Results for ‘Early Citizens’
[Welland Tribune December 2, 1943]
Port Colborne’s oldest and one of its most highly respected citizens, Donald McGillivray, 92 died at his residence, King and Charlotte streets, at one o’clock this afternoon. A native of the town, he has lived here all his life, with the exception of one year, and had gained a large number of friends and much respect both in this district and in the adjoining section of the United States.
A well-known philanthropist in his later years, he was one of the men responsible for bringing the International Nickel Co. to the town. He was a staunch Liberal all his life, and was an active supporter of the party. He had been a member of the town council and of the parks commission, and was a member of the First Presbyterian church. One of the greatest events of his life came in 1939, when he was presented to the King and Queen at Niagara Falls.
Born in Port Colborne on January 14, 1852, he was educated in Port Colborne, and later attended Welland grammar school. He was employed for a time in marine work, on a dredge in the St Mary’s river and later attended normal school in Toronto. He came back to Port Colborne, where he worked as a clerk in a store in 1872, later establishing his own business.
The funeral will be held on Monday, December 6th, at 2.30 p.m. from his late residence, 46 Charlotte street, Port Colborne, to Overholt cemetery for interment.
A more extended obituary reference will appear in tomorrow’s Tribune.
DEATH CLAIMS TOWN’S OLDEST RESIDENT, ENDS FINE CAREER
[Welland Tribune December 4, 1943]
Funeral Rites for Donald McGillivray to be held Monday; Was in 92nd Year
Donald McGillivray, oldest resident of Port Colborne, prominent Liberal member of the Niagara Parks Commission since 1935, philanthropist and distinguished citizen died at his residence 46 Charlotte street, Port Colborne, about 1.35 p.m. yesterday in his 92nd year. Death followed an illness of some three months, but the late Mr McGillivray had been in failing health for the past few years, although until his recent illness he retained his keen mental faculties and his interest in world affairs.
The late Donald McGillivray was widely known, for his interests exceeded the boundaries of the district and province and he was known throughout Canada. He is the last of a family of five children born to the late John and Marjorie McGillivray in Port Colborne. His interests centred in Port Colborne, and with the exception of a year or so when he resided elsewhere, he has lived his long life here. Had he lived until January 14 next, he would have reached the age of 92, although he would have been celebrating his 93rd birthday. For Donald McGillivray always maintained that the day he was born was his first birthday.
Familiar Figure
Until about two years ago Donald McGillivray was a familiar figure on Port Colbornr streets despite his age, his tall, slightly stooped figure with gray-white hair could be seen any morning as he went for his morning cup of coffee and again in the afternoon as he stopped here and there through the business section to chat with friends. He was as well liked as he was widely known and had a keen and quick sense of humor. He was well read and a clever conversationalist.
The late Mr McGillivray was a life long Liberal and active in the ranks of the Liberal party for many years, being one of the chief contributors to the party in the district for many years. He was also a big contributor to First Presbyterian church and the church’s hall is named after him. He was generous to all worthy charities and, although few knew of it, was generous to a fault in assisting those in need.
In 1935 Donald McGillivray was appointed to the Niagara Parks commission and four years later when Their Majesties visited the Niagara district, he was one of those presented to them at Niagara Falls. This honor, Mr McGillivray felt was one of the highlights of his life. A year or so later he presented to the Town of Port Colborne a framed picture of his presentation to Their Majesties.
Donald McGillivray was born in Port Colborne and as a youngster had to cut wood for the woodbox that supplied the huge woodburner which furnished the heat for the McGillivray home. In the winter he went to the lake with a tub on his sled and drew drinking water from a hole chopped in the ice.
Mr McGillivray received most of his education in Port Colborne, attending school conducted by the rector of St James’ church. He attended the Welland Grammar school, now Port Colborne high school. And then composed of one room. He later attended Normal school in Toronto, playing football with the Normal school team until advised by his physician to return to Port Colborne.
Had Interesting Career
Mr McGillivray first followed the trade of carpenter and then turned to marine work. He worked as fireman of a dredge in the St Mary’s river, on the flats Canal, connecting the river with the lake. Later dredging jobs took him to Goderich and Kincardine before attending Normal school in Toronto. He returned to Port Colborne on May 24, 1872.
For a time Mr McGillivray worked as a clerk in a store in Port Colborne and then opened his own store. He sold drygoods, boots, and shoes and opened the town’s first tailor shop. He operated his business from 1878 to 1890 and then sold his business to interest himself in investments.
The late Mr McGillivray served as a member of the Port Colborne council during the years 1918 to 1920. He was one of the men who were influential in bringing International Nickel Co. To Port Colborne.
Until the last few months Mr McGillivray continued to follow current events in his newspapers and was a great reader. One of his most prized possessions was a scrap book of clippings of major political developments and other developments in the life of the Dominion and the figures associated with those developments. He was a great admirer of Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt. On his 90th birthday he was asked about the outcome of the war and, pointing to a picture of Mr Churchill said, “We’ll lick them, but it will take a long time. And here’s the man who is helping us do it.”
The late Mr McGillivray is the last of a family of five sons and daughters of John and Marjorie McGillivray. He was predeceased by a brother, John; two sisters, Mary and Catherine, and by another child of the family in infancy. His closest surviving relative is a first cousin Miss Mary McGillivray, residing in Rossshire, Sciotland. Second cousins reside in Toronto, Caledon East, Ingelwood, Petrolia, Peel Township and Little Falls, NY
The funeral will be held from the residence, 46 Charlotte street, Port Colborne, at 2.30 p.m. on Monday Dec. 6 Rev. R.T. Rutherdale minister of First Presbyterian church conducting the service, Interment will be in Overholt’s cemetery.
Former County Home Superintendent Passes
[Evening Tribune, 18 January 1965]
A former superintendent of the Welland County Home for the Aged, now Sunset Haven, Mrs. Eva McClellan died on Saturday, January 16, at the Greater Niagara General Hospital, where she had been a patient for the past four months, in her 90th year.
Born in Newbold, Worcestershire, England, she came to Canada in 1883 residing first in Niagara Falls before coming to Welland.
Her husband, the late George B.McClellan, was superintendent of the County home for the Aged and was succeeded by his wife, who had been matron on his death. Mrs. McClellan served a number of years as Superintendent before retiring in 1942. She is remembered as a touch-liked and highly respected county employee.
Previous to the McClellan’s tenure at the home, Mrs. McClellan’s father, the late John R. Hemmings, also served as superintendent.
Mr. McClellan also served as manager of the Welland County Agricultural Society which operated the annual county fair.
For the past five years, Mrs. McClellan has resided at the Eventide Home, Niagara Falls. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in that city.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. E.C. Webb, Bessie, of St. Catharines and Mrs. Grenville Townsend, Elinor, of Niagara Falls; two grandchildren, Mrs. Paul Kozik, Ann, of St. Catharines and Judy Townsend of Niagara Falls; two great grand-children and one sister, Mrs. A.T. Krafft of Cooksville.
The late Mrs. McClellan is resting at the Morse and Son Funeral Chapel, 5917 Main St., Niagara Falls, where services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. Entombment will follow at Fonthill Mausoleum.
[Welland Tribune, 22 March 1898]
Another old resident, in the person of David Robertson, passed away on Thursday last. He was born at Kirkwell, Orkney Islands, in 1813. In 1844 he emigrated to New York, where he remained for four years, coming to Thorold in 1848. He was stone-cutter by trade, and worked here till 1866, when he left for the gold fields of British Columbia. He returned home fifteen years ago, and has resided here ever since. He leaves a widow, one daughter and three sons. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, Rev. W.A. Cook officiating. The pall-bearers were: Geo. Gray, James Weeks, Chas. Madill, Geo. Darker , Jno. H. Wilson, James Millar.
H.G. Macklem Direct Descendant of Two Pioneer Families
11 YEARS REEVE OF CHIPPAWA
[Welland Tribune, 3 August 1915]
The late Herbert Gay Macklem, who died at his residence, 112 Bedford Road, Toronto, July 29th last, was born at the Village of Chippawa, Ont., August 20th, 1857, eldest son of Jas. F and Adelaide A. Macklem, the former a descendant of James Macklem, of the earliest settlers of the Niagara district-prior to the year 1800, and the latter, the youngest daughter of the late Col. John Crysler of Crysler’s Farm, a battlefield of 1812-1814. H. G. Macklem was educated at Trinity College school. Port Hope, and subsequently resided at the village of Chippawa, representing that municipality as its reeve for eleven consecutive years, during one of which he was elected warden of the County of Welland. He removed to Toronto in 1901, where he resided until his death. He is survived by his widow, second daughter of the late Lewis Ross, formerly of Port Hope, who represented the county of Durham for eleven years in the Dominion Parliament. Two children, a son and a daughter, Herbert, manager of the Imperial Bank, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Laura; also a brother, and his aged father. Mr. Macklem was a lifelong Conservative.
Welland Tribune
3 August 1915
Died: 29 July 1915
20 August 1857-29 July 1915
Bright s disease
Father: James Francis Macklem
Mother: Annie (Adelaide) Crysler
[Welland Tribune and Telegraph, March 1925]
The funeral of the late Mrs. Catharine Boardman, (Died:14 February 1925) widow of the late Luther Boardman (Aug 1883) took place from the family home, Main street, on Monday afternoon, and was largely attended by not only relatives and friends from the village, but from several outside places. Rev. Mr. Wedderburn of the First Presbyterian church, Port Colborne, officiated at both house and gravesite, the interment being to Doan’s Ridge cemetery. Those who acted as bearers and conveyed the remains to their last resting place, among a profusion of beautiful flowers, were: Herbert Appleyard, Merritt Ramey, L.R. Snider, William Learn, Laurence_ and _ Barnhardt.
The late Mrs. Boardman was born in Humberstone Township eighty-nine years ago, and has resided in the same district all her life, and always enjoyed good health until she was attacked with a stroke of paralysis a few days ago. When quite a young woman she married William Furry and to their happy union two children were born but both passed away when quite young, Do not have the rest of the obituary.
*Lorenzo Furry spent Friday and Saturday last in Port Colborne spent the week-end in the township, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Kennedy.
*Mrs. Lily Furry of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was in the village the early part of the week attending the funeral of the late Mrs. Boardman.
*Mrs. William Spence of Windsor has been spending the past few days in the village, where she was called owing to the serious illness of Mrs. Catherine Boardman, who passed away shortly after her arrival.
*Albert Bearss of Vineland and Warren Bearss of Campden were in the village this week attending the funeral of the late Mrs. Catherine Boardman.
Welland Tribune and Telegraph
19 February 1925
Died: 14 February 1925
Doan’s Cemetery
2 November 1836-14 February 1925
Paralysis
Father: Joshua Doan.
Mother: Elizabeth Dodge
[Welland Tribune, 25 February 1910]
Maggie E., wife of Alexander Reuter, passed away on Monday, after a brief, sharp illness of only four days, of broncho-pneumonia. Deceased was 41 years of age, and was a daughter of late M. Brady of Welland. Her husband, three children, and other relatives survive to mourn the loss of an estimable and loving wife, mother and friend.
The funeral was held on Thursday (yesterday) with services by Rev. Fr. Cruise at the R.C. church, of which deceased was a devoted and consistent member, and interment was made in the cemetery adjoining.
[Welland Tribune November 5, 1943]
Well-known Railroad Man, Fenwick District
Fenwick, Nov. 5-Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 31st at the home of his son, C.L. Brown, of Loverna, Sask, for the late Angus M. Brown, widely known railroad man, who passed away on Friday October 29th, after a brief illness, in his 87th year.
Deceased was well and favorably known in this district, where he lived for many years. Born at moulton Station in 1857, the son of Richard and Mary Brown, he lived the earlier part of his life in that district where he was employed as section foreman at Perry Station for a number of years. He came to Fenwick 48 years ago, when the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo road was under construction, remaining to fill the position of section foreman for 20 years. After the death of his wife, Ella Weller Brown, 30 years ago, Mr Brown moved to the west, where he has since resided..
He is survived by one daughter Mrs L.E. Haist of Fenwick; one son, Clarence L. Brown of Loverna, Sask., and one brother, James Brown of Moulton Station Predeceasing him were his wife, Ella Weller Brown; a son, Charles A. Brown of Winnipeg, Man., and two sisters who died many years ago. Interment was made in Loverna cemetery.
[Welland Telegraph 1900]
His 85th Birthday
The Founder of the firm of M. Beatty & Sons Celebrates his natal day, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Still Hale and Hearty
On Saturday, August 25th, at the home of Mr Matthew Beatty, there was a very happy gathering, the occasion being the celebration of Mr Beatty’s 85th birthday. For the past forty years Matthew Beatty’s figure and kindly smile have been known to Wellanders who point with pride to him as the originator of the firm that now enjoys a Dominion reputation. Gathered round him on Saturday, glad to do honor to one who has been a kind and loving parent, were his entire family, with the exception of two grandchildren (J.B. and Florence Young, who were unable to attend).
Those present were- Mr and Mrs Wm. Beatty, with their daughter, Miss Nellie, and son Eugene.
Mr and Mrs Alvin Beatty, their son Roy and daughter Helen.
Mr and Mrs Harvey Beatty
Mrs Nelson Young (nee Sarah E. Beatty)of Niagara Falls South.
Mrs J.V. Bergen, (nee Almira Beatty), of Austin, Texas.
Mrs Milton and Mrs Perine.
After receiving his congratulations of his guests, and partaking of family dinner, an adjournment was made to the lawn, where a group picture of those present was taken by Artist Morden.
Mr Matthew Beatty was born north of Ireland, near Londonderry, on the 12th day of August 1815. His parents were James and Mary Beatty, both natives of Ireland. When he first came to America he remained a short time at St Johns, New Brunswick. He went from there to New York, where he learned his trade. From there he removed to Michigan, and was in that state and on the lakes four or five years. He then lived for a year and a half in Buffalo, and a like period in Rochester. In the autumn of 1842 he came to Canada, and after working at his trade in St Catharines for a period of eighteen years, he settled in Welland. He purchased from A.L. Haun a small shop used as a foundry and in it established the business which has since expanded to the large proportions the Welland Iron Works have attained to-day. At present 35 men are employed by the firm, and this number is augmented in the busy season to 50. From the small repair shop of forty years ago has grown the fine shops and business that now has made M. Beatty & Sons’ name a household word among contractors the Dominion over. The chief manufactures of the firm are contractors’ plants of all kinds, mining machinery, steam ditchers, steam derricks, and steam shovels, hoisting engines, stone derrick irons, gang stone saws, centrifugal pumps, etc.
To Matthew Beatty the town of Welland owes much of its prosperity to his keen business instinct and integrity of character much of the success of the present firm is due. For years and years “Beatty’s” has been the backbone of the town. Nearly all the men engaged are skilled mechanics drawing high wages, and no apprentices are employed at all. Welland without Beatty’s would be like a ship without a rudder.
The Telegraph cordially joins his many friends in wishing that Beatty may yet be spared to enjoy “Many happy returns of the day”.
[Welland Tribune December 2, 1943]
Ridgeway, Dec 2-Funeral services were largely attended for the late Byron Disher, 83, well-known native of Bertie township, who died at his home on North Ridge street on Sunday last, after an illness of 14 years. He lived in Ridgeway for 43 years. His wife died 30 years ago.
The deceased was a member of I.O.O.F. No. 150. Services were conducted in Dell’s funeral home on Wednesday at 2.30 p.m. by Rev. E.J. Robertson. Interment in Ridgeway cemetery.
Casket bearers were nephews;- Clark Disher, J.E. Jewson, Enos Disher, L.G. Haun, Richard Haun and Harry Haun.
Surviving are one son, Charles, London; daughters, Anna, at home and Mrs James Cosgrave (Mollie); two grandchildren; one brother, E.O. Disher; three sisters, Mrs J.W. Jewson, Mrs Levi Beam, and Miss M.A. Disher, Ridgeway.
Fruit farmer Passes at 80
[Welland Tribune December 2, 1943]
Fenwick, Dec 2-A wide circle of friends throughout the district will learn with regret of the passing of Walter Leidens, who passed away at his home in Vineland on the morning of Monday, Nov, 29th, 1943, after an illness of a month’s duration.
Deceased who was in his 80th year was one of the most successful fruit farmers in the Vineland district, where he had resided for the past 44 years.
He served for a number of years on the Louth township council and was relief officer for Louth township. He was a valued member of the Jordan Station United church and a member of the session board of that church. Mr Leidens was a resident of Pelham township for many years previous to moving to Vineland.
His wife, Sarah Margaret Lane, predeceased him in July 1934. He is survived by one son, Frank of Vineland; one daughter, Mrs Edith Duncan, of St Catharines; one granddaughter, Donna Leidens of Vineland; three sisters, Mrs J. Hoffman, Mrs M. Fisher and Miss Elizabeth Leidens, all of Fenwick, and one brother, John Leidens of Grimsby.
The funeral was held from the family home at 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon with interment in Oaklawn cemetery, Jordan Station.
Subscribe..
