Results for ‘PLACES’
By Walter Melick Jr.
[Welland Tribune, 4 November 1897]
Essay which won the Dunnville Chronicle’s special prize at Canboro fall exhibition
In the year 1784 the township of Canboro was given to Captain John Dochstader by Joseph Brant, or Theyendanegea, a chief of the Indians, with the concurrence of the chiefs of the Six Nations. About the year 1800 Benjamin Canby, a Quaker and a native of Philadelphia, came up from Queenston, where he had been doing business as a tanner, and negotiated with Captain Dochstader for the purchase of 19,500 acres of the Dochstader Tract, as Canboro was then called, for $20,000, for which sum he was to execute the mortgage. The land was sold for the benefit of his (Captain Dochstader’s) two children. The balance of the land, 1,750 acres, he retained, and it is known as the “Dochstader Tract”.
Canby named his estate “Canboro,” and established himself on the Talbot road where it crosses the Oswego creek, and laid out a village, which he named in compliment to himself, Canboro Village. Instead of having the township laid out in lots and concessions, he had it surveyed into blocks of unequal size and irregular shape, and opened roads, now called the Dunnville, Indiana, Smithville and darling roads, all of which converged and centred in Canboro Village. These, with the Moote and River roads, are now the principal ones of the township. There never was a government survey made of the township, but Canby, for convenience, divided it into three concessions , the Oswego creek being the division between the first and second, and a crooked line, along which there is no road allowance, forms the southern limit of the second concession.
Among the first settlers of Canboro were Peter Swick, a native of New Jersey, who settled on the Indiana road, and Peter Melick, who settled on the Talbot road, a short distance east of the village. These pioneers cane to Canboro in 1804. There were no roads by which the township could be reached. They had, therefore, to ascend the Chippewa and Oswego creeks in canoes, and brought all their property also by these conveyances. Matthew Smith came shortly after from the state of New York, and built a mill on the Dunnville road on the farm now owned by George Brooks. The motive power of this mill was horses, and the stones were dressed from common hardheads. This primitive contrivance soon gave place to a waterpower grist and sawmill, which Mr. Smith built at Canboro Village. This mill he traded to Canby for land, and afterwards he built the saw and grist mill on the Dunnville road, known later as Melick’s mill.
In the year 1814 Samuel Birdsall, a native of Delaware and a nephew of Canby’s, settled north of the village. William Fitch, also a relative of Canby’s, came here in 1832and started the first general store and post office in Canboro. Adam Moote, a man of German descent came from the township of Grantham, and settled in the north-east part of the township in 1835, where his descendants still reside. Major Robinson was also an early settler, locating on what is now called the Robinson road, where he built a mill and store near where Attercliffe station stands. He has long since disappeared and his land is now known as the Ebenezer block.
The first church in the township was erected in 1824 near where the town hall is standing in Canboro village. This church was built of hewed logs, and erected by means of a “bee” of the settlers.
There was no organized system of education in the township until after the rebellion of 1837; before this the schools were supported by subscription or a tax of $2 a quarter on each scholar attending. The first of these schools was erected in Canboro Village about the year 1825, and the second one erected was situated on the Grand River near where H.N. Misener lives, and was known as the Burnham school house. These were the only school buildings erected for a number of years and they were also used as churches.
About the year 1848_to the Niagara district council, Ezra Smith, who held the office each succeeding year, until 1850, when the first municipal council was elected with Barton Farr as reeve. Amos Bradshaw, Jacob A. Bradshaw, Calvin Kelsey, William Burk, Walter Melick, Samuel Swayze, W.H.M. Birdsall, Jas. L. Ricker and Geo. Brooks have consecutively held the office of reeve, with Jas. E. Ricker elected the previous year.
The population of the township of Canboro is 975, and this assessment for the year 1897 is $385,215. The soil in the northern part of the township is a heavy clay, while along the Grand River it is mostly sand or sandy loam, and in the Moote settlement there is considerable land of black and gravelly nature, very productive and valuable. There are three railways crossing the township, two branches of the Grand Trunk and the main line of the Michigan Central.
3 Chestnut Street, Fonthill, Lot 168, Pelham, (formerly Thorold)
[Pelham Historical Calendar, 1986]
Catherine B. Rice
This magnificent house is situated on a quiet street, fronted by an extensive lawn and bushes and sheltered by a lovely maple tree. The owner, Mrs. Holly Mosley, is surrounded by beauty within and without, while she continues to create more beauty with her needlework.
The patent for Lot 168, one hundred acres, was made out to Thomas Karraghan on October 25, 1798. In 1814, the land passed to George Keefer, and in 1825, to Caleb Swayze. He was the last one to own the complete acreage, and he was selling portions of his land in 1850. In 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Mosley purchased this property, now consisting of twenty-five acres from Roland Tanner, whose father William Tanner had taken possession in 1872, and had constructed the house. The land was in Thorold Township at that time, but on January 23, 1929, a by-law amended the Village of Fonthill, changing Lot 168 from Thorold to Pelham.
The cottage roof on the house, decorated with triple peaks, is unique. Beneath the central peak topped with stained glass, the verandah, with its sloping inset roof and four sturdy pillars, occupied the centre of the facade. It has two high windows flanking it on each side, with two similarly-placed windows on the second storey. Over the front door there is a stained glass window, while the main window in the door is most unusual, having an etched design on frosted glass.
The interior is composed of large, light and airy rooms, with high ceilings. The dining room, hall and two sitting rooms all have a large moulded decoration in the centre of the ceiling. The one in the dining room portrays a harvest theme of fruit and grain. In the hall there is fern-like arrangement, and those in the two sitting rooms are carved with doves, flowers, leaves and ribbons. A third stained glass window adorns in the main sitting room. The clear, rich colours attest to the value of the material and the workmanship. The woodwork throughout the house is impressive in its quality and its depth. The staircase was apparently constructed of cherry wood from the trees on the estate. The beautiful hand wrought newel post draws one’s attention for a second and third glance.
In the rear sections of the house Mrs. Mosley’s son, Harry, conducts his insurance business. He is better known as “Moe,” a nickname that he acquired in the air-force which has remained with him ever since. There is also a daughter, June (Mrs. Gordon Clemens), who resides in Welland. Mrs. Mosley has five grandchildren and five great-children who are able to come to this gracious home for happy visits.
SOURCES: Mrs. Holly Mosley
Land registry Office, Welland
Mrs. E. Lampman of Welland has been visiting at her father’s.
W.E. Reece has purchased the Silverthorn farm near Candasville, and will shortly live there.
Some mean rascal took a nice pig from C. Misener on Saturday night. A stop should be put to this petty pilfering.
W. MacPherson, who has been working for A. Johnson, has completed his term and returned to his home at Rosedene.
T.F. Swayze gave our school a treat on Friday with his gramophone. It certainly is a great invention and interests the scientific mind quite as much as the kinetoscope or vitascope. Frank deserves patronage for bringing it in the neighborhood and exhibiting at such popular prices.
Mrs Jacob Robins
It is our sad duty this week to record the death of Mrs. Jacob Robins, who died on Sunday, 7th inst. Deceased was one of the oldest and most respected residents of this community, having reached the ripe age of 84.
Fr some two years she has been unable to get around well, but bore her sufferings with that resignation and tranquility which marks the truly christian character. She was the last one of the first members who said the cause of God should prosper in this neighborhood, and who with true heroism joined with those who predeceased her in establishing the U.B. church here. Her labors have not been in vain, and their fecundity could be realized by her before she passed away.
She leaves three sons and three daughters to mourn the loss of a loving mother.
The funeral was held on Tuesday and was largely attended, the neighbors and friends assembling to witness the obsequies of one whom in life they loved. Rev. Bachus preached a very fitting sermon from Rev., 14th chapter and 13th verse.
Boyle, Feb. 2-Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Comfort of Hamilton were weekend guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Comfort.
Mr and Mrs Joseph Schwoob and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob and son Gordon of Fenwick to visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schwoob of Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Saturday.
Walter Holden of Hamilton visited at the home of Mr. Aand Mrs. Wm. Cutler over the weekend.
Mr and Mrs. Paul Comfort and their guests Mr and Mrs. Alonzo Comfort of Hamilton were Sunday visitors at the home of Rev. and Mrs. George Comfort of Dunnvlle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip, John Hill, Harry Selseotes, Mabel Hill and Leonard Cocks were Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gracey of Stamford were recent guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Freure. Mrs. and Mrs. Nellis Heaslip, Mr. and Mrs. Judson Jamieson and daughter Helen. Mr, and Mrs Wm. Heaslip and daughter Jean and son Billy were Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cutler.
Mrs. Wm. Anderson and Mabel Hill called on Mrs. Frank Anderson of Grimsby on Monday.
The Ladies Aid of Bethel United church held a very successful potluck supper in the church on Tuesday evening.
Boyle, March 1—Mrs Oren Tice of Bismark has returned home after spending several days with her mother, Mrs. Tillie Robins who is not in very good health.
Mrs. Wm. Heaslip called on Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Book of St Catharines recently.
Miss Audrey Lane of Silverdale spent a few days last week with Mrs. Roy Overholt.
Mr. and Mrs, Amos Beamer and son Wray spent Saturday evening at the home of Mr. And Mrs Clifford Gee.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson, Mrs. Nettie Anderson, Mrs. Charlie Gee and Elmer Coyne spent Sunday with John Hill.
Mr. and Mrs Sidney Heaslip visited Mr. and Mrs. Ed Book of St Catharines on Friday.
Mr, and Mrs. Fred Schwoob and daughter Phyllis and son James of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob and son Gordon of Fenwick were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwoob.
Selkirk Robins, Mr and Mrs. Harris Robins and daughters Shirley and Janet of Tonawanda were Sunday guests of Mr and Mrs Wm. Heaslip and family.
Friends and relatives were sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Nancy Jamieson in her 91st year on Friday, February 23rd. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon from the home of her son-in-law, Wm. T. Sutherand of Wellandport and was largely attended showing the high esteem in which deceased was held.
J. Lambert, who has been employed in N.Y. state, is visiting relatives here..Geo. Horton of Buffalo will winter at home… Andrew and Harry Early have returned from Port Dalhousie and will spend the winter with their parents…. D.N.. Bea of North Pelham has returned to winter headquarters…It is rumored that one of our young men is to be raised to the magistrate’s chair. Bully for Boyle, … Mrs. A Jamieson and Willie, spent Sunday with relatives at Smithville…Rev. Bachus will preach at Bethel Sunday night…Tice Moore of Wainfleet, who has been afflicted with stomach trouble, has been taken to St. Catharines hospital.
George Putman, postmaster at Boyle, contemplates moving to Welland town, to engage at his trade, shoemaking. The people of his section fear that his leaving may cause Boyle postoffice to be closed up, t least temporarily.
The monthly meeting of Bethel United church Ladies Aid was held in the church on Wednesday afternoon Feb 28 with the president, Mrs. Wm. Anderson in charge, Mrs. Henry Ulman read the scripture lesson. The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read and adopted. It was decided to hold an Easter social in the church on Monday evening, March 25. A hot supper will be served on tables. The next meeting will be held in the church unless someone offers their home. The meeting closed by singing “God be With You.” Lunch and a social half hour was enjoyed.
Personals
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob of Fenwick visited Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Comfort spent Thursday with Mr and Mrs Charles Berry of North Pelham.
Mrs. Nettie Anderson is visiting her sister Mrs. Nelson Chadwick in Wellandport.
Mr and Mrs Ed. Wainwright of Kemore, N.Y. and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Gracey of Grimsby called on Mr, and Mrs Nellis Heaslip and Mr. and Mrs. Judson Jamieson on Monday. They also attended the funeral of their aunt the late Mrs. Nancy Jamieson of Wellandport.
Wm. Schwoob of Fenwick called on his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwoob on Sunday. Mr. Schwoob is still confined to his bed.
Boyle, Jan. 20- The Ladies’ Aid of Bethel United church held their monthly meeting in the church on January 17 with a very good attendance. In the absence of the president, Mrs. Wm. Cutler took charge of the meeting. Mrs. Wm. Anderson read the scripture. The monthly reports of the secretary and treasurer were read and approved. The flower report was given. It was decided to hold a pot luck supper in the church on Tuesday evening January 30.
Rev. R.R. Elliott took charge for the election of officers for the coming year, which resulted as follows: president, Mrs. Wm. Anderson; vice-president, Mrs. Wm. Heaslip; secretary, Mrs. Wm. Cutler; treasurer, Mabel Hill; auditors, Mrs. Harry Ulman and Mrs. Amos Beamer. Lunch was served by Mrs. Wm. Cutler, Mrs. Cecil Gracey, Mrs. Amos Beamer and Mrs. Wm. Anderson.
Personals
Mr and Mrs. Erford Robinson of Dunnville visited Mr,. and Mrs. Sidney Heaslip on Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Gracey and daughters Gladys and Muriel of Grimsby were recent guests of the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gracey.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schwoob and son Gordon of Fenwick and Mr and Mrs, Joseph Schwoob were Sunday guests of Mrs. and Mrs Sidney Heaslip.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson and Mabel Hill visited Mr. and Mrs. Frank Anderson in Grimsby on Tuesday.
Mrs. Oren Tice of Bismark spent Tuesday with her mother, Mrs. Tillie Robins.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gee and Mr. and Mrs. Emery Gee visited Mr. and Mrs. George Barry and daughters Bessie and Geneva in Hamilton recently.
Mr. and Mrs Sidney Heaslip called on Mr. and Mrs. Ed Book of St. Catharines on Saturday.
Quite a number from this vicinity attended the hockey game at Grimsby on Wednesday evening between Wellandport and Vineland.
J. Haney has secured work in the sand pit.
Monday was celebrated here by a general fishing excursion.
Ezra Gee, who has been suffering from blood poisoning, is getting along nicely.
Some of our local cavalry and infantry are making preparations to go to camp on June 8th.
Rev. Bachus will preach at Bethel on Sunday evening; encourage your minister with your presence.
Blake Moore, who recently underwent a severe surgical operation, is still in a precarious condition.
John Hill has recently moved from England and taken up his residence with his brother, James Hill.
The frost of last week did very little damage, but Tuesday’s frost was somewhat heavier; we anticipate a slight damage to fruit generally.
Would the person who found the book sack on the Canboro road, with a second reader, arithmetic and a copy book, kindly leave at school house or at S.H. Horton’s.
Archie Lambert has been very sick for some few weeks; at present writing he is no better. We understand an operation will be performed by Drs. Greenwood and Birdsall, which we hope will radically relieve the patient.
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