31 Aug 1848 - 29 Nov 1928

This left William Calvert, for the first time in his life, able to "strike out on his own" at the advanced age of 45 years. It was time for him to make a life of his own.

Over the time these changes were taking place (1892-3), William had established a relationship with Madeline Francis (b. 26 Dec 1869) who was living in the United States. She was born in Niagara Falls, Ont. but emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1888. William was 21 years her senior. They decided to elope.

On 1 Nov. 1893, William and Madeline were married in Detroit, Mich. (Marriage Record). Together they traveled to San Jose, California. On 2 Jan 1895 they had a son James Earl and on 28 Jan 1896 they had a daughter Eva Mary. (1901 census record). Later, in 1901, they had a third child, Madeline.

According to William's great-granddaughter, Lynn Fitzsimmons of Niagara Falls, N.Y., the great earthquake of 1906 caused the family to leave California and return to Niagara Falls. However, in 1893 there was a depression that rivaled the great depression of 1929, so perhaps the family returned to Niagara Falls for economic reasons.

From 1908 to 1928 this family of 5 seemed to have a stormy and difficult life. In 1913 and 1914 they lived as a family unit in Niagara Falls, Ont. Otherwise, from 1908 until 1928, they lived apart. For most of the time William Calvert lived with his nephew, William Calvert MacDonald (photo) and his family while Madeline and their three children lived in both Niagara Falls, Ont. and Niagara Falls, N.Y.

William Calvert first worked as a clerk with the Grand Trunk Railroad then he worked as a labourer for the Niagara Parks. By the middle 1920's, William was in his middle 70's and no longer able to work.

In 1928 he became ill. By August his nephew could no longer care for him. Nobody had any assets to afford care for him and William was apparently without means as well. William was placed in the Welland Industrial Home, a workhouse for able indigents and a "warehouse" for indigent seniors.

On 29 Nov. 1928, William died of kidney failure at age 79. He was alone at death. His death record was mostly incorrect indicating there was nobody present to provide the accurate information. (newspaper death notice) (death record)

On 30 Nov 1928 he was buried in an unmarked grave next to his parents (burial record) (grave site photo).

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