NAME AND ORIGIN

[History of the Village of Fonthill, 1944]

To go back  to the beginning, it is said there is some record of a settlement here as far back as 1829. Osborne’s Corners was the first name given about 1842; next it was called Temperanceville, and finally Fonthill, after Fonthill Abbey in England.

There is a story told of the eccentric owner of Fonthill Abbey, Mr Beckford, who built the most magnificent resident in England, surrounding his park with a wall twelve feet high and allowing no one to enter. A neighboring Lord was so curious to see the place that he had a high ladder placed against the wall and climbed over it at night. He was soon discovered and taken to Mr Beckford, who, contrary to expectations, received him very courteously, conducted him all over his house and grounds, and entertained him in princely manner, after which he retired, taking most polite leave of his guest. The later, delighted with the success of his visit, was hastening home, but found all the gates locked and no one to open them. On returning to the house for assistance, he was told that Mr Beckford desired that he would return as he had come, and that he would find the ladder standing where he had left it. All appeals were in vain and he was forced to return to the place of his clandestine entrance and climb the ladder, cured forever of his curiosity.

No doubt this name, Fonthill, was given by some of the old residents who came from England, of whom there were quite a number; among them we find the names of Giles, Oxely, Willett, Robertshaw, Hobson and others.

A list of business men taken from John Lovell’s directory of of 1857-8, reprinted in a copy of the Welland Tribune in 1936, is as follows:

Baird, H.A. dentist and ambrotypist
Bald, William, carpenter
Berston, John H. Tobacconist and cigarmaker
Brackbell, Jacob, general dealer
Canby, Thomas, accountant, and commissioner of Queen’s bench
Cook, John R. Insurance and general agent
Cahill, Edward, tailor
Dentz, Benedict, carpenter and joiner
D’Everardo, D. Conveyancer, notary public, registrar of Surrogate Court, County Clerk and agent for Erie and Ontario Insurance Company
Dinsmore, A. Editor, proprietor and publisher of the Welland Herald
Elliott, William, painter
Frazer, John, M.P.P., Frazer & Johnson
Frazer & Johnson, physicians and surgeons
Gamble, George, boots and shoes
Glatner, John , Painter
Gore, J.C.
Gundy, Rev J. Baptist
Harris, James C., tobacconist
Harris, John Q., physicians
Hilton, S.R. carpenter
Hobson, Robert, sheriff
Johnston, William, S. Printer
Jones, Benjamin, wagonmaker
Kinsman, Danson, general dealer
Locke, Henry D. Merchant tailor
Price, John S. Postmaster and general dealer
Pritchard, Rev S.W., Baptist
Reilly, James, boots and shoes
Rice, E. Innkeeper
Robertshaw, George, blacksmith
Smith, Thomas, innkeeper
Scholfield, Adam K. Deputy Sheriff
Weidman, Michael, bricklayer and plasterer

CHURCHES

As no community can flourish and grow without people, so people cannot develop and progress without churches.

As far back as 1842 a Methodist minister visited the community periodically and held services for the public worship of God. At that time their services were held in what is now known as Hansler’s school-house, but it was not until 1856 that the Methodists bought the church on the hill-top, which had been built by the Universalists in 1850. Later in 1912, this building was remodelled and a basement put under it. The pastor at that time was Rev. J. G. Foote. During the pastorate of Rev J, A. Dilts the 75^th anniversary of the building of the first church was celebrated. The present beautiful brick building, replacing the original church, was opened and dedicated November 14^th, 1937, during the pastorate of Rev J, L Guinn. It is said the same bell which was purchased in Buffalo in 1863 still calls the worshippers to the services.

The Holy Trinity Church, Anglican was erected in 1862 by the liberality of Alfred Willett, Dexter D’Everardo, Robert Holditch, George Gamble, H. Price, George Robertshaw and A.K. Scholfield. For a small village church, Holy Trinity is rich in memorials. The new brick edifice was built in 1915.

The Baptist Church was the first one to be organized, services being held whenever opportunity afforded from 1844 until 1846 when the first church was built, known as the “Baptist Church among the Short Hills,” land being given by Thos Canby. The present building replaced the old in 1909 at the close of the Rev George Simmons’ pastorate, the corner-stone being laid by the Hon. Richard Harcourt of Welland who, though not a Baptist, was largely responsible for the securing in Parliament, years ago of the charter for McMaster University.

The Church of God really started here as one man’s family. Peter Bouk was at the head for several years but it has long since outgrown that. The present building was erected in 1908 when Mr Austin was the minister.

Many fine men have ministered to these churches through the years, adding greatly to the spiritual life of our village. It is not only of the church buildings and ministers we would think but also of the many sterling men and women who have been the pillars of the church, many of whose descendants are still carrying on the work which their ancestors so faithfully began.