Archive for August, 2011
[People's Press, 3 September 1907]
A quiet wedding took place on Saturday afternoon at five o’clock at the residence of the bride’s parents, East Main street, when Bessie Belle Burgar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Burgar, was married to Albert LeRoy Ellsworth, of Welland, son of Mr. George Ellsworth of Welland, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Dr. Johnstone. The bride was assisted by Miss Page and the groom by his nephew, Mr. Leon Forgie of Buffalo. Both bride and groom were popular young people who enjoyed the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The bride was a graduate musician and held a position on the staff of the Presbyterian Ladies College, Toronto, which she afterwards gave up to teach in Owen Sound. The groom has been very successful in business and is now Sec-Tres. of the British American Oil Co., Toronto. The Press joins will all in offering congratulations, and wishing Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth a prosperous and happy journey through life.
Married: 31 August 1907
[The Welland Evening Tribune, 30 November 1950]
The fabulous career of Albert LeRoy Ellsworth, who left his native town of Welland 54 years ago with a burning determination to “make good” ended Tuesday night, when the leading Canadian industrialist and oil magnate passed away at his home in Forest Hill Village after a long illness. He was 74.
He was the founder in 1906 of the British American Oil Co. Ltd., and fought throughout his life to keep it an independent and Canadian owned concern. At his death he was chairman of the board of the company, although failing health had kept him from active participation in its affairs for some time.
Father Was Contractor
Mr. Ellsworth was the son of George Alfred and Elizabeth Foster Ellsworth. The family home was at Hellems and Division street on the site now occupied by the apartment and commercial block. George Alfred Ellsworth was a prominent builder and contractor and among the homes he constructed was the Somerville residence on Merritt street and the old Douglas place at Hellems and Grove. He also owned most of the property where the MacLean Motor Sales business now stands.
The youth who was destined to become one of the country’s leading industrialists attended Welland public and high schools and concentrated on a business course that fitted him for a statistician’s post with the Standard Oil Company at Buffalo. At one time, it seemed as though he was headed for the legal profession, but the oil business held more appeal.
Although most of his connections with Welland lapsed as he climbed the ladder of commercial success, he took as his bride, Bessie Burgar, daughter of George Burgar, who was Welland’s postmaster around the turn of the century. Another former Welland postmaster, the late W.H. Moore knew young Ellsworth quite well and used to remark that while his chums couldn’t see the purpose behind the intense application, Ellsworth would explain his habit of working at night as well as during the day with the philosophy: “I don’t know what others have in mind, but I’m determined to make something of myself.”
Got Financier’s Backing
At the age of 30, he formed British American Oil, after a chance meeting with Silas A. Parsons, well-known Canadian financier, resulted in the necessary financial backing for the venture.
At first, the new company acted only as a jobber for marketing kerosene, lubricating oils and greases and had little control over the quality of the products. But Mr. Ellsworth had a broader vision for the future, and in 1907 land was purchased on Toronto’s waterfront on which, subsequently the first small B-A refinery was constructed.
From that point, the appeal of the company was based on the high quality of its product. As the motor car industry grew and Canadian industry and agriculture developed in mechanization, so, too, the oil concern grew and prospered under Mr. Ellsworth’s guidance.
So successful was he in carrying through his determination to keep the concern Canadian that he could boast proudly right up to his death that 95 percent of his stockholders lived in Canada and controlled 73 percent of the company’s stock.
Interests Expand
As the firm developed Mr. Ellsworth’s industrial interests broadened. He became associated with other companies, among them the Toronto Pipe Line Co., Texas; Fess Oil Burners of Canada, Clear Vision Pump Co., Service Station Equipment Co., and United Utilities and Service Corps. He was also a director of the Bank of Nova Scotia, Chartered Trust Co., Noranda Mines and Industrial Metal Industries Ltd. He was founder and a director of the Toronto Iron Works.
An ardent sportsman, he was a director of the Maple Leaf Gardens and a member of the Ontario Jockey and Toronto Skating Clubs. He belonged to the Lambton, Granite, York, National, Empire and Canadian Clubs, and was a charter member and past master of Harcourt Lodge, AF and AM. He contributed generously to a number of philanthropies.
Mr. Ellsworth was predeceased in 1947 by his wife. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. S.D. Reburn, Mrs. W. Holton and Mrs. Donald Rowan, Jr., and one son, George Eric. Funeral service will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. in Timothy Eaton Memorial church. Interment will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Died: 29 November 1950
Married: 31 August 1907
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto
2 July 1876-29 November 1950
Father: George Ellsworth
Mother: Elizabeth Foster
A.L. Ellsworth, Connected With Many Business Corporations
[Welland Evening Tribune, 15 December 1928]
Albert Leroy Ellsworth, the subject of the following story, will be remembered by the older residents of the city, as his father, the late George A. Ellsworth, was a contractor and builder in the early days of Welland, and a few of the remaining old buildings are monuments to his handiwork. The subject of the story was married to Miss Bessie Burgar, daughter of the late George H. Burgar, the second postmaster in Welland, and who held the office until succeeded by the present postmaster, W.H. Moore.
The Sanitary Age, Toronto-
Getting oiled up and ranking a real success of it is merely one of the accomplishments of Albert Leroy Ellsworth, president of the British American Oil company limited, and of its producing and refining subsidiaries. Every time you pass a B.A. service station you can figure that Albert has a finger in it, and, in future, that whenever you install or see the new Corona radiation or any other product of the Imperial Iron Corporation, you will know that the same Al has something to say about that also.
Born at Welland, Ont., in 1876, he spent the first 18 years there and matriculated from the high school. The appeal of greater possibilities in the States drew him across the border into Buffalo, where he found himself a job with W.A. Case & Son, manufacturers of pipe fittings, etc. This lasted for two years, following which he attached himself to the Standard Oil Company of New York and remained with that fairly-well-to-do outfit for about nine years.
It was in 1905 that he conceived the idea of establishing an oil company in Canada and accordingly he moved to Toronto where he set up an office for the present company. For the first several years he acted as secretary-treasurer and vice-president becoming president in 1927. Mr. Ellsworth is president also of the Toronto Pipe Line company, Wichita Falls, Texas; The Toronto Iron Works, limited, Toronto; Fess Oil Burners of Canada limited, Toronto; Clear Vision Pump company limited, Toronto; Service Station Equipment company, Bryan, Ohio; and is a director of the United Utilities and Service Corporation, Philadelphia.
Just for the variety, Mr. Ellsworth has attached himself to more clubs than a police force, and in Toronto alone he is a member of York, Empire, Canadian, Granite, Carleton, Lambton Golf, Toronto Skating and R.C.Y.C. He is a member of the Lake Placid Club also, and, when abroad, can sometimes be found at the American Club in Paris.
As might be guessed from the above list, his hobby is likely to be practically anything, but in reality it is golf and he follows this with the enthusiasm that characterizes his business endeavors. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Imperial Iron Corporation, Mr. Ellsworth will have associated with him some of the most prominent figures in this industry in Canada, which accounts in part for the tremendous optimism permeating the atmosphere around St. Catharines and vicinity these days.
John Bradburn Kills Himself
FORMERLY OF WELLAND
[People's Press, 31 July 1906]
John Bradburn, superintendent of Knox’s Ideal Stock Farm at East Aurora, N.Y., shot and killed himself at that place on Friday last. The act was premeditated and the only known cause was ill-health. He leaves a widow, two sons and a married daughter.
Deceased came to Welland in 1870 and for several years carried on the hotel business here, and was well-known all throughout the district. He was a famous horseman and for many years had charge of Hamlin’s racing stock. Mr. Bradburn wrote a book on the horse, which was recently published. As an authority on this subject, his reputation was continental.
Died: 27 July 1906
Married: 1 March 1870
Father: John Bradburn
Mother: Margaret Bradburn
Spouse: Sarah Davis
*Note: “Breeding and Developing the Trotter” published 1906. He was for twenty-five years superintendent of Village Farm, East Aurora, N.Y.
Battle-Scarred Banner Presented at Buffalo Historical Society
IT WAS AT RIDGEWAY
It Bears Two Marks of Canadian Shots-Belonged to Late Mrs. M’Elroy
Buffalo Express, Dec. 1
[Welland Tribune. 12 December 1902]
A faded green flag, with one corner torn into ribbons, was placed in the collection of the Buffalo Historical Society yesterday afternoon. It is a relic of the Fenian invaders who crossed into Canada from Buffalo on the night of May 31, 1866, and who had to come back a few days later, after having thrown Canada into a spasm of terror. The flag went through what is known as the Battle of Ridgeway, which village is now more familiar to Buffalonians as the town back of Crystal Beach.
The flag was formally presented to the Historical Society by James McElroy of No. 621 West avenue, in whose family it had been for a long time and by D.E. Mahoney. The exercises were held in the society’s lecture room at 4 p.m. About 200 persons were present. President Andrew Langdon in response to a few remarks made by Mr. Mahoney said he was reminded of an incident that came under his observation while in the office of the president of a large New York bank.
“It was during a political campaign and one of the other officers coming into the room hung up the portrait of one of the candidates,” he said. The president immediately said, “Take that down. We have no politics here.” “It’s the same way with us. We accept relics whether we approve of them or not and we accept this flag for its historical interest.”
Secretary Edward D. Strickland then took possession of the flag and from now on it will be a public reminder of the small but bloody skirmish that took place on the Canadian frontier across from Buffalo between the ragged, but experienced fighters of General O’Neil’s command and the youths in the Canadian militia to whom the whistling bullets was a new and terrifying tune.
The flag, which was carried by the Buffalonians who took part in the invasion, is nine feet long and six feet wide. In the upper left hand corner a golden sunburst was once painted on the background of green silk, but its outlines were destroyed by a Canadian ball that tore through the flag at the Battle of Ridgeway. That portion of the flag is merely a collection of tatters now. Running in a line slanting upward and that begins beneath the sunburst are the following words in golden letters: “Buffalo, Seventh Regiment, Irish Army of Liberation.” Beneath this is the following inscription placed on the flag after the Fenians had returned from Canada. “Ridgeway and Fort Erie, June 2, 1866.” Occupying the center of the right hand half of the flag is the following also in golden letters: “Presented by the Fenian Sisterhood of Buffalo, May 6, 1866.” Part of this lettering is torn, the result of a bullet.
This flag was presented to the Buffalo organization of Fenians through the efforts of the Buffalo Sisterhood of Fenians. Especially prominent in the movement to raise funds for the flag were Ann and Maria Cruice. Maria Cruice was later married to James McIIroy of this city, who yesterday took part in the presentation exercises at the Buffalo Historical Society’s building. The flag was presented to the Buffalo Fenians on the night of May 6, 1866 at the home of Mr. Gallagher, at the corner of Front avenue and Caroline street. The flag was carried to Fort Erie, Ont., with the 900 Fenians who took part in the invasion. After having driven the Canadian militia near Ridgeway to retreat and then having to retreat themselves before a body of Canadian regulars, the Fenians hurried back to Fort Erie. While trying to cross the river, the Fenians were arrested by American forces. Later they were released. The United States Government authorities returned the torn flag to the local Fenian organization and it later came into the possession of Daniel Cruice, a member of the organization and a brother to the two women who had been so desirous to present the flag to the Fenians before the invasion. Mr. Cruice gave the flag to his sister, Maria, in whose possession it remained until the time of her death last March. It was in her name that the flag was presented to the Historical Society yesterday.
Miss Carrie Blanchard Arrives Home From San Francisco
The Iron Stairway Fairly Danced Under Her Feet-Walked Eight Miles to Escape From the Stricken City
[Welland Telegraph, 10 May 1906]
Miss Carrie Blanchard, who was through the horrors of the San Francisco earthquake and fire arrived home on Saturday and is at present staying with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Blanchard, Merritt St. Miss Blanchard gave The Telegraph a vivid description of her experience during the awful minutes of the shock.
“I was sleeping,” she said, “in my rooms in a seven storey office building of the city and had to be at the college at eight o’clock, and it was my custom to rise shortly after five. I was awake and thinking about getting up when things in my room began to dance about. I feared the collapse of the building and jumping up ran downstairs; it was only two flights to the street. The iron stairway fairly danced under my feet and I was tossed about from the wall to the elevator all the way down.
The great doors at the street were locked so I stood watching the bricks fall on the pavement. Every moment I expected the walls and roof to come down upon me.
Then in a minute or two that seemed an age, stillness began to reign again, and with it came thoughts for my preservation. I went back upstairs and dressed. It was a painful operation for though the earthquake was over, the cracking and grinding and twisting of the walls and girders made an unceasing din.
I got out in the street at last. I don’t know how. The thoroughfare was crowded with people, a vast, surging, dazed, bewildered throng-men, women and children, some like myself dressed, many in their night robes.
The whole thing was so appalling that we had but one vague conception of the disaster, though on every side we saw the ruins of the earth’s convulsion. As we stood wondering we saw the flames shoot up from the lower part of the city. Higher and higher mounted the forked tongues, wider and wider grew the fire swept area, and almost before we could realize it, we read in letters that flamed across the sky, the doom of the beautiful city of the Golden Gate.”
Miss Blanchard journeyed to the home of a friend in a distant part of the city, and on Thursday morn, the first morning after the earthquake, she resolved to leave Frisco if she could. It was impossible to get any reliable information, so she walked on and on for eight miles, passing scenes of indescribable horror until at last she reached the ferry. Thursday night she was in Los Angeles.
Miss Blanchard was attending the California College of Osteopathy and she has been unable to ascertain if the college survived the quake. She lost all her personal belongings, except the clothes she wore as she escaped from the creaking building. The building, like thousands of its fellows, stands today a charred and hideous ruin.
[See related article: THE FIRST WELLAND GIRL TO GRADUATE IN OSTEOPATHY]
[Welland Telegraph, 31 May 1910]
At the Ontario Club banquet in Toronto last week the Hon. Wm. Puglsey referred to the need of better wharfage and mentioned that proper mechanical appliances should be provided with the necessary depth of water to enable vessels of deep draught carrying large cargoes to discharge them rapidly and cheaply. “That means,” Mr. Puglsey went on, “the deepening and enlarging of the Welland Canal. It is a great work, which must be undertaken in the not distant future. Let me say, however, that this country is big and wealthy enough to undertake these two great works just as soon as we have the National Transcontinental Railway completed. In 1913, at the very outside, it will be completed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the country will be in a position then to undertake these two important works-the enlarging of the Welland Canal and the building of the Montreal-Ottawa-Georgian Bay Canal.”
[Welland Telegraph, 8 February 1910]
W.A. Gunton, Government Inspector of the Society of Neglected Children of the Province, was here on Saturday, and with Chief Jones rounded up the neglected children in Welland, the names of which are published elsewhere.
“You have your full share of neglected children here,” he said to the Telegraph. Asked what he attributed this to be he explained that the condition always prevailed in growing towns. Mr. Gunton went on to say that the children taken from here go to the shelter in Toronto, where they are adopted by people of means. He will address the St. Catharines Council Tuesday night relative to establishing a Shelter there.
[Welland Telegraph, 3 June 1910]
The present Halley’s Comet is being marveled at, but Deputy Registry Elliot of the Registry Office remembers distinctly a comet which ran within view of the earth about thirty years ago, which was much larger and plainer, and Mr. Elliot says more beautiful than Halley’s sky-wonder.
[Welland Telegraph, 31 May 1910]
The alderman who declares he will introduce a bylaw to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks in this town will find himself supported by a largely preponderating public opinion. Tuesday night one of the most valuable buildings in the down town section was set on fire by fireworks, and in that a splendid industry was threatened with destruction. A little girl in Welland had her eyes injured with a firecracker on Tuesday morning. On a public holiday the fine spirit loaded with firecrackers makes in unsafe for persons or vehicles to travel on Main Street. Property, of course, is always in danger. In St. Catharines on Victoria Day fireworks frightened a horse so that a man and his wife were thrown through a plate glass window and both had to be removed to the hospital.
There is surely something wrong about a pastime that carries with it exasperating annoyance and serious danger. The people of Welland are probably about ready to deny themselves the use of fire crackers.
[See related EVENT: TWO FIRES STARTED/A Number of Charges Against the Pastime of Shooting off Fireworks]
Subscribe..
