Holy Ann

Birth: 1810
Death: Jun. 21, 1906

Religious figure. Known as 'Holy Ann.' While living in Ireland, she left home as a teen, taking up as a housekeeper to strict Methodist, Dr. Robert Reid and his family. Against her parents wishes, she emigrated with them to Canada, settling in Thornhill, Ontario. Having found God through working with the doctor, she took to constant reflection, often praying out loud and about each and every seemingly insignificant thing. "Father, where did I put that laundry?" "Father, what am I going to do about supper tonight?" "Father, help me through today..." She became an oddity in church, shouting out "Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord" throughout sermons. Neighborhood children once wrote "Holy Ann lives here. Go in and have a Word" on the door of the Reid home, and the name stuck. Once mocked, however, she was soon a legend when it was rumored that she was able to perform miracles. One hot summer, the well had gone dry. She prayed an entire day and night, and the next morning was able to pull out two bucket fulls of fresh water. Soon, neighbors flocked to her side to receive healing and prayer. Upon her death she was mentioned by clergy across the province and the Mayor of Toronto stated, "This week I had two honours. I met with the President of the USA and I participated in the funeral of Ann Preston. I regard the latter as the greater honour!" In 1907 a book about her story, The Holy Saint was published. The Reid house has since been turned into a shrine and a museum and is recognized by the Ontario Historical Society.
Holy Ann Biography