NIAGARA, Sept. 28th, 1897
[Welland Tribune, 1 October 1897]
To the Editor of the Welland Tribune:
DEAR SIR- I have just read with great pleasure an article in your issue of Sept. 24th relating to Capt. Martin McLellan, and so I am able to add a few interesting particulars, think it only right to do so, hoping that every municipality in the country may be stirred up to imitate the very laudable example set by Thorold in preparing a local history. In two old record books in the town may be found items referring to both William McLellan, the father, and Martin McLellan, the son, honorable to each. In the record book of St. Andrew’s church, dated 30th Sept., 1794: “A number of people met this day and resolved that as religion is the foundation of all societies, and which cannot be so strictly adhered to without a place dedicated solely to divine purposes, that a Presbyterian church should be erected in the town of Newark, and that subscriptions for that purpose be immediately set on foot, as well as for the support of a clergyman of the same persuasion. “ The committee consisted of seven-John Young, Four Mile Creek, chairman; Ralph Clench, Andrew Heron, Robt. Kerr, Alex. Gardiner, William McLellan and Alex. Hemphill.
In the record book of the Niagara library, from 1800 to 1820, the name of Martin McLellan, who must then have been twenty-two years of age, occurs as one of the forty-one proprietors who formed the library, and also one of the tow trustees the first year (the other Andrew Heron}; during the years following he is frequently mentioned as trustee till 1811, and in the list of payment of fees, his name occurs till 1812, the year of his glorious death, showing that he was not only a brave soldier but a reader, and one who wished to help others in the laudable undertaking of founding a library.
In the rooms of the Niagara Historical society may be seen the pocket book kindly loaned by Mr. Martin McClellan, Fonthill with the subscription in his own hand, the writing the same as the signature in the above mentioned record book. Since the pathetic circumstance is now known in respect to his giving the purse to his wife the night before his death still greater interest will be shown by visitors in inspecting this valuable historic relic.
It is also told that the morning of the battle, when our forces retreated before such over-whelming forces, he and his three companions went back, favored by the heavy fog, to spike the guns, but the fog just then lifting they were all shot down.
It is believed that many interesting historical items might be collected, and it is to be hoped that all will help to gather these into suitable form while those are yet living who know the full circumstances, and thus prove conclusively that Canada has indeed a history of which she may be proud.
I am yours sincerely,
JANET CARNOCHAN
[Welland Tribune, 24 September 1897]
In all the historical researches in connection with the scenes of 1812-14 a remarkable oversight hs been made in the case of the McClellan family, Capt. Martin McClelland having fallen in active service, and was interred with others in old St. Mark’s cemetery, Niagara. Two descendants, grandsons, now live in Fonthill-Martin and Luther McClellan. Luther O. was requested by Rev. Canon Bull to furnish a short history of his grandfather’s life, which he has kindly consented to do, and has given us the following for the historical society, which met at Beaverdams 15th Sept, 1897
HISTORY OF CAPTAIN MARTIN McCLELLAN
Captain Martin McClellan was born in the year 1778 in Cherry Valley, New York state. At the age of twelve years the Indians became troublesome and barbarous with the whites, so much so that they were obliged to sacrifice their property and forsake all and escape for their lives. His father, Wm. McClellan, was captured by the Indians and rings put in his nose and ears. He made his escape with his wife and family of three boys, with the exception of one son, Captain Martin McClellan, who was captured by the Indians and kept in custody for three months. He was taken away down to Ogdensburgh, and on their return with him to Cherry Valley was recaptured by the whites and brought to Niagara for the remainder of their days, raising three sons, Martin, John and William. John settled in Caledon and lived to the age of ninety-six. William settled at Beaverdams and owned a farm there, where the battle of Beaverdams was fought across; he lived to the age of eighty years. Martin remained on the old farm joining the Queen’s bush at Niagara. His father was owner of a large estate in New York state, that was confiscated through the Indian trouble. Captain Martin McClellan was given the power of attorney by his father to dispose of the property that was surrendered. A large portion of it was never disposed of on account of the war of 1812 coming on, and, unfortunately for his financial interests, Captain Martin was one of the Canada’s true loyal subjects, and stood manfully up to defend his country that was near and dear to him. He fell as a hero in that war, consequently nothing more was done as regards the property in New York state. Captain Martin McClellan was killed at the battle of Fort George at the age of 34. He was also in the battle of Queenston Heights, and stood very close to the brave Brock when he fell at the foot of the mountain. He left seven descendants (grandsons) living-Martin and Luther, living at Fonthill; Dr. Martin McClellan, Chicago; Dr. J.W. McClellan, California; Dr. Frank McClellan, Michigan; C. Thompson, Niagara Falls; and A. Thompson, Virgil. Captain Martin McClellan fell on the 27th day of May, 1813. In the old St. Mark’s church, Niagara, a tablet, fastened to the wall, bears the following inscription:
In Memory of
CAPT. MARTIN McCLELLAN
Aged 34 years.
CHARLES WRIGHT and W.M. CAMERON
In the 25th year of their age.
Of the First regiment, Lincoln, Militia,
Who gloriously fell on the 27th day of May, 1813
Also, Adjutant LLOYD,
On the 8th King’s Regiment.
This tablet was in the yard until a few years ago, when interested parties saw it was going to places removed it to the church and fastened it to the wall to secure it, as it was looked upon with exceeding interest. It brings back to the mind the tattle of musketry and rush of foemen-the day when Niagara was taken. A very remarkable and sad event took place the evening prior to his death. He was deeply impressed that he should go and see his wife and family, who were taken from Niagara to Virgil during the trouble. After a short interview with his wife he said: “I have come to see you for the last time; I have been deeply impressed this afternoon that this is my last day I have to live; I expect to be numbered tomorrow with the slain; my convictions are so strong I must bid you good-bye; here is my watch and purse, you will never see me again alive.” Before three o’clock the next day he fell, with three others that were buried with him. Cameron and Wright were relatives and Lloyd a near friend. Strange to say, the ball penetrated the watch pocket, and many of his friends thought if the watch had not been removed from the pocket his life would have been spared, as the watch was a heavy English watch. My brother Martin has the purse in his possession that he handed to his wife, purchased five months before his death. Inside the following inscription is found in his own hand writing: Martin McClellan’s property, Niagara, Dec. 21st. 1812.” His wife was left with a family of five children, three girls and two boys, my father being the youngest, only six months old. Captain Martin McClellan was owner of a large estate. The law was in those days that the eldest son inherited all. His wife suffered a heavy loss financially; the buildings were burned, and but one house could be found out of six. He had a large quantity of brick hauled to build a house. The Americans replied them and used them for breast-works for a defence. And now when reflecting, notwithstanding the friendly feeling that exists between the two nations, it stirs up a spirit of enmity in the minds of those that had relatives that were compelled to sacrifice their lives to save their country, which was near and dear, from falling into the hands of a nation that was taking a great advantage of the Canadians at that particular time. Whilst old England had her men engaged in a vigorous war with another nation, it was certainly very unjust on their part to ponce upon us, a mere handful compared to them, and to me it seems cruel in the extreme, and certainly was the means of making many fatherless homes with one to eight in number, and should cause a remorse of conscience in the hearts of those that were the instigation of that cruel invasion. Consequently we should manifest a more grateful memory of those who protected and preserved this land as a British possession.
[Welland Tribune, 17 December 1897]
Mrs. Waddell, aunt of Mrs. Chas. Lewis, died on Wednesday evening (8th) of last week at the age of 58 years, of typhoid pneumonia. Interment took place at St. Paul’s cemetery on Friday last, Rev. P.W. Smith officiating. The pall-bearers were: C. Riselay, Wm. Anderson, Thos. Warren, Wm. Rainsford, Thos. Lewis and John Lewis.
[Welland Tribune, 24 September 1897]
Elisha C. Taylor, who died at his residence in Pelham on Thursday evening, Sept. 16th inst., was born on the farm on which he resided all his life, and which was purchased by his father, John Taylor, from the Crown in 1790.The Taylor family were natives of Duchess county, New Jersey, and were members of the Society of Friends. They came to Canada as U.E. Loyalists-John Taylor referred to being at that time eighteen years of age.
Our subject, Elisha C. Taylor, was twice married. His first wife was Caroline Moore; his second, Hannah Cox of West Creek, N.J., who survives. Of his children eleven survive, and all were in attendance at the funeral. They are in order of age, as follows: _ Mrs. (Rev.) J.F. Barker, Hamilton; Mrs. Thomas Hill, Pelham; J. Bruce Taylor, Welland; A.E. Taylor, Niagara Falls; Mrs. (Dr.) Karn, Picton; L.H. Taylor, Niagara Falls; James B. Taylor, South Pelham; Mattie, at home; Mrs. Park Southworth, Pelham; and Charles and Alberta, at home. Until within a comparatively recent time Mr. Taylor was a strong, healthy man for his years, but last spring he suffered from lagrippe, and this was followed by jaundice, which proved fatal, after an illness of five months borne with true Christian patience and resignation. At the time of his death he was in the 74th year of his age. In politics Mr. Taylor was a pronounced Liberal, but always avoided rather than sought public office or position. In religious belief, like his forefathers, he was a consistent member of the Society of Friends.
The funeral took place on Sunday from his late residence at 10 a.m., services in friends’ meeting house, where Pastor William Rogers gave an appropriate address from the inspired and inspiring promise of holy writ, “I am the resurrection and the life.” William Wetherald also spoke in feeling and eloquent language of the deceased, whom he had known as warm friend for fifty years. The funeral was the largest ever held in that section of country, the community assembling on masse to testify their love and esteem for one so eminently deserving. The pall-bearers were the five sons of deceased, and Thomas Hill, the eldest son-in-law. The grandchildren present included Dr. Barker of the Johns Hopkins hospital, Baltimore, as well as all those living in this section. The floral offerings were profuse and indescribably beautiful. Among them were a pillow, the gift of the five sons; a sheaf and sickle, from A.E. and L.H. Taylor, and a wreath from Mrs. Frank Rounds, Welland.
Deceased was possessed of warm social qualities and a genial, sunshiny nature, as well as deep religious convictions; and his removal leaves a void in the community that will not be soon nor easily filled. But our loss is his gain. As the sequel of a well-spent life, death had for him no terrors, the grave no sting. In common with this community the TRIBUNE feels his loss as that of a friend, and tenders most sincere sympathy to those more immediately and deeply bereaved.
A BUSINESS PIONEER OF THIS SECTION PASSES AWAY
[Welland Tribune, 24 September 1897]
For some time past J.C. Harris has been very ill, at times apparently somewhat improved and again becoming worse. He had a host of friends and they were most solicitous for his welfare and, though it seemed like hoping against hope, all joined in wishing him restoration in health.
But it was not to be. The best medical attention was given him and affectionate friends nursed him, but age had taken away his old-time vigor and he was unable to withstand the ravages of disease. For the past few days he lay in a semi-conscious condition, his mind at times wandering back to scenes and incidents of former years, and the physicians said the end was near.
Saturday morning, Sept. 18, the messenger of death came and surrounded by his family, the kindly old man, who had been everyone’s friend, breathed his last. His death will be generally regretted among all classes in the Niagara district.
Some 40 years ago he came to St. Catharines, and his firm, Harris & Berston, did a very large business in tobacco. Upon the death of his partner, Mr. Harris continued the business alone, and to the last was keenly interested in all details pertaining to his business. He had the reputation of being scrupulously honest in his business dealings, and did a large trade throughout the district.
He was born 78 years ago in Nova Scotia. When 10 years old he came with his father to Fonthill, and later on, he and his brother started a cigar factory there. Then John Berston entered the firm, and later Wm. Berston, with whom Mr. Harris started business in St. Catharines.
He leaves to mourn him a wife and daughter, Mrs. E. Neelon, and to them will go out sympathy and condolence.
Mr. Harris had been an alderman of the city and was a member of St. George lodge, A.F. and A.M., and Mount Moriah Chapter. In politics he was a life-long Reformer.-Standard.
Mr. Harris’s funeral took place on Tuesday and was very largely attended. Interment at Fonthill.
ELIZABETH MCROBERTS
[WELLAND TRIBUNE, 24 September 1897]
Niagara Falls, N.Y., Sept. 21-Mrs. Elizabeth McRoberts, 65 years of age, threw herself into the Niagara River just above the Falls this afternoon. Her body passed over the Falls a moment later. Mrs. McRoberts left her home in Buffalo at noon today, telling her son that she was going out of town on business. She evidently took a trolley car direct to the Falls, and shortly after her arrival threw herself over. She had been in ill-health for some time, and this probably unbalanced her mind.
[Welland Tribune, 10 September 1897]
Died, August 13, Phoebe Gainer, beloved with of the late Wm. Palmer of Burlingame, Kansas, formerly a resident of Oxford Co., in the 75th year of her age.
The above is the sister of Jacob and John Gainer of Welland county. She was born in Pelham on Jan. 1, 1822; was married in the year 1843 to Wm. S. Palmer and in December, 1878, they removed to Burlingame, Kansas, where they have since resided. She was sick about two weeks. The very warm weather and old age combined brought on a low fever, and in spite of all that loving hands could do, God took her to himself. She was a birthright member to the Society of Friends. She has swerved neither to the right not to the left from the faith of their fathers, but lived a life of patience and fidelity to her family, her friends and her God. Truly we can say, she has gone to her reward. She was conscious to the last, and recognized each one as they came to her bedside. Her last hours will be precious to the memory of her children, as they gathered about her and each received a kiss and silent blessing. She will be greatly missed in the neighborhood, as in time of sickness she was a comfort and help. She will be missed in the meeting at Emporia, which she frequently attended, and she leaves a vacancy in the home that can never be filled. The funeral was conducted by the meeting to which she belonged and was largely attended by friends from Emporia. “She is not dead, but sleepeth.” Surely they are blessed who sleep in the Lord.
[Welland Tribune, 6 August 1897]
Wm. H. Shisler, M.D., son of Jacob Shisler, is visiting in Welland county. He was once a student under geo. A. Clark at Fort Erie; passing the entrance he attended the Welland high school under the late J. Murison Dun; from Welland he went to Boston, Mass., and secured a position as night operator on the Boston & Albany railroad. Working short hours Mr. Shisler was able to prosecute his studies; graduating with the degree of doctor of medicine this year. The doctor is accompanied on his home trip by his wife and little daughter, Jessie Jenneatta, Robert Telfer, his brother-in-law, (on his way to Bruce Co,) and Miss Merriel Chesley, the daughter of the late lamented superintendent of the Boston & Albany railroad.
[Welland Tribune, 16 July 1897]
MR. EDITOR- Some citizens of the county seem inclined to condemn the extension of the Fort Erie races beyond the first fixed date, July 5th, and, as there are two sides to every question, I ask your permission to refer briefly to the matter.
In the first place, the club met with almost insurmountable difficulties at the start. The public, and especially the owners of the horses, could not be convinced that the track would be ready on time. Rain was almost constant during the construction of the track and buildings, and before the original expenditure was at an end about $75,000 had been paid out. At first the races opened rather dull, and several days passed before financial success was in sight. The sport was good and the crowds continued to swell. The management looked the situation over carefully and decided that thirty days at one stretch would be far less expensive than two fifteen-day meets. The heavy expense of reshipping 300 or 400 horses would be saved, and the large outlay for re-advertising would be unnecessary. In view of the heavy debt resting on the club it is also just to state that is in no way a counterpart of the Windsor track. The Windsor track is leased by bookmakers, and run by them, and in their interests. Not so with the Fort Erie track. It is managed by reputable men and I the interests of fair and legitimate sport. Judge Burke is one of the most competent and prominent judges on the continent, and every attempt at a job on the part of the jockeys is quickly nipped in the bud.
I think the public will, when the facts are fully known, agree that the Jockey club have merely managed their race meeting as any other set of men would manage any other legitimate enterprise.
Yours, SPORTSMAN
[Welland Tribune, 2 July 1897]
Miss Myra Hopkirk, the nineteen –year-old daughter of Thomas F. Hopkirk, of Parkdale, was drowned in the lake 400 yards west of the Exhibition Park, through the upsetting of a canoe on Monday.
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