Michael Blake, to Wit
Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, Oct. 17, 1898
[People’s Press. 1 November 1898]
To Mr. J.J. Sidey, Welland, Ont.:
SIR: I beg most respectfully to address this letter to you, hoping that it may find you and respected family in as good health as this leaves me at present. I was living with my son in Liverpool. They used me well, but I found it lonely; he always at sea and his wife constantly employed every day. I thought I would come to Chelsea. I like it very well. We all have the liberty we desire; only one roll call, at 9.30 p.m. Hyde park, Kensington park, St. James Park, Green park, Battersea park, within easy reach. We have beautiful grounds of our own. There are such beautiful walks and promenades and recreation grounds. The Thames embankment is just at the foot of our grounds. Everything is delightful; the parliament house and Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s cathedral, Trafalgar square, National gallery, art gallery, museums, &c.-lots of things to see and to amuse you. We have a good library and reading-room, with two billiard tables and several games to occupy our time.
I was very proud of Canada. She has done well. Sir. W. Laurier is very energetic. The prohibition was a grand thing, although if I was there I would vote against it. I know much misery is caused through drink. I have a pint of beer daily, and that is all. The times are in a ferment everywhere in church and state. While I was at Liverpool we had some correspondence with Mr. Tom Ray. I was glad to hear that Brother James Foster was well and doing well.
We had a very dry season in London. They are short of water in parts of the city. I go to Hyde park on odd Sunday to hear the discussions on Socialism and Hebrewism-a curious crowd of fanatics- but the grand carriage drive and bike and motor car are worth seeing. I like this place very much; every man has a room to himself, a table, a chair, shelves, a large box; no man to bother you; go out a la militaire or in your own plain clothes. Your meals are brought to you hot-coffee mornings, tea evenings. We have fruit pies in season; extas, Yorkshire pudding, &c.
I conclude and beg to remain truly
Your sincere well-wisher, M. Blake.
Wainfleet News
[Welland Tribune, 28 January 1898]
On Thursday of last week, Jan. 20, one of the oldest and best known citizens of the Niagara peninsula, in the person of Edward Henderson, of the township of Wainfleet, passed over to the silent majority at the good old age of 95 years.
Deceased was born in the county of Sligo, near the city of Sligo, Ireland, in the year 1802. Coming to Quebec in the year 1829, he pushed his way up the great lakes and through the lone and desert wilderness of Upper and Lower Canada to the Niagara peninsula. At that time the Welland canal was being constructed, and during the years 1830, 31-32 he was being engaged as foreman on the said canal between Welland Junction and Port Colborne. Later Mr. Henderson and the late Arch. Galbraith of Stromness, father of T.J. Galbraith of Port Colborne, were foremen and contractors on the Welland Canal feeder under the firm of Collier & Bate. The firm met with financial difficulties and were unable to make payments leaving Mr. Henderson heavily indebted to the farmers of the surrounding district. However, being successful at all times, he soon discharged this embarrassment. In the latter part of 1833 he went to Toronto, known only at that time as Little York, where he met and married Jane Irwin, who died Aug. 16, 1874. This union proved an exceedingly happy one, and as a result ten children were born, eight of whom, six sons and two daughters, are still living. Leaving Toronto our subject traveled to Lockport, N.Y., where he was employed as foreman for Judge, Bissell & Clarke, merchant millers.
In the year 1837 he came to Wainfleet, thence to Marshville, when he was again on the survey of the Welland canal, and in this place he opened and taught in later years the first school. After the completion of the Welland canal feeder the Government of Upper Canada, recognizing his sterling worth and great ability, offered him the superintendency of the same, a position held at present by John Scott of Dunnville, but Mr. Henderson refused to accept and nominated therefor Frank Ramsey. During the summers of 1839-40 he was employed as culler of staves for Calvin, Cook & Counter of Kingston. Leaving Marshville again, in 1850, he purchased the farm where he lived until his demise, making as great a success of this profession as of others. Deceased was appointed bailiff of the second division court of the county of Welland in the year 1856, which post he held about thirty years, and at the time of his retirement was considered one of the oldest division court bailiffs in Ontario.
He was a life-long Conservative, had witnessed the rise and fall of many governments, both in this land and the old, and had seen four monarchs occupy the throne of Great Britain. His house was forever known throughout the county for its hospitality and the liberality of its master. His hand was always ready to assist the poor. Yet this remarkable man, who was more “bent to raise the wretched than to rise,” had accumulated sufficient of this world’s good and much more to give him comfort in his latter days. Until the last few weeks deceased enjoyed good health, when he was attacked by the grip, to which diseased he succumbed in the early hours of the 20th of January. The funeral was held on Saturday from his late residence and was largely attended testifying to the esteem and respect in which the aged gentleman was held.
The funeral obsequies were conducted by the Rev. A. Bonny, service being held in Christ church, Marshville, and interment taking place in the English church burying ground, Welland, where he was borne and laid to rest by his six sons. There were many beautiful flora offerings, including a pillow, an anchor, a cross and other designs –from the sons and daughters and other relatives and friends.
The surviving and mourning family consist of Edward Henderson of Ancaster, John Joseph, Charles, Richard and Robert Henderson of Wainfleet; Mrs. T.J. O’Neil of Port Colborne, and Miss Jane Henderson, who resided with her father.
[Welland Tribune, 26 August 1898]
At noon on Tuesday, 23rd inst., John G. Spencer, an old and well-known resident of Welland town, after a long illness, passed over to join the great majority gone before.
Mr. Spencer was a native of his county, having been born on the Quaker road near Fonthill in 1825, and was therefore in the 74th year of his age at the time of death. All his long life had been spent in this place and vacuity. His father, the late Thomas Spencer, died only some eight or ten years ago, having attained a relatively advanced age. The Spencer family, though some of them came from the States to Canada, are of English descent, and the ancestors of deceased were leading members of the Society of Friends in their time.
Our subject, John G. Spencer, had a good veterinary practice until the infirmities of advancing years interfered. He was a man of strict integrity, and had many friends.
In politics he was an unswerving Liberal, through good and through ill report. He leaves a widow, five sons, and six daughters. The sons are John G., Richard, James, William and Orin, several of whom live in Buffalo. The daughters are all married, as follows: Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Amos Guy, Mrs. Erastus Shultis, Mrs. John Holmes, Mrs. William Myers, all of Buffalo, and Mrs. John Kelly, at present of Lachine, P.QF
The funeral took place yesterday, (Thursday) interment at the Friends’ Burying Ground, Pelham. A large number attended to signify the deep respect in which deceased was held by those who knew him best.
[Welland Tribune, 9 September 1898]
Titus D. Yokum, a native and lifelong resident of Crowland, died suddenly at his residence on Wednesday evening in the 67th year of his age. Deceased had his leg broken about six weeks ago, but had recovered so as to be about with a crutch, and was apparently in his usual health up to few minutes of his death. He had retired to bed, but about 10 o’clock told his wife he felt very warm. Mrs. Yokom saw that something was wrong, and called to another person in the house. A few minutes after Mr. Yokom breathed his last, his spirit peacefully taking its flight to the future world. Mr. Yokom was born and lived all his life on the farm on which he died. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church and had the respect of all who knew him, who in his demise mourn the loss of a good friend and citizen. A widow (Elizabeth Everingham) and two sons. Jesse and Charles, survive to mourn their loss.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, 11th inst., from his late home at 10.30 a.m., thence to Methodist church, Crowland, where services will be led by Rev. Mr. Smith of Port Robinson. Interment at Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
[Welland Tribune, 2 September 1898]
LATE MRS. BAMPTON-Emma, relict of late James Bampton, an old and highly respected resident of the town, departed this life on Sunday last, at the age of 66 years, 2 months and 18 days. Her husband, late Capt. James Bampton, predeceased her by only a few months, dying on the 24th of April last. Mrs. Bampton was born in England in 1832, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Husted, who came to this country three years later, at first locating in Chippawa. Mr. Husted died at the age of 84, but Mrs. Husted-Mrs. Bampton’s mother-attained the remarkable privilege and honor of a centenarian, dying two years ago in Michigan in the 101st year of her age. One son, James and one daughter (Mrs. Wm. Swartz) survive to mourn in the death of Mrs. Bampton the loss of an ever affectionate mother. The funeral took place on Wednesday. In the absence of Rev. Dr. Johnstone, Rev. P.L. Spencer of the Episcopal church, Thorold, officiated, burial at Fonthill, where the mortal body was laid away to await the resurrection of the just.
Survivor of Thrilling Experiences
Blown up by an Explosion
RESCUED FROM THE FALLS
He Lived to an Old Age and Dies a Natural Death
[Welland Tribune, 29 April 1898]
Perhaps no one in the town of Welland had a wider or warmer circle of friends than Capt. James Bampton, who departed this life at his home on Sunday last, aged 68 years. Everyone who knew him was his friend; he had no enemies.
Capt. Bampton was a native of England, but has been a resident of this county nearly all his life. He was a vessel captain and engineer by occupation, and in his day was the subject of several notable adventures. Among the small tugs he ran on the canal and river hearabout were the “Whip” and the “L.N.G,” both of which will be familiar words to the older people of Welland. The boiler of the “Whip” exploded whilst she was lying at McDonald’s saw mill on the Welland river. Capt. Bampton was badly scalded, Charley Gillam, one of his crew, was killed, and George Poor, another, was severely injured.
Capt. Bampton also had a thrilling experience on the Niagara river. It is said he was the nearest to going over Niagara Falls of any person ever in a tugboat or large boat of any kind, and to be saved. He was engaged by the late John Brown of Thorold, who had the contract for reducing the banks of the deep cut, to prevent their sliding in every spring. The earth was loaded on mud scows, and it was Mr. Bampton’s work to tow them, three at a time, to the Niagara river, where the earth was dumped into the water.
One of the scows got loose, and Mr. Bampton in endeavoring to rescue it ran down below the first line of rapids. All who saw his perilous position thought he was doomed to go over the Falls, but skilful management and a close call Capt. Bampton rescued the tug and brought her safe into the Chippawa.
Mr. Bampton has been ailing for a long time, and was confined to his bed five weeks before his death, which was caused by throat and lung diseases. A widow and one son, James Jr., and one daughter, Mrs. William Swartz, survive.
In politics deceased was a Conservative; in religion an adherent of the church of England.
The funeral on Tuesday was attended by a large gathering of friends to tender the last token of respect. The last services were performed by Rev. Dr. Johnstone; interment at Fonthill cemetery.
The pall-bearers were John R. Dowd, Peter McKinley, R.H. Phillips, Willis Nunnemaker, James Blackwell and Frank Ott.
[Welland Telegraph 1898]
Corner stone laying
The corner-stone laying of the new Methodist church at Fenwick on Tuesday was a most successful and pleasing function. The attendance was very large. The ritual of the church for such cases made and provided was read by Rev. A.E. Russ of Welland, chairman of the Welland district. The corner-stone of the new edifice was well and truly laid by F.W. Watkins,Esq., of Hamilton, who made a most appropriate address, as did also the following reverend gentlemen who were present, namely: Revds, R.W. Woodworth, G.E. Honey, Cassiday, Christie and Smith (Port Robinson)
After which, dinner was served in the lecture room of the church. The ladies won golden opinions for the ample and elaborate spread, and tasteful floral decorations. Next in order was an address from Hon. R. Harcourt, which was one of that eloquent speaker’s happiest and most appropriate efforts.
The building was brilliantly illuminated by acetylene gas, manufactured by one of McMurray’s (Welland) generators. The lights were admired by all for their purity, brilliancy and steadiness
The Fonthill brass band added to the charms of the occasion by their enlivening strains.
In addition to the previous subscription list an offering of $150 was made at the corner-stone laying, which, with $50 or $60 netted at the dinner, will make the proceeds of the day aggregate over $200 for the building fund. The church will be practically a new structure, though the present building will be utilized, It will be raised, a stone sub-structure erected for a lecture room; a wholly new addition will be erected., and the present building, after being raised, will be veneered with brick, and the interior will be renewed. The result will be that the Methodists of Fenwick and vicinity will have a handsome as well as ample and modern-equipped place of worship.
[Welland Telegraph 1898]
The village of Fenwick shows much improvement and increase in size. Several new business additions have been made and a large number of commodious and beautiful residences have been erected during the past year.
The Methodist church, which was first erected in 1860 is being thoroughly rebuilt. A large T shaped addition is being built at the rear, and a basement is being placed under the auditorium. The foundation and the basement will be of stone from Rockway, Louth township, quarries, and the church proper will be veneered with brick from Hooker’s yards, Welland. The buiding, when completed, will be a lasting monument to the village. The Methodist body here numbers some 200 members and theirs is the only church in the village. The building will be lighted by acetylene gas. W.F. Haist, Fenwick, mason and Ryan & Cook, woodworkers, have the contracts.
A. L. Pattison has rebuilt his residence adjoining his store, and thereby made a very neat abiding place.
John Gladwin, a carpenter and builder has erected for himself a very neat and handy residence, which also adds greatly to the appearance of the village.
Wm. Ryan, also a builder, has put up for himself a new residence on Canboro street. It was built last fall and when fully completed will be an up-to-date home and quite cosy.
C.J. Sloat has erected on his seven acre garden farm a very tasty home. It is of modern appearance and stands out very prominently.
Dr. Birdsall has converted his barns and outbuildings into more convenient and suitable shape and arrangement. The doctor has one of the prettiest residences and lawns to be seen in a long drive. It is nicely terraced, while here and there hedges and ornamental shrubs are placed in striking effect.
Altogether this thrifty little village is moving along with the steady growth of Canada, and the citizens take great pride I the improvements.
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