By Lisa Terech, Youth Engagement / Programs
Welcome back to the third chapter in the story of Oshawa’s Dunbar family. Last week, I talked about George and Mary Dunbar and their children. Their eldest daughter, Margaret, was their only child to live to old age. Today, I would like to share Margaret’s story, as written by her grandson, RB Pankhurst in 1991. He was researching his origins in Oshawa, and summarized his findings in a narrative which he shared with the Oshawa Community Archives.
“George Dunbar, barrel maker, moved from Lower Canada to work at the flour mill located just south of Oshawa and met and married Mary A. Andrews. The union was to produce 5 children… the oldest being Margaret Serene, born in 1856. Only Maggie will live to old age…
In 1881, young Henry Pankhurst worked for Tom Conant as a farm laborer, just four doors down the street from Margaret Dunbar’s house. The proximity offered the opportunity for the two to meet, become acquainted, fall in love and marry. The marriage met with the deep disapproval of the Pankhurst parents which would result in a permanent rift between son and parents and the animosity of the bride which would last throughout her life. that branch of the family would not have communication with the remainder for a least two generations…
[Henry and Margaret had three children]. The first born, Albert George Dunbar Pankhurst, left the homestead in Cedar Dale heading west. When World War I erupted he joined the 28th Canadian Infantry Battalion in Winnipeg, was decorated for bravery in action, was captured, escaped and was finally demobilized. He returned to Cedar Dale, met and married Martha Wiggins in 1920. His siblings remained unwed and lived to their late 80s in the homestead in which they were born. Ward Pankhurst was sought after by the local townspeople for his sage advice on all things. Greta Pankhurst was as genteel, quietly effective lady who supplemented his worldly knowledge with her understanding of the local events and her reliable memory of events.”
As earlier stated, the story of the Andrews/Dunbar/Pankhurst family is one that is important to us, and we are always interested in learning more about this family. We’ve made research connections in Quebec and in the US for this family, and we are always adding to what we know. If you have any questions or have information to add about this family, please leave a comment, or email membership@oshawamuseum.org. We also have an outreach presentation about this family, and we are always happy to tell their story, simply contact the Oshawa Community Museum.
Oshawa Museum Blog 
Fascinating story.
I am Susan Pankhurst Wheadon, the grand daughter of Albert George Pankhurst and great niece of Ward and Greta Pankhurst. My Dad Robert Pankhurst helped with the research. I never met my grandfather but I did have some wondeful visits with Aunt Greta and Uncle Ward at their home on Cedar Street when I was a child.
Firstly, Susan, many thanks to your father for assisting with this research. Our knowledge about your family wouldn’t be as in depth as it is if it weren’t for his efforts. Many, many thanks. And thank you for sharing your memories above!
Secondly, our archivist, Jennifer Weymark, would like to be in contact with you. Could you please send her an email at archivist[at]oshawamuseum[dot]org.