James L. Taggart Shoots Himself Thro’ the Head
[Welland Tribune, 10 May 1895]
WELLAND-May 5-Our usually quiet Sunday town was sadly startled about 2 o’clock last Sunday afternoon by the report that Mr. James L. Taggart had committed suicide at his residence here, by shooting himself through the head. Investigation proved the report to be entirely true. Mr. Taggart was an old and well-known resident of the town of Thorold. For some time past his wife and daughters have been living here and carrying on a restaurant and ice cream business, next to the Dexter house, Mr. Taggart, however, continuing to work at his trade shoemaking at Thorold. On Saturday evening he came to the house here suffering severely of neuralgia and rheumatism. He was almost wild with the pain. He refused to have a doctor called at first, but on Sunday consented, and whilst the doctor was being sent for, alone in an upstairs room, shot himself. Upon members of the family going upstairs he was discovered in the throes of death. The ball had entered the head in front of the right ear, and remained in the head, the revolver being a small one, only 22 calibre. He lived but five or ten minutes after the shot. It is supposed the deed was done in a time of temporary insanity produced by pain and disease. Deceased leaves a widow, three sons and three daughters. He was born in what is now the village of Merritton, and lived nearly all his life in Thorold where he kept a shoe shop. He was at the front as a volunteer during the Fenian troubles of 1866, as a sergeant in the Thorold company of volunteers under Captain James. His body was interred at Lakeview cemetery, Thorold, on Wednesday. The pall-bearers were Capt. James, James Weeks, Wm. Winslow, Geo. Turner, P. Steep and Wm. Martin, all of whom were comrades in arms with deceased at Fort Erie in 1866.
There were two policies of $1000 each on the life of deceased. One for $1000 was sold or assigned several years ago. The other was in the Canadian Mutual Aid, and we are not in a position to say what shape it is in. Mrs. Taggart and two daughters and one son live in Welland; one daughter-Mrs. Burnison-lives near Fenwick, one son lives in Thorold, and one in Chicago. All have the respect and esteem, and at this time the deep sympathy of all who know them.
Died: 5 May 1895
MRS. MORWOOD SR.
Welland’s Oldest Inhabitant Dies in Her Ninetieth Year
“Weep not for the Dead”
[Welland Tribune, 5 April 1895]
Ninety years is a long lease of human life nowadays. It is twenty years in excess of the allotted span of life. Twenty-one lives of that length would reach back to the time of Christ on earth.
“Grandma” Morwood, as she was familiarly known, was in her ninetieth year, and was as far known the oldest resident of Welland town. Until about three years ago she was in fair health for one so aged, and was able even so late as last summer to attend church. For some months; however, she had been confined to the house, and the end came on Friday last, 30th March. Contrary to the usual in extreme old age, the final struggle was both severe and prolonged.
Deceased, whose maiden name was Margaret McPherson, was a native of Scotland. When about thirteen years of age she came to New York State with her parents, living there for some time, and being there married to her late husband-John Morwood. About fifty-five years ago deceased and her husband and their then young family came to St. John’s, this county, where Mr. Morwood was engaged in a woollen factory. Subsequently the family removed to Welland town, where our subject’s husband died. One son and two daughter’s still survive; James Morwood, Welland; Mrs. Charles Currey, Dunnville, and Mrs. Barber of Kansas City. The late Richard Morwood, who was also her son, was Welland’s principal pioneer business man, and built up the large business carried on by his sons at the present time under the firm name of “The R. Morwood Co.”
Mrs. Morwood’s funeral took place on Sunday, from the residence of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Richard Morwood, and was very largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Dobson, of the Methodist church, of which deceased had been a life-long and devoted member. The text chosen for the occasion was Jer. 22, 10: “Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him; but weep sore for him that goeth away; for he shall return no more, nor see his native country. “As the Reverend speaker said, this was not an occasion for weeping, but rather an event of emancipation and glory, referring to the deceased as having gone to the glorious reward for seventy years spent in the loving and faithful service of the Lord.” The pall-bearers were the nearest relatives of deceased-James Morwood, son, C. Currey, son-in-law, and Albert, John and Frank Morwood, and Wm. Drake (Dunnville), grandsons and grandson-in-law. Interment at Fonthill cemetery. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
Died: 30 March 1895
[Welland Tribune, 18 January 1895]
DIED: At the residence of Mr. George Stalker, Welland, Mrs. Margaret Quinlan, relict of the late Hugh Quinlan, on Wednesday morning, January 16th. Deceased was only sick about 24 hours, and cause of death is supposed to be old age. She was twice married; her first husband was a Mr. Coleman, and her second Mr Hugh Quinlan, who died about ten years ago. She came to this country when about 35 years of age and has always lived between Welland and Port Robinson. Her age was about 77 years. Two step-daughters survive. The funeral takes place at 9 o’clock this morning from the residence of Mr. Stalker to the R.C. cemetery. Many friends will attend to show their respect for kind old “Aunty Quinlan.”
Died: 16 January 1895
[Welland Tribune, 20 December 1895]
Michael Blake, our former townsman, under date of Dublin, Dec.6, writes that he leaves the Royal hospital at Kilmainham on Jan. 1, going from there to live in his native place, Tory Hill, Croom, Limerick. Mr. Blake says he got tired of the hospital and wants to live among relatives and friends again. He spent a part of the past summer in Liverpool with his son Valentine, who, Mr. Blake says, has grown to be a big, well-behaved, sober, steady man, earning 6s, 8d a day then on shore. Mr. Blake closes his letter by saying he has very good health and wishing all Welland friends a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. The same to you, Michael, and so say we all of us.
BODY FOUND
[Welland Tribune, 3 May 1895]
When the water was drawn from the old canal at St. Catharines a few days ago, the body of John Smith, a coal teamster, was discovered in a badly decomposed state, having lain in the water since Nov. 20 last. Deceased, who had been drinking, went out that night and was seen no more, tho’ efforts were made to recover the body. He was a widower, but leaves two children. Deceased was formerly a resident of North Pelham, and the body was buried there last Sunday.
Died: 20 November 1894
SAMUEL DOAN COMMITS SUICIDE IN BUFFALO
[Welland Tribune, 29 November 1895]
The Buffalo News gives the following account of the suicide of Samuel Doan, son of the late Alex. Doan of Welland, in that city last Sunday night. The mother of deceased, since late Mr. Doan’s death married Ambrose Ellsworth, and now lives in one of the centennial houses in the town of Welland.
“Samuel Doan (the Buffalo papers have the name Dold, but that is a mistake), a Canadian, 19 years old, shot himself in the neck at the home of his employer, Frank A. Hughson, at 568 Northampton street, inflicting injuries from which he died at 10.25 o’clock last night. The deed was prompted by despondency caused by excessive drinking.
Hughson keeps a news stand at 133 Broadway, and it has been part of the boy’s work to deliver papers each Sunday morning with a horse and wagon. He went out yesterday as usual and when he returned last evening he was drunk. He left the horse standing in front of the house, unblanketed, and when Mrs. Hughson ventured a remonstrance he told her to mind her business, in a surly tone, and made his way up stairs to his room.
In a few minutes the crash of breaking glass was heard and a servant girl, who went to see what the matter was, returned and told Mrs. Hughson that Doan was smashing the mirror and toilet set in his room. Mr. Hughson was away from home and the women decided to await his return and let him handle the drunken boy; but soon they heard the report of a revolver and on going to the room young Doan was found lying on the floor with a bullet hole in his neck and a revolver with one chamber empty on the floor beside him.
A passing policeman was called in and he summoned the Fitch ambulance. An examination at the hospital showed that the wound was necessarily fatal. The bullet had severed some of the small arteries of the throat, grazed the spinal cord and lodged in one of the vertebrae.
Paralysis soon developed and Coroner Kenney had much difficulty in obtaining an ante-mortem statement. The boy said he had shot himself merely because he was tired of living. Doan came to Buffalo two years ago from Welland, Ont., where his parents live. The remains will probably be taken there for burial.”
Died: 23 November 1895
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.
[Welland Tribune, 15 February 1895]
We have this week the sad duty of recording the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Issac Doughty of this town. Mr. Doughty was in his usual good health on Saturday last, when he took a load of ashes out to Chandler Bros. potash works, Pelham, intending to bring back a load of wood. It was noticed by Mr. S.P. Bowman, near whose place he was getting the wood, that something was wrong. A closer inspection showed that Mr. Doughty had undoubtedly suffered a stroke of paralysis, as one side was completely paralyzed. Deceased was then sensible, but entirely helpless. He was taken to Mr. Bowman’s house, ministered to and later conveyed to his own home, Welland, where he quietly passed to rest on Sunday morning, at the age of 63 years.
Deceased leaves a widow (Mary Ryckman), two daughters and one son. He was formerly a well-to-do farmer in Moulton, but after moving to Welland one misfortune after another befell him until his afflictions almost parallel those recorded of Job in Holy Writ. First, one daughter, a bright young girl, died of consumption, then the eldest daughter was attacked with pneumonia, lay for weeks her life despaired of, and although still living, is an invalid; next and most terrible of all, was the loss of another promising young girl, burned in an accident with firecrackers so that death ensued after weeks of suffering. As if this were not enough Mr. Doughty lost his job on the canal because his politics did not suit the Tory machine, and now is this final dispensation by which the head of the family is removed. The case is certainly one deserving the warm sympathy and ready neighborliness of the community.
Mr. Doughty’s funeral took place on Wednesday, services by Rev. C.J. Dobson of the Methodist church, of which deceased was a member, and interment at Fonthill cemetery.
Died: 10 February 1895
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