1907, Friday February 15, The Almonte Gazette front page
Mr John Speirs
Mr John Speirs, of Appleton, passed away suddenly on Tuesday evening, aged 71 years. He had been ailing for some time, but was able to be around the house two hours before his death. The deceased was born in Paisley, Scotland, 1836. When sixteen years of age he went to Glasgow and entered the employ of a large manufacturing firm and learned designing, and afterwards filled good positions in Glasgow. About thirty years ago he came to Canada, and coming to Almonte he was employed with Messrs Elliott & Sheard for some time as designer. He afterward went to Galetta where he engaged in manufacturing on his own account and later he ran the mill at misplaced line? he went to Appleton where he has since had made his home. He was married while in Scotland, and a family of seven children were born, all of whom are still living but George, who died about ten years ago. Of the daughters Mrs Kruger is in Florida; Mrs J.A. Code at Sherbrooke, and Lizzie at home. Of the sons, John is in Florida, and Peter and Thomas at home. Mrs Speirs also survives. The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon, under I.O.O.F. auspices (deceased having been a member of Alpha lodge, Almonte) from his home at Appleton to the eighth line cemetery.