He has been an interesting chase. James was the son of Thomas and Betsey Towriss, Thomas being a son of the originals James and Ellen. Drummond Township born in 1833 he later settled in South Sherbrooke, top of Christie Lake. James married Alvinia Stiller and raised 9 children. James and Alvinia passed in the early 1910-1920's at Crow Lake. In the 1861 Agricultural Census his name was listed as Mahan.
As you can see Mahon was spelled as Mahan. Spelling of names is always a fun foray for researchers. Here he is again in the 1861 Canada Census. James is listed as the head of the family. Just look at that beautiful cursive script.
In the 1910 the spelling has reverted to Mahon.
Why the change in spelling is unknown it maybe due to a change in religion. James was originally Catholic, of Irish stock, and Alvinia was born of Scottish. Is that the reason for James converting to Methodist? We will never understand, but it's nice to know men listened to their women even then. :)
I've walked the Bolingbroke Cemetery and both spellings are prominent in headstones. While seasoned researchers may easily distinguish, it's always a challenge to those who aren't so never give up and record, record, record.
Their children were: Jane Mahon married Albert Morris
Ellen Mahon married David Mitchell
James Mahon married Jessie Korry
Isabella Mahon
Mary Mahon married David Anderson
Christena Mahon married Albert Barrie
Alexander Mahon
William Mahon married Georgina Norris
Alvina Mahon married William Norris