[People’s Press. 8 May 1900]
On Saturday last between fifty and sixty relatives gathered at the old homestead to celebrate the 77th anniversary of David Misener, and a right good time was had. The following is a bit of poetry composted by one of the “kids”:-
In the merry month of May,
And on Uncle Dave’s birthday,
A party was invited down the creek,
And some that got the dodgers
That were sent by Mrs. Rodgers
Said, “We’ll get there, and that double quick.”
From the east they came and west,
All dressed in their Sunday best,
So that each one now did look so neat and trim,
For it seemed their only thought
To put on the best they got,
Or perhaps they’d not at all be in the swim.
Now, Frank was near the field
When the rigs all in there wheeled,
And he gazed upon the party with a stare,
Then he says, you just can bet
They’ll put up with what they get,
But then again I s’pose they do not care.
When he saw the horses all,
Why he says I have no stall,
But, I’ve concluded for to tell them what to do,
Just tie up to the fence
And feed at your own expense,
Is the only way I see of getting through.
Now, it was market day,
And Emma was away,
For to get some cotton clothing for the kid.
When she got in sight of home
Her thoughts began to roam,
But we can never tell you what she said.
There came aunts, uncles, cousins
And others, too by dozens,
And many with a basket on their arm;
They had coffee there from Java.
And chicken with the gravy,
With many things that grow upon the farm.
Now, they brought all sorts of victuals
That were cooked in different kettles,
And they placed them on the table all together,
Then each took a bite and sup
Till they ate the wheel thing up,
They said, “We’ll surely now have better weather.”
But the greatest fun of all
Was to see the girls play ball—
How they’d run and skip and caper to the base,
When the boys would give a shout
And be sure to bat them out,
And then, of course, they’d have to take their place.
All too soon it came on night,
But the thing came off all right,
And no one of the party seemed vexed;
So we bade them all good-bye,
With a twinkle in our eye,
And wonder where the meeting will be next.
Port Colborne News
[Welland Tribune, 4 September 1900]
George Bateman, an old and highly respected resident of the town, died on Friday morning last after a long illness. Deceased was 75 years of age. He was born in England, but came to Canada early in life. H has lived in Port Colborne over twenty years. The funeral took place on Saturday at 10 o’clock in the morning; Interment in Overholt cemetery. Rev. Mr. Bonny conducted the services. A widow mourns the loss of a kind and loving husband, and the sympathy of the community is extended to her in her sad bereavement.
[Welland Telegraph 1900]
His 85th Birthday
The Founder of the firm of M. Beatty & Sons Celebrates his natal day, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Still Hale and Hearty
On Saturday, August 25th, at the home of Mr Matthew Beatty, there was a very happy gathering, the occasion being the celebration of Mr Beatty’s 85th birthday. For the past forty years Matthew Beatty’s figure and kindly smile have been known to Wellanders who point with pride to him as the originator of the firm that now enjoys a Dominion reputation. Gathered round him on Saturday, glad to do honor to one who has been a kind and loving parent, were his entire family, with the exception of two grandchildren (J.B. and Florence Young, who were unable to attend).
Those present were- Mr and Mrs Wm. Beatty, with their daughter, Miss Nellie, and son Eugene.
Mr and Mrs Alvin Beatty, their son Roy and daughter Helen.
Mr and Mrs Harvey Beatty
Mrs Nelson Young (nee Sarah E. Beatty)of Niagara Falls South.
Mrs J.V. Bergen, (nee Almira Beatty), of Austin, Texas.
Mrs Milton and Mrs Perine.
After receiving his congratulations of his guests, and partaking of family dinner, an adjournment was made to the lawn, where a group picture of those present was taken by Artist Morden.
Mr Matthew Beatty was born north of Ireland, near Londonderry, on the 12th day of August 1815. His parents were James and Mary Beatty, both natives of Ireland. When he first came to America he remained a short time at St Johns, New Brunswick. He went from there to New York, where he learned his trade. From there he removed to Michigan, and was in that state and on the lakes four or five years. He then lived for a year and a half in Buffalo, and a like period in Rochester. In the autumn of 1842 he came to Canada, and after working at his trade in St Catharines for a period of eighteen years, he settled in Welland. He purchased from A.L. Haun a small shop used as a foundry and in it established the business which has since expanded to the large proportions the Welland Iron Works have attained to-day. At present 35 men are employed by the firm, and this number is augmented in the busy season to 50. From the small repair shop of forty years ago has grown the fine shops and business that now has made M. Beatty & Sons’ name a household word among contractors the Dominion over. The chief manufactures of the firm are contractors’ plants of all kinds, mining machinery, steam ditchers, steam derricks, and steam shovels, hoisting engines, stone derrick irons, gang stone saws, centrifugal pumps, etc.
To Matthew Beatty the town of Welland owes much of its prosperity to his keen business instinct and integrity of character much of the success of the present firm is due. For years and years “Beatty’s” has been the backbone of the town. Nearly all the men engaged are skilled mechanics drawing high wages, and no apprentices are employed at all. Welland without Beatty’s would be like a ship without a rudder.
The Telegraph cordially joins his many friends in wishing that Beatty may yet be spared to enjoy “Many happy returns of the day”.
Buffalo Courier’s Report
[Welland Tribune, 13 July 1900]
Niagara Falls, N.Y., July 9-In his boat the Foolkiller, this afternoon, Bowser of Chicago, has navigated the terrible whirlpool rapids of the Niagara River in safely and is now one of the curiosities of the country. The much advertised affair occurred this afternoon.
The boat was launched last night on the Canadian side of the river near the Maid of the Mist landing, and this morning it was towed to the American side, as Bowser had promised the Canadian police that he would not board the boat from that side of the river, providing they let him put it in the water.
Bowser secured a boatman to tow the boat down the river just below the milling district where it was moored to the bank. Here at 3 o’clock he went and for an hour was busy preparing for his remarkable voyage.
The river banks for miles down were lined with a curious and skeptical crowd. His boatman started to tow the boat out into the river at just 4.30 o’clock.
The craft started all right and began to drift down. It shot the “swift drift” at ten minutes after four, and passed over towards the American side. Here it reached a current that swept the boat over to the Canadian shore and in a few moments it was caught in a powerful eddy made by one of the little bays of the river on the Canadian side and was whirled around in it three times, taking over half an hour. Bower signalled to his boatman who was on the bank, and he came and towed him from the eddy. This was at 4.50 o’clock. The Foolkiller then started direct downstream in the middle and came down towards the Cantilever bridge of the Michigan Railroad with the swift current. It escaped all the eddies and shot under the railway steel arch bridge into the terrible whirlpool rapids at exactly 5 o’clock.
The Foolkiller behaved handsomely and rode the first waves capitally. Bowser waved his hat carelessly to the crowd above him and smiled reassuringly. The second heavy wave swept completely over the boat, submerging Bowser. On and on the mad rush of water swept the Foolkiller, but always keel down and Bowser in the cockpit, all right.
When near the centre of this fearful piece of rapids the boat was turned broadside and took several big seas, but did not capsize. The monstrous waves finally turned her bow on and swept over it. For several seconds at a time, the boat with its occupant, was out of sight in the raging flood, but again it would appear, always right side up, with Bowser half drowned, but still in that boat.
Bowser was alive, but he did not have any time or heart to wave his hat. He was grittily hanging on for his life in the little cockpit of the boat. In less than five minutes he had run the rapids and had shot into the great whirlpool. After having one or two pretty fierce shakings in the fierce swirls of this pool he was carried around into the smoother water and whirled about.
Bowser and his boat were in the whirlpool from 5.05to 5.40 o’clock, moving around at the will of turbulent water. Twice the boat entered the centre of the pool and was submerged. Bowser had no control over it. Finally the craft struck a current that took it to a point about fifty yards from the shore, and Arch Donald, Frank Hyde and Howard Lake swam out and towed it ashore. As the navigator stepped out of the boat he exclaimed, “What is the matter with Bowser now?” A fire had been built and the navigator was given a change of clothing. He was shivering as with the ague. A hundred or more people who had descended the wild and torturous Indian path shook his hands and congratulated him.
To a Courier reporter he said, “It was an awful experience. The whirlpool rapids are nothing like I had thought they were. They are many times rougher. Had I known the truth I never would have attempted the trip. I have no idea of trying again. I have got the laugh on those people who wanted to introduce me to the coroner, but the people have got the laugh on me in the matter of the boat line for the Pan-American. I have been through the rapids safely, and if that is encouragement enough for anyone to start a pleasure boat line, why they are perfectly welcome.
“After I passed through the first big waves that engulfed me I found that my hat, which had been drawn tightly over my head, had been washed off. I waved it off, and then some waves struck me, and it was all off. I didn’t realize much of anything after that until I came out into the whirlpool. During the brief time that I was going through the rapids it seemed as if a hundred men were pounding my head and the boat with great hammers. The boat never turned over, but it was on its side and ends several times. Each time I thought I was a goner sure. Only the straps, which at the last minute I decided to fasten to the boat and over my shoulders, saved me from death. I did not say any prayer; I did not have time to think of one. I was mighty cold and tired when I came out into the whirlpool. I will rest now until next Saturday, when I must be back in my work in Chicago, as my two weeks’ vacation ends then.
“I haven’t done this to get dime museum fame. I honestly believed that a boat line through the rapids would be practical, but I am convinced that it would not be. I would not make another such trip for any amount of money. I got through by rare good luck. I would forget it if I could. Three or four times my breath was nearly gone, and then the waters would open and let in some air. I did not use my steering apparatus at all, for I couldn’t. I just went into the rapids and the rapids did the rest.”
The navigator was taken to his hotel in a carriage. The boat is still in the whirlpool. A number of ladies shook hands with Bowser after he landed. The first was Mrs. Harry Castle of Detroit, and the second Miss Alma Garrett, of Niagara Falls, Ont.
Bowser is an assumed name for this daring navigator. His real name is Peter Nissen. He is a Dane and is 37 years of age. He was born in Denmark and came to this country seventeen years ago with his parents and settled near Chicago. For several years past he conducted a private school on the west side, but teaching not being profitable, he left it to make bookkeeping his business.
He was fifteen months building this boat, and did a great deal of the work on it himself. The immense weight of the keel, which was a steel shaft, hanging below the wooden keel, was the real success of the boat. There were four large bulkheads and six air-tight compartments, filled with cork. It was very strongly built and was able to withstand the terrible pressure and strain put upon it without a scratch or the breaking of a timber. The boat weighed 4,300 pounds and the keel nearly a ton. Bowser had given great study to the river and the rapids. He visited here in the spring and secured a walking pass on the Gorge Road, which skirts the water’s edge, and watched the effect of the big ice floes going through the rapids and the currents of the river. He made up his mind then that he could successfully navigate the rapids and went back to Chicago fully determined to build a boat that would carry him through.
[People’s Press, 10 July 1900]
A good and greatly esteemed resident of the township passed away at midnight on Wednesday last, in the person of Peter Snider aged three score years. The deceased had been ailing for a couple of years, and his death was not unexpected. Peter Snider was born in the township of Humberstone, and has been a life-long resident, he hardly ever having been many miles away. He leaves a large family of grown up sons and daughters, namely: Levi Snider of Michigan, Jacob Snider of Cayuga and Edward and Albert Snider of Humberstone, and Mrs. Henry Kramer and Mrs. John Ettling. He also leaves two brothers, Henry B. and Charles, and a sister, Mrs. Henry Wolfe, with whom the entire community join in mourning the demise of such an old and favourably known resident. The funeral took place on Sunday at 1 p.m. from the house to the Lutheran church. Rev. Mr. Dorn preached the funeral sermon, in which the relatives of deceased think he was done some injustice. The interment was in the Lutheran cemetery on the lake shore east of here. An immense concourse of friends attended the funeral.
[People’s Press, 12 June 1900]
John Stewart, an old resident, died at his home in Crowland township yesterday, Monday, June 11, at the advanced age of 80 years. Deceased had been a sufferer from old age and illness for a long time. He was a native of Ireland, and had never married. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) from his late residence at 2 p.m. Interment at Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
ST. CATHARINES’ OLDEST RESIDENT, DEAD
Remembered the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837
[People’s Press, 12 June 1900]
St. Catharines, Ont., June 8-Mrs. Abigail Waud, the oldest resident of the city, died here this morning. She was in her 93rd year, having been born at Fonthill, November 7, 1807. She was of U.E. Loyalists origin, her paternal grandfather, Robert Spencer, having fought in the revolutionary war as an officer on the British side. In the war of 1812 the homestead in Pelham was occupied several time by the British troops. Gen. Brock gave Mrs. Waud a gold dollar, which was long preserved as one of her treasures. She was an eye-witness of the fleeing of the Americans at Beaverdams when the Mohawk Indians rushed to attack them. She witnessed bloody scenes during the Mackenzie rebellion in 1837, and also the distressing events occasioned by the outbreak of malarial fever among the laborers employed on the construction of the first Welland canal when 600 perished from the disease. One son and two daughter survive her.
Port Colborne News
[People’s Press, 12 June 1900]
The community was shocked and saddened on Saturday last by the death of Miss Ida May, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Christmas. Though deceased had been ill for nine months previous to her death, she had been quite better of late and hopes of recovery were entertained. She was taken ill with what the doctor pronounced as lung trouble. On Saturday morning last at half-past ten o’clock, she passed peacefully away, and the loving watchers scarcely noticed the end. During her illness all was done that skilful and patient attendants could do, but without avail.
That dreaded disease consumption has claimed another life-that of a young and happy girl, a life full of promise, a life, the taking of which will an irreparable loss to all who knew her. Deceased, who was born in Port Colborne, was 23 years of age. Her life here has been a pure and useful one. Her vacancy among her numerous friends can never be taken. All who knew her loved her.
The body was laid in a beautiful white casket, resting and partly covered in a bed of white flowers, and attired in white-all reminding the sorrowing friends of the purity of the life of which this silent body was but an earthly prison.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at half-past one, from the late home of deceased to St. James’ church, where the service was held. The rector, Rev. A. Bonny, spoke with deep feeling of the sweet, simple, Christian life of deceased. The choir sang some appropriate hymns. The church was filled, and all who were present were allowed to view the body. The interment was in Grabiel’s cemetery. A large concourse of friends drove to the burying ground.
The following were the pallbearers: Harry Palmer, O. Gilles, Geo. Laing, Charles. Bradley, Wm. Cook and Jos. Hanham.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of everyone in their sad affliction.
[People’s Press, 12 June 1900]
H.N. Dell, an old and formerly a prominent resident of Crowland township, departed this life at his home near Welland on Thursday evening last, at the age of 70 years and seven months. (7 June 1900). Although Mr. Dell had been in ill-health for a long time, the end came suddenly as his illness was not considered immediately dangerous until the morning of the day of his death. His ailment was asthma, the immediate cause of death, however, being heart failure.
The Dell family, of which deceased was a member, was one of the most prominent pioneer families in this section. They were strong loyalists, the name often appearing in the annals of local history. Our subject, H.N. Dell, was born in Willoughby, and lived all his life in that township and Crowland, taking an active and prominent place in public matters until incapacitated by disease and advancing age. For some years he occupied the position of township councillor of Crowland. By occupation he was a builder, in politics a stalwart Liberal, and in religion a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist church.
A widow, one son-Frank Dell, Ridgeway-and two daughters-Mrs. W.B. Chambers and Mrs. Andrew Willson, survive to mourn their loss.
The funeral took place on Saturday, interment at Doan’s Ridge. A very large gathering of friends convened to pay the last tribute of respect to an old and faithful friend. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Russ.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dell and their two sons, Harry and Orley, attended the funeral of Mr. Dell’s father at Welland on Saturday.
[Welland Tribune, 6 July 1900]
Humberstone has lost another of its pioneer settlers in the person of Valentine Hopf, who, after suffering from a complication of diseases, died shortly after midnight on June 30, of valvular heart disease. Deceased was in his 80th year. He was born in Saxe-Meiningen, Germany, in 1820; emigrated to Canada in 1847 and settled in Humberstone. He was mail-carrier for the local postoffice for a number of years. He passed his declining years with his daughter, Mrs. Samuel Young. He is also survived by two step daughters, Mrs. Andrew Noxel and Mrs. John Wright. The funeral was held on Monday, July 2nd, at 1.30 p.m., from the residence of Samuel Young to St. Peter’s Lutheran church, Stonebridge, of which deceased was an active and highly respected member. The funeral services were conducted by the pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Dorn. Interment took place in Lakeview Lutheran cemetery, east of Port Colborne. The pallbearers were: Charles Bauer, sr., Jacob Young, Jacob Miller, John Seitz, John Utz and Christian Wolfe. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Young desire to thank the friends and neighbors for their kindness during their affliction.
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