The Record News, Smiths Falls - Newspaper Articles - 2nd section

April 28 1887    The Record News

- Wm. Dargavel has been appointed lockmaster at Newboro.

- Dr. Potter is moving to Manotick.

- Mr. S. M. Barnes, is putting up a fountain on his lawn.

- Mr. J. Washburn is making preparations to rebuild his property on the corner of Main and Beckwith street .

- John Pattie of Carleton Place, leaves for British Columbia in May to look at a mine he owns, near which a similar mine was sold recently for $48,000.

- The many friends of Mr. O. R. Avison - now Dr. Avison - will hear with pleasure that he has been successful in his final examinations for the degree of M. D. at the Victoria University, Toronto: Among those who know him, there is only one place in the list of successful names they think of looking - in the honor list - and in his late examination that is where his name appears as usual.  A few years ago, he passed the best examination in pharmacy ever passed in Ontario and carried off all the gold there was, and in all his subsequent examinations he has come off with honors.  Dr. Avison is a son-in-law of our townsman Mr. S. M. Barnes.

- A sad accident resulting in the instant death of Mr. James Halfpenny occurred at the C.P.R. Junction here yesterday morning.  Mr. Halfpenny who lived near Merrickville drove into town accompanied by his daughter who intended going to Toronto by the night train.  They took tea at Mr. Joseph Moorehouse’s a cousin of deceased and about midnight drove out to the junction.  When the west-bound train came in Mr. Halfpenny went into the coach with Miss Halfpenny to get her a seat which he was unable to do until they reached the other end of the car from which they entered.  By this time the train was moving and Mr. Halfpenny hurriedly made his way back to the front end to get off, but in the act of stepping on to the platform missed his footing in some way and fell between the platform and the cars.  The conductor who saw him fall stopped the train, when it was found the unfortunate man was dead.  His neck was broken and his head and body were otherwise badly injured apparently the result of the fall as there were no marks to show the car had run over him.  He was taken to his home yesterday afternoon, the grief stricken daughter exchanging a trip to Toronto for a mournful drive back to her home.  The deceased was about 65 years of age, a member of the Methodist church and highly esteemed by all who knew him.  The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) at 2 o’clock in Merrickville.

Merrickville

- D. Moishia, injured by a fall, is about again.

- We are glad to announce that Mrs. J. Cranston, who has been seriously ill for sometime, is improving under the careful nursing of her brother, Dr. Erratt.

Births

- At Kemptville, on Sunday the 24^th of April, the wife of Angus Buchanan of a son.

Married

- At the Methodist parsonage, Smiths Falls on Tuesday April 26^th, by Rev. A. McCann, Mr. D. Berry to Miss Kate E. Phillips, both of North Augusta.

- At the Methodist parsonage, Smiths Falls on Wednesday April 27^th, by Rev. A. McCann, Mr. Francis Kilfoyle to Miss Sarah Roe, both of Montague.

Died

- In Smiths Falls, on Saturday the 23^rd of April, Mary Lauretta, daughter of Michael McInrue, aged 1 year and 9 months.

- At Smiths Falls, April 28^th, the infant son of Rufus Weedmark.

May 5 1887    The Record News

- M. Carrol is moving from his old hotel stand to the house lately vacated by Dr. Potter.

- Mr. W. K. Partridge, late of Toronto, has accepted the position of head clerk in Dr. McCallum’s drug store.

- Miss Smallfield, daughter of the senior member of the Renfrew ‘Mercury’ will fill a vacancy in the Belleville High School at the salary of $400 per annum.

- The funeral of the late Mrs. Dooher of Lombardy took place on Sunday, and was very largely attended, about 90 vehicles followed her remains to the R. C. Cemetery here.

- Mr. J. McElligott, has been engaged by the Oddfellows’ band, Carleton Place, as their new instructor.  Mr. McElligott was the organizer of the Arnprior band, and has been connected with the Perth and Pembroke bands.

- A sad boating accident occurred in Almonte about four o’clock on Wednesday afternoon by which Mr. Sydenham Lindsay, of Montreal, a clerk in the Bank of Montreal, Almonte, lost his life.  Mr. Lindsay and Ernest Stevenson, son of Rev. S. Stevenson, started out to try a new canoe.  The water being very high and a strong current and strong wind blowing up and directly against the current made it very difficult to handle a light boat, and when the boat reached the surf water just at Caldwell & Son's saw mill it capsized, throwing the occupants out.  The men working in the mill hastened to the rescue with a board and succeeded in getting Stevenson out, but were unable to reach Lindsay.  A large number of boats are out grappling for the body but have been unable to find it.  Mr. Lindsay being connected with the Bank of Montreal here was well known and held in high esteem by all who were acquainted with him.  The accident has thrown a sad gloom over the town.  Later the body was recovered after being in the water about one hour.

Toledo

- Mr. N. H. Beecher has been very sick during the last two weeks.  He is slowly convalescing now but is still confined to his bed.  It has been very dull during the time as his store has been closed, but business will have to move on when “Hub” gets around again.

- Our enterprising real estate dealer, Mr. Thomas Hillis has sold a lot to Stephen Clark who will at once proceed to erect a fine residence on it.

Births

- At Smiths Falls, on Thursday, May 5^th, the wife of Johnson McVeigh of a daughter.

- At North Elmsley, on Sunday, May 1^st, the wife of D. Murphy, of a daughter.

Died

- At Lombardy, on Friday, April 29^th, Sophia, wife of Wm. Dooher, aged 20 years.

May 12 1887    The Record News

- Mr. James Murphy of Bathurst died this week at the advanced age of 90 years.

- Mr. James McGillivray was sun-struck on Tuesday while working on the roof of a house.

- Miss Douglas who has been very ill during the early part of the week is now considered out of danger.

- Mr. Bolton of Carrol’s Hotel brought three young foxes into town yesterday that he has succeeded in capturing alive a few miles out in the country.

- Mr. H. B. Spencer, assistant superintendent of the C.P.R., has been over the route of the Smiths Falls air-line to Montreal.  He says the road will be open for traffic by the first of June.

- On Sunday week the house of Mrs. James Mullen, a widow living in the 2^nd  concession of Augusta, was entered while she was at church, and a gold watch, $10 in money and a pair of scissors stolen.  Three strange men had been seen in the vicinity previous to the robbery.

- Much sympathy is felt through the town for Mr. and Mrs. Peebles in the loss of their little boy who died last night after a few days illness.  He was four years old, the only child, and by his engaging manner had become a general favorite with all.

- Mr. Robert Graham, who lives about four miles out of town on the Irish Creek road, lost a horse on Tuesday.  The animal was unwell and Mr. Graham had brought it to town for treatment.  On the way home and when about two miles out of town it was taken very ill and unable to go further when Mr. Graham unhitched it from the buggy.  It happened to be on a bridge that spans a small creek and when the horse was free from the rig he rolled off into the water dead.

- About (4) o’clock last Sunday morning the loud clanging of the fire bells was heard through the town and soon the streets were filled with citizens who had turned out from the coveted Sunday morning sleep running in hot haste seeking the scene of the fire.  It was soon seen to be in Millers’ blacksmith shop in the west end of Main street, and when discovered was burning furiously.  The engine was soon on the ground but was unable to save the building, which was frame, though it succeeded in subduing the flames before all the walls were entirely burned.  A part of the building was occupied by D. W. Christian as a paint shop, who lost all his stock of paints, oils, varnishes, etc; amounting to about $600 worth.  Mr. Christian had no insurance.  Mr. Miller is also a heavy loser in stock, besides three buggies which were just finished.  Mr. Splane, who owned the building, loses in stock and buggies, besides the shop, on which there was only $500 insurance.  Altogether there were 12 buggies and 3 cutters burned, among the number a fine phaeton belonging to Mr. J. M. Clark.  The fire started in a coal shed at the rear of the shop and is looked upon as a clear case of incediarsm.

Merrickville

- Another death in our midst was James Brown who died suddenly, supposed to be heart disease.  The deceased was wheeling a wheel-barrow when he dropped, almost instantaneously breathing his last, he was about 60 years of age.

- We are glad to see the smiling and genial countenance of our old friend Mr. Fred Newman once more among us.  Fred has spent quite a few years in Manitoba and the North west, and stands high in the esteem of his employers on the C.P.R.   He is a conductor on the line west of Calgary and was in great danger once last winter from starvation, being buried in one of the many snowslides that takes place on that section of the C.P.R.

- Death has been at work again in our midst.  Mr. James Halfpenny (to whose untimely death reference was made in the RECORD) was a man of sterling worth, a conscientious, upright, honest straight-forward man and a true Christian.  For forty years he has been a shining light in the Methodist Church of this village, one, in whom religion had taken deep root, standing as an example to all the community in which he lived, as to the great advantages of pursuing a strictly honest and religious life.

Frankville

- Mr. S. S. Davis is preparing the site for the erection of a dwelling house on the lot adjoining his store.  From what we know of Mr. Davis we feel safe in predicting the building will be an ornament to our village.

- We have this week to chronicle the sad news of the death of Mr. and Mrs. William Connor, two of the oldest residents of the township, which took place at the old homestead, the residence of their son, Mr. Thomas Connor.

Easton’s Corners

- Mr. A. Empey, who is taking an art course in Victoria University, is home for the holidays.

Toledo

- Village property is booming, Mrs. Judson has just sold her residence for seven hundred dollars.  Mrs. Bolger the buyer will move into the village soon.

Died

- At Smiths Falls on Wednesday, May 11^th, John A., son of William Peebles aged 4 years and 2 months.

May 19 1887    The Record News

- Miss Seeber has been appointed librarian of the Mechanics’ Institute at a salary of $120 per year.

- Mr. W. Richey is suffering from a sprained knee.  With a day’s quiet he hopes to be around again.

- John Cullen, who has been considered insane for some time was taken to the Kingston Asylum last week.

- Mr. Jas. D. Robertson, of Almonte, has purchased from Mr. John Steele, Ramsay, five Durham grade steers which tipped the beam at 7,400 pounds - an average of 1,480 each.  They are pronounced the best lot of steers ever seen in Almonte.

Merrickville

- Dr. Erratt has put up a very snug little frame office on the old Holden estate and is about to open up a practice here.  We understand that the Dr. is going to take a partner into business with him shortly, and we trust that the partnership may have a long life and a happy one.

May 26 1887    The Record News

- Chief Vrooman has a new uniform and looks every inch a policeman in it.

- A young man by the name of Robertson is missing from Arnprior and foul play is suspected.

- Mr. H. Chalmers, who is engaged in the egg business, bought and shipped 3,871 dozens of eggs last week.

- Dr. Easten of Easton’s Corners, we understand, will locate in Smiths Falls.  A good reputation has proceeded him.

-Word has been received of the death at Detroit, Michigan, of Mr. Wellington Landon, a former well known resident of Brockville.

- A hundred yard foot race for $5 between R. Montgomery and W. Brown took place this evening.  Montgomery gave Brown 5 yards start and beat him by two yards.

- Mr. Herbert Allan, the popular young contractor and builder of the firm of Ryan and Allan, was married to Miss Jessie Scott, on Tuesday at Brockville.  We extend congratulations to the happy pair.

- Mr. R. Ballantyne of Lowell Hill, California was home for a few days visit, returning last week.  He is engaged in mining out there and brought home valuable specimens of gold which he had obtained from his own claim.  He had not been home before for fifteen years.

- We regret to chronicle this week the death of another old and respected pioneer, Mr. Wm. O’Mara, of South Elmsley.  The deceased gentleman was the father of Mr. E. O’Mara, of Lombardy, and was very much respected by the entire community.  He was spared to a good old age, most of which time was spent in South Elmsley.

- Peter Eastman was crossing from Allan’s Point to Dickson’s near Carleton Place, on Thursday, when he fell asleep in his boat.  He dreamed he was home, and that one of his children was falling out of bed and in springing to catch it, threw himself out of the boat and into the lake.  He was more then an hour in the water before his cries attracted help.

- Mr. James Shilson, foreman in Messrs. Caldwell’s Mills, Carleton Place had a narrow escape from a terrible death last Saturday.  The ‘Central Canadian’ says that a wheel which drives a gate by friction became disordered and Mr. Shilson took a man and went up to see about it.  The crank pin was nearly upright and he calculated that when they should pry the wheel lose it would revolve in the normal way but instead of this it swung around in the opposite direction with murderous force.  Mr. Shilson had a two inch bar between the spokes, and the moment they moved this bar struck Mr. Shilson on the left arm and pounded him against the wall.  It flew up to his shoulder and pinioned him to the wall at the neck and there it’s end was caught.  Mr. Shilson knew that the men, seeing the wheel unbound, would start up the gates, and it would be instant death to him.  His head was practically in an iron noose, but with super human energy he pulled it down out of the vice regardless of the pain and peril to his cheek bones and ears, and had scarcely stepped away when the gates started up with their mighty power.  There was an indentation two inches deep in Mr. Shilson’s left arm and an indentation in the two inch plank struck by his right shoulder.

Births

- In Smiths Falls, May 24^th, the wife of E. Wheatcraft, of a daughter.

-In Montague, on Thursday, May 19^th, the wife of E. McDermott of a daughter.

- At Smiths Falls on Thursday May 26^th, the wife of Wm. Peebles of a son.

Married

- At the residence of the bride’s father, by Rev. D. Brill, Mr. James A. Weekes, of Lombardy, to Miss Hannah Gallagher, of North Burgess, Rideau Lake.

- On Tuesday May 24^th at the Methodist Parsonage Brockville, by the Rev. G. Allan, Mr. Herbert Allan, of Ryan and Allan, contractors, to Miss Jessie Scott daughter of Robert Scott Esq., both of Smiths Falls.

Died

- At Lombardy, on Monday May 23^rd, Wm. O’Mara, aged 93 years.

June 2 1887      The Record News

- Mr. and Mrs. F. T. Frost are in Madrid, N. Y. on a short visit.

- Captain Foster has commenced the erection of another stone house on his wharf.

- Rev. Principal Grant laid the corner stone of a new Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place today.

- A son of the late Jas. O’Reilly of Kingston has succeeded to the law practice of the late M. E. O’Brien in Prescott.

- The Reverend F. L. Stephenson, of Almonte, is arranging for an excursion to Ogdensburg on 4^th July, in connection with his church.

- Rev. Joshua Denovan, the first pastor of the Baptist Church in Smiths Falls, has published a book under the title “Was Moses Wrong?”

- Rev. T. G. Brown, of Carleton Place, has been appointed to the pastorate of the George St. Methodist Church, Brockville.  The present incumbent, Rev. R. Wilson will remove to Kingston.

- Mr. W. A. Webster, formerly of Lansdowne in the employ of the Dominion government is now in Dakota, investigating the cause which led to so many settlers going to that state from Manitoba.

- On Monday, while working on the roof of J. M. Clark’s drive house, Mr. Miskelly, tinsmith, fell off backwards to the ground a distance of fifteen feet.  It was thought at first that he was seriously injured as he lay for a few minutes unconscious, but he soon revived and is not much the worse for his fall.

- The Rideau Lacrosse team have sent a challenge to the Renfrew club to play a match there for the district championship.  The team will be selected from the following members of the club: - J. A. Simpson, R. Snow, W. McKay, D. McKay, B. Robinson, M. Timmons, M. Redmond, E. O. Sullivan, E. O. Sliter, F. Chalmers, H. Lofford, J. Shannon, C. Bennett, D. Robinson, J. Dods, E. McCann, P. Bonner.  The team expect to have a match here with the Junior Ottawa’s on the 10^th of June.

- Nineteen little boys and girls in charge of Mrs. O’Reilly and Mrs. Balf, of Lombardy, arrived in town last Friday morning from Kingston, where they had come the day previous from Liverpool.  Ten of them were to go to Merrickville in care of Rev. Father Kelly, where homes had been provided for them and the rest were given out around here.  Mrs. O’Reilly took a girl as also did Mrs. Balf.  James Foster, Montague, took a boy, James Shank, Kitley, a girl; T. Baxter, town, a girl; Mrs. Banville and Mrs. L. Greene, South Elmsley, a girl each; M. O’Mara and James Hughes, Lombardy, a boy each.

Easton’s Corners

- We are very sorry to learn that Mr. Watts Jr. is very ill, but is not now considered to be in very serious danger and it is hoped we will soon see him at his accustomed work.

- Mr. Jeptha Fulford of Brockville who is taking a course in arts at Queen’s College, Kingston, spent a part of his holidays at his grandfather’s, Mr. J. C. Davies, last week.

- One of the oldest pioneers of this section of the country passed away on Monday last in the person of Mr. John Empey.  The funeral took place here on Wednesday and was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Osborne of the Church of England.

Births

- Montgomery - at Smiths Falls, on Sunday May 29^th, the wife of Robert Montgomery, of a daughter.

- Condie - at Roseville, on Monday May 30^th, the wife of Alex. Condie, of a daughter.

- Nesbitt - at Smiths Falls, on Tuesday May 31^st, the wife of Rev. A. C. Nesbitt, of a daughter.

June 9 1887     The Record News

- A valuable horse belonging to Mr. Orton was killed on the C.P.R. track at Bellamy’s last Saturday.

- Dr. Grant, Sen., of Ottawa is attending Mr. Campbell, MP, of South Renfrew, who is reported seriously ill at his home at Eganville.

- Dr. Moffatt has been seriously ill for the past few days, but is now fast recovering.  His mother, Mrs. Galletly, has been here during his illness.

- The death is announced of Mrs. John Summer of Carleton Place, wife of John Summer, Esq., traveling immigration agent of the Dominion.

- Mr. A. H. Weagent, L. D. S., who was summoned to his home at Archer, Ontario, on Sunday to attend his father’s funeral, returned last evening.

- On Wednesday 1^st inst., one of our businessmen Mr. D. Miskelly was united in matrimony with Miss Begley, a young lady held in high esteem in Smiths Falls where she is widely known.  The ceremony was performed at the parsonage, Jasper, by Rev. Mr. Orser and after spending a short time among friends, the newly married couple returned to Mr. Miskelly’s home in town.

- Hr. Hugh Bolton died at his home in South Elmsley on Monday 6^th inst., after a brief illness of eleven days.  The deceased we have been informed, was engaged in plowing on the 24^th of May and was caught out in one of the showers of that day, from the effects of which he was prostrated with inflammation of the lungs which resulted fatally on Monday.  His remains were followed to the English Church Cemetery yesterday by a large number of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, the funeral procession being one of the largest ever seen.

- On Monday evening the 6^th inst. Rev. Mr. McCann of the Methodist Church united in marital bonds Mr. P. H. Stitt of Watkins and Stitt with Miss. Smith, daughter of James Smith Esq.  The pleasing ceremony was performed at the bride’s home in presence of a small company of relatives and friends.  Mr. D. McKay acted as groomsman while Miss. Sweeny supported the bride.  After receiving the congratulations of friends and partaking of the wedding repast, the young couple left for a short bridal trip accompanied by the best wishes of all.  The bride received many useful and valuable presents.

- One of those pleasing events which always causes a decided ripple in society circle took place this evening when Miss. Garrett, daughter of Captain Garrett, was united in marriage with Mr. G. A. McCrea, hardware merchant and lumber dealer of Drayton Dakota.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. McCann assisted by Rev. R. Wilson of Brockville, in the Methodist Church here which was crowded to the doors with the friends of the bride’s.  Miss Garrett walked into the church at the main entrance and up the long aisle leaning on the arm of her father, Captain Garrett who gave her away.  They were joined at the alter, which had been beautifully decorated, by the bridesmaids, Miss. Abbott of Ottawa and Miss. Minnie Garrett sister of the bride, and by the groom, accompanied by the groomsmen Messrs. J. McCrea, of Keene, Ontario, cousin of the groom and E. Wood of Ottawa.  The officiating clergymen then read the beautiful and impressive marriage ceremony by which the waiting couple were made one. The bride wore cream satin with orange blossoms, and the only reason why the bells did not ring forth their merriest chimes over one so fair was because there were no bells to ring.  After the ceremony a few invited friends repaired, with the newly wedded couple, to the bride’s home where a sumptuous wedding supper had been prepared.  At 10:50 Mr. and Mrs. McCrea left for a tour to New York and other American cities.  Both the young couple are well and favorably known in town.  Mr. McCrea having at one time lived here where he has many friends, Miss Garrett enjoyed the friendship and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances among whom she was a favorite, and as such has the heartiest wishes of all for her future happiness.  She is a member of the Methodist Church, and a Sunday School teacher and as a slight token of the esteem in which her fellow-teachers held her, they presented her on the eve of her marriage with a beautifully framed photograph of all the teachers in a group, together with a handsome bible, and a brass whisk-holder and napkin ring from her class.  The bride was also the recipient of numerous costly and useful presents from her many friends.

- One of the saddest accidents it has been our duty to chronicle occurred at the home of Mr. Richard Couch, North Elmsley last Friday afternoon.  Mr. Couch has been engaged in building a barn this spring, and on the day mentioned went up himself on the scaffold where his three sons were busy shingling the roof.  Two of his sons, Richard and George, left their work and went along the scaffolding to where their father stood to talk with him about the work.  It is generally supposed that the heat of the last few weeks had drawn the nails somewhat from their fastenings and the weight of the three in one place was too great for the supports of the scaffold which gave way beneath them dashing the father and two sons to the ground beneath, a distance of about sixteen feet.  The part of the platform on which the other son was standing remained in it’s place leaving him to watch in helplessness his father and brothers going down amid the wreck of a part of the scaffold.  After falling to the ground where they lay scattered about among the boards and things, a ladder fell among them striking Mr. Couch, cutting his head, which, together with the fall left him unconscious for some hours.  The sufferers were carried into the house, and a messenger dispatched for Dr. McCallum who on arrival found Mr. Couch unconscious, George with a broken thigh and Richard suffering from internal injuries and a hurt in the back.  He relieved the suffering of each as much and as soon as possible and at latest accounts, all are doing well.

Frankville

- Mr. William Johnston of Lake Loyada is very ill of hemorrhage of the lungs.

- Mr. William Hanton is busy putting the finishing touches to his new house in the village.  He will shortly take up his residence there.

- Messrs. R. Richards and W. Edgers have become joint owners of one of the finest, most stylish-looking gray teams in the country.  Value $400.

- A few days ago our cheese maker, Mr. Herman Nichols, while tending the machine for cutting curd, cut his thumb so severely that it is feared he will lose the upper portion of that useful member.

- Miss Lena Mulvaugh, daughter of Wm. Mulvaugh was united in marriage with Mr. Charles Brigginshaw of Toledo on Wednesday June 1^st.  After the ceremony the happy couple left on their wedding trip to Montreal.  We extend our best wishes.

Births

- Wild - At Smiths Falls, on Friday 3^rd inst., the wife of George Wild, of a daughter.

-Mero - At Smiths Falls on Monday 6^th inst., the wife of James Mero, of a daughter.

Married

- Miskelly-Begley - At the parsonage, Jasper, on Wednesday 1^st inst., by Rev. Mr. Orser, Mr. D. Miskelly, of the firm of Miskelly and Begley, Miss Begley, sister of the groom’s partner.

- Stitt-Smith - At the residence of the bride’s father, Smiths Falls, on Monday evening 6^th inst., at 8 o’clock by Rev. A. McCann, Mr. P. H. Stitt to Miss Smith, daughter of James Smith, Esq.

- McCrea-Garrett - At the Methodist Church, Smiths Falls, on Thursday evening, 9^th inst., by Rev. A. McCann, pastor, assisted by Rev. R. Wilson of Brockville, Mr. G. A. McCrea, hardware and lumber merchant, Drayton, Dakota, to Miss Garrett, daughter of Capt. Garrett, of Smiths Falls.

Died

- Empey - At Wolford, on May 31^st, John Empey, aged 73 years and two months, a native of Queen’s County, Ireland.

- Bolton - In South Elmsley, on Monday June 6^th, Hugh Bolton, aged 48 years.

- Weagant - At his later residence, Archer, Ontario, on Sunday 5^th inst., Samuel P. Weagant in the 81^st year of his age.  Deceased was the son of the late Rev. J. G. Weagant, M. A., rector of Williamsburg and father of A. H. Weagant, L. D. S., Smiths Falls.

June 16 1887     The Record News

- Dr. Moffatt has recovered from his illness and has gone for a few days rest to his old home at Peterboro.

- Mr. Wm. Sweeney has the excavation for his new block nearly done.  This block and Mr. Mill’s block on the corner will make a great improvement to the upper part of Beckwith Street.

- The monument erected to the memory of the late Mr. Kipper, who lost his life in the rebellion of the North-West, has been placed in position in the Elmwood Cemetery at Perth.  The Expositor says it presents a fine appearance.

- A fatality occurred at Renfrew Thursday evening.  The firemen were out for a practice, and on the return of the engine to it’s house some boys caught the ropes and ran with the men.  One Lossett, stumbling, fell and the engine ran over him so that he died.

- Two of Smiths Falls’ ambitious and enterprising young men, Messrs. Warwick and Splane, have bought the jewelry business of R. J. E. Scott of Carleton Place and will take possession immediately.  They are both young men of push and energy and both have large business experience.  Use them well Carleton Place for they are both worthy.

- Weddings are quite the order of the day in Smiths Falls just now.  This week we have much pleasure in recording the marriage of Miss. Annie Ferguson of this place, and Mr. Samuel Wilson of Winnipeg, which took place on Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock.  The ceremony was performed in St. John’s Church by the Rev. A. C. Nesbitt, Rural Dean, in the presence of a few friends and relatives, after which the party repaired to the residence of Mrs. Griffith, aunt of the bride, and partook of a bountiful wedding repast.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilson left on the 4 pm train to Ottawa and other places before leaving for their Western home.  We extend congratulations.

- Mr. Leamy, a contractor on the C.P.R. had a very narrow escape from death on Friday last.  He was riding along the track on a hand-car down about Roseville, sitting on the floor of the car with his feet hanging over.  One of his feet caught in a crossing and in order to extricate it and prevent himself from being drawn off he threw himself back on the car.  The heavy pumper that helps to propel the car struck him on the edge of the shoulder and grazed down his side, doing him serious injury.  He was brought to the McLaren House here and attended by Dr. McCallum under whose treatment he recovered in a few days.  It is said that if he had been a few inches further in where the pumper would have struck him fair on the top of the shoulder he would have been crushed.

- The evidence in the divorce case in which Dr. W. A. Lavell seeks relief from his marriage to Ada Mary Caton, now Mrs. Fralick, has been printed and circulated, as is the custom, for the private information of members.  The case is a most extraordinary one.  It appears that the parties were married under assumed names at Hamilton and parted immediately, and that later on, Miss. Caton became acquainted with Mr. Fralick and married him.  Dr. Lavell is advised that his marriage with Miss. Caton is valid.  He therefore wishes a divorce in order that he may be free to contract a marriage without incurring the risk of committing bigamy.  The first witness called was Rev. R. B. Sutherland, rector of St. Marks, Hamilton.  He said Dr. Lavell and Miss. Caton came to be married by him on September 29, 1882 and thus described themselves.  He was Arthur Vane aged 22, a physician of Rochester, a Methodist; she was Maria Herbert, aged 20, an Anglican and a resident of Detroit.  His parent’s names were Michael and Betsy Vane; her’s Allen and Mary Herbert.  The couple were married by license.  Asked if there was anything remarkable about the marriage, Mr. Sutherland replied: “Nothing, I was particularly struck with the grace and the eloquence of the bride, and I thought they were a happy couple.”  Dr. Lavell, the petitioner, next appeared, and said he was now a resident of Smiths Falls.  In 1882 he was residing at Merrickville.  At that time he had known Miss. Caton for eight years and was engaged to her.  He met her at Milton on the day before the ceremony and on the next day he went with her to Hamilton, where the two were married under the names already given. Both at once returned to Milton, the lady to stay with her Uncle.  He accompanied her afterwards to Newburg where her father lived.  He did not see her again, until November.  Subsequently she talked of marrying someone else, but he objected on the ground that she was his wife.  He was afterwards informed she intended to marry W. G. Fralick, of Napanee.  He saw Fralick and told him of the marriage.  Afterwards he saw Miss. Caton and was shown by her a letter signed by Alexander Campbell, and said by her to have been written by Sir Alexander Campbell giving his opinion that the Hamilton marriage was not valid.  On the afternoon of the day Fralick was to be married, Fralick arranged an interview with him, at which he stated that he had the opinion of Mr. Bethune, that the marriage was legal, and that he therefore would not marry Miss. Caton.  At this the petitioner proceeded to Newburg, intending to explain matters to Miss. Caton’s father and have a second marriage if necessary.  He could neither see the father nor Miss. Caton.  The next morning he learned that Fralick and Miss. Caton had been married during the night and had gone West.

Senator Sanford put this question to the witness: - Why did you not make her your wife at once?  If you loved her well enough to marry her why did you not take her as your wife?

Lavell replied: - You ask a question I cannot answer.  I cannot realize now what my object was specially.

Q. You were engaged to her?

A. Yes

Q. You loved the girl and desired to make her your wife?

A. Yes

Q. What was your object in acting as you did?

A. That is what I would like to know.  I do not know.

Q. Did she object?

A. No

Q. But you objected to take her as your wife.

A. I was not in a position to marry at that time.  If I had been financially in a position to support her as my wife we would have lived together.

Q. Can you offer, asked Senator Gowan, any explanation or excuse for your conduct?

A. I cannot offer any explanation or excuse. The only excuse I can offer for the change of name is the fact that I did not consider this a marriage between two names. I considered it a marriage between two persons.

Rev. Mr. Briden, of Beaverton, testified that he married Miss. Caton and W. E. Fralick at the residence of Miss. Caton’s father, Newburg, on February 15, following the marriage at Hamilton.  The marriage took place at two in the morning.  It was to have taken place earlier, but was postponed to that hour owing to the non-arrival of the bridegroom, who, when he put in an appearance, explained that important business had detained him.  The Senate has yet to adjudicate upon the case.

The question at issue in the Senate was whether under the existing circumstances, it would be right to brand the lady as guilty of adultery, as was legally the nominal ground for the application for divorce.  Many Senators argued in the affirmative, while others were equally decisive in their arguments in the negative.  The bill was finally altered so as not to prefer the charge of adultery against the respondent at the same time to grant Dr. Lavell a release.

Births

- Hunter - In Smiths Falls, on Monday 13^th inst., the wife of Wm. Hunter, of a son.

Married

- In the English Church, Smiths Falls, on the 15^th inst., by Rev. A. C. Nesbitt, Rector, Mr. Samuel Wilson, of the C.P.R., Rat Portage, son of Mr. Wm. Wilson of Carleton Place, to Miss. Annie Ferguson, of Smiths Falls.

Died

- Dodds - In South Elmsley on Tuesday 14^th inst., Miss Dodds, daughter of Wm. Dodds Esq., aged 22 years.

More to come - Stand by.                             Back to Section One                                          Posted: 5 June, 2002.

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