Richard Waugh (1830-1908)

Journalist.

Born in Melrose, Scotland, he worked as a builder and mason, designing and constructing farmhouses and churches across Scotland. In 1881, he came to Manitoba where he continued as a builder. He gradually moved into agricultural journalism and developed a connection with the Nor’West Farmer, becoming a member of the paper’s editorial staff by 1886 and serving as co-editor or editor until 1904. He wrote columns in the Manitoba Free Press starting in 1885. He was an ardent advocate of mixed farming, and was among the original promoters of the dairy association and for many years worked as its unpaid secretary.

He and wife Janet Deans had seven children: James Waugh (b 1860), Euphemia Jane Waugh (b 1862), Margaret Waugh (b 1864), William Waugh (b 1866), Richard Deans Waugh, Jessie Waugh Mathers, and John Calder Waugh.

He retired from his position in 1904 to visit his home in Scotland. (When visiting Scotland he wrote a series of letters which appeared in the Manitoba Free Press under the name of “A Scot abroad” encouraging Scots in Winnipeg to maintain their ties to the motherland.) He returned to Winnipeg in 1905 and became directly associated with the Manitoba Free Press.

Waugh died in Winnipeg General Hospital on 28 April 1908. The funeral was held in St. John’s Cathedral and interment was made in St. John’s Cemetery. He was so well regarded that the Nor’West Farmer organized a subscription for a portrait to be hung at the Manitoba Agricultural College.

More information:

Richard Waugh, Dictionary of Canadian Biography XIII, 1,078-79.

Sources:

Profile revised: 8 March 2010

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