Results for ‘General News’
[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.
Read the rest of this entry »
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.
HAPPENING IN WELLAND COUNTY FORTY YEARS AGO
INTERESTING EXTRACTS
[Welland Tribune, 8 March 1895]
Mrs. A.E. Rooth of Port Colborne has favored us with copies of the Welland reporter, published in the village of Drummondville (now the Village of Niagara Falls), away back in the fifties. Our selections on Feb. 15th for a similar back number leave little more to be gleaned of interest to the present generation, but we cannot refrain from noting a few of the important events found in the Reporter’s columns.
DESJARDINS CANAL CATASTROPHE
The issue of March 19, 1857, gives a thrilling eight-column account of the dreadful railway accident which occurred at the Desjardins canal bridge on the Great Western railway, on the 12th of the same month. About sixty-four lives were lost in this fearful catastrophe, among the death list appearing the names of Samuel Zimmerman and Mr. and Mrs. John Bradfield of Niagara Falls, and John Morley of Thorold. Mr. Zimmerman was buried with Masonic honors, over two thousand people attending. The body was deposited in a vault built on his own grounds immediately below the house. Thos. C. Street and Dr. Macklem of Chippawa were injured in the accident. The Reporter appeared in full mourning; a day was set aside by the authorities as a holiday as a mark of respect to the memory of Samuel Zimmerman.
A NOTED PAMPHLET
The following advertisement appears; “The Chronicles of the Cataract, by Simon the Elder, just published in pamphlet form and for sale at this office; price, 25 cents.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sheriff Hobson announces Court of Queen’s Bench to be held at the “Town of Merrittsville.”
R. Henry of Drummondville and Dr. Aberdeen of Chippawa advertise St. Catharines mineral water for “indigestion and its various and manifold consequences.”
S. Falconbridge, postmaster, advertises a long list of uncalled for letters.
ARCHIBALD THOMPSON
Was county treasurer in 1857, and the complete auditors’ report for the year 1856 is published in the Reporter.
THE COURT HOUSE
Was then in course of erection, and the contractors, Hellems & Bald, drew nearly £6000 on the work in 1856.
DR. JOHN FRAZER
Was warden, A. Thompson, treasurer, Robert Hobson, sheriff, D. D’Everardo clerk and Alexander Reid and Richard Henly auditors.
AMONG THE ADVERTISERS
Are Lorenzo D. Raymond, barrister, Merrittsville, C.W.
James B. Secord, division court agent, Queenston.
James K. Peterson, Battle Ground Hotel, Lundy’s Lane, Drummondville.
F.J. & H. Preston, general merchants, Elgin, Suspension Bridge.
A.L. Cumming, clerk first division court, Merrittsville.
C.R. Otis-Clifton hardware store.
M.A. Mann-Dry Goods, Clifton, C.W.
M. Zimmerman-Dry Goods, Clifton
Suspension Bridge hotel-Fred Graham.
William Henry-Groceries, Clifton.
W.E. Tunis-Great Western book store, Clifton.
H. Barney-City hotel, Merrittsville.
James McCoppen-General store, Merrittsville.
Richard Henly-Drugs, etc. Drummondville.
W.H. Ayers- Tin shop, Merrittsville
Robert House-Western hotel, Stonebridge. “The best of liquors and an honest hostler.”
Saul Davis offers for sale the Table Rock hotel, which had then been built but two years.
J. Hartmann-Harness maker, Garner’s new building, Drummondville.
John A. Orchard-Advertises a number of well known properties that are now very valuable.
Adam Fralick-Pays cash for hides at his tannery, Muddy Run.
Wm. McKay-The one-price dry goods store, Drummondville.
Drummondville boot and shoe store was run by Thomas Cole.
Arthur Ellis managed the Ellis hotel, Henry Wright carried on a cabinet shop, and Lucien Morse a painting business in Drummondville.
The Niagara Falls museum is advertised by Thomas Barnett, who announces that “a new road, leading down the bank to the great sheet of water, has been cut through the solid rock during the the past winter at an immense expense, expressly for those wishing to to pass behind the great Horse-shoe Falls, and view one of the grandest sights of nature.”
Nathan T. Fitch advertises a “collection agency” at Merrittsville.
Samuel S. Smades, Stonebridge, offers his services as auctioneer, etc.
Volney McAlpine was a customs broker and town clerk of Clifton in 1857.
John and Alexander Pyper announce that they have bought the well-known Ross carriage works at Drummondville.
Wm. Horne was the veterinary surgeon of Drummondville.
Notice is given of a by-law to raise £466, 13s. 4d to erect a public school house in Clifton.
A LONG HEAD
The following appears among the notices: “Parliamentary notice-The undersigned gives notice that he will make application, at the ensuing session of parliament, to renew the charter of the Fort Erie canal company, or to obtain one to cut and construct a water course from Lake Erie to a point below the rapids on the Niagara river, for the creation of a water power, and for other purposes to be therein mentioned. -R.H. Thornhill, Fort Erie,”
MARRIED
At the residence of the bride’s mother, Lundy’s Lane, June 4th, 1857, by the Rev. John Roberts, Mr. Wm. Hill of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Miss Elizabeth Brooks.
A LIBERAL OF THE LIBERALS
In the House on June 5th, Hon. Mr. Cayley moved that the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole on the supplies.
Mr. Wm. Lyon Mackenzie moved to amendment a series of resolutions, recommending the following as a desirable remedy for existing evils.
The apportioning the representation of the people in the legislature upon the basis of population, or an equalization of the elective franchise;
A repeal of the permanent civil list;
The doing away with the property qualification of members of parliament;
Fixing the time for holding the general elections and for the annual meeting of the legislature, for shortening its duration and fixing the time of its dissolution; making the legislative council altogether elective by the immediate removal of those of its members who were never chosen by any consistency;
The extension of the elective principle generally, even to the head of the government, it being found impossible otherwise to provide an efficient check upon immorality and extravagant public expenditures;
The full right to legislate upon our local affairs, without interference or check by the British government or any of its agents here;
The introduction of the system of vote by ballot;
An immediate change of the practice of granting pensions or gratuities, except in special places;
The putting a stop to class legislation.;
The bringing about as speedily as possible universal reciprocity, entire freedom of trade between Canada and the United States, thus relieving both countries from the enormous expense of maintaining a fast increasing army of customs officers upon a frontier 1500 miles long.
[Welland Tribune, 2 August 1895]
C. McNeal, one of our local liverymen, lost a valuable horse yesterday morning. On Sunday he hired a horse and buggy to two Englishmen, named Baker and Hart, employed at the Cork Factory. About 1.30 yesterday morning he was awakened by the above men, and told that his horse was in a ditch on King Street. Hurrying over to King Street he found the poor animal dead in a ditch near the B &G railway tracks. It had apparently ran away and fallen into the ditch and been drowned. Both occupants of the rig left the animal to its fate instead of trying to rescue it; it had fallen in such a way that it could not help itself or keep its head above water. After calling Mr. McNeal both Baker and Hart skipped and have not yet been found. The horse was valued at about $250.
Subscribe..
