TALES to tell and MUSINGS to mind!

This is where you will find interesting TALES of the various people that lived in and around Welland during the 1800s and 1900s.

We’ve also introduced a new subcategory: HISTORICAL MUSINGS by select featured authors.

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HAMBLYNS FIELD

[PHOTO: Jesse Morningstar Timber Mill circa 1940]

In Hamblyns field where the brush does grow
There used to be lumber piles yes row upon row
The trees were cut in the bush up on the hill
Then cut into logs and hauled down to the mill
Horses brought the sleighs along an icy road
Where hills were sanded to stop a runaway load
In the bush there wasn’t any chainsaw sound
Only axes chopping and trees as they hit the ground
The camp the men stayed in was full of lice
And smells of wet dirty clothes wouldn’t be nice
Yes at 4 a.m. they arose from their bed
They had breakfast of salt pork beans tea and bread
They started in the bush long before daylight
And finished in the dark later that night
There at the mill they worked hard all day
Only back then they got very little pay
The mill saw was kept sharp to get through the wood
As two men cutting boards wouldn’t if they could
Some logs they cut were maple beech birch and oak
But working in the mill or the bush it was no joke
The lumber was piled up high yes all by hand
And it sure would have been not in that field of sand
Some of the lumber was taken and put in a boxcar
To be taken by train to places near and far
Those folks maybe felt times will be better somehow
Yes times are better nowadays and they’re all gone now
Back then to the mill did a short cut someone take
As there is a team and a sleigh load of logs in Mullet Lake
Good stories today that area could tell if it could talk
But those stories to people today would really shock
Bessemer village the mill and the train are gone too
Logs are hauled away by trucks ruining the roads they do
There is very little there now like in days of yore
Only a cottage or two but no big village as there was before

Winston E. Ralph
Bancroft, Ontario

SUICIDE AT THOROLD

Richard Williams Lights a Coal Fire in an Iron Pot

[Welland Tribune, 14 April 1905]

Thorold-April 11-Richard Williams, an old resident of Thorold committed suicide last night by inhaling coal gas.

When parting with William McDonald on the previous day, deceased asked him to call at his house the following afternoon. Mr. McDonald accordingly stopped at Mr. Williams’ and on entering noticed a very strong odor of gas. Not seeing deceased, he went to his bedroom, where he found him sitting in a rocker fully dressed, but dead. Investigation showed that it was evidently a case of suicide, planned with a good deal of care. The coal heater had been filled recently, the dampers closed and the stove doors left open, allowing the gas to escape into the room. Pillows had been placed at the bottom of the door and all apertures closed by which the gas might escape into the open air. An iron pot of charcoal had also been suspended from the ceiling and hung at his head. This had been lighted and the fumes from it inhaled.

A large butcher knife, newly sharpened was fond nearby, which would have been used, it is thought, to commit the deed, if the other means had not been effective.

Beside the dead man were found two letters, one addressed to a sister, and the other to a well-known resident of town.

Coroner Lemon decided that an inquest was unnecessary.

Richard C. Williams was about sixty years of age, and was a skillful carpenter. He had been a resident of Thorold for many years, and for a long time had been employed in the basket factory owned by his brother, George H. Williams. He was very popular among the employees. For some months, however, he had been out of employment, and this, together with other matters of a private nature, it is thought, brought on a fit of despondency, which terminated so sadly and fatally on Monday night. Mrs. Williams has been to England for some months having gone there for her health. A brother, Mr. George H. Williams and two sisters, Mrs. B. Ball and Mrs. John McDonagh reside in Thorold.

JOHN ROBINSON

Niagara Falls South

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

The death occurred in Clio., Michigan, on Wednesday of last week, of John Robinson, uncle of V. H. Robinson of this place. It will be remembered that the late Mr. Robinson was taken ill with paralysis when he lived in this city last spring, and that he was removed to his daughter’s home in Toledo. From there Mr. Robinson went to Clio., Michigan where his other daughter lived, and he remained there until his death occurred. The deceased gentleman was 87 years old. He was born in Welland county, and was a resident of Wainfleet for many years. In the olden days he owned a farm near to that of the late John W. Overholt on the Forks Road. He was a resident of New York state for a while, and spent many years in Michigan. Of recent years he had lived at Niagara Falls South. He was twice married and leaves a family of four, viz: Mrs. Hurd of Clio, Mrs. Roulston of Toledo, and two sons in the States. Interment was made in Toledo.

THE OLD VILLAGE

The old school house sat at the top of the hill
Where each day with knowledge our heads were filled
If you couldn’t learn the teacher wondered why
So you got the strap even if it made you cry
You had to do your homework not talk or shout
Then bravely you faced the world when you went out
Your schooling only went to grade seven or eight
So any job you were offered it you did take
Yes the teachers then didn’t fool around
And in the graduating class not a criminal was found
The old general store was over a little ways
Where the proprietor always spent many long days
He was open from early morning until late at night
When men sat and talked about things not right
There was candy for the children and a cooler with pop
And for things you needed it was there you did shop
He had brooms wash tubs and saws for sale
In the winter the stove was lit and never did fail
Ladies could buy cloth and there were dishes too
Also kerosene boots and clothing for me and you
The garage was close by where you bought your gas
And the owner always waved when you went past
He also changed the tires and greased your car
Since he knew it would be needed if you went very far
Tune ups were done also to keep the car running right
So you wouldn’t be stranded during the day or night
Back then the tires would often go flat
But without a tube now there is a lot less of that
The church was over further where on Sunday morn
You were told to be in Heaven you had to be reborn
He wasn’t shy about the word as he was commanded to do
And said turn to Him now or in Heaven there’ll be only a few
The cemetery was nearby where the older folks lay
Yes they all lived closer to Him back in their day
But most aren’t concerned as Sunday comes around
Doesn’t the Bible say in church we’re to be found

Winston E. Ralph
Bancroft, Ont.

SCOTT-NORTH

Port Colborne

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

On Saturday, November 28, at Sunnyslope, Alberta, Miss Emma North, daughter of Mrs. Catharine North of this place, and Mr. C. W. Scott of Los Angeles, Cal., were joined in marriage. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Gratz. The bride was teaching school in Alberta previous to her marriage. Her many friends here will extend congratulations and best wishes.

TYLER-ROGERS

Port Colborne

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

Mrs. Asenath Rogers announces the marriage of her daughter, Luella Asenath, to Walter H. Tyler, on Wednesday the thirteenth day of December, 1908, at Irondequoit, N.Y. At home after fifteenth January, at Shangatrick, Michigan. The bride has many friends here who will be pleased to hear of the happy event.

TISDALE-NAGLE

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

The marriage of Miss Bertha Nagle to J.K. Tisdale, of the Roach-Tisdale Candy Co., took place at the home of the bride’s mother, 2431 16^th avenue, south, Dec. 18th. Rev. Charles E. Burton read the service in the presence of small group of relatives and friends.

The bride wore a gown of white satin made along Empire lines and carried white roses. After the ceremony a buffet supper was served in the dining room where carnations and ferns formed the decorations.

After a trip east, including Buffalo, N.Y., Niagara Falls, and Toronto, Ont., Mr. and Mrs. will be at home in the new Vermont, January 15,Mineapolis Times.

COOK-ROTHER

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Poehlman was the scene of a happy event Tuesday evening, when Miss Josephine Rother became the wife of Robert E. Cook of Port Colborne. The interesting ceremony was performed at six o’clock by Rev. Mr. Sohn, in the presence of only a few immediate relatives. The many friends of bride and groom will extend congratulations and best wishes.-Humberstone News

GEORGE SLOUGH’S BIRTHDAY

[Welland Tribune, 15 January 1909]

An interesting gathering took place on Tuesday about two miles north of Fonthill to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of Mr. Geo. Slough. This worthy farmer had no inkling of the proceedings, and, on returning home from a neighbor’s shortly before noon, was surprised to see a number of cutter’s in his yard. His feelings may be better imagined than described. Further contingents of well-wishers continued to arrive until three score visitors had taken possession of his home. Fortunately the house is commodious, and there was room for all. In addition to the more immediate neighbors, there was present a large number of family connections. Those present from a distance included Mr. and Mrs. Burgess of Lewiston, Mrs. Jas. Depotty of Attercliffe, and Mr, Wm. Hansler of California, who is at present paying a visit to his old home. A substantial meal was provided, and the afternoon was spent in an enjoyable manner in renewing old acquaintances and seeing friendly associations newly in the face. A pleasing musical programme was presented by Mrs. Burgess, who gave acceptably musical selections, and, in company with Mrs. Fred Gilles of Fonthill, gave a number of several local items. Miss Ada Townsend of Ridgeville also gave a pianoforte selection. Messrs. Lavern and Reginald Townsend contributed on clarinet and trombone; and much pleasure was also derived from solos contributed by Addie and Clifford Townsend. The little folks were very deservedly applauded. Mr. Arnold Gilles further added to the company’s pleasure by thoughtfully bringing his phonograph. Towards dusk the party adjoined, all wishing Mr. George Slough many happy returns of the day.

MATTHEW PARKER

GORED BY A BULL

Matthew Parker of Crowland Township Perhaps Fatally Injured by a Bull on Sunday Evening

[People’s Press, 22 August 1905]

Four ribs on left side, fractured teeth knocked out, severe injury to mouth, right leg pierced by horn just grazing the main artery in the thigh, clavicle dislocated, scapula torn loose from muscles, severe bruises to spine and other parts, is the summary of the injuries sustained to Matthew Parke, who resides a half mile beyond the T.H. & B. bridge, on the river road west of Welland, on Sunday, and who lies at this time in a very critical condition, but who has good chance of recovery even at the advanced age of 78 years, if inflammation does not set in. It was about seven o’clock in the evening when the casualty occurred. Parker was bringing in his cattle, and when about 500 yards from home this bull turned upon him and committed the injury. The cows went home alright but Mr. Parker’s son, becoming uneasy regarding the non-appearance of his father, went out in search and found him lying face down on the ground, covered with mud and blood from head to foot, and his clothing torn to rags. He was taken to his home and, although conscious, has been unable to tell just what happened. Considerable blood lies on the ground at the place Mr. Parker lay, and the ground all around is torn up with the horns of the angry bull. The fracture of the rib was caused by being stamped upon, and the bruises by the bull’s head, while the gore in the leg was the work of a horn, as Mr. Parker had been warned time and time again by the neighbors and by his family, but considered he could manage the bull. Dr. Burgar was called and the injury attended to. The bull is four years old.

A BRIEF SKETCH OF MATTHEW PARKER’S  LIFE

[People’s Press, 13 October 1905]

Matthew Parker was born at Biddystone in Wiltshire, England, on the 7^th day of July 1833. While quite young he was taught by his father and elder brother the trade of basket and sieve making, which occupation he followed until early manhood. At the age of eighteen, he united in marriage with Miss Livonia Masten; the issue from this marriage was three children: William of Hamilton, Ont., Emma of Jackson, Mich., and Charlie of Detroit, Mich. Shortly after the birth of her youngest child, the tender mother and loving wife was claimed by death.

For his second wife Mr. Parker married Mrs. Ann Bartlett, a widow with two sons, one of whom resides in England yet. To this marriage was born two daughters and two sons, namely Bertha (Mrs. John Bradley} of Arcadia, Mich; Alice {Mrs. E. Chantler) of Pelham, Ont., Harry of Centralia, Wash.; and Fred of Welland. All were born in Welland.

For some years Mr. Parker contemplated going abroad, but was undecided where would be the best place to go. Australia or America. Finally he decided on the latter, and on the 12^th day of May 1869, with his whole family, Mr. Parker arrived in Welland, and for the first time in his life he began farming, which occupation he has followed ever since; and in the same house that he slept his first night in Canada there he slept his last on the 7^th day of October 1905.