Laidlaw, Rev. Dr.

One of Esquesing's Eminent Sons.
After a long illness, the Rev. Dr. Laidlaw, pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, died at an early hour Thursday morning at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Angus McColl, near Georgetown. For some time past his death had been expected. He was taken ill about two years ago, and went to the South in the hope that the trip would do him good, but, unfortunately, it did not prove beneficial. The last time he preached in St. Paul's Church was in July. He continued to grow worse, and went to reside with relatives near Georgetown. Deceased was highly esteemed by the members of St. Paul's congregation for his lovable qualities and scholarly learning. As a citizen he held the respect of all. Dr. Laidlaw was born in Esquesing Township in 1840. He was a pupil of the late Robert Little, Esq., Inspector of Public Schools for this County, with whom he was always on the most intimate terms on friendship. Mr. Little was his tutor in classics and so thorough was his training that Mr. Laidlaw completed his matriculation work solely under his direction. He graduated from Princeton College, and his first charge was in Columbus, Ohio. Afterwards he became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Detroit. About 1878 he received a call from St. Paul's Church, Hamilton. He was of a kindly disposition, and earnest and faithful in his ministrations. He leaves a daughter, Miss Anna Laidlaw, and three young sons, Hugh, Campbell and Robert. Mrs. Laidlaw died about eighteen months ago. Dr. Laidlaw was a frequent visitor to Acton and his voice has been heard from the pulpit of old Knox Church on numerous occasions. His last public address in Acton was at the Union Sunday School pic-nic in Prospect Park three years ago. He loved his native county. No friendships of later years excluded those of his earlier life, and his devotion to early ties was reciprocated. He was groomsman at the wedding of Mr. R. Little and also for his cousin, Mr. D. Henderson, M.P. The remains were taken from Mr. McColl's home, via Stewarttown, to Hamilton on Saturday morning and were deposited in St. Paul's Church until 1.30 p.m. when they were taken by special train to Georgetown - accompanied by several hundred members of the congregation - for interment in the family plot at Greenswood cemetery. D. Henderson, M.P., Mrs. Purvis, Dr. Elliott and John R. Kennedy attended the funeral from Acton.