William Arthur Goodfellow, MLA, MPP

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Hugh Donald Latimer October 12, 1910 to May 10, 1986, Photographer

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Born: 18 August 1901
Died: 10 May 1983
Parents: Charles James Goodfellow and Martha Miranda Valleau
Marriage 1: 20 September 1924 Dora Agusta Philp
Marriage 2: 1963 Barbara Calderwood
Occupation: Farmer at Mount Olivet, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Later titled Member of Provincial Parliament) 1943 to 1963: Ontario Minister of Welfare 1946 to 1955, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs 1955 to 1956, Ontario Minister of Agriculture 1956 to 1961, Ontario Minister of Highways 1961 to 1963

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Genealogical information used with permission courtesy Dan Buchanan, www.treesbydan.com

William Arthur "Bill" Goodfellow
M, #683, b. 18 August 1901, d. 10 May 1983
Father*: Charles James Goodfellow b. 27 Aug 1864, d. 19 Feb 1950
Mother*: Martha Miranda Valleau b. 26 Jul 1865, d. 7 Sep 1950
Birth*: 18 August 1901; Brighton Twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; Birth Reg'n.##028270: Name: William Arthur Goodfellow; Date: Aug 18 1901; Parents: Charles James Goodfellow and Martha Valleau; Inf.; Martha Goodfellow, farming, Brighton Twp.; Reg'd.: Oct 19 1901; Phys.: Dr. C. C. Armstrong (Ontario Birth Registration, #028270-1901, ancestry.com) Date Aug 1901 per 1911 Census. Date August 18 & location Brighton Twp. per Death Notice.1,2
Marriage*: 20 September 1924; Pleasant Hill Farm, Colborne, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Marriage Reg'n.#015388: Groom: William Arthur Goodfellow; Age: 23; Res. & Born: Brighton Twp.; Status: bachelor; Occ.: farmer; rel.: Meth.; Parents: Charles Goodfellow & Martha Valleau; Bride: Dora Agusta Philp; Age: 21; Res.& Born: Cramahe Twp.; Status: spinster: Occ.: School Teacher; rel.: Meth.; Parents: William Albert Philp & Ada Sykes; Wit.: Lorne A. Valleau, Toronto & Jean S. Philp, Colborne; Date: Sep 20 1924; Place: Shiloh, Northumberland Co.; Performed by: H. W. Folty, Hilton, Meth.; Sworn: Campbellford, Sep 13 1924; Reg'r.: J. F. McGregor per C. A. Wilson, Campbellford (Ontario Marriage Registration, #015388-1924, ancestry.com)
Wedding: The Tweedsmuir Histories of Codrington include the following wedding announcement, in part:
" Goodfellow - Philp: A wedding was quietly solemnized on Saturday, September 20th, 1924 at Pleasant Hill Farm, Colborne, Ontario, the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Philp, decorated with a profusion of Autumn flowers when their daughter, Dora Augusta, was married to Mr. William Arthur Goodfellow, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goodfellow of Codrington, Ont. The ceremony was performed by Rev. H. W. Foley.
.... Miss Jean Philp, sister of the bride, assisted as bridesmaid ...."
"... Little Miss Bernice Buchanan made an attractive flower girl."
" The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Lorne Valleau of Toronto. Miss Louise Goodfellow played the wedding music...."
" On their return Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow will reside at Codrington, Ont."
; Principal=Dora Agusta Philp3,4
Marriage*: 1963; per Memorial.; Principal=Barbara Calderwood5
Death*: 10 May 1983; Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, Ontario; "Bill Goodfellow; Former MPP Dies; William Goodfellow, 81, former provincial cabinet minister and Northumberland MPP, died May 10, 1983 in Burlington. He had been visiting with his family in Northumberland county on the preceding weekend, and seemed in good health. Mr. Goodfellow was MPP for twenty years from 1943 to 1963, and served as cabinet minister in several ministries including public welfare, municipal affairs, agriculture and highways. "He was a great Canadian," said Howard Sheppard, present Northumberland MPP, who grew up near Mr. Goodfellow in Brighton township. Dr. Fred Robertson, former Northumberland Liberal MP, said, "He was an easy man to work with, and I held him in great admiration." Born in Brighton Township, August 18, 1901, Mr. Goodfellow's parents were Chas. J. Goodfellow and Martha Valleau. He attended Warkworth High School and Ontario Agricultural College at Quelph, then farmed in Brighton Township. When he was only 21 years old, he was first elected a councillor in the township, moving up to deputy-reeve and then reeve. He also served as clerk-treasurer for a time. At Queen's Park he served under four premiers: George Drew, Tom Kennedy, Leslie Frost and John Robarts. Mr. Goodfellow had a family of four daughters, Joy, Shirley, Phyllis and Ada, and one son, Philp. He was married twice; to the former Dora Philp of Cramahe and to the former Barbara Calderwood of Barrie. He was a member of the United Church and a past master of Percy Lodge, A.F. & A.M." from a newspaper clipping passed to me by Shirley (Taylor) Buchanan, wife of Rev. Charles Buchanan, Nov 2012.
"Goodfellow, William Arthur; (Cabinet Minister of the Province of Ontario, 1946-1963). At the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington, Ontario on Tuesday, May 10, 1983, aged 81 years. Formerly married to Dora Philp. Beloved husband of Barbara Calderwood. Loving father of Joy (deceased), Shirley (Mrs. James Bird, Brighton), Phyllis (Mrs. J. Moriarty, Peterborough), Ada (Mrs. W. Lelliott, Cobourg), C. Philp of Pembroke. Dear step-father of Barbara (Mrs. J. D. Keppy, Burlington). In his belief that memories should be of the living, and not of the dead, there will be no service." from a newspaper clipping passed to me by Shirley (Taylor) Buchanan, Nov 2012, part of papers of my father, Rev. Charles Buchanan.
"Dad died in either a Hamilton or Burlington hospital, not in Florida. When it was time for he & Barb to drive back to Ontario from Florida in the spring of 1983, he admitted to a general weakness as a result of several ‘spells’ (probably mini heart attacks) during the winter. As a result, my sister Ada flew to Florida, got them back to Toronto by air, and started driving their car back to Ontario (I met her in Atlanta and we had a ball driving back together). The weekend before he died, he requested his 4 living children to gather at Shirley & Jim’s where we spent a great time listening to him reminisce (why didn’t we tape it!?!). And then he was gone - without any suffering!" (per email from Phil Goodfellow, Nov 15 2011)
Death Notice in Tweedsmuir Histories: "News of the recent death of William A. Goodfellow, MLA for Northumberland from 1943 to 1963 will recall to those who lived through the period he was serving this area that he was one of those outstanding public servants the area has been fortunate to have represent its ridings. .... He retired from politics and enjoyed a long retirement, first operating a motel in Florida and then simply taking life easier." Day of death from Shirley Bird
Note: "By the way, the Tweedsmuir Histories are mistaken when they claim that Dad operated a motel in Florida - he wintered in Florida in 2 different facilities which kind of resembled motels for the 20 years of his retirement, but didn’t own or manage them (he would have had a great hoot over that rumour!)." per email from Phil Goodfellow, Nov 15 2011.3,6
Burial*: 23 May 1983; Mount Olivet Cemetery, Brighton Twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; Memorial: (See Exhibit) GOODFELLOW; W. A. "Bill" Goodfellow - 1901 - 1983; M. L. A. Northumberland 1943 - 1963; Minister of Welfare 1946 - 1955; Minister of Municipal Affairs 1955 - 1956; Minister of Agriculture 1956 - 1961; Minister of Highways 1961 - 1963 (Mount Olivet Cemetery, Brighton Twp.)
CEMSearch: Name: William A. Goodfellow; Born: 1901; Died: 1983; Age: 82y; Notes: Husband of Barbara Calderwood; Buried: Mount Olivet Cemetery, Brighton Twp.; Other names: none.7,5
Census*: 5 June 1911; Brighton Twp., Codrington, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Age 9 at 1911 Census: see Charles Goodfellow1
Anecdote*: August 1915; Brighton Twp., Codrington, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Soldiers Stop at Codrington, see Lloyd Ames, Anecdote
Note: 1923; Brighton Twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; "When he was only 21 years old, he was first elected a councillor in the township, ... " from Death Notice.
Note: 2 March 1923; Brighton Twp., Codrington, Northumberland Co., Ontario; "Codrington: The Agricultural College at Guelph is closed on account of the flu epidemic. Mr. William Goodfellow is home from the above college where he has been taking a course and is himself ill with the same disease." from The Brighton Ensign, March 2, 1923, see on microfilm at The Ontario Archives, Feb 8, 2001
Note: Lloyd Ames often told the story of how he bundled Bill Goodfellow in blankets and took him from the boarding house in Guelph on the train to Toronto and then, meeting his father and brother who brought sleighs to Brighton, slogged through a snow storm to get the unconscious Bill home where he survived after several difficult months to later become a respected member of parliament. It was a wonderful story and could have happened since Lloyd was on his way to Chicago Feb 23 and could have been at Guelph when Bill took sick.8
Residence: 26 December 1923; Brighton Twp., Codrington, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Witness at marriage reg'n. of Eldred George Cameron & Nettie May Ames.9
Residence: 20 September 1924; Brighton Twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; Residence Brighton Twp. per marr. reg'n.9
Note: circa 1930; Brighton Twp., Orland, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Bill Goodfellow appears in The Latimer Photos which were taken by Hugh Latimer during the late 1920s and early 1930s at his father's Geneal Store in Orland. (The Latimer Photos, Codrington Public Library)10
Occupation: 1930; Brighton Twp., Northumberland Co., Ontario; "Brighton Township Reeves: ... W. A. Goodfellow, 1930 & 1931" pg. 22 of "That's Just the Way We Were" Municipality of Brighton, 200611
Note*: 17 May 1935; Northumberland Co., Ontario; "May 17, 1935; Denton Massey will be the speaker at the Northumberland Conservative Association convention to choose a candidate. William A. Goodfellow, President; A. Roy Wilmot, Secretary. (Tweedsmuit Histories, Reel 1, I-206)3
Residence*: 29 March 1938; Conc 8 Lot 33, Brighton Twp., Mount Olivet, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Land Records show that Charles J. Goodfellow sold 100 acres (E 1/2) to William A Goodfellow12
Note: 1940; Goodfellow Farm, Brighton Twp., Mount Olivet, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Phill Goodfellow told me after Dad died (June 16 2012) that Charles had come to the Goodfellow farm in 1940 at age 15 because his father believed that at age 15 there had been enough schooling and a young man should start working. At that time, that was the age you could leave school. This means that Charles had been at the Goodfellow farm for two years when his uncle Bill was elected as an MPP. Phil explains that both Bill Goodfellow and Charles Buchanan regretted later in life their limited education. Charles felt it when he started to deal with other ministers who had university educations and Bill experienced it during his time in Cabinet. In each case, common sense and "people skills" were much better assets than a diploma. It also adds extra meaning to the time Bill Goodfellow saw Rev. Charles Buchanan after he was ordained and told him how proud he was that there was a minister in the family. Dad told me that story many times, with an extra edge to his voice. (Dan Buchanan)13
Occupation: 4 August 1943; Ontario Legislature, Toronto, York Co., Ontario; "Date of service as MPP: August 4, 1943 - September 24, 1963" per http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=1210
Note: 4 August 1943; Goodfellow Farm, Mount Olivet, Northumberland Co., Ontario; When Bill Goodfellow was elected MPP for Northumberland in 1943, his nephew, Charles Buchanan, came to live on the farm and work as the Hired Man. He would be there until he married Mary Ames in 1949. (Dan Buchanan)13
Note: 9 March 1944; Ontario Legislature, Toronto, Ontario; Maiden Speech by Representative from this district made last Thursday in reply to speech from Throne. Northumberland Member appointed Chairman for Agricultural Committee of House; Mr. William A. Goodfellow, R. R. 1 Codrington, who is Northumberland County's newley-elected representative in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, made his maiden speech in the Legislature last Thursday, Mar 9th, 1944, in reply to the speech from the throne. Mr. Goodfellow, the text of whose address appears herewith, has been appointed chairman of the Agricultural Committee for the House. ... " (Tweedsmuir Histories, Reel 1, I-206)3
Occupation*: 31 May 1945; Northumberland Co., Ontario; "May 31, 1945 - Provincial election June 1 results. W.A. Goodfellow 8,320. Charles Quinn, Liberal 5,531, Frederick Hempstead, 961" (Tweedsmuir Histories, Reel 1, I-206)3
Note: 17 November 1949; Northumbeland Co., Ontario; "Hon. wm. Goodfellow, Minister of Welfare and Mrs. Goodfellow of Codrington, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Philp, Peterborough, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Philp, Castleton, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Philp and Miss Jean Philp, nieces and nephews of the late Mrs. T. S. Philp attend her funeral on Monday." Brighton Ensign, Nov 17, 19498
Occupation: 18 August 1955; Toronto, Ontario; "August 18, 1955; Hon. W. A. Goodfellow, Northumberland was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs from Public Welfare." (Tweedsmuir Histories, Reel 1, I-206)3
Note: 24 September 1956; Northumberland Co., Ontario; "To The Hon. Wm. A. Goodfellow - Sir: Northumberland County farm folk greet with enthusiasm your appointment as Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Ontario. We gather this twenty-fourth day of September 1956, to pay our respects and wish you success and satisfaction in your future contribution to Agriculture. A long life for you, your wife, and family in our county, is our Prayer. Signed on behalf of those interested in Agriculture, by the Officers of the Federation of Agriculture, .. Wesley C. Downs, James Bird, Edgar Buttar, ?R. E. Drope?, D. C. Johnson, J. A. McComb" from The Tweedsmuir Histories of Codrington, copied from microfilm at The Metro Toronto Reference Library, Nov 2007.3
Residence: 8 April 1963; Conc 8 Lot 33, Brighton Twp., Mount Olivet, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Land Records show that William A. Goodfellow sold 100 acres (E 1/2) to James A. Bird & Shirley J. Bird (Joint Tenants) for $25,00012
Occupation: 24 September 1963; Toronto, Ontario; Service as MPP ended Sep 24 1963. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=1210
Family 1: Dora Agusta Philp b. 24 Jun 1903, d. 19 Feb 1986
Marriage*: 20 September 1924; Pleasant Hill Farm, Colborne, Northumberland Co., Ontario; Marriage Reg'n.#015388: Groom: William Arthur Goodfellow; Age: 23; Res. & Born: Brighton Twp.; Status: bachelor; Occ.: farmer; rel.: Meth.; Parents: Charles Goodfellow & Martha Valleau; Bride: Dora Agusta Philp; Age: 21; Res.& Born: Cramahe Twp.; Status: spinster: Occ.: School Teacher; rel.: Meth.; Parents: William Albert Philp & Ada Sykes; Wit.: Lorne A. Valleau, Toronto & Jean S. Philp, Colborne; Date: Sep 20 1924; Place: Shiloh, Northumberland Co.; Performed by: H. W. Folty, Hilton, Meth.; Sworn: Campbellford, Sep 13 1924; Reg'r.: J. F. McGregor per C. A. Wilson, Campbellford (Ontario Marriage Registration, #015388-1924, ancestry.com)
Wedding: The Tweedsmuir Histories of Codrington include the following wedding announcement, in part:
" Goodfellow - Philp: A wedding was quietly solemnized on Saturday, September 20th, 1924 at Pleasant Hill Farm, Colborne, Ontario, the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Philp, decorated with a profusion of Autumn flowers when their daughter, Dora Augusta, was married to Mr. William Arthur Goodfellow, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goodfellow of Codrington, Ont. The ceremony was performed by Rev. H. W. Foley.
.... Miss Jean Philp, sister of the bride, assisted as bridesmaid ...."
"... Little Miss Bernice Buchanan made an attractive flower girl."
" The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Lorne Valleau of Toronto. Miss Louise Goodfellow played the wedding music...."
" On their return Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow will reside at Codrington, Ont."
; Principal=Dora Agusta Philp3,4
Joy Bertha Goodfellow+ b. 27 Jul 1925, d. 31 May 1975
Shirley Jean Goodfellow+ b. 12 Apr 1928, d. 12 Mar 2009
Phyllis Margaret Goodfellow+ b. 3 Jan 1932, d. 29 Oct 1996
Ada Louise Goodfellow+ b. 13 Mar 1934, d. 18 Mar 1996
Charles Philp "Phil" Goodfellow+ b. 1 Apr 1943, d. 29 Jan 2016
Family 2: Barbara Calderwood b. 6 Jan 1910, d. 1993
Marriage*: 1963; per Memorial.; Principal=Barbara Calderwood5
Citations
[S60] Unknown author, 1911 Canada Census, Record Type: microfilm.
[S4] Unknown author, Ontario Birth Registrations, Record Type: Microfilm, Name Of Person: Ontario Achives (birth), #028270-1901.
[S52] Unknown location, Tweedsmuir Histories; unknown film.
[S8] Unknown author, Ontario Archives, Record Type: Microfilm, #015388-1924.
[S15] Unknown author, Tombstone Inscription.
[S33] Unknown author, "Email Message," e-mail to unknown recipient.
[S39] Unknown name of person unknown record type, unknown repository, unknown repository address.
[S42] Brighton Ensign.
[S8] Unknown author, Ontario Archives, Record Type: Microfilm.
[S87] Unknown subject unknown record type; unknown repository.
[S68] Brighton Council, Brighton Memories 2006.
[S46] Unknown location, Ontario Land Registry Records; unknown film.
[S2] Bill Buchanan, Personal Memory, Interviewer: same, Informant Address: 85 Roselawn Ave,Toronto M4R 1E7.

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