Dochstader Family Early Settlers in Gainsboro

[Smithville Review, Wednesday November 22, 1967]

In practically ever historical account of the early days of Lincoln County the name of Dochstader is very prominent.

They were one of the many families who left the United States in the 1780‘s to settle the land in the Niagara Peninsula. In 1782 John Dochstader settled on what is now the south-west angle of the township of Gainsborough, This was the beginning of the village of Wellandport. He was quickly followed by families of the name of Hodge, Vaughan, Philip, Henry Dils or Dilts, McDowell, Barker.

Descendants of these families are still living in the district. In order to reach this part of the peninsula the early settlers had to travel by boat and canoe in the summer and by sled on the ice, during the winter.

Wellandport is situated on a strip of land between the Chippawa and Beaver Creeks which was once known as the narrows. This was a trail once used by Indian runners. Now known as Canboro Road it is a direct route East and West from Niagara Falls to Windsor. Because of the natural proximity of the two creeks this site was chosen as the most suitable to build a mill. In 1816 the Beaver Creek was damned and a cut was made through the narrowest part where it operated a wheel and discharged into the Chippawa Creek. Today, of course the Beaver Creek is little more than a swamp in summer regaining some of its semblance of a river only in spring.

In 1820 there is listed as being a Grist Mill, Saw Mill, and a Distillery, at the west end of the village and a tannery in the centre. The first General Store was built about this time and opened by a Mr. Humphrey. This store was supplied by goods brought up the river from Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

About 1841 large quantities of lumber were being sown here and three boats came from Buffalo to take the wood away. On the voyage up the river all the bridges had to be taken down to allow the boats to pass. This created a great deal of excitement and upon arrival all the villagers turned out to witness the event. It was at this point that someone suggested the name Wellandport for the settlement. This was made official when the first Post Office was opened on October 5, 1841. Luke Cavers was post master and held this position until 1861. In addition to being postmaster Mr Covers was also an Inn Keeper. He kept all the mail in a small writing desk in back of the bar. The Post Office was once burned and twice robbed. In 1873 the Post Office was moved across the street to the General Store where a mill now stands.

Mr. S. Holmes was postmaster at this time and until 1898.

There have been six bridges across the Chippawa or Welland river. The first was a float bridge built of pine logs. The second was a bent bridge made of mud dills. The third and forth bridges were stile bridges. The fifth was built in 1863 and it served until the present bridge was built in 1938. The stone abutments of the fifth bridge are still standing.

Two fires almost destroyed the village. The first in 1882 wiped out 20 buildings and the second in August 1919 burned down 12.

The first fair grounds was at the west end of town, on the north side of Beaver Creek. Later it was moved to the east end of the village. It is now known as the community centre.

The Monck County Electoral Division Agricultural Society was established here in 1868. The first president was George Secord MPP, of St Anns; secretary, Dilly C. Holmes, Wellandport. The first fair was held in 1870. The last one in 1942.

In 1912 there were for lodges, Masonic, Home Circle, Foresters and Chosen Friends. There was an abundant supply of natural gas. The streets were lit by gas lights on posts. These were put there by the Women’s Institute, this caused friction among the members and they disbanded for a few years,

The head office of the Dunnville Wellandport and Beamsville Electric Railway was here. This railway was never completed. There were two general stores, furniture and undertaking business, Branch of the Sterling bank.

Methodist and Presbyterian church, two agricultural and implement shops, barber shop, one hotel (temperance), two butcher shops, cheese box factory.

Today we have one church, United, a two room school., hardware store with the Foresters lodge above.

The Masons have the same hall. The IOOF have a newer hall where the Presbyterian church once stood. There is a Rebekah and Lady Foresters Lodge. There is also a very active Women’s Institute.

A modern farm, implement and plumbing establishment stands where the old IOOF building stood. There are three grocery stores, bar. One garage and one gas station.

There are now two mails a day. A cement block hall stands on the fair grounds.

Wellandport was always noted for its dances. Back in 1875 sleigh loads of young people from Dunnville and Fenwick, the women wrapped in big shawls with hot bricks at their feet to dance in Peck’s Hall and Durham’s hotel.

The old Cronkrite hotel is still standing bit is being used as an apartment house.

Wellandport for a small place has had many firsts. The property at the east end of the village owned by J.D. Fulsom was the first place in Canada where lucerne was grown. It was brought here from Germany by Dr. Collver a medical doctor interested in farming

The first county magistrate was D. Holmes. The first county constable was James Anderson and the first reeve, John Dalrymple.

The village has produced many brilliant people, members of parliament, a United States Senator, doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges and teachers..

[For some pictures associated with Wellandport, CLICK HERE]