An American Family History

The peak period of Irish immigration to Canada was during the Great Famine between 1845-1849. Most immigrants went to Canada because the fares were lower. Ships that reached Canada lost many passengers and even more died while in quarantine. From the reception station at Grosse-Ile, most survivors were sent to Montréal. The typhus outbreak of 1847 and 1848 killed many of the new immigrants. An economic boom following their arrival allowed many men to work in on the expanding railroad, in construction, in the logging industry, or on farms.

Thomas Miller, Sr. was born in 1816 in Queen's County (Laois or Leix County), Ireland.

He married Hester Wilson. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Thomas and Hester Miller.

He was a farmer in 1861 and was employed as a builder in 1881. He became a widower when Hester died in 1882. At the time of the 1891 census he was living with his daughter Bessie Seale.

He died at the age of 81 in Kingston, Ontario on September 4, 1895. The Rev. McMorin officiated at his service. He is buried with his wife and in Cataraqui Cemetery, Section E.   

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