The Jury Family – How They Saved History (Part 2) by Carol Small – Middlesex Centre Archives In 1916, Wilfrid Jury married Ether May Bolton (1894-1983). They later divorced. In 1948, Wilfrid married Elsie McLeod Murray (1910-1993). Elsie was a historian and reference librarian at Western University in London, Ontario. Elsie, who had degrees in English, History and Library Science, helped Wilfrid with much of his work, and they made an extremely effective team. Wilfrid had no children. While in the Sanitorium, Wilfrid studied Indigenous culture and archaeological techniques to refine the excavation methods his father had used. Wilfrid and Amos systematically searched many sites over a large area, excavated many, and collected and catalogued the artifacts before adding them to Amos’ already large collection. For many years, Amos had set up a display at Western Fair. When speaking with fairgoers, he learned of new sites to explore. Dr. Sherwood Fox, Western University President, persuaded the Jurys to house their collection at the University. Their collection of over 5000 items established The University of Western Ontario Museum and were moved there in 1926, even though the Museum was not formally established until 1934. Wilfrid was appointed Curator, and Amos, Honourary Curator. Eleven years after his appointment, at the age of 54, Wilfrid received his first academic credential when the University of Montreal granted him a doctorate in literature. In 1970, he received an honourary doctorate from Western University.
[AJ100.006] Wilf and Amos Jury, courtesy of the Museum of Ontario Archaeology.
Wilfrid also excavated the Military and Naval Establishment at Penetanguishene and supervised its reconstruction. Next, he turned his attention to a local project, the construction of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. The Jurys’ large collection of artifacts, the Jury home and the Alder Weaver Shop were incorporated into the Village. Wilfrid’s last project was to participate in the establishment of the Museum of Indian Archaeology (now named the Museum of Ontario Archaeology) housed in the Lawson-Jury Building at the Lawson Site on Wonderland Road North in London. The natural inquisitiveness of Amos and Wilfrid Jury about their own environment and what had transpired there over the centuries led to a greater understanding of our heritage. From humble beginnings, their contributions to that understanding are phenomenal and remarkable. As you drive down Jury Road, take a drive past Wilfrid Jury School, or visit one the historic sites or museums including Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Museum of Indian Archaeology, Saint Marie Among the Hurons, or Penetanguishene Naval Harbour on Jury Drive, and think about these two Middlesex Centre visionaries who followed their passions and dreams. We and future generations are grateful to them.
With Wilfrid’s growing repu- tation and the support of Western University, the Jesuit Order asked him to locate the sites of St. Ignace, St. Marie and St. Louis. From 1947- 1952, Wilfrid directed the excavation of the site, which is documented in the book Wilfrid and Elsie wrote, Saint Marie Among the Hurons . In 1963, the Government
[2015-0011-V100-013] Middlesex Centre Archives
of Ontario granted funding for the reconstruction of the site. Working with Western University, this project took another five years to complete. In 1965, Wilfrid toured France, studying historic buildings to discover their structure. Stories are told of Wilfrid scrambling over rafters to find all the details in order to accurately reproduce them. Imagine the horror of the people watching this senior clambering over rafters at such heights! Wilfrid’s research took him to Rome. Today, in Midland, Ontario, the reconstructed fort of St. Marie Among the Hurons and the Indigenous village stand. International accolades, a Papal Blessing and two audiences with Popes for his great service to the Roman Catholic Church resulted. Pope Pius XII sent a Papal Blessing to Wilfrid in 1946 for his work at St. Ignace, and in 1954, arranged to have a message sent to Wilfrid and Elsie to say he had received and read their book on Sainte- Marie. His papal audiences were with Pope Pius XII and, in 1967, with Pope Paul VI. After his audience, Wilfrid brought back, for all the workers at the site, holy medals which the Pope had blessed. Wilfrid mused, “For a Baptist farm boy who did not go beyond Grade 8”, the honours were of great satisfaction.
[AJ100.010] Amos Jury carving models, courtesy of the Museum of Ontario Archaeology.
Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2025 Page 14 KKD Villager June 2025
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