Wm. H. Tran Was of Pioneer Parentage
William H. Tran died at his home at Cedar Grove on Friday Feb. 27th. He had been in failing health for some time, but was able to be around until the week before his death. The passing of Mr. Tran severs a connecting link with the pioneering life of our township. His parents who were of Scotch descent emigrated to Canada from Yorkshire, England and settled in Markham in 1845.
He was the youngest son of the late James and Mary Ann Gardham Tran and was born in 1860 on the Tran homestead farm on the 11th concession of Markham. His earlier years were spent on the farm with his father.
In 1883 he married Miss Augusta Wonch of Whitevale, after which they moved onto the farm where the family have since lived. Mrs. Tran predeceased him 27 years ago.
He is survived by a daughter Mrs. Carmen Morris (Lillie) of Stouffville and a son, Augustus James, on the home farm. Five grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and one brother, George Tran, of Atha.
He was a successful farmer and specialized in the raising of registered Ayrshire cattle, and for a great number of years was a successful exhibitor at the local fairs. For a period of 40 years he had entries in the Canadian Record of Performance and his herd has made many creditable records. A short time ago the Toronto District Ayrshire Breeders Club presented him with a cane as he was the oldest Ayrshire Breeder in Ontario.
He was interested in the welfare of the community and served a number of terms on the trustee board of S.S.
No. 20. He was also a member of the York Pioneers' Society. In fraternal circles he was a member of Markham Lodge A.F. and A.M. and the L.O.L No 5458, Markham.
In religion he was a Presbyterian, being connected with Zion Presbyterian Church, Cedar Grove and later with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Markham.
The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, March 2nd, from Clendening's Funeral Home and were conducted by Rev. A.W.K. Herdman, with interment in St. Andrew's Cemetery.
(The Economist & Sun Thursday March 4, 1948)