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CARMINE PIZZOGALLO

[Welland Telegraph July 30, 1903]

Fell off the Bridge

A sad drowning accident occurred last Saturday night about 930, when one of the Italian residents of the town walked off the western approach of the bridge, which was open, and was drowned. The young fellow’s name was Carmine Pizzogallo, and he has been employed at Reeb’s lime kiln for two months past.

Recently he sent  money in a letter to his father to pay the latter’s passage to America. On Saturday he received a letter stating that his father would come and that he would follow the letter in about two weeks. The young man, who lives in the big tenament on the east side of the canal, took the letter in and read it to his countrymen, who are living in the stone house on the west end of the bridge. He came out with his head down and evidently in deep thought he walked past the lantern which was standing in the centre of the approaches and went over. He struck flat upon the water, and as the drop is about 15 feet he probably was stunned. The bridge tenders heard the splash, and though there was no cry, they surmised what had happened and shouted to those on the west side to get a pike pole. They did, but nothing could be seen of the man.

The steamer W.L. Frost, which was passing through at the time, stopped her wheel. When the bridge  closed several boats and grappling irons were procured and about half an hour later Mr H. Babion hooked the drowned man. He was taken out at the ferry landing. His countrymen took charge of him and the funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, Rev Father Trayling conducting services. The interment was in the R.C. cemetery. The drowning accident leads to the enquiry of why chains are not placed across the approaches when the bridge is opened. It would take little time to place them, and they would be a great protection to life.

NEIL BLACK

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 10 December 1931]

Niagara Falls. Dec. 10-Neil Black, 63 years old, a resident of Stamford for the past 25 years, died suddenly at his home yesterday. Mr Black was born in Chippawa, for 20 years was in the employ of the Grand National Railway Company, and for the past 25 years was a gardner in Stamford. He was a member of Niagara Falls lodge, I.O.O.F., Jubilee Camp, Woodmen of the World, and of Stamford United church. He is survived by his widow, Laura, one son, Fred, at home; three brothers, John, this city; Alex, Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Fred of St. David’s. and one sister, Mrs. George Winters of Woodstock.

CROWN ATTORNEY COMPLETING 40TH YEAR IN OFFICE

T.D. COWPER, K.C.Was Appointed for Welland County in January 1892

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Granted Mr. Cowper in November, 1877, Extremely Long Record of Service

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 9 December 1931]

Crown Attorney T.D. Cowper, K.C., will on January 15th, 1932, have completed 40 years service to Welland county as its crown attorney. He was given this appointment on January 15th, 1892, and also has the honor of having been a barrister longer than the large majority of lawyers in the province of Ontario.

It was on November 21st, 1877, more than 54 years ago that County Crown Attorney Cowper was authorized to receive affidavits and other powers of attorney, and this authorization was signed by the then chief justice for Ontario, Robert M.. Harrison, also by Mr. Justice John D. Armour and Mr. Justice Adam Wilson.

Another interesting fact learned today by The Tribune was that on October 7th, 1881, Thomas Dalziel Cowper, barrister at law, was given power of notary public, applicable at any point in the province of Ontario, this being signed by the then Provincial secretaty, Hon. Arthur S. Hardy, and under the seal of the then lieutenant-governor, Hon John Beverley Robinson.

A.W. HAUN

Dunnville News

PROMINENT BANKER PASSES IN 64TH YEAR-WAS WIDELY KNOWN

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 11 December 1931]

His many friends in the Niagara district learned with regret today of the death at his home in Dunnville of Adolphus Walter Haun, one of the most prominent bankers in the district, who passed way this morning in his 64th year. Mr. Haun had for many years been associated with the Bank of Hamilton, later merged with the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and for some years he had officiated in Dunnville as manager of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. He was born at the old Haun homestead in Marshville, and married Miss Minnie Armstrong of Alliston, more than 35 years go.

Survivng relatives are the widow, also three children, Lee A. of Toronto, Mrs. Reginald Waterous of Brantford, and Mrs. William Cooke of Kirkland Lake, also one brother, E.L. Haun, 139 Welland street, Welland, and one sister, Miss Edith Haun, Wainfleet.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

SILVER WEDDING

POPULAR COUPLE AT FORK’S ROAD

MR. AND MRS. CHAS. A HENDERSHOT HONORED BY HOST OF FRIENDS

[The Welland Tribune-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 12 December 1931]

Forke’s Road, Dec. 12-A silver wedding anniversary was happily celebrated at “Hillsdale Gardens”, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hendershot, Fork’s Road, when about 125 friends and relatives gathered to congratulate them upon the attainment of their silver wedding anniversary.

Their marriage took place at the home of the bride’s parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Geo. E Gilmore of Wainfleet on November 14th, 1906. Rev. J.D. Stephens of the Disciple church officiating at the ceremony (now of Kingmille, Ont.,) was unable to be present in person, but sent a letter of congratulations, The dining room was decorated in keeping with the occasion. The color scheme was in gold and white, and from the dome to the centre of the table extended a large white ball with gold and white streamers to each corner of the table fastened with large bows. A three-storey wedding cake and bouquet of gold and white mums also graced the table.

A delightful musical program was provided by the Misses Zelma Beachin, Helen Gilmore and Edna Holmes, and others joined in community singing. Arthur Gilmore then gave a short address appropriate to the occasion.

Many beautiful and useful gifts were received. Also, a pleasing feature of the evening was the presentation of a beautiful floor lamp from the brothers and sisters. The address was given by Miss Beryl Yager of Morgansville, N.Y.

Mr. Hendershot replied, expressing his own and Mrs. Hendershot’s appreciation of this token of fellowship. A most delicious lunch was served.

SILVER WEDDING CELEBRATED BY BETHEL COUPLE

MR. AND MRS P.N. YAEGER ARE ENTERTAINED BY THEIR FRIENDS-MANY GIFTS

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 8 December 1931]

Bethel, Dec. 4-Mr. and Mrs. Peter N. Yaeger celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary quietly at their home, Sunday, with a family dinner. At a long table centered with pink carnations, places were marked for twenty-five guests and the Misses Dolores Gebhardt and Marcella and Cathryn Yaeger assisted. During the afternoon a program of music was enjoyed.

Mr. and Mrs. Yaeger, nee Miss Helen Mergi of Buffalo, were married in Winnipeg, twenty-five years ago and subsequently lived in Winnipeg and Buffalo. In 1923, they bought the farm, formerly owned by the late John and Mrs. John Pearson, where they have since resided. Mrs. Yaeger is an active and valued member of the Bethel Women’s Institute, and at present is secretary and treasurer of that society.

Mr. and Mrs. Yaeger were the recipients of many lovely reminders of the happy occasion of the hearty congratulations of their many friends and neighbors.

F.J. BRASFORD OF RIDGEVILLE IS DEAD; SURVIVORS

HIGHLY RESPECTED CITIZEN MOURNED-BROTHER OF ED. BRASFORD OF WELLAND

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 November 1931]

Ridgeville-Nov. 14-The death occurred suddenly at his home Pelham Corners on Oct. 27th, of F.J.W. Brasford a highly respected resident of Pelham township. The deceased was born at Jordan and had resided in Pelham for nearly sixty years. Besides his sorrowing widow he leaves to mourn their loss two sons and one daughter, Murray of Thorold township, Gordon of Montreal, Miss Bessie at home and three grandchildren. One brother and one sister, also survive. Ed. Brasford of Welland and Mrs. M. Hutton of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Funeral services at the house and graveside were conducted by Rev. W. S. VanEvery, minister of Friends’ church. The pallbearers were W. Anger, E. Bouk, G. Tunnacliffe, J. Ashbee, M. Smith and A. Learn. Interment took place at Friends’ cemetery.

AUSTRALIA JANE KEENAN

AUSTRALIA JANE KEENAN

81ST BIRTHDAY MRS. W. KEENAN

GUESTS FROM NUMBER OF OUTSIDE POINTS PRESENT AT PLEASING EVENT

[The Welland-Port-Colborne Evening Tribune, 4 November 1931]

Fenwick, Nov. 4-With guests present from Hamilton, Welland, Niagara Falls, N.Y., and other places, the 81st birthday anniversary of Mrs. William Keenan, was celebrated at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ida Eastman, Saturday night. The event was entirely a surprise to Mrs. Keenan, who is enjoying the best of health. During the evening she was showered with many useful presents. The Eastman home was artisitically decorated throughout with autumn flowers, which added much to the success of the evening. Music was supplied by the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the guest of honor. Speeches were made by relatives and friends of Mrs. Keenan, many humorous remarks referring to days gone by. Towards the close of the evening supper was served by the grandchildren and great grandchildren, one of the principle features being the birthday cake which contained 81 candles, and was cut by Mrs. Keenan. One daughter and two sons were present at the pleasing event, Mrs. Ida Eastman of Fenwick, Harry Keenan of Welland and Sylvester Keenan of Hamilton, as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The evening came to a close with the singing of “God be with you until we meet again.”

BIRDIE EVELYN FULSOM REINHART

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 10 November 1931]

Considerable regret was expressed in Fenwick and vicinity at the death of Mrs. Birdie Evelyn Fulsom, beloved wife of Harry E. Reinhart. She had been ailing for several years and underwent a serious operation at the Welland County General hospital Wednesday last.

The late Mrs. Reinhart was born in Fonthill 41 years ago, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fulsom, and had spent the past several years in Fenwick. In religion she was an attendant of the Fenwick United church.

The late Mrs. Reinhart is survived by her husband and five children, Candace, Vera, Lura, Ross and Carson, all at hime. She is also survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fulsom of Fenwick, and one brother, Grant Fulsom, of St. Catharines.

The funeral took place Monday afternoon from the family residence where a private service was conducted by Rev. George Killen, who later conducted a public service at Knox Presbyterian church. The choir rendered impressive music and Mrs. O. Burnham rendered a solo. Interment took place in the Dawdy’s cemetery, the pall bearers being: Art Reinhart, Harold Reinhart, Clarence Reinhart, Edward Reinhart, Roy Biederman and Herbert Biederman. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.

PEOPLE OF THIS DISTRICT INTERESTED IN SUCCESS OF MERCHANT IN NORTH DAKOTA

R.B. Griffith Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary of Grand Forks Store

NATIVE OF WELLAND

First Experience Gained in Business of Late L.G. Carter of Port Colborne

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 10 November 1931]

News of unusual interest to the older residents of Port Colborne and Welland has been received in Port Colborne recently, concerning the success of a former Port Colborne resident, a native of Welland, R.B. Griffith. R.B. Griffith, proprietor of the Ontario store in Grand Forks, North Dakota, celebrated on November 2, the 50th anniversary of the founding of his business, which has grown from a small general store, which at one time was on the verge of bankruptcy, to a successful and modern department store, employing ten department heads, occupying a four-storey building, and with its allied businesses approximately $1,000,000 turnover this year.

The record of Mr. Griffith whose first day of business in his Grand Forks store netted him gross receipts of $17.80, is one of continued progress, and expansion despite the fact that two years after the store was opened the proprietor was ready to turn it over to his creditors to satisfy their claims, when a heavy stock and poor crop came close to spelling disaster. From that time on, when his creditors extended him additional consideration, the business was built steadily upwards until its present strong position was reached. Mr. Griffith is now president of the company, with his son, Paul B. Griffith as vice-president.

Born in Welland

R.B. Griffith was born in Welland, December 24, 1855, the son of James and Ellen Griffith. At the age of 14 he went to Port Colborne as clerk and for three years was an employee in the store of the late L.G. Carter. Through alternative periods of schooling and clerking he reached the time at which he wished to enter the Woodstock seminary, but an epidemic which broke out in the school caused it to close and his plans were altered.

Mr. Carter passed throuogh the Dakotas on his way to Western Canada to engage in the real estate buisness and remembering that Mr. Griffith wished to start in business in the western United States, selected Larimore as the place in which he would build his store. Arrangements were made and a stock was shipped west from Minneapolis to Larimore. Arriving at what was suppose to be the site of Larimore, however, Mr. Griffith found that the town did not yet exist. He accordingly had the goods taken from the train at Grand Forkes and opened his store there at the time, naming his the Ontario store. Mr. Griffith himself painted the first sign for the store.

In 1885 he married Miss Minnie Webster, a clerk in his store, and four children were born of the marriage, three dying in infancy, the fourth , Paul B. Griffith being the present vice-present of the store.

Helps to Establish Church

In addition to being prominent in the buisness life of the community, Mr.Griffith was instrumental in the organization of the Firt Baptist church of Grand Forks, being clerk of the church of which Rev. C.Y. Snell, former Port Colborne man, was pastor. Mr.Griffith’s name has been inseparably linked with the growth of this church which was organized the year Mr. Griffith went to Grand Forks, with a charter membership of 16, and which celebrated its 50th anniverary recently. The late Thaddeus Zavitz, a Port Colborne man, was prominent in its later organization. Mrs. Zavitz, his widow is still a resident of Steele street, Port Colborne.

In 1900, Mr. Griffith presented the church wih a handsome Sunday school building, having promised that if the attendance averaged 250 for six months, he would present the new Sunday school building. The attendance reached the required average and the handome building was erected at a cost of $13,000.

William H. Carter, Mrs. Lucinda Carter, Leroy H. Carter and John Lynson were other charter members of the church who have relatives in Port Colborne.

Mr. and Mrs. Griffith and grandson, Robert Griffith, apent a couple of days in Port Colborne in August of this year, visiting several of their old Port Colborne friends including Mr. and Mrs. O.L. Steele who were also residents of Grand Forks and district during the days when Mr. Griffith opened and began the development of his business.