Eliza Elizabeth Clayton 1882-1840

Daughter of

Frederick Clayton and Maria Tarbox

Sister of

Maria Ellen Clayton 1876-1942

 

 

Wife of

Archibald Piper

 

 

Mother of

Ellen Janet Elizabeth Piper

William Archibald Piper

Frederick James Piper

Eliza was born 20 June 1882, six years after her sister. to Frederick Clayton a fishmonger  and Maria Tarbox  in Haggerston, Hackney, Middlesex, England.

Her mother died when she was nine, with her sister already helping their father to peddle fish Eliza was relied upon to take care of the home, so she became a domestic at a young age. Her father died young in 1905, her sister was married with a family, Eliza continued as a domestic until 1911.

Looking to improve her lifestyle herself and a friend Harriet Elizabeth Wilson decided on a new life in Canada. They departed London aboard the “Sicilian” on 7^th of September 1911 and arrived in Quebec City 19th September 1911. Eliza took the Grand Trunk Rail to Toronto where she obtained a position as a domestic upon arrival.

While Mr. Monaghan, a bootmaker, of Pincher Creek, Alberta was in Toronto on business he hired Eliza to work for him and his wife Agnes. It was in Pincher Creek that Eliza met and married Archibald Piper of Scotland on 1st November 1913.

Their first child Ellen was born 13 February 1915 just a few days after Archibald had enlisted in WWI.  While Archibald was in training Eliza, now expecting a second child in June, took her then 14 month old daughter and sailed from New York on 5^th April 1916 for England. They arrived 15th April in Liverpool and took the train to Ilford, Essex where she would live with her sister and family, here she would be able to have contact with her husband when he was on leave.

On 18^th June 1916 a son was born in Ilford.  In 1917 she was asked to return to Canada as there was a food storage in England and she was now considered a Canadian. On 14th April 1917 Eliza and the two children left Liverpool, England aboard the “Olympic” to arrive in Halifax on 20^th April 1917. Eliza and the children returned to Alberta by train and lived in Medicine Hat to wait for her husband’s return.  She knew no one in Medicine Hat but joined the local church and gave her time to aid in the war efforts.

After his discharge in April 1919 Archibald returned to Medicine Hat. He still had his picture of Eliza which he had carried with him at all times tucked in his hat. He decided as Blacksmith was his profession he would look for a shop to purchase. He eventually bought a Blacksmith business in Tuxford Saskatchewan and sent for Eliza and the children.

Another son, Frederick, was born 22 May 1920 in Tuxford

Eliza was active with the ladies aid and church functions in Tuxford and gave willingly to help the social activities of the district.

On 26^th October 1940 Eliza, age 58, had been preparing dinner, as baked pastry was on the table and vegetables were almost ready to serve when Archibald came home and found her dead on the kitchen floor.

OBIT
Mrs Arch Piper of Tuxford Passes
Tuxford, Oct 28The sudden death of Mrs Archibald piper of Tuxford took place at her home Saturday noon. Mrs Piper, who had suffered from heart trouble the past few years, apparently was feeling quite well Saturday morning but when her husband, Archibald Piper, returned home at noon he found Mrs Piper lying unconscious on the kitchen floor.She had been in the act of preparing dinner, as baked pastry was on the table and the vegetables were almost ready to serve. Mr piper immediately summoned Dr. Bates, but life had vanished.Mrs Piper (nee Eliza Elizabeth Clayton) was born in London, England in 1883. In 1911 she came to Toronto, Canada, and from there to Pincher Creek, Alberta, where she met Mr Piper and they were married Nov 1, 1912. In 1915 Mr Piper enlisted for overseas service, while Mrs Piper went to reside in Medicine Hat and later in Calgary.After spending a year in the Old County, she and her two children Archie and Ellen, returned to live in Medicine Hat until Mr Piper was discharged from the army in April 1919.Piper was a member of St Paul's United Church and before her illness gave willingly to help social activities of the district.Her husband, one daughter, Ellen at Weyburn, and two sons, W.A.Piper of Swift Current and Fred, at home, survive.Funeral arrangements were in charge of Broadfoot Bros. Moose Jaw and the funeral was held Monday afternoon at two o'clock to Rosedale cemetery.
Note: the incorrect birthyear is given in the obit

Eliza is buried in the Rosedale Cemetery in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Eliza was a typical woman of the time dedicating her life to family and home. Eliza never forgot her time during the war. A clipping tucked in a safe place to remind her of her experiences was found after her death.

“Trapped on a Troopship” dated April 1917 by L.G.W.