Results for ‘Early Citizens’
[Welland Tribune December 13, 1943]
Fonthill, Dec. 13-A pleasant surprise party was held at the home of Mr and Mrs John Terryberry on Thursday evening in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary.
Mr and Mrs Terryberry were married on Dec. 9, 1903, in the old United church parsonage, now owned by H.R. Abell, by Rev. W. Smith, and they were attended by the latter’s sister and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs William Lee. The bride, before her marriage, was Clara Evelyn Singer, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Isaac Singer of Thorold township.
They have two daughters, Mrs Harry Brooks (Doris) and Miss Shirley Terryberry at home, and two grandsons, Allan and Eldon Brooks.
A pleasant evening was spent playing crokinole, chinese checkers and ouija.
A delicious lunch, including the wedding cake was served by Mrs H. Brooks, Mrs D. Disher, Mrs C. Leng and Mrs B. Hamburg.
The guests present included relatives and friends from the village and Mr and Mrs Ralph Sampson and daughter Bunnie of St Catharines; Mr and Mrs Harry Brooks and sons Allan and Eldon and Mrs P. Brooks of Thorold township; Mr and Mrs Bert Terryberry of Ridgeville; Mr and Mrs Leng and daughter Carol of Welland; Miss Clara Gainer and Mr and Mrs Roy Singer of Singer’s Corners; Mr Herder of Toronto and Cecil Waines of Wellandport.
[Welland Tribune December 16, 1943]
Fonthill, Dec. 16-The death of Adam Kallar occurred at the Toronto General hospital on Tuesday. The late Mr. Kallar was 70 years old and has been ill one and a half years. He was born in Caistor and has spent the past 65 years at St John’s and Fonthill and was a member of the old St. John’s Methodist church.
Surviving relatives are his widow, Rose Ethel Kallar; two sons, Sheldon Kallar of Crowland and Harlan Kallar at home and one daughter, Mrs Eileen Doan at home.
The service will be held at the Drake and Barron funeral chapel at 2.30 p.m. Rev. W. A. Monteith will conduct the service and burial will take place in the Fonthill cemetery.
[Welland Tribune November 27, 1943]
Ridgeway, Nov. 27-On Thursday November 18, 1943, Mrs Alta M. Sherk passed away at the family residence, Highland avenue, Ridgeway, Ont.
Alta Mable Sherk was born in Sherkston on April 30th, 1895, having moved to Ridgeway eight years ago. Mrs Sherk, while not in good health, had enjoyed her usual health until she contracted pneumonia and was ill only three days.
She is survived by a daughter Beulah; a son Gerald; her mother, Mrs A.N. Sherk; three brothers, Earle at home, Cifford and Russell of Humberstone; a sister, Kathleen, at home.
The funeral was held at the residence on November 20th, conducted by Rev. A.W. Woolner, pastor of United Brethren church at Sherkston of which deceased was a lifelong member.
Rev. And Mrs Woolner sang a duet “Jesus is Always There.”
Interment took place at the Mennonite cemetery, Sherkston. Pallbearers were: Thomas Chambers. Alvin R. Benner, and four cousins, Erie L. Sherk, Fred Mable, William Mable, and Donald Mable.
The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.
Out of town relatives attended the funeral from Thorold, Humberstone and Buffalo, N.Y.
[Welland Tribune December 8, 1943]
John Pirson, aged 75, a resident of Stevensville for 50 years, well known general contractor, roadbuilder and quarry operator, passed away at his home on Friday, December 3. Although in ill-health for the past month from a heart condition, his death was rather unexpected.
The late Mr. Pirson was born in Tonawanda, N.Y. moving with his parents at an early age to Chippawa, where they resided 20 years, later moving to Stevensville. He was united in marriage with Mary Krieger, who survives, together with three daughters, Mrs Milton Plyley, Stevensville; Mrs Clifford Beam, Buffalo, Mrs Louis Brown, Bergenfield, N.J.; two sisters, Mrs Chris Flood and Miss Anna Pirson, Buffalo, N.Y.; two brothers, William and Henry, Stevensville, also five grandchildren. A son Fred Pirson, predeceased him in 1930.
The funeral was held on Monday afternoon from his late residence to St John’s Evangelical and Reformed church, Snyder, the service conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. Huebschmann, who rendered two vocal solos, “Saved by Grace” and “Sunrise Tomorrow.” The pall bearers were Chester Pirson, Arthur Pirson, Lorne Hyde, Forest Wagner, Fred Staples and Wilfred House. There were many beautiful floral tributes. Interment was in St John’s cemetery.
[Welland Tribune November 27, 1943]
Levi Miller, 72, well-known retired Bertie farmer, who for the last 12 years conducted a grocery store in Toronto, died in Toronto Saturday evening. Born in Willoughby township, deceased had lived in Bertie before going to Toronto. Left to mourn were his wife Mary, son Robert and daughter Shirley in Toronto. His first wife predeceased him 18 years ago. Also surviving are two sons Norman of Toronto; George of Ridgeway; three daughters, Mrs Chester Johnston, Ridgeway; Mrs Ken Thomas and Mrs Fred Thomas of Crystal Beach; one brother, Marin in Ridgeway, and two sisters, Mrs Jas. Morningstar, Ridgeway, and Mrs Joseph Busch of Buffalo. Funeral services were held from Dell’s funeral home, Ridgeway, on Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. P.P. Wilt, pastor of St Luke’s Lutheran church, conducting the service. Interment was in Zion cemetery, with casket bearers being M.J. Smith, Fred T. Smith, Norman L. Smith, Robert M. Doan, W.G. Athoe and Russell Elliott.
[Welland Tribune November 23, 1943]
Becoming ill while he was returning to the home of his parents early last evening in a taxi from Humberstone township, Guy Francis Hoffman, age 29, 33 Fielden avenue, Humberstone, suffered convulsions and died about eight o’clock last night. Coroner Dr. E.A. Mackenzie was called and with Port Colborne police is conducting an investigation. A post mortem examination was made by Dr. Lorne Whittaker, St Catharines pathologist, last night. Coroner Mackenzie said that he would not decide whether an inquest would be held until he had received Dr. Whittaker’s report.
Deceased was born in Dunnville and has resided in Port Colborne for the past 26 years except for some two and one-half years spent overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery until his discharge earlier this year. He was employed at Maple Leaf Milling Co.
Surviving are his parents, Mr and Mrs W.H. Hoffman, 33 Fielden aveue; two brothers, Pte. Earl Hoffman R.C.A.S.C., Camp Borden and Pte. Gordon Hoffman, R.C.A. pay corps, overseas.
Funeral arrangements will be completed later.
Funerals
Guy Francis Hoffman
[Welland Tribune November 27, 1943]
The funeral of Guy Francis Hoffman, whose death occurred unexpectedly Monday evening at the residence of his parents, Mr and Mrs W.H. Hoffman, 33 Fielden avenue, was held yesterday afternoon from the Dell and Merton funeral chapel to Overholt cemetery. Rev. Theo A. Iseler conducted the service which was largely attended by friends ad relatives.
The pallbearers, fellow employees of Maple Leaf Milling Co. Were Alfred Coles, J..R. Harris ,Andrew McCubbin, Edward Irwin, Jerry Foster and Dennis Thomas.
Among a number of floral tributes were those of Second-Tenth Dragoons, St Catharines; Wheat Cleaning department, Maple Leaf Milling Co; Canadian Corps Association; Canadian Legion and Maple Leaf Milling Co.
Friends were present from Brantford, Camp Borden, Welland, Dunnville and East Amherst, N.Y.
Niagara Falls Village
[People’s Press, 13 March 1900]
Mrs. Elizabeth Skelton, Victoria st., suffered a severe paralytic stroke early last week, which resulted in her death on Thursday morning, 8 March 1900. Deceased was fifty-six years of age, being born in Brighton, Ont., in 1844. She leaves a husband, Edward, and grown up family to mourn the loss of a faithful and loving wife and mother. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon. Service was held in Lundy’s Lane Methodist church, after which interment took place at Fairview cemetery.
[Welland Tribune, November 1916]
At Seattle, Washington, King County, on Nov. 16, Judson Howard Crow, third son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Crow of Welland, joined the ranks of the benedicts. The following is from a Seattle paper:
A pretty home wedding was celebrated at 4 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Virginia E. Allen, 911 North Seventy-Third street, when her daughter, Miss Lillian M. Allen and J. Howard Crow were united in marriage. The bridal party stood beneath a canopy of ferns, dotted with yellow chrysanthemums in the living room, the corner of which was transformed into a bower with potted palms, ferns and baskets of yellow chrysanthemums and pink carnations. The bride wore a charming gown of soft white silk with overdress of satin striped marquisette. The skirt was fashioned in short, round length. The bodice of satin was trimmed with silver lace and a full veil of tulle fell to the floor and was held in high coronet effect with a band of pearls. She carried an arm bouquet of bride roses and maidenhair fern. The bride’s sister, Mrs. William Walthers, was matron of honor and wore a gown of blue chiffon over charmeuse, embroidered with rosebuds. The bodice was embellished with cream lace and satin. She carried a colonial bouquet of violets and pink roses. Miss Ella Coffman, as bridesmaid, wore a gown of pink crepe de chine combined with cream lace and her flowers were pink roses. The groom was attended by Mr. W.J. Rossiter.
The bride’s mother, who gave her in marriage, was gowned in blue silk combined with Georgette crepe, and wore a corsage bouquet of violets and pink roses. The marriage service was read by Rev. W.A. McCall. A reception followed and a buffet supper was served. Mr. and Mrs. Crow left for a wedding journey and will be at home with the bride’s mother after December 1. Mrs. Crow’s going away gown was a tailored suit of Russian green, gabardine, trimmed in seal, with which she wore a picture hat of black velvet.
[April 6, 1961]
HE’S 100 AND HAPPY
Augustus Misener, 8 Herick Ave, is a wrestling fan, an avid reader of newspapers and a man who wouldn’t change a thing. He’s also 100 years old today.
“In the old days a man worked from sunrise to sundown,” he said, referring to his farm, now sold in Crowland township near Port Robinson
“The shorter work week and all the other changes all for the better,” Mr. Misener .said.
Crediting his longevity to moderation, not only of pleasures but of work, the cleareyed oldster noted that it’s all right for a man to work hard but he shouldn’t overdo it.
Having retired 30 years ago, at the tender age of 70, Mr Misener now lives here with a son, Cecil. A second son , Arthur lives in Brantford. Two daughters and two sons, reside in the United States.
His major pleasures include reading the daily newspaper from front to back (“I wouldn’t want to miss any scandals,” he says, chuckling) and watching the weekly wrestling matches on TV.
A non-smoker, who prefers his tobacco the old-fashioned way, as something to chew, not inhale, Mr. Misener’s great-grandfather emigrated to New Jersey from Germany in the middle 17th century.
The family then came to the peninsula, bringing grass seeds and fruit tree startings with them. At the time of the Fenian raids, Mr .Misener was six years old.
“I don’t remember the raids,’ he said. The invaders reached Ridgeway “smuggling themselves in and thinking Canada was such a small place they could take it over…”
He was reluctant at first to sell the family farm on his retirement, he said until he was shown that one son could make more working in a factory than two sons could hope to make working the farm. “That seemed to settle it,” Mr. Misener said.
He described the farm operation as a mixture of grain crops and cattle. Plus fruit. “In those days we never had the insect or disease problem growers have now.”
Members of the family and former neighbors from Port Robinson attended a special birthday party honoring Mr.Misener last weekend.
One of the highlights of the evening was the arrival of happy birthday wishes from Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
Children living in the U.S., are Mrs Sadie Monti, Baltimore, Md; Mrs Irene Bernier, Highland Park, Mich.; Milen Misener, St Clair Shores, Mich. And Morris Misener, Tamps Florida.
HE’S 103 TODAY FINDS LIFE HECTIC
[April 6, 1964]
Harmon Misener doesn’t have much use for today’s world.
“Too much hurly-burly..it’s no good, too fast for me,” he said.
But then, it’s not too surprising that a man who counts 103 years of yesterdays finds the hectic pace of 1964 a little much for him.
Whatever his opinion of the pace of modern life, it didn’t prevent him from taking his first airplane ride-to Florida-when he was 100 years old.
And until a little over a year ago he lived with his son on Herrick Ave. And made his own solo trips downtown- but his doctor decided it was time he took it a little easier, so now he lives in Bellevue Convalescent Home.
It is there they are holding a 103rd birthday part for him today.
He was born on a farm property at Doansridge in Crowland township and farmed it himself for most of his life. The property has been owned by his grandfather before him
Most of his youth was spent in the Niagara peninsula- but he did spend time west of Chicago when he was a youngster.
He speaks of a fire in Chicago about that time that was started by “Some old woman’s cow.”.In 1871 a fire-caused by a cow kicking over a lamp-swept through the city causing some $200,000,000 damage and high loss of life.
Now from a comfortable seat in a nursing home bedroom he offers this advice to youngsters wondering how he remains so alert with all the years behind him.
“Work hard and steady..and never abuse yourself.”I never smoked…could take a drink, but never too much. It’s not good to drink to excess either. Work hard, but not to excess.”
What about war record? “It’s a poor business, this fighting. I was never in the army..never saw any use in it,” he sniffed. There was always more than enough to do down on the farm.
When he finally gave up farming he went to live with his son, Cecil Misener at 8 Herrick Ave, in St Catharines-and from there flew to visit another son in Tampa, Fla., after his 100th birthday.
Last week a framed message on behalf of Premier John Robarts was sent to the nursing home wishing him well on his birthday. He recalled that on his 100th birthday the prime minister of Ontario had come in person to congratulate him.
He still has a lively curiosity and gave Standard Photographer Dick Titley and his equipment the once-over.”What does he want?” he asked. Then added; “He’s a big fellow.. I wouldn’t want him to be mad at me. What do you want me to do?”
He’s still lively enough to remember it’s spring too. What about the nurses, he was asked.”They’re really good and lovable..a jolly good bunch.” he said emphatically, as one brushed his full, silver head of hair. And how does he keep all his hair at this age? “Why, I never gave it away,” he said with a grin.
HARMON MISENER, OLDEST RESIDENT, DIES AT 104
[November 2, 1965]
St Catharines’ oldest citizen 104-year-old Harmon Augustus Misener, died yesterday at a city convalescent home where he had ived for the past two years.
Mr Misener was born in Crowland township April 6, 1861. He lived most of his life in the Niagara peninsula, and was a farmer until his retirement at 70.
He was a tobacco-chewer whose family emigrated from Germany to New Jersey in the mid-18th century. When his family came to the Niagara.
[December 6, 1926]
There passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs (Dr.) Newman, in Toronto, on Monday morning, Edward Dils, one of the eldest residents of this community. He was born in Gainsboro on July 13, 1845, a son of the late Christopher Dils and Sarah Jane Kent. His father conducted a general store, the only one for many miles around Goods and supplies were brought by team from Hamilton then. When a boy, the subject of this sketch would drive over rough roads with firkins of butter, barrels of dried apples, etc. Which was the currency received from the farmers, In Hamilton this load would be exchanged for other commodities, and in Hamilton was the nearest bank. For nearly forty-five years he engaged in farming near the farm on which he was born, then owing to the ill-health of Mrs Dils he made his home with his daughter, Mrs Miller.
In September, 1866, he married Margaret McMahon of Aurora, who predeceased him in 1918. The children are Mrs Edmund Miller of Dunnville, Mrs Oliver Henderson of Wellandport, and Mrs (Dr.) Curtis Newman of Toronto.
Mr. Dils was of a genial and kindly disposition and his face was familiar to many of his fellow-townsmen. He had almost no illness during his life, and his last illness was of only two days’ duration. He had gone to Toronto three weeks ago to visit his daughter and attend the Winter Fair, and intended returning to his home on Monday, but on Saturday forenoon he was taken ill and passed away on Monday morning.
Funeral services were held on Monday evening in Toronto conducted by Rev. E.M. Marshall of the United Church and on Tuesday morning the remains were brought to Dunnville, Rev. D.A. Moir conducted the funeral on Wednesday afternoon and interment was made in Kirk cemetery..
Besides his children and three grandchildren, two sisters survive him, Mrs Elizabeth Misener of Wellandport and Mrs L. Depotty of Dunnville.
Among those attending the funeral from a distance, besides the immediate family, were a cousin, Charles Duff of Hamilton, and another cousin, Samuel E. Dils, of Detroit.
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