The Daily Grind is a blog series all about the historic Morningstar Mill at Decew Falls.

Rebecca Elizabeth Troup was Wilson Morningstar’s first wife, born on June 10, 1854, as recorded in her Bible—the same year as Wilson. Both were born and raised in Humberstone, Welland County, and likely attended the same school.

In 1877, Rebecca and Wilson were married, and they purchased a farm near Welland. Despite the formal appearance of their studio portraits, Rebecca’s hands reveal the evidence of hard work.

On March 16, 1880, Rebecca gave birth to a baby girl named Elizabeth. Tragically, Rebecca passed away eight days later, and her daughter died approximately six months afterward. During this era, the deaths of mothers, infants, or both during childbirth were heartbreakingly common. Wilson recorded these sad milestones in his Bible.

Wilson’s second family honoured Rebecca’s memory by preserving her belongings which include her Bible, small tintype photographs in velvet-lined wooden cases, a brass stencil of her name, a schoolbook, certificates of merit, and a wooden cabinet which is one of the oldest pieces of furniture on display in the Morningstar’s home. She is also remembered in Wilson’s obituary, and in a memoir written by Lorna Robson, the granddaughter of Wilson and his second wife, Emma.

Carla Mackie is Historical Services Coordinator with the City of St. Catharines. Historical Services includes the Morningstar Mill, the Lakeside Park Carousel, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.