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[Citation appears to be: Bru Can. October 14, 1885]
Welland, Oct 7—About noon today a respectably dressed man was found by two tramps in a Michigan Central freight car here, dead, with his throat cut. No papers were on him to identify or tell where from. The tramps have been arrested on suspicion and an inquest will be held.
St Catharines, (C.W.) Dec 14
[Buffalo Gazette, December 20,1843]
There has lately been some considerable disturbances among laborers on the Welland canal; but what is the cause, this time, we have not distinctly learned. It appears that Mr. Wheeler, one of the police officers, went out, with several assistants, to make an arrest among some of the canaller’s shanties, near Allanburgh; and on coming up with the accused, he found him armed, determined to resist the officers of justice, as well as many others of his companions, who fired at the policemen, and drove them from the ground—not, however, until Mr. Wheeler had levelled a pistol at them, which missed fire—himself receiving a ball deeply seated in the hip. An express was then sent off to D. McFarland, Esq., Port Robinson, for the assistance of a detachment of the colored corps stationed there, to quell the rioters, and effect the arrest of some of the ringleaders—which was promptly afforded, and they succeeded in securing the villian who fired on the police, and two others. They will, no doubt, receive the just reward of their misdeeds. Many of the canallers along the line, having refused to work at the reduced prices offered by the contractors, have been idle for sometime past—their funds are running low, and they are becoming desperate; and it is feared that much trouble and suffering will be the consequence during this inclement season of the year.
[Buffalo Gazette, November 20, 1843]
Within these few days past, there has been some serious trouble among the Irish laborers, along the Welland canal. We are not in possession of particulars, but have learned incidentally, that a fracas occurred lately, between some Corkonians and Connaught men, in which several were so badly beaten, that one of them died soon after, and was buried here; and another is not expected to survive. There are a great many laborers out of employ just now—they having quit work, in consequence of the Contractors reducing their wages to half a dollar per day, and also, by the stopping of the work on the locks.
[Buffalo Gazette, December 30, 1843]
We have been informed by David Thorburn, Esq. who has just left here, in company with Mr. Power, for the scene of the outrage, that a serious riot occurred, yesterday, (Friday) afternoon, a few miles above Port Robinson, where a considerable number of men who had commenced work at half a dollar a day, with an understanding that their wages should be raised, on the first January, to five York shillings—an arrangement which, we believe, is to take effect throughout the whole line—were attacked by a large party of those who had struck for higher wages, and driven off. Our informant was not in possession of any other particulars, than that several shots were fired by the rioters, and that Mr Moore, a contractor, was very seriously if not dangerously wounded; but whether from firing, or otherwise, he was not informed. A portion of the colored troops at Port Robinson, had promptly repaired to the spot.
[Buffalo Gazette, January 27, 1844]
We are gratified to learn from Port Robinson, that an armistice has been concluded between the beligerent factions, with some prospect of a permanent peace. Both bind themselves to give up their arms, amounting in all, we are told, to nearly 700 stand, and to give information of all riotously disposed persons to the proper officers. If the terms of the armistice are faithfully adhered to, we shall have no more canal riots to chronicle.
[Waterford Star, June 24, 1909]
On June 17 two Italian boys, 10 years of age, opened a switch at an M.C.R. siding in Welland and two cars were derailed. To the magistrate the lads pleaded guilty and were bailed out in $300 till July 17, when they will be sentenced. Detective Heenan says he will lock up all boys found on the M.C.R. property.
[Waterford Star, July 23, 1896]
Engineer Geo. H. White of the T.H.& B railway was killed on Tuesday by his engine being thrown into the ditch near Welland, and the fireman was badly hurt. This was the cause of the afternoon train arriving here two hours late.
[Waterford Star, September 19, 1912]
Welland, Sept. Saturday afternoon passenger train No. 78, T.H.&B. westbound, due at Welland at 1.06 while on the M.C.R. tracks just east of Welland struck a buggy, in which were Fred Tilley and his wife smashing the rig and seriously injuring both persons. They were hurried to Welland and County Hospital where Dr. Howell took a number of stitches and attended to their injuries. Fortunately, no bones were broken, but it was a narrow escape from instant death for both. They attempted to cross the tracks ahead of the train, but fearing he could not do so, turned the horse clear of the train, but the buggy was struck.
Reeve Moses Betts was Still in His Seat in 1867-
His Opponent Hill who got 19 Votes Sought to Oust Him
[Welland Tribune and Telegraph, 1 February 1923]
In the action heard last week touting the qualifications of James Hughes as Mayor, one case cited on authority was that of Hill vs. Betts, a citation that turns back the scene of history in this town to the year 1867.
The Betts named was Moses Betts, Welland Reeve, and a well-known figure in his day. The plaintiff was Andrew Gregory Hill, later Police Magistrate in Niagara Falls, father of General F.W. Hill. The two were opponents for the reeveship, Betts got 59 votes and Hill 16. Mr. Hill began disqualification proceedings on the grounds that Reeve Betts had been one of the bondsmen for James McGlashen, County Treasurer, and had not been discharged from his liability.
Moses Betts in his day was one of the “big men” of the village, for he owned the village saw mill, the planing mill and a general store, besides other properties within village limits. The general store was situated on what was then known as the gothic building on the corner of North and West Main Street, where Hilder’s Furniture store now is. The saw mill occupied a place out of town, or otherwise located where the citizens of today enjoy an exciting hockey match-where Lambert’s Rink now stands. Moses Betts lived on the corner of Merritt Street and North Main Street, where his property stands.
Betts opened up a subdivision in the village. A handsome plan of the subdivision is in the County Registry Office. But the name did not _. Across the top of the plan is written the word “Merrittville.” Merrittville was the village of yesterday-Welland is the city of today.
The plan disclosed the fact that Betts owned the property on the west side of the canal from North Main Street to Denistoun Street, on the bank of the river and over to Main Street. Across the river there was another property that was at one time owned by Mr. Betts. These were lots lying between North Main and Seeley Street, and south of Merritt Street with the exception of a small piece of land which is now known as the old Beatty factory. The plan, but slightly faded with age, gives the following information: Surveyed by Henry T. Ross, C.E., and certified by Jacob Misener, Provincial Surveyor, May 1857.
Moses Betts was elected Reeve of the Village of Welland in 1865, 1867 and 1870. A.G. Hill was elected Reeve for the years 1869, 1871, 1872 and 1873.
THE WELLAND REPORTER NEWSPAPER
PUBLISHED AT DRUMMONDVILLE IN 1853
[Welland Tribune, 22 February 1895]
SOME INTERESTING CLIPPINGS FROM ITS SORE AND YELLOW LEAVES
We have been favored by Mr. F. Dalton, sr., with a copy of the Welland Reporter, published at Drummondville on September 22nd, 1853. The issue is No. 28 of Volume 1, and is published “for thee state by George Simpson,” at the modest price of $2 per annum.
OLD-TIME ADVERTISING
The advertising rates are given as follows;-Six lines and under, 2s 6d for first insertion and 7 1/2d each subsequent insertion. Above ten lines, 4d per line for first insertion and 1d per line each subsequent insertion.
STAMFORD SHOW AND FAIR-1853
The annual show for 1853 had just eventuated, and here is what the reporter has to say of of it: “A fairer show of stock it has not been our lot to see at any previous township fair. It is a well-known fact that this township possesses some of the best stock in Canada, particularly in the sheep line. Mr. Jones showed good Durham cattle. Mr. Phillips of Chippawa showed the best lot of hogs. The show of driving horses was small, but that of young horses was large and good. The show of grains was very good. In butter the show was excellent, and the tasty manner in which it was put up only confirms us in an opinion which we have long entertained, that without the assistance of the fairer sex, this would be but a poor uncomfortable world, for “wherever their handiwork appears, taste and evident love of the beautiful manifest themselves.”
THE DIGNITY OF THE PRESS
The report of the above concludes with the following sarcastic reference to the matter in which the press was slighted.
“We understand that the members of the society sat down to a dinner at the Exchange hotel, and we feel satisfied that the spread was a good one from the fact of Mr. John Evans being the caterer; but not having been among the number of those honoured by an invitation, we cannot describable the feast, nor the splendid speeches that we feel confident were made. And there is little doubt that our remarks on the fair have been curtailed and confused, from the fact that whilst taking notes on the show grounds our ideas were attempting to form themselves into a set speech which we supposed we should be called on to make, in answer to a toast in honor of “the Press,” at the said dinner.”
It is worthy of note that of the entire list of prize winners that are given, but three now survive-George Hyatt, Samuel Pew and Abner Cook.
THE PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION
Is announced to take place in Hamilton in October, the cards of admission costing 71/2d each. Six thousand dollars were then offered in premiums.
BIG BUSINESS ON WELLAND CANAL
The canal boats were quite small in 1853, but the number of them that passed through the canal would put to shame our records for the past few years. The Reporter says: “During the month of August the business of the canal has been unusually large, numbering in vessels passed up and down, 525 schooners, propellers and steamers, exclusive of small craft plying between locks. In August, 1852, the number of boats passing through totalled up to 485.
WANT SOMETHING SPICY
A Stamford farmer (and some Stamford farmers like this one still live) gives the editor a little sound advice, as follows:-”People do not like being lectured week after week about their morality and religion, or eternally dosed with politics; they expect to find a general assortment of readable matter, just such as you have given us this few weeks back; nothing of an immoral character, but keep a joke for a laugh and give your readers something spicy.”
MUDDY MERRITTSVILLE
Another Stamford farmer hits from the shoulder like this:-”Can any of your readers inform me, through the columns of the Reporter, what induced the directors of the county agricultural society to choose Merrittsville (now the town of Welland) as the spot to hold the annual fair at? From the season of the year the fair is held and the clayey nature of the soil, I apprehend that instead of the thanks of the people of this county, the directors will receive the maledictions of those whose cattle will, during the fair, have to assist in making a (generally speaking) muddy hole, if possible, muddier.”
THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
“We are enabled to state that the contract for building the Sarnia and London branch of the Great Western Railway,” says the Reporter, “has been given to Mr. Zimmerman of Niagara Falls, who is bound to have the road completed one year from the first of October next-nearly three years in advance of the Grand Trunk line, the contract for which does not require the completion of the same before July, 1857.”
DRUMMONDVILLE MARKETS
Following are some of the quotations given for produce, etc., in the village market: Flour, per 100 lbs, 15s; beef, per lb, 5d; mutton, 4d; lamb, 3 3/4d; veal, 3d; pork, 5d; lard, 7 1/2d; butter, 9d; eggs, 7 1/2d; hay, per ton, 75s; wool, per cord, 5s.
A WEDDING
The marriage of Mr. Frank Dalton, sr., who still survives hale and hearty, is given in the following official notice: “Married-On Sept. 21, 1853, at Trinity church, Chippawa, by the Rev. Wm. Leeming, Mr. F. Dalton to Miss Jane Patton, both of this village.”
AMONG THE ADVERTISERS
Are the names of many old families, some of whom are today almost extinct, while others have left behind them plenty of “chips from the old block” to perpetuate their name and memory. In the following list familiar names will be recognized;
Land for sale-Edward Latshaw.
Fire insurance-W.A. Rooth.
List of letters-W. Hepburn, P.M.
Boot and shoe makers-J. Chadwick, Ferry road.
The Ross Carriage factory-Established 1826-Alex. Pew & Co., successors to Pew & Ross.
Harness-John Weaver.
Hotel for sale in Chippawa-R. Slater.
Stucco for sale-Andrew Murray.
Maps of the Falls-Samuel Geil.
Administrators notice-Late George Simpson.
Barrister-Geo. Boomer, Niagara.
Barrister-Lorenzo D. Raymond, Chippawa.
Barristers-Eccles & Lawder, St. Catharines and Niagara.
Barrister-Richard Miller, St. Catharines.
Physician-John Mewburn, M.D., Dauley house, Stamford.
Physician-Geo. McMicking, M.D. Chippawa.
Auctioneer-John A. Orchard, Culp st., Drummondville.
Harness-John Rapeljie, Chippawa.
Groceries-Robert Dougan, Thorold.
National Hotel-John Cummings, Drummondville.
Exchange Hotel-John Evans, Drummondville.
Whirlpool Hotel-W.R. Boynton, Stamford.
California House-Jonathan Wilde, Stonebridge.
Lovejoy House-Capt. H. Gray, Buffalo.
Exchange Hotel-R.B. Campbell, Stonebridge.
Livery stable-Hiram Willson, Drummondville.
Wool wanted-Thos. C. Street, Niagara Falls.
Groceries, etc.,-A. McLeod, Niagara Falls.
Dry goods, etc.,-James Lockhart, Niagara.
General store-James McCoppen, Port Robinson.
Buffalo train time-table-Wm. A. Bird, supt. “Passengers can take the lightning train for Albany and New York at 5 p.m.
Cabinet maker-A. Morse, Drummondville.
Drummondville book store-George Simpson.
Fancy poultry-W.A. Ferguson, Drummondville.
Chippawa cabinet works-Jno. Merriam.
Stoves-J.C. Yokome, Stonebridge.
Dry goods-R.L. Bigger-announces a fine large stock bought for cash, and warns competitors that “competition is useless.”
Russell’s brewery-Wm. Russell, Drummondville, Canada West-with a picture of the old brewery that fire has since laid low.
Dry goods, etc.,-Jos. C. Woodruff, adjoining National hotel, Drummondville.
Carriages-Henry Bond-Chippawa.
Cash for hides-Oliver T. Macklem, Chippawa.
Tinsmith shop-Barnabas Mooney, Drummondville, familiarly called “Barney” Mooney.
THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARSH
An order is issued from the Provincial warden’s office “forbidding all persons from trespassing in any manner upon the lands known as the great cranberry marsh, situated principally in the townships of Crowland, Humberstone and Wainfleet.” The notice is dated at Pelham, and is signed John Frazer, chairman board of commissioners.
THE PAPER
Is a good-looking country weekly of twenty wide columns, fourteen of which are reading matter. Its appearances would compare very favorably with some of the so called progressive newspapers of the present day. The name of the editor is not given, but the late W.A. Rooth owned and published the paper a little later in the fifties, and probably contributed to its columns at this time. The long (and only partial) list of advertisers given above shew that our predecessors knew the value of keeping their business before the public.