The first issue

The Record News, Smiths Falls - Newspaper Articles - 13th section


Leah Truscott has graciously copied the following Births, Marriages and Deaths from The Record News for the year 1887 - 1888. We really appreciate Leah's help in supplying these articles for others to view.  


The first issue(s) are torn and missing pages – nothing worth extracting from what was left.

January 10 1889     Record News

Two Weddings in One Family on the Same Day

An event of rare occurrence was the celebration of Mr. and Mrs. William Graham’s golden wedding, and the marriage of their eldest daughter, Miss Margaret (Graham) to Mr. Edward Clint of Brockville on Wednesday, the 3rd inst.  The commodious and substantial farm residence was filled to overflowing with guests from near and far.  About 100 persons, principally relatives, were invited and fully 75 were present.

Mr. Graham, though in his 74th year, was quite buoyant and the very picture of merriment.  He took great pleasure in meeting his numerous friends and did everything in his power to make them comfortable and happy.  After some time was spent in exchanging the good wishes of the New Year it was evident something of an exceedingly interesting nature was soon to transpire.  Everyone was restless and expectant in their attitude.  Suddenly the bridegroom appeared and every eye was intently fixed on the happy man.  At about half past four the gentleman of the occasion took his stand in the parlour, immediately followed by the bride leaning on her father’s arm.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. T. Nixon evidently to the satisfaction of all especially the young people, who declared that when they were married Mr. Nixon would be the minister employed as “he did it so quickly”.

The ceremony ended, the guests sat down to a sumptuous repast, which for variety and excellence is seldom exceeded.  Miss Annie Shields and the Misses Barnes added greatly to the enjoyment of the occasion by their excellent rendering of suitable songs and solos.  The presents to both couples were many and costly.  Mr. Clint and his bride left by the 11 o’clock train for their home in Brockville, followed by the good wishes of one and all. – COM

Merrickville

-Mr. John H. Fulford, of Brockville, was here last week advertising Nasal Balm, & c., and picking up empty coal oil barrels.  He as the guest of his brother-in-law, Mr. W. H. McCrea, while here.

-Miss Batty, who has made up her mind to take up the staff of the missionary to the “Heathen Chinee”, has been succeeded in her school at the Flats, by her sister, who is engaged in the capacity of teacher for the present year.

Local News

-Mr. R. J. Brodie returned from Colorado on Tuesday.  He has been to see his sister who is ill, and who, it was thought, would not recover, but whom he left in an improved condition.  He says it is warm and balmy weather down there and much dryer than here.

-Mr. J. P. McDonald who has been teaching night school here lately will return next week.  He has been prevented from coming this week, he writes, by the death of a relative.

-Mr. R. W. Steacy received word on Sunday of the sudden death of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Warwick, at her daughter’s in Kingston.  She came down to breakfast that morning, but immediately returned to her room without waiting breakfast.  When one of the family went to her room a little later she was lying on her bed, dead.  Heart disease was the cause.  Mrs. Warwick was 70 years old, and was well known here, where she spent part of her time with her daughter, Mrs. Steacy.  Mr. and Mrs. Steacy have been in Kingston all week.

January 17 1889     Record News 

An Arnprior Accident – A Man Falls From the Roof of the New Town Hall to Death

-A carpenter named William L. Kerr, while working on the roof of the new town hall in Arnprior fell from the roof on Tuesday of last week and sustained fatal injuries.  The Chronicle says Mr. Kerr had been out of steady employment for some time, and only went to work that morning to put a coating of tar paper on the roof of the stairway in the rear of the hose tower.  A scaffold had been arranged by Mr. Fleming for use in doing this work, but Willie with a spirit of recklessness, thought he could do the job without using it, and the consequence was that he slipped off the sloped roof and fell a distance of 35 or 40 feet, receiving frightful injuries.  One arm was broken in two places, his skull fractured and severe internal injuries received, from which he never regained consciousness.  The accident happened on Tuesday about 11:15 o’clock am, and he lingered until Thursday morning, when death ended his sufferings.  All the surgical skill could suggest was done for the poor fellow, but his injuries were of too severe a character to save his life.  He leaves a widow and three small children without provision for their future support.  We understand that he held a policy in the Ontario Mutual for $2,000, but owing to being out of work for some time had not been able to meet his payments promptly and it is feared that the policy lapsed.

Merrickville

-Mr. G. A. Whitmarsh went to Kingston on Monday last.  He will go immediately to Ottawa upon his return where he will commence operations in the manufacture of sodas and other light drinks.

-Rev. Father McBride, parish priest of the Lady of Lourdes, Toronto, and late Secretary to His Lordship, Archbishop Lynch, (as told in the Empire) gave a dinner at his house to the members of his choir on the 6th inst.  He was born and brought up here by a poor widowed mother and was at one time a poor little ragged boy with all the advantages that extreme poverty can bestow.  He is now considered one of the cleverest men in the priesthood and has got there by simply being possessed of lots of brains and an equal amount of push.

Local News

-Mrs. McMullen, wife of John McMullen Esq. formerly publisher of the Monitor, died at her home in Brockville on Friday.

-Mr. A. Lumley, late of the Record staff, left on Monday for Ottawa.

-We note with regret the death of Mr. Peter McEwen, for a long time a resident of South Elmsley.  The deceased gentleman had been in failing health for some months.  We lose in him a kind, genial open-hearted neighbour, and his hearty shake of the hand and friendly greeting will be long remembered by his very many friends in town and country.  Mr. McEwen and family have our heartfelt sympathy in the loss they have sustained.

-A pleasant gathering was that at Mr. Richard Johnson’s home last evening to witness the marriage of his daughter, Miss Ada (Johnson), to Mr. M. W. Evertts, son of M. K. Evertts, Esq. the well known dairyman.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Webster at 7 o’clock pm and after partaking of the wedding repast with their friends the happy couple left on the eleven o’clock train for Montreal and other eastern points.  We extend congratulations.

An Old Settler

-There died a few days ago one of the oldest settlers of the Rideau District, Mrs. Robinson, mother of Mr. Amos Robinson, of the St. Lawrence Hall, Brockville.  Her father’s name was Vandusen, a number of whom settled in this section.  When Mrs. Robinson was a little girl she and a younger brother were returning home through a dense wood from a visit to relatives a little distance away when they got separated and the boy was lost.  A search party turned out to look for him but he was never found and it was thought a party of Indians in camp at the place had kidnapped him, though a search through their camp failed to find him.  About five years ago a tall stranger with sandy whiskers and complexion and bearing a strong family resemblance to the Vandusens, dropped down in Smiths Falls, but as he could not speak any English no information could be got from him.  It was thought he spoke some Indian tongue but thought several Indians tried to talk to him they could not understand him.  After staying around here for some time he disappeared without leaving a clue to his identity.  It is supposed by many of the old settlers that he was the lost Vandusen child.

Easton’s Corners

-Mr. Wm. Cross, formerly of Henderson, New York State, has moved here where he intends working at his trade as blacksmith.

Born

Montgomery – In Smiths Falls, on Friday, the 11th inst., the wife of Robt. Montgomery, of a daughter.

Married

Johnson – Gordon – At the bride’s home, by the Rev. Wm. Blair, B.A., on Tuesday, 25th of December, Mr. Albert Johnson to Miss Lizzie Gordon, both of Smiths Falls.

Evertts – Johnson – At the bride’s home, Wolford, Wednesday, 16th inst., by the Rev. J. Webster, Mr. Wm. Evertts to Miss Ada Johnston. – no typo – both spellings used

Jensen – Baker – At St. Andrew’s Manse, on Tuesday, 8th inst., by Rev. C. H. Cooke, B.A., Mr. John Johnson to Miss Baker, both of Montague.

Died

McEwen – In South Elmsley, on Friday morning, January 11th, Mr. Peter McEwen, aged 60 years.

January 24 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mr. D. Johnson, brother of Mrs. P.Y. Merrick was here on Tuesday and Wednesday last helping his sister to pack up her things for removal to Athens, her future home.

-Mr. Archy Boyd has leased the house formerly occupied by Mr. P.Y. Merrick and moved in last week.  He came from near Wellington, where he has been engaged in farming.

-Mr. Neil Freel, son of the late John Freel, whose death we reported a short time ago, is here on a visit among his boyhood chums.  Mr. Freel left here 28 years ago and has never seen the home of his boyhood during all these long years until last Thursday.  He reports wonderful changes since the days he sported with the boys upon the green back of the old log school house “just thirty years ago.”

Burritt’s Rapids

-On Christmas Eve a very handsome memorial window was placed in position in Christ Church, Burritt’s Rapids, by Wm. Kidd, Esq., in loving memory of Mrs. Kidd, lately deceased.  It represents a figure of the “Good Shepherd”.  The work is very chaste as is always the case with anything from the hands of J. C. Spence & Co. from Montreal.

Local News

-Mr. S. Drayton left last week for Brockville, where he has secured a good situation in a dry goods house.

-Mrs. Stratton, wife of J. R. Stratton, M.P.P. for Peterboro, publisher of the Examiner, is in town visiting at her brother’s, Mr. J.B. Ormand. 

-The following interesting item from the Wild Country Democrat published at Greely, Colorado, has reference to a young lady whose home was here at one time.  “Mr. Fred Henderson, who had been a resident of this city for three or four years, and who was employed in the dry goods department of Hall & Jastrowitz’s for some two years, was married to Miss Flora M. Abbott, on December 20th, at the home of her bride’s parents in this city, the Rev. E. S. Parsons officiating.  Mr. Henderson was well and favourable known here, identifying himself as a young man of sterling qualities.  Miss Abbott is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Abbott, who have presided here since the early days of the colony, and sister of E. H. Abbott assistant cashier of Union Bank.  She was also a prominent member of the social circle of this city, and will be missed by her many friends, as they intend to make their future home in Denver, where Mr. Henderson has been employed the past few months.

Married

Bain – Gilhooly – In Ottawa, on December 31st, by Rev. T. Herridge, of St. Andrew’s church, Mr. A. S. Bain, of Fallbrook, to Miss Margaret Gilhooly, of Smiths Falls.

January 31 1889     Record News

Warburton

-Mr. Thomas Spence, of Charleston, has been engaged as teacher for the school here.

Kilmarnock

-Mr. Henry Rose, an old Wolford boy, who left here ten years ago for the far West, together with his wife and child, has been visiting the scenes of his boyhood for a short time.  Though Mr. Rose owns a large farm at Minnedosa where his home is he does a great deal of ecclesiastical work and is a strong pillar of the church at that place.  It does his many old friends good to see him presenting such a happy and healthy appearance, and all join in wishing them every desired blessing in their far-away home.

Merrickville

-Quite a brilliant affair took place at the residence of Mr. Thos. Buttermore on Monday evening last, in the marriage of his eldest daughter, Miss Mary Buttermore to Mr. David Wilson of the Township of Wolford.  There were about 30 couples present, and it was the small wee hours of the morning before the party broke up.

-Mrs. John H. Fulford, of Brockville, was the guest of her brother, Mr. W.H. McCrea, on Saturday last.

Local News

-Mr. J.R. Lavell and lady were at Port Hope on Wednesday, attending the wedding of Dr. Lavell.

-John Fraser, deputy clerk of the crown at Kingston, died on Saturday.  He was formerly a well known hardware merchant there, and was married to a sister of Hon. Oliver Mowat.

-Mrs. H. Ferguson and Miss Edith Shepherd are visiting their brother at Port Hope.

-Mr. E.D. McLaren and wife, late of Brampton, Ont., who has been spending a few days with his brother-in-law, Mr. J.M. Clark, left on Friday for Vancouver, British Columbia, his future home.

Death of a Centenarian

-Richard Holmes, the Plum Hollow centenarian an probably the oldest Free Mason in America, died on Friday at his residence.  The funeral was conducted by the Free Masons at Athens on Sunday.  Mr. Holmes would have been 102 years old in May next and has been a Mason for 70 years.  On his 100th birthday he was visited by a large number of Free Masons from Farmersville, Delta, Mallorytown, Brockville, Newboro, and other places with the Farmersville brass band.

Lavell-Shepherd

-We join with their numerous friends in congratulations on the marriage of Dr. W.A. Lavell, to Miss Maggie Shepherd, at Port Hope on Wednesday, 30th inst.  The ceremony was performed at St. John’s church in that town by Rev. H.J. Hamilton, B.A., and the bridal party were afterwards entertained by Mr. E. Shepherd, of Port Hope, brother of the bride.  Many costly presents were received by the bride, among others a gold watch and chain presented by the choir and the members of the congregation of the Methodist church here.

-Mr. James Maitland, jr., proprietor of the Springfield Farm, Kilmarnock, has gone across the stream, at last making the bold plunge, and captured one of Wolford’s fairest daughters, in the person of Miss McCarthy, eldest daughter of John McCarthy, Esq., who will now grace the comfortable and ever hospitable home-Springfield Farm.  We extend our best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Maitland for their future happiness and prosperity.

Married

Lavell – Shepherd – At St. John’s church, Port Hope, on Wednesday, January 30th, by Rev. H. J. Hamilton, B.A., William A. Lavell, M.D. of Smiths Falls, third son of M. Lavell, M.D. of Kingston, to Maggie (Shepherd), eldest daughter of Wm. Shepherd, Esq. of Smiths Falls.

Maitland – McCarthy – At the residence of the bride’s father, on Wednesday, January 30th, Mr. James Maitland, jr., to Miss McCarthy, eldest daughter of John McCarthy, Esq. of Wolford.

McKimm – Frost – At St. John’s church, Smiths Falls, by the Rev. Rural Dean Nesbitt, on Wednesday, January 30th, at 11:30 o’clock a.m., G. F. McKimm, editor of the Rideau Record, to Nellie E. (Frost), daughter of the late James T. Frost, Esq.

February 7 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mr. Fred McCrea, son of Hiram McCrea, is home on a visit from Dakota.  He went West some seven years ago and is one of the successful pioneers of Northern Dakota.

-Rev. Mr. McLaren, who was here last week on a visit to his many friends, and who has had a call to Victoria, B.C., by the presbytery, is a son-in-law of Mr. John Meikle of this place.

-Mr. Harry Meikle and wife, left for Montreal on Wednesday last, to attend the carnival there.  He is one of the successful merchants of Morden, Dakota, being one of the earliest settlers in Northern Dakota.  He expects to be absent from his adopted home about six weeks.  He reports times as greatly improving in the North West and is looking forward to a grand future for that country.

Kilmarnock

-Mr. Wm. Chalmers is visiting his uncle T. S. Edwards, at Iroquois this week.

-One of those joyous events which prove so interesting to a community was the marriage of James Maitland to Miss McCarthy last week, as both parties have long held very prominent positions in the social and religious circles of this place, in which they are so well and favourably known.  Congratulations are now the order of the day.  The happy couple have the best wishes of an immense circle of friends.

Local News

-Michael O’Connor, of Kemptville, has come to live in Smiths Falls

-Just as the Rev. W. H. Elmsley, of the Wall Street Methodist Church, Brockville, was going into his pulpit Sunday morning, a cablegram was put into his hand announcing the death of his mother in England.  At the last minute, the Recorder says, Mr. Archibald McDougall took his place, and though called upon at such short notice conducted the service and preached in a manner highly creditable to him and pleasing to the congregation.

-Dr. Holmes, of Kemptville, buried the last of three children on Sunday.

At Hymen’s Alter

-A pleasant gathering was held at the residence of Mr. George Douglass, of this town on Monday afternoon to witness the marriage of his daughter, Miss Minnie (Douglass), to Mr. Alexander Keith.  Miss Nellie Graham of Carleton Place assisted the bride, and Mr. Robert Greig, of Montreal, stood by the groom.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Nixon after which an excellent wedding repast was served.  A pleasant hour was spent in the discussion of the edibles and in speeches until time for the four o’clock train by which Mr. and Mrs. Keith left for Montreal where they will remain for a week or more.  The bride received many beautiful presents.

Frozen to Death

-A man named David Young, of Perth, lately living in Brockville, was frozen to death last Saturday on the C.P.R. track between here and Perth.  The deceased had gone to Brockville about a month ago and having obtained steady employment with Cossitt Bros., had decided to move his family down to Brockville.  For this purpose he left for Perth last Saturday afternoon and it is supposed that on arriving here and finding no train going to Perth he concluded to walk and perished in the attempt.  When found he was on the railway track within sight of his own hearthstone.  He was what was known as a “striper” and is spoken of by the Messrs. Cossitt as apparently steady, reliable and a good workman.

Golden Wedding at Perth

-On Tuesday, a large company assembled at the house of Mr. and Mrs. James Holliday, Perth, for the celebration of their golden wedding.  On 29th January, 1839, Mr. Holliday was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Allan, daughter of the late Francis Allan, then living on the Scotch Line.  Seven children attended the wedding, namely, William, James, and Matthew, living in Chesley, Ont.; Mrs. Arthur Burgess, Mrs. Somerville, Carleton Place; Mrs. Dolan and Miss Jennie Holliday, Perth.  Mrs. Holliday’s mother, Mrs. Fraser, an old lady 91 years of age, was there, and with one of her great grandchildren former either end of four generations.  A number of presents and keepsakes, to commemorate the day and event, where handed to the pair, and a pleasant time spent until the fifty-first year had taken the place of the golden year - Courier

Frankville

-On Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock, January 30th, at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mr. W. G. Richards, son of Edward Richards and Miss Lillie Parker, youngest daughter of the late Robert Parker, were united in marriage by the Rev. E. H. Taylor, Methodist minister of this place.  About fifty guests were present to witness the ceremony.  The bride was beautifully attired in white cashmere artistically trimmed with ribbon, the bridesmaid was also elegantly attired in the same kind of material.  Mr. Chas. Richards, brother of the groom, acted as best man, Miss Blanch Leehy, of Jasper, supported the bride.  After the usual congratulations the bridal party sat down to a sumptuous tea, and a very enjoyable evening was spent, all seemed glad to meet, and sorry to part.  The bride was the recipient of many expensive, beautiful and useful presents.  We congratulate.

Born

Burritt – At Rideau Lodge, Easton’s Corners, on January 31st, the wife of Frederick E. Burritt, of a son.

Married

Bain – Gilhuly – In Ottawa, on December 31st, by Rev. T. Herridge, of St. Andrew’s church, Mr. Archibald E. Bain of Fallbrook, to Miss Margaret A. Gilhuly of Smiths Falls.

Died

Burritt – At Rideau Lodge, Easton’s Corners, on February 1st, the infant son of Emma and Frederick E. Burritt.

February 14 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mr. Richard Philips’ wife presented him with a fine bouncing boy on Tuesday morning, 12th inst.

-Last Wednesday evening Mr. A. Wilson and Miss S. Buttermore left this village for Smiths Falls, there to be joined in the holy bonds of Matrimony.  They returned home the next morning on the 4 o’clock train.  Your correspondent takes much pleasure in wishing them much joy.

-Mr. W. J. McCarney, who was married to Miss McEwen, of Kemptville, on Monday, 4th inst., returned from their wedding trip on Thursday last.  Mr. McCarney is one of our successful merchants here, and we understand Mrs. McCarney is a most accomplished young lady.  We welcome Mrs. McCarney amongst us.

Local News

-Mr. Harvey Bawden, of Kingston, is now in Perth, engaged in the work of forming a court of Forresters for that town.

-Mr. and Mrs. Weagant have their cousin Miss Weagant, of Morrisburg, visiting them.  They gave a party in honour of their guest on Friday evening.

-Mr. John Leightbody, of Montague, died on Friday, the 8th inst., after suffering for two or three months from diabetes.  He was buried on Monday in the Smiths Falls cemetery.

-Bennet Rosamond, Almonte, seeks a divorce from Parliament from his wife for committing adultery as far back as 1859 with Dr. Hurd, Carleton Place, and with R. S. Henderson, in 1860, at Napanee.  The parties were married in Smiths Falls in 1852, and since Mr. Rosamond discovered his wife’s infidelity, over 20 years ago, they have lived apart.

The Patient Pioneer – A Centenarian’s Life Reviewed with Interesting Items Concerning the County of Leeds a Century Ago.

-There died a few days ago one of the pioneers of this part of the country, Mr. Richard Holmes, whose name is doubtless familiar to many of our readers as that of the oldest man in this district.  The deceased lived about two miles from Frankville, in the Township of Kitley, county of Leeds.  He was born in Columbia County, New York State, in the year 1787 thus being 102 years old.  His father was born in Ireland of Scottish parents, and immigrated to America some years before the above date settling in New York City where he engaged in merchandise.  While there he was married to a Miss O’Neil of Long Island.  Both bore scriptural names, his being Abraham and hers Sarah, and if the Biblical order had been followed the subject of the present memoir, the first issue of the union, would have been named Isaac, but such was not the case as he was called Richard.

About the time of the revolutionary war his parents removed from New York to the country, taking up land in Columbia County.  In 1799 he with his parents came to Canada, landing at what is now known as the thriving town of Brockville, then without a name.  A small log house, and the inevitable blacksmith’s shop were the only buildings, then on what is now Main or King Street, with Peter Seeley as blacksmith and master of ceremonies.  There were a few other families close by, among whom were the Jones’, the Buells and the Sherwoods, while here and there throughout what is now Elizabethtown and Kitley were scattered a few settlers as far back as Bellamy’s mills, beyond which none had ventured.  In 1800 Mr. Holmes with his parents moved from the frontier to the interior, taking up land near Lake Loyda in what is now the Township of Yonge.  He was kept at school as much as was possible for those early days, which coupled with his natural fondness for books, made him proficient in the different branches of study and qualified him for a teacher, which position he occupied for a number of years, teaching near Ogdensburg and also Watertown, on the Rideau, and lastly in the section at his home. In 1810 he married a Miss Mary Alderick who bore him twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, three of the latter living at the old home to comfort and cheer his declining years, while he waited all the days of his appointed time.  In 1827, being then 40 years of age, and having been in this country for 28 years, this intrepid pioneer settled upon the farm he owned and lived on at the time of his demise where he was surrounded by friends and neighbours whom he taught to love and respect him because of his life’s work, and who bear willing testimony to his courage softened by gentleness, his kindness prompted by sympathy, and his Christian character as exemplified in all his walk.  He did the writing and conveyancing for the neighbourhood, which extended a great distance in those days, and in short, was the people’s lawyer.  He was made a magistrate about the time of settling at his present home, but being dressed in a little brief authority did not change the man, and he did honour to the position.  His decisions where just and equitable “e’en his failings leaned to virtue’s side,” for he was a terror to the Sabbath breaker, and though he gained the sobriquet of the “peacemaker” while discharging the duties of his office, he had no compassion on the desecrator of the Lord’s Day.  The farm of 200 acres which he owned was bought by him after it had been considerably improved for $1,200, but originally had changed hands at a much smaller price.  A story in connection with the original may not be uninteresting.  The farm was first owned by Solomon Soper, who got a free grant from the government.  Soper had a yoke of oxen which did not work well together, for while one was very ambitious the other seemed not to have any special endowment in that direction, in fact was decidedly lazy.  Ephraim Koyle owned another yoke of oxen of similar disposition.  Mr. Soper and Mr. Koyle met one day and traded oxen, Mr. Soper getting Mr. Koyle’s fast ox for his slow one, giving Mr. Koyle the 200 acre lost as boot money, valuing it at ten dollars.

In those early days when but comparatively little of the land was cleared and under crop there was not much business for grist mills and the settlers were obliged to travel long distances to get their wheat and corn ground.  There were two modes of traveling, the one on foot carrying the grist on shoulder, the other on horseback.  Mr. Holmes and the other residents of his locality went to Beverly (now Delta) to the mill, the proprietor of which was one Mattice.

He spent the early part of each day in reading the Bible which like Scotland’s illustrious son he called “the book”.  With this book he began each day, and after reading a portion of its sacred contents, took up other and general reading.  He was wonderfully well preserved, both mentally and physically, had a high broad forehead, and finely shaped, well poised head, from which his silvery locks hung in waves to his shoulders.  He was slightly stooped with the weight of 102 years upon him, but there were comparatively few indications in his physique of his extreme old age.  His eyes were clear and thoughtful, and at times sparkled while recounting some incident of his more youthful days, while his cleanly shaven face showed few of the deep furrows that time ploughs in all faces.  His hand was steady, his voice strong and without a quiver, which, together with his ready command of pure English and exceptionally good conversational powers, his marvellous memory and his exhaustless stock of subjects, made him the best of company.  He talked to the last about topics of the day and showed a wonderful fund of knowledge.

Considering his great age his physical strength was surprising, until a short time ago he walked around the house and out of doors with the aid of a cane.  He had a little garden plot which he tended himself, planting, hoeing, and harvesting a crop of corn from it last season.  He was regular in his habits, smoked a few times each day, had a good appetite, and slept soundly about eleven hours out of the twenty-four, retiring about nine o’clock in the evening and rising about eight next morning, and never lay down through the day.  In politics he was a Reformer, and in religion a Methodist, having been admitted to the church in 1803 when he was sixteen years of age, since which time he had been an earnest, faithful and energetic exponent of Christianity, religiously keeping that which had been entrusted to his charge against the perfect day.  He took an active part in church work and established the first Sunday school in the locality in which he lived, in his own house.  He had listened to Darius Dunham, one of the first ordained Methodist preachers of Canada.  It was Dunham, on who being remonstrated with by a newly made magistrate about riding a fine horse instead of imitating his Master by going about on an ass, retorted that he would most gladly follow the Master’s example in this particular but for the impossibility of procuring the ass, the government having made magistrates of them all.  He had also heard Bishop Asbury preach at a quarterly meeting at Coleman’s Corners (now Lyn) where the First church in Elizabethtown was built, though the Roman Catholic chapel near Bellamy’s mills back of Toledo was erected before the Lyn church and was the first public place of worship in the township of Kitley. 

Mrs. Holmes, who had been his companion and helpmate all these years, encouraging and ennobling him in all his ways, was called to her reward in 1870, leaving him alone, so far as a companion was concerned, and yet not alone, for he had ever with him the recognised presence of the Infinite Almighty One.

Such is the brief sketch of the life of one of the many patient plodding pioneers of this country to whom had fallen more years than fall to the majority of mankind, and who had lived to see the wildness converted into a garden, and the worst places blossom as the rose.

Again Eminently Successful

-Smiths Falls has become accustomed to hearing of its young men doing well in the world and making for themselves honourable records in the different walks in life, but we have now the pleasant duty of noting the success, the eminent success of one of its young ladies, Miss Agnes Craine.  It will be remembered that Miss Craine was home last spring, after having passed a most creditable examination in medicine, coming off with honours and receiving the full title of doctor of medicine.  In the spring Dr. Craine, along with her mother, sailed to the Old Land, and while there she has been prosecuting her studies and perfecting her knowledge in the profession she had chosen.  At the final examination for the triple qualification of the Royal College of Physicians, Surgeons, Edinburgh; and faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, held in Glasgow, last month, Miss Craine received her diploma and was admitted to the degrees of L.R.C.R.E.; L.R.C.S.E. and L.F.P. and S.G.  Her father, J. J. Craine, Esq. of this town, received a cablegram from her dated the 10th inst., from Queenstown saying that she would sail that day by Cunard Steamer, “Servia” for New York.  Smiths Falls is proud of Dr. Craine.

Married

-In the presence of a number of invited friends Miss Eliza Earle, daughter of Israel Earle, Esq., was married last evening at her home to Mr. George Rylance.  Miss Jessie Moore assisted the bride as bridesmaid and Mr. W. Earle, brother of the bride, acted as best man.  After the Rev. Mr. Blair had tied the nuptial knot and the bride and groom and their friends had partaken of the wedding repast, the newly married couple left for Watertown and other places on a wedding trip.

Born

Seeber – at Smiths Falls, on Friday, February 8th, the wife of Mr. Geo. Seeber, of a son.

Christian – in Smiths Falls, on the 11th inst., the wife of D. Christian of a son.

Chalmers – in Smiths Falls, on Wednesday, 13th inst., the wife of Mr. J. C. Chalmers, of a daughter.

Died

Leightbody – In Montague, on Friday, 8th inst., Mr. John Leightbody, aged 56 years.

February 21 1889     Record News

Frankville

-Mrs. Birks, wife of the Rev. Wm. Birks, of Nassagauega, is visiting her sister, Mrs. William Johnston, who has been ill for some time.  We are glad to state that Mrs. Johnston is improving slowly.

-On Wednesday evening, the 13th inst., at the residence of Mr. Lawson Livingston, Mr. Andrew Parker, merchant of this place, and Miss May Cross were united in marriage by the Rev. E. H. Taylor.  After the bridal party had partaken of a sumptuous tea, Mr. and Mrs. Parker left on their wedding tour.  We congratulate.

Merrickville

-Mr. H. Meikle and wife returned from Montreal on Friday last.  They stopped over at Cornwall to visit Mr. and Mrs. Bissett, the latter being a sister of Mrs. Meikle.

-Mr. H. Baker, of the Middle Branch, as in town last Saturday.  He has bought a residence here and we believe he intends shortly to become one of our honoured citizens.  We are glad to welcome him to our midst.

Local News

-Mr. John Carruthers, of Kingston, died last week.

-Mr. Myron Evertts has gone to Athens to start the practice of law.

-The Ontario Government have appointed Mr. John McCann of Perth to be license commissioner in the stead of Mr. Samuel Garrett resigned.

Claimed by Death

-During the week another of Smiths Falls’ well known and respected citizens has been claimed by death.  We refer to Mr. Marcus Gilmour who died on Sunday afternoon after a protracted illness of several months.  Mr. Gilmour occupied the position of foreman painter, in Frost & Wood’s and for the past score or more of years he has been a familiar figure on our streets going to and from his work very regularly during all that time.  He was well liked by his fellow workmen and by all who knew him, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his employers.  The funeral which was held on Tuesday was very largely attended.  The employees of Frost & Wood’s works marched ahead of the hearse about 200 strong, and a large number of citizens followed the remains to the cemetery.  Rev. Mr. Nixon conducted the obsequies.

Death of Ebenezer Wright

-The daily Tribune of Bay City, Michigan, of the 14th inst., gives an account of the death, from pneumonia, of E. Wright, Esq., of that city at the advanced age of 85 years.  Many of the older citizens of Smiths Falls will remember Mr. Wright well, as having lived here some 22 or 23 years ago in the house, corner of Main and Bay streets.  The writer can look with pleasure to many a pleasant hour spent in his company and with his estimable family; and it is with no little regret that he learns that death has removed him from the active duties of life.  The late Mr. Wright was of a very genial, gentle disposition, kind and open-hearted, a warm friend and exceedingly hospitable in his character.  Since leaving here he has resided in Bay City where he carried on an extensive lumbering business.  He was a brother-in-law of the late Dr. Burritt of this town.  The widow and children have the warm sympathy of all the old friends in Smiths Falls in their sad bereavement. - COM

Married

Wilson – Buttimore – At Merrickville, on the 23rd of January, 1889, by the Rev. R. L. M. Houston, B.A., Incumbent, David Wilson, of Wolford, to Mary E. (Buttimore), eldest daughter of Thomas Buttimore, of Merrickville.

Donoghue – Kidd – At Christ Church, Burritt’s Rapids, on the 13th inst., by the Rev. R. L. M. Houston, B.A., Incumbent, Samuel Donoghue, of Watertown, Dakota, to Alice (Kidd), youngest daughter of Wm. Kidd, of Marlboro.

Died

Gilmour- In Smiths Falls, on Sunday, 7th inst., Marcus C. Gilmour, aged 53 years.

February 28 1889     Record News

Fairfax (too late for last week’s edition)

-Miss Orsina Cross, of Oakville, is visiting her sister Mrs. Robert Donevon and other friends in the neighbourhood.

-Mr. Robert Donevan has bought the farm formerly owned by Mr. J. L. Bradley, of Mooretown, now of Brandon, Manitoba.

Miss Mamie Wing, of Gananoque, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Samuel Donevan, wife of the Deputy Reeve of the front of Leeds and Lansdowne.

Merrickville

-Mr. Harry Riddell has gone to Wegotochie, New York, where he was formerly engaged in a factory, to resume his labours.

-Mr. Patrick Gorman, who sold out his farm in the township of Montague about ten years ago, and moved to Iowa, where he went into the farming business, is here on a visit to his old friends and acquaintances.  He is one of Iowa’s successful farmers and has accumulated considerable wealth in that State.

-The wife of Mr. Charles Edwards presented him with a little baby girl last Thursday night.  Chas. is quite proud now that he has a boy and a girl.

 -There died on Wednesday, February 20th, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Clarissa Barber, one of Grenville’s centenarians, in the person of Mr. John Vaughn, who resided in the Township of Wolford, about four miles from our village.  The exact age of Mr. Vaughn is not exactly known, but the writer has known him 40 years and considered him an old man at the time he first knew him.  It is admitted by our oldest settlers that Mr. Vaughn must be considerably over a hundred years old.  He was one of the very few men who participated in the 1812 pension, which he has been the recipient of since 1876.  He spent a great portion of his middle life in prospecting for minerals up the Madawaska, Ottawa, Bonnechere and Petawawa Rivers, and perhaps was the best posted man in Canada on the different strata of rocks which compose the regions surrounding these rivers.  He had specimens of different rocks by the hundred, and it was both interesting as well an intellectual treat to listen to him explaining the different samples, and the metals of which they are composed.  He was always of the opinion that there was gold in paying quantities up all these rivers, “And the time would come when Canada would be noted for her minerals as for her forests.”  He was quite smart up to the last year, and last summer he walked to Merrickville two or three times, a distance, as we said, of 4 miles.  He was buried at Easton’s Corners last Thursday.  He has made it his home with his daughter, Mrs. Barber, for the last 20 years.

Local News

-Miss McGillivray, who has been teaching in school section No. 8, South Elmsley, has resigned her position.  She intends going to California.

-Dr. Agnes Craine arrived home from Glasgow on Friday.  She is the only lady doctor in the Province enjoying the distinction of a full degree from an old land University.

-F. Cohen, a shop-keeper of Lanark, was the victim of strangulation a few days ago.  He had an ulcerated tooth, and the swelling there spread to his throat.  He was trying to swallow some milk, when he choked and death at once ensued.

-Mr. E. Grondin, who has been spending some time at his home in Montreal, returned to town last Monday.

-By the death of a male relative in England, Mr. F. C. Inderwick, of Perth has fallen heir to a legacy of about $30,000.

Obituary

-The friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Houston learned with regret on Monday of the death of their daughter at an early hour that morning.  She had taken a cold which developed into inflammation of the lungs terminating fatally after a few days illness.  Rev. Mr. Houston, of Merrickville, conducted the funeral service Tuesday at 2 o’clock in St. John’s church.  The evening before, the pupils of the High School brought an offering of a beautiful wreath of cut flowers and laid it on the coffin of the dear dead one of their sorrowing teacher.  The parents have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement.

Kilmarnock

-Mr. W. R. McCaw has moved to his new farm in Wolford, lately purchased from Joseph Edmunds, who has retired from farming and settled in Carleton Place.  Mr. McCaw’s old home, now owned by Joseph Hutton, presents a most lonely and vacant appearance, but as some of our young men are fast coming to the front, we hope to soon see it inhabited again.

Frankville

-Mr. A. E. Rudd, commercial traveller for the firm of Geo. A. Rudd, Brockville, manufacturer of hand-made harness, carriage tops, cushions, drop backs, etc., spent last Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Rudd.

Died

Houston – At Smiths Falls, on Monday, February 25th, at the age of 1 year and 4 months, Gladys Paul (Houston), only daughter of J. A. Houston, B. A.

Conlin – In Montague, on Tuesday, the 26th inst., Patrick Conlin, aged 79 years.

March 7 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mrs. Wm. Barr, of Smiths Falls, is visiting at her father’s, Mr. Wm. Harrison.

-Miss Jenny Canton, of Andrewsville, and Mr. Joseph McIntyre, of Montague, were married last Wednesday here.

-Mr. William Knapp, of Montague, was married to Miss Wallace, of North Gower, on Wednesday last.  There were some few friends from here attended the wedding.

-Mr. Hugh Brown, an old and respected citizen of the township of Wolford, was buried in the Union Burying ground here on Monday last.  His face has been a familiar one on our streets for the last forty years.  He was over 70 years of age.

-Mr. B. Knapp has returned from Antwerp; he will spend a couple of weeks among his many friends here.  He says the Yankee girls are gay, vivacious and witty, but for right down goodness with all the other three accomplishments, give him the Merrickville girls before all.

-Mr. Robert Peoples of Kitley, and Miss Maggie Finnerty, of this place, were married last Wednesday evening at the residence of Mr. Archy Boyd. The Rev. Mr. Webster, of Easton’s Corners, tied the nuptial knot.  A few friends and relatives witnessed the ceremony after which they partook of an elegant and sumptuous tea.

-Mr. Simon Loucks, of Andrewsville, was buried in the Union Burying ground last Friday.  Mr. Loucks has been ailing for the last six months and his disease seems to have baffled the best of our local medical skill.  Dr. Beaman held a post mortem and he found that a tumour had grown in the stomach to such a size as to completely fill the orifices at both ends of the stomach, and the consequence was that no food could get to it.

-Mr. Thomas Edwards, blacksmith here, is one of the 200 heirs to the valuable property situated on Broadway, New York, comprising 36 acres of land, owned and leased by one Robert Edwards to the British Government for 99 years.  Mr. T. Edwards says that the heirs are from his mother’s side, who was an Edwards and who did not change her name when married to his father.  The above gentleman was a great uncle to his mother and never married.  Mr. Chas. Edwards, of Dakota, a brother of Mr. Thomas Edwards, has traced the heirs, he having spent several months 2 years ago in ferreting out the above, at which time also he crossed the ocean to Ireland, and while there he secured valuable information upon the above subject.  The property is valued at $200,000,000, besides there is said to be a large deposit in the Bank of England which amounts to some millions of pounds sterling.

Easton’s Corners

-An old and much respected citizen in the person of Mr. Hugh Brown died on the 23rd of February.  Mr. Brown was a native of Ireland, and immigrated to this country in the year 1829.  He was among those patriots who took up arms in defence of his country when she was in peril from the raids of the Fenians.  In the memorable battle of the Wind mill, near Prescott, he took part and carried away a bullet in his foot which he took to his grave with him.  He lived an exemplary life and died in the triumphs of Christian faith at the ripe age of 88.

Local News

-Dr. Anderson has been called to Clayton, N.Y., professionally.

-A teamster named George James was killed in Caldwell’s lumber yard at Carleton Place Saturday morning.  He was caught by a car he was hauling with his team and had his neck broken.

-Mr. Reid, a tailor from Toronto, has opened a shop in Sweeny’s block.  Mr. Reid comes well recommended and we take pleasure in announcing his location here.  See his ad, in another column.

March 14 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mr. James Wiley, an old and respected gentleman and a brother of Mr. Adam Wiley, died at Ottawa last week and was buried in the Union Burying ground here on Tuesday last.

Toledo

-Miss Victoria Chamberlain, of Ames, Iowa, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. C.A. McLean, left for Ottawa on Saturday.

Kilmarnock

-Miss M. Phillips is in Smiths Falls, guest of her sister, Mrs. Chalmers.

-Mrs. Walter McCaw, who has been ill and a terrible sufferer for several weeks, passed away on Tuesday morning.  Possessed of a quiet and retiring disposition her Christian life was a most exemplary one and in her neighbourhood she was ever found a true friend and a devoted wife and mother.  Her family have the sympathy of the whole community in their sad bereavement.

Local News

-Mrs. W. J. Ross, of Abernethy, N.W.T., is visiting her sister, Mrs. Stewart Montgomery at Frankville.

-C.F. Wood, formerly engaged in Putnam’s school, Wolford, is now in charge of a school near Carberry, Manitoba.

-Mrs. Legree of Calabogie, relates that 30 years ago she had lost her brother, a bright little fellow, and no trace could be had of him.  A short time ago a dying man confessed that he was one of the child’s murderers.  Three of them were chopping in the woods when a large tree fell as the lad came along, crushing him horribly.  He was chopped out, but so badly hurt that living was impossible.  Fearful of the consequences and sorrowing for the lad’s agony, they resolved to kill him, and each struck him with an axe.  Then they buried him in the woods and solemnly swore to never divulge the affair.  The last of the choppers dying, he made public the mystery.

-Dr. H. Bartram, who has been with Dr. McCallum for some time, leaves tonight for Danville, Ill., where he has secured a good situation.  We wish him every success.

Body Buried

-The body of the man, Hugh Carmichael, found in the river last week was buried on Friday.  His brother was telegraphed to at Pembroke but answered back that he could not come. – Huge article about the finding of his body, if you would like it contact me.

March 21 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mrs. D. Real is visiting her daughter in Kingston. She expects to be absent about a week.

-Mr. King, who was lately a merchant at Irish Creek, has leased Mr. Hiram Baker’s residence here and moved in last Thursday.

Warburton

-It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of Mrs. Wellington Sliter, which took place February 28th.  Mrs. Sliter had been in poor health for two weeks but nothing serious was looked for until on the afternoon of Thursday, when she was taken worse and after a few hours of suffering passed away.  The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Rilance, Methodist minister of Landsdowne, the remains were then placed in the vault.

Local News

-Dr. McCallum has secured the services of Mr. Cobb, of Ottawa, in his drug store.

-The death of a prominent dairyman, Mr. Ketchan Graham, ex-M.P.P. for West Hastings, occurred on Saturday last.  Amongst other good works he organised the Eastern Dairymen’s Association and was its president for some years.

-The very Rev. Dean O’Connor, of Perth, gave in his resignation of the parish to his Lordship, the Bishop of Kingston, last week.

-The late Captain Gilpin, of Brockville, left the Brockville General Hospital a bequeath of $3,000.  This liberal bequest will, it is said, almost clear the indebtedness still remaining on the tin building which is valued at about $20,000.

-Mr. Walter H. Denaut died at his home in Delta, on Saturday, and was buried on Monday.  Mr. or Squire Denaut as he was called, was well known throughout all this section, and in him death has taken one who has been closely identified with the progress of the country.

-The action for support by Mrs. John Haggarty, of Perth, has been settled out of court.  The defence allowed judgment to be entered, giving her a thousand dollars a year as long as her husband occupies his present position, and $600 dollars a year after that with the privilege to her of moving for an increase.  She is also to be free from paying all costs of the present suit.

-Mr. Joseph Conlin, of Montague, died last Thursday after an illness of several months.  He was a prominent Orangeman and was buried by that order, his own lodge, Montague, and that of Smiths Falls assisting.  The funeral on Saturday was one of the largest seen here in some time.  Rev. Mr. Mercer, of Franktown, conducted the service in St. John’s church.

At Hymen’s Alter

-The residence of Mrs. Hugh Clark was the scene of a pleasant gathering on Tuesday morning when her daughter, Miss Maggie Clark, was united in marriage to Mr. G. B. Farmer, boot and shoe merchant of Perth.  The wedding was a quiet one, the ceremony being witnessed only by a few invited relatives and friends.  The bride was supported by her sister, Miss Mary Clark, and the groom assisted by his brother, Rev. S. Farmer, of Pembroke.  Rev. Mr. Nixon tied the nuptial knot after which a most excellent wedding breakfast was served.  The newly married couple left on the one o’clock train for Woodstock and other western points, bearing with them the best of good wishes from the bride’s numerous friends here among whom she was a general favourite.

Married at Collingwood

-Mr. F. A. Johnson, son of the late T. H. Johnson, Assistant Commissioner of Crown Lands, Toronto, was married at Collingwood last Friday to Miss Collins of that town.  The newly married couple were the guests of Mrs. Jason Gould, Mr. Johnson’s sister, for a few days during the early part of this week.  After a short time spent in visiting friends in different parts of Canada, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson will go to Bloomfield, California, where Mr. Johnson is engaged in the mercantile business with his Uncle.  The bride, it might be added, acquired most enviable distinction a few years ago by rowing out alone in a small skiff during a violent storm on Georgian Bay and rescuing two men whose boat had upset and who but for her timely assistance must have found a watery grave.  In her heroism she was made the recipient of a medal from the Dominion Government.

Born

Clark – In North Elmsley, on the 14th inst., the wife of Mr. Adam Clark, of a daughter.

Scott – at Smiths Falls, on Sunday, the 17th inst., the wife of Wm. Scott, of a daughter.

Digman – At Smiths Falls, on Saturday, the 16th inst., the wife of B. Digman, of a son.

Married

Farmer – Clarke – At the residence of the bride’s mother, Smiths Falls, on Tuesday, March 19, 1889, by the Rev. T. Nixon, Mr. G. B. Farmer, of Perth, to Miss Margaret Clarke, daughter of the late Hugh Clarke.

Died

Healy – In Montague, on Monday, the 18th inst., Thomas Healy, aged 46 years.

March 28 1889     Record News

Merrickville

-Mrs. Rebecca McCaw, mother to Walter McCaw, who lost his wife last week, died at her son’s residence on Monday and was buried at the Wolford chapel on Wednesday.

-Mr. Isaac Gravelle, of Montague, is moving into town this week.  He intends taking a trip to the far west in a short time and will probably spend the greater part of the summer in the North West and if he falls in love with that part of the Dominion he will remove his family there.  He has rented his farm to Mr. John Croan.

-Mr. Wm. Wickwire, an old and respected citizen of our village has passed away in his 77th year.  He died on Wednesday last after a lingering illness of some months and was buried on Friday last.  The Rev. Mr. Rogers preached the funeral sermon.  His face was a familiar one on our streets and many there are who will miss the kindly smile of Uncle William as he was commonly called by young and old.

Local News

-H. C. Kennedy, editor and publisher of the Morrisburg Courier, died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.  He was formerly of Belleville.

-Mr. Willie Keith is home from Montreal for a few days.  He is nursing a sore finger caused by an injury received at his place of business in the metropolis.

-It is stated that the very Rev. Dean O’Connor, of Perth, has been given the parish of Chesterville, Ont., and that his late charge will be filled by the Rev. Donoghue of Carleton Place.

-Mr. Isaac Wall, of Iowa, was visiting his son, Mr. Ephriam Wall, last week.  He came down to see a sick daughter, Mrs. Robert Murdock, of Burritt’s Rapids, and returned home on Saturday.  He lived here at one time but has not been here for 20 years.  Mrs. Murdock died Sunday evening.

-The Kingston News records the death of Mr. James E. Ray of the township of Barrie near that city.  The News says that he came to Canada in 1853 and settled first in Smiths Falls.

-Mr. Joseph Bullis, who had rented the farm of Richard Leach, Esq., near Newboro, was kicked in the head by one of his horses on Saturday and rendered insensible.  He is not expected to recover.  He is a young man and was only married on Tuesday, the 19th inst.

Fatal Injury on the Railroad

-A farmer named Harry Cooper, living in Burgess township, near Perth, and who has recently been engaged in locating mines, was walking on the Ontario & Quebec track Saturday night about a mile west of Vaudreuil.  He was knocked down by the train, but apparently only slightly injured.  He was taken to Vaudreuil where he died Sunday afternoon.  An inquest will be held.

Married

Driver – Hannah – At the Methodist Parsonage, Jasper, on the 21st March, by the Rev. A.M. Delong, Mr. John Driver, of Kitley, to Miss Minnie Hannah, of Wolford.


Received from: Leah Truscott                                                    Posted: 01 June, 2005