John Leys - Aberdeenshire and Canada

[David Nicoll]

I have been working on trying to find my Leys ancestors of Deeside, Scotland.
In my research I have found an interesting man.

John Leys - Steamboat Engineer in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.

https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/leys_john_7E.html


It mentions a will and family, but frustratingly no source.

Does anyone have any ideas where it might be, or have any other information on this fascinating early engineer.

[DianaCanada]

I have been working on trying to find my Leys ancestors of Deeside, Scotland.
In my research I have found an interesting man.

John Leys - Steamboat Engineer in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.

https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/leys_john_7E.html


It mentions a will and family, but frustratingly no source.

Does anyone have any ideas where it might be, or have any other information on this fascinating early engineer.

I have just read the article, interesting, my parents lived in Kingston for many years, so it caught my attention.
Just wondering if the contents of his will were published in the local paper (it is called the Kingston Whig-Standard, and if memory serves, it has been around for many years). 

[David Nicoll]

Diane,

    Hi, yes a fascinating story, both of early 19th century Canada and steamships.
    Do you know if the newspaper you mention is available on line?

[RunKitty]

Hi,

If you are in Canada, you can access the "Digital Kingston" site online.   It has early Kingston newspapers.   I can see a couple of mentions of Francis Leys.   I will have another peek...

There is a Great Lakes Museum in Kingston.   It might be a source of information...
https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/

RK

[DianaCanada]

Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, David.
Some good advice from RunKitty.
I would also try emailing the Kingston Public Library system and see if someone there can help you.
Since he did not die in Ontario, perhaps his will was not registered there.  It would be worth asking the librarian if they know anything about Ontario wills for the Kingston area.

[RunKitty]

Kingston Gazette, Sept 14 1816, page 3

[RunKitty]

This is interesting

[RunKitty]

The indexes say this is the Frontenac - Kingston Gazette May 24 1817

[RunKitty]

Could be brother Francis?  Died 1853 aged 67.  Pickering

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130520833/francis-leys

Also Francis - engineer on steamship Niagara

https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/67229/data

RK