Results for ‘Early Citizens’
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.
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.
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.
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.
[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 16th 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.
[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
[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.
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 7th 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 12th 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 7th day of October 1905.
HORACE WESTIN GRAYBIEL
[People’s Press, 4 July 1905]
A sad death occurred at Niagara Falls on Wednesday last when Hodge Graybiel, formerly of this township, died suddenly from the effect of injuries sustained while at his work in the power house. Deceased had about recovered from the injuries above referred to and resumed work when he was seized with hemorrhage of the spleen, causing death in a short time. He was the son of Elisha Graybiel of this township and had been working at Niagara Falls about six years. Five years ago he married Winnifred Sherk of Sherkston who survives. The body was brought to the home of his father here, from where the funeral took place to Morgan’s church on Sunday and interment was made in Morgan’s Point cemetery. Deceased was an Oddfellow and the members of Beacon lodge, Port Colborne, attended the funeral. The pall-bearers were his three brothers-Omer, Charles and Harry Graybiel and brother-in-law, Wilmer Sherk. Deceased was widely known and highly esteemed, and his untimely demise will be deeply regretted by many.
[People’s Press, 26 September 1905]
Another of the pioneers of South Cayuga passed away on Thursday Sept. 7th, in the person of Mrs. G.F. Windecker, at the advanced age of 84 years. Death was due to old age. Mrs. Windecker was born in England in 1812, and came to Canada with her parents when she was six years old. She first settled in Brantford, but when about twenty years of age, she married Mr. George Windecker, and came to live with him in North Cayuga, in the present locality of the family. She and her husband lived there ever since, until Mr. Windecker died about seven years ago. A large family blessed the union-five boys and five girls: Mrs. Thos. Smedley of Fort Erie; Mrs. Geo. Gifford and Mrs. Jas. Topp of South Cayuga; George Windecker of Dunnville; Robert Windecker of Alberta; Mrs. D. Bradt; Reuben Windecker, Mrs. Benj. Topp, Peter Windecker and Herbert Windecker, all of North Cayuga. The funeral took place on Saturday to the Windecker church and cemetery.
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