Times Advocate, 1992-07-15, Page 33HOMECOMING
Anna (Brock) Rowcliffe
Born in Usbome Township in 1927, Anna attended Zion Public School. She marred Jim
Rowcliffe in 1951, and has lived in London since then. The years have seen her blessed
with 5 children and five grandchildren.
Having been taught elocution by her parents Wellington and Alice Broch, Anna recited
throughout the year at numerous community functions. During and following the second
world war, the reading "Caught in the Draft" was requested by many groups. This piece is
repeated this weekend by special request!
Earl and Martha Heywood
Earl Heywood a pioneer of Canadian Country Music, is a native of Usbome Township -
bom March 12, 1917 at lot 12 Concession 2, attended S.S. #5 Usborne School. While help-
ing his father farm, he played in the Exeter Brass Band, from 1935-39, appeared in Young
Peoples plays, and sang in the James Street United Church choir. •
When Earl married Martha (Thiel) in 1944, they resided in the old homestead until the
fall of 1946. He became a regular member of the CKNX Travelling Barn Dance. As time
went on he developed a lifetime career in the field of radio and television broadcasting, as
prominent entertainer. Earl had a flare for writing songs and wrote more than a hundred of
them, made recordings for RCA Victor, and also became a professional magician. bull whip
artist and a whiz at some fancy rope spinning.
Earl Heywood's family, his wife Martha. daughter Patricia, and son Grant formed a fami-
ly unit when the youngest member Grani was seven years old. The family became the first
to make commercial recordings in Canada. son Grant became the first youngest Canadian to
ever make records.
Earl's A;