Richard Williams Lights a Coal Fire in an Iron Pot
[Welland Tribune, 14 April 1905]
Thorold-April 11-Richard Williams, an old resident of Thorold committed suicide last night by inhaling coal gas.
When parting with William McDonald on the previous day, deceased asked him to call at his house the following afternoon. Mr. McDonald accordingly stopped at Mr. Williams’ and on entering noticed a very strong odor of gas. Not seeing deceased, he went to his bedroom, where he found him sitting in a rocker fully dressed, but dead. Investigation showed that it was evidently a case of suicide, planned with a good deal of care. The coal heater had been filled recently, the dampers closed and the stove doors left open, allowing the gas to escape into the room. Pillows had been placed at the bottom of the door and all apertures closed by which the gas might escape into the open air. An iron pot of charcoal had also been suspended from the ceiling and hung at his head. This had been lighted and the fumes from it inhaled.
A large butcher knife, newly sharpened was fond nearby, which would have been used, it is thought, to commit the deed, if the other means had not been effective.
Beside the dead man were found two letters, one addressed to a sister, and the other to a well-known resident of town.
Coroner Lemon decided that an inquest was unnecessary.
Richard C. Williams was about sixty years of age, and was a skillful carpenter. He had been a resident of Thorold for many years, and for a long time had been employed in the basket factory owned by his brother, George H. Williams. He was very popular among the employees. For some months, however, he had been out of employment, and this, together with other matters of a private nature, it is thought, brought on a fit of despondency, which terminated so sadly and fatally on Monday night. Mrs. Williams has been to England for some months having gone there for her health. A brother, Mr. George H. Williams and two sisters, Mrs. B. Ball and Mrs. John McDonagh reside in Thorold.
GORED BY A BULL
Matthew Parker of Crowland Township Perhaps Fatally Injured by a Bull on Sunday Evening
[People’s Press, 22 August 1905]
Four ribs on left side, fractured teeth knocked out, severe injury to mouth, right leg pierced by horn just grazing the main artery in the thigh, clavicle dislocated, scapula torn loose from muscles, severe bruises to spine and other parts, is the summary of the injuries sustained to Matthew Parke, who resides a half mile beyond the T.H. & B. bridge, on the river road west of Welland, on Sunday, and who lies at this time in a very critical condition, but who has good chance of recovery even at the advanced age of 78 years, if inflammation does not set in. It was about seven o’clock in the evening when the casualty occurred. Parker was bringing in his cattle, and when about 500 yards from home this bull turned upon him and committed the injury. The cows went home alright but Mr. Parker’s son, becoming uneasy regarding the non-appearance of his father, went out in search and found him lying face down on the ground, covered with mud and blood from head to foot, and his clothing torn to rags. He was taken to his home and, although conscious, has been unable to tell just what happened. Considerable blood lies on the ground at the place Mr. Parker lay, and the ground all around is torn up with the horns of the angry bull. The fracture of the rib was caused by being stamped upon, and the bruises by the bull’s head, while the gore in the leg was the work of a horn, as Mr. Parker had been warned time and time again by the neighbors and by his family, but considered he could manage the bull. Dr. Burgar was called and the injury attended to. The bull is four years old.
A BRIEF SKETCH OF MATTHEW PARKER’S LIFE
[People’s Press, 13 October 1905]
Matthew Parker was born at Biddystone in Wiltshire, England, on the 7th day of July 1833. While quite young he was taught by his father and elder brother the trade of basket and sieve making, which occupation he followed until early manhood. At the age of eighteen, he united in marriage with Miss Livonia Masten; the issue from this marriage was three children: William of Hamilton, Ont., Emma of Jackson, Mich., and Charlie of Detroit, Mich. Shortly after the birth of her youngest child, the tender mother and loving wife was claimed by death.
For his second wife Mr. Parker married Mrs. Ann Bartlett, a widow with two sons, one of whom resides in England yet. To this marriage was born two daughters and two sons, namely Bertha (Mrs. John Bradley} of Arcadia, Mich; Alice {Mrs. E. Chantler) of Pelham, Ont., Harry of Centralia, Wash.; and Fred of Welland. All were born in Welland.
For some years Mr. Parker contemplated going abroad, but was undecided where would be the best place to go. Australia or America. Finally he decided on the latter, and on the 12th day of May 1869, with his whole family, Mr. Parker arrived in Welland, and for the first time in his life he began farming, which occupation he has followed ever since; and in the same house that he slept his first night in Canada there he slept his last on the 7th day of October 1905.
HORACE WESTIN GRAYBIEL
[People’s Press, 4 July 1905]
A sad death occurred at Niagara Falls on Wednesday last when Hodge Graybiel, formerly of this township, died suddenly from the effect of injuries sustained while at his work in the power house. Deceased had about recovered from the injuries above referred to and resumed work when he was seized with hemorrhage of the spleen, causing death in a short time. He was the son of Elisha Graybiel of this township and had been working at Niagara Falls about six years. Five years ago he married Winnifred Sherk of Sherkston who survives. The body was brought to the home of his father here, from where the funeral took place to Morgan’s church on Sunday and interment was made in Morgan’s Point cemetery. Deceased was an Oddfellow and the members of Beacon lodge, Port Colborne, attended the funeral. The pall-bearers were his three brothers-Omer, Charles and Harry Graybiel and brother-in-law, Wilmer Sherk. Deceased was widely known and highly esteemed, and his untimely demise will be deeply regretted by many.
[People’s Press, 26 September 1905]
Another of the pioneers of South Cayuga passed away on Thursday Sept. 7th, in the person of Mrs. G.F. Windecker, at the advanced age of 84 years. Death was due to old age. Mrs. Windecker was born in England in 1812, and came to Canada with her parents when she was six years old. She first settled in Brantford, but when about twenty years of age, she married Mr. George Windecker, and came to live with him in North Cayuga, in the present locality of the family. She and her husband lived there ever since, until Mr. Windecker died about seven years ago. A large family blessed the union-five boys and five girls: Mrs. Thos. Smedley of Fort Erie; Mrs. Geo. Gifford and Mrs. Jas. Topp of South Cayuga; George Windecker of Dunnville; Robert Windecker of Alberta; Mrs. D. Bradt; Reuben Windecker, Mrs. Benj. Topp, Peter Windecker and Herbert Windecker, all of North Cayuga. The funeral took place on Saturday to the Windecker church and cemetery.
[Welland Tribune, 21 April 1905]
On Wednesday, April 12th, a very pretty function took place at the residence of Mr. T.E. Reeb at “Limestone City”, the occasion being the wedding of J. Frederick Reeb, of the township of Wainfleet, a prosperous young man, a a general favorite among his many friends, to Miss Jennie Bullock, one of Dunnville’s most beautiful young women.
Precisely at two o’clock in the afternoon the Rev. J.C. Stevenson, pastor of the Methodist church, Dunnville, took his position before an evergreen arch, when the bridal couple entered and took their position in under a white bell, which was hung in the centre of the arch, while Miss Lorena Reeb played the wedding march. Roy Zavitz assisted the groom and Miss Nellie Reeb was maid of honor. The bride was attired in a beautiful white silk dress and carried a white roses, while the bridesmaid also wore a white dress and carried pink roses.
After the beautiful service was over, the guests, after congratulating the newly made man and wife enjoyed themselves by partaking of the sumptuous dinner which was served at about four o’clock. All guests were united in saying that they witnessed a very fine ceremony, and they themselves having a splendid time.
The groom’s gift to the bride was a fine mahogany parlor suit and a gold bracelet. To the maid of honor a gold broach with diamond setting, and to the best man a pair of gold cuff links. …………
[Welland Tribune, 21 April 1905]
Chapin John Metcalf, of the Ontario police, died at his home near the old fort grounds, on April 12, aged 77 years and 4 months. Interment took place at St. Paul’s church yard on Friday, Rev. A.W. Woods officiating at the service which was held at the house. Deceased was born in the township of Bertie, and leaves to mourn his loss three sons: Harry of Fort Erie and Chas. and Walter of Cleveland, Ohio, and four daughters: Mrs. Wilson Rose, Mrs. Albert Church, Mrs. Geo. Carrick and Mrs. Chambers who has lived with her father since the death of her husband. Deceased was a conductor on the railway, but has been doing summer duty on the Ontario police force for many years, and was very much respected. He was a reformer in politics, and belonged to the Episcopal church. He loved to a fine old age, and was a useful citizen up to the last.
[People’s Press, 6 June 1905]
There died in Port Robinson on Sunday, June 4th, Annie Baker, wife of Benj. Baker, aged 68 years. Mrs. Baker died very suddenly, being as well as usual until Saturday evening, when she was taken with a headache. Dr. Park was called and pronounced it a slight stroke. Next morning about two o’clock she was found dead in bed. Deceased was formerly Mrs. Gailashaw of Welland, and had been married to Mr. Baker about six years, having resided in this village about three years. She leaves a sorrowing husband. Funeral will be held today, service at the house at 1.30, and at the English church at two o’clock. Interment at adjoining cemetery.
Thrown to Her Death From a Buffalo Street Car
[Welland Tribune, 28 July 1905]
Mrs. James A. Buchner, aged 32 years, Jarvis street, Bridgeburg, a most highly respected citizen, was thrown from a Niagara street car, Buffalo, between Ferry and Breckenridge streets on Saturday night, July 15th, about 10.45 and almost instantly killed. We are requested to publish the following as the correct account: Mrs. Buchner, the unfortunate lady, and her sister, Mrs. J. W. Buchner of Niagara Falls, N.Y. with one child of the former and two of the latter, went to Buffalo on the fatal evening to see the illuminations, and when returning at the time specified Mrs. Jas. Buchner signalled the conductor of the car to stop at Ferry street. The conductor pulled the bell rope, Mrs. Jas. Buchner then stood up to prepare for getting off the car, lost her balance and fell to her death.
The Buffalo Sunday papers all had different accounts of the awful accident none of them being alike excepting in one particular, that of the unfortunate lady’s death.
Mrs. J.W. Buchner, the sister who was with the deceased lady, gives this paper the following account of the accident. Mrs. J.W. was sitting on the outside seat of an open car with her two children, a little son and daughter sitting next to her. Mrs. James A. was sitting on the outside seat next behind with her little daughter next to her. Mrs. J.W. looked around and saw her sister stand up, after the car had passed Ferry street, to again signal the conductor to stop the car, when she lost her balance and fell backward onto the pavement. Mrs. J.W. then jumped to her sister’s assistance; also did her little daughter jump, both falling heavily. The former was dazed from her fall, and the little girl slightly bruised and shaken up. Both, however, soon recovered and did not sustain any broken ribs, s reported in the Buffalo Express, nor did they become excited and disappear as stated by the same paper, instead they followed the body of Mrs. James A. into Drake & Noble’s drug store, four doors north of Ferry St., east side of Niagara street, and remained there as long as the police would allow them. Mrs. J.W. says her sister was dead when she and the children left, and that they were escorted to the ferry by a policeman. The immediate relatives say it is nonsense to report that Mrs. Buchner jumped from the car, as she was most cautious and always warning those who would be with her on the street cars to be careful. Invariably would she hold her child or others accompanying her on the trolley until the car had stopped, and they are satisfied Mrs. Buchner did not attempt to jump from the car Saturday night. But when the car had passed Ferry street at so rapid a rate she stood up to again signal the conductor and lost her balance, in fact her sister who at that moment looked around, is sure that is how the accident occurred. The most unfortunate and dreadful accident has cast a sad gloom over the entire community of Bridgeburg. No citizen was more highly respected than Mrs. James A. Buchner. She was a kind, loving wife, mother, sister and daughter, beloved by her husband, child, relatives and citizens generally. The deceased lady was brought to her late home in Bridgeburg on Sunday, and a sad home it was indeed. All the immediate relatives were immediately summoned and were soon on hand to console with each other. They are as follows: her little daughter Dora, aged 12; her husband, two sisters-Mrs. J.W. Buchner, Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Mrs. E.B. House of Welland-one brother, Mr. G.W. Neiz of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and her father and mother of Brookfield,Ont. The funeral took place on July 19th to Doan’s Ridge cemetery, township of Crowland.
[People’s Press, 15 August 1905]
After an illness of nearly two years John Jackson passed away at his home, 31 Wall Street, St. Catharines, last Tuesday afternoon, aged 78 years. Deceased was born in Lincolnshire, England, and came to this county over half a century ago. He engaged in contracting, and while following this line of business was engaged in the construction of the Welland Railroad, or what is now known as the Welland division of the Grand Trunk railway, and also the Wellington Grey & Bruce. About forty-five years ago, he took up his residence in Port Robinson, and was a continuous resident of that place until last January, when the family moved to St. Catharines. Mr. Jackson was, during all his residence in Port Robinson, a member of the St. Paul’s Episcopal church, and was also a staunch Conservative. Besides a sorrowing life-partner, he is survived by a family of four sons and two daughter, viz: George and Frank, of the N.S. & T.R.; Alfred and Miss May Jackson, of St. Catharines, and John and Mrs. James E. Cook of Toronto, to all of whom the sympathy of many friends will be extended. The remains were brought here Thursday for burial.
[Welland Tribune, 21 April 1905]
A very pretty home wedding took place last Wednesday afternoon, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Barnhart, when their third daughter, Jennie M. was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr. Ezra E. Steele, son of Rev. W. Steele, all of Humberstone. At about 2.30 o’clock the strains of the wedding march pealed forth, played by Miss Mina Shisler, and the groom, assisted by his brother, Mr. Roland Steele, entered the parlor and took his position. Under an evergreen arch; the bride, assisted by her sister, Miss Susie, following. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Sanderson of the U.B. church. After the usual congratulations the party repaired to the dining room, whereas us customary on such occasions, the table was filled will all manner of good things, and the wedding dinner was partaken of covers being laid for 55.
The bride looked very pretty in a gown of white landsdowne with a veil and wearing a white carnations; while the bridesmaid looked pleasing in white organdie and pink carnations. The bride’s going-away suit was blue broadcloth and white chiffon hat.
The gifts were numerous, pretty and useful, and included some handsome pieces of silverware.
Among those attending were: Mrs. Starks, Buffalo; Mr. W. Troupe, wife and daughter, Miss Maud Troupe, Drummondville; Mr. H. Babion and wife, Stonebridge; Mr. J. Barnhart and wife, Port Colborne; Mr. F. Barnhart, Crowland; Mrs. C. Steele, Mr. E. Steele, Mr. N. Steele, Master Allen Steele, bethel; and Mrs. Andrew Sherk, sr., Ridgeway.
The bride and groom left on the evening train for Toronto, amid showers of rice and good wishes, and will, in their return, take up their residence in their new home at Sherkston, much to the pleasure of their many friends.
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