Catharine Theal (1844-1847)
The tombstone of Catharine Theal
Catharine Theal was born ca. 1844 to Zalmon and Maria (Cowell) Theal in Thorold Township. The Theal family were Loyalists settling in Thorold Township after the American Revolution having first settled in New Brunswick before migrating west. The Theal family originated in England.
Very little information is known about Catharine as she died very young at the age of 3 years, 6 months and 3 days on 28 January 1847. She was laid to rest in the Old Beaverdams Burying Ground.
By the time of her death, Catharine Theal's grandfather Samuel Theal had purchased land and built a stone house on lands that a century later would see the establishment of Brock University. The Theal House endures and is situated on part of the original family lands that now encompasses the Brock University campus.
Read more:
For more formation on this centuries old home please see http://www.guidetags.com/mindmaps/explore/local-landscape-reports-niagara/1019-local-landscape-report-theal-house-demo [September 9, 2020]
And an interesting history of the Theal family and how they came to possess this parcel of land, written by Brock University historical geographer, Prof. Alun Hughes.