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LOCAL HISTORY RECALLED
When the Old Aqueduct Was New-Bursting of the Cannon
[Welland Tribune, 15 September 1910]
There is a visitor in Welland who has more than ordinary interest in a certain locality here, and which recalls what was practically the laying of the foundation for Welland’s present day greatness.
The person in question is Miss Duff of Toronto, who is a guest at J.C. Crow’s. She is the only surviving daughter of the late Alexander Duff, there being also one brother yet, living in California.
It was about the year 1850 that the event occurred which fixed Miss Duff’s interest in Welland. The opening of Welland canal aqueduct was being celebrated, the Governor General, Lord Elgin, taking part in the ceremony. Miss Duff’s father was at that time a member of Dundas field battery, and that battery was brought here to fire a salute. When Mr. Duff was ramming a charge home, the cannon burst. He was blown some distance in the air and badly injured, including the loss of one eye. This accident will be remembered by some of the older residents, and Miss Duff has been shown the spot where it occurred. After the accident the injured man was taken to the Hagar house now standing on North Main street.
Later Mr. Duff was conveyed to his home at Dundas, where he remained in bed for a year. His misfortune was recognized by the government, not by a pension, but by an appointment to the island revenue department in 1851. He occupied the position of gauger and locker in Toronto until 1886, when he was superannuated. His death occurred six years go.
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