announcement was published in the Winchester Press on 10 Sep 1936 in Winchester, Dundas, Ontario, Canada. ²⁴ It read as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. D. Melvin Are Fifty Years Married

Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin Are Prominent Citizens Of Winchester

The world has witnessed many remarkable changes since September 9th, 1886, yet time has dealt kindly with two of Winchester's foremost citizens, Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin, who celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on Wednesday of this week.

It was on Wednesday, Sept. 9th, 1886, that Miss Zella Sharp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theron Sharp, of Winchester, was united in marriage to David Melvin, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin, of Melvin's Settlement. The interesting ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's parents by Rev. Dr. Moffat, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Winchester, Ont. The young couple were unattended.

Following a short honneymoon Mr. and Mrs. Melvin took up residence at Melvin's Settlement, where the groom was engaged in farming. Properous years followed until the Melvin farm became widely known as one of the finest establishments in Eastern Ontario. The kind hospitality displayed in the house was equally well known and Mr. and Mrs. Melvin, during those years, established bonds of friendship that were to last throughout their lives.

In 1916 Mr. Melvin became interested in the sale of automobiles, and in that year, in partnership with Mr M. Bailey, signed his first contract with General Motors Corporation as a district dealer.

In 1918 he moved with his family to Winchester so that he might establish a permanent centre from which to distribute automobiles. In recent years Melvin's Garage has continued to make steady progress, until it became one of the most modern automobile service and sales depots in this part of Ontario. Much of the success has been due to the early efforts of Mr. Melvin, who has been given valuable assistance in recent years by his son, Mr. Hart Melvin. During the past twenty years, the firm has distributed thousands of new and used cars throughout the district, and vast improvements have been made to the property.

Mrs. Melvin has shared throughout these years the joys and sorrows of her husband. Her kindly disposition and friendly manner have endeared her to all those with whom she has come in contact. A devoted mother, Mrs. Melvin has taken a deep interest in her home, and her influence has gone far with respect to the members of her family.

Although devoting his time chiefly to business affairs, Mr. Melvin took a deep interest in fraternal societies. He has been a respected member of Henderson Lodge, No. 383, A. F. & A. M. for over forty years.

Yesterday was a gala day at the Melvin home. All members of the family were present for the happy occasion, while many friends called on Mr. and Mrs. Melvin to extend congratulations and best wishes.

In the evening a delightful Anniversary banquet was held at Hotel Winchester with the bride and groom of fisty years ago the honoured guests. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. David Melvin; Mr. and Mrs. Ira Bowers (sic Bower), Norma and Harry, of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Hart Melvin, Eileen, Jean, Eleanor, Betty and David; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Melvin, Marion and Helen, of Winnipeg; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Shaver, Merle and Bernice (sic Bernis) of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnston, Velma and Melvin; Mr. and Mrs. Hector MacLean, Sheila and Virginia, of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Smith and John, of Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sharp; Mrs. Ira Annable; Mrs. James Annable; Mrs. William Keck, Iroquois; Mr. Homer Everetts, Iroquois; Mr. E. J. Umphrey, General Sales Manager, Zone No. 7, General Motors Corporation, and Mrs. Umphrey, of Montreal; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Van Allen, Winnipeg; Mr. J. J. James, District Manager, General Motors Corporation, Oshawa; Mr. James Challies and George H. Challies, M.L.A., Morrisburg; Mr. T. A. Scott; Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Sweet; Dr. P. McLaughlin; Rev. and Mrs. W. S. Atchison; Mr. Jas. Smart, Manager, G.M.A.C, Montreal; Mr. Newton Salter and Miss Mima Alexander.

Following the delicious repast, Mr. Carl Melvin, who acted as host, called upon various guests, who spoke of the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Melvin are held. During the evening, several presentations were made to the gusts of honour as follows: A beautiful silver rose bowl, with gold lining bearing the following inscription: "Golden Jubilee, 1886-1936." and filled with Golden Sunset roses, was presented by Mr. Carl Melvin from members of the immediate family. On behalf of the staff of Melvin's garage, Mr. Howard Fetterly presented Mr. and Mrs. Melvin with a large basket of flowers, accompanied by an appropriate address which was read by Mr. C. B. Timmins.

An outstanding feature of the evening took place when Worshiful Bros. W. A. Rowat, C. B. Timmins and H. G. Graham, acting on behalf of Henderson Lodge No. 383, A. F. & A. M., Winchester, presented a certificate of Life Membership to Bro. Melvin, and expressed to he and Mrs. Melvin their best wishes for many more years of happiness and prosperity.

Immediately following the banquet, Mr. Carl Melvin called for a few momemts of reflection in memory of the deceased members of the family, Jay, Merle and Annie Melvin, after which he proposed the toast to his parents, the guests of honour.

An enjoyable feature of the short program was the number presented by Mrs. Aaron Sweet, an old music teacher of Mrs. Melvin's, who rendered several favourite selections on the piano. Short addresses of congratulations were given by Messers. Aaron Sweet, J. B. Challies, Rev. W. S. Atchison and Dr. P. McLaughlin.

The guests were given a royal welcome by Mr. Hart Melvin, while greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin were conveyed by Mr. J. J. James on behalf of General Motors Corporation.

Mrs. Hector MacLean presided at the piano whie all joined heartily in signing "put On Your Old Grey Bonnet."

Among the beautiful gifts received by Mr. and Mrs. Melvin on thei anniversary was a fine Mantle Clock, presented to them by the General Motors of Canad Limited.

The citizens generally, pay honour to the estimable couple, who have lived fine Christian lives and who have contributed much to the community. The Press joins most heartily in extending to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin, the very best wishes for continued happiness and prosperity.

  Marriage Notes:

They were married by Robert G. Moffat who was the minister of the Presbyterian Church in West Winchester. ²⁵