26. John William MACKENZIE. Born on 21 MAR 1866 in Machias, Maine. John William died in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, on 5 FEB 1953; he was 86. Registration Year: 1953 - Book: 1953 - Page: 1652. Buried on 8 FEB 1953 in St. Phillips Cemetery, Westville, Nova Scotia, Canada. Occupation: Confectionery Storekeeper for 11 years. Retired in 1934.
John MacKenzie went west in the Gold Rush Days to California. According to Lola MacKenzie Lung, he went for lumbering. He lived in California and had eight children. He played the violin. He returned to Westville, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1923 and told everyone his wife was dead. His sister, Nellie, (Mary Ellen MacKenzie-Lorimer) did not believe him. In fact, his wife died a few years later. The story is tthat John MacKenzie left his wife when the Roman Catholic Church said they were not married as the service was performed by a Protestant minister. His wife wanted him to get married again but he said if he lived in sin that long he didn't see any need for it. But his sister, Mary Ellen MacKenzie-Lorimer said to save his wife's soul he did go through with the marriage again. He married a second time and after her death several years later he returned returned to Macias, Maine where he ran The Trading Post by the bridge in Macias. Then he returned to Westville and ran a store on Drummond Road (referred to as The Red Onion (not it's real name). The information regarding his children came from Lola MacKenzie Lung who knew them well.
On John William's death certificate it gives his casue of death as Old age, broken hip and senility.
But on the top is a typewritten note that reads. "Fracture occured on Jan. 22-53. The Doctor presumes that Deceased slipped and fell on the floor of the Pictou Co. Home."
My Internet friend, Diane Hayman wrote:
“He was a resident of the old Pictou County Home which was a "forerunner" of homes for seniors - used to visit there every year wiith Brownies and Guides at Christmas. My mom was the leader and she took us there to perform our Christmas Candlelight Service for the guests. It says he was a retired storekeeper - a confectionary store - and the death certificate was signed by his niece Jean M. Mac Leod - who I am assuming was one of my former teachers in town. His father was born in Centredale here in Pictou County. The funeral director who was in charge is still here in town - so if you need anything
more I could always see what he remembers. Good luck!”
Diane Hayman
Westville, N.S.
The informant for his death was his niece, Jean M. MacLeod of Westville, Nova Scotia.
John WIlliam MacKenzie was a widowed American citizen residing in Canada. He had been living in Canada for 18 years before his death.