ENGINEER DIES VERY SUDDENLY AT PAGE-HERSEY
T.S. ARNOLD DISCOVERED ON FLOOR OF WASHROOM IN STRICKEN CONDITION
PASSES AWAY WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF BEING FOUND-NO INQUEST
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 November 1931]
With startling suddenness, Turner S. Arnold, engineer for the plant of Page-Hersey Tubes Ltd., Crowland, died of heart disease this morning in the wash room at the plant, Mr. Arnold was found there by the plant janitor, lying on the floor, and a local physician was summoned, Mr. Arnold dying within ten minutes of being found. Dr. S. Nixon Davis was called, and stated no inquest would be necessary. Mr. Arnold was in his 49th year, and had lived in Welland about three and a half years. Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.
Mr. Arnold had apparently been in good health and only a few moments before going to the wash room had been in conversation with officials of the plant.
Mr. Arnold came to Welland from Butler, Pa., in 1928 to instal a furnace for the Page-Hersey Tubes Ltd, and has been the company’s engineer since that time. He was born in Clarion, Penna., and was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church. Surviving relatives are the widow Mrs. Arnold, two sons, Jack and Dick, at home, Welland; two daughters by a first marriage, the Misses Helen and Edna in Philadelphia; and three brothers, one at McKeesport, Penna., another at Philadelphia, and a third at Clarion, Penna.
The remains will be shipped to Clarion, and the funeral will be held there at a date not yet arranged.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 11 December 1931]
Editor Evening Tribune:
I was much surprised to read in an issue of the Mail and Empire of Dec. 1st an article headed, “Laura Secord as Heroine, Fading out of History.”
The first reading suggested that the writer was laboring under the effects of a brainstorm or that a new mental disorder had appeared to afflict mankind.
The article is a disparagement of a feat well authenticated by indisputable documents and traditions received at the time as genuine. The main issue is that historians (sic) are omitting the story of Laura Secord from Canadian history on account of its mythical character; in other words disposing of it as a recent lecturer in Toronto did with “Wm. Tell.”
Let me say at the outset, that until I learn it from his own pen, I shall refuse to think that Professor Wallace omitted the story from present school histories, because he thought it mythical.
It is true, however, that in a school history, written by Mr. Wallace now in use in Alberta, he proved himself unreliable in accuracy. As to the contents of the article, we will notice the “lost key,” something unheard of before, and on the face of it most absurd. Why should she lock up her wounded husband and five children, prisoners in their home until her return, and carry the key with her through the “Black Swamp?”
These critics have not said that she locked the door; to have done so would have excited the suspicion of the enemy sentry at her door. Another paragraph reads: “It was only when Laura Secord was an old woman that her part in the episode became generally known, it was said.” This statement is the reverse of the truth.
In the Niagara district Laura’s story was told to admiring friends, who often invited her to their homes. One of them was the late Mrs. John Munro of Thorold, later vice-president of the Thorold Historical Society. The details of the story as told by Laura herself, were given when the heroine was in the full possession of all her faculties, unimpaired and not in old age. It may be found in the Historical Society’s “History of Thorold Town and Township,” published by John H. Thompson, editor of the Thorold Post. Mrs. Munro’s version of Laura’s story was corroborated by her eldest daughter, who had heard it at the time, and also Miss Amy Ball, a member of one of the oldest families in the Niagara peninsula, and familiar with the history of the period. Another statement reads: “It (Laura’s story) was dropped after investigation revealed that the troops at Beaverdams knew all about the surprise American attack, before Laura Secord’s arrival.” This looks like a fabrication to support an assertion of which no proof is given. On the contrary it may be safely assumed that if a previous warning had been received, Fitzgibbon would have received it. He says nothing of a previous intimation, but writes some years later, a certificate saying he received the warning from Laura Secord and acted upon it.
The certificate reads: “I do hereby certify that Mrs. Secord, the wife of James Secord, Esq., of Chippawa, did, in the month of June, 1813, walked from her house in the village of St. David’s to Decamp’s house in Thorold, a circuitous route of about twelve 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 must 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 500 men with a fieldpiece and fifty dragoons were captured in consequence. I write this certificate in a moment of much hurry and from memory, and it is therefore brief. (Signed) James Fitzgibbon, formerly Lieutenant to 49th regiment.”
It should be observed that the merit of Mrs. Secord’s action would not be diminished in the least if warning had been given before or after her’s by some other person. It is now in order for those historians (?) whose modesty made them “decline to be quoted,” to come forward and tell to whom and in what manner, whether by dream or vision was knowledge of a previous warning “revealed.” The use of the last word, suggests that a good part of the article is a pipe dream. Unless some proof is forthcoming a discriminating public will hold them guilty of defamation of a worthy person.
In 1897 the Thorold Historical Society published their “History of the Town and Township,” which circumstance brings the battle of Beaverdams within the scope of their activities.
Great pains were taken by the committee to obtain details from all reliable sources available, so that the work might be a truthful narrative of the past. Chapter V gives the story of Laura Secord as she told it while in the vigor of life. This chapter also gives particulars of the battle of Beechwoods, gleaned largely from military documents including Brigadier General Cruikshank’s pamphlet. I quote from the first paragraph of the narrative: “Many circumstances connected with the engagement commonly known as the battle of Beechwoods, or Beaverdams, combine to make it one of the most interesting episodes of recent Canadian history. It is indissolubly connected with the memory of one of the most patriotic and courageous women of any age, or country.”
Such is the tribute of General Cruikshank to Mrs. Secord. He supports it by Capt. Fitzgibbon’s certificate already quoted, which he placed in the appendix of his pamphlet. The only portraits in the pamphlet are those of the heroine and Fitzgibbon.
In a hundred years and more since the event, the writer of the article under criticism appears to be the first to cast doubt on the truthfulness of the story as received for many years.
Other writers than those already named have written the story. Mrs. Curzon interviewed Mrs. Secord’s third daughter, who remembered her mother leaving home on that fateful morning.
Mrs. J.G. Currie, also a native of Great Barrington, Mass., from which the Ingersoll’s came, has written a sketch of Laura’s life, the profits on which were to go towards a fund for a monument not built until 1901.
When King Edward, as Prince of Wales, visited Niagara Falls, in 1861, Laura Secord, then living at Chippawa, was present at a public reception, given to the prince. A prominent citizen , a member of the committee, drew the attention of His Royal Highness to the heroine, telling what she had done. The prince asked for an interview in which he expressed regret that she had not been rewarded for distinguished action. He afterwards sent her a personal gift of £100.
Ridgeway, Dec. 3, 1931
A.W. REAVLEY
One time Secretary Thorold Historical Society.
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DECOU’S STONE HOUSE
Decew Road, Thorold, ON
1812-1950
Headquarters of local British forces under James Fitzgibbon to which Laura Secord came from Queenston to warn of the American invasion. The house, destroyed by fire in 1950, was designated an historic site. The name Decou is now spelt Decew. |
DIVISION STREET PREMISES, OWNED BY MISS H. GRIFFITH RANSACKED
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 December 1931]
Ransacking the entire house at 12 Division street, owned by Miss Helena Griffith, a man took away $20 and ran from the place and down Division street shortly after eight o’clock this morning. He was seen by a Mrs. Johnson just as she was on her way to the house to do some work there. Mrs. Johnson, however, according to Police Chief George T. Crowe of Welland, failed to notify police, and it was not until near a quarter to nine o’clock that city police were notified of the break-in, Mrs. Johnson apparently telling Miss Griffith who communicated with Police Officer Tom Wilson.
Officer Wilson investigated, and found rooms all over the house in disarray. Police are thoroughly investigating every angle of the affair.
DEATH REMOVES FORMER REEVE CROWLAND TWP.
A.B. ROBERTSON PASSES IN HAMILTON HOSPITAL-IN HIS 80TH YEAR
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 14 December 1931]
The death occurred in hospital at Hamilton on Saturday night of A.B. Robertson, a former reeve of Crowland township and a resident of Niagara Falls for 35 years. The late Mr. Robertson was in his 80th year and was born in Lanark county, Ontario. In 1870 he settled in Crowland township and took up farming. He owned one hundred acres of land and for 25 years was a successful agriculturist. He took an active interest in municipal affairs and besides serving as a councillor for several years, for two years occupied the position of reeve of the township.
About the year 1895 he moved to Niagara Falls where he conducted a general store and also built a number of houses. He became a well known figure in Niagara Falls but a year ago disposed of his business and went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Sanford Fleming, of Jarvis. He was a Liberal in politics.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt, Cleveland, O.; Mrs. Ernest Reaveley, Niagara Falls and Mrs. Sanford Fleming, Jarvis; also three sisters, Mrs. Melvin Misener, Port Robinson; Mrs. W.D. Misener, Welland and Mrs. A.S. MacGregor, London, Ont; and one brother, William Robertson, formerly of Port Robinson, now of Buffalo.
The funeral is to held on Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock from Sutherland’s funeral home in Welland to Doan’s Ridge cemetery.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 9 December 1931]
Niagara Falls, Dec. 9-One of the best known residents of Niagara Falls, James Hern died suddenly here yesterday afternoon aged 70 years. Born in Welland county, the deceased spent most of his life here and had been a member of the city council, superintendent of the waterworks and a member of the customs staff for 25 years. He was pre-deceased by his wife some years ago. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harrison, Hussey and Mrs. Church Swayze, this city; three brothers, Gaius, this city; William and Edwin of Crowland, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Galley and Mrs. A.H. White, Welland, and Mrs. Harriet Garybiel, Crowland.
DEATH REMOVES WILLIAM WALKER
WELL-KNOWN RESIDENT OF NIAGARA DISTRICT PASSES AT AGE OF 63
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 5 November 1931]
Fonthill, Nov. 5- Fonthill, Port Robinson and Thorold township residents hear with deep regret of the death at his home, “Grand View Farm,” Queenston heights, of William Strong Walker, who passed away after an illness of several years at the age of 63.- The late Mr. Walker was born in Stamford township, a son of the late James and Ellen Dixon Walker, two of the early settlers of this district, and when a young lad moved with the family to Port Robinson where he received his early education. Later he moved to St. Davids where he carried on the occupation as miller at the Burnett grist mill, and later moved to Queenston heights where he was known as a successful fruit grower. In religion he was a member of St. Davids Presbyterian church and for many years a member of the St. Davids lodge I.O.O.F. The late Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Burnett Walker, and one son, Earle, at home. One brother Robert Walker of Buffalo, N.Y., the last of a large family, also survives.
The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon from his late residence to the St. Davids cemetery, and was attended by a large circle of relatives and friends from the entire community, several being present from Welland, Port Robinson, Fonthill and Thorold township. The service at the house was conducted by Rev. R. Moynan, of the St. Davids Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. G. Munro of Stamford. The Oddfellows ritual at the graveside was conducted by the acting noble grand, Russell Prest and Chaplain John Crysler, the director of ceremonies being E. Seleray. Those who acted as pallbearers were Clifford Shepherd, Fred Shepherd, Allan Shepherd, Charles Dolby, Elliot Lavet and Fred Hodson. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.
DEATH OCCURS OF CHARLES WILLS
WELL KNOWN FARMER PASSES AWAY SHORTLY AFTER PARTAKING OF HEARTY MEAL.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 18 November 1931]
Fenwick, Nov. 18- Pelham township suffered the loss of a highly respected resident Sunday afternoon in the death of Charles Wills. He had been about as usual, and after eating a hearty dinner decided to take a rest in his chair, but only a few minutes later peacefully passed away. He was born in Pelham township, and all his life carried on the occupation of farmer, being a man highly respected throughout the community. He always took an active interest in the welfare of the township. In religion he was a member of the Disciples church at Rosedene, and in politics a reformer.
The late Mr. Wills is survived by his wife, Mrs. Velma Wills, and one son, Wesley, at home. Two sisters and one brother also survive as follows: Mrs. Lorne Coon and Mrs. Mary Metler, both of North Pelham, and Wesley Mills of Niagara Falls.
The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from the family residence and was largely attended by relatives and friends. Interment took place in the North Pelham cemetery where the remains were laid to rest among a profusion of beautiful flowers.
WELL-KNOWN RESIDENT FORMERLY SCHOOL TRUSTEE ADN ROAD SUPERINTENDENT
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 17 December 1931]
Wellandport- Dec. 17- An old and highly respected citizen of Wellandport passed away Sunday evening in the person of William W. Lambert. He had been ailing for some time and underwent an operation at the Welland County hospital. Owing to his weakened condition he could not survive the shock.
The late Mr. Lambert was born in this district 66 years ago. He had always followed the vocation of farmer. For many years he was trustee of S.S. No. 10 and also was engaged as road superintendent for a lengthy time. He was a member of the Free Methodist church, and in politics was a Liberal.
The late Mr. Lambert is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma Lambert, and nine children as follows: Mrs. John Thompson and Mrs. Hyhard Swayze of Dunnville; Wesley of Welland; Charles, Samuel and Ambrose of Wainfleet; Roy of Sombra; Clarence and Paul, at home; also one sister, Mrs. James Putman.
The funeral took place (Wednesday), with a private service at the home, after which an impressive service was conducted at the Free Methodist church by Rev. J. Eagle of Hamilton, Rev. C.E. Walls of Welland and Rev. J.H. Hyndman of Dunnville. Interment took place in the Zion cemetery, Forks road, the following acting as pall-bearers: Andrew Early, Ambrose Cohoe, Elmer Crown, Alfred Misener, Nelson Miller and Thomas Fralick.
AGED RESIDENT WAINFLEET TWP. DIES AT AGE 83
MRS. ROBERT TEAKLE AND MRS.WALTER PALMER BEREAVED IN LOSS OF MOTHER
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 11 December 1931]
Wainfleet-Dec. 11-The death occurred on Friday, November 20th, of Mrs. Elvira M. Zavitz, beloved wife of the late Henry B. Zavitz, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jesse Beachin, Wainfleet. Although 83 years of age, Mrs. Zavitz always took an active part in church and community welfare, until the past three years, when her christian faith was manifested in the patience and cheerfulness with which she bore her helplessness.
Mrs. Zavitz was born in Williamsville, N.Y., in 1848. For nine years previous to her marriage to Henry B. Zavitz, of Sherkston, she taught school. The first few years of married life were spent at Sherkston. In 1882 they then moved to Wainfleet township, where her husband predeceased her 20 years ago. They were blessed with seven children, Victor, Harvey, Mrs. Robert Teakle of Welland, and Mrs. Jesse Beachin, Mrs. Walter Palmer and Chas. Zavitz of Wainfleet; also Miss Bertha, who passed away in 1902.
She is survived by 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, also three brothers and three sisters, Mrs. Levant Hillman, Mrs. Emily Smith of Williamsville, Mrs. Clara Browning of Ithaca, N.Y., Christian Witmer of Williamsville, Victor Witmer of Milwaukee and Joseph Witmer of Elmira.
The funeral took place from her late home at Forks Road on Monday, November 23rd. Rev. J.D. Stephens of Alymer, a former pastor of Winger church of which she was a devout member, conducted the service. Hansler Swayze sang two appropriate solos. The many friends and numerous floral tributes showed the high esteem in which she and her family were held in the community.
[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 6 October 1931]
This is Fire Prevention Week and Fire Chief Stapf is appealing to all citizens to remove any accumulations of paper or refuse from either inside or outside their premises and to also see that flues and chimneys are properly cleaned.
It has long been recognized that cleanliness and orderliness contribute very much to the prevention of fire. For years, one of the important activities of the Welland fire department has been the education of the public in this regard. The distribution of literature, parading of fire apparatus adorned with significant signs, talks to the school children and articles in the newspaper have been some of the means used to impress the people with doing everything possible to prevent an outbreak of fire.
The fire record locally, in recent years, has been a creditable one and it has been doubtless due, in no small measure, to the educational propaganda carried on under the direction of Fire Chief Stapf.
Besides the prevention of fire, there is an advantage to health in doing away with accumulations of rubbish. Piles of refuse or decaying garbage provide breeding places for flies which may spread disease throughout a community.
It is in the interests of all concerned to keep the city clean and tidy and the efforts of the fire chief should be accorded the hearty co-operation of citizens generally.
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