Results for ‘A.E.Coombs’
He was born at Glen Huron, Ont., on January 16th 1891. He is the son of the late Jared Beeshy and Hannah Hembling Beeshy. His parental ancestry is French and his maternal ancestry Suffolk, England.
At the age of eight years he was adopted by his uncle, Jacob Albert Beeshy of Ridgeway. In this village he completed his public and continuation school education, being the first student to matriculate from Ridgeway Continuation School. His undergraduate work included attendance at University College, Toronto, and at Queen’s University, Kingston. He received his master’s degree from Queen’s in 1915, majoring in history and political science.
During the summer vacation he assisted his uncle in the management of a retail china and grocery business at Ridgeway. During his high school terms he acted as a special correspondent for several newspapers in the district, and, in college he selected such subjects as might be of special value in journalism as a profession.
Graduating from college in the early years of the World War, and denied an opportunity of serving at the front, he sought to compensate for absence from the firing-line by other forms of service. At his own expense he took himself to England, and during the winter months of 1915-1916 made a first-hand intensive study of the famous Derby Recruiting Campaign, that greatest of modern experiments in the raising of a volunteer army.
Some of the methods successfully employed in that campaign in England appeared to him to be adaptable to conditions peculiar to Canada, and with this thought in mind, he prepared considerable data which appeared to him of value, and which he transmitted to the proper Canadian authorities on returning home. By them he was warmly commended for the service he had rendered.
The serious illness and untimely death of his uncle in December 1916, raised the alternatives of putting a long established business on the auction block, or of surrendering his hopes of entering journalism as a life work. For reasons which were partially beyond his control, he accepted the second alternative. He had a definite ideal of the kind of business he wished to develop. He foresaw that only in a specialized development of his little shop could his hope for material success. He believed there was a future for an institution, concentrating on the importation and sale of the less common and more distinctive varieties of English china and pottery.
He contrived as soon as possible to relegate the grocery department of his store to the limbo of forgotten things. He gradually enlarged and improved his showrooms, extended his connections with a group of notable Staffordshire potters, and was soon in a position to offer to his trade a really remarkable collection of uncommon and highly interesting patterns in china and pottery, such as was seldom to be met with, even in well-known city shops.
He is a firm believer in the power of advertising, and considers that he derives the most satisfactory results from a carefully planned scheme of direct-mail advertising plus a consistent distribution of advertising material over the counter of his shop.
By concentrating on the productions of a small group of outstanding English potters he has built up a highly specialized business, which in many respects has few, if any, counterparts in Canada. The strategic position of Ridgeway, near one of the main arteries of International tourist traffic brings tens of thousands of visitors each year from every part of the United States and Canada, a circumstance which has contributed largely to the widespread distribution which Mr. Beeshy’s shop enjoys. It is perhaps not too much to say that there is scarcely a State in the American Union, nor a province in Canada where china purchased at this little village shop cannot be found.
Several years ago, inspired by one of the old-time shops in the ancient city of Chester, he rebuilt his own store front after the style of modified Elizabethan architecture, with the result that it is easily discernible by the passer-by, and readily to be remembered once it has been seen.
The whole institution is an interesting example of what may be accomplished in even a small community by anyone possessed of a keen imagination combined with a fair measure of business ability.
By making personal journeys to the potteries in England, Mr. Beeshy has built up a valuable connection, and one that has made it possible for him to select his stocks in person in a much more satisfactory manner than would otherwise be possible.
By heritage and training he is a Liberal in doctrine, while declining to commit himself unreservedly to the shibboleth of any particular party.
Events of historical and economic importance claim his special interest, while swimming and tennis are his favorite sports.
Mr. Beeshy is a member of the United Church of Canada, and has served his local church from time to time as treasurer, trustee and steward. He is also a member of Dominion Lodge, A.F. and A.M., Ridgeway, and has served as secretary and trustee of that body. He is a member of Moore Consistory A. and A.S.R., 32nd degree.
On Good Friday, 1919, he was married to Ora Winnifred, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ward B. Disher of Ridgeway. They have two children-Winnifred Lucille and Kennard Milton.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
Ownership of one of the most exclusive hotels in Welland County, which is operated under his direct supervision, has not prohibited the subject of this sketch to take an active part in the administration of municipal office and in the business of the local government.
Percy Alonzo Rice was born in Dunnville, Ont., on May 22nd, 1881. He is the son of William Henry and late Abigail Elizabeth, nee Wilson, Rice. His father was a hotelman and English. His mother was Scotch.
Mr. Rice attended the Public School and the High School of Bridgeburg, Ont. While still attending high school he was employed during part of his time as a messenger boy for the old Grand Trunk Railroad at Bridgeburg.
Mr. Rice’s next position was with his father in Welland, where he participated in the management of the Welland Hotel for a period of fifteen years.
During all of this time Mr. Rice took a great interest in hotel management and studied the means of obtaining a profit through it. After this he moved to Ridgeway and purchased the McLeod House, which he still owns and operates.
When Ridgeway’s first fire department was organized years ago, Mr. Rice was made its chief, and for a period of three years he kept this post and demonstrated his ability in managing that department of the local government.
In his participation in many other community or municipal enterprises, Mr. Rice has taken an active part, and has contributed loyally of his time, his money and his executive ability toward the development of a greater Ridgeway.
The McLeod House is one of the finest and most exclusive of the more conservative hotels in the county. There is an atmosphere about the establishment of comfort, dignity and homeliness.
Mr. Rice is an active member of the Wilson Chapter R.A.M. No. 64, Welland; a pastmaster of the Cope-Stone Lodge 373, A.F. and A.M. of Welland; a member of the Hindoo Koosh Grotto, Hamilton; Scottish Rite, 32 degree, Buffalo; and the Ismailia Shrine, Buffalo. He is also a member of the Church of England.
On October 4th, 1906, Mr. Rice was married to Cora Emma Wise, of Ridgeway, the daughter of Jacob and Hannah Wise of Ridgeway. Mrs. Rice passed away on April 16th, 1928.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
One of the substantial citizens of Welland, is a pharmacist owner and proprietor of a well-appointed Drug Store in the centre of the city.
Mr. Brennan was born June 29th, 1878, in St. Catharines, Ont., and is the son of the late Luke J. Brennan and Mary Jane (Whitten) Brennan. His father was born and raised on a farm near Kingston City, and was later a bookbinder in St. Catharines and Welland, and died in 1909. His mother was born at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and died in 1913. His grandparents were all born in Ireland. Mr. A.J.J. Brennan came to Welland at the age of two years and acquired his early education at the Public and High School in Welland, graduating from High School in 1895. He graduated from the Ontario College of Pharmacy and the Toronto University in 1903 with a degree in Phm.B.
He went into the drug business in 1906, buying out the store of an old-time druggist, J. Hamilton Burgar, and is still active in that business.
He has also for many years been interested in many side lines, particularly real estate and the wholesale tobacco business.
In public life he was a member of the High School Board for many years, and was chairman of that body in 1912. He was elected to City Council in 1918, and the following year was elected Mayor of Welland, retiring from public life in 1920. His fraternal affiliations are with Merritt Lodge 168, Masonic, of which he is a past master, Rameses Temple as a Shriner, and he is also an Oddfellow and an Orangeman. He is a member of the Welland Club, Lookout Point Golf Club, Burlington Golf Club, but gives most of his time to his business, in which he takes a delight, and has given a service that has resulted in the up building of a substantial business.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
Among those men who are able to look back upon the successes that they have made in Welland County without the feeling that there is some position to which they might aspire, is the subject of this sketch who, because of the many and varied positions of high esteem he has held, has tasted of a life that is filled with glamour.
William Jones Best was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland County, on September 22nd, 1852. He is the son of the late Robert Best, a native of England.
Mr. W.J. Best attended the public school in Niagara-on-the-Lake and was then sent to a private institution for a short period.
Because his father had been engaged in the meat business, Mr. Best went to Chicago at the age of 20 years, where he worked for an oyster concern and where he remained until he was 26 years old.
He then went to Welland and started a business in the general mercantile line with his brother, Robert B. Best. The partnership was dissolved in 1886, when his brother left Welland County for Vancouver. The establishment was located on East Main Street, and won a large patronage through the excellence meats it carried.
Until 1906, Mr. Best maintained this business, but retired to live in his beautiful home which is located at 15 Hellems Street.
For two years Mr. Best served on the county council, before the town of Welland was incorporated as a city. He was made a deputy reeve for one year, and then was elected reeve.
Mr. Best also served in the city council for a number of years, and was made Mayor of Welland by acclamation in 1903. He fulfilled this post as chief executive in an admirable manner.
For a term of two years he served as a member of the school board, and during this period did much to further the educational progress of the district, being a hearty supporter of such policies as were of the greatest benefit to the tax-paying public.
Mr. Best is now chairman of the Hydro-Electric and is considered in Welland County to be a man whose sterling worth in the administration of the affairs of large corporate interests is inestimable. In association of W.M. German he was largely instrumental in converting a piece of property often referred to as an eye-sore along the canal bank into a beautiful park, now known as Merritt Park.
Mr. Best serves as a warden of the Anglican Church, a post which he has held for eight years. He is a member of the Horticulture Society, and many other fraternal and social organizations.
He is interested in the nursery, which is operated under the name of Brown Brothers. In this enterprise he is joined by David Ross and L.B. Duff. He is great lover of gardening, horses and sports. At one time he was active in horse racing, driving harness race trotters.
Mr. Best was married in Welland on July 8th1885, to Margaret Lock, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Lock. They had three children: Frank, who is now 36 years old, and was wounded in the Canadian army during the World War; Harry, who was killed in the World War, and Fanny, the twin of Frank, who also passed away recently/
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
While working most of his years on a farm, then in the diary business and stock-raising, he chanced to do a lot of work in another line, which finally showed so much promise and proved to be so profitable that he finally adopted it as his regular vocation, and therein has made a striking success.
Mr. Storm was born on September 18th, 1887, at Sherkston, Ont., and is the son of Peter Storm, (mother Marion Beam) who was a farmer at that place and who was County Councillor for a number of years. Orrie Storm, acquired his early education at the public school on Humberstone Road, and after leaving school went to work helping his father on the farm. Being ambitious to do something for himself, he went to Welland where he secured employment with the Plymouth Cordage Works, but, tiring of this he returned to farm work with his father, working on shares. He next embarked on the business of raising bees and for ten years was very successful in that line, until he succeeded in buying a one-hundred acre farm of his own and began the dairy business. He began raising fine stock and his Holstein cattle won a number of prizes at the Bertie County Fair. At that time he did a lot of excavating with his team, and it proved so profitable that he sold his farm and went into the excavating business on a large scale, with modern equipment, and to-day is dong a large business In that line. Among his first large contracts, was the Dufferin Street Garage, the Stratton Building, and the Government Liquor Store. He is much interested in horses, dogs, cattle and bees. He is not partial to any particular religion, but believes them all to be good. He was married in Bridgeburg on May 4th, 1912, to Miss Clara Elizabeth Yockim, daughter of David Yockim, a farmer, who was born in Brookfield; they have two children, Emma Elizabeth, and Menno Joseph, the latter being named after his great grandfather who is still living at the age of ninety-two in Black Creek, Welland County.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
So intimately associated with the history of Welland is the name of John Young, that, whenever pioneer merchants, ex-government officials and Bertie township is mentioned one immediately thinks of him whose early intense labors made success so sure for the present and even better for the future. A career dictated by a rampant desire of service, no early civic or business enterprise was undertaken without enlisting the aid and influence of this very capable man.
Born May 1st, 1855, in Buffalo N.Y., son of John and Mariah (Dahl) Young. His father, of German descent, was then a merchant tailor in Buffalo. After attending the public schools there, Mr. Young joined his father in the tailoring business, remaining with him until 1878.
From then to 1903 he conducted his own successful establishment in Ridgeway. Upon retiring he was prevailed upon to become Customs officer at Crystal Beach, holding this responsible position with a remarkable record for ten years. Again anxious to be active he founded his present builder’s supply and coal business in 1905, the success of which is now well-known history. Due to his advanced years and the state of his health, Mr. Young sold his business to his sons, Harrison and Charles Young, in 1925. They still conduct it under the old name of John Young & Sons, at Ridgeway, Ont.
Appointed treasurer of Bertie township in 1897, Mr. Young has the extraordinary record of still serving the community in so responsible a position for thirty-three continuous years. In addition to being a Bertie township trustee, also, he has served for nine years in the same capacity on the Ridgeway School Board. A member of the United Church, Oddfellows, Ridgeway Lodge and the Canadian Order of Foresters.
Married fifty years ago, on September, 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Young celebrated their golden and fiftieth anniversary at that time. Mrs. Young was formerly Miss Cora G. Disher, daughter of Ralph Disher, who was also treasurer of Bertie township prior to Mr. Young. Mr. Disher’s other well-known and early activities are prominently mentioned in the early history of Welland County, published in 1887.
Mr. Young has four children living, and three deceased. Harold Ralph Young, married and quite a successful accountant, is located in Chicago, ILL., Charles C. Young, also married, is in the business with his brother Harrison, as above mentioned; Grace Mildred, the daughter, resides with the parents.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
A barrister and solicitor with offices at 44-46 Temple Building, Welland, Ont., is recognized as very capable in many branches of his profession and has successfully built up a splendid practice.
Mr. Ross was born on June 3rd, 1897, at Wellandport, county of Lincoln, Ont.; the oldest son of James A. Ross and Sarah Agnes (Kay) Ross, the former being an ex-member of the provincial parliament for the old electoral riding of Monck and now in the brokerage business, living at Wellandport. Mr. Ross’ mother is a daughter of the late Thomas Henry Kay, who for two years conducted a carriage and wood-working business at Wellandport and a niece of the late James T. Brundage of Niagara Falls, N.Y., who was one of the first men to capitalize in an extensive way on the tourist possibilities of the Falls.
The subject of this review gained his early education in the public school at Wellandport, later, attending the Dunnville high school and then the Smithville high school, obtaining his articulation at the age of fifteen years.
After studying law at Dunnville and spending a couple of years in the life insurance business, he attended Osgoode Hall and graduated with honors in 1920. He was enrolled as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ontario on the second day of March, 1921, and immediately began a law practice at Wellandport and then came to Welland in 1922, taking offices at his present location in the Temple Building. In 1928, in partnership with Mr. John Goodwin, he formed a small loan business known as Welland Loan Co, which after operating for one year was absorbed by Welland Discount Corporation, Limited, incorporated for that purpose, of which concern Mr. Ross is managing director and company solicitor.
Mr. Ross was married in 1922 to Miss Lulu I. White of Humberstone. They have two children, Frances Jean and Helen Kay. His social contact is with the Welland Club and his fraternal affiliations are with Imperial Lodge No. 392, I.O.O.F. of Toronto. For recreation he prefers bridge and billiards but enjoys all sports. Mr. Ross is one of a family of four, having two sisters, Eula I., a school teacher, and Roma K., at home, and one brother Romaine K., who is attending law school at Osgoode Hall, Toronto.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
James Howills Atherton is a veteran business man and citizen of Welland who has been active in the wood working line for the last two decades, and has reared a family of children who give special credit to his name.
Mr. Atherton was born on November 22nd, 1887, in Liverpool, England, and is the son of Nathan Atherton, who was born in Kirby, England, and was engaged in the wood working business. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Liverpool until he was thirteen years old, when he went to work for his father and attended the Evening Technical School in Manchester, England.
In 1906 he decided to try his fortunes in the new world and came to Canada in that year, locating in Orillia, doing carpenter work for W.J. Hickey of that place. After a short stay in that place, he came to Welland, Ont., on construction work for the same employer, then bettered himself by engaging for work with Samuel Lambert, as superintendent of his planing mill.
Being now fairly well settled in his new field, he started a small shop of his own on Division Street in Welland and ran it successfully for two years, when a fire wiped out his shop and he lost everything he had and was completely broke. Nothing daunted, he started again in 1924, at which is now his present place of business, with but one man, and constructed one of the largest and most modernly equipped concerns in the county, as the Atherton Woodworking Company, now operating with ten men, and going all the time, engaged in the manufacture of store fronts, office and store fittings, and special mill work. He has made most of the store fixtures and fronts for all big contracts in Welland, and for some of the best homes and buildings in Welland County. Mr. Atherton has been identified as instructor in vocational training in the Welland High School for six years; a member of the Board of Education, Welland High School, for three years, and has always taken a great interest in and is now a member of the Board of Trade. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masons and Oddfellows. He was married on May 3rd, 1910, to Miss Lillian Macaulay, at Welland; they have four children, Frank, now working in the shop learning the business; James and Angus, attending school and an infant son, Donald. He is a member of the Anglican Church. He resides in his own home, 119 Dorothy Street.
Mr. Atherton is a business man whose experience has put him in contact with the realities of life, since boyhood. He has had setbacks, has overcome obstacles, and has been almost entirely responsible for the building up of one of Welland’s leading industries, including an equipment for the manufacture of store fittings and special mill work.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
Although he has given to Welland one of its important industries, the subject of this sketch has found time to divert his attention from his active, growing establishment, the Welland Iron and Brass Company, and play an important role in the drama of Welland’s public affairs.
Edward James Anderson was born in Forfar, Scotland, on December 29th, 1877. His parents were Robert and Margaret (Miller) Anderson of Scotland. His father was engaged in dairy farming in Forfar, Scotland. He passed away in June, 1878, in Scotland, by accident.
After attending the public schools of Forfar, Mr. Anderson entered a technical school, where he made an inclusive and exhaustive study of mechanical engineering, graduating from his courses with high honors.
At the age of twenty-three, in 1900, Mr. Anderson embarked in Scotland for New York and came direct to Hamilton, Ont., where he continued his studies. In Hamilton he took a position as mechanical draughtsman. He studied zealously and finally, with W.S. McIntyre, established the Welland Iron and Brass Company.
This company is employed in the making of iron, brass and copper castings, and in doing general machine and pattern work. It is now in its 11th year of operation, each year of which it has increased its volume and extended its trade under the able administration of its officers. It employs 25 men, and enjoys an ever-increasing popularity in its own fields.
Mr. Anderson came to Welland in 1902, after spending two years in Hamilton. He soon became interested in the affairs of the local government and, as a citizen, acted for the advancement of many measures for civic improvement. The ardor and vigor that he displayed in these acts gave him a large number of friends who, in 1923, asked him to become a candidate for the city council in the election of that year.
In the 1923 election Mr. Anderson was victorious, and was seated in the city council for a term of two years.
During the term of 1923 and 1924 many problems arose before the government, where the sane counsel of Mr. Anderson proved invaluable in the administration of affairs. Everywhere he was recognized as one of the leaders of progressive activity, sponsoring and fighting for many movements of general public benefit-movements which to-day have shown the foresight of the alderman.
In the last few months, as an alderman, Mr. Anderson had won such confidence and support among his consistency that he was being mentioned for an even higher position of trust and public service. He was requested to become a candidate for mayor by a group of the most active and prominent Welland residents. He accepted the tender and became mayor in the 1925 election by a large plurality of votes. He continued his judicious management of the local government and remained in the office of chief executive of Welland during 1925, 1926, 1927 and 1928.
Mr. Anderson is now President of the Welland County Hospital Board. He is a member of the Board of the Water Commission and a member of the Mother’s Allowance Board. He belongs to the Welland Club.
A Liberal in politics. Member St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
On December 26th, 1907, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Alberta McAllister, the daughter of Mr. (the late Peter) and Mrs. Mary McAllister of Welland. He has one child, a daughter, Margaret, nineteen years old, who is attending the University of Toronto.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
- Please note there is sometimes a discrepancy in dates between these articles and Ancestry.
County Judge of Welland County
Over the span of years there has always a few names in every community that are linked inseparably with its progress and prosperity, and which reflect real lustre upon its history by reason of their honorable lives and exceptionable achievements. Such a man is Lorne B, C. Livingstone, for years one of the foremost citizens of Welland County, a well-known jurist, and long identified with many of the leading civic interests of the community. It was also through Judge Livingstone’s interest and moral support that this history was so successful.
Judge Livingstone was born on October 18th, 1871, in the Town of Simcoe, Norfolk County, Ont., and is the son of William W. and Margaret (Jackson) Livingstone, the former being a solicitor and town clerk of Simcoe, who came originally at the very early age of seven years from Scotland. His grandfather was related to the celebrated David Livingstone, the noted African explorer. Judge Livingstone, the subject of this review, was educated at the Simcoe Public and High Schools, and became a student in the office of Ansley & Slaght, barristers, (Mr. Ansley was the County Crown Attorney of Norfolk County), and also in the office of Beatty, Hamilton & Snow, of Toronto-Mr. James Beatty of this firm then being Mayor of Toronto. Mr. Livingstone began his professional career as barrister in Simcoe for a short time,
When he went to Tillsonburg, Ont., where he practised law until he was appointed to the bench for Welland in 1913 as County Court Judge. Judge Livingstone took considerable local interest in war activities; he was chairman of the Patriotic Fund for Welland County, wherein he was instrumental in bringing about a very strong local organization, which under his leadership raised a lot of money; on two occasions in Welland City alone over sixty thousand dollars. He assisted in all other war activates, and was especially interested in recruiting for overseas. He was chairman of the Welland County Loan Campaigns, and this unit won a number of flags in contests. As a recognition and appreciation of his splendid work, the Great War Veterans at the conclusion of the war conferred upon him honorary membership. During his term of office as Judge he has been noted for his impartial administration of justice, and an enormous increase has been made in his judicial work by reason for the increased population in Welland County. Judge Livingstone is a member of the Welland Club and the Lookout Point Club, and is an enthusiastic lawn bowler. For a number of years he was President of the Welland County Bar Association and is now its honorary president; he also takes an active interest in the Welland Boy Scouts. Another of his activities was that he was one of the organizers, and the first President of the Welland Historical Society, and is still a member of its Council. His religious affiliations are with the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of England. He was married in 1900 at Tillsonburg, Ont., to Miss Frances Isabel. Van Sittart, daughter of James A. Van Sittart, a barrister of that place; they have three children: Margaret, the eldest, is married to Dr. Donald W. Cameron, who is engaged in the Connaught Laboratories at Toronto; one son, John Van Sittart Livingstone is a student in the office of Price, Waterhouse & Company of Toronto; and Betty Isabel, a daughter who resides with her parents. Mrs. Livingstone is a granddaughter of the celebrated Admiral Van Sittart, who settled at Eastwood, near Woodstock, Ont. The admiral kept an open house and was noted for his hospitality. The noted authoress, Mrs. Jamieson, after a visit there gave an account of the place in her book, “Summer Rambles in Ontario.” One of the principal streets in Woodstock is named after the Van Sittart family.
Judge Livingstone’s sterling business integrity, by his exemplary career in the community, his denial disposition, and his high ideals of life and conduct have won for him an enviable place in the community; and his kindly influence will long be remembered in Welland County, where he has labored so long and so indefatigably for the common good.
A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930
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