[Welland Tribune , 1909]
Welland over Fifty years ago
Although we have already published a reference to the late James Griffith, we are pleased to print the following, both on account of being fuller and for the historical reminiscences contained:
James Griffith, son of Thomas Griffith and Isabella Church, was born in Port Robinson on Dec 4th, 1828. He was the last of five brothers, excepting a step-brother, Charles Curry of Dunnville. His boyhood days were spent on a farm, and in early life he took a place as clerk in a store. While clerking for the late D. Kinsman of Fonthill, he became acquainted with Ellen Randall, a native of Brookfield, Nova Scotia, whom he married on Sept. 3rd, 1854. They started on the journey of life in the village of Merritville, now the town of Welland, and on the corner of West Main and North Main streets stood a long Gothic frame building, the property of Seely & Betts. The front of the building contained a store where the deceased carried on business, while in the rear were apartments for dwellings. On the opposite corner the late Elias Hoover kept the Welland House–still the Welland House but greatly enlarged and improved.
Across from the Gothic store A. Bald had a dry goods store, and west of that stood his residence. There were no railroads, and the canal, which was west of the present one was content to have its boats hauled through by horse power and tow ropes. Steam boats were few and far between those days, and the bridge over the river was an old wooden structure without a railing.
Among the business firms were Daniel McCaw, who did shoe making; Mr Shrigley sold drugs; Wellington Hellems kept a furniture store; Betts & Seely had a saw mill.
There was no jail; no church–an old log school house, where the model school building (now the Y.M.C.A.) stands, served both as church and school, and was lighted by tallon candles, oftimes the members of the congregation bringing their own candles with them. The sidewalks were either mother earth, or two planks with space between them.
Mr Griffith took an active part building up the town, was enthusiastic in church work and in municipal affairs. He fought for a free school system, and, although opposed by some of his most intimate friends won the day after many strivings, he believed in education for all classes. If I remember correctly he was the first superintendent for the first Sabbath school in Welland, He was very hospitable and generous to the last degree. He was the father of six sons and six daughters–three sons and two daughters dying in infancy.
The next break in the family came in the death of their daughter Mrs M. Webster, about 10 years ago, Grand Forks, N.D., where the Griffith family had gone to live in 188-, 1884. In 1889 and during following winters Mr and Mrs Griffith had gone to California to escape the severe cold of the north. In 1906 owing to ill-health of Mrs G. they remained in Pasadena for the summer and on the last day of August same year, the life partner of the deceased passed away and was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery. Mr Griffith returned to Grand Forks, to be with his sons there, and, owing to the severity of the cold northern winters and his advanced, he came to Pasadena, California, last November, to live with his daughter Mrs R.W. Weeks, where he died on Jan 31st, from fatty degeneration of the heart, and was laid to rest beside his wife in the beautiful cemetery with a fine monument marking the last resting place of all that is mortal of the venerable old couple whose journey in life began on the other side of the continent, and also beside them rests a sister, Miss Catherine Randall, who as a teacher in Welland county, instilled in the minds of many a young girl and boy good principles that led them to become noble men and women
Although Mr Griffith had been complaining at times for about two weeks preceding his death, he was not considered in an immediately serious condition, and in fact the day before his death his condition was pronounced to be improved. On the day of his death, after supper, he laid down, as was his custom, to take a nap. He woke up and said to nurse and me, who were in the next room, “Why, girls, haven’t you gone to bed yet?” And nurse replied, “ It is only 6.30.” Whereupon he said, “Oh is that all; guess I’ll go to sleep again.” and those were the last words he spoke. The nurse was in the room watching him constantly while he slept, fearing he might have a stroke of apoplexy; but his last long breath came at 8.45 p.m.;he looked as if he were sleeping so peaceful–his long life work was ended.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… That they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”
The surviving children of deceased are: R.B. Griffith T,C.Griffith, Mrs L.H. Carter, of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Mrs F.W. Cathro of Bottineau, No. Dak; Dr. A.R. Griffith of Montreal, Canada; Mrs R.W. Weeks of Pasadena, Calif.
There are twenty grandchildren.
Mr and Mrs Griffith celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Sept 3, 1904, in Grand Forks, N.D.
[Welland Tribune, 1909]
The death of James Griffiths occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. R.W. Weeks, Pasadena, Calif., on Jan, 31st. Mr Griffiths was a prominent resident of Welland forty to fifty years ago, having carried on business as a merchant there, served as school trustee, village councillor. His sons carry on a large mercantile business at Grand Forks, and one son is a doctor at Montreal. In politics deceased was a Liberal. and in religion a Baptist. As Mr Griffith was in good health recently, his death must have been comparatively sudden. He was about 80 years of age. We expect to give a more extended notice at a later date.
Obituary – James Griffith
James Griffith, (whose death was briefly noted in our last issue,) was born at Port Robinson, Welland county. Ontario, on Dec. 4, 1828, was married to Ellen Randall on Sept 3,1854, in the picturesque village of Fonthill, and started the journey of life in Welland, where he carried on the mercantile business for many years, in the store now occupied by A.O. Rose and was prominent in church and municipal affairs.
Twelve children were born to them, five dying in infancy, and one later.
In 1883 he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where his oldest son had started in the mercantile business, and, liking the country, sent for his wife and family, who joined him the following year.
In 1888 he had a severe sick spell, and in the following winter his physician advised a California trip, so he, with his wife, went to Pasadena for the winter and since then have spent each winter in California until two years ago, when his life partner passed away, and he returned to Grand Forks to be with his sons. One winter was passed at Compton, California, where he helped found the Baptist church.
Last November he arrived in Pasadena to spend the winter with his daughter, Mrs R.W. Weeks. In January he took a severe cold, resulting in bronchial pneumonia, from which he recovered; but other complications set in unexpectedly and on Jan. 31st he went to sleep, peacefully and quietly breathing his last, fatty degeneration of the heart being the cause of his death. He was eighty years of age.
The surviving children are; R.B. Griffith, T.C. Griffith and Mrs L.H. Carter, of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Dr.A.R. Griffith of Montreal, Canada; Mrs F.W. Cathro of Bottineau, North Dakota, and Mrs R.W. Weeks of Pasadena, California.
Deceased, who were winter tourists in California, and the minister was Rev C.Y. Snell, a life-long friend.
Many friends attended, and the casket was covered with beautiful floral offering, among them being a handsome piece of violets and delicate white blossoms sent by his friends who were formerly from his old home in Grand Forks, North Dakota;
{Compiled by “S”}
Gretchen was born August 7, 1889. Her parents were Dexter D. Hoover and Freddie F. Wilson. Dexter was a grocer in Welland. They lived at 97 West Main St. in Welland.
Gretchen attended Central school in Welland and the Welland High School.
Her grandfather was Elias Hoover (1823-1892). He was an early municipal councillor of the Village of Welland. He built the Dexter Hotel on Main St Welland.
Miss Gretchen Hoover entertained a number of young friends at her home on Tuesday night. The evening was spent in games, music etc. and a lunch was also served.
[Welland Tribune February 19, 1904.]
Miss Gretchen Hoover entertained the T.W.S.C. on Wednesday evening. A very enjoyable time was spent by all present.
[Welland Tribune February 19, 1909]
Miss Gretchen Hoover entertained about thirty young friends on Friday evening last at progressive pedro and dancing. Favors were won by Miss Manie Brady and Mr Tom Bradley. Consolations going to Miss J. Chapman and M. Garner.
Read the rest of this entry »
[The People’s Press Tuesday March 2, 1909]
Formal Opening—Addresses by Lt.-Gov Gibson and Others
A large attendance
The Welland County General Hospital has been formally opened, and the dream of the interested ones about two years ago is now an accomplished fact.
The opening took place on Monday afternoon in the presence of a large number of citizens and a goodly number of visitors from the county and St Catharines.
The hour was set for 2.30 and very shortly after that hour the carriage conveying his honor, the Lieutenant-Governor, Col. J.M. Gibson and Dr. Bruce Smith, inspector of public charities ,arrived
His Honor and Dr. Smith were accompanied by Hon. Richard Harcourt at whose home they took luncheon.
It was a very happy opening.
The note of optimism was clearly heard through all the addresses, the note of optimism and hope.
The men’s ward was turned into an impromptu auditorium for the afternoon, and on the wall at the rear of the platform the Union Jack was seen. In front were palms and decorations.
Read the rest of this entry »
[Welland Tribune, 8 January 1909]
Mrs. John Phelps died on Thursday morning at the residence of Mrs. S.J. Sidey, Port Colborne, passing peacefully out of this life after a brief attack of pneumonia, which first seized her on Monday morning.
Not of robust health in recent years, she was never too busy or too tired to aid those who came to her, and in her passing out of Welland life, the town will indeed be poorer.
Mrs. Phelps was born in Grimsby and was the daughter of the late James Hindson. She was twice married, first wedding, William Tufford, and Miss Lena Tufford, Welland, is her daughter.
In 1880 she married John Phelps of Welland and leaves one daughter, Mrs. F.H. Sears, through this union. One sister survives: Mrs. S.J. Sidey, Port Colborne, and three brothers, William, Port Huron; James, St. Catharines; George of Rapid City, Michigan.
The funeral will be private.
[Related TALE-General News: WHAT MR. PHELPS SAW]
[Related TALE-Early Citizens: JOHN PHILLIPS PHELPS]
[Welland Tribune, 15 October 1909]
The death occurred in Welland, about two o’clock on Wednesday morning, 13th inst., of Elizabeth Jeffrey, widow of the late W.D. Jeffrey, in the 69th year of her age.
The cause of death was lung trouble and bronchitis and the effect of a fall which she had in the early part of the summer. At that time she sustained a fracture of the thigh and a sprained wrist; she was under medical care and a trained nurse was in attendance from that time until her death took place.
The late Mrs. Jeffrey was a daughter of John Henderson, and was born in Wainfleet township on Oct. 26, 1840. She was twice married, her first husband being Dr. Barr of St. Catharines. Dr. Barr and Mrs. Barr resided some years at Iona, Mich., and a daughter was born to them, now Mrs. L.H. Pursel of Welland. After Dr. Barr’s death and in the year 1872, deceased married Mr. W.D. Jeffrey, and in this marriage there were born two daughters, Mrs. W.E. Barker and Miss Jenny Jeffrey, both of Welland. The death of Mr. Jeffrey took place on July 28th, 1889. Mr. Jeffrey was a prominent resident of Welland, having held the position of councilor and was mayor of the town.
Deceased is survived by three brothers, and three sisters, viz: Gavin, Elliot and John Henderson of Wainfleet; Mrs. Elliot Taylor of Smithville; Mrs. Delamatter of Attercliffe and Miss Euphemia Henderson of Wainfleet; also by two step sons, Charles W. Jeffrey of Ottawa and George A. Jeffrey of Buffalo.
Mrs. Jeffrey was a faithful and life-long member of the Presbyterian church, a devoted wife and mother, and her demise is deeply mourned by a wide circle of sorrowing friends.
Funeral private to be held this Friday afternoon.
[Welland Tribune, 1 October 1909]
The death occurred at Welland, on Thursday morning about 11 o’clock of Mary Eliza, wife of P.S. Peacock, a prominent contractor of Welland. The cause of Mrs. Peacock’s death was acute Bright’s disease and heart failure. Mrs. Peacock had not been in good health for some time and only a short while ago was very seriously ill. She, however, improved as to be able to be out of doors, but was taken worse again and removed to the hospital on Wednesday for an operation which was to have been performed yesterday morning. The operation, however, was never performed. Mrs. Peacock was taken worse during the night and death took place yesterday morning.
A wide circle of friends mourns Mrs. Peacock’s demise and the sympathy of all will go out to Mr. Peacock and the five little children who remain to mourn the loss of a kind and loving wife and mother. The eldest of these children is twelve, and the youngest four years of age.
Mrs. Peacock was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hinton, who reside on Denistoun street. Besides her husband and family she is survived by two brothers, Samuel of Huntsville and Hedley of Welland. Mrs. Peacock became a resident of Welland about four years ago when she moved here from Niagara Falls with her husband. She formerly lived at Port Hope. She was 37 years of age.
The funeral will be held from the late residence West Main street on Sunday afternoon at two o’clock. Interment at Fonthill.
William Burgar was born May 27, 1840. Dr Burgar’s grandparents, Joseph and Anne Burgar came from New Jersey to Canada as United Empire Loyalists in about 1793.
In 1810 they purchased property, the present site of the Woodlawn cemetery, Welland. Original members of the family were buried here but when the third canal was built they were moved to Ridgeville.
Joseph Burgar fought in the War of 1812. For one winter the British troops were accommodated at the Burgar farm
George Burgar, son of Joseph was born on the farm in 1806. Two of his sons survived. J.H. Burgar, a druggist settled in Welland and his brother William a physician. Dr Burgar was tutored by Rev. John Stannage, the first minister of Holy Trinity Church. He attended Queens University and graduated from the faculty of medicine in 1868. He practiced with Dr. John Fraser in Fonthill. Dr. Burgar moved to Welland and established a practice. He enjoyed horseback ridng and trained hunting hounds. He once sold a horse to the Governor-General.
At one time he moved to Pennsylvania, where he invested in oil wells but returned to Welland.
He owned the Fortner house on Burgar Street in Welland. In 1889 he sold the house to Dr. Glasgow and moved to Niagara Falls. He operated a drug store. He was injured in a carriage overturn and did not work for two years. In 1899 Dr. Burgar returned to Welland and lived at 204 Niagara Street. He served on the school board, was a medical officer of health.
Dr. Burgar married Mary Lorinda Goss of Welland. She was born October 28, 1858 in Huron County. They were married September 22, 1876 in Welland. They had five children. Della D. Allie Burgar born 1879, died at age two of scarlet fever. Donna Burgar born July 18, 1877 became a nurse. Aubrey Frederick Burgar born September 18, 1882 became a civil engineer. He married Phoebe Ann Shipman August 1, 1903 in Brant.
Erskine Ollie Burgar born October 24, 1880 became an electrical engineer. He married Hazel Grace Gunn on July 8, 1914 in York. There is an indication that he lived in Chicago, U.S.
William Hamilton Burgar was born December 12,1885, he sold real estate in Welland and lived at 204 North Main. He enlisted in the infantry and became a lieutenant and served in France. He was injured. On October 19, 1918 he died of the Spanish influenza and is buried in the family plot in Ridgeville.
Dr. William Edmond Burgar died March 14, 1909. He had angina and died from a fatal seizure. He is buried in Ridgeville.
[Welland Tribune, 1891]
Dr. Howell, while driving up Division street Monday noon, had an exciting runaway experience. While he was driving past Dr. Hutton’s residence the shafts on the cutter dropped on the horse’s heels, frightening the animal, which bolted. The doctor hung on while the horse went over the bridge and up Ball street. When just opposite Mr. Swartz’s residence the doctor steered the horse into a tree and brought the cutter to a standstill, but the horse broke loose and ran some distance farther. The doctor was thrown out but beyond a severe shaking up received no serious injury. The cutter was damaged but the horse was unhurt.
[Welland Tribune, August 1903]
Dr. Howell and son Harry returned home on Saturday evening, after spending a couple of weeks in Muskoka. Mrs Howell and daughter Doris will remain in Muskoka till the end of the month.
[Welland Tribune, 1904]
Dr. J.H. Howell, M.B. Toronto University, M.C.P.S.O. Office and residence, corner Fraser and Bald Streets, west side Welland. Jail Surgeon County of Welland.
[Welland Tribune, 1909]
Applications were received from Drs Davis and Howell for the vacant office of medical health officer.
[Welland Tribune, 1921]
Dr. J.H. Howell, Welland—Office and residence, corner Bald and Fraser Sts. Opposite Presbyterian Church. Office hours 8 to 9a.m., 1 to 3 and 7 to 8 p.m.
Subject of Rev. McBain’s Next Sermon-Last Sunday’s Sermon Was to Young Men
[People’s Press, 14 December 1909]
The subject of Rev. J.H. McBain’s sermon to be delivered in the Methodist church next Sunday will be, “Why men do not attend church.” Rev. Mr. McBain announced the subject in church last Sunday. “There seems to be an impression abroad,” said the reverend gentleman, “that a good many men do not attend church.” Mr. McBain asked the congregation to assist him in preparing the sermon. “You probably have heard of reasons given why men do not attend church,” he said, “and I would like you to send them to me during the week, either through the mail or tell them to me, and I shall be greatly obliged. I will treat the communications confidentially.”
Rev. Mr. McBain preached to young men last Sunday evening. The subject of his sermon was, “The Secret of a Successful Life,” illustrated by the life of David.
The minister said that knowledge was a great advantage. It was a crime for a young man to grow up in these times without knowledge, and if this were neglected it would be a source of regret in the days to come.
Hard labor was another essential. “If we are to become a success we must be willing to pay the price, and one essential condition of success is hard labor. There is genius, but genius alone would not give true success. Edison, for example, attained success by close application of study. He had gone without rest for 30 and 40 hours, and they do say, he even forgot his wedding day, and when the time came for him to be married he had to be hunted up and was found in his laboratory.”
Dissipation and luxurious living were other points Mr. McBain touched upon. “These are very prevalent at the present time and growing much more prevalent,” he said. “There are thousands of our young people jeopardizing their lives by that very thing. Late hours, midnight carnivals, luxury of the dance hall, wine suppers, card tables. All these things waste the energies of our young people and unfit them for life, upon which they have started out with very fair prospects of reaching the highest pinnacle of success. Their lives have been wrecked by intemperance and impurity.” The speaker referred to Antony, whose downfall was caused by sensuality and corruptness, and to others. He recalled the reference made to a number of business men reported in Dunn’s. They were set down as being prosperous, clever and prompt, with the additional information that they all drank. In a few years they all failed. He said a young man will never be selected for a position because his fingers are stained with tobacco or his breath smells of liquor. If Daniel were alive today he would not enter a bar-room or let the contents of a bar-room enter him. Nor would he smoke.
Moral back home was also necessary. The power to say no at the right time was a very good thing.
Mr. McBain concluded by stating that such splendid nobility of character as is manifested in David is not possible without faith in God.
Subscribe..
