MORE ON THE (VAN) STEENBURGHS
/We recently received from W. Laurence Burt, an album entitled “The Steenburgh Family History”, which outlines some of the highlights of the life of William Walter Steenburgh, son of William Henry Steenburgh (1847-1919) and Mary Emily McGinness (1852-1938)
William Henry Steenburgh and Mary Emily McGinness (seated) had ten children
Child #1, William Walter Steenburgh, (1875-1942) who married Sarah Catherine Cassandra Ellis, (1875-1946), moved from Stockdale to the South half of Lot 19 Con.2, Belmont Township. His parents, William H. and Mary Emily McGinnes located on the North half of Lot 19 Con.2, where they constructed log cabins and eventually, more substantial homes. Unfortunately , they soon discovered that the soil was shallow, and not suitable for farming.
After starting work as a lumberjack, at age 16, Wm. Walter worked at the Cordova gold mine, attaining the position of night superintendent. After he had a falling out with the manager in 1901, he headed off to Niagara Falls, involved in the construction of the tunnels for the new hydro development project.
The family, that soon included children, William Elgin, Hazel Blanche, and Elmer Walter, moved to various locations in the United States, where William Walter continued his work constructing various tunnels and shafts. His return to this area was in 1909, when the family returned for a visit to Rockdale and purchased the farm situated on Lot 16, Con.3. Bill Ellis (his brother-in-law) and Emily Estella Ellis (his sister) agreed to run the farm for him for a period of five years. After several moves, Wm. Walter and his wife “Cass”, returned to the farm, to prepare for their son Elmer Walter to take over the farm.
In 1932, Elmer Walter married Agnes Paugh in New Kensington PA. They returned to take over the farming operation, and later added several summer rental cottages. Walter added the Van to his name. His ancestor had dropped the “Van” at an earlier time. Elmer and Agnes had a daughter, Barbara Lee, and a son, William Walter “Skip”
William Henry Steenburgh, father of William Walter, purchased Lots 16 and 17, Con. 2, from the Young family. The house that was situated there was built by the Young family over a period of seven years. There was a large barn with a stone foundation. The farm was passed down to son Christy, circa 1919. He owned the property till 1952.
Several other people have owned the property. One of the owners, Jim and Marlene Marchmont, carried out extensive renovations on the farm house.
The Steenburgh family had a connection to the Cordova area “Barrons” family as well. Phoebe Evelena “Lena” (1872-1969) daughter of Wm. Henry, married George William Barrons (1875-1939).
The family also had descendants in Marmora. Washington Archie “Floyd” (1883-1953), married “Columbia” May Sylvia Lumbie Ellis. Floyd owned the historic Warren home at 19 Main Street Marmora.
Steenburgh Lake and Steenburgh Road were named for Sidney Steenburgh. Sidney married Nancy Ann Maybee. He moved to St. Ola from an area near Wooler Ontario and operated the general store and post office in that area. He was postmaster from 1891 to 1905.
For more references to Steenburgh see:
The Anderson Collection Beatrice Steenburgh Tells her Story The Disappearance of Rockdale .
