Anne LaRue (1798-1815),
Joseph LaRue (1800-1804),
Abigail LaRue (1803-1889),
Margaret LaRue (d. 1805),
Phoebe Larue (1805, married Edward Cassidy),
Eleanor LaRue (1806)
Sarah LaRue (1810, married Lapointe) and
Catherine Anne LaRue (1811-1813)
Eleanor LaRue (1814, married George Kerr)
A patent was granted on May 17, 1802 by the crown to William LaRue, for the west half of lot 23 in the Broken Front Concession in the Township of Escott.
There was a deep ravine running down to the St. Lawrence river in which flowed a stream of water. LaRue conceived the idea of putting a dam across the ravine and planting a sawmill there.
Billa La Rue . . became rich after settling west of Mallorytown Landing, had a clothes closet for every bedroom in his house--and whoever in pioneer day heard of comfort like that? (from The Ottawa Journal, October 7, 1967)
Rifle Pits were also constructed on the Canadian shore near LaRue's Mills, and for some time a company was stationed at that place to guard the frontier. The officers at one time took possession of the mill, and compelled the owner to grind wheat exclusively for the army. To accommodate the settlers, LaRue ran the mill nights and Sundays to supply the wants of the general public. (from History of Leeds & Grenville)
William died on November 15, 1832. Abigail died on April 30, 1834. They were laid to rest at LaRue Mills Cemetery. His inscription reads:
William LaRue
who departed this life - Nov 15, 1832
aged 72 years 9 months 9 days
Erected by his affectionate daughter,
Sarah LaRue
Six of their children are buried with them.
Ann died March 13, 1815 age 17
Catharine died July 11, 1813 age 2
Joseph died Sept 14, 1804 age 4
Eleanor died July 7, 1806 age 7 months
Margaret died June 9, 1805
Mary died Oct 20, 1807 1 month and 20 days
Forty-three years since, the husband of Mrs. Fenton was in the employ of Sally Larue, Billa Larue having died previously. Mrs. Larue was an active and business-like woman, who carried on the mill, purchased saw-logs, measured them, and, in fact, performed all the duties devolving upon her.
Mrs. Fenton frequently heard the following related, while residing at Larue's:
At a very early date, the Indians formed a plot for the murder of Billa Larue and his family, for the purpose of securing plunder. The night was fixed upon for the perpetration of the deed, but a sxxxx [indigenous woman] who was friendly informed Larue of the scheme, and advised him to an excellent supper, and when the Indians came to invite them in to partake of it. This course was pursued the Indians arrived, partook of the feast, and departed without molesting any person.
Larue built locks at the mouth of the creek, so that saw-logs could be taken up stream, and also a fish-pond, the ruins of which arc still in existence. (from the History of Leeds Grenville)
United Empire Loyalists were Americans who remained loyal to King George III and the British Empire. They moved to Canada after the American Revolution.
