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ALEXANDER McELROY
[Welland Tribune, 9 April 1874]
The death of our dear young friend, the late Alexander McElroy, has been such a dreadful surprise, not only to his relatives but to a very wide circle of friends to whom he had deeply endeared himself by his good conduct and ambition for excellence, that we deem it only right and proper to give a short account of his character and of the untimely termination of a life so promising, for the satisfaction of his friends and as an incentive to all young persons, to imitate him in his praiseworthy efforts to excel.
Our deceased young friend was fifteen years old, having been born in Thorold, Nov.12th, 1858, and for some years past distinguished himself in the Presbyterianism Sabbath School of this village, where his loss will now be deeply felt by his Minister, Superintendent and school mates. His kind conduct, application and intelligent answering, securing him marked attention, and caused the award of a Bible which would have been presented last sabbath had not his untimely death prevented.
In our Public Schools, too, he had ever tried to take an honorable position. For upwards of two years he was a pupil of Mr. Brine’s in the W.S. School; his kind and courteous conduct always made him a favorite with his school fellows, whilst the aptitude and intelligence so assiduously displayed in the prosecution of his studies, raised more than ordinary expectations in the mind of his teacher, who fondly hoped that at no distant day, he would take a prominent position in our country.
Since New Years he has been attending the Collegiate Institute at St. Catharines, where Messrs Hunter and Henderson testified to his general aptitude and proficiency when brought into competition with many much older than himself, amongst whom were some who had taught for years.
On Friday last, April 3rd., three young men,-Fuller Morley, James Lemon and Duncan McFarland were met by Alex on their way to Marlatt’s pond and neighborhood, on a shooting excursion. Alex, after getting permission from his father, left about 1.30 p.m., and in company with another lad, George Gordon, followed after and caught up with the others, and on Robinson’s farm was unfortunately shot about 8.15 p.m., by Morley; whilst letting the hammer down on the cap, Alex, in some unaccountable manner changing his position, unnoticed by Morley, who was almost distracted by the consequences but who was exonerated from all blame by all parties. The verdict given at the inquest was “accidental death.” The charge entered his left side and is said to have lodged in the left lung. Drs. Lemon, Johnson and Palmer were in attendance but could do nothing for him, and after dreadful agony, which he endured with perfect consciousness, and great patience till about 8 p.m., his spirit passed away to meet, as he said, his sister in heaven.
His funeral took place last Sabbath from his father’s residence, to the Presbyterian church, where it is said the congregation was the largest ever seen, whilst a great number were obliged to remain outside. The services were very impressive and the remarks of the Rev. Mr. Frazer, who conducted the services, were very appropriate. His remains were then taken to St. Catharines Cemetery. He was universally regretted by all classes who deeply sympathize with his bereaved parents and friends. -Com.
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