Perth Courier - Comings and Goings
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Recovered—An attack of erysipelas incapacitated Rev. Dr. Bain from holding his usual services in connection with his congregation last Sabbath. We learn with pleasure, however, that the Reverend gentleman has just about recovered from this painful illness.
Coming Back—We understand that it is the intention of Mr. M. M. Miller of Chicago to return to Perth as his place of residence.
Insolvent—Mr. W. Halfpenny, merchant, Renfrew, has made an assignment of his estate to Mr. Ball of Arnprior. His liabilities are $13,515.34
Legal—Mr. James Dowdall, Almonte, has passed a very successful legal exam (2nd intermediate) in Toronto. He is a student in Jamieson and Grieg’s office in Almonte.
Auction—An auction sale of farm stock and household furniture and implements will take place at the residence of Mr. Michael Layton, 4th Concession Dalhousie on Wednesday, 24th instant. W. H. Grant, auctioneer.
Auction Sale—A sale by auction of the farm, stock and implements of Mr. Paul Ryan, 3rd Concession South Elmsley will take place on Thursday, 25th Nov., commencing at 10:00.
Passed—We see by the Toronto papers that Mr. James Allan, Jr., son of Jas. Allan, Esq., Perth, passed his primary exam at the law exams held lately in that city. Out of some 17 he came out 6th on the list. Mr. G. A. Radenhurst, about the same time, passed his final exam for barrister.
Increase and Multiply—Mr. Michael McCabe, 3rd Line Bathurst, is now 90 years old. He claims the following descendants: 7 children, 43 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He is yet healthy and vigorous and may yet live to see the fourth generation climbing on his knee.
Rev. James Campbell, late of Carleton Place, has been inducted into the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at Aylmer. The Rev. Mr. Mann of Pakenham presided at the ceremony and Rev. Messrs. Ferries and Gordon conducted the opening service. Rev. Mr. Gordon of Ottawa addressed the newly inducted minister.
Rolling Stone—Mr. Alex McLaren, late of Perth, has sold out his hotel business in Smith’s Falls to Mr. D. F. Wood. The building, however, still belongs to the original owner, Mr. John Shields of Montague.
Returned—Mr. James Morris, brother of Mr. John Morris, P.L.S., of Perth, has returned to this place from California after an absence of about 20 years.
Smith’s Falls—Mr. Duncan A. Ferguson has been appointed postmaster of Smith’s Falls taking the place of Mr. Robert Baird, deceased.
Return of Mr. Peter McVicar—Last week Mr. Peter McVicar, formerly of Drummond Township, arrived here from California where he had been for the past year or so. He thinks very little of the Golden State as a place to emigrate to, the country being badly overstocked with laborers, mechanics, and inhabitants generally. He says there are about 75 men returning eastward from there every day but there are fully 150 pouring into the state every day via the Central Pacific Railroad. Mr. McVicar intends leaving here for Chesley (?), Ontario, where he will take up residence in that neighborhood.
Shocking Affair—Last Saturday a man named Henry Lever of Montague, brother to Daniel Lever of Bathurst, was brutally attacked by his uncle Nelson Weedmark and beaten senseless with the butt end of a gun after first being shot at by his assailant. In fact, we have heard just before going to press that Lever is dead leaving a wife and five children behind him. The brutal attack occurred opposite Weedmark’s house near Smith’s Falls. Both were considered “hard cases” and whiskey was to blame for engendering the hard feelings. Weedmark has given himself up. (Transcriber’s note, see article in next week’s paper, Mr. Lever apparently had NOT died.)
Committed: The attempted murder on Saturday last—Nelson Weedmark of Montague was conveyed to the Perth gaol to await the action of the General Sessions regarding his violent assault upon Henry Lever in that township a few days before. On Wednesday morning of this week the Sessions, not being competent to adjudicate on so serious a case as this presented, committed Weedmark to trial at the next Spring Assizes on the charge sustained by the finding of a True Bill by a grand jury, having assaulted the said Henry Lever with intent to kill. The offence constitutes what is called in law a “capital felony” and involves capital punishment.
Important Case—A short time ago, Dr. Howden of this place, removed a cataract from the eye of Mr. Patrick King of Oliver’s Ferry, North Elmsley and the consequence is that the patient is now blessed with his sight again after a blindness of five years. This operation is a most delicate one, requiring no only the great skill and nicety of touch but also a thorough knowledge of the structure and anatomy of this delicate organ.
Reported Drowned—It is reported that the bodies of a woman named Derrick of Kitley and child were found drowned near the Ferry Bridge, Rideau Lake, a few days ago.
A Good Sale—At the sale of Mr. Owen Byrne’s livery last Saturday, W. H. Grant, auctioneer, managed to dispose of almost all of the articles put up getting good prices therefore, notwithstanding the hard times. About $700 worth was sold.
Postal Contract—Mr. James Allan has been re-awarded the contract for carrying the mail between the Perth Post Office and the railway station, his being the lowest tender.
For the Centennial—Last week Mr. R. J. Drummond of the Bank of Montreal set out for Philadelphia taking a passage at Brockville on the new Canadian yacht built at Cobourg, the Countess of Dufferin.
Honesty—About a fortnight ago Mr. William Farrell dropped a package of bills amounting to $24 on his way home from his shop and though he advertised in the Courier he never expected to see it again. It turned out, however, that the right sort of man found the money for a short time afterward Mr. Joseph Wilson of Caroline Village handed him the amount which he had picked up where it was lost and was in the meantime on the lookout for the owner. This is a case of stirling honesty.
Conviction—On Tuesday, 20th June, a man named John Robinson of North Elmsley was brought before Charles Rice, Esq., J.P., charged with selling liquor in that village in contravention of the provisions of the Dunkin Act, which prevails in the Township of North Elmsley. He was found guilty and fined $30 and costs, in all $36. Mr. Corry, of Perth, was the constable acting in the matter.
For the Old Sod—Mr. Joseph Murdock left town on Wednesday night last for his native land, Ireland. His trip is one of pleasure with a view to improving his health.
That Stump Machine—Mr. John Dettrick of this town has purchased the county right in Lanark to manufacture and sell the Davis Rock and Stump Extractor. This machine is acknowledged by all who have seen it to be the most powerful, simplest and most convenient of its kind yet invented, yet its low cost ($25) place it within reach of every farmer.
For the Centennial—On Tuesday morning, Messrs A. McArthur and Francis Davies set out for the Centennial in Philadelphia. Friend Seeley provided them with tickets and they go by the Hudson River and New York.
Accident—Last Monday, Mr. William Butler, tinsmith, fell from a scaffolding at Mr. Ferrier’s new building on Herriott Street and got considerably shaken and bruised. Fortunately, no bones were broken nor any serious injury entertained.
Perth Courier, September 1, 1876
Card of Thanks—I wish to express my sincere thanks to my neighbors and friends for the manner in which they turned out and cut my grain when I was prostrated on a bed of sickness. Just consider, Mr. Editor, 52 men assembling on an afternoon, besides a gang several other evenings. Such generosity shall never be forgotten by your humble servant. John O’Neil, Bathurst.
Auction Sale—Attention is directed to Mr. John Brady’s auction sale of household furniture and a variety of other articles without reserve on Saturday next (tomorrow) at 2 pm. The sale will take place at Mr. Brady’s residence in Greenly’s Corners.
Smith’s Falls: Accident—Mr. John Jarvis, a young man of 21 years of age, met with a serious and it is feared fatal accident on Monday afternoon while out duck hunting. When in the act of firing, the gun burst, driving the breech into the front part of his head, fracturing his skull and lacerating the brain. He was found by a person passing, struggling in the water, and conveyed home. Dr. Anderson removed the fractured piece of bone and dressed the wound.
Real Estate Sale—The fine farm in North Burgess near Perth belonging to Mr. James Halliday has been purchased by Mr. John Armour for the sum of $5,600 cash. Possession will be given in three months from this time. The farm has fallen into good hands. Mr. Halliday will remove to town where he will either erect or buy a residence.
To Manitoba—Mr. John Hood, Dalhousie, set out from here last Monday morning on his way to Manitoba whither he has gone on an inspection tour. If the country suits him, he intends selling his farm in Dalhousie and settling there.
Dalhousie Heard From—We are pleased to learn that Mr. W. A. McKenzie, son of Mr. McKenzie, pastor of the Dalhousie Presbyterian Congregation and a student at McGill College, Montreal, carried off one of the two scholarships for $125 each at the late exam in that institute, coming off second in the race only beaten by an Ontario gold medallist.
For the Centennial—The rush to the great exhibition continues. Last Wednesday the following parties departed this place for Philadelphia: Messrs J.G. Campbell, F. B. Allan, William Hicks, and James Cameron.
Auction Sale—In the sale of Mr. Jas Halliday’s late farm in North Burgess on Tuesday last, comprising all sorts of farm stock and implements, over $1,500 was sold at good prices. W. H. Grant was auctioneer.
Auction Sale—An auction sale will take place of the farm stock and implements on the farm of Mr. Peter Noonan, 9th Concession Bathurst, on Saturday, November 3 at 11:00 am.
Mr. O’Brien’s failure—As the notice of assignment by Mr. William O’Brien, which appeared in our last issue, may cause some surprise in this town, a few words as to the causes may not be out of place in showing how quickly a man in easy circumstances—in fact, opulence—may be brought to a point where he has to commence again at the bottom of the ladder. Within the past three of four years Mr. O’Brien has lost between $12,000 and $13,000 by endorsing paper which he had afterwards to pay; this, in addition to a heavy primary loss in the two tannery failures some three or four years ago and sustaining an annual loss from that time till now of $1,000 in keeping one of them running during a time when the leather trade was greatly depressed. This and serious losses by other failures in this vicinity finally caused Mr. O’Brien to succumb and make an assignment of his property for the benefit of his creditors. In this unfortunate position which misfortune more than bad management has operated and in which he displayed no spirit of trickery or desire to defraud his creditors, Mr. O’Brien has had the sympathy of the town and all who have known him in the past. We trust he may get a ready settlement from his creditors and that he may soon be in a position to re-commence his old business.
Smith’s Falls: Creditable—It gives us much pleasure to state that Mr. William Dalmadge of this village has passed a very creditable exam at McGill College. Mr. W. T. Briggs, our high school teacher, in whose vocabulary there is no such word as failure, had him under his charge for the past three months, which insured his success.
Almonte: Insane—One of the workmen employed in Mr. William Wylie’s woolen mill named Thomas Glasgow, became deranged in his mind last week and was taken to the county gaol for safe keeping. The unfortunate man has always been a quiet, industrious, and temperate man but a short time ago he lost his wife, which misfortune is supposed to have caused his present insanity.
Pembroke—Centennialwards—The rush of people from this town does not seem to have yet ceased. On Monday morning the following left for Philadelphia: Dr. Dealoges, Rev. Dr. Fanro, Mr. H.H. Loucks, Esq., and Mr. John Doran and lady and Mrs. Thibandeau. They were followed this morning by Mr. William Murray, Esq., Mr. William Moffatt, Esq., with Mrs. Moffatt, Miss Moffatt, and Mrs. King.
Centennialward—Monday morning Mr. Charles Rice and on Wednesday Mr. John Hart set out for the Centennial. The affair is now drawing fast to a close.
The Sale at Glen Tay—At the chancery sale of the estate of the late Mr. Alexander Dodds in Glen Tay nearly everything offered found a bidder at good prices. The “homestead farm” was purchased by Mr. Ralph Dodds and the saw mill by Mr. Henry Moorhouse of Perth. The cheese factory was included in the “homestead” price. Between $4,000 and $5,000 worth of property was sold all together, by Mr. W. H. Grant, auctioneer.
Insane—A few weeks ago a young man named Patrick Bowes, son of Mrs. Bowes of Almonte, showed signs of insanity which last week culminated in an undeniable attack of that dreadful complaint. He was committed to the gaol at Perth on Monday last on information laid down by his uncle, Mr. John O’Neil of Bathurst, there to await the action of the asylum authorities. He is about 17 years of age and in his affliction both he and his widowed mother have the entire sympathy of the people of Almonte.
For the Centennial—The rush to the Centennial continues—On Wednesday Messrs. Robert McFarlane, R. Cameron, J. M. Munro, George Patterson, Tim Foley and several others from Almonte and Carleton Place left to interview the elephant. Altogether, about 40 Almonters have made this trip. The expenses of these 40 people will aggregate about $3,000, a respectable sum in these hard times.
Dr. Hannover, Almonte, has been appointed Associate Coroner for the county.
Mr. W. H. Grant, auctioneer, will sell at the residence of Messrs. Martin and Daniel White, the East one half of Lot 18, 7th Concession Bathurst, on Thursday, 23rd inst., a large quota of farm stock, implements, produce, household furniture, etc. Also, the farm, which is an excellent one and but a short distance from Harper’s Corners.
Fire at Ottay Lake—Last week Mr. William Noble, farmer, living on the shore of Ottay Lake in North Burgess, lost his barn, stables and other outbuildings by fire, in which his in-gathered crops, etc., were also consumed. Incendiarism is thought to be the cause. Loss is about $500, no insurance.
Settlement at the meeting of Mr. William O’Brien’s creditors was made on Saturday last. Composition was made of 30 cents to the dollar at 6, 12, and 18 months, secured. We are glad that Mr. O’Brien was granted terms, which he can carry out and trust that he may soon be doing a flourishing business again.
Mr. George McDougall’s auction sale of farm stock and implements will take place on Friday (today) 1st Dec., on Ferry Road. Michael McCabe’s, Bathurst, will be on Tuesday, 5th Dec.
Auction Sale: Attention is directed to the mortgage sale at Balderson’s on Friday (today), a part of Lot 27, 8th Concession Bathurst, formerly belonging to Mr. Alexander McLaren, will be offered for sale.
For California: Yesterday morning Mr. James Manion, late teacher in the separate school here left for California where he has a brother now residing. We wish him success in the land of the gold.
Home for the Holidays: A host of former citizens of this good old town have arrived to spend the holidays or part of them:
Mr. J. M. Miller, Chicago
Dr. Hugh Bain, Cornwall
Mr. M. E. O’Brien, barrister, Prescott
Mr. T. M. Brooke, barrister, Brockville
Mr. W. H. Matthews, Bank of Montreal, Belleville
Mr. George M. Mitchell, Oswego
Mr. John Ryan, Brockville
Mr. P. C. McGregor and Mr. D. H. Stewart, Almonte
Posted: 06 May, 2003.