CLAYTON JOHNSON PAGE

C.J. PAGE PASSES AWAY

For Many Years One of Welland’s Foremost Business Men

[The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 6 July 1926]

Death, Friday morning, removed one of the most prominent citizens of the City of Welland, Clayton J. Page, who died at his home, 156 East Main Street. Mr. Page had been in failing health for some little time.

Well liked and well known in this entire district, his death came as a surprise to many, it not being generally known that he had been in poor health.

Clayton Johnson Page was born August 5^th, 1849 in the Village of Fonthill. He was the son of Edward Page and Susan Price, U.E. Loyalists who settled here from Pennsylvania, they being related to Laura Secord, the Canadian heroine of historic events. He attended the public school at Fonthill and later came to Welland as a young man, entering as clerk the grocery store of James Bridges, where the John H. Crow hardware store now stands. This was known at that time as the old Gothic store.

Mr. Page continued in that occupation until he went into business for himself, his grocery store being situated where the dining room of the Dexter Hotel now stands. He remained until the Orient Block was built in 1877 when he moved his business there. Later he sold out to J.S. O’Neil and William Hoban, and with John Wilkinson, entered the electric light business, the first of its kind in Welland.

This concern was later sold to the Welland Electric Company, which in turn was taken over by the local Hydro Commission a few years ago.

Always of a progressive mind, he was the instigator of the first telephone service in Welland and in his home was the first telephone service installed and he was the first manager with the office in Orient Hall with twelve telephones on the switch board.

Mr. Page was at one time a member of the Welland Town Council. During all his residence in Welland he was always for progress.

Mr. Page occupied a position in the community that was absolutely his own. He had a dry and caustic way that was very much appreciated in the circle of his acquaintances. In all situations he had something original and humorous to say. He had many friends and those were not confined to his own age, but included as well the young people of the city. His home was always open to his many friends, both old and young.

Once, years ago, something went wrong at the electric plant, of which he was manager, and the town was in darkness. A young reporter asked Mr. Page for a statement as to the trouble. Mr. Page replied with a highly technical description of the accident which was caused by the “breaking of the alamabalusum.” The young reporter took it all in good faith and prepared a story for the press using the joker’s words.

Mr. Page is survived by one daughter, Mrs. John Stalker and one granddaughter, Florence Stalker of Welland. His wife, Eliza Ann Wilkinson, died many years ago.

The funeral was held on Sunday, July 4^th, from the late home to Fonthill Cemetery, and was attended by many of his old associates through life and also many of his younger associates. The services at the house were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Cunningham of the Presbyterian Church. The many floral tributes which surrounded and covered the casket containing the body of the deceased, were beautiful unspoken words of love for the departed. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Geo. Cook, Wm. Swayze, Jas. S. O’Neil, W.W. Wilson. W.J Best and W.E. Hardison.

The Welland Tribune and Telegraph
6 July 1926
Died: 2 July 1926
Married: 24 May 1870
Fonthill Cemetery
5 August 1849-2 July 1926
Father: Edward Page
Mother: Susan Price

[Related EVENT: MR. C.J. PAGE CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY - Presented With Mementoes]