Perth Courier - Comings and Goings
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
From the
Down the last of the trails they are bearing,
In a solemn and glorious line,
Through the
With a soul unafraid and divine.
The old Pioneer fathers are passing—
And this thing ye shall take for a sign.
There is never a zephyr that comes sighing
Where the primeval forest once lay
There is never a patriarch dying,
But a story is passing away
And a glory is passing away.
Of the humble who founded a nation
In the travail and the stress of the day.
For with every white head that is sinking
For with every aged heart that is dead,
Ye are losing the race that was linking
The traditions of all that is fled,
The story of all that is fled.
With the heritage ye are enjoying
With the pads of the future ye tread.
Though the shanty that stood in the clearing
Is a thing of the mouldering past,
Though the pioneer fathers are nearing
The dark trail that is blazoned the last.
Though they pass down the trail that is last.
Yet their spirits will hover above ye
In the winds and the stars they will love ye,
For the fight they will strengthen and prove ye,
Till they mould ye the pioneer cast.
Miss Annie Cox of Beveridge’s Bay Locks has just
returned home from a visit to her sister Mrs. L. Dunham of
Edward Rice left on Monday to take charge of the farm of his brother-in-law, Duncan McLaren, Sheriff of Cass County, N. Dakota.
Hon. Peter McLaren returned on Sat. from
One of the old homesteads on the Scotch Line was brilliant Monday evening on the occasion of one of the most interesting events that has ever taken place there viz the celebration of the 25 years of marriage of one of the oldest and most respected residents of that neighborhood. The happy pair whose lives for the last quarter of a century have blended so harmoniously were Gilbert Wilson and his wife Marion Weir. On the 5th day of January, 1866, the blooming bride plighted a life long love and obedience to the genial happy young bridegroom who in turn gladly took upon himself the counter pledge of love and protection “until death do us part”. Faithfully have the vows of each one been performed and blessed to each has been the result as their happy, trustful countenances and the warm expressions of good will and best wishes for the future heard by them on all sides indicates to those who were privileged to attend this most pleasant meeting of friends and neighbors gathered together to rejoice with them on being permitted to reach this memorable milestone on their journey through life. Gilbert Wilson is the 5th child of the late Mr. John Wilson of the Scotch Line who was well known and much respected by all with whom he came in contact. Nearly 50 guests assembled to do them honor on this occasion, chiefly residents of the locality although Perth and Almonte came in for a share of the honor. To say that refreshments were served during the evening would give a faint view to those who were not present of the marvelous productions of the culinary department under which the table literally groaned and the variety of the bill of fare was such as to satisfy the most imperious appetite. After this very pleasant part of the entertainment was finished the host and hostess were given several neat little speeches in which their young friend Mr. McKerracher took the initiative and was appropriately responded to by Mr. Wilson. The happy pair were the recipients of many handsome presentes generously given and thankfully received. The evening passed very pleasantly so much so that the guests were almost unaware that Old Father Time was hastening by with such great strides until some guests knowing that even the best things on earth must come to an end set an example of retirement and soon the Silver Wedding was a thing of the past.
Dr. McLarlen, Ormstown, Quebec, was in town on Monday on his way home from attending the funeral of his father Peter McLaren of Lanark Township.
Mr. Michael McCann of Minto, Dakota is visiting old friends in North Crosby and Perth. He is a brother of John McCann of Perth, livery keeper.
Mr. James Ferguson of Mallory, Minnesota who left N. Sherbrooke for the wild west 12 years ago was in town on Tuesday and paid his money for the old Courier.
Rev. Father Duffas (?) of Middleville has been appointed parish priest of Perth to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rev. Father O’Donoghue. His charge at Merrickville will be filled by Rev. Father Carey of Kingston. Rev. Mr. Duffas will take charge of his congregation next Sabbath.
The Pilot Mound Sentinel says that Mrs. S. Wilson of that place died at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Beveridge on Tuesday 6th Jan., after a very short illness. The deceased was a native of Glasgow, Scotland and lived for a number of years in Perth her name being Caroline Villagie (?). She had been a resident of Manitoba 12 years.
Rev. Mr. Nixon of Smith’s Falls has received a call to a Presbyterian Church in Stratford, Ontario at a salary of $2,000 a year.
Transcriber’s note: This article is transcribed only partially.
St. Paul’s Church, Middleville
About the year 1844 the first church was built in the settlement of Middleville and was that of a Presbyterian Church. This edifice was destroyed by fire some years later and with it about 500 bushels of wheat stored in the Session House. In these early days the minister’s stipend was paid either with money or wheat whichever could be best afforded by the various members and in this vicinity by fire not only the church but also the minister’s salary went up in smoke. The station was supplied from Lanark and Dalhousie for a number of years and such Godly men as Rev. John Gemmell, Rev. William McAllister and others are remembered by some of the older members of the congregation as having preached to them back in the 40’s. In October of 1858 William Clarke was ordained as the first settled pastor. He remained until 1865 when he was succeeded by Rev. D. J. McLean, now the highly esteemed pastor of the Arnprior Church. Enjoying some years of successful ministry here Rev. Mr. McLean accepted a call from Arnprior and after a short vacancy his former congregation at Middleville again was in possession of a pastor William Cochrane who died about 12 years ago. Rev. Joseph Andrew is the present pastor. With all these changes which time is sure to make, the congregation has prospered. Rev. Mr. Andrew also preaches to St. James Congregation in Dalhousie and at Watson’s Corners with three services and three Bible classes a week, so his task is no easy one and the prosperous state of the whole field together with the always increasing interest in the word manifested by all young and old is evidence that the arduous duties are being attended to by the pastor.
It was decided last year to replace the old church—with its many associations dear to the people it is hard but it was far from adequate for the present and future requirements of the congregation—by a new and more commodious structure of modern design. Plans were made by Mr. Jas. Mather of Ottawa and work was commenced. The cornerstone was laid a few months ago and last Sabbath the new church was opened with three most successful services. Their former pastor D.J. McLean preached at 10:30 a.m. assisted by Rev. P. H. Anderson of the Baptist Church, Middleville. In the evening Rev. Jas. Bass of Knox Church, Perth, conducted the services and preached from Isaiah 60:13 “I will make the place of my feet glorious”. The church was crowded at all three services notwithstanding the snow storm which prevailed. The friendliness of the Congregational and Baptist churches was manifested by their giving up their services for that day so that the Christian community as a whole might celebrate the opening of another place of worship. A very efficient choir gathered from the three congregations of the village, rendering the musical portion of the service most interesting. The collection from the three services was $75.
The building is an elegant and graceful looking structure of red brick surmounted by a belfry and is of modern design inside and out. The foundation of the building was built by Mr. R. G. Penman and the stone was drawn by members of the congregation. Daniel Watt was the contractor for the carpentry work and Messrs. Houston and Munro for the brick work. William Potter of Perth did the painting and James Gardner the plastering both of which are creditable pieces of work. The general neat appearance of the church is finished by the handsome stained glass windows—four on each side, 2 in front and a fanlight over the door. The glass for these was furnished by John Hart of Perth and the current price of $100 Mr. Hart, however, reduced to about $80. The seats with iron ends were made by John James of Middleville whose idea of comfort in church is A1. Jas. Young of Lanark built the pulpit after the design of a $50 pulpit and made an excellent job of it at a much lower price. The church seats 225. The congregation has a membership of 50 families—97 communicants and about 60 adherents, a flourishing Bible class is organized presided over by the pastor.
Watson’s Corners—Quite a number of persons in this neighborhood are suffering from colds. Mrs. George Fair who has been ill, we are glad to say, is recovering. Mrs. A.F. McIlraith had a little daughter and mother and daughter are doing well.
Scotch Line—Miss Isabella Fisher has secured a school at Flower Station near Calaboga Lake and left for there on Monday.
At the meeting of the N. Burgess Council, Patrick McParland, merchant and postmaster of Stanleyville, was appointed clerk of the municipality in place of Thomas Brooke, who resigned.
Mrs. Dr. McCallum, Smith’s Falls, is on tour visiting her sister Mrs. G. B. Farmer.
Miss Maggie McCasker of Ferguson’s Falls is visiting with her uncle, Mr. Patrick McCasker of the G.T.R., Brantford.
Mr. W. C. Wilson of Ardoch, Dakota is visiting friends in North Elmsley after staying away 12 years. He has prospered during his sojourn in the west.
Auction Sale: James Kelly, Lot 19, 8th Concession N. Burgess, farm stock and implements.
Mrs. Williams, widow of Rev. S. L. Williams, at one time Church of England missionary at Lanark and Balderson, and sister of Mrs. E.A. Bates of Arnprior, died a week ago Saturday after a brief illness.
Mr. James A. Laurie, formerly of Perth and lately carrying on a confectionary business in Brockville, made an assignment on Monday for the benefit of his creditors. It is said the estate will not prove a lucrative one. Quite a few of his creditors live in this town.
The Smith’s Falls papers tell of the deaths of three old residents of that town: William Cole of Montague, 77; David Loucks, Montague, 61; and Mrs. Whittaker, North Elmsley, 72. The deaths are also chronicled of Mrs. J.W. Lumsden, daughter of Mr. Allan Barr of Lombardy, aged 24 years, and Mrs. Thomas O’Meara of Black Creek.
Wanted: A Duluth, Minnesota lawyer is making inquiries of the whereabouts of William John Newton or of Annie Agnes Newton, son and daughter of Dr. John T. Newton, deceased, who formerly resided in the County of Lanark. Anyone knowing of these parties would do someone a good turn if they reported it to Mr. Thomas Cairns, postmaster of Perth, as doubtless there is money or property awaiting the heirs.
Miss Tina Sinclair of Chapel Cottage, Drummond, leaves tonight for Detroit.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson and Mr. and Mrs. Eddington have started for their homes in the West.
Miss Alice Taylor left here Tuesday afternoon to visit her uncles the Messrs Massey, New York City.
Mr. J. J. Oxley of this town left for Kentucky where he has secured an appointment in the iron mining works in that state.
Mr. A. M. Campbell of Perth has been honored with an invitation to attend an International Ornithological Congress in Budapest, Hungary this year. He may not go.
House for Sale: Charles Cheeters, Peter Street, Caroline Village.
Manion—Mr. James Dobbie drove from Lanark on Wednesday of last week and took one of our fairest young ladies away. We wish them a happy life.
Watson’s Corners—The Deachman brothers held a meeting in Fife’s hall on Friday evening for the purpose of forming a Young People’s Society of Christian endeavor.
Lanark Links: John A. Farrell left on Saturday for Montreal thence to Chambly, Quebec, where he will take a position of boss weaver. Mr. McKenzie of Arnprior will fill his place as loom fixer in the Clyde Woolen Mill.
Lanark County Council:
Annabella Scott for the support of Ann Scott, $125
William Rancier for the support of Jane Watson, $50
William Gilmour for the support of Mary McMillen, $100
George Gray for the support of Catherine Miller, $80.
David Horn for the support of Bella Richmond, $50
Robert White for the support of Jane White, $50
James Lee for the support of Henry Lee.
John S. Paul for the support of Jane Proven, $50.
Joseph Horricks for the support of Isabella Forsythe, $60.
Mary McIvor for the support of Catharine McIvor, $60.
George Buffan for the support of Eliza Bolton, $50.
Samuel Wilson, Chairman
Jas. Ferguson and G. Hamilton
Watson’s Corners--The Deachman brothers have been holding gospel meetings at Warsaw for the last two weeks with marked success. The church is crowded every night. God is blessing their labors with His servants’ many souls being turned from darkness to light.
Lanark Links: Mr. R.R. Drysdale has purchased the property and estate of Mr. D. Ward. Mr. Drysdale will open his new business next week.
Lanark Links: Mr. R. W. Robertson has bought out the bakery business lately owned by Mr. R. R. Drysdale; the business is being continued in the old stand.
Mr. S.S. Merick of Carleton Place has been gathering up various lines of produce in this vicinity and shipping them to the U.S. So far about 14,000 hop poles from the Drummond swamp near Perth and from Lanark Township have been drawn here and sent away and as many more are expected. About 100 cords of spruce wood for paper pulp have also been cut in the Drummond swamp and shipped to Watertown, N.Y. and a considerable quantity of potatoes have been sent across the line also with grain of various kinds. Mr. Merick is a “hustler” and the farms about here may yet find him a very large buyer. Unfortunately, the McKinley Bill at present hinders his operations and prevents him paying for these products what the worth is to the farmers, the money being relentlessly collected by the U.S. Customs Officers at the border.
Mr. W. G. Bain, B.S., son of the late Rev. Dr. Bain of Kingston has passed his final examination as barrister heading the list.
Mr. William R. Moore, bookkeeper for the Conn. River Lumber Company, Stewartstown, New Hampshire, after being ill for quite a spell, arrived home on Tuesday morning to visit his parents Mr. and Mrs. T.B. Moore, Drummond, before going back to work again.
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements: James McKinney, Lot 6, 2nd Concession S. Burgess.
Mr. Sandy Watson of Alberta near Calgary is visiting at his old home in Perth, renewing old acquaintances.
Mr. and Mrs. Quinn of Bedford had occasion to go to Westport to transact business leaving the premises in charge of a young man. Mr. Quinn left on the table a bottle containing strychnine which he kept for poisoning foxes. His little boy, aged 3, noticing the bottle on the table and thinking it contained sugar, took out some of the deadly drug and spread it on a piece of bread which he ate. In about an hour the child was a corpse.
Mr. Thomas Duncan has opened a boot and shoe shop at McDonald’s Corners opposite William Gardner’s store and promises the best of satisfaction to the public.
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements—8th
Concession N. Elmsley, Lot 18, Richard Frizelle, Jr.
Bruce Goodfellow, an old Smith’s Falls boy, is the head of the firm of Maberly & Co., Detroit, one of the largest clothing establishments in the U.S. His parents were natives of Scotland and he was born in Smith’s Falls in 1850.
Rev. James Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland, nephew of James Stewart, Drummond, preached at St. Andrew’s Church (Presbyterian) here on Sunday last.
Misses Maud, Maggie and Florence Sibbitt, children
of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sibbitt of Brantford, arrived in town on Wednesday
on a visit to their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brooke.
James Brown, who left Perth 26 years ago and settled in Brockaway Centre, now Yale, Michigan, is with his wife visiting here staying with his sister Mrs. Lafferty. He sees many changes in the old town and most of them for the better.
Auction Sale, Farm Stock and Implements: William Devlin, Lot 10, 5th Concession. The farm is an excellent one of 100 acres, and also will be offered for sale at the same time.
On Wednesday two young ladies named Fleming from Bathurst got off the morning train and proceeded to the home of their sister Mrs. Beatty of this town. A man named Edward Lavery made up to them and offered to carry their valise as he was “going their way” and they allowed him to take charge of it. On the way Lavery tried to put his arm round the girls and to act very familiarly in other ways towards them which they resented. Finally they got rid of him and the next day lodged a complaint against him. Being tried by the mayor he was found guilty of assault and fined $2 and costs, a very light sentence under the circumstances. (transcriber’s note, see follow up story next issue.)
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements: Rodger Robertson, Lot 23, 6th Concession Drummond.
Rheumatism
Rheumatism is due to the presence of uric acid in the blood and is most efficiently cured by the use of Ayer’s Sasparilla.
Mrs. H. M. Higgins of New York (nee Jennie Patterson of Almonte) died very suddenly at her home last week.
Lanark Links—The Deachman brothers who have been carrying on evangelistic work at Watson’s Corners and Poland lately are at home for a short vacation.
Lanark Links—John Brimmer, tailor, has left Lanark but his brother Allie(?) Brimmer will continue the business which will go on as usual with the same attention to the wants of the public.
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements: Francis Publow, Jr., Lot 13, 7th Concession Bathurst.
Rev. Alexander McGillivray of Brockville has been called to Bonor St. at the Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
Ten dollars and not two dollars was the fine imposed on Lavery for the assault on Miss Fleming of Bathurst and her sister Mrs. Taylor of Verona. Lavery had been drinking previous to the assault.
At the meeting of the official Board of Asbury Methodist Church on Wednesday a resolution was unanimously and cordially passed inviting Rev. W. G. Henderson to be pastor of the church for the next conference year. It will be three now under his pastorate.
Rev. J. B. Edmondson pastor of St. John’s Church, surprised most of his congregation on Sunday last by informing them that he intended to hand in his resignation as pastor of the congregation to the Presbytery which was to meet the next day at Pembroke. We understand that Rev. Edmondson has been offered the pastoral charge of a congregation in New Jersey, where he first entered upon the active work of the ministry after finishing his theological courses in the famous seminary at Princeton. Owing to the operation of the Alien Labor Act in the U.S., Mr. Edmondson will be required to reside in New Jersey a while before the call can be formally presented to him. He had been about 14 years pastor at St. John’s Church and during these years there has been a steady and sometimes rapid growth in the membership of the church and a great advance in the amount raised for mission purposes. Almonte Gazette, 24th (?) Feb.
An inmate of the Perth gaol died Thursday last and the usual inquest was held. Her name was Esther Craig an aged pauper who had been confined as a vagrant many years.
Jimmie Rawlins, watchmaker, Ottawa was this week visiting his parents Mr. and Mrs. James Rawlins, North Elmsley.
Miss L. E. Hossie who has been for the past two weeks visiting her parents in Perth and vicinity returned to Montreal on Saturday to resume her duties as a milliner in the employ of W. H. Scroggie.
William Moorhouse, Hastings, Minn., is in town visiting his cousin Henry Moorhouse and will return in a few days. Mr. Moorhouse still gets the Courier in his western home and enjoys reading the news from here and Lanark.
Farm to Rent—Simon Manion, 100 acres, Lot 3, Second Concession Bathurst.
George Wilson, Jr., Scotch Line, and family left on Wednesday for California to remain a year. Mr. Wilson was cheesemaker for the Scotch Line factory during the past few years and gave excellent satisfaction. He has secured a similar position in California only the work lasts all year round. He may remain there permanently though his contract only runs for a year.
The skating carnival was held Friday night and was a success excepting the funds taken in at the door were rather small. The costumes were very pretty which shows the good taste of the young folk. The following were the costumes:
John McPherson—The funeral man.
John Walters, Jack Ketch—The three fingered terror of the Rocky Mountains.
Nin Prentice—Summer
Minnie Manahan—Snowflake
Herb McIntyre—McGenty’s Goat
Willie Walters—Sailor boy
Albert Ward—Cricket
Archie Legary—Lacrosse player
Clyde McInnis—Dude
David Ward—Lacrosse Player
Annie Crain—Bartena Peasant
Alice Pepper—Pleasure seeker
Fred J. Trainer—King of Diamonds
Lizzie Darou—Summer
Laura Hamilton—Rustic Belle
John Baird—Greek Shield
James H. Johnston—Lady’s Page
Rose Craig—Roses
Ida Johnston—Queen of Gardens
Marion Robertson and Carrie Field—Squaws
William Kennedy—Chinaman
Mary Kennedy—French peasant
Edith McFarlane—Little Bo Peep
Nellie Pepper—Forest Queen
Annie Trainor—Queen of Hearts
Eva Hamilton—Goddess of Liberty
Johnny Wright—Bachelor Tramp
Willie Roberts—Old man
Mary Pepper won the lady’s prize and Lorne Prentice the gentleman’s prize.
Alfred McGuire won the prize given for both running races.
Watson’s Corners—Israel Blakeley and his fair young bride leave for the Northwest this week.
Watson’s Corners—A. McIlraith and family are going to take up their residence in Lanark Village where Mr. McIlraith has obtained employment with B. Caldwell and Co.
New Music Store: Herman
Wahl
Lanark Links—The remains of Mrs. McCalmet were interred in the Lanark Cemetery on Wednesday of last week.
Clarendon Station—Snow almost gone; jobbing is over; a good many bees in this vicinity; Stanley Wells, station agent here has gone to Bedford; S. Geraldi from Oso Station has taken his place; Edward Bishop who has been laid up for some weeks with a felon on his hand is getting better; George Lacombe a Frenchman from Quebec while loading logs last week in William Hetrick’s shanty, was struck by a log and instantly killed, deceased had been in this county about 9 years and leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss; Miss Laura Johnston, who was home on a visit has returned to Sharbot Lake; Charles Johnston is home from the shanty; Miss Bales who had been sick is much better; subscriptions are being taken up for a family in this neighborhood quite a large sum has been collected; Messrs Descon (?) Deacon(?) and Brash of Westport visited here this week; Dr. Burtch passed through here lately, reports business brisk; the friends of Miss Ida Walker regret very much to hear of her death which took place at her home in Verona(?); Messrs Holder, Jameson and Ferguson are still cutting cordwood near here; two weddings to take place soon.
Elphin: Miss Janet McVeigh is confined to bed with typhoid fever.
G. A. Consitt, Census Commissioner for S. Lanark left for Ottawa on Tuesday to receive from the district chief census officer instructions in regard to taking the census in S. Lanark.
Albert Page, barrister will return to Brockville from Smith’s Falls and open a law office.
Last week the old house on Gore Street opposite the Methodist Church was torn down and now nothing marks its site but an old time stone chimney and a heap of broken plaster and other rubbish. The building and lot were owned by John McMaster, merchant, who considered that by this time it had outlasted its day and generation. The house was one of the very oldest in the town having been built in the year 1816 by the late Alexander Matheson who drew the lot from the government. The house was built when all around was dense bush and its composition shows that the best of material available was used in its construction. The building, of course, was of logs and they were beech, maple and elms. The rafters were of hickory and were sound as if they had been just cut after their position 76 years ago.
Jas. Bulloch of Lanark Township has left for Pipestone, Manitoba.
Messrs. William Drysdale and Fowler of this town have passed their first exam in medicine at McGill in Montral with good results.
There are many in Perth who will learn with regret of the death of Duncan Wardrope, proprietor of the Wardrope House in Westport. For some years he drove the stage and carried the mails between here and Lanark and was noted for his genial unassuming manner. His death took place on Monday and his funeral on Wednesday at Westport.
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements—Charles McShane, Lot 22, 7th Concession N. Burgess.
Seed Store: John Hart
On Wednesday a man giving his name as Michael Rainey was brought by Chief Constable Stone before Charles Rice and William O’Brien, justices of the peace, charged with vagrancy. The prisoner said he had come from Toronto looking for a job on the Tay Canal extension but on reaching here found work had not yet begun and that he was strapped. He was sent to jail for 20 days. It transpired afterwards that Michael’s other name was Ready and that he was from Smith’s Falls.
I brought two barrels of winter pears from the “Bay of Quinte” last fall and they are now in splendid condition for pickling and preserving. I am selling them at low prices, fifty cents per basket. A.E. Seeley
The oldest resident came to cast his vote in the election in Dalhousie or likely this county was William McQuat of the Highland Line. The old gentleman is in his 93rd year and though somewhat enfeebled by age was driven to the polling place at McDonald’s Corners and there deposited his ballot for Mr. Fraser, the Liberal candidate. Mr. McQuat acquired his early training in the good old radical city of Paisley, Scotland.
Harry Arnold, an employee of Dan Condie, North Elmsley, has fallen heir to $148,000 through the death of an uncle in the U.S. About a year ago Mr. Arnold, at the decease of his father, inherited about $150,000 so that at present he is in a very enviable position financially.
John Horrigan, Almonte, arrested on the charge of stealing a horse from Samuel Drummond of Almonte, pled guilty and was sentenced to three years in the Kingston penitentiary. Horrigan rented a horse and rig to go to a farm house some distance off to get some clothes. He failed to return. Detective Montgomery found the animal in the possession of a man in Rochesterville who said he gave Horrigan $40 for it. Horrigan stated he was 18 years of age. He had nothing to say when sentence was pronounced.
Elphin: Mrs. Brown is at present ill. She took a pain in the heart on Tuesday morning of last week. There was a rush of blood from her heart to her brain. She has been suffering for many years with a running sore on her leg. Very little hopes are entertained for her recovery.
Lanark Links—C.A. Farmer, one of Lanark’s promising businessmen, has turned out this spring an enormous quantity of sap buckets running up into the 1,000’s. Mr. Farmer finds it hard work keeping up with the orders although he thought he was well prepared at the beginning of the season.
Lanark Links—The family of William McKenzie arrived in Lanark on Friday last; they will live on Mill Street.
Oso Station—William West has moved to Clarendon.
Edwin G. P. Pickup, barrister, son of the late Dr. Pickup of Pakenham and Brockville will practice in Carleton Place.
Fifty Years Ago
A Trip to Montreal
(partial transcription only)
The boy of today scarcely realizes the situation of 50 years ago. Few had seen a steam boat and as for the railroad they were only known as wonders of foreign lands. Occasionally one impatient of parental controls would ship on the Jolly Bower” or “British Queen” and after a voyage of from four to six weeks would return and recite with embellishments the wonders of the city. The steamers of Montreal, the sailors from distant climes, the cathedral of Nelson’s monument were set forth in magic description. The perils of the early traveler were many. The Hon. Roderick Matheson thought himself fortunate if he could reach Montreal in 48 hours and then was obliged to ride in eight different conveyances. It was, therefore, an event of a lifetime of the writer—then a lad of 13—when a trip to the commercial metropolis was suggested. The preparations for the journey were by no means meager and was the talk of the school for several weeks previous. On a fine morning in September as the day was dawning the rude vehicle which conveyed the tri-weekly mail from Brockville to Perth drove up to the door of my parents residence. The postman’s horn called us from an unfinished breakfast and as speedily as possible I was in the seat with the driver then well known in Perth and whose gilt ear rings will likely be remembered by some of our readers of this article. After driving around our town our load was completed and consisted of a lawyer going to attend the assizes at Brockville, a merchant making his semi-annual trip to Montreal, an axeman bound to the same place, a young man of Dalhousie 20 years of age on his way to western Canada to look up a future home, a young lady of Scotch descent from Pennsylvania who had been visiting relatives in the neighborhood of Perth and the driver. After the stage drove up to the post office door the postmaster appeared in “dishabille” and threw the bag into the street. The driver lobbed it over the seat, blew his horn, and we were cheered on our departure with a bass solo from one of the “Rana Pipers” troupe who gave daily concerts at the old Tay Canal basin. The stage vehicle was little better than a lumbering wagon and an eight hour ride in it would not be endured by the traveler of the present day. A quite speedy drive up “Job’s Creek” hill, round by the head of Ottay Lake, winding round hill and over swamp brought us to Oliver’s Ferry. Here th steamer “Beaver” appeared with a load of soldiers and a fine band that treated us to a serenade. The approach to the old scow that ferried us over were humble and the passengers had to get a ride or run the risk of being thrown out. It was forest from the ferry to Lombardy. At Kitley Corners we had a rest of about 30 minutes while the horses were changed. The last half of the trip was made more speedily the roads were better. From the Tin Cap school house to Brockville was a good macadamized road probably about 6 miles and the only piece of good road in the two counties. Some things are always remembered and there was a public house in Kitley that attracted my attention. It had a rebus on the sign and meant “The Best Liquor Under the Sun” by Septimus Soper the first three words over a picture representing the sun. We arrived at Brockville in about eight hours from Perth and had to wait until the next morning for the regular steamer. As we waited in Brockville in the evening a smaller steamer arrived, the “Pioneer”. Capt. Hilliard and some of the guests of the hotel at which we stopped took passage on her. We only made Prescott that night and had to stay there so as to have daylight to run the rapids. The next night we laid to at Coteau du Lac and 39 hours from Brockville arrived at Montreal. Abler pens than mine have described this majestic city. There are nobler rivers in the world but the St. Lawrence from Kingston surpasses them all for beauty and grandeur. The wonders of the city, the view from the mountain, the great Quebec steamers, the vessels “Atlantic”, “Tam O Shanter” and “Souter Johnnie”, were a continual feast to my eyes. After a two week stay in the city we returned to Perth with a feeling that I had seen more of the world than fell to the ordinary mortal.
The Montreal Witness contains the following paragraph regarding the Golden Wedding of two well known and respected residents of this section: “At the residence of their son-in-law Thomas Gilday, 76 City Councillor Street, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Campbell of Ferry Bridge near Perth celebrated their Golden Wedding amidst much rejoicing. Twenty children and grandchildren and one great grandchild were present. Among the friends were Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Campbell, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Smyth, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Miller, Toronto and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gilday of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Lilly, Mrs. J.S. Brown, Mrs. Carmochan, Mr. and Mrs. F. Campbell, Mrs. R. Gilday or Toronto, Mrs. J. Hoops of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. D. Campbell of Oliver’s Ferry. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many valuable presents. Many letters of congratulations were received. A short address was delivered by the Rev. Messrs Campbell, Smyth and Heine, responded to by Rev. Mr. Miller on behalf of the couple bringing a very happy evening to a close. Mrs. Duncan Campbell is a daughter of the late Rev. George Buchanan, M.P., Beckwith.”
Mr. James McKennon of Sun City, Michigan is visiting his sister in town, Mrs. William Paul and his friends in Dalhousie. He left that township 25 years ago.
Henry and Robert Raycroft of the Township of Darling appeared before Messs. Rosamund and Munro, Justices of the Peace on Saturday last charged with assaulting one James White also of the Township of Darling. The case occupied five hours and was keenly contested by counsel of both parties. A number of witnesses were called on both sides and after the examination of the defendants and witnesses the defendants admitted the (unreadable word) and sough the leniency of the prosecution, asking the court to impose only a nominal fine which the justices did namely $1 and costs or a total of $25.23. Almonte Times
On Tuesday of last week eight young men left Snow Road
station for the Pacific coast. They
were from N. Sherbrooke: Messrs.
Daniel Gidds (?), Walter Sim, William Hawkin, William Lee, Arthur Ryan, George
Dunlop, John Miller, and F. (?) Baker.
John Munro and his son Alec Munro of this town left Tuesday for the Canadian Northwest on a prospecting tour. They may remain in that country and if so of course Mr. Munro will remove his family there.
John Allan of this town bought the McKerracher farm of 300 acres in Beckwith for $3,000 and has gone to occupy it. Messrs. Spaulding and Stewart have bought the old Flannery property on Harvey Street for $333.
Archibald McLaren, son of Mr. Donald McLaren, Drummond, left here Tuesday morning with the intention of settling near Virden, Manitoba where he has a farm. His brother lives in the same locality. Mr. McLaren took with him a carload of horses and general farming equipment.
Elphin—Miss Jennie Geddes is very ill at present she is suffering from congestion of the lungs and typhoid fever.
Mrs. Kelly, an old lady from Almonte, who had been found begging in the streets of that town, was committed to gaol for vagrancy for six months by the Almonte magistrate. The poor creature was homeless and destitute.
Auction Sale at the residence of Mrs. Arthur Caldwell, Gore Street, East Ward, Sat. 25th April, one acre land, house (frame) and out buildings.
Auction Sale John Campbell Lot 10, 12th Concession Dalhousie, farm stock and implements.
J. L. McCormick and J. R. Splane are the census enumerators of Smith’s Falls.
Henry McDonald, one of Smith’s Falls useless citizens, was found guilty of abusing and neglecting his wife, and was captured last week by Chief McGowan and given 24 hours to leave town. He started and some other place has now within its borders an undesirable.
Manion—Mrs. Charles Miller from Chicago is home the first visit to her parents in eight years.
Stanleyville—P. J. McParland has purchased a new mail stage which he will drive between the village and Perth on the days that the Westport stage does not come—Peter Bennett has been ill for some days with congestion of the lungs and is at present in critical condition—Mr. P.S. Quinn has gone to Westport where he is about to engage in the painting business. P. J. will be missed from this village especially by the choir as he was the principal male singer.
William Baird of Almonte, woolen manufacturer, lies dangerously ill at his residence.
In reference to Mrs. Kelly mentioned in the last issue as having been brought from Almonte for safe keeping in the Perth gaol for vagrancy, the Almonte Gazette says: “On Friday evening Mrs. Catherine Kelly was brought before Magistrates Munro and Raines charged with having no visible means of support. She admitted the charge and was committed to the county gaol for 6 months. Chief Constable Cunningham took her to Perth on Saturday. Mrs. Kelly is 76 years old and she had many exciting experiences during the American War having been with her husband through the campaign. She had resided in the 2nd Ward for a couple of years and was a general nuisance to her neighbors. Her manners are about as bad as her language and the latter could not be worse.”
Auction Sale—House and lot, John McGatty, Victoria Street
Farm for sale ad: East ½ Lot 15, East ½ Lot 14, 3rd Concession Dalhousie, 200 acres, Mrs. James Reid.
Lanark Links: George Gordon, traveling agent for a company of St. Thomas and a resident of that town is visiting his cousin Miss Jessie Gordon on Friday of last week. It was quite a surprise to Miss Jessie she never having seen him before.
Elphin: A visitor at Neil McDonald’s the other day—a girl.
Lanark Links: We are sorry to hear that Mrs. C. H. Witcher has lately been very ill.
Lanark Links: On Friday Miss Lammie McHail, a young girl who works in the woolen mill factory, received a telegram announcing the death of her father. Mr. McHail, we believe, had been ailing for about 6 years.
Hopetown—William Somerville has purchased the farm lately occupied by Thomas Hardy. Mr. Hardy intends removing to Lanark where he will be employed with Mr. Affleck.
Robert Lochead arrived home last week from New York City after a stay of a fortnight. He went there to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law Mr. McGoun.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan McDonald returned home yesterday from Nebraska where they have been spending the winter with their son.
Preston’s Vale News: Mrs. Horricks is dangerously ill at present and little hope is retained for her recovery.
Scotch Corners: Wesley
Cook leaves for Manitoba on the 1st May.
He has rented his farm to his brother-in-law Mr. McPhail.
Preston’s Vale News: The Baptists are going to have a new church this summer. They have commenced it and Mr. Affleck of Middleville has the contract for $1,400. Their minister, Rev. P. H. Anderson was suddenly called away to attend the sick bed of his mother last week.
Preston’s Vale News: The angel of death has passed over us and laid its hand on Mr. M. McCaffrey’s baby of nine months. It was buried on Saturday of last week at Ferguson’s Falls burying ground.
Elphin: D. Geddes is a happy man. It’s a boy.
On Monday last graves were dug for the removal of the bodies in St. Edward Vault, Westport. John Cobourn, engaged in digging the grave for his father, found that the body of his mother buried nearly four years ago, had been stolen.
George Lister, son of Mr. Andrew Lister of this town, has received the appointment as headmaster of the Dufferin Public School, Winnipeg.
Herbert Cairns, son of Mr. Thomas Cairns, postmaster, is in town for a time recuperating after a four week illness from grippe and rheumatism. Mr. Cairns is proprietor of a large drug store in Chicago and has evidently prospered since his departure from Perth some years ago.
Lanark Links: The Deachman brothers who have been laboring at McDonald’s Corners for the past three weeks holding revival services have been very successful. Thomas, owing to health, returned home on Friday last.
The old Legary homestead situated on the Mississippi River about one mile above David McIlquham’s bridge was burned down on some morning past.
Preston’s Vale News: Andrew Clark left Saturday last for Lower Canada where he has secured a position as cheese maker.
Preston’s Vale News: John L. Paul is rejoicing over the arrival of a bouncing baby boy.
Hopetown: Evan Craig, youngest son of C. Craig, is at present seriously ill.
Harper—George Publow who has been ill for some time is recovering.
Harper—Miss Hattie Jackson of Lanark is visiting her sister Mrs. Jno. Butler.
Miss Annie S. Campbell of Perth took first class honors in modern language and won the Foundation #5 Scholarship in Jr. Physics at the late Queen’s University examination. The #3 Scholarship in Sr. English was taken by Andrew Haydon of Pakenham. Mr. A.D. Menzies of Bathurst passed the second year examination at the same institution. Mr. D.R. Drummond, M.A., won the Spence General Proficiency Scholarship of $60 with the honor of the Glass Memorial, Toronto #1 and St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto. He was a former Presbyterian student in the Bathurst and Sherbrooke mission. Mr. J. A. Sinclair, M.A., Carleton Place, carried away the Anderson #2 Scholarship of $40. Mr. J. M. McLean, B.A., who has received a call to Rosebank County Lanark, won the Anderson #3 Scholarship of $120; Mr. R.A. Croskery of Perth has passed all his first year exams.
The farm of J.P. McDonald, 6th Concession Bathurst, was sold on Tuesday to W.J. and J. H. Nagle, same township, 150 acres, for $2,700.
James Noonan (Christie’s Lake) Bathurst, has bought the house and lot of James Irons, East Ward, where he intends residing shortly.
Last week F. L. Mitchell, public school inspector left town to attend the funeral of his mother Mrs. W. H. Mitchell of Claremont, County Ontario. The deceased was 76 years of age and was born in London, England.
A correspondent of the Almonte Gazette writes to that paper that the man Cassels who was supposed to have drowned himself at Sharbot Lake last winter rode with him on the train to Renfrew on Monday of last week.
Lanark Links: Master Sandy Caldwell, son of T.B. Caldwell, has had a relapse of sickness which was very severe. Much sympathy is expressed for the little fellow.
Lanark Links: Miss Minnie Manahan of this village left on Wednesday for Winnipeg, Manitoba. Miss Manahan has a brother and sister (William and Tena) in the prairie province.
Lanark Links: On Wednesday evening the village band went up above Watson’s Corners to the residence of Mr. Proven whose daughter the same evening was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr. Machan of Dalhousie and serenaded the newly married couple. They were treated to a nice supper after which they drove to Mr. Dobbie’s residence whose daughter was also married the same day where they were again well treated. The boys spent a pleasant evening.
History of an Old House
John W. Adams, one of our veteran residents, has furnished us with some additional information about the old McMaster house opposite the Methodist church which was torn down not long ago. He says the house was built in 1817 by the late Alexander Matheson, a clerk in the government office here in the first year of the settlement. It was soon afterwards occupied for a year or more as the rectory by the late Rev. Michael Harris, Church of England minister and later on was used as a private school by the late Benjamin Tett, M.P. of Newboro, father-in-law of Judge Senkler of Perth. Afterwards it was bought by the late Mr. McMaster and the property yet remains in the possession of the family. The original owner Mr. Matheson drew a 100 acre farm on the 2nd Concession Bathurst near Perth and removed there soon afterwards receiving the appointment of lockmaster in Smith’s Falls and took up residence there. His son-in-law Josias Richey, P.L.S. succeeded him as the owner of the Tay River farm and afterwards as lockmaster at the Falls. Mr. Adams remembers, when a boy, drawing a load of oats to the old house for Mr. Harris and emptying them in a bin in an upper chamber. The mice must have hulled a share of the oats for when the house was taken down this spring a quantity of oats chaff was found under the floor at this spot. Among the old stagers who resided in Perth about this time, Col. Marshall, a half pay officer who drew the acre plot in town now occupied by Miss Rutherford and lived there for several years. He moved out to Lanark and then out west and last week a notice appeared in the Courier of the death of his son Dr. James A. Marshall of Chicago at the age of 81 years. The old Colonel, who had been an officer in the Light Dragoons, canvassed the city—about the time of the division of the Bathurst District—for a seat in Parliament but did not apparently go to the polls, the fight being between Col. De Lisle and Hon. William Morris. Capt. Sherwood, a surveyor who laid out the townships of Dalhousie and Lanark, etc., was also a parliamentary aspirant but nothing came of it.
Mrs. William Porter has rented her farm near town to Patrick McGarry of Drummond and will removed into town to live in James Tovey’s house near the railway tracks in the West Ward.
The property belonging to the estate of the late Duncan Campbell of Caroline Village not having reached the upset price, was withdrawn from sale for the present.
A sad drowning accident occurred at Newboro on Saturday. Messrs. Quinn, Holden and Fluker left Rock Lake mines where they had been working to go to Newboro to do some trading after receiving their wages on Friday. They passed through Chaffey’s Locks on Saturday morning in a rowboat and after leaving Newboro drank a considerable amount of liquor and the two former became somewhat intoxicated. Quinn who lives at the narrow locks, concluded to go home and not return to the mines until Monday. Holden and Benjamin Fluker left for home about 5:00 in the boat. The wind was high and the lake rough and soon Charles McAskle(?) going to an island saw a man on an upturned boat and on going to his rescue found Holden. Between the exposure and the liquor he was entirely helpless. In making inquiry Holden said Fluker lost his hat in the water and in trying to get it the boat was overturned and the latter drowned. Holden was taken to Newboro and placed under the care of the village constable Mr. Guraling. A large number of people are very busy grappling for the body and so far without success. Great sympathy is extended to David Fluker and family in their bereavement. Benjamin was a fine young man of 18 summers and was the only sober man of the three. Whig.
Alexander and Ralph Dodds of North Dakota arrived home on Monday just in time for the funeral of their father Thomas Dodds, Scotch Line. Ralph will remain and manage the farm.
From the Renfrew papers we get the particulars of the drowning of Mr. William Deacon, formerly of this town and whose mother is a resident of Perth. Deacon was married to Miss Churchill of Bathurst and after her death to a Renfrew County lady. He was a bricklayer by trade. He was fishing by Humphries Lake on the Horton and Ross boundary line and he was engaged in gathering the nets early in the morning when a wave overwhelmed the craft and the boat filled. They clung to the boat until Deacon finally endeavored to make his way to shore by swimming. He gave the paddle to his companion and struck out for shore. Shortly afterwards his companion heard him calling “Jim! Jim!” and looking around he saw Deacon’s hat floating on the water but the luckless owner of the hat had sunk to rise no more in life. Buffet clung to the boat and was tossed about for an hour when he reached shore and almost perished with cold and completely exhausted. Deacon’s body was found in seven feet of water forty yards from the shore. He leaves a wife and family. The funeral took place on the 30th April.
G. F. Barrie, late of Perth has opened a butcher shop in Carleton Place.
James Winthrope, a poet of no mean renown, is leaving Carleton Place for the West and will go in June.
Mrs. Laque, who had been a resident of Smith’s Falls for over 20 years, together with her three daughters, left that town unexpectedly last Friday morning for parts unknown presumably Watertown, New York leaving a number of shop keepers to deeply regret the loss of the goods they too willingly supplied her. The woman previously had a reputation for passing up promptly at the end of the month.
Watson’s Corners—Mrs. Robert McChesney has not been well for some weeks. Dr. Bradford paid her a visit last week, he thinks she had a slight shock of apoplexy; Mrs. James Boyle has been indisposed for some time and faint hopes are entertained for her recovery; we are sorry to have to record the death of Mrs. David Forbes, Sr., who passed away on Friday last after a short illness in her 83rd year. The funeral on Sunday was largely attended, Mr. John Jackson of Lanark, undertaker, conducted the funeral and Rev. Jas. Andrew preached the funeral sermon; there were two weddings in this neighborhood –last Wednesday John Machan led to the altar Bella Proven, one of our most esteemed young ladies and James McGunt(?) and Charlotte Dobbie joined hearts and hands on the same day; on Sunday, 3rd inst., Mrs. John Whyte, Jr., presented her husband with a young son, mother and child doing well.
County of Lanark
I, Duncan McDonald, of the Township of Dalhousie in the County of Lanark and Province of Ontario, farmer, make the following oath, and say that with regard to stories of an immoral character which have been circulated through the neighborhood about Walter H. Sim of the township of North Sherbrooke, farmer, and said to have been told by me, I utterly deny having told said scandal to any person and further swear that said stories in my name are without foundation, as I have no knowledge, direct or indirect, of anything or a semblance of anything of an immoral or indecent nature having been done by the said Walter H. Sim. Signed Duncan McDonald.
Mr. G. M. Lister, Rochester, N.Y. is visiting his mother in town.
J. W. Doxsee, once of this town is leaving Peterborough for California perhaps to stay in the Golden State.
J.E. De Hertel, traveler for the Maritime Provinces, for Shorey Brothers of Montreal, is visiting his mother in town this week.
Mr. W. J. Gilmour, Brockville District Agent of the Bell Telephone Company, was in town this week canvassing for patrons for the telephone system here and was rewarded by getting many new subscribers. The service has within the past year been greatly improved and a new switchboard and other appliances substituted for the older ones. William Northgraves is the agent here and will be found both painstaking and agreeable in his relations with the public.
The house and lot of John McGatry, Victoria Street, West Ward, was sold to Archibald Elliott of Burgess last week for $1,150. Mr. Elliott intends removing to town shortly and will live in this place.
John W. Adams, of this town, has received a letter from Henry J. Morgan, an Ottawa compiler of the “Parliamentary Companion” requesting him to furnish the writer with remembrances of old times and events in Perth and a narrative of its noted inhabitants of the early period of this settlement. Mr. Adams is naturally very competent to undertake this work but advancing years may compel him to decline the onerous task such as undertaking this.
E. J. Rathwell of this town intends making a trip to Britain and Ireland this summer and will sail from Montreal on the 9th June on the steamship Sardinia of the Allen Line. He will land at Londonderry and do most of his visiting there his own and wife’s friends living in Ireland. Mrs. Rathwell will accompany him.
Rosetta Watson Kerr wife of Mr. Dawson Kerr, LaChute, Quebec, and formerly of Perth, died while her husband was at church on Sunday last. The deceased and her husband were married by Rev. Lachin Taylor in 1856(?) 1836(?) at Ottawa.
The family of G. A. Morgan intend to removed to live in New York.
E. Dowdall of Almonte has been carrying the mails there for 30 years.
The body of Benjamin Fluker who was drowned in Newboro Lake on the 2nd May came to the surface Saturday morning from the effects of an explosion of dynamite deposited on the point of Brittania Island as the last experiment for raising the body. After the explosion the body appeared on the surface about six rods from where his comrade was found. An inquest was considered unnecessary from the fact that no foul play was suspected. This dispels the story started by some person that the throat of the deceased had been cut.
News came to town on Tuesday morning of the sad fatality the night previous on the Rideau Lake by which three young men residents of Smith’s Falls lost their lives. The victims were William Stitt, a well known barber of that town leaving a wife and three children; Charles Lockwood, clerk in Allan and Armstrong’s store and William Gilmour, bookkeeper in the office of Frost and Wood. The last two were single men not above 20 years of age. On Saturday the two younger men went down to Oliver’s Ferry in a bark canoe and stayed there over Sunday. Mr. Stitt went to the same place afterwards in his own buggy. On Monday one or both of the young men went to Westport on the Haggart, dropped off again at the Ferry on the return of the excursion and about 9:00 they left for their homes in Smith’s Falls in that frail canoe. They were accompanied by Mr. Stitt who had kindly loaned his buggy to two young ladies who had been to the Westport excursion and who wished to get home that night. About 10:00 a wind and rain storm swept over the Rideau and it is supposed that at this time the canoe capsized and all three after more or less struggling went to the bottom. When the men were missed in the morning and no tidings came of their whereabouts the steam yachts with a number of searchers went up the lake and the worst fears of their friends were realized when the canoe upset and broken, a paddle and the coats and hats of the two younger men were found. The search for the bodies was continued all that day and until now but we have not yet heard of any of the bodies being found. The canoe, etc., were found at McDonald’s Bay opposite the “Ston - - house Point” at Beveridge’s Bay. The excitement at Smith’s Falls was intense and the sympathy for the friends of the deceased was only equaled by the sorrow for the three unfortunate victims who were all much esteemed in town.
Mrs. J. S. Coombs has removed from town to Elkhorn, Manitoba where her son Robert Coombs lives.
One of the wonders of this century is on exhibition in town just now. This is the phonograph or talking machine invented or improved by the celebrated Edison. It will repeat conversations, songs and instrumental music exactly as delivered in the first place, its musical repetition being specially true and melodious. J. F. Bradley has one of these machines in Mr. William Butler’s vacant store where it can be heard every day. Admission ten cents.
Watson’s Corners—Mrs. A. McGonigal of Clyde Forks is visiting her mother Mrs. Alexander Craig; Mrs. W. Parks is visiting her daughter Mrs. John White of Burgess; Mrs. P. Fife presented her husband with a young daughter on Friday last mother and child doing well.
The Herald says that the people of Carleton Place regret very much the removal of Mr. and Mrs. James Wittrope to Manitoba where they have three sons doing well. The Herald calls Mr. Wittrope one of nature’s noblemen.
Dr. Foley of Westport has left to locate in Minneapolis.
Lanark Links: Mrs. Charles Bell of Markham is visiting her mother Mrs. Daniel Robertson. Mrs. Bell arrived on Saturday night and will remain for some time.
Lanark Links: Mr. Peter White has bought the corner property on George Street owned by Mr. Richard Pook(?) Peck(?) of Perth. Mr. White intends to start a tinshop in about a month.
The Methodist Conference was held in Brockville and below are the assignments for the Perth District: (Transcriber’s note, there were corrections to this list in the June 12 issue, which have been incorporated into the below list):
Perth: William G. Henderson
Carleton Place: W. J. Crowthers, M.A.
Smith’s Falls: G. G. Huxtable
Clayton: Reuben Stillwell
Almonte: S. Dwight Chown, and R. M. Hammond, Superannuated
Pakenham: William S. Jamieson, M.A.
Arnprior: William Raney
Fitzroy Harbor: Nassan(?) B. Topping
Montague: J. Stevenson
Merrickville: F. G. Zeet
Easton’s Corners: John Gibson
Wolford: Richard Eason (Jasper)
Lombardy: J. A. Dowler
Newboro: J. H. Stewart
Westport: Robert Bailee(?)
Maberly: Barry Pierce
Playfair: J. Pletta
Glen Tay: F. G. Robinson
J.M.O. Cromwell of this town has been appointed license commissioner for S. Lanark in place of Peter Kilpatrick, deceased.
Among the medical graduates of Queen’s who passed the licensing exam final qualification to practice medicine and surgery were W. A. Cameron, Smith’s Falls; W. J. Johnson, Carleton Place; and W. V. Scott, Renfrew; R. G. Smith, North Elmsley passed his primary examination in medicine.
A large body of Oddfellows went from here to Smith’s Falls to attend the funeral of their fellow Oddfellow the late Mr. Stitt.
On Wednesday two inmates of the Perth gaol Benjamin Mitchell of Perth and John McPhee of Dalhousie were taken to Kingston for confinement in the Rockwood Lunatic Asylum.
The funeral of W. S. Sinclair last Wednesday was a large one. The circumstances attending the death of the young man, just entering upon life, were very sad and the sympathy of the community was manifested by the large turn out at the funeral. The religious service at the home was conducted by Rev. A.A. .Scott after which the beautiful ceremony of the Oddfellows was observed, the deceased being a member of the Stella(?) Lodge. The pallbearers were J. M. Brown, A. T. Taylor, W. J. Warwick, Jas. MacKay, William Simpson, and J. H. Munro. Carleton Place Herald, 2nd June.
Mrs. Edward Connelly has been engaged as organist at St. John’s Church, Perth, in place of Herman Wahl who is now in Carleton Place.
The Citizen’s Band proceeded to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cromwell on Wednesday evening prior to the marriage of their daughter Lizzie to Norman Riddell.
Rev. John A. McDonald of Ramsay Township and a graduate of Queen’s University has been appointed a missionary to Indians in British Colombia
On Saturday afternoon, the bodies of the three drowned in the Rideau were found and taken to the home of their friends in Smith’s Falls. Mr. John Minton(?) had taken two cannon from the court house lawn in Perth to the lake and fired several charges in the supposed vicinity of the accident but the concussions failed to bring the bodies to the surface and the cannon were brought back. However, searchers on the other side at last came upon two of them very close together and close to the southern shore nearly opposite Stone House Point at Beveridge’s Bay. Mr. Stitt still had his coat on and the bodies being close to each other indicated that the canoe while hugging the shore was suddenly swamped and the unfortunate men had no time to divest themselves of any part of their clothing nor perhaps to disentangle themselves from the cross pieces of the canoe. The lake here is about three miles wide and wound have a clean sweep of the frail boat. It is fortunate the bodies were found so soon and their friends eased of their suspense and awful worry pending the burial of the victims. The funerals took place on Monday afternoon. Mr. Stitt, who was an Oddfellow, was buried under the auspices of that order. He carried a life insurance policy of $2,000. Many of the brethren from Perth attended the funeral.
The widow of Charles Holland who drove the first team that went from Renfrew to Eganville died recently in Renfrew Village.
Carleton Place Looks Forward
An old friend who has been a subscriber and constant reader of the Herald for 40 years fell into a reverie of remembrances the other day and communicated to us a number of interesting facts regarding early days of our town. He looks back to the year 1846—45 years ago—when they were without our present far reaching land limits. 58 occupied dwellings ranging from an old log shanty of small dimensions to the two story house. There were but three of the latter—that now occupied by Mrs. Muirhead (then Rosamunds) and another occupied by the late Horace Brown’s family (then by Boultons). The present hotel kept by John Fulton and finished and occupied in that year by the late Napoleon Lavalee as a temper and hotel was built. Of the whole 58 there are at present but 29 buildings now standing. Some have been replaced by stone, brick or wooden structures and three or four have disappeared.
The industries of that day were: one grist and one oat mill owned by Bells and Rosamund; a carding and fulling mill by the late Allan McDonald; one tannery and one horse saw mill; four general stores were kept by Bell and Co, W. Peden, John Gemmell and McArthur & Co. The latter came here in September or October. The physicians were the late Dr. Wilson and Dr. Russell. Workshops: two blacksmith forges by Duncan McGregor and James Duncan; three carpenters, D. Pattie (the father of our present Reeve), John McLaughlin and W. Moffat. Three boot and shoe shops J. Murphy, J. Bond (now of Almonte) and J. Coleman; one cooper shop kept by A. McAffrey and Lavalee; four tailors, Scott, Fitzpatrick, Laidlow and Galvin; one harness shop of McNab and Webster; three wagon shops, Graham, Walsh and Pettard. There was one public school and the scholars now alive will never forget the teacher of 1846—Mr. Neilson. Peace t his memory. Those were the good old days at school and no mistake. There was a small private school kept by Mrs. Poole. There were four church buildings the old wooden St. James (Methodist), Cameronian and Baptist. Of those who were then married only six now remain in town, viz. Robert Bell, David McNab, Robert Knox, George Willis and Patrick Galvin (absent just now for a little while). Col. John Summer had been here before that year but had gone to Ashton. George Hurdis I think married the following year. Of those who were young men just coming into manhood there are now three, James Munro, James McFadden and Peter McRostie (as for our present Reeve he was then in petticoats). So much for the men of 1846 in town let us now recall some of the old faces of the surrounding neighborhood who have weathered the storms of nearly half a century. First I think of Daniel Cram and Patrick Nagle on Glen Isle, James McLaren and James Moffat (carpenter) and Peter Lake. Across the river on the 10th Concession Beckwith was William Rattray, on the 9th, Alexander Stewart. I should also mention Charles Munro as a man of those early days. No doubt some of our own boys and girls will live to see Carleton Place in the next 46 years. P.G.
We regret that the thunder storm on Thursday was attended by a fatality in this quarter, the storm began about 10:30 and without bringing much rain was made up largely of vivid lightning and thunder. David Herlehy(?), 3rd Line Bathurst, near Glen Tay, while ploughing in one of his back fields was struck by a lightning bolt and killed together with the span of horses, all three were lying dead on the ground when found. The unfortunate victim leaves a widow.
J.E. deHertel, who has been in town visiting his mother for a few weeks past, sails for the West Indies on the 17th inst in the interests of his employers Messrs. H. Shorey & Co., the well known Montreal ready made clothing manufacturers.
From the Kincardine (County Bruce) Reporter of 3rd June we take the following item regarding a former resident of Perth and a subscriber to the Courier for 56 years. May our old friend live many years yet to enjoy his well earned rest from his labors: “At the conclusion of the town council meeting on 1st June, the honorable body retired to the residence of Malcolm McPherson for the purpose of congratulating him on attaining the age of 85 years. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland on 1st June, 1806. He crossed the ocean for Canada when he was 10 and on the broad bosom of the Atlantic when Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo. In Canada he settled with his parents where the town of Perth now stands, his father cutting the first tree on the town site. In February of 1854 Mr. McPherson came to Kincardine with his family. On his way here he stopped over night in Arthur, the stable of Clark’s hotel was burned and in the fire all of his household effects and one of his horses were destroyed. The loss was looked upon lightly by the indomitable Scot and he came on to Kincardine where he has since resided. After the council presided over by Mayor Jas. A. MacPherson, son of the old gentleman, had extended congratulations a sumptuous feast followed. The only toast proposed was to the health of Mr. MacPherson and after it had been honored a short address was given by Rev. Mr. Murray.” (Transcriber’s note, the address has not been transcribed) In this connection it is worth mentioning that Mr. MacPherson is the oldest elder in the Presbyterian Church in Canada having first been ordained in 1831. A the present time he is a respected elder of Knox Church. It was the same gentleman who established the first Sunday School in Kincardine. In politics he has always been identified with the Liberal Party. He has and still holds the friendship and confidence of such men as Hon. Oliver Mowat, Hon. Edward Blake and Hon. A. MacKenzie”.
On Thursday, Frederick Manders who we understand lives at or near Fallbrook, was brought for examination before Charles Rice, J.P. charged with going through the trunk of Angus Campbell and stealing a watch and other articles from it. This happened some months ago and when prisoner was working for Mr. Campbell. Manders was the person who served a term in the pen for burning the bar of Mr. Mansfield, Drummond, some years ago. Before going to press we learn that Manders was found guilty and sent to Toronto Central Prison for two years.
Robert Finlayson, of Drummond, left on Monday afternoon for a trip through the counties of Wellington, Waterloo, Huron and Bruce where if he can get a farm to suit, he will buy and settle on it.
William Templeton of Elizabeth, N.Y. is in town looking up old friends. He is staying with his brother George Templeton. Mr. Templeton is in the gents’ furnishings business in Elizabeth, which is a city near New York containing 40,000 people.
J. D. McBeth, Smith’s Falls, was in town on Monday renewing old acquaintances and recalling scenes of his boyhood. He is a native of Perth and after roaming over the East Ward he concluded that the heat around Cox’s Corner is just as intense as when he spent his boyhood there.
Watson’s Corners: Mrs. Heywood of Toronto paid a visit to her mother Mrs. R. McChesney last week. We are sorry to say Mrs. McChesney is not improving any. Little hopes are entertained for her recovery.
Dr. J. E. McNee has returned from New York after his treatment and is now slowly picking up health and strength again.
Among the students who passed some of the exams at the Pharmacy College, Toronto we are pleased to notice the name of Hugh Duncan, clerk in Messrs. Hanna’s drug store, Perth.
Victoria Hotel in Lanark Village is offered for sale by the proprietor, James Pepper. This hotel is located in the very center of the place and has recently been enlarged and improved.
Sale of Household Furniture: F. M. Fowler at his store corner of Gore and Herriott. The family are moving from town.
On Monday last a young man named William Sutherland, roaming around the streets heavily handicapped with whiskey was arrested by Chief James and placed in the lockup. Next morning he was brought before Mr. Butler, Mayor, charged with being drunk and disorderly. He was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of $3 and costs or 20 days in gaol. The money was not forthcoming and he was placed within prison walls for the time mentioned.
Some time ago Richard McGregor of this town, county constable, was temporarily suspended for alleged neglect of duty in connection with the search for Goodwin charged with the Langford murder and was summoned to appear at the General Sessions of the Peace held in Perth this week to answer the charge. After a searching inquiry lasting nearly all day during which time Chief Constable Cunningham, Robert Clarke of Huntley and County Constable McGregor himself gave evidence, His Honor Judge Senkler ordered a record to be entered exonerating the defendant from the charge of misconduct made against him and reinstating him in office. Mr. R. J. Dowdall appeared for Mr. McGregor and E.G. Malloch, contra. Almonte Gazette
John Rowat of New York is in town for a short time
stopping with his brother William Rowat.
Perth Courier, June 26, 1891
Elphin—Mr. Jno Miller, Jr., left for Wolseley, N.W.T. on Tuesday last. Nearly all of the young men from this locality are “going West”.
John H. McCulloch returned last week from Chicago where he had been taking a post graduate course at the College of Dentists, his objective being to get the latest ideas in his profession and acquire the newest methods.
Posted: 5 April, 2004