Memorable Manitobans: William Caven (1840-1914)

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William Caven
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Cleric.

Born at Stranraer, Scotland on 18 April 1840, son of John Caven and Margaret McRobert, he received a primary education in his local parish school then, in 1856, he immigrated to Ontario to live with his grandfather. He attended the Rockwood Academy, the U. P. Hall (Toronto), and Knox College (Toronto) from which he graduated in 1864 with a degree in Theology. He was ordained at Ridgetown, Ontario in October 1865 where he remained for seven years. He then spent three years at Tilsonburg, two years at Fredericton, New Brunswick, and eleven years at Buckingham, Quebec.

In December 1889, he became Pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at Manitou. He was appointed clerk of the Rock Lake Presbytery in 1891 and held that position until the end of his life. He retired from clerical duties in 1897.

On 31 January 1866, he married Mary Ann Ferries (?-?) of Eramosa Township, Ontario. They had four sons: James Caven (1870-?), John Caven (1871-?), Brooke A. Caven (1875-?), and Wallace Caven (?-?).

He died at Manitou on 18 February 1914.

Sources:

The Canadian Album: Men of Canada or Success by Example, Vol. III, Bradley, Garretson & Company, Brantford, Ontario, 1894.

1901 Canada census, Automated Genealogy.

“Was pioneer minister,” Manitoba Free Press, 19 February 1914, page 1.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 6 January 2024

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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