WEDDING BELLS
[Welland Telegraph, 28 January 1908]
The first wedding took place in the Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon, when the Rev. George Robertson, pastor of the Church, tied in the holy bonds of matrimony Ernest William Barron of the Dilworth Drug Company, and Miss Adelaide Martha Gamage. A large number of spectators witnessed the happy event. This being the first wedding held in the church, the pastor, on behalf of the congregation, presented the newly wedding couple with a family Bible. The bride was becomingly attired in a dress of grey cloth and wore a hat to match. The groom’s gift to the bride was a gold locket and pendant. One of the dainties of the wedding feast was a plum pudding sent from England by the groom’s mother. Mr. and Mrs. Barron have taken up their residence on Randolph Street. They are estimable and highly respected young people who have many good wishes for a long and happy married life. The Telegraph offers congratulations.
{Compiled by “S”}
The first hospital was a converted house of Dr. H.D. Cowper, opened in 1906, at the corner of King(Muir) St and Young St.
There were 2 wards, 4 private rooms, operating room, sterilizing room, and a physician consulting room. As the population of Welland grew so did the need for a real hospital.
The first one completely funded by the public was built in 1908.
In February of 1908 R.W. Bruce-Smith, provincial inspector of hospitals recommended constructing a new building, specially designed to serve as a hospital.
During the early months of 1906 Welland industrial commissioner B.J. McCormick, Dr. H.D. Cowper, medical officer of health ,Dr. J.H. Howell; officials of Plymouth Cordage and members of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire joined together as they set out to provide the Welland county with its very first hospital.
The original board met February 15, 1907, a public meeting was held to discuss the hospital. The proposal was in the handwriting of Louis Blake Duff. Other notable names included Burgar, Colbeck, Griffith, also included leaders who got together to form a provisional hospital board in 1907.
A year later April 6, 1908 the provisional board received its title patent officially creating the new hospital.
Read the rest of this entry »
[Welland Telegraph, 14 February 1908]
Mayor Crow is in receipt of the following letter from A. Hendershot of Dunnville:
Dear Sir-Re streets and park on the Hendershot Survey. On account of the legislation asked for in regard to this property being of such great importance, it is all importance that you and your council fully understand all about it before any action is taken. It is unjust, unfair and unusual to ask any public body to legislate on any matter of such vital interest to the town and public generally without hearing both sides of the question. At the last session of your honorable body you were asked to take action after hearing one side only. The party who appeared at the bar of the council in support of that side of the question has personal interests which are in opposition to the ratepayers of the town and the public generally.
I now ask what no legislation body in the Province would refuse to allow me and the public to present the other side of the question, and if notified will appear before the council and present our side of the question. The work on the sewer, or any other street work, cannot commence for some time yet. A week or ten days’ delay cannot interfere with any interest or prejudice the Council in any way. You will, therefore, please notify me of the next meeting of your Council.
Yours respectfully
A. Hendershot
[People’s Press, 30 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
“Now that the first Fenian invasion has taken place, and the enemy has, for a time held possession of Canada soil, we may speculate more definitely upon their intentions and prospects, and the light in which the U.S. Government views them.
The secrecy with which the late movement was concocted makes it evident that the Fenian Brotherhood have money and arms and can procure the services of plenty of drilled men to assist them in furthering their designs.
It is hard to determine upon what was really the object of the late isolated attack at Bertie. The conduct of the invaders would lead us to believe that they came not solely for plunder, and their unwillingness to leave the vicinity of the river, shows that they either did not wish to destroy public property, or that they were arrant cowards and afraid to venture. And again, if the invaders had intended to try to hold the soil, they would probably have been better supported with reinforcements.
We are forced to the conclusion that the movement was either a feint or that it was undertaken in order, if possible, to embroil the Canadian and United States authorities in a quarrel, in the hope that it would ultimately prove a casus belli.
If their movement was a feint it has failed most signally in its object, for no other attack has been made, and instead of deceiving us, it has acted as an alarm , and we are now prepared at all points. If their object was to cause a disagreement between us and our neighbors, they, the Fenians, will probably find out to their severe cost, that it will only cause their movements to be more closely watched in the future.
Let the object of the raid have been what it might, the temporary measure of success gained by the invaders, and their escape through the blundering of our Colonel, will certainly ensure another attack unless they are put down by the strong arm of the U.S. Government. That Government is now no doubt seizing all the Fenian arms its agents can find, and had it not been for their promptness in doing this, Lower Canadians would no doubt have been the scene of strife as now. But it does not depend on this. If the raiders themselves can avoid punishment, they no doubt find arms somewhere. The spirit of the law is not always carried out, as was proven by the release of St. Albans raiders, and if O’Neill and his men can procure their release, we may expect to hear from them or their friends in some other quarter very shortly. If, on the other hand, the United States is made too hot for the Fenians to organize in, we may expect the whole thing to die gradually away for the present, perhaps forever, unless in case of national war, when the Fenian element would be a potent engine for our reduction.
One good end was accomplished by the invasion, and that is the bringing forth more prominently before the world the indomitable courage and heroism of which our gallant volunteers are possessed. The Welland Canal Battery, the Queen’s Own and all the troops engaged at Lime Ridge, acquitted themselves most nobly. The only blot on the side of the whole history of the campaign is the painful evidences of mismanagement on the part of some our commanding officers.
Orders to Retreat- The President’s proclamation having afforded Sweeney an excellent excuse for avoiding the halter which awaited him, upon his arrival to Canada, he has sent the following dispatch to his confrere Roberts, now confined in jail.
| To W.R. Roberts, President, Fenian Brotherhood-196 Bowery |
St. Albans, June 10 |
Send no more men to the front. The stringent measures of the United States Government have rendered success impossible at present.-Promulgate this immediately. T.W. Sweeney”
The above dispatch was printed in the Tribune of June 14, 1866.
“Watertown, June 11- An extra train of eight cars loaded with homebound Fenians passed here at seven o’clock this evening. Every train from the north brings a few stragglers. They are badly demoralized and very hungry.” – Tribune, June 14, 1866.
[People's Press, 23 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
“The privates have been released from the scow on their own recognizance for $500 to appear if charge is laid against them. This news was received by the captive Fenians with great rejoicings.
President Johnson has at last issued a proclamation against Fenianism.
The Fenians have been gathering on the lines below for some time, and are now supposed to number about 10,000. Want of arms only deters them from crossing.
The Fenian loss is killed and wounded will probably be about the same as ours. We have also a large number of prisoners.
The volunteer arrested in this town on Tuesday night, while making his way towards Wainfleet, was conveyed to Chippawa by the deputy sheriff and Mr. Lampman. He proved to be a deserter, and his capture was hailed with delight by his comrades.
It is reported that five captured Fenians were shot on Sunday last by our troops. They are said to have been caught in the woods and were given no quarter. We can scarcely believe this. Let us by all means do nothing hastily but give the murderers and robbers their due as awarded by the proper authorities.
On Friday, when the Fenians took possession of the eastern part of Bertie township, a small party of them proceeded to near Ridgeway and burned the bridge on the Grand Trunk railway, known as Saurwine’s bridge.
In the column from Chippawa complaints were loud against Col. Peacock for being slow. Among the foot artillery Col. Dennis is blamed greatly for his foolishness in pitting 80 men against 400, and at Port Colborne Col. Booker is strongly accused not only of rashness, but of something like cowardice. Between the three the Fenians escaped being bagged.
It is reported that Col. Dennis gave his parole to the Fenians prior to being released. Col. Dennis denies the assertion.
Three more Fenians prisoners arrived here yesterday evening and the whole batch in all eleven-were taken to Niagara and lodged in the jail. A detachment of the Home Guard accompanied them. They were all hard looking, desperate fellows.
Welland During the Raid- Our town was one grand scene of confusion during the last two days’ raid. The excitement ran highest on Friday, when all manner of false reports were eagerly circulated and believed by many. To the reeve of the village, T.W. Hooker, Esq., the people are indebted for the active measures inaugurated for their defense and protection. A public meeting was called for on Friday and it was determined to appoint a Vigilance Committee, and the body kept in session night and day during the raid. No arms could be procured, and the operations of the committee were enabled to contradict the sensational reports and “extras” circulated throughout the town.”
- The above extracts were taken from the Welland Tribune, dated Thursday, June 7, 1866.
[People's Press, 16 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
Advance of Col. Peacock’s Forces. “On Saturday afternoon Col. Peacock, learning that the Fenians were falling back, immediately ordered his forces at New Germany, consisting of artillery and infantry, to advance. This was well done and the troops marched till dark, encamping on the ferry road about four miles from Fort Erie.
Early on Sunday morning the whole force started for Fort Erie, the 47th Regulars acting as skirmishers. Before reaching the village, tidings of the escape of the marauders arrived, and on entering the village the unpleasant truth became known that the birds had flown, and thus ended the invasion of Canada.
The Prisoners-In attempting to cross the river, however, Gen. O’Neill with 400 of his men were intercepted by the tug Harrison and steamer Michigan, and compelled to heave to, when a hawser was attached and the Fenians with their craft were made fast to Michigan, which proceeded to anchor in midstream, where she still continues at this writing, awaiting orders from Washington as to the final disposal of the prisoners.
Besides the 400 on the scow, a large number have made their escape across in small boats, etc., and probably a hundred or so were left in the woods. Of these latter, many have been captured by the troops and others are still turning up.”-Taken from the Welland Tribune, dated June 7, 1866.
[People's Press, 16 June 1908]
They were congratulating Sir Wilfrid Laurier, our first citizen, the other day on his improved health.
“What is the secret?” one man asked. “No drugs, plenty of rest and simple food,” was the reply.
It is within easy recollection when Sir Wilfrid was in poor health. He sought the attendance of the most eminent physicians in Canada, Great Britain and France.
They all told him the golden secret as recorded- “No drugs, plenty of rest and simple food.”
That doesn’t mean at election times, however, or on wedding occasions.
However, Richard Moore, (Welland citizen), who has been troubled with rheumatism, says that in the excitement of the recent campaign, he forgot all about his rheumatism and threw away his cane.
He says that if the Dominion election was to come off right away, he believes that when it was over, he could run a hundred yard race at the close.
[People's Press, 9 June 1908]
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
“The Fight at Fort Erie-After having captured 56 prisoners and secured them by placing them in the hold of the tug “Robb,” Capt. King wished to withdraw, it being a most unwise and suicidal policy to attempt to keep a foothold on Fort Erie against the whole horde of Fenians, but Col. Davis erected the brave little band again to land and engage the enemy who approached in force about 4 p.m. The Fenians delayed and concentrated their forces on the hill, opening the engagement by a surprise right flank movement. The Battery sustained a murderous file nobly, although their men began to fall fast, their leader, Dr. R.S. King of Port Robinson, being one of the first wounded. He was shot in the ankle and taken to Buffalo, where his leg was amputated. Our brave men then retired with three exceptions to a house near the “Robb,” and were followed by the enemy making a charge down the hill, their object evidently being to obtain possession of the tug. This was frustrated, however, by Capt. McCallum moving his boat out into the river under a heavy fire. After running the gauntlet and finding out that the tug could be of no further use at Fort Erie, Capt. McCallum came directly to Port Colborne, from whence the prisoners were sent to Brantford for safe keeping. They would probably have been sent to Welland, but that place is so near the lines that their presence would only tempt a rescue. After the tug escaped, the Fenians turned upon those left on the land, taking all but three, after most desperate fighting, during which much personal bravery and daring were displayed on the part of the besieged. When the Fenians evacuated Fort Erie these prisoners were let go unharmed. The three who were not taken prisoners ran down along the river for a long distance to the unpleasant tune, occasioned by Fenian bullets whistling by in close proximity to their persons. After they had made good their escape from Fort Erie, they were chased repeatedly by Fenian pickets, and could only get away from them by entering a farm house and leaving off their uniforms. They finally made their escape to New Germany almost dead with fatigue. From their reports and the news brought to Port Colborne by the “Robb,” it was thought that nearly all of the Welland Battery had been shot dead, and it was with feelings of relief of their capture and subsequent release. This pleasurable emotion was only allowed by the knowledge that Capt. King and others were dangerously _. Three of the wounded had each a leg amputated-and nearly all the others were wounded in the lower part of the body. This we suppose is accounted for by the fact that men were shot from a height, causing a deficiency in the Fenian aim.”
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 2 June 1908]
“The following is an account of the Battle of Limestone Ridge as told by Rev. Mr. Ingles, an eye-witness of the whole affair, and we judge it to be about correct:”
“As we approached Stevensville we heard the first firing from Fenian skirmishers, who had been thrown out in a woods along on the left side of the road. These were soon driven back and rejoined the main body who were drawn up in a line, the centre of which faced the road along which we were marching. They were to some extent protected by a small house and barn, a stone wall and a temporary fortification composed of fence rails. Our men were ordered to advance, which they obeyed gallantly. The firing at this time was sharp and constant. We had left the ambulance wagon and were immediately in rear of the centre of our forces. At this moment a party of men came towards us bearing Ensign McEachren; badly wounded. The captain of the Company and surgeon, Dr. May, were with him, and took possession of a small house on the left of the road as an hospital. Finding that he had been an old parishioner of Mr. Burwash, I left him in his charge, and tried to aid the men in making lifters to bring in the wounded. A few men, not seriously wounded, had been brought in, when we were startled and delighted by a good hearty British cheer. This was caused by the Fenians retiring from their position to a wood some distance behind. This moment I left the hospital, and took up my position on the stone fence already mentioned. Skirmishers of the Queen’s Own had advanced on the left, and three companies of our own battalion had advanced forward as skirmishers on the right. The long red line on the one side and the green line on the other presented a fine appearance, but I was startled to notice that our men, with the exception of some who were in an orchard, were either in the open field or protected by a rail fence, while the Fenians were completely hidden in the woods, their presence being made apparent only by the sharp quick volleys which they fired from behind the trees. A glance sufficed to show me the position of affairs, and with some fear for the result, I hastened back to the hospital. On returning to my post of observation a bugle sounded, and the men of the 13th formed into a square. The men of the Queen’s own attempted the same, but from the position they occupied it was impossible to accomplish it thoroughly. I have since understood that this was in obedience to a call to prepare to receive a cavalry charge. The bugle was again sounded, and there was some confusion among the men. A third time the bugle sounded (as I understood) a call to advance, which from my want of knowledge of military tactics, I cannot well describe. Then the bugle sounded a fourth time (as I understand) the retreat. A general confusion ensued. The men of the Queen’s Own towards the right broke and began to retreat and a general confusion appeared amongst the men of the 13th. At this moment I ran to the hospital and informed the surgeon of the state of matters in the field, but hoping that it might be only a temporary retreat. I hastened back to my former position. On reaching it the Fenian bullets were whistling over my head. Some companies of the Queen’s Own rushed pass me, followed by a large body of the 13th. I attempted to return to the hospital, but finding this impossible, as I was on the opposite side of the road, with feelings which I cannot attempt to describe. I made my way to the ambulance wagon. The right wing of the Queen’s Own followed the main body of the 13th. The skirmishers of the 13th were the last to leave the field. It was at this point that Mr. Routh in rallying his men received the wound. These men, with Major Skinner at their head, formed a rear guard which beyond all doubt saved us from more serious disaster.
After the volunteers began their retreat, the Fenians slowly advanced to Ridgeway, and, after doing some mischief there, began hurriedly retreating towards Fort Erie. This retrograde movement of theirs was no doubt occasioned by their having learned of the arrival of Col. Peacock’s Regulars and Artillery at New Germany, as well as by the movements of the Welland Canal Field Battery which afterwards landed at Fort Erie and gobbled up all the stray Fenians they could find.”
Taken from the Tribune of June 7, 1866.
EXTRACTS FROM THE TRIBUNE OF FORTY-TWO YEARS AGO, TELLING OF THE NOTED INVASION.
[People's Press, 26 May 1908]
“Early Saturday morning the Fenians broke camp, started westward, and then turned and almost doubling on their track, took the road leading south past Buck’s tavern and proceeded on towards Ridgeway. Before reaching the Black church, however, their ammunition wagon had stuck fast in a mudhole, and they abandoned some 3,000 cartridges, which were on Sunday taken possession of by a detachment of the 10th Royals. When nearing Ridgeway, and between that place and Stevensville, the volunteers from Port Colborne under Col Booker were encountered, and here the Battle of Lime Stone Ridge took place, the principal fighting being done on the farms of Messrs. Teal and Anker. Our forces numbered about 800, comprising the Queen’s Own of Toronto, under Major Gilmore, and the Thirteenth Battalion of Hamilton, with the York and Caledonia Rifles. Had this engagement, which was brought on by mismanagement on the part of the officers, been avoided, a junction of Booker’s and Peacock’s forces would have been formed, and the main body of the Fenians no doubt bagged on Saturday.”
The above was taken from the Welland Tribune, dated June7, 1866. Next week we reprint the account of the battle of the Ridge, as described by an eye-witness.
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