[Welland Tribune, 19 September 1905]
To the Number of 200 Meet in Joyful Reunion in Pelham, at the Old Hansler Homestead.
Our childhood home, our happy home
We never shall forget
The peaceful hours we then enjoyed
E’re time or vain regret
Had stole the flush from off our cheek
An dimmed our cheerful eye,
Or cast a shadow o’er the years
That passed so quickly by.
Would George Hansler have been proud of disappointed with the group of his descendants gathered in reunion at his old home on Tuesday, Sept., 11th could he have been present to witness the happy throng? The question is intense in its absurdity. He would most assuredly would have been highly satisfied with the showing made, because those present represented the thriftiest, most highly respected and one of the largest families in this country, also because peace and harmony reign supreme over the entire family.
Although the day previous was a most disagreeably rainy one, and the early morning hours of the same day threatened storm, relatives from both far and near began pouring into the old home in the early morning and the procession was a steady one until the middle of the afternoon. One would imagine it the migration of a small town to some other most prosperous and happy land, so dense was the march, and so mirthful the participants therein.
Relatives, who had been absent for years, and who probably will be again for years to come, met in the loving handshake which only the dearest and nearest of kin can give, and a feeling of happy contentment soon spread. The old were once more young, and the young were younger still. While the older friends indulged in quiet conversation, of the happy times in bygone days, the youth and maidens exchanged the lively chitchat of the present age, and the children “played upon the green”.
As the morning faded to the afternoon and as the merrymakers began to feel the results of their pleasures-the inner man beginning to grumble-baskets, aye, dozens of baskets, began to appear on the scene, and such baskets, too, m-m-m! The tables were spread on the broad and well-shaded lawn in front of the house, and fairly mourned under their bounteous and seasonable load of the most wholesome fruits, vegetables and other toothsome delicacies, in which the much favored land of Pelham and surrounding district richly abounds. The floral decorations were most profuse and well-selected, and tinted richly the long lines of tables. They were the gift of Mr. B.E. Secord of the township, and included fine clusters of hydrangeas, asters, dahlia, and in fact as fine a collection of the later flower family as could be wished for or found. The present was most highly appreciated by the many present.
After all had done full justice to the many good things offered, (the tables being set the second time) and the usual toasts, jokes and funny savings were concluded, a group photograph was taken by Photographer Chas. Willson of Welland, and many will be the orders for the finished product of that day’s “snapshot”.
The Hanslers are among the oldest settlers in Pelham, and although few in the beginning, have, from generation to generation, been so blessed as to, at the present day extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Mexico to Alaska, as it were; in fact they now represent one of the largest families of today in the new world.
George Hansler, U.E. Loyalist, was born on the ocean in 1756, while his parents were en route from Germany to America. He lived a number of years in New Jersey, and later, with many another true-hearted Britisher, left the U.S. and came to Canada before the war at the beginning of the eighteenth century broke out; he settled in the then unbroken front of the country, the homestead title dated 1786 to George Hansler, which has since for four generations been the home of an Andrew Hansler-the name of the present owner. The guardian of the Hansler home has always been a advocate of temperate habits. None,-no not one-ever used spirituous liquors or tobaccos in any shape or form and were clean-mouthed in the extreme. The homestead has never been under mortgage, has always been improved with advancing years, and today stands out one of the most modern and up-to-date homes in Pelham township. The Hanlsers are proud of their name and proud of their race. By their steady and untiring perseverance, they have attained prosperity, by their honesty and upright characters, they have innumerable friends and by their worthy Christian lives have but the grandest hopes of the future. What more can man want? What more can man acquire?
Among those of the elder generations present-Esther Hansler, widow of the late Andrew Hansler who passed from this earth about two years ago; D.J. Hansler, brother of Andrew Hansler, now deceased; Andrew Hansler, Isiah Hansler, Mrs. Stirtzinger and Mrs. Alcock, brothers and sisters, children of late Andrew Hansler; while the number of younger generations was so numerous as to make it impossible to repeat the list.
The gathering dispersed in the evening well pleased with the day’s events, and wishing for the “Hanslers” still greater growth and prosperity. May they hold many more such unions.
Among some of those from a distance were-Miss Ruby House, New York City; Dr. W. Thompson, Cleveland, O.; Miss C. Thompson, Buffalo; V.H. and Mrs. Robinson Niagara Falls; W.T. and Mrs. House, Bridgeburg; Mr. and Mrs. J. Merritt, Fulton; Clark Saure, Jordan; Nelson Moore, St. Catharines; Henry Wills, Winger; Andrew Bradt and family, Grimsby; Mrs. Laws and family, St. Catharines; Mrs. Sherk, Ridgeway; and many others of which room will not permit mention.
The saddle-bags of the late pioneer George Hansler, which are much coveted keepsakes in possession of the present Andrew Hansler, were on exhibition during the day, and are in a state of good preservation, as are also his diaries kept therein. The books were many written in the 17th century with the old goosequll.
The old German bible brought from Germany by the parents of the late George Hansler, is also still in the hands of the family and is highly prized.
The thanks of the entire gathering are due Andrew Hansler and family for their trouble in preparing the house and grounds for the event erecting the tables and many other thoughtful acts during the day.
[Welland Tribune, 9 June 1905]
Mrs. Murray Roy, mother of Mrs. C.N. Alair of Welland, died in her home in Dunnville on Friday last. She was quite well until the night before, when she suffered a stroke of paralysis, death ensuing next morning. Deceased was born in Seneca and from there went to Canboro where she lived until she moved into Dunnville about 14 years ago. She was 73 years of age. A sorrowing husband and two daughters –Mrs. John DeGrow of North Branch, Mich; and Mrs. Adair, survive. The funeral took place on Sunday to Riverside cemetery, Dunnville.
[Welland Tribune, 9 June 1905]
Invitations have been issued for the wedding of Julia Helen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Thompson of Meaford and William D. Ross of Montreal formerly of Welland. The wedding will take place at 12 o’clock noon, on Thursday, June 22nd, at Christ’s church, Meaford. Mr. and Mrs. Ross will become residents of Welland, as it is Mr. Ross’s intention to locate here again, we are glad to say.
[Welland Tribune, 26 May 1905]
After a long period of suffering borne with true Christian patience and resignation, Harriet Maria, wife of David J. Hansler, of Fenwick, passed to early on Tuesday morning, 23rd inst., aged 66 years.
Deceased was a daughter of late Wm. Dunn, Esq., of Forks Road, Wainfleet, in his time a prominent resident of the district. She was the mother of two children, both of whom predeceased her,- the one, a boy, at eight years if age; the other a daughter after she had grown up and been married to Mr. Philip Stirtzinger. The bereaved husband and one granddaughter survive.
Mrs. Hansler was a consistent and faithful member of the Evangelical church. She did her duty in all her walks of life in which her lot was cast, possessing the esteem and affection of all who knew her.
The funeral was held on Thursday. Services at the house and interment at Hansler’s cemetery. The bereaved have the sympathy of all, and the deeper consolation of knowing that their loss is her gain.
[Welland Tribune, 26 May 1905]
Alex Anderson, aged 57 years die at the Industrial Home on Tuesday morning of heart disease. He had been an inmate for about nine months. He was committed from the town of Welland, having formerly worked for Geo. Cook, teamster. The body was claimed and buried by the Baptist congregation in the Episcopal cemetery. Rev. Mr. Robertson conducted service at the home, and Rev. Dr. Johnstone at the grave.
Sixty-one inmates now in Home.
Formerly Allie Coleman of Port Robinson
[From the Oelwein, Iowa, Record-August 18, 1905]
The death of Mrs. Allie Pattison, one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Oelwein, occurred at the family home Saturday morning (Aug. 12th) after a lingering illness, during which, while her sufferings were hard to bear, she bore with Christian fortitude.
Allie Coleman was born in Port Robinson, Ontario, Canada, December 25, 1847, and in June 1870, was married to Dr. Israel Pattison. To this union were born five children:-Mrs. F.W. Quirmbach, of Melrose, Minn.; Mrs. Wm. Matthie, of Clarion; and Drs. J.F. and D.M. and Mrs. A.C. Phillips of Oelwein, all of whom survive their parents; Dr. Israel Pattison having preceded his wife two years. Died: 26 April 1903.
Mrs. Pattison and her husband were among the oldest settlers in this county, and she had been a resident of Oelwein for the past thirty-three years, removing here from Coytown, when it was seen that Oelwein promised to be a town.
The funeral services were held at St. Mary’s church by the rector, Rev. F.C. Smith, assisted by Rev. Dr. Hoyt of Harlan at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment in the Oelwein cemetery.
The deceased was a tireless worker in the Episcopal church of which she had been a member since childhood. To her efforts largely is due the establishment of St. Mary’s church in this city. When in her health she contributed vastly of her time toward church work and was mother of the choir for many years, taking deep interest in all that concerned her chosen religious faith. She was of such assistance in this work that her place can never be filled. Mrs. Pattison was a woman of the strongest traits of character. It was her religion to do right and do good. She was a true wife and mother; her acts regarding home and family were examples for others to follow.
The death of her beloved husband was a sad blow to her and she never became reconciled to it.
She died in the Christian faith, strong in the belief that she was going to a brighter and better world and to join her departed loved one.
Mrs. Pattison was a member of the eastern Star, the Rathbone Sisters, the Mystic Toilers and the Women’s Relief Corps. She was a Christian woman highly esteemed by a multitude of people and many of her kind deeds long be remembered by those left behind.
Besides the five children, Mrs. Pattison leaves to mourn her departure, a sister, Mrs. George Ross, of Port Robinson, Ontario, who has been with her for the past two months; and two brothers, Dilly Coleman, who resides in Canada and Andrew Coleman of Columbus, Ohio.
The funeral was largely attended. Friends of years standing grieved with the family as the last sad rites were said and the choir of children, which she had so long led, sang at her departure.
The Elks, Eastern Stars and Rathbone Sisters marched with the remains.
Grand and glorious were the floral displays, fitting fully the grand and good life, the departed had led.
John Jamison, B.E. Hough, P.J. Miles, Gus Oelwein, A.J. Fairley and J.H. Kerwin, life- long friends of the family were honorary pallbearers. Ernest Pfeifer, Dr. Cooney, Dr. O’Connor, Dr. Leehey, Dr. Robinson and Dr. Ward bore the remains.
The bereaved family has all sympathy in this sad hour, and though mother and sister is gone from this world, we may rest assured that it is well with her and she is resting in peace with her Lord and Master.
[Welland Tribune, 25 August 1905]
Died at his home in Thorold township, Sunday, Aug 20th, 1905, Samuel Stephenson, aged 76 years, three months and four days. The funeral was held Wednesday, Aug 23, from his late residence near Allanburg to Methodist church, Allanburg, where service was held, thence to Fonthill cemetery, where burial took place. Seven children survive: Thomas, of Thorold township; Charles, of St. David’s; Rossie at home; Mrs. Leonard Pratt, Fonthill; Mrs. Alfred Horton, Crowland; Mrs. Thomas Wilde, Merritton and Mrs. Peter Frank, Fonthill.
The pallbearers were: Wm. Thomas, B. Tucker, Robt. Pew, R. Robinson, Jonn Hicks and Walter Upper. In Mr. Stephenson’s demise, this community loses an old and highly valued member, whose loss will be deeply felt and mourned.
JOHN H. McINTEE
[Welland Tribune, 26 May 1905]
St. Catharines, May 22-John H. McIntee of Louth township was killed by the C.T.R. train due here at 2.31 this afternoon. Mr. McIntee was walking on the track about a mile and a half west of here, and, being very deaf, did not hear the train approaching. The body was horribly mangled. The remains were gathered up and brought to Grobb’s undertaking establishment where Coroner Goodman viewed them. Mr. McIntee was 88 years of age.
[Welland Tribune, 26 May 1905]
Died, at the residence of his brother-in-law, Dr. W.J. Russell, 119 Congress street, Bradford, Pa., Sunday May 21st, William A. Dixon, aged 51 years and 12 days. Mr. Dixon was born in Thorold, and was a nephew of Mrs. S.H. West, Thorold Tp.
Anson Garner has passed his final examination as a druggist and has taken a position in Hellems &Co.’s drug store. St. Catharines.
[People’s Press, 11 July 1905]
There occurred at the Sisters’ hospital, Buffalo, on Monday, at 2 p.m., (10th) the death of Mrs. Alex Hanna of Welland Station. Mrs. Hanna was about fifty years of age and had been ill for some six months previous to her death, part of which time she spent at the St. Catharines hospital. She was removed to the Buffalo hospital on Friday last, and on Monday underwent an operation for tumor, from which the effects of which she died.
Mrs. Hanna was born in Welland, her maiden name being Phoebe Lane, and she for some years resided at Welland Station, and a few years ago was married to Mr. Alex Hanna.
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