Welland’s Voice at Queen’s Park Mourned by Many
[Welland Tribune, 28 February 1982]
Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
Ellis Price Morningstar, who represented Welland Riding in the provincial legislature through six elections in a 24-year career, died Sunday in Welland County General Hospital. He was in his 80th year.
The popular politician who became well-known for the enduring slogan, “My door is always open,” began his political career in 1934 when elected to Crowland Township council, seeking elected office only after much persuasion from friends.
He was elected to the legislature in 1951 and announced his retirement prior to the September 1975 campaign.
On the local scene, he enjoyed immense personal popularity. He went on to become a reeve of Crowland Township and a warden of Welland County. He had a 44-year career at Page Hersey.
One of the hallmarks of his active political career which continued into his retirement from elected office were the Saturday morning meetings with constituents in the basement of his 97 Alberta Street home. There, often with shirt sleeves rolled above his elbows, Mr. Morningstar sat and listened to the constituents’ concerns, frequently taking notes in efforts to help them with their problems. As many persons will attest, he did.
What Mr. Morningstar came to regard as a highlight of his lengthy career occurred a few years ago when the Welland Chamber of Commerce organized an Ellis Morningstar Appreciation Night.
Much to the delight of hundreds in attendance, Premier William Davis, one of several prominent guests, said a special portfolio had been created for Mr. Morningstar, a back bencher throughout his career: “He was the Minister of Community Singing,” said Mr. Davis. Hearing that, Mr. Morningstar needed no further prompting to break out with his traditional favourite, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
If anything, Mr. Morningstar was among the last of a vanishing breed of politician. He made the occasional speech in the legislature, extolling the assets and highpoints of his home riding, but it was here that the bulk of his work was done, with, and for the people he represented. Mr. Morningstar nurtured and maintained valuable connections in the corridors of political power, but his strengths were to be found at the grass roots, local level.
During his career at Page Hersey he came to know many of Welland’s workingmen and their families, the contacts becoming part of the bedrock of his political support. He was supervisor of the firm’s galvanizing department when he was elected to the legislature. When the house was in session, Mr. Morningstar would be at his job at the Page at 6 a.m. for a few hours. Before boarding a train daily for Queen’s Park.
He served under three premiers: Leslie frost, John Robarts and William Davis. And for many years supporters honored him at the ruling level with the always successful Morningstar jamboree.
Many major undertakings occupied his time while an MPP. Notably, was his dogged and successful representation, backed by Welland city council and the Chamber of Commerce, to have Niagara College located in Welland.
Throughout his years in Toronto, he campaigned for highway and access improvements for his riding. An early achievement was the West Side Road, federally assisted, between Welland and Port Colborne.
Highway 58 improvements between Thorold Road and Highway 406 was yet another undertaking he had advocated. Long before the canal bypass project was announced, he pleaded for additional crossings of the old canal to serve Welland and Port Colborne. With the bypass revealed, he interested himself in pressing for tunnels under the relocated channel.
His services and support were given to officials responsible for construction of many local projects, including Welland County General Hospital and its Centennial Wing, the Extendicare Unit, and growth and expansion at Sunset Haven.
But one of his greatest satisfactions was the province’s decision to create a provincial park in the Short Hills district of Effingham, another of his advocacy projects.
He was not one to stay retired from active life for a lengthy period of time. Shortly after he stepped down from provincial politics, he was appointed chairman of the Central Housing Authority, a post he held at the time of his death.
He was well liked, and likable.
Said Premier Davis, shortly after his minister of community singing had retired: “I haven’t met, I can’t think of anyone who has taken the cause and concern of his constituents more seriously and more genuinely.”
Don McMillan, Mayor
CITY OF THOROLD
[Welland Tribune, 1982]
A big man with a heart even bigger, Ellis Morningstar made an outstanding contribution to the life and welfare of our community and this whole area. Never happier than he was mixing with “his people”, Ellis accomplished a lot for his constituents.
Ellis Morningstar gave outstanding service to his people. His door was always open. He fought bureaucracy particularly at the Workmen’s Compensation Board and never took “no” for an answer. Many an award would not have been made without Ellis’ dogged determination and hard work.
Nothing was too much trouble for Ellis and he people loved him for it. He was a friend to all and his electoral support was widespread. Many, with political allegiance elsewhere, helped elect Ellis time after time with large majorities for almost a quarter of a century. When age caught up with him and he stepped down from elected office, Ellis never stopped helping his people any way he could.
Ellis was buried from Knox Presbyterian Church in Welland. The Church as well as the Sunday School hall with the service on closed circuit television were jammed to overflowing. The Hon. Tom Wells read the scripture; eulogies were given by the Hon. Bob Welch representing the province, Tom Morrison representing the municipality and Gene Reece-industry. After the service, as the casket was being wheeled out, the organ played, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.
Ellis Morningstar was a humble man, a man with little formal education; but what an impact he had. He worked hard and effectively and enjoyed every minute of it. Ellis Morningstar was indeed the “The Happy Warrior.”
By Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
[Welland Tribune, 1982]
He was the “champion of the little people” and in the end, they showed they did not forget what he had done for them.
Thousands passed by his casket to pay respects in the three days after his death, Sunday. About 150 cars made the last journey with him, from Knox Presbyterian Church on Fitch Street to Fonthill cemetery on a sunny late-winter afternoon.
Ellis Price Morningstar, the 24-year Welland Riding MPP, was eulogized yesterday as “a great teacher and constant advisor” by Ontario Deputy Premier Robert Welch and compared to Old Testament prophet Isiah by Rev. Norman Hutchinson because both, he said, were “ordinary men,” given special messages from God.
The little Fitch Street church was filled to overflowing as people occupied narrow aisle ways and the vestibule. Others watched the service over closed circuit television in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
There was no room in the church long before the 2 p.m. service got under way.
Legion members formed a color party and firefighters were in attendance as an honor guard.
Premier William Davis had been scheduled to attend the service but, said government house leader Thomas Wells, Mr. Davis could not attend because of illness, Mr. Wells offered the scripture readings in his place.
Mr. Welch, the deputy premier described Mr. Morningstar as “gregarious and a dedicated political figure.”
“No one was ever turned away from his door,” Mr. Welch said, because Mr. Morningstar was a man who “cared deeply for others.”
His friends were at the church yesterday for two reasons, Mr. Welch said –the general sense of loss of a man “loved by family and a wide circle of friends” and a feeling of “deep appreciation for having shared in the celebration of life” with Mr. Morningstar, a man known throughout the province.
Mr. Morningstar, said Mr. Welch, “loved life, he loved people and we loved him. He brought joy, purpose, meaning into the lives of people.”
Mr. Welch said, “Even though the flame has gone out, the glow of our memories of Ellis will keep us warm, for he was a big man in many ways.”
Former Tribune managing editor T.N. Morrison reminisced about some of Mr. Morningstar’s early political days.
Mr. Morrison said his long-time friend was talked into running for Crowland township 48 years ago by a politician who told him: “You have the qualities ideal for representing people. They like you and by being yourself, you’ll be successful.”
When a proposed arena project in post-war Welland seemed headed for defeat by the municipal council, Mr. Morningstar steered a $15,000 grant for the arena through Crowland council and “shamed” the Welland council to do its share, Mr. Morrison said.
Mr. Morrison was often called to Mr. Morningstar’s 97 Alberta St. home where the MPP worked on speeches and policy. “He’d enquire,” Mr. Morrison said, “is it right, is it fair, is it decent?”
Mr. Morrison recalled of his friend: “He could never be heard to speak ill of anyone.”
“Many of our lives were brightened for knowing him.”
“Page-Hersey co-worker Gene Reece said Mr. Morningstar, a 44-year employee of the pipe-making plant, was a “great leader” who was highly respected by employees.
“His cheery hellos created a friendly, but respected, atmosphere,” Mr. Reese recalled.
“He liked young people and he was always ready to help them, whenever possible,” he recalled.
Mr. Morningstar was an original member of the plant’s Quarter Century Club and regularly attended the once-a-year dinners, said Mr. Reece.
“I can still hear him telling us-“We should appreciate this wonderful opportunity of breaking bread together,” Mr. Reece said.
Mr. Morningstar, he said, “was missed at the pipe mill when he retired and he’ll be missed now.”
“There are some things in life that are inevitable and that is why we are here today,” said Rev. Hutchinson, the pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Morningstar was a member.
If there is one word which sums up this man’s life, it’s the cry that emanated from his life and work and hands-comfort,” Rev. Hutchinson said. …..
Welland’s Voice at Queen’s Park Mourned by Many
[Welland Tribune, 28 February 1982]
Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter
Ellis Price Morningstar, who represented Welland Riding in the provincial legislature through six elections in a 24-year career, died Sunday in Welland County General Hospital. He was in his 80th year.
The popular politician who became well-known for the enduring slogan, “My door is always open,” began his political career in 1934 when elected to Crowland Township council, seeking elected office only after much persuasion from friends.
He was elected to the legislature in 1951 and announced his retirement prior to the September 1975 campaign.
On the local scene, he enjoyed immense personal popularity. He went on to become a reeve of Crowland Township and a warden of Welland County. He had a 44-year career at Page Hersey.
One of the hallmarks of his active political career which continued into his retirement from elected office were the Saturday morning meetings with constituents in the basement of his 97 Alberta Street home. There, often with shirt sleeves rolled above his elbows, Mr. Morningstar sat and listened to the constituents’ concerns, frequently taking notes in efforts to help them with their problems. As many persons will attest, he did.
What Mr. Morningstar came to regard as a highlight of his lengthy career occurred a few years ago when the Welland Chamber of Commerce organized an Ellis Morningstar Appreciation Night.
Much to the delight of hundreds in attendance, Premier William Davis, one of several prominent guests, said a special portfolio had been created for Mr. Morningstar, a back bencher throughout his career: “He was the Minister of Community Singing,” said Mr. Davis. Hearing that, Mr. Morningstar needed no further prompting to break out with his traditional favourite, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
If anything, Mr. Morningstar was among the last of a vanishing breed of politician. He made the occasional speech in the legislature, extolling the assets and highpoints of his home riding, but it was here that the bulk of his work was done, with, and for the people he represented. Mr. Morningstar nurtured and maintained valuable connections in the corridors of political power, but his strengths were to be found at the grass roots, local level.
During his career at Page Hersey he came to know many of Welland’s workingmen and their families, the contacts becoming part of the bedrock of his political support. He was supervisor of the firm’s galvanizing department when he was elected to the legislature. When the house was in session, Mr. Morningstar would be at his job at the Page at 6 a.m. for a few hours. Before boarding a train daily for Queen’s Park.
He served under three premiers: Leslie frost, John Robarts and William Davis. And for many years supporters honored him at the ruling level with the always successful Morningstar jamboree.
Many major undertakings occupied his time while an MPP. Notably, was his dogged and successful representation, backed by Welland city council and the Chamber of Commerce, to have Niagara College located in Welland.
Throughout his years in Toronto, he campaigned for highway and access improvements for his riding. An early achievement was the West Side Road, federally assisted, between Welland and Port Colborne.
Highway 58 improvements between Thorold Road and Highway 406 was yet another undertaking he had advocated. Long before the canal bypass project was announced, he pleaded for additional crossings of the old canal to serve Welland and Port Colborne. With the bypass revealed, he interested himself in pressing for tunnels under the relocated channel.
His services and support were given to officials responsible for construction of many local projects, including Welland County General Hospital and its Centennial Wing, the Extendicare Unit, and growth and expansion at Sunset Haven.
But one of his greatest satisfactions was the province’s decision to create a provincial park in the Short Hills district of Effingham, another of his advocacy projects.
He was not one to stay retired from active life for a lengthy period of time. Shortly after he stepped down from provincial politics, he was appointed chairman of the Central Housing Authority, a post he held at the time of his death.
He was well liked, and likable.
Said Premier Davis, shortly after his minister of community singing had retired: “I haven’t met, I can’t think of anyone who has taken the cause and concern of his constituents more seriously and more genuinely.”
[Welland Tribune, 11 March 1968]
By Murray Hurst
Crowland Township Area School Board is making a strong effort to preserve the township’s first school, SS7, as an historical site. Although the board has maintained this one-room school, even though not in use for the past four years, it fears the advent of a county school board may result in the property being sold, unless some concerted effort is made to perpetuate its historical value to the area through some proper authority able to maintain it indefinitely.
The school, originally known as the Buchner School, is located in the green belt, established on both sides of Lyon Creek when Crowland Township endorsed its official plan in 1957. The property, located at Argyle Rd., and East Main St. comprises about one acre.
The board has remained steadfast in it decision that the school remain an historic site despite many chances to sell the property and the building.
BUCHNER NAME
The board feel the site to be truly appropriate to erect a plaque to preserve the Buchner name and that family’s history of the first white settlers of Crowland Township and to preserve the site of the first school in the township and the last one room school remaining.
The building is in a reasonable good state of repair and the grounds are a good size.
At least three Buchner woman, Victoria, Mary Sarah and Henrietta taught in this school.
The Buchners settled in this township 30 years before Calvin and Noah Cook built their first mills on Lyons creek.
A recent letter from George Pearson, James W. Morris and Robert Miller to Ellis Morningstar, MPP for Welland, outlined in detail the important role the Buchner family played in this area’s early history. Mr. Morris was chairman of the former historical committee of the now disbanded Crowland Centennial Committee of which Mr. Pearson was chairman. Mr. Miller is chairman of Crowland Area School Board.
EARLY RECORDS
The name Buchner has all but disappeared, but the history of this family stands prominently in early records.
Among the German people who sought refuge in the British Colonies were the Von Boughners .In the intervening years this name was corrupted to many different spellings with Buchner being the most commonly used.
At the time of the American Revolution John Von Boughner, his wife Catherine and 10 children lived near newton in the state of New Jersey. Among the children were Henry, Jacob, Christopher, Peter and John.
Henry joined the British forces at the age of 16 and fought under Lt. James Moody. He was made sergeant, and subsequently, in 1809, he was made Captain pf the 3rd Lincoln Regiment.
While fighting in the revolutionary war he was wounded and sent to hospital on Staten Island. There he met Joanna Ainsley, daughter of Ensign Ozias Ainsley. She nursed him. They fell in love and eloped. They were married as soon as Captain Henry could travel.
FLED TO CROWLAND
Another Henry Boughner Sr. aided the British cause, and in doing so, put his life and that of his family in danger. For reasons of safety Captain Henry and Henry Sr., and families fled the country and after many hardships and privations, arrived in what became Crowland Township.
Captain Henry’s brothers, Jacob, Christopher and Peter, who were unmarried, joined the group. Accompanying Henry Sr., and his family of nine, were his brothers, John, Mathias and Martin.
When the group reached the Bay of Quinte area they made a stop of some duration and when they finally reached Fort Niagara they were faced with deplorable conditions.
The Buchners, being woodsmen, were adept with axe and gun and soon decided to quit the congestion of Fort Niagara.
They contacted a man named Lyons who told them of a beautiful stream he had explored which flowed southwest to enter the Chippawa River near the Niagara River. He reported game in it supper reaches to be plentiful and that the Indians were not hostile.
The Buchners travelled Indian trails, camping and exploring as they proceeded up the creek which was later to bear the name of their recent acquaintance, Lyons.
The spot they chose to build their cabins was located about a half mile east of an Indian village. This was in the year 1778, just a 190 years ago.
FIRST WHITES
They were the first white residents of Crowland, Captain Henry and Peter remained at Lyon’s., Creek. Christopher settled at Lundy’s Lane and Jacob moved on to Long Point. Henry Sr., stayed at Lyons Creek. Matthias, his brother, settled in Willoughby while John and Martin moved on later to Beamsville and Norfolk.
In 1779 the first white child Ozias was born in Crowland, the son of Henry and Joanna.
Captain Henry and Joanna lie in Lyons Creek cemetery, directly south of the huge oak tree which still stands.
On March 7, 1803, when Crowland was first admissible to a town meeting and came into being officially Captain Henry was appointed warden and Christopher, Pathmaster. From that day forward the Buchner name was prominent in any type of organization attempted both political and religious.
Prominently prominent among the descendants is Ellis Morningstar whose mother was a Buchner.
Crowland’s first church, first white cemetery, first school and first bridge over Lyon’s Creek were all Buchner property.
Mrs. Gertrude Smith (nee Buchner) still lives on the site where her great-great-grandfather built his cabin 190 years ago
Directly south was Buchner’s Bridge, west of Argyle rd. The school stood on the site of the present building, which, until it was closed four years ago, was known as SS 7 Crowland. The adjoining cemetery was located on the property of Captain Henry Buchner.
FIRST BRICK KILN
Later, the first brick kiln in the area was operated by Reuben Buchner, who sold brick at $5.50 per thousand. Many buildings still standing in Crowland are made of brick supplied by Reuben.
George Neal, a former major of cavalry became a Wesleyan minister and with, Captain Henry, started the first Methodist meetings in the Niagara Area at Lyons Creek. The first meetings were held in houses and barns. Later the meetings were held in enclosures of logs and brush. Neal’s converts built the first church in Crowland township.
During the 1812-1814 War wirh the United States, at least 10 Buchner’s fought under Captain Henry Buchner in the 3rd Regiment of the Lincoln Militia. Seven Buchners fought in the Battle of Cook’s Mills in Crowland.
The history of the Buchner family is unique in that unlike other settlers, they made no attempt to remain close to other white people. Instead, they entered deep into the wilderness to live off it with Indians for neighbors.
References and data are from early Crowland records, Crowland Township office, Case of Carroll,; pub. 1869; History of Welland County, Pub. 1869; Harriet Hagar, Welland Historian; United Church of Canada; Archives, Toronto; Dominion Archives, Ottawa; Mrs. Henrietta Sherk (nee Buchner), 1860 -1942; and Mrs. Gertrude Smith, (nee Buchner) born 1887.
Fenwick was named in 1853
By Eleanor Fisher
{Pelham Herald, Progress Edition. Wednesday, April 21, 1982}
As we look back today on the Fenwick of yesterday it is very hard to realize the conditions of the early settlers, many of whom were Quakers who came from Pennsylvania. The name of Fenwick was given to the community on April 1, 1853, and is believed the village took its name from Fenwick the birth place of Dr. John Fraser in Scotland. Dr. Fraser was an important man in the area at that time. He was Reeve of Pelham from 1850 to 1856 and took an active part in municipal affairs throughout the area. He was once selected Liberal candidate for Welland county in a national election. He refused to stand a second time and concentrated his efforts in the separation of Welland and Lincoln county.
Another member of parliament who came from Fenwick was Dr, Henry Haney. He also served as superintendent of schools of Pelham.
Crown grants of farms where Fenwick is located. were made in 1798 and 1801. One of the earlier farmers was Mr. Haney. The old Haney house situated on Maple Ave. N. is now occupied by the A. Lovas Family and is one of the districts oldest dwellings. It is a low, solid brick cottage with fireplaces that have long been closed up. Attached to the house is a long woodshed through which a team of horses, drawing cordwood, could be driven in the old days.
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