Welland History .ca

The TALES you probably never heard about

OBITUARY MRS. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS

[Welland Tribune July 30, 1897]

Augusta Helena Farr, wife of William A. Phillips, principal of St. Thomas business college, passed away at their residence in that city at 2.15 on Wednesday morning 28th inst. Deceased had a stroke of paralysis over two years ago, from the results of which she was ever after an invalid.  A second stroke occurred last year. From this she rallied and was as well as usual up to midnight Tuesday, when a third stroke fell, completing the work of the destroyer. From this she never rallied, passing to rest a  couple of hours later. Mrs Phillips was born where now is nearly the centre of the town of Welland, then a part of the township of Crowland, fifty years ago the 22nd of March last. On Oct. 12, 1881, she was married to Mr. Phillips, who, with their two sons, Gordon V. And Charles Hume, survive to mourn the loss of an ever kind and affectionate wife and mother; a brother, Charles Farr of Buffalo survives.

The funeral will take place from the residence of her uncle, E.R, Hellems, Esq., Welland this Friday at 2.30 o’clock.
Interment at Fonthill cemetery, where the deceased will be laid to rest by the side of a baby daughter who died some years ago.

CAMPBELL-ARMBRUST

[Welland Tribune, 18 June 1897]

One of the loveliest weddings of the season was that in which Miss Cora Armbrust of North Pelham became Mrs. Robert Campbell. The interesting event took place at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Armbrust, at eleven o’clock of the 9th day of June. At the hour appointed the bridal party entered the drawing room, where the Rev. W.M. Cruickshank of St. Anns performed the beautiful and impressive marriage service of the Presbyterian church. Friend and relatives to the number of about fifty assembled to witness the marriage. The bride was attired in a dress of light cream, trimmed with chiffon and cream lace, and looked charming, and was assisted by her intimate friend, Miss Bertha Berry, who also looked handsome in a dress of steel grey henrietta, trimmed with chiffon and white lace. The groom was ably supported by his cousin, A.D. Norris. After the ceremony had been duly performed and all had joined in wishing them happiness, success and a lengthy, wedded life, all repaired to the dining-room where a sumptuous repast, consisting of all the delicacies that one could possible desire, awaited their attention. The presents to the bride were numerous, handsome and useful. At 2.30 o’clock Mr. and Mrs. Campbell left for Welland, accompanied by the usual donations of rice and antiquated shoes, where they took the train via Michigan Central for near St. Thomas, where they will reside.

FENWICK – BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

[Welland Tribune, 22 October 1897]

A company of unusual proportions assembled at the home of William Crow, one mile east of Fenwick, one mile east of Fenwick, on Tuesday last, to celebrate that gentleman’s sixtieth birthday. It was a complete surprise, gotten up by the family, in which invite friends joined. Forming a company of nearly one hundred persons-from Pelham, Gainsboro and Clinton. The guests came heavily laden with good things, and the tables when laid, were a pretty and appetizing sight. When the first table was being seated, Reeve Hyatt arose to his feet and presented to Mr. Crow, on behalf of the family, a comfortable arm chair in oak, accompanying the gift with a brief neat speech, in which the hope was expressed on behalf of the whole company that the recipient would long be spared to enjoy the beautiful present. Mrs. Crow was Sarah Jane Huntsman, daughter of the late John Huntsman of Clinton township. The happy marriage took place in 1863, and in 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Crow moved to Pelham, where they have since resided, commanding always the respect not only of their neighbors and friends, but the community at large. Two of their children have passed away, those surviving being Mrs. H.G. Diffin of Pelham Centre, and Alandes Crow who lives at the old home. Tuesday was an ideal October day, warm and pleasant, and the large company walked about the beautiful lawn or sat beneath the shading trees, and indulged in games and social chat. It was a genuine old-fashion and happy visit, enjoyed by a host of old friends, who will long remember the gathering with sincere pleasure.

10 October 1837-4 February 1915

WALTER VICTOR SMITH MARRIED AT ST. PATRICK’S

Hamilton Herald, Oct. 13, 1897

[Welland Tribune, 15 October 1897]

Several hundred women and a score of men assembled at St. Patrick’s church this morning to witness the marriage of Miss Julia Cox, daughter of Mrs. James Cox, King William street, to Walter V. Smith, the popular deputy sheriff of Welland. Chancellor Craven officiated, and during the interesting ceremony there were vocal solos by Miss Tessie Stuart, Miss Hanley and James Cox, brother of the bride. The bride looked just as charming as a bride is supposed to look under the circumstances, and she was beautifully gowned in white silk, trimmed with gauze and chiffon, wore a picture hat and carried a bouquet of white roses.

Her sister, Miss Millie Cox, was bridesmaid and she was gowned in blue silk, wore a black velvet picture hat and carried pink roses. H.W. McCoomb of Welland was groomsman. The groom’s gift to the bride was a gold watch and chain, to the bridesmaid a gold ring set with emeralds and pearls, and to the groomsman a silver coat hanger.

The ceremony took place at 9.30, after which there was a wedding breakfast, served by Caterer Knapman, at Mrs. Cox’x home on King William street. The outside guests were from Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Welland.

The presents were numerous and handsome, including many rich pieces of silverware, cutlery, chairs and other articles.

The young women associates of Miss Cox presented her with a large onyx clock.

OBITUARY – MRS JOHN BREMS

[Welland Tribune May 14, 1897]

On Saturday, Apri 24th, Mrs John Brems, who had been a resident of this village for over twelve years, was buried. She had not been very strong, but no uneasiness about her health was felt. On Easter Sunday she attended the morning service at St. Paul’s church with her family and joined with the congregation in receiving the holy communion on the anniversary of our Lord’s resurrection. On Tuesday morning her daughter, Miss Brems, going into the room where her mother slept found her lying on the floor in a semi-conscious state. All that medical skill could do was done to relieve the sufferer and recoverer her from her sudden seizure but with no avail, and she passed quietly away on Wednesday morning, God having taken her unto Himself.

Mr. Brems, who is captain of a dredge working on the Cardinal canal, was telegraphed for and arrived by the 5.50 train Tuesday evening. He has been engaged for many years with the firm of contractors on some of the great public works of Canada. It was while engaged on the Murray canal that he decided to make Brighton his permanent home. Mrs. Brems and he were both brought up in the county of Welland, where her father, Mr. Syrenus Nelson Pattison, was in general business. Her only brother, the Hon, Israel Pattison, M.D. lives  in Oelwein, Iowa, and is a senator of that state. Mr. Brems parents came out from Germany, taking up land near the town of Welland and his brother still lives on the old homestead. Mr. Brems’ two sisters, Mrs. Sauter of Buffalo, and Miss Caroline Brems of Olean, New York, both attended the funeral, also Mrs. Brems’ brother, Senator Pattison. The funeral service, which was held in St. Paul’s church, was largely attended by those who had known and respected the deceased. The familiar and beautiful service of the church of England was read by the Rev. A.G.E. Westmacott, who on entering the church heading the solemn procession recited the opening sentences which gave so much hope to the mourners. After which, hymn 135 was sung.

“Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
The strife is o’er, the battle done
New is the victor, triumph won.

The usual service was then proceeded with and the clergyman requested all to rise and join in repeating the Apostles creed, facing the east as a sign of their belief in the resurrection. At the close of the service the hymn, “O Paradise,” was sung. At the grave the rest of the service was conducted and the remains left in God’s keeping until the resurrection day. It would be well for us all to try and initiate the example of the deceased, by spending the last opportunity we have in God’s earthly courts and receiving the blessed sacrament of Christ’s redeeming love. Besides her husband she leaves two daughters and one son to mourn her loss.

OBITUARY GEORGE SIDEY

[Welland Tribune June 11, 1897]

Geo. Sidey was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, born on the 15th of June 1815-on the eve of the battle of Waterloo. His father, James Sidey, and family came to Canada when George was eight years of age. After a short stay at Montreal they came west and settled in Stamford township, upwards of 70 years ago. During the rebellion of 37-38 George Sidey was called out with the militia and served for a time opposite Navy Island, when the followers of Mackenzie were expected to make a descent upon the country. Leaving Stamford, he lived at Thorold, St. Catharines and London, Ont., coming some years ago to live with his children at Welland. His wife-Elizabeth Augustus Tewsley- predeceased him two years ago last March. To them seven children were born, of whom two died in infancy and five survive; three sons- J.J., S.J. and H.C., of the Welland Tribune and Mrs. Jas. B. Stephens, Welland, and Miss Hattie Sidey, St Catharines.

For upward of 60 years deceased was a member of the Methodist church; an earnest and devoted Christian, he did all that lay in his power to advance the Master’s kingdom. A remarkable feature of his long life was that he was never seriously ill until the last; never confined to bed a day in his life until five days before his death. Although he had of late begun to fail rapidly, he was up and about every day until Tuesday morning last week, when he sustained a stroke of paralysis, lingering in a semi-conscious state until 6 a.m. on Sunday, when he quietly passed to that sweet rest of which he had often dwelt in fond anticipation. Of him it might truly be said, death had no sting; the grave no victory. The funeral took place on Tuesday from the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Stephens; interment at Fonthill cemetery, sons and grandsons acting as pall bearers. In the absence of the Methodist pastor, Rev, Dr, Johnstone and Rev. Mr. McCuaig conducted the services, and paid an earnest tribute to the Christian character and zeal of the departed brother.

EDGAR G. CHESTERMAN

Niagara Falls Centre

[Welland Tribune, 4 June 1897]

Edgar G. Chesterman, a young man aged 32 years, died at the home of John R. Lord on Thursday of last week, of consumption. The remains were interred at Fairview cemetery on Saturday last, Rev. Mr. Wilson of Drummond Hill Presbyterian church conducting the service.

HODGKINS-CLARKSON

[Welland Tribune, 9 July 1897]

Another home in Crowland was the scene of mirth when Miss Josephine Clarkson, at her father’s residence, on Jubilee day, was married to Mr. Gideon Hodgkins of Wellandport. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Fred Kay, B.A. of Port Robinson. The bridesmaid was Miss Maggie Hixon and Mr. Beamer of Wellandport acted as groomsman. There about forty persons present to witness the ceremony and offer their best wishes and “much joy”. The bridal couple started immediately for their new home in Wellandport, where they expect to reside. Mrs. Hodgkins will be greatly missed in the church of which she was a member at Port Robinson, where she held the position of organist for a number of years. In home and church associations we bespeak for the newly married couple all happiness and success.

MORRIS-SMITH

[Welland Tribune, 9 July 1897]

At the residence of the bride’s father, John W. Hagar, of the township of Crowland, Miss May B. Smith was united in matrimony to the Rev. G.F. Morris, late of Bridgeburg. The bride was attended by Miss Clara Morris and little Muriel Morris was the maid of honor. Rev. J. Fred Kay, BA, acted as best man. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C.J. Dobson, B.D., assisted by Rev. Dr. Orme. The bridal party, with the bride in green and the bridesmaid in blue, presented a charming appearance beneath the overhanging arch of evergreens. After partaking of the wedding breakfast and the offering of many hearty congratulations and good wishes the happy couple started on a short trip before going to their new home in Onondaga. Their many friends join in wishing them every prosperity on the matrimonial sea.

CAMPAIGNE-DELL

[Welland Tribune, 9 July 1897]

A pretty wedding took place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30th ult., at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Dell, Netherby, when their oldest daughter, Ella A., was united in marriage to Henry A. Campaigne of Niagara Falls, Ont. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Kay in the presence of relatives and friends of the contacting parties. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Cora B. Dell, and Charles Campaigne, brother of the groom acted as best man. The bride was attired in cream albatross, trimmed with chiffon and lace, and carried a bouquet of bride’s roses. The bridesmaid was gowned in pale blue henrietta, trimmed with cream lace and silk gauze. Little Florence Callum acted as maid of honor, and carried the wedding ring; she wore white organdie, trimmed with white carnations. The bridal party entered the parlor the bride leaning on the arm of her father. After the ceremony all retired to the dining room, where a bountiful wedding feast was enjoyed. The tables were beautifully decorated with roses. The presents were beautiful and valuable. Among the guests were friends from Rochester and Sidney, N.Y.