Perth Courier

Perth Courier - Comings and Goings

supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.

  [email protected]


Perth Courier, July 6, 1894

The social given by the Ladies Association of St. Andrew’s Church on the grounds of Mr. James W. Blair, 4th Concession Bathurst on Friday evening last drew together a large gathering of people both from the town and country and of all denominations.  “Maplehurst”, the delightful residence of Mr. Blair, is situated about seven miles from town and the drive in the warm afternoon and evening through the fine country and luxurious growing crops was quite a treat for those who are cornered up in their offices or houses nearly every day of the year.  The green lawns of “Maplehurst” with its close shorn grass, its trees, vines and pleasant surroundings were hung with an array of Chinese lanterns and here and there tables and stands for the sale of choice food and drink provided by the ladies.  The social continued from 6:00 until after 10:00, the company having been tempted to stay till the last moment by the many attractions offered them—the beautiful weather, the band music, the social nature of the gathering and above all the extreme hospitality of Mr. Blair and family, all of whom aided to make the festival the success it was.  The ice cream, strawberries, cakes, candies and summer beverages were exceptionally nice and the young lady waiters were kept busy till the time for retiring came on much too soon for the young people.  The Harmonic Band furnished excellent music.  The proceeds were $60.  The ladies have good reason to thank Mr. and Mrs. Blair and family for throwing open to them their grounds and for the liberality in furnishing supplies.

Master E. S. Senkler, son of Judge Senkler of this town, completed his school courses at Port Hope Trinity College coming out second in general proficiency at the exam.

On Wednesday of last week a ruffian giving his name as Richard Lawson from Cornwall was brought to town securely handcuffed and lodged in gaol charged with attempting to commit rape upon a girl 15 years of age named Ella Wilson, daughter of John Wilson of Ramsay.  The prisoner is rough looking, a tramp, and meeting the girl on a lonely road near Almonte attempted the villainous assault.  The girl resisted successfully and got away.  She was finally rescued by Chauncey Bellamy.  The father and friends made a hunt after the tramp and captured him the same day.

The graduates at the late exams of the Normal School, Ottawa from this vicinity are Miss Hester A. Poole, Perth; Misses Lizzie V. Campbell, Loran A. Rose (Ross?) and Minnie Washburn of Smith’s Falls; and Jas. McGuire of Westport.

Edward Dockwell, Ramsay, familiarly called “Dummy” Dockwell, died on Saturday last aged 76.  We understand he had a troublesome corn on one of his feet and about a month ago applied a drug to kill it.  Blood disorder ensued which resulted in his death.  Gazette

Perth Courier, July 13, 1894

Mrs. A. B. Campbell, Kingston, and Mrs. W. J. McAdam of Keewatin, Ontario, are visiting at their parents Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Kippen.

Within the past year, five people have died in this vicinity whose ages aggregated 471 years.  They were Mrs. Robertson, 96, Mrs. (Capt.) McMillan, 92, Mrs. James McCallum, 92, Donald McCallum (Drummond, near town), 96 and Alexander Kippen, 95.  All these people were natives of Scotland.  Few places in Canada can boast this record.

D. A. Ferguson, postmaster, Smith’s Falls, received word on Saturday that his brother John is dangerously ill in Manitoba(?) and he at once set out for the Northwest to look after him.

Among the successful candidates at the recent exams held at the Military College at Kingston we are pleased to see the name of Clyde Caldwell, eldest son of Mr. W.C. Caldwell.  He stands second in the order of merit in third class.

Perth Courier, July 20, 1894

George Larivee, an old Perth typo man and now in the employ of Montreal Lithographing Company, was in town on Wednesday at the funeral of his nephew George Arkison.

Mrs. Julius B. Carnochan of Montreal with two of her children and Mrs. Richard Gilday of Toronto, are visiting the parents of the ladies Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Campbell at Rideau Ferry.  Mrs. Elizabeth C. Grieg of Almonte, daughter of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell is also spending a few days at the Ferry with her sisters Mrs. Henry Smith and Mrs. John Coutts.

Mr. and Mrs. McLaurin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania are visiting friends in the Oliver’s Ferry section.  Mr. McLaurin is looking up his old friends of 25 years back and they are extremely glad to see him and to find he is keeping is youth so well.  Mr. McLaurin will be remembered by old Courier subscribers as he was local editor in 1867 and 1868 and a pretty lively one too.  He is now of the firm publishing the Harrisburg Weekly Telegram, a paper of large circulation in the state of Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.  He and Mrs. McLaurin left for Toronto and home yesterday.

John Crane, a young farmer in the vicinity of Burnstown, who was accidentally shot in a drunken fight by two young men near Calabogie over ten years ago, had the ball removed a few days ago by Dr. M--- of Renfrew.  The ball was not far from the surface of his back having gone almost through his body. At the time he was an innocent on looker of the affair.  The ball had been troubling him somewhat lately.

Watson’s Corners:  Mrs. James Barrie presented her husband with a young daughter on Sunday, 1st June.

The death recorded of Mrs. Patrick Sullivan in the last issue was not the Mrs. Patrick Sullivan of this town but another one of the same name in the County of Renfrew.  The maiden name of both was Davidson which led to the confusion of the two in the minds of the latter’s acquaintances.

Perth Courier, July 27, 1894

John Ferguson, brother of Duncan A. Ferguson, postmaster, Smith’s Falls, died at his home in Manitou, Manitoba on Tuesday.  He leaves a widow and a son and three daughters.

John Wilson of the Hicks House, is establishing a system of water works for his hotel.  A windmill is to be placed at the ruin at Code’s factory which will pump water through a one and one quarter inch pipe to a reservoir in the hotel.  It is proposed to run the pipe in the town drain from the river to Roderick Matheson’s corner and dig a drain for the pipe from there to the hotel.  It is quite a big endeavor but will be a complete system of water supply.

Perth Courier, August 3, 1895

100 Years to Come

Where, where will be the birds that sing

A hundred years to come?

The flowers that now in beauty spring

A hundred years to come?

The rosy lips, the lofty brow,

The heart that beats so gaily now

Oh! Where will be love’s beaming eye

Joy’s pleasant smiles and sorrow’s sighs

A hundred years to come?

Who’ll press the gold yon crowded street

A hundred years to come?

Who’ll tread this church with willing feet

A hundred years to come?

Pale, trembling age and fiery youth

And childhood with its heart of truth

The rich, the poor on land and sea

Where will the mighty millions be

A hundred years to come?

We all within our graves shall sleep

A hundred years to come!

No living soul for you will weep

A hundred years to come!

But other men our lands will till

And others then our streets will fill

While other birds will sing as gay

And bright the sunshine as today

A hundred years to come.

James Lamond returned from his trip to Scotland on Monday and is now looking for the broken thread to take up the old order of things once more.  He is as hale and hearty as ever, haler and heartier if you will, and is as brown as a berry.  His visit to his native heather seems to have renewed his youth and he is as sprightly and cheery as a five year old.  He came over on the Numidian leaving Liverpool on the morning of the 6th inst., and reaching Montreal on Sunday, the 16th.  The passage was a very smooth one and would have been made in less time than it was but for icebergs which were encountered off Newfoundland on Friday.  They were very thick about the ship and Mr. Lamond says “Some of them were whalers”.  He counted 150 floating about the ship in one field.  They had to lay at night altogether and during the day they could not make much headway until they had got away from them.  There were 250 passengers on board and he said they had a good time pitching pennies, tossing the ring, curling, playing quoits, etc.  While he was gone he visited a good many places in Scotland and walked in on some old friends everywhere much to their surprise.  He says he had a great time telling them about Canada.  He visited the house where he was born in Paisley and the magnificent Baptist Church there built by the Coates of the thread fame.  He went all over the Duke of Hamilton’s estate and many other places of interest, Greenock, Glasgow, and other places.  Smith’s Falls Record, 19th July

For Sale:  50 acres valuable land 3rd Line Bathurst, within two miles of Perth and one mile from the Manion post office being the East ½ of the West ½ Lot 26, 3rd Concession.  There is a good house, barn, shed, stable on the premises and good water.  Richard Hogan.

Hopetown—Mrs. Thomas Stewart who was sick is getting better.

Hopetown—Mrs. Robert Love who was visiting her mother Mrs. J. McIlraith has gone to her home in Appleton.

The farmers of a part of Drummond and North Elmsley will have a great reason to remember the hail storm of the 25th ult., for it took away in a brief half hour almost the whole of their crop doing damage to the extent of many thousands of dollars.  The storm came from Mississippi Lake but did not develop in full strength until some distance from there.  It first showed it destructive character when it reached the farms of Messrs. John Morris and his neighbor Mr. Tetlock when the rain, now partly converted to hail came down in torrents.  Sheets of rain and fusillades of hail moved eastward towards Elmsley stopping for half an hour at each point battering down all standing crops, pounding the grain to the ground as if a heavy roller had passed over the crops several times.  The corn was stripped so that only the stalks remained; the potato vines were chopped off and are now only a decaying, foul smelling mass; fruit trees had their branches broken and the fruit smashed into pulp on the ground; vegetable gardens are ruined and all the windows on the storm side of the houses were smashed.  Hail stones were found piled up the next morning at 8:00—12 hours later—anywhere from two to twelve inches deep and some masses of hail melted and frozen together were picked up as large as a man’s two hands.  Some farmers will lose $500 worth of crops and the loss of all within the heavy stroke of the storm will average that.  The swath cut by the hail was about two miles in width and eight or nine miles long, its career being stopped in this county by crossing the Rideau Lake.  Among the worse sufferers are Messrs. Reuben Steadman, Thomas Hands, David Anderson, Robert and James Huddleston, James Woods, Henry Anderson, Duncan McEwen, Michael McKlan, John McTavish, Thomas James, David Armstrong and so many, a very long list.  What makes it more aggravating is that the sufferers never in their recall had a heavier crop in everything that was destroyed.

On Monday morning last a distressing accident took place at the home of James Freeman, 9th Line Bathurst.  His youngest daughter Mary, 16, was in the hay mow at the barn and in jumping or sliding out of the opening to the ground below her body fell on the handle of a fork that was sticking in the ground, which penetrated her abdomen for some distance.   The violence of the shock and the serious nature of the wound caused inflammation to set in.  Dr. Kellock was sent for immediately who did all that medical aid could do for the sufferer until Wednesday afternoon when death came to relieve her sufferings.  Mary was a very bright and intelligent girl and was a great favorite with a wide circle of her acquaintances whose heart felt sympathy will go out to the bereaved parents, brothers and sister of the deceased.

Perth Courier, August 10, 1894

Dalhousie Lake:  Camping season has come and with it those who wish to escape for a few weeks from the busy city and town to enjoy the pleasures of the lake.  Dalhousie Lake is fast becoming a popular summer resort on account of its fine camping grounds and beautiful scenery.  The fishing grounds are inexhaustible and never are anglers disappointed when out on a day’s fishing.  Some large pike and fine bass have been caught by campers.  Mr. Erwin, of Kingston, spent several days at the camp with his family last week.  Miss Mamie Erwin has returned to Kingston after a week visiting at the lake.  Jas. McFarlane has returned to Lanark for a few days.  Mr. and Mrs. John Drysdale and Miss Lizzie Drysdale of Lanark spent a few days here last week with some friends.  On Wednesday last several families arrived at the lake to spend a few weeks.  Mr. and Mrs. T.R. White of Almonte and Miss Drysdale of Lanark arrived at the lake on Monday having a few days to spend.  Miss Lizzie Erwin has returned to Renfrew after a few weeks visit to the camps.  Thomas Costello has returned to Lanark.  The rivermen who were camped here for a few weeks pulled up stakes and removed to Playfair.  All the logs are through the lake and the fishing grounds are more extensive and better.  The “drivers” will be missed at the dances in the evening on the green.  The hospitality of Mr. Geddes and family has won for them a place in the hearts of the campers.

Robert Drysdale of Renfrew who spent some weeks at the General Hospital at Kingston and where as before mentioned a portion of his tongue was removed, lately found that the diseased growth was troubling him again.  By advise, he went to the Protestant Hospital at Ottawa as nearer, for consultation; but after a week’s stay there the medical authorities declined to make any further operation; and Mr. Drysdale returned home on Monday.  Mercury

Watson’s Corner—A sixteen month old baby of David W. Forbes was accidentally killed week before last by a wagon passing over its head.

Watson’s Corner:  Mrs. James McQuat presented her husband with a ten pound son last week.

North Sherbrooke:  Duncan Crawford who has been ill for some time from inflammation, is still very low.

Speculation is rife in Renfrew as to the motive of J.R. Booth in acquiring the Moffatt property in that town.  Although there were doubts at first in regard to the purchase having been effected it is generally believed now that the transfer has taken place and that the price involved is $35,000.  As to what Mr. Booth intends to do with the property is not known.  It is a good site for a mill and for this reason some say that Mr. Booth contemplates erecting a saw mill there while others think that it has been acquired for railway purposes, it being the intention of Mr. Booth to extend the O.A.&P.S. to that town in the near future.

Perth Courier, August 17, 1894

Harper:  Since you last heard from us, Mr. Editor, the funeral of one of our most estimable young ladies passed through here.  The deceased was Miss Mary E.(?) Freeman, who was buried on the 3rd August.  A very large number attended the funeral.

Boyd’s Settlement:  Mrs. Richard Code of western Ontario, who has been here attending the demise of her brother Albert Code, left here last week after visiting friends here.  Mrs. Albert Code went with her.  She will probably return again before she leaves us finally.

Mrs. Hugh Hamill of North Burgess is visiting her father Robert Lochead and her uncle John Robertson.

Miss Mena Croskery is spending a few weeks with her sister Mrs. F. Weager(?) Wenger(?) of Calumet, Quebec.

Mrs. Edward Hudson, with her daughter, of Chicago, is now visiting her mother Mrs. Edward Tovey of Drummond.

Patrick Ryan of Toronto, son of Hugh Ryan of that city, intends coming to Perth to reside and the old homestead here is being got ready for him and his wife.  We are glad to see that this fine old residence will be again occupied.

The Smith’s Falls Echo on Tuesday, 14th August says:  Phil Kennedy, brother of Edward Kennedy of this place (formerly of Perth) went to California forty years ago.  He was a millwright by trade and built mills in various parts until about 18 years ago when a fall from a scaffold incapacitated him from any further laborious work.  A short time ago he took a sudden notion to come east and see his friends and started without giving them any notice.  He walked into Mr. Kennedy’s store yesterday and after some common places revealed himself.  The surprise and delight of Mr. E. Kennedy and Mrs. Sutherland may be imagined.”

Perth Courier, Aug. 24, 1894

Mrs. A Joynt of N. Augusta is visiting her aunt Mrs. Coghlan this week.

Robert Publow of Gladwin, Michigan son of Francis Publow of Harper has been visiting his parents for the past four weeks.  He returned home yesterday.

D.F. Armstrong of Kingston, at one time in business here, rode down on his wheels the other day and is with his uncle H.S. Snyder of Port Elmsley.

Through a cablegram to Rev. A. H. Scott from Shang-hai, the sad news has come of the death of his sister.  Miss Scott’s letters from China have appeared from time to time in the Courier.  The last word from her by letter received a few days ago was of the most encouraging kind.  Nothing but the bare announcement of her death has come over the wires.  Further tidings will be waited for with impatience.

On the 15th August, William McDonough, Jr., son of William McDonough of this town, was ordained a priest by his grace Archbishop Cleary, assisted by Rev. Archdeacon Kelly and the Cathedral clergy.  Rev. Father McDonough will enter the palace at once and will remain until sent to a parish.

The Darling Presbyterians will hold a picnic in Mrs. John Langstaff’s grove in Tatlock on Thursday next 30th Aug.  The ladies are preparing an abundance of choice refreshments and a number of prominent gentlemen including the clergy will deliver addresses.  Mr. McIntyre will perform a selection on the bagpipes.  This will be the best picnic of the season.

Perth Courier, Aug. 31, 1894

P.J. MacIntyre, nephew of the late Robert MacIntyre, ex-M.P. for Renfrew, and well known in Perth is making a short stay with his relatives John MacIntyre, 8th Line Bathurst.  Mr. MacIntyre lives at Porobello, Scotland, and is now traveling in Canada in order to see the country.  He sailed from Glasgow on the 25th July and landed in Quebec on the 4th August.  He has been to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Ridgetown and will no doubt take in many of the principal points of interest in Ontario before returning to Scotland.

William Drennan of East Saginaw, Michigan is in town with his brother Michael Drennan and is surveying the scene of his boyhood.  Mr. Drennan has been in East Saginaw for about twenty years but has never lost his affection for good old Perth which he visits regularly.  Through his long residence in Michigan he has taken the Courier and has in that way pretty well kept up with all passing events around here.

Mrs. Neil Campbell of Windsor, Ontario daughter of the late Col. Taylor, has been visiting her daughter Mrs. Robert Walker for the past few weeks after an absence of 23 years from this her native town.  She returns to Windsor this week.

Mrs. A.M. Greig of Almonte is in town visiting her mother Mrs. C. Neilson.

Mrs. C.W. Wright of Kingston is in town at her father’s George Devlin.

Miss Kate Forrest has returned to Maberly accompanied by her cousin Miss Annie Forrest of West Huntley.  Miss Kate Forrest resumes her professional duties while Miss Annie Forrest intends visiting their for a short time.

Mrs. Col. Jas. Lamont of Fargo, North Dakota is in town for a month visiting wither father Charles Rice.  Mrs. Lamont is at present engaged in writing a novel for which work the quiet home of her father is better adapted then in the busy and rushing northwest city of Fargo.

A telegram message came from the Ferry on Wednesday morning stating that James Allan, son of Alexander Allan, hardware merchant of Smith’s Falls, drowned the night before in the Rideau Lake near Portland.  Mrs. Allan and some of the family are occupying their summer residence about three miles from Portland.  James went over tot the village in his canoe Tuesday afternoon, remaining there during the evening.  About 10:30 he started for the cottage in the face of a strong headwind which was blowing towards the shore.  The night was dark and the atmosphere was filled with smoke.  He did not reach his destination and his mother and other members of the family spent a night of terrible anxiety as the lake was quite rough.  In the morning, search was made and the up turned canoe was found floating on the water near the shore.  Further search was made for the body and at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday it was discovered about sixty feet from where the boat was found.  From this, it was surmised that the deceased, after being capsized, clung to the boat until he became exhausted.  The unfortunate boy must have struggled for his life in this terrible position most of the night for the canoe was driven only about sixty feet by a strong wind from where the body was found.  The deceased was 25 years of age.  The Smith’s Falls Echo gave the following particulars:  “The family have been up at the cottage a good part of the summer the male members coming and going as convenient.  Those there yesterday were Mrs. & Miss Allan and James.  It is customary to visit Portland occasionally for supplies and yesterday afternoon James left the cottage in a canoe for that place.  In the evening a stiff breeze was blowing and he waited in hopes of its dying down until about 9 or 10:00.  At the wharf some of the people tried to dissuade him from going but knowing they would be uneasy at the cottage he got in and paddled off.  This was the last seen of him alive and just how he met his death will never be known.  When the canoe was found T.K. Scovell and others immediately commenced a search and in a short time his body was found about a mile down from Portland at a place called Grape Point.  It was not far from the shores and in not very deep water.  It is said he never learned to swim otherwise he might have reached the shore.”

We regret to say that our old friend William O’Brien of Prescott is seriously ill and very little hope is held for his recovery.

Middleville—A cow belonging to Henry Mather was killed by lightning in the barnyard during the thunderstorm on Tuesday evening.  Mrs. Mather and her daughter were milking at the time and the former was quite stunned.

Port Elmsley:  Mrs. Harry Adams, who has been on an extended visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Dudgeon, has returned to her home in Victoria, B.C.

Perth Courier, September 7, 1894

Farm For Sale:  200 acres, West ½ of Lot 3 and 5(?) and East ½ Lot 3, 6th Concession Dalhousie.  The soil is clay and sandy loan gently rolling and clean and in good order, well fenced and watered by two never failing wells, convenient to the river, large sugar bush, good orchard.  There is a dwelling house and necessary and convenient stabling for horses and cattle, two large barns, log and frame.  This is a first class grain and stock farm. T.W. Cameron

George Ferguson has sold his farm on Lot 10, 12th (?) Concession Bathurst to Thomas Cameron of Dalhousie.  Mr. Ferguson will remove to Michigan.

We understand John McMaster has secured a new lease on his old stand on the Brooke block and has also bought a new store of goods for start business anew in the old stand.

D. Neeve formerly of Smith’s Falls, and brother of C.J. Neeve of the Merchant’s Bank here died at his home in Ottawa from consumption on Friday last at the age of 26 years.

W. F. Drysdale of this town, a late graduate of McGill, will locate at Nansine(?), B.C. and will leave for there Monday.

H.J. Miller of Chicago is stopping with his brother-in-law Jas. Conlon of Glen Tay.

Mrs. Toner, her daughter Mrs. Brass(?) and her son Mr. Toner of Detroit are visiting Mrs. Toner’s brother John Mitchell, Sr., of Darcy Street.

David N. McIntyre of Paisley, County Bruce, passed through town on Saturday on his way to Middleville where he will make a visit with his cousin A.R. McIntyre.

John Brownlee of Bunyon(?), County Lambdon, who left Dalhousie 19 years ago for Lambdon, has returned to visit his mother and brother David Brownlee of the 4th Line Bathurst.

Jas. Gilchrist of Mississippi Station, went to bed in his usual health and next morning was sleeping the sleep that knows no waking.  Mr. Gilchrist was 78 years of age the day of his death and had been living there for 49 years having been one of the old Scotch settlers.

Hopetown:  We are sorry to learn that Mr. Lochead is ill at present.

Tatlock:  The picnic in connection with St. Peter’s Church on Thursday of last week was a great success.  Nearly one hundred dollars was taken in.  The tables were laden with good things to eat, fit for a king.  Our ladies of Darling know how to bake and provide a sumptuous feast.  The music was furnished by the choir of the Clayton Presbyterian Church and was first class in every respect.  Mr. McIntyre with his bagpipes enlivened the day’s proceedings.  The following gentlemen gave addresses:  Rev. Mr. Smith, the pastor; Rev. Mr. McIlraith of Balderson; Robert McNair of Carleton Place; and Dr. Preston, M.P.P.  The doctor spoke quite happily and was greatly pleased to meet his Darling constituents.  Miss Katy Bolger of Clayton gave two very pretty, nice recitations and our pastor gave one entitled “The Courting of the Widow”.  The day was fine and everything passed off harmoniously.

Middleville:  John Rankin’s child, about 13 months old, died on Sabbath after a brief illness.  Mr. and Mrs. Rankin were on a visit to her father.  It was their only child.  They left for Saginaw, Michigan on Monday, taking their baby with them to be buried there.

Perth Courier, September 14, 1894

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, of Clarkston, Michigan, arrived in town on Wednesday on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. James Bailey.  Mr. Brown and Mrs. Bailey are brother and sister.

Mrs. William Baird of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, has arrived in town on a visit to her son Thomas A. Baird, intending to stay about two months.  Mrs. Baird has been a resident of the northwest for three years.

James R. Lochead and wife of Warren, Ohio, arrived unexpectedly on Thursday morning last week to see his old father Robert Lochead of this town.  It is 12 years since he has visited Perth.  He is one of the car inspectors for a railway line having shops in that town.

Mrs. J.W. Inderwick and children will spend the winter in Perth and have taken up their residence in the house on Craig Street occupied by the late W. H. Radenhurst, which has lately undergone some improvements.  Mr. Inderwick is still in Ceylon, his business retaining him in that country.

S.W. Miller of Sarnia arrived in this locality this week to attend the funeral of his mother Mrs. James Miller of Dalhousie.  Mr. Miller left Lanark Village 18 years go for Sarnia but has been back to his old home in Dalhousie several times visiting his relatives.  He left for Sarnia on Thursday morning.

Farm For Sale:  170 acres running from the main road between Port Elmsley and Perth to the Rideau River and lying ¾ mile from Port Elmsley.  There is a house and good frame barn on the 100 acre lot which is cleared.  There is a cedar log barn on the 70 acre portion and about 40 acres of bush.  Two churches, a post office, school house, grist mill, and cheese factory are close by.  There is an ever flowing spring on the 70 acre part and an unfailing well at the door.  Hartford O’Hara

F.W. Hall of the law office of Hall & Hall has passed his exam as barrister without an oral.  He had been a solicitor since May.

Perth Courier, September 21, 1894

On Friday evening last the Y.P.S.C.E. of Asbury Church held one of their very enjoyable prayer and praise services in which a large number took part and at the close they spent a very enjoyable social hour.  All present were treated to cake and coffee to which they added a piece of pie for each of the gentlemen who were informed that after they had eaten it they would be expected to make a speech, the subject being “Pie” with a pie in reserve as a prize for the one who made the best oration.  Mr. G.A. Bateman was appointed chairman and the speeches began.  To give the names of all the speakers and their speeches would take too long but the sparkling addresses were a great source of amusement and were enjoyed by all.  Then came the question of who should have the pie and at this crisis Dr. A.E. Hanna rose in his dignity and moved that Mr. Soper be awarded the pie as he thought he had fairly won it.  In speaking to his motion, the doctor developed quite a talent for oratory and it is the opinion of some that a few more socials would bring out this talent into prominence.  Mr. L. Stephenson seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried that Mr. Soper should have the pie whereas Mr. Stevenson presented the apple and puff pastry combination to the winner.  In accepting, Mr. Soper thanked all for their kindness, assuring them that he and the other half of him would enjoy it very much.  All then went home feeling they had spent an enjoyable evening.

Alice Taulty, Utica, N.Y. is home on a visit to her parents in Bathurst.

John G. Cormack, Division Court and Town Clerk, North Bay, arrived in town on Wednesday for a few days sojourn at the home of his cousin, Hon. John Haggart.

Samuel Farmer, one of the prominent residents of Perth in the beginning days, was in town on Wednesday on his way home from Toronto to Combermere, County Renfrew.

Mrs. George Duffield (nee Miss Moodie of North Emlsley) died on Saturday and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Perth on Tuesday.

On Wednesday Duncan Kippen, mayor, sentenced Dinah Harper to six months in the jail for vagrancy which includes many et ceteras.

G.F. Cairns, barrister, Smith’s Falls, has taken his brother Walter Cairns into partnership and the latter will conduct a branch office to be opened at Newboro.

R.K. Orr, once principal of the Carleton Place School, died suddenly at Drummondville, Ontario, on Monday of apoplexy.  He was a favorite in these parts.

The Dominion Marble Co., Perth, have just turned out a beautiful and costly monument of Swedish granite for the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ben James.  The manager Mr. Campbell is getting a large number of fine monuments in this neighborhood.

Lanark Links:  Two young visitors have come to stay at the Jas. Darou house.  They are girls.

Watson’s Corners—We are sorry to learn that Miss Mary Easton is worse.  Very little hopes are entertained for her recovery.

Watson’s Corners—David Horn buried a nine month old baby today.

Hopetown—Two funeral processions came to Hopetown graveyard on Monday the 3rd. One was the remains of Mrs. Watt of Middleville and the other a child of James Traill of Darling.

To The People of Perth and Vicinity:

I hereby state that the report which is circulated upon Miss Katie McIntyre is entirely without foundation having been passed in a joke without any intention of slander by the undersigned.  John Fraser, Scotch Line

Alexander Bryson, Jr., late of this town, is in the Winnipeg Hospital from an attack of typhoid fever.  His father, who happened to be in the city, is looking after his welfare but we understand Alex is over the worst.

Alexander Wait, clerk of Darling Township, has exchanged farms with his son-in-law giving him $1,000 to boot.  The two will change places in the Spring. 

An old man named David E. Henderson died in gaol on Tuesday aged 79 years.  He had been confined there as a vagrant.  In the absence of the regular coroner, who is in New York, Dr. McCallum of Smith’s Falls was sent for to hold the inquest.  The remains were buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

Yesterday when Mr. Burchel the well known land surveyor of Merrickville was out running a line between the farms of Messrs. Purdy and Manish on the 5th Concession of Wolford he made a gruesome find about one hundred yards in the bush.  It was the complete skeleton of a woman.  The clothing was all gone and only a boot remained.  The hair was also intact.  It is remembered that about two years ago Mrs. Chauncey Bolton better known as Mrs. Edward Montgomery disappeared mysteriously and in spite of diligent search no clue was ever found to show what became of her.  She got up in the night her husband said and went away.  The remains have been identified as hers.  Her husband took possession of them.  She was a woman well known and had traveled around a great deal collection for church buildings.  Smith’s Falls Echo, 17th October.

Perth Courier, October 26, 1894

Richard Hogan of Westport has sold his farm on the 3rd Line Bathurst, near Perth, for $1,475 to Allan Barr, late of S. Elmsley.

A dispatch from London, Ontario, states that William J. Fowler, proprietor of the Grand Trunk restaurant and styling rooms at London and Chatham was found dead in his bed on Thursday morning of last week though always considered to be in the best of health.  He was a resident of Detroit and leaves a widow and four children and was much esteemed.  The deceased was born in Perth and was the son of an old school teacher once well known here.  He was a brother of Colin Fowler, S. Sherbrooke and the late Thomas Fowler, printer and school teacher.

On Monday a young man named Alford, about 21 years old, was arrested and charged with committing rape on a girl named Lizzie Canning, 11 or 12 years of age.  The alleged heinous crime took place on the railway track in sight of the village of Newboro and the arrest was made on the information given by the victim.  The prisoner was to have been examined by a local magistrate on Wednesday and we have not heard the result.

J.M. Walker of Ottawa is visiting this week at his aunt’s Mrs. Weatherhead(?).

Mrs. Robert Scott and family left on Wednesday for their new home in Peterborough.

Perth Courier, October 12, 1894

The Almonte Gazette says that W.A. Legang, formerly of that town, was accidentally shot through the heart near Dominion City, Manitoba on the 21st September, a short distance from his home.  It is supposed the accident occurred while pulling a shotgun out of his rig.  His clothes took fire and the cartridges in his belt were discharged, disfiguring the body.  His wife was once Maggie Bowes of Lanark Village.

Watson’s Corners—We are sorry to have to record the death of James Storie’s baby after a two week illness. The little one passed away on Tuesday night and was buried on Thursday.  The funeral was very large.  Rev. J.A. McConnell preached the funeral sermon from Luke 18:16-17.

Watson’s Corners—We are sorry to learn that Mr. Fife’s little daughter is very ill with congestion of the brain.

Miss Davis of Aurora, Ontario is visiting her sister in town Mrs. Anthony Devlin.

Miss Teresa G. Dewitt, daughter of John Dewitt, 3rd Line Bathurst, left on the 18th September for Rockford, Illinois to enter the hospital for training for a trained nurse.

Return of Convictions for the quarter Ending 11th September, 1894

Nonpayment of Wages:

Patrick Burke, $14.50

Assault on Margaret and George Poole:  David Love, $5

Assault:

William Leclair, $1

John McEwen, $5

Joseph Waler, $1

Larry Byrnes, $2

Beach of the Liquor Act:

John Gemmell, $20

Selling Liquor During Prohibited Hours

David Dowlin, $20.00

Emma Hunter, $25.00

William J. Leach, $25.00

Peter P. Soulter(?), $25.00

James Lee, $25.00

Assault and Battery:

A.R.G. Peden, $5

Intimidation:

Nathaniel Brownlee, $1

Shouting at Insectivorous Birds:

W. J. Scott, $1

Wantonly and Cruelly Beating and Abusing Two Calves

George Easton, Jr., $1

Drunkeness:

David Patton, $2.00

Allowing Sheep to Wander on the Street:

J.Jones, $2

Grossly Insulting Language:

A Shalt, $1

Drunk and Disorderly:

John Black and Patrick Hogan, $3 each

Vagrancy:

James Ayer, six months in gaol

Catharine Kelly, six months in gaol

Rosanna Jamieson, six months in gaol

Grace Martin, six months in gaol

Insane:

Thomas McMahon, Jr., committed to gaol

Hopetown—A number from here attended the funeral of Alexander Paul of Dalhousie on Sunday the 17th.  Some also attended Harry Creighton’s funeral on Sunday the 23rd at Middleville.  Both were young men and victims of that dread disease consumption but Mr. Creighton was killed by being thrown from a buggy.

Hopetown—Mrs. James Reid visited her mother Mrs. John Stuart.

Perth Courier, October 19, 1894

On Monday, a terrible accident happened at Carleton Place which is termed by the press release thus:  Mrs. John E. Irvine of Carleton Place with her two children were driving into town last night from Beckwith.  When near the railway crossing here one of the children slipped out and Mrs. Irvine while trying to rescue the child tripped on the reins falling out and breaking her neck.  She died almost immediately afterwards.

The Smith’s Falls News of the 9th inst., contains the following notice of the drowning of C.C. Ferguson, brother of Mrs. Thomas Barrie of this town:  Collin C. Ferguson of the township of Montague and brother of Mrs. J.L. McCormick of Smith’s Falls was drowned in Montreal Harbor last week.  For 12 or more years he has been in the cattle trade and was all ready to sail on the Numidian. He had been visiting with his sister Mrs. T. Barrie of Perth in the evening at a Montreal Hotel and bid her goodbye leaving for the ship.  By some accident he fell overboard and drowned.  The body was recovered and brought to Smith’s Falls last Friday at midnight.  The funeral took place from the resident of Mr. J.L. McCormack(?) McCormick(?) to McVane’s Cemetery last Saturday afternoon and was largely attended.  The young man was 36 years of age and highly respected by all who knew him.”

Hopetown—Two funeral processions came to Hopetown graveyard on Monday, the 3rd.  One was the remains of Mrs. Watt of Middleville and the other a child of James Traill.

Perth Courier, October 26, 1894

This afternoon between 1:00 and 2:00, Thomas Francis, a farmer living about two miles from Lanark Village, was drawing out manure, the whiffle trees came off the wagon and he, being standing, the sudden stop caused him to fall forward on the wagon tongue, killing him instantly.  He was about 69 years of age and very highly respected.

Perth Courier, November 2, 1894

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Andrew Miller, Lot 15, 2nd Concession Bathurst; also Isaac Wilson, Lot 8, 10th Concession Burgess, Scotch Line

Joseph Richards of Eureka, California died at that place on the 20th October of typhoid fever.  The deceased was a native of Drummond, having been born at Ferguson’s Falls.  He was a brother of Thomas Richards who lives near Ferguson’s Falls.  He went to California about 17 years ago and was a constant subscriber to the Courier.

Isaac Wilson, Scotch Line, has sold his farm of sixty acres at the toll gate being west of Lot 8, 10th Concession, North Burgess.  John Ferrier, his neighbor, was the purchaser and paid $3,500.  A new brick house and good outbuildings are on the farm.

John Preston of New Boyne has purchased the farm of Jas. McEwen of Smith’s Falls for $5,500.

Perth Courier, November 9, 1894

Henry Gallagher has sold his farm of 100 acres part of Lot 19 on the 3rd Line Drummond, to James McLaren of Innisville for $3,000.

Mrs. Harvey Francis of Pakenham, daughter of James Fraser of Westmeath, Renfrew County, died at Limerick, Ireland last week while she and her husband were on their honeymoon tour around the world.   

Perth Courier, November 2, 1894

Cameron R. Stewart was in town this week visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stewart.  He is leaving Toronto and his position as foreman in the Bingham Printing Company there, to resume his old post of traveling for the App(?) Scott Printing Company, Denver, Colorado, where he has a good thing in the way of salary.

November 16, 1894

Farm For Sale:  Charles McNiece, west ½ Lot 11, 9th Concession Drummond. 

Fine farm and house in Perth for sale Mrs. Abercrombie

For Sale:  West ½ Lot 12, 9th Concession North Burgess; Lot 13, 9th Concession North Burgess; Lot 14, 10th Concession North Burgess, 351 acres.  Also, brick veneer dwelling on part of Lot 1.  S. Halton, Perth

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Samuel Darou, Lot 13, 11th Line Bathurst

A sad accident occurred in Dalhousie on Sunday last by which Mr. William H. Baird lost his life.  He went out to feed the sheep and while in the sheep pen the building fell, killing him instantly.  A large number from the village attended the funeral on Tuesday.

Further on this in the same paper:

On Sunday afternoon last William H. Baird of Dalhousie near Hopetown and his father John Baird whose farm adjoins his own, were feeding their stock for the day.  This task was finished about 4:00 except the usual attention to the sheep and the father went into the house leaving his son to feed the sheep in their pen.  Not returning to the house, the father went back to the yard to see what was keeping William when he was alarmed to find the sheep pen had fallen down.  He made his way into the ruins and his worst fears were realized upon finding his son dead, pinned by the jaw between the fallen timbers and under the structure.  The jaw was broken and it was thought he had been killed almost instantly.  The sheep pen was a lean-to and had only been built about two years.  It had doubtlessly spread from faulty construction as there was not enough snow on the roof to bring it down through the extra weight.  Had he been in any other part of the pen than he happened to be a that particular time it is not likely he would have been hurt, judging by the lay of the fallen roof and it is a most singular as well as sad circumstance that he should have been in the building at all just when the fall came.  The deceased was a young man married, of fine physical proportions and a most responsible and prosperous farmer, esteemed and liked by all.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  The aged parents and his own wife and family have the deepest sympathy of friends and neighbors.

Arthur McCann of South Burgess, having sold his farm on Rideau Lake to Michael O’Meara, intends removing to town in the spring or perhaps buying a farm in the vicinity of Perth.

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements—Lot 18, 9th Concession North Burgess, Patrick Fagan

The funeral of the late Joseph Moodie last Friday was one of the largest ever seen in Perth.  The procession must have been over a mile long.  The sympathy of the community with the bereaved family was clearly shown by the large attendance.

Perth Courier, November 30, 1894

Port Elmsley—H. O’Hara has sold his farm to Mr. Johnston from below Smith’s Falls.  We understand he is to give possession in February and that Mr. O’Hara intends moving into the village and building a house on the corner of his property.  Mrs. James Armstrong has sold her homestead farm to Mr. Polk from Sc. Point and rumor says she has sold the farm next to William McVeity’s to Mr. A. Moore.  William Orr has bought the balance of the Wardrope estate here which was a village lot next to his residence, also the grove.

Elliott—Mr. and Mrs. William Cuthbertson of Carleton Place have been visiting her mother, Mrs. Robinson, for a few days.

Farm For Sale:  West ½ and East ¼ Lot 19, 1st Concession N. Sherbrooke, 150 acres, John Stewart

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  James Lee, Lot 23(?), 8th Concession Bathurst

About fifty of Perth’s young people went to Smith’s Falls Thanksgiving evening to hear the rendering of the “Deestrict Skule” by the local talent of that town.  The effort was pronounced a decided success.  The opera house was packed to the doors and many had to stand.  The play was exceedingly well tendered.  Its quaintness, the originality of some of the sayings, and the antique costumes and school customs were very amusing.  Mr. McKimm of the Rideau Record made a worthy schoolmaster for the occasion.  The role of Ezekial Honeysuckle the four year old boy by Harry Lavelle was especially well tendered as was that of George Washington Smithers by E.A. Anderson.  The song by Dorothy Imogene, Miss Minnie Washburn, was one of the features of the entertainment.  Mike O’Flynn by John Meikle was also very good.  There was very little amateurism to be detected in any of the characters and the participants are to be congratulated upon the success of their efforts.  A dance in the town hall concluded the evening’s entertainment.

Dr. W. J. Anderson one of the best known residents of Smith’s Falls, is seriously ill though last accounts say he is considerably improved.

Lanark Links:  Mr. W.J. Webster, baker, wishes to announce that between now and Christmas a rare coin will be placed in a loaf of bread.  The lucky purchaser on returning the coin will be presented with a present valued at $4.

The annual thanks offering service of the W.F.M.S. was held on Thursday, 22nd November in the vestry of St. Andrew’s Church at which nearly all the ladies connected with the congregation were present.  We were pleased to have several of the Balderson auxiliaries with us among whom we noticed the president, Miss McGregor and Mrs. McIlraith, Miss McIntyre and a number of others whose names we did not learn.  After the devotional exercises Mrs. Caldwell gave a short reading giving the reasons who we should give to the missions.  Miss Playfair sang a solo which was very much appreciated by those present.  It was followed by a reading by Mrs. McLean after which Miss Cochrane of Kingston addressed the meeting for about an hour.  Tea was then service during which the ladies enjoyed themselves socially.  After spending a few hours pleasantly and profitably the meeting was closed by singing and prayer.  Proceeds amounted to $25.00

Perth Courier, December 7, 1894

A very successful social by the young people of Asbury Church, under the auspices of the missionary unit of the Y.P.S.C.E. was held in the lecture room on the evening of Thursday, 27th November.  Mr. G.A.Bateman held the chair.  A number of recitations, dialogues, musical selections principally by the young ladies, entertained the audience for a time to which were added anthems by the choir.  The evening’s entertainment was crowned by a fan drill by 16 young ladies in Japanese costumes each with a fan in her hand and two or three smaller inner fans in her hair.  The drill had been well learned and was gone through perfectly lasting about ten minutes.  This was richly enjoyed by the onlookers.  The proceeds amounted to $12.90.

Charles L. Shaw of this town contributed an article in the last “Toronto Saturday Night” entitled “The Last Duel in Ontario” bearing on dueling generally and having particular reference to the locally famous duel between Wilson and Lyon fought here more than sixty years ago.  The article is cleverly written and is especially interesting to readers in this neighborhood who have the gravestone of young Lyon in their oldest graveyard to chronicle the tragic event and the traditions handed down by their grandparents to recall the sad story.

During the past year Dr. Beeman of this town has received a large number of additional Indian relics and has now in his rooms an extensive and valuable collection.  They consist of flint, slate, sandstone and copper samples in arrow and spearheads, axes, tomahawks, knives, needles and various other implements together with ceremonial and religious articles.  They were procured from this neighborhood near Rideau Lake.  They can be seen at the doctor’s rooms.

Among the young ladies who graduated as nurses from the Toronto General Hospital last month was Bella Fraser of Almonte, once of this town.

William McLaren, Scotch Line, Elmsley, has bought from the Meighen estate 18 acres of land on the Ferry Road adjoining his farm for $800.  This is part of the land originally drawn by David McPherson in 1816 and is the very first plot of ground drawn by the original Scotch Line settlers.

The Echo says that Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Bartlett of Smith’s Falls on Tuesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding or in other words their Golden Wedding.  On that day fifty years ago before, they were married at Smith’s Falls, then a hamlet, by Rev. Mr. Romanes, Presbyterian minister.  The Bartlett family came from Rome, New York and the Frosts from Canton, New York.  Mrs. Bartlett is an aunt of Messrs. Frost of Smith’s Falls.

Lanark Links:  The Scottish concert on Friday evening last was a success although the program was rather long.  Rev. D.M. Buchanan, B.A., gave a fine address on “The Forces That Mould Scottish Character”.  Rev. A. MacAulay of Middleville Congregational Church gave a humorous address.  Miss Mabel Reeves of Balderson upheld her reputation as an elocutionist in her recitation of “The Death Bridge of The Tay”.  Mr. McGregor of Balderson gave a Scotch solo and was vigorously encored.  A Scotch reading by Mr. A. Rankin of Middleville was well received.  Mr. John Moran gave a stump speech.  Mr. Moran is almost without equal in wit and humor.  A song by Miss Edith Robertson and a duet by Miss Robertson and Miss Watt were well appreciated by the audience.  A duet “Ye Banks and Braes” by Mr. D. McCrea and daughter was a rich musical treat.  His rendering of “The March of the Cameron Men” and “the Angels Whisper” could not be excelled.  Mr. McCrea always receives a warm welcome from a Lanark audience.  Mr. Sutherland of Arnprior gave a number of selections on the bagpipes during the evening which were rapturously received by Scotland’s sons who were present.  The Sons of Scotland will receive a good sum from the evening’s entertainment.

Watson’s Corners:  Mrs. (first name illegible) Paul presented her husband with a young son on the morning of Wednesday last week.

Perth Courier, December 14, 1894

While conversing with a neighbor on Monday afternoon at Olden Station near Sharbot Lake on the C.P.R., Nathan Sly was accidentally killed by the discharge of his own gun which head been resting against a stone and slipped off.  Sly was holding the muzzle in his hand.  This charge passed completely through his body passing out at the left shoulder.  He died shortly afterwards.

Lanark Links:  Thomas Deachman is home on a visit.

Tatlock:  We are pleased to learn that Mrs. James McIlraith who had been very ill is recovering lately---Miss Elizabeth McIlraith who has been residing in the state of Wisconsin for some years returned home last wee,---The sleighing was very good on Sabbath afternoon last and in consequence there was a large attendance at church---Miss Maggie Langstaff has recovered from a severe illness.

Boyd’s:  George Kidd who for the past few years lived in the northwest has just returned home looking hale and hearty.

Boyd’s:  We regret to learn that Mrs. Samuel Boyd is ill at present.

Hopetown:  Mrs. John G. Boyd who for some time was not expected to live, is recovering.---Mrs. William Baird has gone to the hospital in Kingston.

Preston Vale:  there is a little visitor come to stay at John McNaughton’s and it is a girl; also one at Mr. McCaffrey’s.

Perth Courier, December 28, 1894

John McDonald of Lanark Township has shown us a copy of the Lanark Observer published in Lanark Village dated August 7, 1831, the paper being then about six months old.  It was published by J.R. Gemmill, at a subscription price of ten shillings per year.  It was an exceedingly well got up paper and well printed.  The Hall family must have been a power in those days in Lanark Village judging from the frequency with which the name appears in the advertising column

Harry Leper is here from Queen’s University, Kingston, for the holidays, staying with his aunt, Mrs. E.G. Malloch.

Alexander McGillivray of Ardoch, North Dakota and wife (nee Miss Annie Laurie) arrived in town last week preparing to spend the winter in town.  They think a great deal of the northwest country.

Andrew Wood of Carleton Place was passing along the 10th Line of Lanark lately when he had the occasion to drop into a house where he saw Mrs. Smith, aged 96, engaged industriously at the spinning wheel doing her work with an elasticity of spirit and a nimbleness of muscular action that made the performance a very impressive one to his mind.

About 10:00 on Saturday, Morley Bain, a young son of Andrew E. Bain of Bathurst near Fallbrook, about ten years old, while skating on the Mississippi River skated into open water and was drowned.  The body was recovered and buried on Tuesday.

Playfair:  On Saturday morning last a sad drowning accident occurred in the Mississippi River near Playfair.  It appears that Morley Bain only son of Andrew Bain of Fallbrook, was enjoying himself skating on the river when he accidentally skated into open water.  His father, who was chopping close to the river, seeing the accident called to John Bain, who was across the swamp, for assistance.  Both ran with all speed to the spot but the ice was so thin that it was impossible to get near.  About 15 minutes elapsed before he could be gotten out of the water and although two hours were spent in trying to rekindle the vital spark it was found it had fled.  The funeral took place on Tuesday last to the Highland Line near McDonald’s Corners, the service being conducted by Rev. F.G. Robinson.  Morely was a bright and cheerful boy of nine years.  A large number of relatives and friends assembled at the house and followed the remains to the grave.

The stone building on Gore Street backed by the basin lately occupied by A. Robertson, merchant, has been bought from the Duncan McIntyre, Montreal estate by John A. McLaren of Perth for $2,500.

William Edington who has been in the northwest for the past few years, returned to town on Tuesday of last week and resumed his old job at Mrs. Laurie’s bakery.

The Almonte Gazette of last week contains a portrait of P.C. McGregor, principal of the Almonte High School and his biography, from which we learn that Mr. McGregor was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1842 and came to Balderson with his parents in 1843.


Posted: 07 April, 2005