[People’s Press, 16 February 1904]
Mr. John E. Cohoe of the township of Wainfleet has favored the People’s Press with an old faded writing, the diary of a trip made from Welland County to the Talbot Settlement (now St. Thomas) in 1815-nearly 90 years ago. The manuscript was found among the papers of Mr. Cohoe’s grandfather-John Cohoe-who lived at or near Fonthill and died about half a century ago. The words inside the parenthesis are interpolated by the editor as explanatory. Mr. Cohoe tells us that he has been unable to locate the Dial McKinney’s referred to. Isaac Nunn’s, we are informed, is the farm now occupied by Cyrus Nunn in Pelham. From the diary it will readily be seen that travelling in this country ninety years ago was quite a different matter from the taking of a trip nowadays. The manuscript reads:-
April the 12th, 1815, I left home about 7 o’clock in the morning and went to Dial McKinney’s and from thence about 9 and went through by Isaac Nunn’s and crost Chipawa at Robin’s, and crost the mouth of Swaygo, and mist our way and took a road that led to the south, from which we took to the woods, which hindered us a good while, but the day being fair we got out to the road and went on through Canborough and took a new road through, but got out before the moon sot and staid at one William McDaniel’s (probably McDonald’s).
13th-Crost the Grand river and went by Justine’s place and so to the lake, and eat breakfast at Fite’s, and from thence went on the beach, and being fair, we got to one Wagner’s, and the next day crost the mouth of Patterson’s crick, and went through Dover and went by the Messodes (Methodist) meeting house and by the baptise (Baptist) meeting house and so on through Long Pint Settlement by old Thomas Welch’s, and from thence to Samuel Brown’s that night.
15th-We went on and got on Talbert (Talbot) street and arrived at Jesse Terl’s (probably Tyrrell’s) one mile beyond the big Aughter (Big Otter).
16th-Went on the street till we crost the Catfishes and then took a road down the Catfish to the Bostict road and got to Isaac Moore’s that night.
17th-Went through to the lake and so round to Jonathan Done’s and staid all night.
18th-Went on the Bostic road and with some difficulty to find the way we got to Cornnal Tolbert’s (Col. Talbot’s) and staid that night.
19th-Came back to Isaac Moore’s and heard the wipperwill for the first time this year, and staid the night.
20th-Come on the Bostick road, and came to Tolbert (Talbot) street at Isaac Crane’s and came to William Keskedan’s and staid that night.
21st-We came to Jesse Terel’s and got our breakfast and staid and looked at the lake till 2 or 3, and then I returned for Cornal Tolbert, and went on the street to John Melat’s and staid that night.
22nd-I went on to Tolbert’s and give in the numbers and came back 12 or 13 miles and it rained all day and was disagreeable traveling. Staid at Jeremiah’s Scrammer’s that night.
23rd-This morning cold and snowed some, and about 9 or 10 o’clock broke away and the sun broke out and was more moderate, and came to Jesse Terles about 1 or 2 o’clock and went and looked at my land some more and towards evening came to the Little Auter (Little Otter) and staid that night at Thomas Nevel’s.
24th-Came to Samuel Brown’s and got dinner.
(The record breaks off abruptly here, the remaining pages having been lost. The name of the writer is not given but it was evidently the diary of someone who went to buy land from Col. Talbot.)
[People’s Press, 23 February 1904]
Many friends here will regret to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Geo. J. Wheeler, at her home, Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Sunday last. Mrs. Wheeler (Hannah) was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schumacher, for many years’ residents of Welland, and where deceased was born. The family removed to Niagara Falls some years ago, where they have continued to reside. Mrs. Wheeler was well-known and highly esteemed here, and had many warm friends who extend their heartfelt sympathy to those bereaved. She leaves to mourn a husband, father, mother, sister and brother.
[People’s Press, 23 February 1904]
The death occurred on Sunday morning of Mr. Sidney Whitmer, brother of Mrs. James Doan, of town. Deceased was a young man, unmarried and 32 years of age. His death was caused by ulceration of the stomach, from which he had been a sufferer for about two years and had at last gone to a hospital in Chicago, his recent home, from which Mrs. Doan brought his a week ago yesterday. He had never lived here and was a comparative stranger, but had, however, been M.C.R. operator at Black Rock for seven years. The funeral will be held from the house (to-day) Tuesday at 2 p.m., and friends are invited to attend. Burial in Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
[People’s Press, 2 February 1904]
Last Saturday morning about 8 o’clock, Mr. Alex Alexander was found dead on his bed room floor. Life had recently departed. Deceased had apparently got out of bed, been overcome with weakness and succumbed. He had been in precarious health for some time, and considering his advanced age, his demise though startlingly sudden, might naturally be looked for at any time.
Mr. Asher had, so far as our knowledge extends, the distinction of having been the senior resident of town; that is, whilst there are older persons now in town, they came here at a later period than Mr. Asher.
Deceased was a native of Duffis, near Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, where he was born on Oct. 19, 1819, the natal year of the late Queen Victoria. He came to this country when but 15 years of age, and after working for a few years for Ranney & Tucker, Allanburg, settled in this section, about 60 years ago, before there was any town or village corporation of Welland. He was intensely industrious, honest and made many friends, with whom he was a great favorite. His period of activity was prolonged beyond the usual lot of man, but for the past few years he has been quite incapacitated from physical labor, though retaining full possession of his senses.
A widow-Hester Buchner-and six sons and daughter survive, namely:-James, Charles, Alexander and Mrs. E. Holder, Welland; Mrs. Wm. Toyn, Buffalo; and Lewis, Philadelphia, Pa.
The funeral was held yesterday, interment at Doan’s Ridge cemetery, and was largely attended.
The passing of Mr. Asher removes the most familiar mile-stone to the older residents-the connecting link between the past, and present generations.
[Welland Tribune, 7 October 1904]
Ryan- Died at her late home on Muir Street, Welland, Ont., on Sunday Oct. 2, 1904 at 6.30 a.m. Hannah Elizabeth Ryan, wife of Mr. Nirum Ryan, aged 64 years, 8 months and 24 days.
Deceased was born in Pelham Township on January 8th, 1840, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nahum Robbins, and was married June 28, 1859. She has been a respected and esteemed resident of the town of Welland during most of her married life.
As of a Dorcas, so of Mrs. Nirum Ryan, many have a gracious word of grateful memory to speak. So many can tell of kindly deeds, nobly done in her own quiet, yet effective way, that one may say she lived for others.
Her godly patience and Christian testimony during her last sickness were a benediction alike to those who, with loving and tender ministrations attended her and also to those who came to her with visits of cheer.
The floral tributes, gifts from appreciative and loving hands, were wondrously beautiful and abundant while their fragrance is a grateful memory. Two of these should perhaps have special mention: That from the family, a pillow, with the word “Mother,” beautifully wrought, and that of Mr. H. Hearn, a wreath of white roses beautifully entwined by a rare vine.
Relatives, friends, neighbors and sympathetic citizens crowded the house and yard at the funeral service, conducted by the writer. The principal Scripture forming the basis of the address was Revelations 14:13.
As the funeral cortege moved on its course to Dawdy’s Burying Ground, Pelham, a large and sorrowful procession attested the esteem in which the deceased was held by the community.
Messrs. H.A. Rose, David Ross, Jas. Asher, A. Miller, Geo. Bates and C.N. Adair were the chosen pall-bearers.
Deceased leaves to mourn her loss her husband, and the following children: Mr. Chas. E. Ryan of Buffalo, N.Y., Mrs. Alex Asher of Township of Crowland and Mr. Jacob and Miss Rosa Ryan of Welland, besides many near relatives.
Two of her children, Marion May and Harry Howard have gone before. We extend to all bereaved ones our heartfelt sympathy in this time of sorrow.
Pastor Wm. F. Cuthbert
Niagara Falls
[People’s Press, 16 February 1904]
The death of John S. Parker which occurred on Friday afternoon at two o’clock was a very sad event. Mr. Parker had been ill but a few days and was not thought to be so dangerously ill till a short time before the end. Pneumonia was the cause of death. Deceased was born in Stamford thirty-two years ago. For a number of years he was employed on the N.F.P. & R. railway, but left the road last fall and started a flour and feed business at No. 33 Erie avenue. He is survived by the sorrow stricken widow (nee Alice Dawson, of St. Catharines), one son, Joseph aged fourteen months, and his aged mother. To these the hearty sympathy of the community is extended. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon at two o’clock from his late residence, Hutton ave., to the Presbyterian cemetery in Stamford village. Rev. Mr. Smith conducted services.
Abe Jamieson and Dick Arnott Arrested
[Welland Tribune, 19 February 1904]
Welland, Feb. 18-Chief Ford of the Welland police arrested Abe Jamieson and Dick Arnott about 1.40 this morning. They were on Divisions street and were each carrying a 25-lb sack of flour, “Riverside Mills,” brand. Another sack, broken with the contents spilled, was found in the ditch in front of Dr. Hutton’s residence. Jamieson then brought the chief to Riverside mills and wanted a mill hand there to say he purchased 150 lbs. of flour, but the answer was not satisfactory.
R. Cooper, proprietor of Riverside mills, was appraised of the facts this morning. He could not tell how much was missing but estimated it at 150 lbs. Mr. Cooper left the mill a few minutes to ten o’clock last night, and the two prisoners, who were at the mill at the time, walked with him a little way.
About ten o’clock, Pierce Whalley was entering his house in front of the mill, a noise was heard, and in response to a query from someone in the house, he investigate and reported, “It’s only Abe carrying a sack of flour.” About 12.30 another person from a window also saw Abe carrying flour.
It is generally the opinion that three trips were made-about 10, 12.30 and when the arrests were made. The mill was running all night, and there were three millers at work at 10 o’clock and two after midnight. These were at work in the back of the mill and the theft could easily have been committed without their knowledge.
Arnott was recently discharged from the Central where he was serving for vagrancy.
The two prisoners were to be tried today at 2 o’clock, but owing to the ability of Crown Attorney to be present, the hearing was postponed until tomorrow at 2 p.m. Jamieson was allowed his freedom on bail.
[Welland Tribune, 22 April 1904]
Egerton Ryerson Hellems, who died at his home at Welland at 1.30 o’clock yesterday (Thursday) morning, was a native of the town of Welland-or, more correctly speaking, was born in that part of the township of Crowland now comprising part of the town of Welland, before its separate incorporation as a village. He was 69 years of age on the 9th of March last.
Mr. Hellems was of U.E. Loyalist descent, of which he was justly proud. His father, John Hellems, was a native of Pennsylvania; the family on quitting that state lived for a time in the Mohawk Valley, New York State, and subsequently came to Canada. The father, “Squire John Hellems, although a mere youth at the time, participated in the war of 1812, fighting at Lundy’s Lane as a member of a flank company. He also held a commission in the Loyalist ranks during the rebellion of ’37. On coming to Canada the family settled here, and was one of the most influential in the district, John Hellems being commissioned a justice of the peace as early as 1840, and taking a conspicuous part in keeping order in this section during the turbulent times of the canal building about that time.
Our present subject, Mr. E.R. Hellems, was given a liberal education and followed the profession of school teaching. For six years he was master of the public school at Allanburg, and fifteen years at Welland, a very large proportion of the adult residents of town having affectionate remembrance of “the Squire” as the teacher of their boyhood days.
After retiring from teaching, Mr. Hellems carried on the stationery and express business in which Mr. O.H. Garner was afterward associated with him. He held the office of town clerk from 1870 when he succeeded J.J Sidey in that office until his demise. He was appointed Police Magistrate in 1881, for which he was eminently qualified, being possessed of quick and correct perceptions, a well-balanced mind and a though knowledge of the laws it was his duty to administer.
Deceased was married on Dec. 21, 1857, to Maria, daughter of late Jacob Garner of Stamford. Mrs. Hellems died Oct. 24, 1901. One daughter, Mrs. O.H. garner, and one son, Prof. F.B.R. Hellems, of the Colorado State University at Boulder, survive; also one brother, C.W. Hellems, St. Catharines; and one sister, Mrs. Dennis Rice of Thorold township.
Mr. Hellems has been gradually but perceptibly failing for some months past, but struck manfully to his post, expressing a wish to “die in the harness.” He was confined to the house but a week preceding his death which was caused by an affection of the heart and asthma.
The funeral will be held tomorrow from his late residence (Saturday) at 2 p.m., interment at Fonthill cemetery.
“Squire Hellems,” as he was usually designated, was possessed of marked ability. As an extempore speaker in matters within his province he was eloquent and convincing and had few equals. He was possessed of a large share of the “milk of human kindness,” and his memory will ever be cherished in affectionate remembrance by all who knew him.
[Welland Telegraph 1904/05]
Son of the late John Misener, who died in January, 1901, was born in the Township of Wainfleet, on February 19th, 1867, where he has always lived and followed the occupation of farming. He was educated in the public school and the St. Catharines College of Commerce, where he received a diploma on graduation in 1891. It was in the same year that he was elected to serve as councillor in the township council. He held the reeveship in 1893-4-5and was thus a County Councillor, being probably the youngest man Welland ever had in that position. In 1895 he came within one vote of attaining the Wardenship, though he did not seek that position. In that year he held the chairmanship in the Industrial Home Committee. Mr. Misener was a promoter, and is today a stockholder in the Fork’s Road Natural Gas Co., and was instrumental in starting the Fenwick Company in 1902, in which he is still interested. In politics he is a staunch Conservative, at the present time serving the second term as president of the Liberal-Conservative Association of the electoral district of Monck.
[Welland Telegraph, 1904/05]
Richard Harcourt, M.A., M.P.P., was born in Seneca township, county of Haldimand, on March 17, 1849. In 1870 he took his M.A. degree at Toronto University, and in1871 he was appointed school inspector of Haldimand. Five years later he took up law with a Toronto firm, and in 1878 began his practice in Welland. The same year he was elected as a Liberal to fill a vacancy in Monck, and has held the constituency ever since. In August of 1890, he entered Sir Oliver Mowat’s cabinet as Provincial Treasurer, and afterwards took the portfolio of Minister of Education, which he now holds. He is conceded to be one of the ablest public man of the day.
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