Results for ‘WAR Stories’
DEATH CLAIMS J. FRANK BEST
Was Seriously Ill for 3 Weeks; Funeral Monday
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 16 October 1942]
The community today mourns the death of John Franklin Best, who passed away at 11 o’clock last night at the Welland County General hospital following an illness of three weeks. Mr. Best had been ill for many years following his return from the battlefield in the First Great War, but three weeks ago he became seriously ill, and although he rallied at times, he suffered a relapse yesterday from which he never recovered. The funeral will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. from the Sutherland-Thorpe funeral home, 152 Hellems avenue, with interment in the family plot at Woodlawn cemetery. Rev. A.H. Davis, rector of Holy Trinity church of which deceased had long been a member, will officiate.
Deceased was the son of the late William Jones Best and Henrietta Lock Best, was born in Welland and attended both its public and Welland high school. He was at the age of 11 highest in his entrance class at Central school, and won a scholarship as highest boy in entrance classes in the province. He was in later life a chartered accountant, and very recently officiated locally as an expert on income tax computations. He had varied interests. He was a veteran of the First Great War, was in his earlier days vitally interested in hockey, and in later life was prominently identified with the Welland Liberal-Conservative Association.
Fine War Record
Deceased enlisted in June 1915, with C. Company, the 76th Battalion. C. Company was recruited from the old 44th Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Among those with him were his brother Harry Best, who was fatally wounded in May 1917, and Fred J. Kilgour, later warden of Welland county. In Britain, deceased was transferred along with his brother to the 58th Overseas Battalion, and he was wounded in October 1916 in Courcelette during operations of the Battle of the Somme, suffering injuries to both forearms, to the heart and also the loss of the sight of his right eye. His brother Sergeant Harry Best was killed in action just prior to the time he had been scheduled for a course entitling him to a commission on the field.
Corporal J.F. Best returned to Canada in November 1917. He was 20 years of age at the time of his enlistment. Following his return to Welland, he joined the Great War Veterans Association, and was one of its first presidents, and later joined the Canadian Legion. The funeral to be held on Monday will be under Canadian Legion auspices.
Deceased was also very active with patriotic endeavors in the city, and had worked with effective results in the various Victory Loan and similar campaigns in the present war.
Associating himself for years with the Liberal-Conservative Association, he had acted as organizer and office campaign manager in a number of elections, and was a sub-committee chairman for years.
Deceased married Miss Mary E. Stapf, a daughter of the late Fire Chief Charles F. Stapf, on March 29, 1922.
The late W.J. Best, deceased’s father, was one of the city’s most highly respected and oldest residents, was a former mayor, and for many years held the chairmanship of the Welland Hydro Commission. It was three weeks ago that deceased attended a special dedication service at Holy Trinity church, and there unveiled a memorial window honoring the memory of the late William Jones Best and Henrietta Lock Best.
Deceased took a deep interest in the sports life of the community in his earlier days, and among other things he organized a girls hockey club and was its manager for some years. He also played hockey while with C. Coy, the 76th Battalion following his enlistment in 1915.
Deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Best, 50 Griffith street, Welland, by an aunt, Miss Fannie Best, Dorothy street and by relatives in the United States. His twin sister, Frances (Fannie), Mrs. G.P. Ash, died in Toronto 20 years ago.
List of Those Aboard Ile De France Issued by M.D.2
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 8 August 1945]
A list of army personnel from this district being repatriated on the Ile de France, expected to dock in Halifax either late tonight or tomorrow morning, has been issued by Military District No. 2 in Toronto. It includes the following:
Pte. J.A. Hodgson, C.I.C.; Mrs. F.J. Hodgson, 116 Aqueduct street, Welland.
Pte. R.A. McDowell, R.C.A.S.C.; Mrs. Albert McDowell, (mother), Thorold.
Pte. E. Anderson, R.C.A.S.C.; Mrs. C. Anderson, (mother), 25 Forsythe street, Fort Erie.
Gnr. A.G. Eden, R.C.A.; Mrs. D.M. Eden, (wife), R.R. 8, Dunnville.
Pte. H. Harrington, R.C.A.S.C.; Mrs. J. Harrington, (mother), Thorold.
A. Sgt. R.C. Milne, R.C.A.; Mrs. S. Milne, (mother), 185 Gilmore road, Fort Erie.
Pte. V.E. Robins, R.C.A.S.C.; Mrs. E. Robins, (mother), Wellandport.
Lieut. (N.S.), Margaret Isabelle Guildford, R.C.A.M.C.; H.E. Bartlett, R.R.1, Dunnville.
Sgt. G.I. Wood; Mrs. M.M. Wood, 22 Welland street, Thorold.
Gnr. T.H. Sheils, R.C.A., Mrs. M.G. Sheils, 10 Garner avenue, Welland. (My uncle, Thomas “Tommy” Sheils).
Pte. E.J. Vasas, R.C.A.S.C.; L. Vasas, R.R.4, Welland.
Capt. Robert Lorne Bullard, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, who will spend his leave with Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Scott, 30 Bald street, Welland.
Pte. McIlvride, Sask., L.I.; Mrs. D. McIIvride, 135 Niagara street, Welland.
S. Sgt. W.C. Phillips, C.I.C.; W.S. Phillips, 115 Park avenue, Dunnville.
Sgt. D.R. Schuyler, C.A.C.; Mrs. F. Schuyler, 27 Bertie road, Fort Erie.
Bdr. R.T. Bridge, R.C.A.; Mrs. Isabel Bridge, Port Colborne.
Pte. G.J. Davidson, Lst. Para, Btn.; Mrs. J.P. Davidson, 17 Ross street, Welland.
Pte. H.O. Peacock, 1st Para, Btn,; Mrs. Catherine Peacock, 139 Garrison road, Fort Erie.
Pte. W.J. Quinlan; Mrs. Mary Quinlan, Port Robinson.
Sgt. V.A, Rivers, R.C.C.S.; Mrs. F. Rivers, 60 Steele street, Port Colborne.
L. Cpl. E.C. Groom, R.C.E.M.E.; C.N. Groom, 2 East Main street, Welland.
Pte. L.R Wilson, Lorne Scots; Mrs. C.E. Atkins, 515 Canal street, Dunnville.
Spr. G.A. Hollands, R.C.E.; Mrs. D. Hollands, 83 Welland street, Thorold.
Sgmn. R.B. Train, R.C.C.S.; Mrs. E. Train, Fort Erie.
Leo Michener Had Been Up But Ten Minutes With Experienced Instructor
Machine Took a Nose Dive From a Height of Three Hundred Feet-Buried in Churchyard of Euston
[Welland Telegraph, 4 September 1917]
Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Michener last week, in letters from the Old Land, received the first details of the accident wherein their son Leo met his death.
Lieut. E.C. Eaton, Leo’s room mate and pal wrote as follows:-
“We reported to this squadron on the morning of the 1st, direct from Reading. That day being dull, no flying was done. The next day it rained but towards evening the rain stopped and it began to clear up. Though still pretty bumpy the squadron commander gave orders for flying and soon nearly everybody was up. The squadron commander himself, Major Ross, took Leo up in his machine for his first trial flight. The major was an experienced pilot and had been flying in France for the past two years. They were up about ten minutes and about a mile from the hangers when their machine was seen to suddenly nose dive from about three hundred feet. When the doctor got to the plane, about five minutes afterwards, the major was dead and Leo was unconscious. In another minute he breathed his last, without gaining consciousness and I can assure you that he could have suffered no pain.
On Saturday afternoon Leo was buried in the churchyard of the little village of Euston, about a mile and a half from this aerodrome. It was a military funeral, of course, with a firing party from a neighboring battalion. “Last Post” was sounded at the close of the service.”
In the War of 1812
[People’s Press, 13 February 1912]
An interesting paper prepared by Mrs. T. D. Cowper and read at the January meeting of the Daughters of the Empire.
I have been deeply interested in this part of Ontario since it became my home, because of its historic interest and its nearness to many of the striking events of the War of 1812. I have never passed Beaverdams without thinking of the notable struggle which took place in its vicinity, nor without wondering just where the site of the battle was, and whether the spot is marked in any way. I have been fortunate enough to come across most interesting annals compiled by Mr. John H. Thompson of Thorold and by Col. Cruikshank and Miss Fitzgibbon. From these I have extracted a few passages relating to this neighborhood, and have put them together for the benefit of our Issac Brock Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire this afternoon. Every foot of ground between here and Lake Erie seems fraught with historic interest. The names of many of the present settlers are those of the first brave U.E. Loyalists who settled along the Niagara Frontier and who took their share in the stirring events of their time.
Throughout the Revolutionary War when the people of the United States determined to sever the British connection and to stand alone, there were many still loyal to the British crown who, because of persecution, left their homes in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and fled to the Niagara Frontier, determined rather to become allies than to fight against the British flag. These crossed into British territory and from that time on a constant stream of Loyalists came to make new homes in Canada.
In 1780, a letter from Col Butler to Gen. Haldimand reports five families had already settled in this district, and had built themselves homes. The Misener family records give 1782 as the date of building a log house on the Thorold bank of the Chippawa river. 1785 saw a large number of settlers. Many of these had been offered grants of land by the Americans but they preferred to follow the British flag even into the wilderness of Canada, rather than take up arms against it.
Those who came to Welland county, especially to Thorold township, were mostly of German or Dutch origin and were nearly all adherents of the Lutheran church. These men walked or came on horseback, several together by way of Niagara or Fort Erie. They had portmanteaux of old fashioned carpet bags containing their chief portable articles fastened to their saddles, while those who could, brought a cow or two and some hogs. Often there were not enough horses for the number of travelers, so the women rode and the men walked while little children were carried in panniers balanced on each side of the horse. Quaint pathetic processions these little bands of exiles must have appeared.
The first settlers came along the Indian trails-some of which we still use-as the Canboro Road and the Portage Rd. There are other roads also which were Indian trails. Those who crossed at Detroit used an old Indian trail, part of which is now Talbot St. in London.
In the early ages a savage race of Indians known as the Neutrals, owned the country intersected by these trails. This tribe was entirely destroyed or driven away north by the powerful Iroquois and for long centuries the land remained a solitude. In courses of time the Chippawas took possession of this peninsula. These Chippawa from their close contact with white people learned many of their virtues, and alas their vices also. In loyalty, honor and gratitude the most illustrious examples may be found-examples which utterly shame the weaker products of civilization. But they clung with tenacity to their pagan religion. It is much to be regretted that the early settlers have not left written accounts of the habits and customs of these Indians.
The level character of the ground of this peninsula made it impossible to drain the swamps in those early days, and therefore large tracts remained a harbor for deer, bears, wolves, lynx, and occasionally a panther, while the numerous creeks and rivers were the abode of the beaver and otter. The soil once cleared however, and partly drained, amply repaid the toil of the early settler in the abundant yield of vegetables, grains, and hardy fruits, and and also in abundance of nuts, while the numerous maple trees supplied the sugar and the wild bees honey.
Those settlers who came later used the blazed paths made by those who had first come. Often they had to hide in the day time and travel by night for fear of hostile Indians or United States soldiers. However, they were treated with great kindness by the loyal Indian tribes. When they got to the Niagara River, it was always easy to get canoes to cross, and once on Canadian soil they felt compensated for all their trouble and weariness.
The Indians ceded the township of Thorold to the Crown in 1792. The land was then surveyed and parcelled out. Names well known amongst us are many of those of the first settlers, as Swayze, Ball, Bowman, Overholt, Carl, Vanderburg, Robins, Misener, Burgar, Cohoe, Keefer, Upper, Hoover, DeCew and many many more.
In 1790 George Keefer, a youth of 18 and his brother, Jacob, two years younger, walked all the way from New Jersey, following an Indian trail through the forests. When they reached what is now Buffalo, they found only a few fishermen’s huts. Crossing at Fort Erie, they walked on till they reached the present site of the town of Thorold where they found a lone squatter, who had cut down a few trees and built a log hut. He gladly sold his claim to the young men, who stayed for two years clearing the land and making a home for their mother and family. They then walked back for them. Several families returned with them. The first of the DeCews moved into Canada just after the Revolution. He crossed at Queenston and took up property on Beaverdams creek, including the Falls. He bought one man’s right to a hundred acres for an axe and an Indian blanket. The way of the pioneer is always hard, but the settlers of the Niagara district had more than ordinary hardships to endure. The men were kept busy clearing the forests, sowing grain and building log houses, but they were so far away from all shops, and everything was so very dear. One man had to walk to Rochester for a set of harrow teeth, and then had to carry them home. In 1788 there was a terrible famine. In that year frosts destroyed all the crops-no grain coming to perfection. The poor settlers suffered terribly. Those living near the rivers got fish, but the people inland suffered terrible straits. By the King’s bounty, grain was given out, but the poor starved people could not walk so far as Queenston to procure their rations. This has been particularly called the hungry year. Drawn together by the brotherhood of suffering, the poor helped each other, those who had a cow shared milk and curds. One poor man who felt that at last he must sacrifice his cow, on going to the stable was met by his little girl. Then some Indians who had come to his house to beg, on seeing how much worse off the poor white brother was, shared with the family some bread made of beans, and also told how the government was giving out pork and beans.
That year the leaves of the beech trees were boiled for vegetables, but in the fall there were plenty of nuts. All this suffering and privation had its effect in moulding the character of the people, for those whose lot had included labor, warfare and famines were not easily daunted by any common reverses. From this time until the War of 1812 progress was continuous, the greatest activity being shown in the neighborhood of the Short Hills or St. Johns. About 1800 a number of honest English Quakers came in from the States and settled in Pelham and Thorold townships. Newark, now Niagara, was made the seat of Govt. and there most of the trading was done.
When the War of 1812 broke out, several companies of volunteers were formed and a great many men of Thorold township served in the Lincoln militia. The residents on the Frontier were continually in danger and for nearly a month from May 27 to June 24, 1813, the Americans were in actual possession of this peninsula. On the former date, the fleet reached Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake) after a successful attack on York (Toronto). Here close to our shores they were three times repulsed by Gen. Vincent, who unfortunately had neither men nor ammunition enough and was obliged to leave the fort to the enemy after spiking the guns and blowing up the magazine. Retreating to Queenston, he sent orders to the garrison at Fort Erie and Chippawa to join him at Beaverdams. The next day he retreated to Burlington Heights, thus leaving the enemy in possession of the Niagara Frontier. The Americans made most of their tenure. Officers were sent to every house to exact a parole from all the male occupants. Those who resisted were threatened with exile or imprisonment. Gen. Vincent was completely shut off from help, with York and Niagara, both in the hands of the enemy. However, his men, only 2000 strong, were eager for the fray.
On the 6th of June a detachment of the U.S.A encamped at Stoney Creek. Information was brought to the British and scouts were sent out, who, dressed in civilian’s clothes, passed through the enemy’s lines selling butter and eggs. It was ascertained that the enemy, numbering about 3750 men, were badly placed, and might be unable to resist a spirited attack. About 700 men were chosen and put under the command of Col. Harvey who led them out at night to surprise the the sleeping enemy. The attack was a complete success. A hundred prisoners were taken, among them Generals Winder and Chandler and two field guns were captured. The bewildered foe, leaving their dead on the field fled to Fort George, their flight being considerably precipitated by sundry attacks from Major Evans’ company of infantry, and all the farmers in the neighborhood. Gen. Dearborn, discouraged by this failure, withdrew his garrison from all the outposts and entrenched his men about 6000 strong, at Fort George.
Gen. Vincent now established his headquarters at Grimsby. In many cases the Canadian militia was disbanded and sent home, but with the caution that if they ever heard guns they were to rush to the help of the British. They were warned also to hide their arms, as the Americans would certainly take them from them. The enemy roamed about the country and made raids upon all the farm houses. Many Americans of the lower class came over and secured all the plunder possible. Most of the inhabitants had hidden their valuables and plate. No place was really safe, but one housewife hid her silver teapot in the mud by the stream of water, and then tramped the mud all about the place. The Henselers had $50,000 in specie in the house, which they hid in a barrel, and then buried it dragging a big cider press over the place. Not withstanding all these precautions, considerable booty was secured by the Americans, who showed a special affection for English watches. They had to make the most of every minute for they found their movements often restricted by bands of British scouts, while Col. Clarke with his company of Lincoln militia and Captain Merritt with his troop of provisional dragoons caused considerable discomfort to the enemy. Lieut. Fitzgibbon of the 49th Brock’s old regiment gained permission to lead a band of 50 scouts. Many volunteered to accompany the band but he took just 48 of his regulars and three Canadians-Thompson, Winder and Jarvis (afterwards Judge Jarvis of Brockville). They divided into three parties and communicated with each other by means of cow bells and other signals. Because of green facings on their uniforms, they were called the “Green Tigers.” They did much damage to the Americans-destroyed the bridge over the Chippawa (Welland) river, interrupted communications between Fort Erie and Fort George, and in every way harassed them. One Canadian, Capt. DeCew, who was taken prisoner has left a very interesting account of his imprisonment. During his absence part of his house had been turned into a soldiers’ barracks and it was from this house that Col. Fitzgibbon’s men made their daring expeditions. In the same way Dettrick’s barn near St. Catharines was the headquarters for Merritt’s men. On June 24th 1813, an effective check was put upon the enemy’s progress by the affair at Beaverdams. Lieut. Fitzgibbon and his band of scouts had taken up headquarters at DeCew’s stone house, which still stands about three miles west of Thorold. From this position he guarded the way to Burlington Heights, and the enemy, finding their progress greatly impeded, determined to dislodge these troublesome “Green Tigers.” Major Chopin, always boastful, urged the attack saying he was familiar with the country even farther inland than Beaverdams. Although it was true he had gone on his raids as far as Fonthill, yet he afterwards proved himself unable to guide the Americans. Through the unguarded language of himself and his followers, the enemy’s plans became known to Fitzgibbon even before the orders were signed at Fort George.
Two soldiers asking for food at James Secord’s house at Queenston, openly spoke of their intentions. James Secord had been wounded at Queenston Heights and was at home on parole, too crippled for active service, but it was decided that Fitzgibbon must be warned, and after some consultation it was arranged that his wife should make the attempt. Early next morning under pretense of milking a refractory cow; which however, by means of judicious prodding, she managed to drive past the enemy’s picket, Laura Secord began her long and perilous journey. When at a safe distance from the sentries, she hid her milking stool and let her cow wander at will. The day became exceeding hot and near St. David’s she stopped to rest at the house of a friend, who tired to dissuade her from continuing her journey. However, she was not to be dissuaded, and soon set out again on her loyal errand. Now began the most dismal part of the walk. To avoid wild cats, rattlesnakes and Indians, to circumvent the enemy’s picket, and to find a path through the black swamp, was enough to tax every energy. With all these dangers before her, it was impossible to take the direct route to DeCews. In her wanderings, she crossed the Twelve Mile Creek at St. Catharines, and then finding she had gone too far, she recrossed it by a fallen tree at a point near Turney’s farm, where the creek is still bridged in a somewhat primitive manner. Turning dizzy in the middle of the creek, she got down on her hands and knees, and crawled along the log to the other bank. At this moment the moon shot out and she lifted up her hands in thanksgiving for its friendly beams. According to Mrs. Secord’s own estimate, she had already walked nineteen miles although the direct route is only twelve miles.
While walking along a more frequented road, she heard the sound of a horse’s hoofs, and immediately hid in the bushes, but she saw the rider was a preacher who had often held services at Queenston, so she told him her errand and begged that he would hurry on and warn Fitzgibbon. He did this and in due time came back and mounted her upon his horse. She was received right loyally by Lieut. Fitzgibbon and his men, who presented arms when she rode up. Mrs. DeCew urged her to stay till morning, but she begged to be taken back to her friends the Turneys. Two Indians carried her thither in a hammock made from an Indian blanket, while a soldier walked on each side for a guard. In this way she was safely borne over the stream which she had crossed in such dread a short time before.
Fitzgibbon at once sank such stores as he had in a pond behind the DeCew house, so that in case of defeat, they should not fall into the hands of the enemy.
The Americans were now making preparations for the attack. The expedition was entrusted to Col. Boerstler of the 14th Maryland Regiment U.S. Infantry, a gallant officer and eager for active service. The force under him consisted of about 600 men with two fold pieces. On the evening of the 23rd of June 1913, this detachment began the march from Fort George to Queenston, reaching the heights about midnight as the roads were in a wretched state owing to recent heavy rains. Early next morning they continued their way taking the mountain road. At the Bowman farm they encountered a band of Indians about 250, chiefly Mohawks from Grand River under the command of young Brant, son of the old chief, Joseph Brant. The Indians opened fire upon Boerstler and fought in their own fashion, concealing themselves and opening fire on the flanks and rear. The sound of firing roused the whole neigborhood, and all the farmers possessing arms rushed to the scene of combat. Two farmers named Kelley, working in the fields, rushed to get their muskets from their hiding place and running found the two American field-pieces mired in Shriner’s Creek.
The contest lasted for two hours, and the Indians having adroitly surrounded the enemy Boerstler concluded that he had met a foe of far superior numbers, and when Lieut. Fitzgibbon came up with his men, Col. Boerstler thinking large reinforcements had come to the British, felt sure of defeat. Fitzgibbon had already sent a despatch to Major De Haren at St. Catharines and knowing that he dared not expose his small numbers he resorted to stratagem. Tying a white handkerchief to his sword, he advanced and found Col. Boerstler ready for a parley. He stated his rank, said he had a detachment of British soldiers, but that his commanding officer De Haren was near by with several companies and that he would have great difficulty in restraining the ferocity of the Indians, and magnifying his numbers, called on the Americans to surrender. This Col. Boerstler refused to do, having seen the British force. Fitzgibbon replied that he would request his superior officers to inspect the British force. Just then, Capt. Hall came up with about twenty dragoons, having ridden over from Chippawa, attracted by the sound of the guns. Fitzgibbon persuaded him to act as his superior officer and to refuse the request. When Boerstler heard the refusal, he asked time to consider, but Fitzgibbon would only allow five minutes, and the result was that the Americans surrendered.
It was an embarrassing moment for the British who had not men enough to take charge of the prisoners. Just then De Haren rode up, and soon all the militia were on the scene.
The Americans stacked their guns in what is now the orchard of Shriner’s farm. Articles of capitulation were drawn up.
Thus there passed into the hands of the British besides the prisoners of war, two field pieces, two ammunition cars, and the colors of the 14th U.S.A. Corps. Several of the Americans had been killed in the skirmish, and many were wounded, amongst them Col. Boerstler himself. The British had not lost a single man, and not a shot had been fired by a regular soldier. Captain Norton, an Indian officer thus puts it: “The Mohawks did the fighting, Fitzgibbon got the glory, and the Caughnawagas secured the plunder.”
The skirmish is important , not only because of the superior numbers of the enemy, but because of its effect upon the subsequent events of the war.
When the Welland canal was in course of construction the workmen came upon 16 bodies of Americans who had fallen at the Battle of Beaverdams. Buttons of the U.S. A. were found with the men, proving without a doubt who they were. The remains were reinterred near the last bank of the canal just south of the N.C. R. bridge. Through the efforts of the late Judge Baxter of Thorold, Mr. J.P. Merritt of St. Catharines, Mr. Jno. Brown and others, a modest monument is erected on the spot bearing the inscription-”Beaverdams, June 24th, 1813.”
At the time of the skirmish, the town of Thorold was not in existence. Beaverdams, two miles southwest was the only place near enough bearing a name by which the skirmish could be called.
It is perhaps well for us who live in times of such peace and plenty and happiness to pause awhile and look back at the strenuous lives of those early settlers, who, by their loyalty and bravery and strength of character laid the foundation of this peace and plenty which is ours today.
Prepared for Sir Issac Brock Chapter, Daughters of the Empire. January 26th, 1912.
Death of an Old Time Wellander and Former Municipal Clerk
[Welland Telegraph, 30 November 1909]
Early Friday morning one of Welland’s oldest and most highly respected residents passed to the great beyond in the person of Henry Boyd. The late Mr. Boyd was suffering from Bright’s Disease for nearly a year. He was taken to his bed about three months ago and since that time has been gradually declining. On Friday morning at four o’clock he passed away at his home, East Main Street, aged 65 years, 10 months and 16 days.
The Boyd family is a very old one, the late Mr. Boyd’s father, James Boyd, coming from Ireland and settling at what is now Welland Junction many years ago. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Page, came from Vermont, U.S.
Henry Boyd was born at Welland Junction on the 29th day of January, 1844. When fifteen years of age he left his parental home and went to St. Catharines, where he worked for some time, later going to Thorold., from which place he sailed on the Great Lakes for ten seasons. Tiring of this work he went to Oswego, where he enlisted in the 104th Regiment of New York and fought in the engagements of the American Civil War. After that he came to Thorold where he joined a company of volunteers and fought in the Battle of Ridgeway for which he received a medal. He joined the Orange Lodge in 1863, and was a chartered member at the time of his death.
He was united in marriage at Thorold in 1870 to Amelia Hanna. In 1880 he returned to Welland and from that time, twenty-two years, until he received the appointment of Town Clerk, he was employed by M. Beatty & Sons. In 1902 he was appointed Town Clerk of Welland, which position he held until his death. He was librarian for the public library for fourteen years and during that time discharged his duties in a most commendable manner.
The deceased leaves behind him a sorrowing wife and one son, George, now Town Clerk. Three sons predeceased him. Mrs. Armstong of Peterboro is a sister.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon from his late residence on East Main Street to Holy Trinity Church, where service was conducted by the Rev. James Thompson. The funeral procession was one unusually large and was headed by the Welland Brass Band playing the Dead March. In the ranks was a large presentation of Wallace L.O.L, and there were many others from nearby lodges. The following acted as pall-bearers-George Turner, Wm. McCoomb, Thorold; W.D. Bowman, Niagara Falls; M. Whinney, Fonthill; J.D. Stephens and John Leach, Welland.
Interment took place in St. Paul’s cemetery, Port Robinson.
Four Local Men to Get Grants
[Welland Telegraph, 22 March 1912]
Four local men, who fought against the Fenians when they attempted to take this country, will share in the grants to be made to veterans of that war by the Dominion Government. They are-J.J. Sidey, editor of the Tribune, L.V. Garner, Nelson Current and H.J. Gonder. Mr. Gonder has a medal for his services.
The grant of $100 to be made to veterans of these wars was brought about by Hon. Col. Sam Hughes, Minister of Militia.
William Fix Got Tired Wheeling Cinders and Walked Off
Was In For a Six Month Term for Desertion from the Canal Guard
[Welland Telegraph, 22 August 1916]
William Fix, aged 23, a soldier sentenced by Magistrate Fraser of Niagara Falls, to serve six months for desertion, made his escape from Welland County jail and is still at large.
The manner of his escape was simplicity itself. A. Miller, assistant turnkey, had the men engaged in wheeling cinders from the yard, out the east gate (next the registry office), and dumping the barrows in the back yard next the river. Mr. Miller stood on the outside of the gateway so that the man with the barrow was always in his view.
At about a quarter past three Fix was going out with a load when Mr. Miller stepped inside to see how many loads were yet to be taken. On his return a minute afterward Fix was gone-though he left the wheelbarrow.
He was seen by a passerby running down the river road and was last reported at Hutton’s bush. He wore the regulation prison garb.
Fix is the third prisoner to make his escape from the county jail this year. Two got away last year.
The prisoner is a married man and his wife lives in St. Catharines. He was a member of the canal guard at Niagara Falls and deserted. Later he was found working on a farm in Humberstone.
[Welland Telegraph, 22 August 1916]
William Fix, a deserter from the Welland Canal Force, was sentenced at Niagara Falls on Thursday to six months in the Ontario Reformatory. He secured a five-day pass about the first of the month, but never returned. When located he was working on a farm near Humberstone. Fix formerly resided in St. Catharines.
But He Must Get Someone to Take His Place on the Guard
Volunteer Wanted for Local Duty in Order That Soldier May Go Overseas
[Welland Telegraph, 22 August 1916]
Who will release W.J. Stinson for overseas service? Who will take his place on the Welland canal guard?
Is there a reader of The Telegraph anywhere who while himself unfit for overseas service will join the canal guard and let Stinson go to the front?
The case is explained in the following communications:-
Camp Borden, Aug. 15, 1916
| Louis Blake Duff, Welland, Ont.: Dear Mr. Duff,-I am enclosing a copy of a letter received from the A.A.G.M.D., No. 2, relative to the discharge and re-enlistment of Pte. W.J. Stinson. The story is this: W.J. Stinson has been on the the Welland Guard Force for something like eight months, stationed at Fort Erie. He has made fruitless endeavors to be transferred to an overseas unit and always the reason given is that they could not spare him. Last June he left his detachment at Fort Erie without leave and enlisted in the 213th Bn. He showed himself to be a remarkably good soldier and within two weeks was promoted to the rank of acting corporal. His mother, who lives in Buffalo, then wrote explaining that he was absent from Fort Erie and if he did not return within the time limit would be declared a deserter. Also, the officer commanding the Welland Canal Force wrote demanding the man back. We returned him and made an application to headquarters for his return.
Personally, I have been working on this matter to try and get this man back again. He came here the other day as a recruit and tried to enlist under another name and stated that he was going with the overseas force in spite of everything.
Now, the proposition is, if we can get the Welland Canal Force a man they will give Stinson his discharge. We haven’t got one here to send them and if you printed the story perhaps some one would volunteer to take his place and let him go. He is an American and has a clean conduct record. He is a fine well-built young man and it is a shame to keep him on guard duty when he can do so much better work with the army.
Yours Sincerely,
B.J. McCORMICK
Lieut.-Col., O.C., 213th O.S. Batt., C.E.F. |
Camp Borden, Aug., 9, 1916
From the A.A.G.M.D, No. 2, Camp Borden, Ont., to the Officer Commanding 213th O.S. Bn., C.E.F.
Camp Borden, Ont.:
| Discharge Pte. W.J. Stinson Welland Guard Force
In reply to your recent request for the discharge of the marginally named man from the Welland Canal Force in order that he may be enlisted in your unit:
I have now heard from the camp commandant, Niagara Camp, to the effect that the officer commanding the Welland Canal Force states that this man will be discharged as soon as you send him a man in exchange.
Owing to the fact that the Welland Canal Force requires all the men on their strength, the officer commanding that unit states that is impossible for him at the present time to release this man except on such conditions. As I understand it was your intention to do so, will you be good enough to arrange this matter.
The man at present on your strength will have to be discharged in order to be enlisted on the Welland Canal Force, Pte. Stinson being discharged from that force and then taken on yours.
J. GEORGE
Captain for A.A.G.M.D., No.2 |
[Welland Telegraph, 22 August 1916]
A cable from London received early on Monday morning gives the names of a number of Canadians who have been awarded honors for gallantry on the field.
Among those named is Lieut. Gordon Crow of the artillery, son of Mayor Crow and Mrs. Crow of Welland.
He has been awarded the Military Cross. For what action the award was made the despatch does not say, but a later cable yesterday said the following: “Lieut. Gordon Willson Crow repelled with a revolver a party of the enemy, then reconnoitred and sent back information of the enemy’s new position.
All Welland unites in congratulations to Mayor and Mrs. Crow in the honor that has come to their home, and to the young artilleryman whose valor on the field of battle has won him such distinction.
As Lieut. Crow’s decoration is the first Military Cross to hit a Wellander, the following paragraph about the cross, what it is and what it is for, will be of interest.
“The Military Cross was instituted on Dec 28, 1914, during the present war. It is entirely an army decoration, and no person is eligible to receive it unless he is a captain, a commissioned officer of a lower grade, or a warrant officer in the army, Indian Army or colonial forces. The cross is awarded after recommendation by the Secretary of State for war. The decoration consists of an ornamental silver cross, on each arm of which is an Imperial crown. In the centre is the Royal and Imperial cypher, “GV1” and the cross hangs by its top arm from the plain silver clasp through which the ribbon passes. The Military Cross is worn after British orders and before war medals, but does not carry with it any individual precedence, nor is the recipient entitled to use any letters after his name, as in the case with its naval counterpart, the Distinguished Service Cross.”
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