LATE MRS. J.P. UPPER
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 28 December 1931]
The funeral was held this afternoon of Mrs. Jeanette Francis Upper, formerly Jeannette Francis Dixon of Humberstone. The service was held at the family residence in Queenston and interment took place at Allanburg. The late Mrs. Upper was born in Port Whitby and moved from that place to Humberstone where she lived until she moved to Queenston about 20 years ago. She is survived by a sister in Humberstone, Mrs.Daniel Reeb. Deceased was in her 83rd year.
Mrs. W.T. Howell
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 December 1931]
Fonthill, Dec. 26.- The sudden death of Mrs. Julia Emma Hooper, wife of William T. Howell, was heard of with keen regret, Thursday evening, death taking place at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clifford Gee, Gainsboro, where she had gone to spend the day. The late Mrs. Howell, who was in her 66th year, was enjoying good health until attacked with a stroke of paralysis a few minutes prior to her passing away. In religion she was a staunch member of Fonthill United church, and took an active part in all branches of church work. She is survived by her husband, four daughters and one son, as follows: Mrs. Clifford Gee, Gainsboro; Mrs. G. Wilson, Hamilton; Misses Ida and Amy of Fonthill, and Walter Howell at home. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon from the family home to Fonthill United church, where service will be conducted by Rev. J.A. Dilts. Interment will take place in Fonthill cemetery.
[The Canadian Medical Association Journal Feb. 1932 p. 260]
Dr. Sidney Nixon Davis of Welland, Ont., aged 63, died at his home of pneumonia, on December 31, 1931. Doctor Davis was born in York, Haldimand County, in 1868, and attended Caledonia High School, then entering Queen’s University for the study of medicine. He graduated in 1891 and established practices at York, Cayuga and Parry Sound. He located in Welland in 1912, and, with the exception of the war years, had been here ever since. He was interested in the Welland County General Hospital, and for a number of years represented the medical profession on the institution’s Board of Governors. He was one of the Coroners for Welland County. Doctor Davis was a staunch advocate of Empire principles, and always associated himself with any movement for community betterment. He was a member of the Masonic Order being affiliated with a lodge at Parry Sound.
Doctor Davis enlisted in January, 1916, with the 114th Haldimand Rifles and went overseas the same year, holding the rank of Major and Second in Command. On the reorganization of the Canadian forces overseas he joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps and served in France and England. He returned in 1919.
In addition to his widow, Daisy Maud Davis, four sons and one daughter survive. They are: Cecil R.,Toronto; A.E.N. Davis, William A. and Patrick, all of Welland, and Miss Mary Florence Davis, at home. Two brothers and two sisters also survive, Arthur F. Davis of Chicago, Herbert H. Davis of Montreal, and Miss F. Davis and Miss M. Davis, both of Hamilton.
MISS D. HANNA DIED IN QUEEN CITY HOSPITAL
WELLAND GIRL SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN TORONTO, DEC. 12.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 21 December 1931]
The death of Miss Doris Hanna, aged 21, daughter of Mrs. Jessie Hanna, 25 Grove street, Welland, and the late Wm. Ellis Hanna, from spine and head injuries received on Saturday, December 12th while crossing Bleecker street, Toronto, occurred at ten o’clock this morning in the Wellesley hospital, where she had been a nurse in training.
Miss Hanna was struck by an automobile which in turn had been hit accordingly to police reports, by a car driven north along Bleecker street by Harold Ashton, 15 Roden Place.
Miss Hanna was fatally injured on the first anniversary of her father’s death which had occurred at the family home after a long illness.
Surviving relatives are deceased’s mother, and one sister and two brothers, Miss Isobel, Charles and Craig Hanna, all at home. Funeral arrangements are not yet completed.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The North Main street bridge problem is one which resolves itself into a matter of business and it looks as if the members of the council are inclined to view it in that light. It is generally agreed that the present bridge cannot last very much longer. It is old, decrepit, unsightly and inadequate and must be replaced by a more modern structure in a year or two at any rate.
At the present time a condition of unemployment exists and it is desirable to provide as much work for local men as possible. Since the whole nation is affected by the economic depression, the Dominion and Provincial governments are prepared between them, to provide half the cost of approved undertakings carried out by municipalities for the purpose of providing jobs for men out of work.
The combination of circumstances is not without its advantage to the municipality. It means that a necessary work can be undertaken and half the cost paid by the federal and provincial authorities, for a North Main street bridge has already received the necessary approval in official quarters.
As to the type of bridge to be constructed, that is something that must be given careful consideration. It is a case where all the information available should be sought before a decision is made. The council has done the right thing in authorizing the employment of a reputable consulting engineer to submit plans and specifications and to give expert and impartial advice to the municipality.
The construction of a new North Main street bridge is sufficiently important to demand the most serious thought. If the bridge is built, it will be a feature of the business centre of Welland for generations to come. It should be as substantially attractive as possible for a reasonable cost, and should be of sufficient width to take care not only of present but also of future traffic.
Citizens feel that the members of the council are giving a lot of consideration to the matter and that the final solution will be found to be satisfactory.
The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune
24 Ocotber 1931
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 October 1931]
Sarah Jane O’Neal, and old and respected resident of Welland, and widow of the late William John O’Neal, passed away yesterday at the home of her son James S. O’Neal, 90 Dorothy street, Welland. She was in her 88th year and had been ill for some time.
Mrs. O.Neal was born at Lynn, near Brockville, and came to Welland about 60 years ago. She was a faithful member of Central United church.
Seven daughters and one son survive. They are: Miss Minnie O’Neal, Welland; Mrs. M. Merriam, Los Gatos, California; Mrs. L. Giboo, Black Creek, N.Y.; Mrs. D. Howell, San Jose, Calif; Mrs. H. Spearman, St. Catharines; Mrs. W. Parks, Berkley, Calif.; Mrs. B. Wood, Los Angeles, Calif., and James S. O’Neal, Welland.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2.30 and will be private. Rev. N. Argyle Hurlbut, pastor of Central United church, will officiate. Interment will be at Fonthill cemetery.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 October 1931]
Canby Reece, aged 85, passed away at his home in Grant, Michigan, October 10. He was born in Pelham township on February 27, 1846, and lived in Canada until 1882, when he moved to Cairo, Mich., where he entered the drug business. He married Miss Martha A. Van Wyck, a sister of the late Mrs. R. Moore, Welland.
From Cairo, Mr. Reece moved to Grant, Michigan, and lived there the remainder of his life. He was an active member of the Masonic order for 57 years.
Postma\ster W. Harry Moore of Welland, a nephew of deceased and Mrs. Moore, went to Grant, Mich., on Saturday and accompanied the body to Welland, interment being made at Woodlawn cemetery, yesterday. Six nephews acted as pallbearers. They were: Frank Jennings, C.M. Reece, W. Stirtzinger, R. Henderson, James Swayze and R. Beatty. Rev. N. Argyle Hurlbut, pastor of Central United church, officiated at the service at the graveside.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 October 1931]
Ella Pauline, wife of John F. Simpson, 91 Ross street, Welland, passed away at the Welland County General hospital this morning after a short illness. She was in her 35th year.
Mrs. Simpson was born in Delhi, Ont., but had lived in Welland for many years. She was predeceased by her father, the late A.W. Crysler, who was a leading Welland businessman and a brother, Charles Crysler, who was killed overseas.
Surviving are her husband, three sons, Gordon, Clifford and baby Jack; her mother, Mrs. A.W. Crysler, Delhi; three sisters, Mrs. Weir Elliott, St. Thomas; Mrs. Fern Baker, Montreal; Mrs. Margaret Taylor, Delhi.
The funeral will be held at 2.30 p.m., on Friday from Holy Trinity church, Welland, of which deceased was a faithful member. The rector, Ven. Archdeacon N.I. Perry will officiate. Interment will be at Woodlawn cemetery.
LATE THOMAS CONLON, THOROLD, S.W. SECORD, ST. KITTS ARE REFERRED TO
DE WITT CARTER OF PORT COLBORNE LEADER IN PROMOTING CAUSE.
(By John B. Hannah in The Mail and Empire)
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 15 October 1931]
The arrival in Toronto recently of large upper lake passenger and freight steamers, by reason of the completion of the Welland Ship Canal, emphasizes the importance of that great engineering enterprise to Canadian commerce. It does more than that, for it brings to the fore again the advantages that would accrue from the deepening of the St. Lawrence route, including its series of canals, furnishing an adequate waterway to the sea. The improved navigation thus provided also recalls to those who have watched the progress made through the years in the construction of the Welland waterway, the excellent work done by a handful of men residing in towns situated along the Niagara frontier in laping upon the public mind, and upon the government of the day, the fact that the Welland Canal then in use was no longer adequate to meet the demands of shipping interests, and that the need was urgent for the building of a new and larger waterway between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The Pioneers
Among the pioneers in the movement, if so they may be called, were the late Thomas Conlon of Thorold, the late S.W. Secord of St. Catharines and D.W. Carter of Port Colborne, who, with the active co-operation of a few others, lost no available opportunity to promote the cause they had so much at heart. Enlisting the assistance of Boards of Trade, Municipal Councils, and any group of responsible citizens that could bring any influence to bear, they continued their work in season and out of season. Federal and provincial election campaigns were always occasions for special effort. From the public platforms and through the press they pressed for the realization of their objective, until finally they heard from Ottawa that the Government of the day had decided that the Welland Ship Canal should be undertaken. Meanwhile, two of its most energetic proponents, Messrs. Secord and Conlon, had passed from the scene of action. And, by the way, Mr. Secord came of the historical Niagara peninsula family which gave to Canada the heroine, Laura Secord. He was directly related to the late Thomas R. Secord, once Deputy Superintendent of the Welland Canal, resident at Port Colborne.
It can be imagined quite readily that no one man was quite so keenly interested in the opening of navigation between Lakes Erie and Ontario in 1931 as D.W. Carter of Port Colborne. Despite his somewhat advanced years he had first advocated with great ability the building of the canal; then he had watched with interest this construction proceed step by step, until eventually it was completed. Then came the long hoped for event, the formal opening of navigation, which was carried out without ceremony. Sufficient was it to quietly rejoice that Canada had provided a way by which larger ships that play on the Upper Lakes might reach Lake Ontario. Mr. Carter has all his life been identified with marine enterprises. Tradition has it that he probably inherited his interest in water transportation, as his father, the late Charles H. Carter, was for many years harbor master at Port Colborne, and had, prior to assuming that office, always been identified with lake and canal shipping.
Debt Owed the Carter Brothers
To Charles H. Carter and his brothers, William and L.G., who were engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village of Port Colborne, their home town owes a great deal in a business and educational way. The three Carter brothers, the Steeles, the Armstrongs, the Matthews, the Gibbons, and the Greenwoods and a few others gave necessary leadership to all worthy enterprises in the early days of the then struggling Lake Erie village. To them Port Colborne owes the foundation of her mercantile and transportation enterprises, and as well her schools and churches, for they ever took a deep interest in educational and religious affairs. These pioneers have passed on, and in some cases the second generation has followed them to their long home. One of the very few survivors of the second generation of these pioneers is D.W. Carter. He has seen at least two canals constructed through the heart of Port Colborne, dividing its main business thoroughfare, and had much to do with the operation of the waterway which each of these in its turn replaced. His also was the privilege of witnessing the development of his native town industrially by the establishment there of large industries, such as the Maple Leaf Mills, the International Nickel and the cement plants. He has also watched park areas give way to industry and the transformation of old Steele’s grove into Solid Comfort, the magnificent summer home on the shores of Lake Erie of many important families from the southern states.
Proud of His Work
With his brother, the late Capt. Sperry Carter, D.W. Carter was long associated in the operation of a lucrative wrecking business. He also for many years was the dominant figure in the Tug Association, which contributed largely to the prosperity of the owners of tugs used in canaling, who accepted the direction of the association. The present prosperity of Port Colborne, and its business, educational and church life, bears the impress of a few personalities, of whom none has been a greater factor than D.W. Carter, who still, despite the fact that he some time ago passed man’s allotted span, devotes himself energetically to Port Colborne’s weal. He should feel especial pride in the work he did in promoting the Welland Ship Canal.
SOME HISTORICAL RECORDS OF FAMOUS JOURNEY TO BEAVER DAMS
(By Fred Williams in the Mail and Empire)
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 5 December 1931]
When Professor W. Stewart Wallace belittles the story of Laura Secord’s warning to Fitzgibbon in 1813, he is liable to bring down upon his head a storm of protest from Loyalists all over Ontario, and more especially in the Niagara district. It is, indeed, placing hands on the very temple of Niagara history. No mere student of records like myself should tilt with so learned an authority as Professor Wallace; but it would be interesting to know upon what he uses his declaration that FitzGibbon had been warned of the coming of the Americans before Mrs. Secord arrived. It is true that William Wood in his history of the war says that FitzGibbon had been previously warned by an Indian scout; as against this, it is pointed out by J.H. Ingersoll, K.C., in a paper (Ontario Historical Reports, XXIII) that FitzGibbon does not say so, but in his report to Major deHaran, dated 24th June, after the engagement at Beaver Dams says, “At Decew’s this morning about 7 o’clock, I received information that about 1,000 of the enemy with 12 guns were advancing towards me from St. David’s,” etc. Upon which Mr. Ingersoll comments: “FitzGibbon gave a certificate to Mrs. Secord setting out the fact that she had warned him of the intended attack and in it does not mention that he had received any previous warning. I think it is fair to infer, therefore, that the warning from Laura Secord was the first that he had received (she is said in most versions to have reached FitzGibbon’s camp on the evening of the 23rd) and that the information received by him at 7 o’clock in the morning of the 24th was brought to him by the Indian scout whom he had sent out to watch for the approach of the enemy.”
What Certificate Says
The certificate mentioned above reads: “I do hereby certify that Mrs. Secord, the wife of James Secord, of Chippawa, Esq., did, in the month of June 1813, walk from her house in the village of St. David’s to Decamp’s house in Thorold, by a circuitous route of some twenty miles, partly through the woods, to acquaint me that the enemy intended to attempt by surprise to capture a detachment of the 49th Regiment, then under my command, she having obtained such knowledge from good authority, as the event proved.
Mrs. Secord was a person of slight and delicate frame and made the effort in weather excessively warm, and I dreaded at the time that she might suffer in health in consequence of fatigue and anxiety, she having been exposed to danger from the enemy through whose line of communication she had to pass.
The attempt was made on my detachment by the enemy, and his detachment, consisting of upwards of 500 men, with a field piece of 50 dragoons, were captured in consequence. I write this certificate in a moment of much hurry, and from memory, and it is therefore thus brief.
James FitzGibbon, formerly lieutenant in the 49th Regiment.”
There is, unfortunately (in the copy before me) no date to this certificate; it may have been written many years later; but the supporters of Mrs. Secord, who include most Niagara folk anyway, claim that it was in consequence of her warning that the scouts were sent out.
Her Own Declaration
Then there is Laura Secord’s own declaration when the Prince of Wales visited Niagara in 1860. When she went to the office of the Clerk of the Peace, for the purpose of signing the address to the Prince, along with the veterans of 1812, the clerk demurred, and she insisted asserting that she has done her country more signal service than half the soldiers and militiamen engaged in the war, which prompted William Kirby to write in the Niagara Mail: “We say the brave and loyal old lady ought not only to be allowed to sign the address, but she deserves a special introduction to the Prince of Wales as a worthy example of the fire of 1812, when both men and women vied alike in their resolution to defend the country.” In a later issue of the Mail, Kirby stated that the Prince visited Laura Secord at Chippawa. In March following he related how Mrs. Secord received a gift of one hundred pounds from the Prince.
Professor Wallace may consider the Laura Secord story as of little historical importance. He is entitled to his opinion; but the people of Niagara and most, of Ontario, will prefer to treasure the old story of the brave woman who risked her life to save her country.
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