Perth Courier - Comings and Goings
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Return of Convictions for the Period Ending
Disorderly Conduct
Patrick White, $2
Joseph Walker, Jr., $2
Peter Walker, $2
George McCulloch, $2
James Lister $2
Oscar Hamilton, $2
Peter Lemoine, $2
Francis Smith, $1
Dennis O’Dea, $1
Assault:
Alphonseus Farrell, $2
Alfred Griffin, $2
Patrick Stafford, $2
Matthew Flood, $1
George Williamson, $10
William Madden, $2
Allan A. Gilmour, $3.00
Selling Liquor During Prohibited Hours:
John Wilson, $20.00
William Flett, $10.00
Peter Salter, $10.00
Margaret Murray, $20.00
Drunk and Disorderly:
Peter Bennett, $1
John Vaughn, $1
Louis Clerioux, $1
Damage to Property:
Michael Conlon, $1.00
Disturbing a Religious Meeting:
J.P. Norris and Archibald Neil, $12.00
Neglect to Clean Offensive Privy:
T. Leach, $12.00
Neglect To Pay Statute Labor:
Joseph Breard, $5
Malicious Injury to Property
Michael Allan, $2
Assault and Battery:
John Kilfoyle, $4
David Dowlin, $3
Fred Connery, $2
Vagrancy:
John Bendow, six months in gaol
William Harper, six months in gaol
William Muir, six months in gaol
Robert Bradley, six months in gaol
James Ayers, five months in gaol
James Turnbull, five months in gaol
John Fogg, six months in gaol
Obstructing Sidewalk:
Frederick Black, $2
Insane
Margaret Ransler, Committed
Insulting Language:
Fred Connery, $2
Peter Lawson, 25 cents
Non Payment of Wages:
T. O. Grady, $19.20
On Friday last about 8:00 an old man named Thomas Lynch was brought into the Perth gaol in a dying condition. He had been staying with a man named Haley in North Elmsley and got sick while stopping there. Haley had him committed to gaol to get rid of him. The poor old man could not walk from the sleigh to the gaol but was carried into his brief prison home by Mr. Lee, turnkey. The man died about 6:00 the next morning. He had worked for one of the Mr. Dickson of Pakenham 13 or 14 years back but left there lately and wandered away homeless and forlorn to this county and finally landed in North Elmsley where the hand of death was so plainly visible upon him that the man who had taken him in had him committed to gaol to end his days.
An old North Sherbrooke man James Harrower, ex M.P.P. for Shoal Lake, Manitoba died a short time ago following a stroke of apoplexy. He was born on the Harrower lot 13th March, 1833(?) but left with his parents when six years old for Sarnia. He was a staunch Liberal.
A. C. Shaw, barrister, is leaving Stratford to resume practice in Perth. The Stratford Herald of the 27th December says: “It is understood that Mr. Shaw, barrister, has sold out his law practice to T. M. Harrison, barrister and will return to the town of Perth, County Lanark, to resume practice there. Mr. Shaw has been practicing in Stratford for upwards of five years and has handled a number of very important cases. As a public speaker, Mr. Shaw has exhibited talents of a rare order and those talents have always been cheerfully and effectively placed at the service of the Conservative party. His friends, while regretting his removal, wish him good wishes, confident that his ability cannot fail to win reception where ever he may go. Mr. Shaw proposes leaving for Perth in the early part of January.”
Lanark Links: We are sorry to hear of the severe illness of James Drysdale, one of our old and respected citizens but hope he will soon be around again.
Middleville: Mrs. Robert Somerville, Jr., (nee Miss Annie Manson) is very ill at present. There are slight hopes for her recovery.
Preston Vale: Thomas Rathwell has sold his farm to John Coronett for $5,200 and Mr. Coronett has sold his (east of Innisville) to William Wators. Mr. Rathwell proposes moving to Ferguson’s Falls.
Preston Vale: Tommy McCaffery, while chopping in the bush, was caught by a falling tree and badly hurt. His life is despaired of.
George W. Castle, late of Carleton Place, has gone to Westport to open a jewelry shop. His mother, who left Glen Tay some months ago for Westport, is owner of the bakery shop there.
George Devlin, County Auctioneer, will hold an auction sale at the residence of Matthew Gould, 8th Concession Drummond of farm stock and implements on Thursday, 23rd Feb. George Campbell will hold an auction sale of farm stock and implements on the farm of Charles J. Stewart, Lot 26, 1st Concession Dalhousie, on Tuesday, 21st Feb.
Maberly: And still they come—i.e., residents for Maberly. Our very largest arrival has been to the home of our esteemed townsman George Charlton. His wife on the morning of Sat., 28th inst., presented him with a fine daughter.
Preston Vale—James McFarlane of Pipestone, Manitoba was married on the 18th Jan., to Carrie Bryce, Carleton Place. He expects to leave for Manitoba in March.
Edward Rice, late of Mapleton, N. Dakota, has left that country and is staying with his brother Frederick near Perth.
Watson’s Corners: We are sorry to learn that John Beggs is not improving in health.
Maberly: Yes,
yes, and still they come to boom up Maberly.
This time a young daughter to cheer the heart and beautify the home of William
Clarke.
Farm For Sale—Thomas R. Bullock, Lots 22 and 23, 3rd Concession; East one half of lot 25, 1st Concession and East one half of Lots 24(?) and 27(?), 2nd Concession Lanark.
Mr. Leslie Lafferty has passed his final examination as solicitor before the law society, Toronto.
George Devlin will sell at the residence of James McLaren, Lot 22, 11th Concession Drummond on Wednesday, 1st March, a lot of farm stock and implements.
J.M. Balderson, barrister, has opened a law office in the Meighen block of Perth. Mr. Balderson has had considerable practice in his profession at Ottawa and should give general satisfaction to his clients.
J. W. McDonald, general merchant of Carleton Place, formerly Mississippi Bridge, Drummond, has assigned for the benefit of his creditors. His liabilities amount to $2,000
Andrew Baird of Middleville, Reeve of Lanark Township left home on Thursday to visit his brother Charles Baird of the County of Perth and other friends in the U.S. He intends returning about the end of March.
Robert Pollock, Almonte, who was about to remove to Brandon, Manitoba has accepted a position in the post office in that town and we are glad to say has decided to stay in Almonte.
We are sorry to learn from the Arnprior Chronicle that James McLeod of the Almonte Gazette had been dangerously ill from inflammation of the bowels but are glad to know that the worst of the disease has passed and he is now recovering.
Mrs. James Graham, 84, living near Lombardy, was found on Monday last lying beside her bed frozen to death. The storm on Sunday night blew open the door which was not well fastened and the old lady tried to get up and shut it but benumbed with cold sank to the floor unable to raise herself. She persisted in living alone.
D. Lamb and wife have been visiting friends in this quarter and were the guests of Peter McGregor. Mrs. Lamb is a daughter of Alexander McLaren, formerly of this town and Mr. Lamb who was formerly from Owen Sound, is a conductor on the Manitoba Southern Railway between Winnipeg and Manitou.
Preston Vale: Well, our mail carrier did not get through last Monday on account of the storm. Miss Jane McCaffrey, formerly of Arnprior, is very ill but we hope she will soon be around again.—The boys are coming home from the shanties. George and Edward Harley returned last week.—Mrs. G. F. Johnston spent a week with her parents before starting a trip across the ocean.—Miss Sarah and Maggie McFarlane also spent a few days at home.--We understand James McFarlane intends starting for Manitoba on the 7th March. He is taking a carload of farming implements with him. We wish him much happiness with his new wife.—Charles McNiece took a load of pork to Ottawa last week.—Horace Bennett is visiting friends in this neighborhood.—A quiet wedding took place at the residence of Mrs. Buck on the 26th ult., the occasion being the marriage of her daughter Jane to George Darling of Steele, Dakota. Rev. N.B. Topping made his way through the snow banks.
Harper: Jas. Robinson has been laid on the shelf this week by an attack of pleurisy.
On Wednesday Robert Kilpatrick of South Sherbrooke and a one time resident of Perth, was brought in by our Chief Constable for confinement in the gaol for insanity. The unfortunate man had been in Perth as late as Saturday doing business although he had been noticed acting queerly for some weeks now.
On Tuesday last an inmate of the Perth gaol, John Fagg, dropped dead while attending to some duties and an inquest was held on the remains by Coroner Grant on Wednesday and decided the reason to have been heart failure. The remains were interred in the county’s plot in Elmwood Cemetery Thursday. The deceased was 64 years of age and an Englishman by birth. He was sent in for confinement in the Perth gaol for vagrancy by an Almonte magistrate having been reduced by drink from a position of comparative respectability to a wanderer on the face of the earth. He was a quiet, inoffensive man who it was better to pity than to blame.
Watson’s Corners: The weather is very fine just now and the roads are good.—We had a very severe storm on Sunday last; snow fell during the day and in the evening the wind rose and continued to increase in violence until it blew a perfect blizzard. Roads were completely blocked and had to be abandoned for the fields.—There has been a considerable sickness in the neighborhood lately especially among the children. Mary, daughter of Thomas Reid has been laid up with a severe cold but is now in a far way to recovery.—Mrs. John Crosbie of Poland is dangerously ill.—James Lavell’s baby has been suffering from inflammation of the lungs but is now recovering.—Mrs. A. McGonigal of Clyde Forks is visiting her mother Mrs. A. Craig.—Miss J. James of Lanark has been visiting at John Storie’s.—Mrs. McArter of Almonte preached in our village on Sabbath on the 18th inst.
Perth Fifty Years Ago
The few unimportant reminiscences which the writer has occasionally furnished the public having received favorable comments from the Courier, he is encouraged to again scribble a few lines of interest to your readers.
Early in the ‘40’s three important edifices were destroyed by fire. Very early one morning in Autumn we heard a cry from downstairs “boys, get up there is a fire somewhere”. This was addressed to young men who were learning a trade but other boys got up too and in a few moments we were all on our way to “Haggart’s Mill”. In a short time the woodwork was totally destroyed. The heavy wall on the west side without openings, with the aid of citizens, prevented the wooden building from being consumed. The mason work was little injured as I believe the mill was repaired in a very short time. At the “Old Stone Schoolhouse”
One forenoon about 11:00 we heard the bell of the Catholic Church which always rang at noon. Of course, we knew what it meant both our slates and books went into our desks as if the time for dismissal had come. The teacher tried to hold the school but was unable to hide his own excitement and hastily dismissed the scholars. In a few minutes we were all at the home of Hon. William Morris, every one of us trying to save something from the fire. The contents of the building were nearly all saved but the building was a total loss. The goods were taken to a building in the neighborhood of St. Andrew’s Church which served a good purpose till a new and substantial stone building and warehouses were erected on the site of those that had been destroyed.
Either the winter before or after the latter occurrences one forenoon the bell sounded the alarm. It was too early in the day to warrant us mistaking it for the time of dismissal but the excitement reached such a stage that the school could not be controlled so we were summarily dismissed. This time it was the court house and jail, which was a total loss. It was built of brick and at that time was the most imposing building of the town, although it had little claim to architectural beauty. The sheriff and constables had the prisoners all in hand and it was said they worked hard to save the furniture and contents of the building. I think the prisoners were taken to Brockville until a temporary jail of logs was erected and the courts were held in the upper story of a building belonging to George Cox not far from the Methodist Church.
The buildings thus destroyed were then the most valuable in town and their loss aroused the citizens to the necessity of providing some means to lessen fire disasters. Subscriptions were taken for the purchase of a fire engine; fire and hook and ladder companies were organized; the engine was purchased. On a Saturday afternoon the citizens equally male and female, boys and girls, were on the streets to witness the first trial. It is a matter of history that the machine did not come up to the expectations of the investors. Fortunately, for several years there was little use for the engine. The fire organization was neglected and further the writer knows nothing but what he has seen in the Courier.
It must have been in the early ‘30’s that a large building on the west end of the town which the writer believes to have been “Wordie’s Brewery” was burned. I remember it as the first burning building that I saw and of slyly stealing away from home contrary to parental instructions.
While at a loss to describe the sensation that these events created in the minds of the youth, the following anecdote came to my relief. A celebrated writer, when his house was burning and his library and manuscripts were beyond recovery, said to his wife “We are tired, let us sit down and enjoy the blaze”.
Before the advent of the cooking stove on the long winter evenings we eschewed the geometrical 6 plate stove, one of the first cast in Miller’s foundry and recently sit up in the sitting room for the open fire place in the kitchen. On the huge backlog and in the glowing embers we built imaginary castles, ships and other things. In the flickering flames and curling smoke as they ascended the vortex of the chimney we saw griffins and hobgoblins. Janet, the Highland lassie from Cromarty(?) entertained us with legends and ghost stories many of which were identical with those we read in after years in “Hugh Mifler’s Scenes and Incidents of the North of Scotland”. An oft repeated tale of tragedy was about an unnatural father who had murdered his whole family except a little boy who he pretended to have rescued. The home was burned to cover the crime but the little fellow just beginning to talk was the means of convicting the father. The great fire in the “long swamp” was another story of interest. Commencing at the river below the turn and running irregularly in a northeast direction for quite a distance in the township of Drummond was what was then known as the “long swamp” one remarkably dry season when the ground had become parched and the vegetation entirely dried up a thoughtless settler had attempted to burn his clearing. A sudden wind put the fire beyond his control and laid hold on coniferous trees and soon the flames had covered the swamps and were carried towards town which was in great danger from the flying embers and the threatening disaster was only averted by extraordinary exertions of the people. During a whole day and night the place was in imminent peril. So brilliant were the flames that a paper could be read at night. A heavy and welcome rain put out the fire.
Lanark Links: The infant child of Mr. W. J. Webster was buried in the English Cemetery on Friday last.
Harper—The many friends of F. Publow, Jr., will regret to learn that he is again seriously ill.
Harper: Mrs. Jas. Cunningham was visiting her sister Mrs. J.J. Freeman, Smith’s Falls, last week.
Port Elmsley: Miss Eva Beveridge, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Beveridge of this place has gone to Belleville Hospital with a view of becoming a trained nurse.
Balderson—Nat. S. Balderson went to Montreal on Saturday to consult with a throat and lung specialist about troubles in those organs.
Balderson—Robert McTavish, second son of Donald McTavish, is about to remove to Manitoba to settle, taking with him a carload of household effects. He will settle in the neighborhood of Reston.
Robert Brown showed us the other day an old and unique coin which his grandfather picked up in London, England. One is a three penny silver coin dated 1689 with the heads of the reigning sovereign William III and Mary shown upon it. Another is a George III six penny coin dated 1787 and is of a peculiar make. The third coin is a copper two penny coin dated 1797 and is just double the width of the penny as we see them these days. A few of these would weigh the pocket down and cause many to be a burden.
Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements: Estate of the late John Elliott, Port Elmsley.
Farm For Sale or Rent: Thomas McKinley, Perth, 180 acres SW ¼ Lot 29 and NE ½ Lot 29, 10th Concession of North Elmsley, Scotch Line.
The late Mrs. Lee of Bathurst whose obituary appeared last week, died of pure old age and her injured leg, which had healed quite up, had nothing to do with her death. She was buried in Elmwood.
Middleville—Robert Anderson, Dungannon, is visiting his brother James Anderson, renewing old acquaintances. It is 16 years since he was around here.
Clydesville (Just in time for sugarmaking), a fine robust boy came to cheer the home of Robert Wilson on Saturday, 4th March, weighing about 9 pounds. Mother and son doing well.
Lanark Links: Miss Coffey of Kingston is the guest of her sister Mrs. Lowe of this village.
Lanark Links: Quite a number were present to witness the two mile race in the skating rink on Friday last. The ice was in very good condition for skating although a little soft. The four entries for the race were A. McGuire, J. Watt, T. Dorroway and W.W. Young. The all made very good time, A.M. McGuire coming out ahead and carrying off the first prize. T. Dorroway and J. Watt came in tied and the second prize was equally divided between them.
2nd Line Drummond: Messrs Fred and James Huddleston have left our midst to seek their fortune in Uncle Sam’s dominion.
Preston Vale: There was quite a number assembled at Mrs. Buck’s on Saturday evening to pay their respects to Mr. and Mrs. George Darling, who intend leaving for Steele, North Dakota on the 22nd March.
Thurlow Settlement: Mrs. A. Ferguson has returned from visiting friends in Dakota. -- Mrs. J. Sly intends selling his farm, stock and implements and moving to the States.
Farm for Sale or To Let: Joseph Lambert, Lot 22, 5th Concession Drummond, 200 acres.
Sale of Farm Stock and Implements: Hugh Adam, Lot 17, 2nd Concession N. Sherbrooke.
Sale of Farm Stock and Implements: John S. Baird, Lot 11, 1st Concession N. Sherbrooke.
A.C. Bradley of Ashton has sold his farm on the 10th Concession Beckwith to Malcolm Whyte for $3,200.
Middleville: Miss J. Love, who left with her father for Manitoba last fall, returned last week to become the bride of Robert Reid.
Lanark Links: George Stevenson, our village watch maker, intends leaving for Manitoba in a few weeks. He will be greatly missed for he was well liked both as a townsman and a businessman.
Lanark Links: James W. Campbell has purchased the property known as the Lanark House from the proprietor A. Darou. We understand he intends moving his furniture into the new stand which will be more suitable as it is on the main street.
Dissolution of Partnership announced: This is the oldest business in Perth having been continued in one name or another since the year 1818 and is yet a live, flourishing institution. Mr. C.A. Matheson retires to devote his while time to his cheese and farm business and H.M. Shaw will continue the business. He has concluded to adopt the strictly cash system.
Farm For Sale: Known as the Thomas Ferguson farm, East ½ Lot 11, 4th Concession Lanark. William Willis, Caldwell’s Mills
The Pembroke Observer tells of the terrible death of John O. Forrester son of Oliver Forrester of Forrester’s Falls, Renfrew County in Livingstone, Montana a few weeks ago. Riding on horseback on a spirited animal, he was thrown, it is thought, and his foot catching in the stirrup he was dragged to a horrible death over rocks and frozen ground. He was 37 years old and unmarried. His body was brought home.
Mrs. Thomas Elliott and her two boys left for Carleton Place last Friday for a short visit with her sister Mrs. John Code.
Ferguson’s Falls: After their wedding on Monday morning Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lambert drove out to the home of Frank’s mother where they intend on spending their honeymoon.
Balderson: Cornelius Forrest, about two miles from here, has sold his farm to George McFarlane for $4,000.
Elphin: Everyone remarks about Alex Ferguson’s smiling countenance but on inquiry they find out that his wife has lately presented him with a fine son.
Mrs. Jarley’s Wax Works will be on exhibit in the town hall, Perth, on Friday, 21st April. Mrs. Jarley will be sustained by Miss McCabb of Portland, Maine, a distinguished amateur. The various characters in the wax works will be impersonated by a well known amateur of this town. The music will be furnished by the Harmonic Band which has generously given its services for the occasion. During the evening Mrs. Downey will also give a clarinet solo. Popular price of admission is 25 cents. Reserved seats 35 cents. Seats may be reserved in Mr. Hart’s bookstore.
In the year 1819 John Quinn, Patrick Quinn, Terrence Doyle, James Carberry and James Power, a company of young Irishmen just arrived from their native island with two French Canadians named Scantilion and John Culliner helped to clear the streets of Perth of their primeval forest growth. They also chopped for Col. Powell who was also an Irishman just settled in the clearing which had been named Perth.
Mr. R. G. Smith, who graduated as an M.D. at the late examinations at Queen’s University, Kingston, carried off honors in various subjects. Mr. J. J. Gibson, Scotch Line, also won the degree of doctor of medicine with credit.
Frank Allan, Scotch Line, near town, has sold his farm to Robert Hughes for $2,300. Mr. Allan has taken the agency of the Singer Sewing Machine Company in this locality.
Preston Vale: Mr. G. A. McFarlane has purchased C. Forrest’s farm for the sum of $4,000.
Glen Tay and Vicinity: Alf Chaplain was agreeably surprised to be presented by his wife on Friday morning with a beautiful little daughter. Alf has worn a smile ever since.
Maberly: A.E. Armstrong left here on the 29th March for Michigan. We wish him prosperity.
Maberly: Miss Dollie Farnsworth of Eaton, Ontario, sister to Mrs. Rev. Pierce arrived at Maberly on the 4th April and intends to spend some time visiting at the parsonage. Mr. Pierce had another pleasant drive out to Oso on the 28th March where Isaac B. Bishop and Letitia Gould were united in marriage, no objections whatever being made by the guests. After the usual congratulations and refreshments he returned to Maberly cogitating on who would be next. Ah, me! Those sour, unhappy old bachelors and maids. Why don’t they get married? Maberly and young people believe in cooperation and conformity to usage, law and custom. Yes, he was right. Richard Munro and Emmaline Gray were next to also contemplate for – Avant! Farewell! Get you gone, old bachelors and maids. Got to the dogs who will they have escaped this sea of troubles! On the 5th April and in the presence of many witnesses Mr. Pierce on the stroke of the clock made them husband and wife together.
Watson’s Corners: Mrs. John Scott gave birth to a young son on Friday last and on Saturday evening the little one’s spirit departed to God who gave it. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. McConnell.
Althorpe: William Mitchell is home after spending two years in Portland, Oregon and in the Northwest. He likes it fine.
Lanark Links: The widow of the late John McKerracher left for her father’s home near Ogdensburg on Wednesday morning where we understand she intends to reside.
Thomas Leckie, once a resident of Ramsay but who left for the West many years ago died at Moore, Lambton County a short time ago at the age of 47.
Edward Dowling, son of the late Mr. Edward Dowling, Ramsay, left home thirty years ago. His head was his fortune. He prospered fabulously in the course of time and retired rich several years ago. He is at present with his wife visiting his family in Almonte.
Thomas Coleman of Arnprior and Mrs. Cornett of Pakenham were married last week and the young hoodlums of the place chirivaried them but were put to flight by the incensed bridegroom.
The Carleton Place Central Canadian says the mysterious disappearance of young Norman Wilkie of Boston, Massachusetts on the 3rd Jan. last has been solved by the finding of the body of the unfortunate young man in Jamaica Park at a depth of sixty feet of water with skates strapped to his feet. He had left his boarding place to join a skating party at the park. The plain inference is that he skated into an air hole and in this way met his death. The remains were brought to Carleton Place where his friends live and interred in Cram Cemetery on Monday last.
William Eddington, after a residence of many years in town, has gone to live with his brother near Walseley(?), N.W.T. For some time past he had been employed at Mrs. Laurie’s but failing in health compelled him to change for the west.
Thurlow Settlement: We are sorry to hear Miss K. Ferguson is very ill and slight hopes are entertained for her recovery.
We regret to hear of the illness of John Manion of the 2nd Line Bathurst. The trouble is in the left foot and causes excruciating pain at times and a great loss of sleep. The disease is supposed to be gangrene resulting from a lack of vitality in the system. Mr. Manion is now 88 years old and until this trouble overtook him was one of the most active men in the county.
We regret to announce that William Caldwell, eldest son of the late Boyd Caldwell is about to leave Lanark for British Columbia. He has just completed the sale of his beautiful residence and grounds in Lanark Village to his brother T.B. Caldwell who will occupy them himself when vacant. Mr. Caldwell’s limits up the Mississippi and Ottawa Rivers as well as those at Georgian Bay have been pretty well cleared of their timber and this being the case he is left free to make the change spoken of. Mr. Caldwell has ample means to rest at leisure the rest of his days or undertake new business enterprises in the distant west and whatever he may do the best wishes of the people of Lanark go with him and his family.
At the executor’s sale of the Lister property on Saturday last the house and part of the lot occupied by Charles Austin was sold to James White of Bathurst for the sum of $970. It is intended as a residence for Mr. White’s sister. The older house or the former family residence not bringing the upset prices, was withdrawn from sale for the present although several bids were made upon it.
Glen Tay: Mrs.
James Dobbie of Lanark Village visited her parents last week Mr. and Mrs.
George Bond.
Watson’s Corners: The people of this place were very surprised to hear of the death of James Fair, Sr. Mr. Fair was to all appearances in his usual health when suddenly without a moment’s warning death laid its icy grip upon him and he passed out of time and into eternity. The widow and children have the sympathy of all in their sudden bereavement.
Middleville: The funeral of the late James Borrowman of Drummond was held in the Baptist Church on Tuesday. Mr. Borrowman was a former resident of this vicinity and at one time a blacksmith in this village. The attendance at the service was quite large, a number coming from Lanark.
Brightside: Quite a number passed through here on Wednesday last to attend the funeral of the late Peter Barr of Darling who died on the 23rd April.
Joseph Charles of Barbeton, S. Africa is about to start on his way home with his bride to visit his parents Mr. and Mrs. John Charles. He is following the mining business there with his brother.
A few years ago a good work was done through the instrumentality of Jno. G. Campbell in clearing the old Presbyterian Cemetery of the underbrush and decayed grave enclosures and in general tidying the place up but the time has come when another going over of the ground is needed. A certain amount of funds will be needed and anything handed into the Courier office will be transferred to Mrs. Campbell who will see that it is properly expended. We observe some of the headstones of the late Hon. Malcolm Cameron have fallen down or are inclined off the perpendicular. We hope that there are friends still living of this family and the honored Malcolm of whom the people of Lanark County were so proud in the halcyon days of his youth who will see that these headstones are kept from going to destruction as they do need attending to from time to time.
William McMillan, 28 years of age and in the full enjoyment of strength and health was instantly killed on Monday of last week in the mill at Arnprior. The unfortunate young man was engaged to be married shortly to Mary Acton of Ottawa. He left his home in Eganville the week before and commenced to work in Arnprior on Monday. He was caught in the shaft of the mill and had one of his arms torn from his body and both of his legs broken.
The Globe, having stated that Mr. Whitmarsh of Merrickville was the oldest Orangeman living having joined number one in Brockville in 1830 being 84 years of age and 63 years a member. The Almonte Gazette supplies a mellower take in the person of James Rosamund who has been 67 years an Orangeman and can still walk to marital music on the 12th with much of his youthful ardor.
We are glad to see in the list of the students in the Arts Department of McGill University the names of the students from this part of the county occupying a prominent place. They are Messrs. E. Day, J.C. Watt, R. G. Watt, C. Bates, G. Bates of Lanark and Messrs Henry and Stephen Young of Ramsay, who have succeeded in passing their various classes in a very creditable manner. Almonte Gazette
Perth Courier, May 19, 1893
Thurlow Settlement—We are pleased to hear Miss K. Ferguson is improving.
Perth Courier, May 26, 1893
Thurlow Settlement—We are sorry to hear that Miss K. Ferguson is ill again and slight hopes are entertained for her recovery.
Narrows Lock—Mrs. E.J. Grennon visited her sister Mrs. Byrne of Westport Thursday.
Wemyss—Mrs. William Gamble presented her husband with a young daughter on the 7th inst.
An old resident of Drummond, James Smythe, died on Thursday last at the age of 78 years. He was the father of S.A. Smythe, photographer, Calgary.
Little Georgie Steele, youngest daughter of Mr. George Steele, formerly of Perth, was taken to Montreal to consult Dr. Butler about the mist which has formed over her eyes obscuring sight.
For some time Miss Christina Fraser eldest daughter of our late townsman John P. Fraser has suffered with a lameness in one of her feet. Finally it became so painful she could not wear a shoe. Dr. Kellock being consulted suggested that she be taken to Kingston Hospital for treatment as he was convinced she was suffering from a decaying bone in her foot. Her uncle, Donald, who is a private banker in Kingston, approved of this and when she arrived at Sharbot Lake on her way to that city he met her and took care of her until she was placed safely under treatment at the hospital. On Monday, 8th inst., she underwent an operation of the removal of a piece of the decaying bone but being a delicate girl and rendered weaker by the operation she never recovered from the shock of the operation and died on Saturday. Her body was brought to Perth to the residence of Thomas Moffat her uncle and interred in Elmwood Cemetery beside those of her father and mother. The Rev. A. H. Scott rector of St. Andrew’s Church, conducted the services. A great many members of the Sabbath School followed her remains to the grave.
W. D. Ritchie, who was drowned near Pembroke on Saturday of last week, was a widower but leaves three children and was insured in the I.O.O.F. for 43,000.
Clydesville—Robert Wilson and family who have been respected residents for five years, have decided to removed to Lanark village having rented the property known as the Salmand Place, belonging to Mr. A. Affleck.
Preston Vale: Matthew Gould has left our neighborhood and bought a farm on the 7th Concession Drummond. Joseph Miller has got his place and is very happy about it.
Last Monday night George Cavanagh, a little child of Smith’s Falls, died under sad circumstances. Some member of the family had been using ammonia to relieve a toothache and afterwards set the bottle containing it on the table. She had just turned around when the little fellow rushed up to the table, raised the bottle and before he could be stopped swallowed most of the contents. He lingered in great agony until his sufferings ended with his life.
On Friday, Chief Keays went to the house of an old offender Patrick Flood to arrest him for wife beating on a warrant issued by the mayor on the complaint of the abused wife. When the Chief got there he found the wife had repented of her action against the head of the home and threatened to brain him with a chair if he persisted in placing the cuffs on her husband whom the chief had landed on the floor. However, the official baton looked too formidable to the wife’s nerves and he was allowed to peacefully march the prisoner off and to lead him to the lockup. When the time for the trial came the next morning the chief went to escort his man to the council chambers, the door of the cell was found to be open and the bird flown away. It seems the caretaker after leaving the prisoner’s breakfast, locked the door on the outside and left the key in the lock until his return. In the meantime Mrs. Flood had visited the lockup and finding the key so handy, unlocked the door and liberated her spouse who since has been lost to the claims of the law.
On Thursday an insane woman Mrs. Watson from S. Sherbrooke was taken from here directly to the asylum at Kingston without previous confinement in the gaol. Drs. Kellock and Munro examined her and gave the necessary certification.
Andrew Bell, E.E., accompanied by Mrs. Bell, went to Montreal on Monday to undergo an operation at the hands of Dr. Butler the famous oculist for the removal of a cataract in the eye. It will be four or five weeks before the sight impairing obstacle can be removed. A second operation will have to be performed. Almonte Gazette.
Farm for Sale: Farm belonging to the estate of the late John Preston, Lot 12, 9th Concession Drummond.
J. Allan, son of Mr. Alexander Allan of the hardware store, once of Perth, leaves on Monday next for Vancouver, B.C. where a good situation awaits him. Smiths Falls News
We regret to hear of the death of John McCarthy, head of the brewing firm of J. McCarthy and Son of Prescott and father-in-law of Mrs. D. McCarthy (once Miss Theresa O’Brien) formerly of Perth. The deceased was a Roman Catholic and life long Reformer.
Alexander H. D. Ross, M.A., Queen’s University, son of the late Rev. Walter Ross, Carleton Place, has received an appointment to the Victoria Collegiate and has given up the trip to Alaska with a geological survey party. Central Canadian
C.D. Bingley, formerly of Dalhousie, the C.P.R. brakeman, who was so severely crushed while coupling cars at Renfrew one day last week, is getting along fine at the Ottawa Prates(?) Hospital and the physicians have hopes of his speedy recovery.
Andrew Bell, C.E., Almonte, went to Montreal several days ago to undergo an operation at the hands of Dr. Butler the famous oculist for the removal of a cataract in the eye and he has returned home the operation being a success.
Carleton Place, May 23: On Sunday morning the sudden and strange disappearance of Miss Bertha Sumner, second daughter of Mr. James Sumner, a young lady about 18 years of age of a prepossessing appearance and manner, occurred. Miss Sumner left home on Saturday about 3:00 apparently in her usual health with the objective of spending the afternoon and having tea with Miss Cram, daughter of Mr. W. Cram. She was seen at Mr. Cram’s door about 4:00 but as the family were from home, she could not get in. Later on the same evening she was observed on the bridge when the steamer was being launched and since that time no trace can be found of her whereabouts. On Sunday sympathetic friends were on the lookout and the ministers announced from the pulpits about it. The river banks were searched and the woods scoured but without avail. On Monday the high school was closed and teachers and scholars were organized into search parties who tramped the country round for miles and followed every shadow of a clue without avail. When Miss Sumner left home she wore a plaid dress of a gray-greenish color and a black straw hat.
Carleton Place, May 29: A man by the name of Houston was looking for a horse he had lost a short distance out of town when about 3:00 Sunday he came across Bertha Sumner, lost a week ago Saturday. He sent for the constable and notified her friends. When Mr. Wilson, Constable, came to the place where she was found, he discovered a bottle of carbolic acid, a bowl, a note and a glass tube by her side. She was lying under a tree where she had poisoned herself with the acid. The note was written in ink so she must have written it before leaving home. She said on the note she was tired of life and not to blame anyone for what she had done. There was no need of an inquest being held so her body was taken home Sunday afternoon and will be buried today at 2:30. She was 18 years of age.
The Almonte Gazette says: “The host of friends of Charles R. Smith, formerly of Almonte and Lanark (who left the latter place some time ago to take a position as a boss finisher in the factory at Hespeler, Ont.) will regret to learn that he has been missing since Sunday of last week and as no trace of him has been found thus far, grave fears are entertained as to his safety. On Sunday, 21st May, after attending church and Sunday school, as usual, Mr. Smith put on a heavy pair of boots and went for a walk taking the railroad track in the direction of Preston. He was last seen on the track two miles from Hespeler and since then, although diligent inquire and search has been made, not the slightest trace of him has been found. Although but a short time a resident of Hespeler, Mr. Smith had made himself as popular there as he was here and his sudden disappearance caused a sensation in the neighborhood.”
Preston Vale—Mrs. Buck, who has been visiting her daughter Mrs. Pixley, returned home last week.
J. M. Farrell, late law student in Lavell & Farrell’s law office, Smith’s Falls, has passed his final exam for barrister.
Colin Sinclair of Carleton Place, has purchased from the government two islands on the Mississippi Lake. He will build a fine summer residence on one of them.
Mr. and Mrs. John McLaren arrived from British Colombia Saturday morning. Mr. McLaren is a native of Lanark Township and Mrs. McLaren is a daughter of Mr. R. Knox of this town and they expect to spend a few weeks with relatives here. Mr. McLaren holds an important position with the police in Vancouver and obtained a few weeks leave of absence to make the trip east. Carleton Place Herald
Messrs. John A. Stewart and Charles J. Foy, law students, passed their second intermediate exams in law held in Toronto a few weeks ago.
Mrs. Edwin Bullard (nee Miss Jennie Ritchie) with her husband Rev. Edwin Bullard, arrived from India a short time ago and are stopping with her brother John Ritchie, Bathurst, Scotch Line. Mrs. Bullard has been away from her old home eleven years, that is, since her marriage, spending the interval with her husband in the Presidency of Madras, India, where he was engaged as a missionary by the American Baptist Mission Board. Mr. Bullard was born in India but was educated in the U.S. with the special objective in view of missionary work in India. He came to Canada for his health at this time, this having given way in India.
Drummond Centre—Mrs. Moulton has again returned to her old home after spending a number of years in Dakota.
Mr. Robert Elliott has been appointed bridge tender in town in place of Mr. William Hicks, resigned.
A lad named Stephen Bridgen(?) aged 13(?) 15(?) years old was killed in Carleton Place on Monday, venturing to get a ride on a car while the train was shunting.
Joseph N. Machan, Minneapolis and Emma Whichler(?) Carleton Place, late of Lanark, were married by Rev. Father Rourke. Mr. Machan came from the township of Lanark originally.
Maberly—Mrs. John Charlton is reported to be dangerously sick.
Watson’s Corners—There have been a couple cases of diphtheria in this neighborhood one of which proved fatal the 12 year old daughter of William McDougall having succumbed to that dread disease. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family in their isolated condition.
Watson’s Corners--The mortal remains of Miss Agnes Lorimer were consigned to their last resting place in our village cemetery on Monday, 28th ult. This is the third child of Mrs. Lorimer who has been called to part with inside of 12 months.
Lanark Links: A sad drowning accident occurred about a mile from this village on Sunday last about 11:00. It seems that Alexander McIntyre, a boy about 17 years of age, son of Mr. A. McIntyre of this village, was taking a walk along the banks of the Clyde accompanied by his little brother. Meeting with a boy of his own age the two decided to take a bath at a place known as Robertson’s Rapids. After swimming out of the stream the one ahead turned around to see his friend but poor Alex was nowhere to be seen. It is generally supposed that he took cramps. The little brother who had not gone into the water at once started for assistance and by 11:30 a large number had gathered around the shore at which time the body was taken from the water. It was painful to see the sorrow and sympathy of those present. Everything that could be done to restore life to the body was done but all in vain. The funeral took place on Tuesday at 1:00 from his father’s residence to the family burying place in Middleville Cemetery. A large number accompanied the remains to the grave.
From the Winnipeg Free Press we learn that some of the Lanark County boys have been distinguishing themselves at the University there. A.W. Argue of Stittsville and at one time a pupil in the high school at Almonte took the degree of B.A.; W. Manahan formerly of Lanark Village captured a scholarship of $100 in Latin, math and chemistry; D. G. Ross, formerly living near Cedar Hill and for some time in Carleton Place, took a scholarship of $15 in English history; and Willard McNabb, son of Mr. J.R. McNabb, formerly of Ashton and for some time a resident of Carleton Place, took a scholarship of $50 for the best exam. Mr. McNabb is the youngest student in the college being only 17 years old.
Messrs E. Hutchings and James Sumner of Carleton Place are selling out and intend retiring from business.
John Lindsay one of Pakenham Township’s oldest and mist respected residents, died the week before last at the age of 92 years.
Ferguson’s Falls: John Rathwell proposes taking a trip to Manitoba for his health shortly. While there, he will visit his sons Sam who is a practicing lawyer there and Ab, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Ferguson’s Falls: The remains of the late Mrs. Michael McCann were brought from Carleton Place and interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery here Sunday.
Middleville—The funeral of the late James Affleck of this place took place in the Baptist Church Saturday last at 2:00. The deceased was in his 80th year and has been quite helpless for some time. Mr. Alexander Affleck and Mrs. Stewart of Arnprior were here to attend the funeral of their late father.
Middleville—the funeral of Master Allie McIntyre who was unfortunately drowned in the Clyde below Lanark on Sunday last passed through here on Tuesday. He was the eldest son of Alexander McIntyre, formerly of this village.
Mrs. M. D.M. Blakely, wife of the Presbyterian pastor at Forrester’s Falls, died on the 7th June. Her funeral was very largely attended from all parts of the county adjoining.
2nd Line Drummond—W. G. Stedman, son of Mr. Reuben Stedman, has recently graduated with honors from Buffalo University. He has graduated as an M.D. and he has a great deal of experience having been employed last year during vacation as assistant surgeon in Fitch Hospital in Buffalo. He has already taken up a lucrative practice in East Bethany, Genesse County, New York. Dr. Stedman is one of those go ahead young men who will do honor to the land of his birth even in the dominion of Brother Jonathan.
During the sharp thunder storm last week a tenement house on Boulton Street owned by James Holliday was struck by lightning. Peter Moran, who was moving the effects of a tenant from the house at the time, had a narrow escape, he and the horse being partly stunned by the lightning bolt.
George Wilson, Jr., Scotch Line, now of California, intends returning to California for good, visiting in Minnesota on his way home. Mr. Wilson followed the occupation of cheese maker in the Golden State but this summer the owners, wishing him to work on Sunday, he refused and gave up his job. He can get plenty of employment in California at his trade without violating the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Lanark Links: Mrs. Jas. McCreary, Sr., Arnprior is at present the guest of her sister Mrs. William Bates of this village.
Dr. W. Grant who went to Montreal a few weeks ago for treatment returned on Tuesday much improved and is on the road to recovery.
On Monday evening of last week Mr. and Mrs. William Meighen of this town gave a large party chiefly of young people to celebrate their silver wedding. Guests from Ottawa, Montreal, Smith’s Falls, Prescott and Lanark were present and enjoyed the hospitality of their kind host and hostess and their family until the dawn broke when the party wore away. The Citizens Band arrive on the scene about 10:00 and on the lawn gave an enlivening serenade to commemorate this auspicious event.
White: Mrs. John P. Craig who has been ailing lately has gone to the hospital in Ottawa.
Posted: 15 July, 2004.