[Welland Tribune December 19, 1897]
“John Guinter is dead.” This announcement on Monday last, though not unanticipated by his friends, carried sadness to many hearts throughout the Niagara district, Mr. Guinter having a circle of warm friends, equalled in extent by few, if any, in this section. In his death this district loses one of its most progressive and successful farmers, the Liberal party and active and powerful champion and many friends one whose many social qualities had endeared him to them.
John Guinter was born in the township of South Cayuga, county of Haldimand, on the 25th of June, 1837, the son of Peter Guinter and Louisa, his wife,natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to Canada in 1837. One present subject, John Guinter, was brought up a farmer and began life on his own account on the farm on which he lived and died. Richly endowed with habits of industry and perseverance and possessing good business ability, he made a marked success at farming and allied enterprises, accumulating property and other assets valued at $40,000 a few years ago, from a beginning on a capital of $1,000 twenty-five years previous. Owing to falling land values and failing health limiting his opportunities this ample competence has probably not been much increased of late years, but so well were his lands and buildings maintained that his estate came nearer holding its own in value than most others. His lands comprised 300 acres fully stocked with horses, cattle and sheep, with buildings among the finest in the county, rich orchards, all the etceteras of the up-to-date farmer. In 1861 he married Bertha Laws of Pelham township of which union four children were born. Of these the eldest died in infancy, two daughters were taken away in the bloom of young womanhood, and one son-J.Fraser Guinter-survives.
The bereaved widow also survives, but in most precarious state. A few hours after the death of her loved life partner she was the subject of a stroke of paralysis and at this writing was hovering between the living and the dead.
In politics Mr. Guinter was a sterling Liberal. He was a justice of the peace, and has represented his township\ at both the local municipal and county councils, and for many years held positions of trust on public school and agricultural society boards. He was of a most hospitable and social disposition and his many guests ever met with a warm welcome in his large and bountiful supplied mansion home.
For nearly a year past Mr. Guinter was quite apparently a doomed man; a victim to that slow but remorseless destroyer, consumption, which followed an attack of pneumonia. But with that indomitable will and energy for which he was noted, he refused to give up, and it was not until one week before he died that he actually took to his bed.
The funeral took place on Wednesday, services at his late residence at 1p.m. and interment at Hansler’s burying ground. Friends and mourners gathered from near and far to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed friend and tender their truest sympathies to the bereaved survivors.
[Welland Tribune December 19, 1897]
Rebecca Brackbill died in Buffalo last week at an advanced age, and her remains were laid to rest in the Friends’ burying ground, Pelham, on Saturday. Jacob Brackbill, her husband, formed one of the ill-fated company of Canadian gold-seekers who was lost in the memorable disaster of the burning of the Str. “Golden Gate” on the Pacific coast in 1862. County Treasurer G.L. Hobson, who had the gold fever bad at the time, had fully intended going with the Golden Gate party, but his departure was incidently delayed, Mrs. Brackbill was a daughter of late Samuel Taylor, formerly a foremost resident of Pelham, and to whom belongs the credit and distinction of first starting the nursery industry in that township. She will be well and kindly remembered by the older residents of the township of Pelham.
[Welland Tribune December 19, 1897]
Mrs William Brown of Marshville died at the residence if her son-in-law, Mr, George Anderson, near St. Catharines, on Monday, 6th inst., at the age of 55 years and 6 months. Her fatal malady was an affliction of the throat, from which she suffered for several months. Mrs Brown’s maiden name was Elizabeth A. Tims; she was born at Port Robinson in 1842, the daughter of H.W. Tims, who afterward moved to Suspension Bridge and died there during the cholera epidemic at that place. From the time of her marriage to the late William Brown up to last September, when she went to visit her daughter, Mrs. Anderson, she lived in Marshville. She was a consistentand devoted member of the Church of England, active in all good works and charities, endearing herself to the whole community of which she was a member. Her late husband, William Brown, county councillor, died on the 29th of March last.
Two daughters survive to mourn-Mrs A. B. McLean of Marshville and Mrs. George Anderson of Grantham. The funeral took place on Wednesday, from her home, Marshville, at 10.30 a.m., services by Rev. A. Bonny in Christ church, interment at Morgan’s cemetery, a very large attendance certifying their love and respect for their departed friend by attendance at the obsequies and heartfelt condolence with those who mourn.
[Welland Tribune June 4, 1897]
John R. Swayze was a descendant of a U.E, Loyalist family, and was born in what is known as the “Beaverdams Settlement,” June 8th, 1832. His grandfather, Israel Swayze, one of the first pioneers of the place, came from the United States about the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled on four hundred acres of land, granted to him for his attachment to the crown of Great Britain, where he passed the remainder of his life and where he died. At the time of his coming to this country it was an almost unbroken wilderness, small clearings having been made at a few places. The father of deceased, Hiram Swayze, was born in the United States and was three years old when he came to this country.
In 1857 John R. Swayze was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Barrett, who with one son and four daughters, today mourn the loss of a most devoted husband and an affectionate godly father.
Deceased was for several years a member of the Thorold township council. He was a Reformer in politics, and has filled the position of president and director in both the township and county Agricultural societies. He also served several terms on the board of license commissioners for the county of Welland. As a farmer Mr. Swayze might be copied after to advantage. His buildings and farm stock showed a neatness and thrift unexcelled in his township.
During the ministry of Rev. J. H. Starr on the Thorold circuit in 1866, Bro. Swayze was converted to God, and ever after continued a faithful member of the Methodist church. His conversion took place in connection with a four days meeting held in the old Beaverdams church. The first sermon was preached by the late Rev. John Carroll. Mr. Swayze was an earnest, active Christian, and entered with his whole soul into temperance and moral reform week. On the night of his conversion he erected the family altar, and continued it as long as he was able to attend to its duties. He was a member of the quarterly and trustee boards for many years, and his place was never vacant in the house of God till his affliction rendered it impossible to attend. His last illness was paralysis, which, though lingering for years and at times very painful, was yet borne with Christian fortitude. He died in great peace, May 20th, 1897. The funeral took place on the Sunday following interment at Beaverdams cemetery. We expect to meet our brother in the “Homeland,” when the day breaketh and the shadows flee away.
[Welland Tribune May 21, 1897]
Charles Kick, junior died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Mary Kick, Queen’s Park hotel, on Sunday evening at 8.40 of typhoid fever. Charley fonght manfully against the fatal disease for four weeks, and it was the universal hope and prayer of the community that this young life might be spared to his widowed mother and only sister,. Last week prospects of recovery were gratifying, but Providence had not so willed, and the patient sufferer sank to sleep as the shadows of the peaceful Sabbath eve gave way to the glorious moonlight-typical of the brief passage through death’s shadowy portals and entry into the bright beyond. Deceased was an amiable and honorable young man, beloved by a host of friends and companions, and idolized by an affectionate mother and sister, whose anguish words cannot tell. He had filled the position of ticket agent on the N.F.P. & River railway with acceptance to the company and the public, was an industrious employee of the Oneida metal works, and popular with everybody. He was a member of Park Lodge of Workmen, Cascade Court of Foresters, and also carried $2500 insurance on his life-$4500 in all. He was also a member of Alert whose company and of the bicycle club.
The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon from his mothers home, and was one of the largest held in the section for many years. The funeral procession took the following order- Niagara Falls band, Niagara Falls fire department, Court Cascade Foresters, Park Lodge United Workmen, Niagara Falls bicycle club, carriage laden with floral offerings, hearse and pallbearers, mourners and friends in carriages. As the cortage moved slowly along Ferry street to Drummond Hill cemetery, to the solemn strains of funeral march, the sight was deeply impressive and affecting. Rev. Mr. Wilson of the Presbyterian church conducted the religious service, and Chief Ranger J.H. Garner and Chaplain H.E. Walker officiated for the Foresters and Master Workman N. Ferris for Park Lodge, The pallbearers were Harry Dart and Marvin Bigger (Foresters), Austin Morse and Charles Wilcox (Workmen), Frank Blanton and George Campbell (companions). The handsome casket of cream-tinted brocaded satin was uncovered while friends passed by to look upon the departed one, but flowers bid from view all but the face and shoulders. The floral offerings were indescribably beautiful, and among others we noted-floral clock, showing the hands at the sad hour of 8.40, from the Clifton bicycle club; gates ajar, from his mates in the Oneida shops; pillow from the licensed victuallers; maltese cross, from Court Cascade of Foresters; anchor from Park Lodge, United Workmen; wreath from Niagara Falls fire department; anchor from Lilian Boyd: gates ajar, from girl friends; horsehoe, aunt Emma and uncle John; pillow from companions; bouquets, from Mrs. C, Kick, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Ross, aunt Susie, Uncle John,, aunt Anna, uncle Fred, cousin Joe, cousin Belle, and many other relatives and friends. The obsequies were a mark of honor and respect t the deceased that will ever be remembered by the family with great satisfaction and comfort.
[Welland Tribune June 4, 1897]
Robert Phillips who has been ill of heart trouble for about five years, died at his home in Pelham township on Friday, May 28. Mr Phillips was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, March 6, 1832, and came with the family to the country when only two years old. The family settled in the province of Quebec, where deceased was reared and where he was married to Miss McCullough, who still survives. Deceased also leaves four sons and one daughter-Richard, Robert and Martha, on the farm; Thomas, who teaches school at Wellandport, and John, who has charge of a school near Sherkston. He moved from Quebec to Gainsboro about 35 years ago. Then lived in Peterboro for a time, finally settling in Pelham, where he resided until his death. Mr. Phillips never aspired to public office, but was a successful farmer and a good citizen, highly esteemed in the community where he lived so long. The remains were interred on Sunday last at Fonthill cemetery. Rev. Mr. Bell of the Methodist church conducting the service.
[Welland Tribune June 4, 1897]
The remains of the late Henry T. Ross were brought here from Buffalo last Friday morning. Friends and relatives met the funeral at the M.C.R. station and proceeded to Holy Trinity church, where Rev. Dr. Johnstone preached a very impressive sermon, touching on the upright christian life of the deceased and his devotion to Holy Trinity church in its earlier days. Interment took place at Fonthill, Messrs. David Ross, J.H. Burgar, W.E. Barker, John Phelps, Frank Ott and S.J. Sidey acting as bearers.
[Welland Tribune September 3 , 1897]
At eight o’clock on the evening of Aug. 25th a party of sixty-five invited guests assembled at the house of Mr. and Mrs I.H. Bennett of Randolph, N.Y. to witness the marriage of their daughter, Clara L. To Mr. Samuel King of Salamanca, N.Y.. The full Episcopal marriage service was performed by the Rev. Norman Mathews of Randolph. The bride was attended by her sister Miss Bessie Bennett, and Chas. F. Gloth of Erie, P.A., a former classmate of the groom at Yale University, acted as best man.
The bridal march from Lohengria was played by Miss Edith Daukens of Jamestown. At precisely 8 o’clock the march began, led by Rev. Mr Mathews and ended before a bank of flowers and underneath a large bell of ferns and sweet peas.
The bride wore white brocaded satin with mouselin de soi, white silk lace and cut pearl trimming, and carried white roses. The bridesmaid was attired in pink silk and carried pink roses. At the close of the service the bride presented her bridesmaid with a ruby ring, and Mr. King presented his best man with a scarf pin.
Among the guests from out of town were Mr. and Mrs Jno Bennett of Toledo, Ohio; Mr. E.B. Davidson and family of Welland, Ont.; the Misses Emma Strandberg, Ellen Lundberg, Jennie Swanson, Amanda Carlson, Edwin Swanson all of Jamestown; Miss Gertrude Freeman of Bradford, Pa., Le Roy Fargo of Brooklyn; and Mrs. G.A. Smith and Miss Emma King both of Salamanca.
Under the supervision of Miss Allen, caterer, a bountiful supper prepared by A.D Work of Jamestown was served.
The many beautiful and valuable presents received by the bride gave evidence of the high esteem in which she is held by her many friends.
The newly married couple left at 12 o’clock for Salamanca, where they spent a few days with Mrs. G,A. Smith, a sister of Mr. King. Aug. 30th they left for Greenport, Long Island, where Mr, King is superintendent of schools, but will spend a few days in New York on the way.
The young people of Randolph will lose from their midst an esteemed friend, ad the church an earnest worker; but the best wishes of her many friends will go with her to her new home.
[Welland Tribune August 27, 1897]
Ex-County Treasurer James Macglashen died at his home, “Elm Brae,” Welland, at midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1897. Up to within ten days of his death Mr. Macglashen was in his usual health, and able to be about town, but a collapse came on Saturday night, 14th inst., when he was taken suddenly ill, death resulting about ten days later, the cause being enteric fever. For over sixty years Mr. Macglashen has been one of our best known and most honored men.
He was born at Kirkcaldy, Fifeshire, Scotland, in September 1810, and was the son of Leonard Macglashen, the youngest son in a family of ten. Two sisters residing in Scotland, are the only surviving members of that family. Mr. Macglashen came to this country about 1831, settling first at Niagara Falls. Later he entered into mercantile business with James Macklem at Chippawa, then a thriving village, and in September, 1841, married Mary, a daughter of the late Gilbert McMicking, who passed away five and a half years ago. Going out of business in Chippawa about 1842 he went into the wholesale trade in Toronto with his brother, the late John Macglashen of Niagara Falls South, in which he remained seven or eight years. During this time the firm endeavored to build up a trade between Toronto and the north by way of the lakes, sending goods to Collingwood and bringing back lumber for the city markets, but their vessel was wrecked off Port Maitland, causing heavy loss.
About 1849 Mr Macglashen returned to this county and for some years was secretary to Dr. Macklem of Chippawa, going to visit his old home in Scotland for the last time in 1855. After his return he undertook farming, settling on land about three miles from Chippawa. Here he was held in high esteem by the community, and was elected as reeve of the township of Willoughby for the years 1861-2-3-4. But Mr. Macglashen’s choice was not that of farming and after spending ten years of his life he abandoned it and received the appointment of county treasurer in 1864. This responsible position he held until failing eyesight compelled him to resign in June, 1891, after a faithful service to the county of twenty-seven years, During many years of this time Mr. Macglashen was connected with the banking business of the town-first as manager of the Welland branch of Molsons bank then as manager for the Imperial bank. He held the latter for about twelve years and until failing health made it necessary for him to resign. Since 1891 he has lived a quiet retired life at “Elm Brae.” the beautiful family home on the banks of Welland river. In politics he was a Conservative. He was an old and respected member of the Masonic fraternity, and at his death was an honorary member of Copestone lodge of this town. As a citizen of the county he was always one of its most prominent and trustworthy men, and the community extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved and sorrowing family, the survivors of which are; Leonard Macglashen, manager and owner of the Ontario Silver Works, Mrs. Thomas Cumines and the Misses Helen and Maggie Macglashen.
The funeral will take place from Elm Brae at 2 p.m. on Saturday, tomorrow; service at the house by Rev. Dr. Johnstone of Holy Trinity church, and interment in the family plot at Fonthill.
The pall-bearers will be the county officials with whom deceased was long and intimately connected, and W.M. German, M.P.P., member for the county.
[Welland Tribune September 10, 1897]
Died, August 13, Phoebe Gainer, beloved wife of the late Wm. Palmer of Burlingame, Kansas, formerly a resident of Oxford Co., in her 75th year of her age.
The above is a 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 nor 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 sleepth.” Surely they are blessed who sleep in the Lord.
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