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CIHM/!CMH

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Series.

CIHM/ICMH
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Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques

1980

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1 2 3

1 I

THE ANNALS

(SF

THE TOWN OF GUELPH

1.827 TO 1877.

INIiKK i'Hl IUKI( CHiN ni
iuliini (if ihe (luclph lloi.ilil.

PRICE, 75 CENTS.

■ Yf.^iS^

iiir-i — I r,ii>ii

err: LI' II. Canada,

.8/7.

-iO

Day's Block.

a-xj:£iXi:E^i3:

Day's Block.

NOTED TEA STORE

J. E. M«ELDERRY

Announces with pleasure that he is in a better position to serve the pub-
lic with GOOD GOG.OS ^

OBCE^^I' IF'OIi C.A.SS:

THAN EVER.

Buying entirely for Cash and selling for Cash he can ensure his
CUSTOMERS A SAVING IN EVERY ARTICLE NEEDED.

In TEAS it is a well know fact he gives the best value in

Youn^' Hyson, Old Hyson, Gunpowders, Japans,
Souchong Congous, P^keos, Assams, &c.,

TO BE hAr> IN GUELPH.

A Complete Assortment of

GENERAL GROCERIES

all New Goods, arriving daily and sold at the lowesv price for cash.

A LARdE LOT OF

BACON, HAMS, SHOULDERS, BREAKFAST BACON.
&€., Sugjar Cured and Extra Choice.

Goods delivered promptly and carefully in any part of the town.

J. E. McELDERRY.

2 Day's Block, Guelph.
.^ar-THE Noted Tea St»jre.-*5s

'£\

THE ANNALS

.)i ■nil'

TOWN OF GUELPH

1827

1877.

7Ml'll,r.D UNDKU I III. DlRECTKtX < )F

I'.nnOK OF 'rilK (llKII'II IlKK \i.i>.

I) »

Lci.^ht ir.d tal! llic linr:- of -.jj'^ ^'Ovv,

VVhile all is lonohnc.^ and n-asic 'clow ;

There, as the massy foha^c, fav aloof

Displayed adarl., i ir.ipenetral'.i; ruci.

So, gnarled cr.i r:j:d, clispt and ir.tcrwound, __

An uncouth vAa;.e of roots embossed the ground.

— MOtNTGOMEJlY.

' And when these toila rewarding.

Inroad lands at length they'll claim.
They'll c.ill the new posscbsiuu
By some familiar name."

— AGNCi Stwcki-axd.

--anjjiisa*

GUELPH, CANADA :

HERALD STEAM PRINTING HOUSE.
1877.

FC 20 Tl

V^ivaM^

lDEr)lC-A.TI03Sr.

— »a,'»"A«

TO HIS WORSHIP

FREDERICK JASPER CHADWICK,

MAYOR OF GUBLPH :

Di'.AR Mr. CHAnwiCK, :-In issuiiig this little work, which I hupe will
prove of interest, not only to my fellow townsmen, but to all who are glad to
see such material prosperity as is evident in the growth of iJuelph, allow
mc to dedicate it to you, from whom I have rereixed many ])ersonal
kindnesses.

Believe me,

Yours sincerely,

C.ACTON BURROWS.

GUELPH, April, 1877.

•v.

PREFACE.

In the preparaiiuii (it iliis liiUc wDik. tlie obie( I lias been to .Ljixe, as
suocimly as possilile, a i^'eiieral outline of tlie liislorv of the I own ol'

< luelpli, with some relerciKC tt) the principal events ^\hi^h have, tlinin;..;
the jitlN' years of it^ e\i>>le'iii-e. ahsorJH'il the piiblir attention. That
many matters, wliich niiyht be of interest to some of the older resi-
dents, ha\e been omitted, will be seen at a ;4la'"ic:e ; but this has been
done for \vhal were considered, after cureful rellectinn, to be ;^ootl ;nid
snllicient reasons. In the earlier \ears of the settlement, as is the ease
in all newly settled ilistricts, nian\- thinj^s occurred which, under more
favorable circumstances, could not have ha|)pcned, and which, while they
formed fertile themes of ;.;ossip at the time, it would serve no j'ood pur-
pose to rei)roduce now, even if all that is said to ha\ e taken jilacc

< Mdtl l)e substantiated, which is far from bein;^ the case. In fact, so con-
tradictory are the recollections of sonic t)f the e.irly settlers with rei,Mril
to many allej^^cd c\cnts. more espcci<dly in reference to matters of a pii-
\ate and personal nature, that it was felt to lie the wiser plan to reject
the great bulk of these tratlitions, and to adhere to what could be
reasonably relied u])un as beinj^- the truth. Ihul c\ en this bet n all made
use of, tlic work woultl li;ne mrown to at least ten times iis ))resent si/e,
and would, probably, not ha\e L;i\en so much satisf.iction as it is liopcd
will be afforded now. On the otiier hand, there may be, and doubtless.
are some thin;^s omitted nuM^e worthy of notice than many o.*" the c\ents
rcfcrreil to, and for this defect it is hoped the reader will show some in-
tlul^vnce, in consideration of thci^reat dilliculty which attends the t^lean-
ini; of information rela.tin'j" to times so loni; past, when few or no records
were kept of even public i)roceedin;.4s. All that j)erse\erin<4- etVort a nil
discrhiiinatinfij research could do to make the work reliable, has Ijeen
done, and thou;4h some may feel disposed harshly to criticise it. the ;4en-
eral puijiic, it is ho])e(l, w!,I extend to it a .generous reception.

I o those o'i the ear!) settlers, esitecially to Mr. Robert I hom])son.
Mrs. Keough, Limit. -Col. fames Armstrcaii.j and Mr. James Lynch, who
is the oldest resident of ( "■uelph. the warmest thanks and acknowlei'ye-
mcnts are due, and are hcrei^y tcnderefl. .\lso, to I lis Honor Jud^e
M.icdonald, Mrs. (lalt, M.ijor .Macdonald. Ills \\'or.ship Mayor Chad
wick, Messrs. L IL Hacking, John .Smith and A. M. Mowat, of Cuelph ;
Messrs. V.. M. Chadwick and \V. R. .Strickland, of Toronto, and others,
for the loan of valuable ijooks and documents, and to Mr. IL W. Peter-
son, County Crown .Attorney of \\'eIlin<4lon : .\Ir. John lie.ittie, Coiinu
c/lerk of \Vellin;_;l.)n and .Mr. John Uar\ey, Clerk of the Town of (lueiph.
lor their courtes\ i-i i;i\ ini^' access to the records in their otfices.

3iJI^I^.A.T.A..

order

"'"\^- lo the sh

to se

;p-of(Juelph-sA>un;i

"l^r /^^'^'^J^'e tnv the

^iire its |)ubnrnt

Kin

'^y April 23rd. lU--
\fif »". 1 '• / /

preparation of tl

F"..^.s^'.hi,"^:;":-;;;;':-'™".?i

"^ U'ork.

'ou-int,rnrethepr

. 'iicipaJ

onic errors i

; -" ' I "nj.ossible to th

t'le I'ilficth A

II)

oroiii

niiiver-

"e (h'd not

pinvh,

ISO It.

a.qe 1 1 7 )

'^ "loniioned
" '>^'iim- still

U-c orriirred. tl

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'f'" read Dr. y\i|

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^:^^T!;'."^yJWr^Ma;ron

le fol-

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n;i(|

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or

t^'ouncil
iteisoii.

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i\-.
or

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rca( Dr. f|

I'l i(. \V. /

'eter
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Dr. I\

I'rod

son.
or "

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read Vprij 231.^1

uvciwr.

©'

TSCE .A.ISr3Sr.A.3LS

-OF

THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Onk of the many beneficial results which accrued from the war of
1812, was the increased attention which the peoj)le of England were in-
duced to give to tlie claims and advantages presented by Upper Canada.
Previous to this the knowledge of this colony possessed by the public,
and to a large extent also by the Government, at home, was conveyed
principally through the medium of .the limited commercial relations
which then existed between the two countries, the information relating to
the physical advantages of this country and its adaptability for purposes
of emigation, meagre though it was, being confined almost exclusively to
official dispatches, and iimitc.l altogether to the Lower Province. Nor
can this be greatly wondered at, when it is remembered that even to the
oldest and best informed colonists in (Quebec, the Upper I'rovince had for
many years I^ecn a lUeral terra /,'iu{<;/i//i7. During the agitation which
preceded the division <.if the Prt)vince of <)iiebec, which then comprised
the whole of the country, into Upper and Lower Canada, delegates were
sent to I'^ngland to represent to the Government the merits of the case,
pro and ro /I. The opponents of the proposed change deputed a Mr.
Adam Lymburger, a prominent Ouebec merchant,to represent them, and
at the bar of the House of Commons he said that the new Province
would be entirely cut off Irotn all communication with Great Britain, and
the inhabitants would have few op[)ortunities of mixin.; in the society of
Britons, He also said that " Niagara, whicli must be considered as'the
utmost limit westward of the cultivable part of the Province, was 500
miles distant, and the falls of Niagara must be considered an inseparable
bar to the trans])ort of such rude commodities as the land might pro-
duce ;" and, though there were a few settlers in the nciiihborhood of D^^

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GIJELPH.

troit, " such a confined market must greatly impede the progress of
settlement and cultivation /or in^cs /o co>j!g." That this was an honest
expression of belief there can be no doubt, when it is borne in mind
that for some years afterwards the mail communications between
the two sections of country were both infrequent and irregi'ar, some-
times not oftener than once a year; and, though, in response to
an invitation published by Governor Simcoe in 1791, a considerable
number of settlers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania had come
to the Upper Province, they were widely scaucred, and consequently
unable to take any concerted measures to make their influence felt,
all the newspapers being published in Montreal and Quebec, Whatever
accessions of emigrants were gained, therefore, must be attributed to
private influences, rather than to any action taken by the public authori-
ties, and it is not surprising that the prevailing opinion at home was,
that Canada was simply a vast field of snow and ice, convenient as a fur
producing country, and, as yielding some very good pine for masts and
building purposes, to some extent valuable, but certainly not the place to
which a man should emigrate to better his fortunes. This was undoubt-
edly the popular feeling at home with regard to the entire country, and
more especially with reference to what, in official documents were vague-
ly referred to as "the upper countries." The war of 1812, however,
changed all that, and it was found that during the interval between the
division of the country into two provinces, llpper Canada had become a
power in the land. Prosperous towns had sprung up, and large tracts of
country had been put under cultivation, disclosing the fact that so far
from being " a vast solitude," and " a hopeless wilderness,'' it was in re-
ality far superior, in all its physical aspects, to the older and better known
districts. This k.iowlcdge, hov/evcr, had not, to any large extent, reach-
ed the people of England, and it came as a sort of revelation to them
when the true state of the case was announced, which was not till the war
developed the resources and the loyal spirit of the settlers, as shown in
the residts of their struggles at Detroit, Alackinnc, Ogcensburg, Queens-
ton, Stoney Creek, Chauteauguay, Lundy's Lane, Oswego, and other
places, where the Canadian militia, won laurels which many an old regi-
ment in the regular army might have envied. At the close of the war in
181 5, when many of the British officers returned home, still further in-
formation was published, and the serious attention, not only of a much
larger class of the general public, but of capitalists seeking profitable
and secin-e fields for investment, was turned to the advantages which pre-
sented themselves in this new country. A still further impetus was given
to the tide of emigration by the developments relating to the rapid pro-
gress of the newly settled portions of western Canada, in the debates
which took place in England in 1822-3, on the proposed scheme for re-
uniting the two provinces, and upon the measure, fmally assented to by
the Imperial Government, fc raising, by loan, the sum of /!ioo,ck)o, to
indemnify the people of LI'jper Canada for losses sustained by them
during the late war.

It was during this period that the idea of forming the Canada Com-
pany, to whieh so much of the prosperity of Upper Canada is to be
attributed, was conceived. Mr. John Gait, to whom the entire credit of
the inception and successful launching of the company is undoubtedly
due, had for some time been considering the question of emigration to
Canada as a means of providing an outlet for those persons in England
and Scotland who, formed a not inconsiderable portion of the population,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

pro.£:rcss of
'in honest
'ne in mind
"s between
i'''ir, somc-
esponse to
onsiderable
Jiad come
t>nseqiientJy
i:ence felt,
Whatever
:nbiited to
'c authori-
homc was,
^t as a fur
masts and
le place to
uudoubt-
"itry, and
-re vague-
however,
tween the
become a
• tracts of
at so far
^'as in rc-
er known
't, reach-
to them
1 the war
hown ia
Queens-
d other
:Id regi-
- war in
her in-
a much
ofitabJc
cli prc-
s given
id pro-
ebates
for re-
to bv
oo, to
them

Corn-
to be
iit of
tedly
)n to
^land
tion,

reduced in circumstances, but too proud, or by reason of their education
unfitted to take their place in the ranks of the commercial and laboring
classes; and also those of the lower orders who, though able and willing
to work, could not obtain employment adequate to the rearing of their
families in such comfort and independence as was desirable. Mr. Gait
was a man of unusually keen perception and remarkable constructive as
well as administrative ability, which, combined with a liberal education,
eminently fitted him to devise and carry out a scheme of this nature. He
had spent considerable time in travelling and had become well and fa-
vorably known as an author and writer on topics of public interest in the
periodicals of his day. When, therefore, he first announced the outlines
of his plan, he was able to command the respectful attention, not only of
his friends, but of the Government. He docs not appear to have been
anxious to take an active part in the business himself, for in 1823, tired
of a life of adventure, he had cstaljlished what he intended to be a per-
manent home at Eskg.-ove, near Muoselburgh, with the object of devot-.
ing his time to literature and the education of his three sons. He had
not long been there, however, when his plans having received the consid-
eration of the members of th-i Government, he was sent for by Mr.
Robinson, afterwards Lord Godcrich, at that time Chancellor of the
Exchequer, for the purpose of holding a consultation on Canadian affairs.
The Province of Upper Canada was then seeking assistance from the
home government in liquidating certain liabilities incurred principally in
carrying on internal improvements, and Mr. Robinson was led to offer,
that if the Province would guarantee the payment of half its civil ex-
penses, the Imperial Government would satisfy the then existing claims
against it. Mr. Gait at once directed his atttention to the consideration
of this offer, and held frequent consultations with friends well informed
on the existing state of affairs, more especially with Bishop Macdonnell,
who supplied him with most valuable data. The result of these confer-
ence was to somewhat modify Mr. Gait's original ideas respecting emi-
gration to Canada, and to impel him to take proceedings which eventually
issued in the formation of the Canada Company, of which he was
appointed secretary.

Shortly at'tcrwards he was appointed, together with Sir John Harvey,
Col. Cockburn, !\Ir. I^IcGillivray and Mr. Davidson, a government com-
missioner to visit Canada to make a valuation of the upper province, a
work which was completed and reported upon the same year. A dispute
ensued on the question of the Clergy Reserves, it being strongly urged
that they should be excluded from the valuation, but on the matter being
left to arbitration between Archdeacon Strachan and Mr. Gait, an agree-
ment was arrived at even more advantageous to the Company than the
previous arrangement, the great Huron tract being assigned to them as
an equivalent for the reserves. All disputes being amicably settled, the
Company was duly chartered, with a capital of ^1,000,000, and prepara-
tions for active operations were imuTDdialely commenced, and in October
1826, Mr. Gait again embarked for Canada, arriving at Little York (now
Toronto) in January 1827. It was not long before business came pressing
upon h'm, in the course of a few weeks nearly three hundred offers to
purchase land having been lodged at his office. During his first visit to
the western country he had been favorably impressed with the fertility
and general character of the country lying west of Lake Ontario, and
had received some glowing reports of a tract situated a few miles north
of Gait, which was then a flourishing village. This land having been

THE ANNALS OF THK TOWN OF GUELPH.

acquired by the Canada Company, he ordered an inspection to be made
of it, and the result proving in every way satisfactory, he determined
upon making this the scat of the first settlement undv,r the auspices of
the Company. The tract comprised about 40,000 acres, over large por-
tions of which the foot of civilized man had never trod, except in the
inspection ordered bv Mr. Gait, and that was necessarily of a curscMy
nature. It was one ciense forest, through which not even a blazed Indian
path was visible, and the only trace of a human habitation of which
there is any record, was an Indirn hut, long deserted, which the first
exploring party discovered near to the spot wlicre the fir«;t tree was des-
tined to be cut on the site of the present town. This pot had been
represented to Mr. Gait as in many respects the most advantageous for
his purpose in the entire tract, and the result of subsequent surveys fully
justified the wisdom of the selection, situated as it is on the banks of a
fast flowing stream, with sufficient fall to furnish admirable water power,
and being also in the centre of a section of country which for fertility
and beauty, as well as for natural advantages, cannot be surpassed in
the whole Province.

All the necessary preparations having been made, Mr. Gait 5etout to
inaugurate the new town, or as he always persisted in calling it the western
city. He had been to New York on business for the Company, and ar-
rived at Dundas on his return on April 21st. At Dundas hif purpose
had been made known, and a number of the residents of that
town, together with others from Ancaster, accompanied him on his mis-
sion, the party arriving on the 22nd at Gait, where they were hospitably
entertained by the inhabitants, Mr. (Sal*- being welcomed by his old
friend the Hon. Wm. Dickson, who owned all the land in that neighborhood
and who had named the town in honor of Mr. Gait, and in recognition
of the pleasure the acquaintance in previous years had afforded him.

St. George's day, April 23rd, had been fixed upon by Mr. Gait as the
day for the commencement of operations, on which subject he says: —
" This was not without design, I was well aware of the boding effect of a
little solemnity on the minds of most men, and especially of the unlet-
tered, such as the first class of settlers were likely to be, at eras which
betokened destiny, like the launching of a vessel, or the birth of an en-
terprise, of which a horoscope might be cast. The founding of a town
was certainly one of these, and accordingly I appointed a national holiday
for the ceremony, which secretly I was determined should be celebrated
so as to be held in remembrance, and yet so conducted as to be only
apparently accidentally impressive." Early on the morning of the 23rd,
therefore, the whole party started on their journey, the main body of the
adventurers going forward, Mr. Gait and Dr. Dunlop, who held a sort of
roving commission in the Canada Company's service, and rejoiced in
the high sounding title, more honorable than profitable, of " Warden
of the Canada Company's Woods and Forests," following at a short
distance. Mr. Gait placed himself entirely under the guidance of
the Doctor, who, having traversed the ground before, was supposed to
know the way, and doubtless he thought he did. But the most experi-
enced of backwoodsmen occasionally lose themselves in the bush, and
so it happened in this instance. Scarcely had they entered the thick
part of the forest, a few miles from their destination, when the Doctor
found he had missed his road. " I was exceedingly angry," says Mr.
Gait, " for such an incident is no trifle in the v.oods ; but after wander-
ing up and down like the two babes, with not even the comfort of a

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OK (lUELPH,

blackberry, the heavens frowninj; and the surrounding forest
sullenly still, we discovered a hut and ' tirlinpj at the pin,' entered
and found it inhabited by a Dutch shoemaker. We made him
understand our lost condition, and induced him to set us on
the right path. He had been in the French arnn-, and had, after the
peace, emigrated to the United States ; thence he had come to Upper
Canada, where he bought a lot of land, which, after he had made some
betterments, he exchanged for the location in the woods, or, as he said
'•imself, 'Je swape' the first land for the lot on which he was now settled.
With his assistance we reached the skirts of the wild to which we were
going, and were informed in the cabin of a squatter that all our men had
gone forward. By this time it began to rain, but undeterred by that cir-
cumstance we resumed our journey in the patldcss woods. About sunset
dripping wet, we arrived near the spot we were in quest of, a shanty,
which an Indian, who had committed murder, had raised as a refuge for
himself. We found the men under the orders of Mr, T'ryor, whom I had
employed tor the Company, kindling a roaring fire, and after endeavoring
to dry ourselves, and having recourse to the store basket, I proposed to
go to the spot chosen for the town. By this time the sun was set, and
Dr. Dunlop, with his characteristic drollery, having doffed his wet garb,
and dressed himself Indian fashion, in blankets, we proceeded with Mr.
Prior, attended by two woodmen with axes. It was consistent with my
plan to invest our ceremony with a little mystery, the better to make it
remembered. So, intimating that the main body of the men were not to
come, walked to the brow of the neighboring rising ground, and Mr.
Pryor having shown the site selected for the town, a large maple tree was
chosen ; on which taking an axe from one of the wood.nen, I struck the
lirst stroke. To me at least the moment was impressive, and the silence
of the woods that echoed to the sound was as the sigli of the solemn
genius of the wilderness departing for ever. The Doctor followed me,
then, if I remember rightly, Mr. Pryor, and the woodmen finished the
work. The tree fell with a crash of accummulatcd thunder, as if an-
cient nature were alarmed at the entrance of social man into her inno-
cent solitudes with his sorrows, his follies and his crimes. I do not
suppose that the sublimity of the occasion was unfclt by the others, for
I noticed that alter the tree fell, there was a funereal pause as when the
coffin is lowered in the grave ; it was, however, of short duration for Dr.
* Dunlop pidled a fiask of whiskej- from his bosom and wc drank pros-
perity to the city of Guelph. The name was chose in compliment to the
Royal Family, both because I tliought it auspicious in itself and because
I could not recollect that it had ever before been used in all the king's
dominions."

Among those who formed the party on that day, so memorable a one
for Canada, besides Mr. Gait and Dr. Dunlop, were Mr. Charles Pryor,
who was Mr. Gait's confidential friend and secretary. Mr. John Mc-
Donald, a practical surveyor, who was afterwards for many years sher'fif
of Huron ; Wm. Gooden, Curtis and Harry Lamberton, Christopher
Keogh, Stacy and Ira H olden, besides a number of other axe men and
chain bearers. There were also, as previously mentioned, several gentle-
men from Dundas, Ancaster, Gait and other places, who had come to
witness the natal rites of the new town, among whom were Mr. (icorge
Corbet, now a resident of Owen Sound, and Mr. James Mackenzie, who
now resides in Guelph, who are belic\'ed to be the only survivors of those

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Avho wielded the axe against the giant tree which first fell by the hand of
man in the district now so fair and prosperous.

On the arrival of the advanced portion of the party on the ground,
it was lound tl'.at the Indian's hut wouid not nearly accommodate them
all, and as the rain had been falling steadily, they erected a sort of taber-
nacle, of branches of trees, and after the ceremony they returned to this,
and nothwiihstanding the storm, spent a pleasant evening in lively con-
versation, and listening to the almost im-xhaustil^le sallies of wit and
humor from Dr. Dunloji. This gcntlcmah was well fitted for his position
as a pioTiecr leader, hardy and active as an Indian, brave even to rash-
ness, and by his irrepressible flow of spirits and love of joking, always
the life and soul of the party in which he found hiniself. In early life he
had served as an ensign in the Sylh Regiment, and for several years had
led a somewhat wandering life, apparently not possessing any taste for
the quiet enjoyp.icnts of the domestic circle. He was never married,
though, as we learn from Strickland's "Twenty Seven Years in Upper
Canada,' he on one occasion went to far as to throve up a copper with
his brother to decide which of them should marry their housekeeper, in
order that the proprieties might be duly observed. It was arranged tliat
the Doctor himself should toss the copper three times, and that he was
to cry " heads"" and his brother " tails," the one to whom the most heads
should fail to be clear of the responsibility, and he. who should have the
most tails was to accept the blessedness of the matrimonial state.
Heads turned up each time, and the Doctors brother accordingly married
the lady, though it is, perhaps, doubful if he v/ould have done so had he
known that in his anxiety for his brother's happiness the Doctor had used
a com, which he had pici<cd uj) somcv/here in his wanderings, having a
head stamped on both sides. Such was the case, and the Doctor was
perfectly sure, therefore, niat he could not be the happy bridegroom, or,
as he w;.uld probably have termed it, the victim. It is said the proposi-
tion to adopt this species of the lottery of marriage was at first macle in
fun, and that the Doctor, finding that his simple and kind-hearted brother
took it in sober earnest, considered tlie Joke too good to be allowed to
drop, and therefore allowed it to proceed to its denouement, thotigh, in
justice to the Doctor, it must be said he knew the lady v/ould make a
good wife in every respect, as the result proved, for ihe pair so strangely
united enjoyed a long and happy life. It was just one instance of the
Doctor's love of a joke, which he was ever ready to practice when it*'
could be done without indicting positive injury on the subject.

The spot where the memorable tree stood is now covered by the
embankment at the scuth-west end of the Grand Trunk Railway bridge
over the Speed. Portions of the ti-cc were preserved by the early settlers,
and Mr. A. A. Baker has a table, the top of which is made of a piece of
ii, and Mr. David Allan has a drawing square made from another piece.
It has been stated that after the tree was felled Mr. Pryor laid his hand
upon the stump, and stretcliing his fingers as far apart as possible, indi-
cated the direction in which the streets of the new town were to be laid
out. Of this, however, there docs not appear to be any reliable corro-
boration, some of the oldest settlers, who knew Mr. Pryor, asserting that
it was a compass which he laid upon it ; and though the direction of the
principal streets in that part of the town, radiating as they do fVom that
spot, almost in the form of a fan, might be considered as lending some
degree of probability to the first statement, it is scarcely reasonable to
suppose, cither that a man of Mr. Pryor's well-known intelligence and

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GLELPH.

scientific attainments wouU! adopt so rude a method of laying out what
was intended to be a large and important city, or that Mr. (jalt would
have countenanced such a proccedmg. it is far more probable, as is
stated by sonic old settlors who know >Ir. Pryor and Mr. Gait, that Mr.
McDougall placed his compass on the stump, anil that the streets were
planned with a view to general convenience, and to secure river frontages
for residences and mills, as in ihe case of Woolwich Street, ar.d that
other streets were laid out so as to converge at one point, where it was
intended to build the Company's ofllccs, bank. Sec. ; and also to leave an
open space to be reserved forcxer as a market place. The stump was,
by Older of Mr. Gait, neatly fenced round by IMajor Strickland in 1828,
and the top being levelled and planed, the cardinal poirits of the compass
v/ere chiselled thereon, and a sun dial was placed upon it, serving, for
many years, as a town clock. It stood as a memorial of the foundation of
the town, and was held in the highest \cneration by the early settlers,
until about 1843, ^\^en it gradually disappeared from decay.

On the morning of the 24th, those gentlemen who hid come from a
distance to be present at the foundation of the new town, took their
departure, and Mr. Gait and his men at once set to work to build shanties
for themselves, and for the temporary accommodation of those settlers
who ni'ght soon be expected to arrive, upwards of 160 building lots hav-
ing already been engaged, and during the whole of that summer houses
were built as fast as materials could be provided. One of the lirst neces-
sities was the building of a house for .Mr. Gait, where the busines.s of the
Company might be transacted, and a shed or storehouse for provisions,
and for other purposes incident to the settlement of a new town.

The first few weeks were spent almost exclusively in chopping and
logging, the clearances being principally on the iAlarket Square and east-
ward to ^^'atcvIoo Street as far as Gordon Street, where, for several years,
the business portion of the town was situated, only a few straj'.gling houses
being built on the vvcst side for a considerable time afterwards. As the
trees were cut, shanties and log houses were built, the hrst commenced
being the Triory, which, though not altogether tlnished until the spring
of 182S, was occupied by Mr. (ialt from the first. The house, which is
beautifully situated on the south bank of the river Speed, was built of
squared logs, was large and commodious, and with the rustic porch, pre-
sents a very fair appearance, though somewhat rough, imitation of Ionic
architecture, and stands to this day as a witness of the practical skill and
artistic taste of Mr. (ialt, who drew the plans and superintended the
work.

During the visit of Mr. (lalt to Xew York in the s]iring, before com-
ing to Guelph, he had through Mr. Buchanan, the liritish Consul, engaged
a blacksmith, named John Owen Lynch, who, with his family, arrived
here in May. .\t tliat time a number of shanties had l:)een built, but
none of them were large enough to accommodate this family, so that a
house of elm logs, was soon built for them, on the lot now occupied by
Mr. F. W. Stone's store on (Jordon Street, the blacksmith's shop being
built in the rear, a low log structure, used now by Mr, Stone as a stable,
This house was of coi'siderable dimensions, and was shared by Jas. Mc-
Cartney, brother-in-law of J. O. Lynch. The next house, other than the
shanties, was built on the site now occupied by Mr. G. Lees' packing
house, and was used as a tavern kept by Philip Jones, who remained here
about two years, when he removed into Woohvich. Then a large log
house was built on the site of the present Fountain Hotel, by a man

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWM Of GUELPH.

named Lamport, after which several other houses were built by the
Canada Company for mechanics who h«d been sent from New York.
These n\en were Thos. Stewart, shoemaker, Wm. Gibbs, baker, — who
started the first bakery in the town, — Wm, Holmes, wagon maker, Wm.
Collins, carpenter, and Jas. Anderson, also a carpenter, brother-in-law of
Collins, with whom he lived. All these houses were in the immediate
neighborhood of CJordon and Surrey .Streets, one on each corner, Holmes'
being on the lot where Sole & Johnston's bakery now is. Another black-
smith, named McGarr, soon afterwards arrived as assistant to Lynch,
his house being built on Gordon Street between Holmes' and the corner
of Waterloo Street. On the site of the stone building lately used as a
Central School, a carpenter named John Williams built a house, which
he afterwards sold to a tailor n:.med Joseph Croft, who lived there about
live years. About this time a tavern was opened in one wing of the
Priory, by a man named Reid, who removed, with Major Strickland, to
(iodcrich, in 1828. At this time settlers began to arrive in large num-
bers, and houses were rapidly put up in all directions. Among those
who purchased lots from the Company, and arrived here during the sum-
mer, as appears froni the books of the Canada Company, were the follow-
ing :—

Jas. U. Oliver. August 11.
Allan McDonnell. August 12.
Alex. .S. Elder. May 20.
Thos. Leigh.
Thos. Kelly. "

Aaron Anderson. "
Edward Wovswick."
Nancy Riffe.
Bernard McTague"''
do do "

Lot

ci
u
<(
<(
a
a
n
((

((
((
(<
u
u
((

5-
6.

9-
10.
II.
12.

1.3-
14.

'5-
16.

17-
19.
20.

21.

''2

23-
24.

25.
27.
29.

35-
42.

47-
53-
71-

31-

15-

27.

27.
3'-

27.

'/•

19.
16.

16.

Jas. Thompson.
Ja«. McLcvy.
Robt. McLcvy.
David Gilkison.
Ch»s. Boynton.
Philip Jones'.
Andrew Mc\'ean,
Wm. I\lliott.
Wn". Leaden.

do
Wm. Reid.
James Smith, jr.
Geo. Abbott.
Geo. Dobbics.
Wm. Reid.
Thos. Pjutler.
Jas. Corbet.
Geo. Whiteside.
Wm. Goodwin.
Chas. Armstrong. Aug. i:

June 1.
M:iv 19.
'^' 16.
June 2.
July 10.
j\.\nQ 9.

Of these, it may be mentioned that J. D. Oliver built the first stone house
in the town, in consideration of which the Company gave him a free deed
of his lot ; David Gilkison built the first frame house and store ; Chas.

rilK ANNALS5 OK THE TOWN OF GUEl.i'H.

Hoynton built a large frama house, which he soon afterwards turned into
an liotel, and Philip Jones, as before stated, built a tavern of round logs.

Another party of emigrants arrived later in the summer, and being
mostly farmers, they settled on what has since been known as the Scotch
Block, on the Klora Road. Amoni; them were, Alex. McTavish, Donald
(.;illies, Alex. Reid, McFie, Peter lUitchart, Angus Campbell, Holli-
day, Joseph McDonald, Capt. McDonald, (^who was an uncle oif the present
Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and who died a few years ago upwards
of ninety years of age,) Jas, Stirton, Jas. Mc()uillan, \Vm. I'atterson,
Rose, McCrae, John iJcnn, Jas. Mays. 'I'hos. Knowles, Thos. Daly,
the Kennedys, (three families;, M. S/veetnam, and others, most of whom,
however, afterwards sokl out, when they had made some improvements,
and removed elsewhere, a practice which was far too prevalent at that
time, and, though it often placed a little ready money in the hands of
those who sold their farms, rarely resulted in the improvement of their
condition ; while, on the other hand, all of those who retained the farms
they themselves had cleared, afterwards became more or less wealthy,
and many of them v/ere in after years able to purchase eligible land in
other places. A third party arrived at about the same time, and settled
in the Paisley Block, among whom were - Jno. Inglis, Jno. Laidlaw, J.
McCorkindale, Drew, Campbell, Alexander, (lideon Mood, Wm. Hood,
Thos. Hood, iJoyd, .McKersie, John .Speirs, 'I'hos. Jackson, John Jack'
son, Joseph Jackson, Wm. Jackson, and Geo. Jackson, most of whom
became wealthy and influential citizens. .Most of these early settlers had
families, and the sons of some of them have since held prominent posi-
tions in the various councils and in the legislative halls of the country.

Recognizing the importance of educational facilities in a newly con-
stituted community, Mr. Gait had stipulated that half the price of the
building lots should be appropriated for the endowment and maintenance
of a school, undertaking that the Company should advance the necessary
funds to build the school house, to be repaid gradually from the proceeds
of the sales of lots. lUit during the first year the people were so fully
occupied in clearing their land and raising their own houses, that nothing
could be done in building a school house, especially as it was Mr. (halt's
intention that it should be a substantial stone structure, which could not
l)e built in a few days, in June, therefore, he erected a shed, adjoining
the Prior}-, since removed, and a school was opened, under the charge of
an .American named Davis, who appears to have been a fair type of the
dominie of the period, whose intellectual .nciiuirements did not go much
beyond the " Three Rs," and who had a deeply rooted con\ iction that
there was no better mode of instilling knowledge into the minds of the
rising generation than by the medium ofa good sound birch rod; or at
least, that when all other means of enlightening the youdiful mind had
failed, that was certain to accomplish the desired result ; and so zealous
does he appear to ha^■e been in the ai)plicaiion of this elevating theory,
that he was on several occasions in danger of having it practically tested
on his own person, at the hands of some of the English and Scotch set-
tlers, who entertained the absurd notion that the best way of reaching
the brain was not by corporeal punishment, and that blistering both
hands was not the surest method of drawing out the intellectual faculties
ofa child. Mr. Calt, strangely enough, being of the same way of think-
ing, and not holding a very high opinion of the mental capacity of .Mr.
Davis, was not long in dispensing with his valuable services, and pend-
ing the opening of the new school house, several of the more intelligent

THE ANNALS OF THK TOWN OF Gl.'F.i.PH.

of the settlers' wives were induced to open private schools, and it is said
some of them were fairly successful.

In May Mr. J. O. Lynch imported into the sctilcmcnt a marc, which
heini,^ the only liorse owned within a radius of toiirtcen miles, had work
cnoii-ii to do. He also brought a row, the tirst seen in the town. Mr.
J. I). Oliver, later in the year, brouj^ht a team of horse;;, '.\hich relic\ed
the poor marc very considerably, otherwise she would soon have fallen a
martyr to the cause of cixili/ation, for, though she was in admirable con-
dition when she arrived, overv/ork in a few months had reduced her to a
mere frame, useful only as an anatomical study.

Mavinjj llnislicd houses an I shanties sufficient to temporarily accom-
modate the innni^rants, Mr, (lalt next turned his attention to buildinti
additional storehouses and sheds for the Company, and then commenced
the erection of the Market House. This was situated about midway
between what are now known as Huskisson and Neeve streets, on a spot
now traversed by the Grand Trunk Railway. The building consisted ot
twelvn sets of double posts of s(|uared tim])er, supporting a cottage roof,
;ind was in si/c about 40x50 feet. It w.is open on all sides, and the
iloor was raised about 18 inches, with steps all round, formed of squared
logs. The whole was surmounted by a flagstaff, from which the British
ensign tloated on gala days. This building, thougli called a market
house, and used as such, so far as there was any business to be transact-
ed, M'as erected more for the pur[)ose of holding public meetings and as a
rendezvous for the })eople, where they might meet and discuss all they
knew — for newspapers were scarce and mails infrequent — of the politics
and public affairs of England and Canraln.

About this time, finding that the distance between York and Gueli)h,
by the circuitous route by way of Dundas and ( ialt, the only road at that
time opened, was productive of serious inconvenience in purchasing and
forwarding supplies, Mr. ('.:dt determined upon establishing a depot at
the head of Lake Ontario, so that supplies could be brought so far by
water, and accordinuly applied to the (iovernment for a grant of land in
that locality for that purpo.-,e. In reply he was requested to select what
he consid'ijred a suitable spot, and he accordingly chose a plot of about
three acres on the banks of the canal which was then being constructed
to connect Ihirlington IJay with the lake, a piece of land which Mr. Gait
says was, in hi3 opinion, among tlic most \aluabie in the whole Province.
It fronted on the canal, and on the right was JUirlington 15ay and on the
left Lake Ontario, a situation, than which, for the purpose contemplated,
none could ha\e been more eligible. One of the principal reasons in
view in takin;;- this step wrs. that in order to encourage th^ immigration
ot farmers, arrangements were made by which the land taken up, and
the necessary supplies of provisions .\nd farming implements, could be
paid for in produce, wjiich, together with consignments taken for sale on
commission, would have to be transported to York or some of the lake
ports on the American side, for which a shipping depot would prove of
great advantage. The calculation was that the profits derivable from
such a trade would not only defray all expenses, but leave a handsome
profit to compensate for the money taken out of the country by the opera-
tions of the Canadii Company. While engaged in making these prepa-
lations. ?>lr. Gait was surprised by the aiTival of a large party of immi-
grants, forwarded from New York by Mr. Buchanan, the liritish Consul.
These people, tifty-seven in number, had been sent to La (iuayra, or
Caracas, in South America, by the Colombian Company, and had found

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELl'H.

that the glowing pictures of prosperity drawn by the ajjcnts in Enghind,
by which ihcy had been hired away from their homes, and the ahnost
immcdiaie achievement of wealth and position which liad been promised
them, were all a delusion, and when, by the inthidnce of the English
officials, they were enabled to reach New York, lliey were in the most
destitute condition. Mr. liuchanan. knowing that the Canada Company
had established a settlement in Canada, and misconceiving the nature of
the enterprise, forwarded them to Mr. ('lalt, and they were on their way
to Ciuelph when he met them at his nevv depot. 'I his put him in a posi-
tion of great difficulty, his authority not extending to the reception of any
immigrants who wcvc not in a position to take up land, and still less to
relieving a party of people who were p'aclically jjaupers, though, but for
their poverty, they might be more desirable immigrants than many who
were fortunate enough to possess large means. That they should have
been sent to the care of the (iovernriient there can be no doubt, but here
they were, on his hands, and they had to bo provided for in some way.
Many of tliem were women and children, who, as a result of their short
residence in the unhealthy climate of South America, and the privations
they had endured while there and on board ship, were in a very weak
and sickly condition, and prompt action for their relief had to be taken,
and after doing what the limited means at his disj)osal would permit for
alleviating their distress, he forwarded them to Mr. Pryor at Guelph.
Upon their arrival tne men were set to work, but their strength had hc-
come so reduced by want and suft'ering tliat they could not earn sufficient
to maintain their families, so that it was absolutely necessary to supple-
ment their earnings with advances from the Company's funds. Though
these people had been sent to him, and from motives of humanity, he
had recei\ ed them and supplied their wants, he considered they were
legitimately a charge on the Government, and so retained in his hands a
portion of the sum then due by the Company to the Government until
the matter could be adjusted. The receiver-general at York, however,
informed him that his retention of this money would seriously embarrasc
him in nis fmancial affairs, and it was therefore agreed that the whole of
the Company's liabilities should be paid up, with the understanding that
the matter should receive a fair investigation and settlement. From the
first inception of the Company, there had been many interested persons,
both in England and in this country, who had been opposed to it, and
some also to whom Mr. Gait had, for some unexplained reason, become
personally obnoxious, and these persons lost no opportunity in fomenting
disco'd between the Company and the Government, and between Mr.
Gait and the Company, and in a very short time he learned that this cir-
cumstance had been so misrepresented in London, that the Directors
were almost inclined to censure him for what had been construed by hib
enemies into a slight on the local government, and soon afterwards he
received from the Directors a communicatior which almost amounted to
a reprimand. In the interim, the new arrivals had regained their health
and strength, and by their thrift vind industrj had shown that they were
likely to become most desirable settlers. Mr. Gait had therefore allotted
to each of them fifty acres of land, at the usual price, and in corsidera-
tion of their previous sufferings and present poverty had waived the first
payment, with the understanding that they M-ere to pay the full amount
due at some future time, with six per cent, interest on the amount due,
and on whatever was advanced to meet their necessities; a contract which
was rigidly adhered to by them, all of them ultimately paying the full

THE ANNAl.S OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

amount of their liabilities, nncl many of them becoming wealthy and pros-
perous farmers and tradesmen, alike an honor and a source of strength
to the community. Mr. (lalt at once wrote to Kngland, defending the
course he had taken, and explaining the real facts of the case, when the
matter droppetl.

Still the malcontents ^vere on the alert to llnd some means by which
they might injure him in the estimation of the Company, and the next
thing was to inflame the minds of the stockholders on account of the
large amounts he was expending in carrying on the ojieratiuns of the
Company in the new settlement, and the lie.ivy expenses incurred in the
working of its affairs, which was represented as being the reason why
the profits of the Company were not larger, which it was asserted the\
ought to have been. Now, that the operations of the Company during
the few months the settlement iiad been established were on u. somew hat
extensive scale, and, viewed by the light of subsecjuent events, perh.ips a
little extravagant, there can be no doubt ; but considering the jiiagnimdc
of the scheme in contemi)lation, and the amount invested, it was neces-
sary that the work should, to some extent at least, be in proportion, so
that the returns should soon correspond with the investments. That,
there were y.omo items of expense for work which might have been de-
ferred he did not deny, but he was working more for the future than for
the present, and m his opinion noth.ing could be more satisfactory than the
state of affairs as they then existed, everything presenting a degree 'of
prosperity which even he h^.d been hardly prepared to anticipate. This
matter was also clearly explained, and excrything seemed likely to run
smoothly on, when in a very short time another storm arose, which gave
liim some trouble. The name of the town had been selected, as has
before been stated, as an expression of loyalty to the royal family, and
because there was no other ])lace of the same name in the Empire.
That trouble could arise out of so comparatively insignificant a thing as
the mere name of a place never for a moment occurred to him, but it
was made the means of giving him not a little annoyance, for his enemies
in England, ready to snatch at any trifle by which they might do him an
injury, magnified this into an intentional slight to one of his warmest
friends, Lord Goderich, who while Mr. Robinson, Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer, haa taken a deep interest in Canadian affairs, and had been
partially instrumental, through Mr. Gait, in forming the Canada Com-
pany. It was therefore contended that as a matter of courtes)-, and as
an expression of the obligations the Company had been under to Lord
Goderich, the town should have been called after him. So far, the com-
plaint seemed reasonable, and had the matter presented itself to Mr.
Gait at the time in this light, probably he would have called the town
Goderich, but as it was, it did not appear to him to be a very serious
matter what the town was called, for as he himself said. " A rose by any
other name would smell as sweet."' So strongly was the matter pressed
at home, however, that the Directors sent him a letter, condemning his
choice of a name, and ordering him to change it from Guelph to
Goderich. This he would not, under .any other circumstances, have been
unwilling to do, but he felt that he had been harshly and unjustly treated
in the matter, and that a degree of importance had been attached to the
mere naming of the place which appeared to him unwarrantable, and
feeling also that the question had been raised nierely as a pretext for
injuring him. he was naturally disinclined to concede the point, and so
re'plied, dei'endin'g his chbic'e of a name, and reprcscntirfg also that, as

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUEF.Plt.

1,1)

commercial transactions had taken place, and deeds had been {;i\ en of land
situated in the Town of Guelph, an Act of tlic Lct^iali'.lvire would have to
be procured to make the proposed change, but, unwiUing as he was to
alter the name, if tlie Company insisted upon it, and would send him the
necessary instructions, he would at once take the rec|uisite stepls to
obtain the passage of an Act in accordance with their vie^vs. This, as
he expected, i)Ul a (juietus on this bu;.jbear, and he heard no more of the
matter, but to show that it was not from any disrespect to Lord (ioderich
that he had chosen tlie name of (luciph, he called the name of another
town which he founded about two years afterwards, after his lordshij).

This was not by any means l!ie last attempt made to injure him and
make his jjosition uncomfortable, for another instance of still more gross
misrepresentation soon occurred. It was now the month ot August, and
the I2th being the kings birthday, and also the anniversary "f the forma-
tion of the Canada Company, he determined to celebrate it by a general
holiday and ))uhlic dinner. The market house was ii course of con-
struction, and the boards were placed on the root, but up to the nth,
which was Saturday, it was not wholly shingled, and many of the people
were anxious that it should be completed for the grand celebration to
take place on the Monday, and, whether with Mr. Gait's knowledge or
not does not appear, for no mention is ma le of the fact in any of the
books relating to the time, the work was romplcted on the Sunday, the
sanctity of that day. according to the evidence of tliosc avIio were here
at the time, not being very generally observed, as is frequently the case
now in new settlements. On the Monday morning the town was in a
state of the greatest excitement, it being determined to roast r.n ox whole
on the market place, and have a right jo\ ial time generally, in which
they appear to have succeeded. Early in the morning four huge posts,
which remained as a memento for many years, were let into the ground,
from which, by means of logging chains, the carcase was suspended, an
immense log lire being kindled on each side. While the ox was roasting
a large number of guests, who had been specially invited by Mr. (ialt to
take part in the festivities, arrived from Gait, where they had passed the
night. Some of these gentlemen lived in Montreal, some in Kingston,
Dundas, An.caster, Gait, York and other places, among whom was Mr.
Gurnett, of Ancaster. proprietor of the Gofr Gazctk\ in which he pub-
lished a jjraphic description of the proceedings. So far as is known,
however, there is not a copy of the paper containing the report now in
existence. Among the residents of the town and neighborhood present
were Mr. Robt. Thompson, Mr. Jas. McCrae, Mr. Jas. Thompson— who,
two or three jears afteiwards took up the farni now owned by Mr. Sheriff
Gow— Mr. J. Hodgert, Mr. D. Gilkison, Mr. Wm. Thompson, Mr, Allan
McDonnell, Mr. Aaron Anderson — who built a house where the Bank of
Commerce now stands, but who afterwards took up land on the Waterloo
Road, by Silver Creek, — Mr. B. McTague, Mr. D, Gilkison, Mr. Wm.
Leaden, Mi'. Andrew McVean, Mr. J. D. Oliver, Mr. Jas. Parkinson, Mr.
John Lindcrman — who had settled in Eramosa — Mr, John McCall, of
Beverley, Mr. Nicklin, of Woolwich, Mr. John Mitchell — who afterwards
opened a lime kiln and was the Company's valuator- Mr. C. Donohuc,
Mr. James Butler, Mr. Stewart Coghlin and Robt. On*, of Guelph Town-
ship, and several of the settlers in the Scotch and Paisley Blocks, whose
names have been given, Mr. J. Rife, who had squatted near the westerly
limits of the township, near what is still known as Rife's Creek, most of
whom are now dead. When dinner time had arrived the roasted ox was

•20

J'HK ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

earned into the market house, and placed upon a strong t;ible, where it was
carvec,and t!ie guests, to ilic number of about two hundred, enjoyed a right
royal feast, 'he many other good things provided for the occasion making
the w;v/// such as by no means to be despised. That the aiode of serving
the dinner was not the most elegant may easily be conceived, and that
all tlie amcnittes of a modern banquet were not observed may be as
readily believed. In fact the hrst thing to be done to lend an
air ot refinement to the meal, was to pro\ide forks, which each man did
for himself, by going to the lumbei- pile and selecting or cutting a suitable
stick, whitling a fork out of it with his jack knife, wh' :h indispensable
article every man of course had with him, and with which he afterwards
cut up his be' f. Plates being somewhat scarce, and the few possessed
in the tow; being far too \aluabie to risk at such a gathering, each
selected as clean a shingle as possible, from the ])ile, which rem lined
after the market house roof had been finished, and with keen appetites
all sat down and enjoyed a hearty meal. "After the cloth was
removed," toasts were drunk to everybody and every conceivable thing,
the liquors, of all imaginable descriptions, being passed round in buckets,
from which each man helped himself by means of tin cups, about two hun-
dred of which had been supplied for the occasion by Mr. Linderman.
Speeches were made by Mr. (jalt, Mr. Pryor, Dr. Dunlop and many others,
and when these gentlemen left, those who remained continued to celebrate
the day in an exceedingly hilarious manner, most of them, who had not
succumbed to an overpowering somnolency, celebrating the night too,
many of them being found next morning reposing on the ground in the
market place, in loving proximity to the liquor pails, in which conveniently
floated the tin cups. This celebration was taken hold of by the fault-
finders, not on account of the quantity of liquor consumed, for that was
a mere trifle in those days, and an indispensable adjunct to such an
occasion, but because they asserted that the health of Sir Peregrine Mait-
land, the Lieutenant Governor, had been omitted from the list of toasts.
Sir Peregrine, though he had always been ready to do all in his power
to further the objects of ttae Company, had for sVne time shown a coolness
towards Mr. Cialt personally, on account of some misrepresentations made
by envious and interested parties before the acti\ e operations of the Coni-
pany were commenced, from which .Sii" Peregrine had formed the opinion
that Mr. Gait entertained feelings of hostility to himself, and that his
political opinions w'ere inimical to the policy of the government, especially
on the subject of the clergy reserves. That thi-^ was a false impression
there can be no doubt, for on every available opport^mity he spoke in the
highest terms of the Lieutenant (iovernor, both witii respect to his per-
sonal character and as a valuable ofiicer of the Crown ; and so for as his
political opinions were concerned, there is nothing on record to show that
he ever gave expression to them in this country, and that he never
allowed them to influence him in the least, in his position as agent for the
Company, is tolerably certain. On this occasion, ai3 has b'^en testified to
by scores of reliable persons, who were present on the occah.ion,the Uiual
toasts, " the King" and " the royal family," having been di'ly honored,
the health of the i''.arl of Dalhousic, the (iovernor General, was proposed,
with an acknowledgment of the many services that nobleman had ren-
dered to Mr. Cialt , after which the health of Sir Peregrine Mainland was
proposed, Mr. Gait most heartily expressing his gratitude for the earnest-
ness a id promptness with which his excellency had responded to every
application for assistance in the interest of the Company. Wh'in the

THE ANNALS OK THK TOWN OF (iUtLPU.

here it was
ycd a right
)n making
of serving
, and that
lay be as
lend an
man did
a suitable
spensable
ftcr wards
possessed
ing, each
remained
appetites
loth was
)le thing,
I Ijuckets,
two hun-
nderman.
ly others,
celebrate
had not
ight too,
d in the
.leniently
he fault-
;hat was
such an
ne Mait-
f toasts,
s power
coolness
ns made
le Coni-
opinion
hat his
pecially
)ression
e in the
bis per-
r as his
ow that

never
for the
ificd to
c usual
)nored,

Josed,
rcn-
ui was
irnest-

every
n the

news of these slanders and secret niacliinations reached Guelph, Mr.
Gait was natually chagrined, and for a time was secretly revolving in his
mind the advisabiUty of resigning his position. While he was in doubt
as to the wistlom of this course, hc^'.vevcr, he was \-isitcd by Col. Coffin,
A\ho had conmiand of the militia, who intimated tiiat the Lieutenant
(iO\ernor thought of appointing him to the command of a regiment, and
rci.|ue3ted him to consider wliicli of the gentlemen in the Company's
service, or settled in tiic town, lie woukl recommend as ofliccrs. This,
with hints which he iiad previously received from various quarters, led
him to belie\e that Sir P. Maitland had seen reasons to change his
Cipinion respecting him, and he was beginning to think the storms had
blov.n over, when to his amazement lie received an intimation that he was
to be reprimanded by the Board of Directors for insulting the Lieutenant
Governor, and in the course of a few days this provetl to be the fart, for
he received a letter from the Company, informing him that Sir Peregrine
had made a complaint to Mr. liuskisson, Secretary of State, who had
communicated it to the Directors, and tliat they, assuming him to be
guilty of the charge, wished him to luiderstand that they altogether dis-
approved of his course in this matter. ?ilortified beyond measure at the
gross injustice of thus condemning him without givirig him an opportu-
nity of repelling the charge, he, after due consideration, sent his long
contemplated resignation to .Mr, J3onan(.[uet, the chairman of the Board,
enclosing a private note, leaving it with tliiU gentleman to lay it before
the Directors or not, and in his discretion, Mr. Bosanuuet withheld it,
and wrote a kind letter to Mr. (jalt, begging him to continue in his posi-
tion, which, as his family were soon expected from England, he was not
sorry to do ; and so, for th.e present, peace was restored.

Up to this time no regular religious service had been held in the
new town, and the only place of worship within mar.y miles was at (ialt,
and that was only a small, barn-like structure, used as a general religious
meeting house for all denominations. Alter the visit of Bishop Macdon-
nell, arrangements were made for a periodical \ isit by a priest, but no
provision could then be made for holding Protestant services. .'Vt that
cime the Roman Catholic see of Kingston included the whole of L'ppcr
(."anada, and the pastoral districts were very large and widely scattered,
the most westerly being that of Niagara, which included the whole of the
country west as far as Lake Huron. This was tlie missionary district,
over which three missionary priests of the Jesuit ' rder had the pastoral
oversight, and tours were made by them to every portion of it at slated
times. One of these priests. Father Campion, a most devoted man, a
personal friend of the famous l'"ather De Smet, who, in his pioneer mis-
sionary labors among the Indians, walked literally from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, was assigned to the duly of visiting and caring for the Cath-
olic jieople of Ciuelpli. His district extended as u^r westas Chatham and
Windsor, and it usually occupied him about three months to make all his
pastoral \ isits, which he did alone, braving all dangers, which at that
time were neither few nor f^, nail, not the least of them arising from the
wolves and bears with which the forests then abounded. Travelling In-
day, and sleeping in trees or caves bv night, this devoted man ])ursued
his labors, his reward being always fatigue and not unfrequently hunger,
which were borne with the cheerfulness and resignation ofainartyr to
the high and noble duty to which he was called. In most of the places
he visited, as at (iuelph, there was no chapel, and service was held in
some humble dwelling, whose narrow walls and low, rough roof, were for

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF (^UELPH.

the time made sacred by tlic prayers and sighs of the sorrowful and
devout -as sacred as any cathedral consecrated by episcopal forms and
pompous ceremonies: or else, when the weather would permit, in those
temples, not made with hands, whose roof was the azure of the limitless
sky; whose floor was nature's grantl mosaic of the emerald verdure,
almost hidden by the crimson, the gold, the purple and the thousand
other hues of the llowers and leaves; whose aisles and naves were formed
of the o\ erarching boughs of the mighty forests, and whose altar candles
were the watching stars of God. His first visit to Cnielph was in August,
and during his stay religious services were held by him, sometimes in
the leafy groves adjoining the clearing, and sometimes in some lowly
shanty, but generally, and for nearly four years afterwards, the services
were held in the house of Mr. John O. Lynch. Just as he was al)out to
leave his little flock the first time — it is said after he had moimted his
horse, — he was called back to i)erform a pleasant duty, the celebration of
the first marriage in the new settlement. Christopher Keogli, an eni-
ploye of the Canada Company, and a fiiir maid named Kitty Kelly, had
been plighted lovers in Dundas, and arrangements had been made for
their union at some future time, when they coufd be married by a priest,
bit neither of them thought the auspicious time would arrive so soon ; so
that when the priest arrived the young man was all anxiet\- to have the
knot tied at once, but the lady, with maiden coyness, demurred, and it
was not until the priest was just about leaving that her friends prevailed
upon her to give her consen^ and the expectant bridegroom was just in
rime to stay the departure of the priest to effect the union of two
loving hearts, i'fiat was another gala day, all the settlers, from Mr. (lalt
dcwn to the resident of the humblest shanty, turning out to do honor to
the occasion, and that day, the 26th of August, 1827, was remembered
for many years as one of the pleasantest spent in the early days of
Guelph. Christopher Keogh has been dead some years, but Mrs.
Keogh, (aielph's first blushing bride, still lives near the town where
fifty years of her life ha\e been spent, surrounded by her sur\iving
children and grandchildren.

In September Mr. Samuel Wright arrived here and opened a bakery
on the Dundas Road, near the river. The bakery was in the open air,
built of limestone, and not being accustomed to sucii o\ens, and, indeed,
iK'ing a miller by trade, not having a very large experience in baking at
. 11, he one day heated the oven so hot thi'.t he transformed it into a mini-
ature lime-kiln, and it crumbled into di-.st before his eyes. This was a
lesson which he did not forget, and in future the heat of his fires \ .is not
so intense. He carried on his business here with success and piotlt for
about two years, when he bought out William (iibbs, the ^'ankee baker,
and lor many years retained the principal |)art of the patronage of the
town. The next bakery ojiened was th.it built by R. I'arkrr, on the
present site of Armstrong's carriage factory on Woolwich street. This
was a small stone building, detached from the house, and was used as a
bakery for many years.

In these early times there was not much need of magisterial super-
vision, but, as much probably as a matter of compliment as anything
else, in the fall of 1827 D/. Dunlop, Messrs. Pryor, Hrcwster, Hodgert
and Col, Lamprey icceived ^he Commisr,ion of the I'eace, to which Mr.
Strange was afterwards added. Previous to this, disputes were adjusted
and petty crimes punished by the magistrates elsewhere, 'Squires Lep-
pard and Smith being the magistrates in Woolwich, and 'S(|uire Ellis, of

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELFH^

•owful and
forms and
t, in those
: limitless

verdure,
thousand
;re formed
ir candles
in August,
letinies in
imc lowly
e services

about to
nnted bis
bration of

an cm-
kcDy, had
made for
■ a priest,
soon ; so
have the
!d, and it
)revailed
as just in
1 of two
Mr. C.ah
honor to
iembere(!
days of
n\t '.Mrs.
.'n where
5ur\ivini;

a baker\-
jpen air,
, indeed,
living at
> a mini-
is was a
' .IS not
•lotlt for
e baker,
e of the
, on the
t. This
icd as a

.1 super-
nything-
lodgert
ich Mr.
idjusted
es Lep-
Kllis, of

Fisher's Mills, and 'Squire Scollick, of Preston, in Waterloo. From
what is stated by those settlers who were here at tkc time, these magis-
trates' courts were conducted more on the principles ofeqi'ty than on
the basis of law, the legal knowledge of their worships on the bench being
of the most crude and limited nature, and their decisions being given as
the result of their innate feelings of justice and their hard common-sense
views of right and wrong ; and who shall say that there was not as much
even-handed justice meted out then as now, when, through the multipli-
city of apparently conflicting statutes, law and justice do not always
seem to go hand in hand? When the Guelph magistrates were appointed,
however, a quantity of law books were procured, and being men of con-
siderable education and ability, they at once assumed a high place
in the estimation of the other justices of the peace, who were accustomed
to refer unusually knotty points to them for decision.

For several miles out of Guelph there was at this time no road,
excepting a beaten path through the dense primeval forest which lay
between the new town and Gait, and Mr. Gait determined upon opening
dp a road in that direction, and the work was undertaken by Mr. Absa-
lom Shade, of Gait, a gentleman who afterwards took a prominent part
in the public affairs of that town. The road consisted of a cutting up-
wards of one hundred and thirty feet wide, and was about seven miles
long, the whole of the chopping and logging being completed in the sum-
mer of 1829. On each side of this magnificei.. glade the tre«s rose to
the height of about 150 feet, along the centre of which the high road ran,
forming an approach which, for beauty and grandeur, was probably never
equalled, and fully justified the expression of admiration used by Mr.
Gait, who called it "the glor)' of Guelph." Indeed it might have consti-
tuted the glory of any city, and in an older country and under other
circumstances would have been preserved as a boulevard, than which no
finer could be conceived. In speaking of this splendid avenue, in a
letter to one of his friends, Mr. Gait says: "The imagination forbears
when it would attempt to depict the magnificent effect of the golden sun
shining through the colossal vista of smoke and flames; — the woodmen
dimly seen moving in * the palpable obscure,' with their axes glancing
along, in the distance. A Yankee post-boy, who once drove me to
Guelph, on emerging from the dark and savage wood, looked behind v.i
astonishment as we entered the opening, and, clapping his hands with
delight, exclaimeii, 'What an Almighty place!'" In again referring to
this work, he says : " By doing speedily and collectively, works which, in
detail, would not have been remarkable, these superb effects were
obtained. They brought ' to home ' the wandering emigrants, gave them
employment, and by the wonder at their greatness, magnified the import-
ance of the improvements. This gigantic vision did not cost much more
than the publication of a novel." This magnificent approach to the
embryonic town, from the first called the Waterloo Road, was, however,
fated to be soon marred, the clearings of the settlers very soon making
gaps, which, however desirable as adding prosperity to the town and
township, robbed this grand avenue of its beauty and glory forever.

In the fall of 1827, Mr. Gait received a visit from the Provincial
Inspector-General, and his old friend Bishop Macdonnell, whom he had
not seen since he had held those important conferences with him in
England, which contributed so much to the formation of the Canada
Company. It was at this time that the site for the Catholic church was
chosen, and j^^ a compliment to the Bishop, Mr. Gait at once set men to

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF 6UELPH.

work to clear Macdonnell street as far as the summit of the hill, where it
was at once decided the church of the future should be built. Here the
clearing ceased, except that on the crest of the hill a large elm tree was
left standing, forming a very prominent feature in the beautiful landscape
which the place then presented. This tree was about nine feet in circum-
ference at the height of a man's head, and was allowed to remain, partly
on sccount of its beauty, but more, perhaps, on account of the labor
necessary to fell it. Not that it was in any way remarkable for size, for
there were in the neighborhood some buttcrwood and cherry trees, which,
according to actual measurements taken by Major Strickland, were, some
seven, and some eight and nine feet in circumference. Mr. Gait speaks
of an oak, on the Waterloo Road, which, at the first glance, reminded
liim of the London Monument, an effect of the amazement which the
greatness of the dimensions produced. He measured the girth, at the
height of a man's head, and fv.and it to be thirty-three feet, above which
the trunk rose without a branch to the height of at least eighty feet,
crowned with vast branches. " This was an oak," he says, " probably the
greatest known, and it lifted its head far above the rest of the forest.
The trees around, myrmidons of inferior growth, were large, massy and
vigorous, but possessed none of the patriarchal antiquity with which that
magnificent ' monarch of the woods ' was invested. I think, therefore,
that I was not wrong in imagining it the scion of a forest that had passed
away. Had 1 been convinced it was perfectly sound, 1 would have taken
measures for cutting it down and sending home planks of it to Windsor
Castle. The fate that awaited it would have justified the profanation.
The doubt of its soundness, however, and the difficulty of finding tools
large enough to do it justice, procrastinated the period of its doom." It
was a tew years afterwards cut down for fence rails by the owner ot the
place, who remarked to Major Strickland on one occasion, when called
a Goth for wishing to cut it down: " I don't know what you mean by a
Goth; but I do know, that if I could get a cross-cut saw long enough to
cut that tree, 1 would not let it stand there long; for you see it is mighty
straight in the grain, and would split like a ribbon."

In the fnll of 1827 Mr. U. Gilkison, who was doing a very fair busi-
ness at his store, and who was one of the fortunate ones who came here
with a little capital, applied to Mr. Gait to be allowed to build a 'saw-mill
on the site where Allan's mill now stands, but this had from the first
been reserved for a grist mill to be built for the Company. The next
ehgible place was on a spot within a fev/ feet of the present mills owned
by Mr. Gcldie, and this was at once purchased by Mr. Gilkison at a
moderate figure. Some difficulty, however, was experienced in construct-
ing a dam, chiefly from the want of proper machinery and tools, but
after repeated trials all obstacles were overcome, and a dam, though not
such a one as under more favorable circumstances it would have been,
yet sufficiently strong to answer the purpose, was built, and work \vas at
once commenced. The want of sawn lumber had been a serious draw-
back in the building operations up to that time, and now the demand
was greater than could be met, though the mill was run every hour it was
possible to work. From this time several frame houses were put up, and
the internal arrangements and fittings of the log houses were greatly
improved, the doors and partitions hitherto having been constructed of
such rough boards as could be hewed out with axes. One of the first
houses built after this, was raised by Mr. Leaden, on the corner of Water-
loo and Huskisson streets, Mr. Leaden, or Captain Leaden, as he was

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

ill, where it
Here the
m tree was
I landscape
:in circum-
lain, partly
fthe labor
or size, for
ees, which,
were, some
alt speaks
, reminded

which the
rth, at the
K3ve which
eighty feet,
obably the
the forest,
massy and
kvhich that

therefore,
ad passed
lave taken
) Windsor
ofanation.
ling tools
Dom." Jt

er ot the

en called
lean by a

nough to
lis miglity

air busi-

ime here

saw-mill

the first

The next

owned
son at a
jnstruct-
ols, but
>iigh not
ve been,

was at
IS draw-
tlemand.
r it was
up, and
greatly
cted of
he first
Water-
he was

usually called, had served many years in the i rmy. in which he held a
lieutenant'^ commission, and had recently retired with a pension ; and
having a little property, but not sufficient to enable him to maintain his
position in the society in which he had been accustomed to move, wisely
resolved on coming to the new settlement. The building he raised was
of squared logs, and was used partly as a dwelling house and partly as a
store, in which he did a very good business until his death. The interior
of the house and store was comfortably fitted, far more so, in fact, than
it is now — for the house still remains — and was a favorite place for the
more intelligent and better class of settlers to meet to spend the winter
evenings in discussing topics of interest, and such news as was occasion-
ally brought in.

Winter being now close at hand, all operations were suspended, ex-
cept chopping, to prepare for u hich a considerable space had been under-
brushed in the fall. Most of the men, nearly all, indeed, who were not
engaged in chopping for themselves, were employed by Mr. Shade in
completing the Waterloo Road, and in opening the first portion of the
Dundas P.oad, in continuation of Gordon street, by which means all
were kept busy the entire winter. Mr. Gait, having nothing of special
importance to detain him at Cuclph, and expecting his family from Eng-
land early in the spring, departed for New York, where he was received
with every mark of consideration, ar.d where he spent his time princi-
pally in making himself thoroughly acquainted with the det.^ils of the
machinery of the colonization schemes and land offices, which he consid-
ered would be of essential benefit to him in conducting the affairs of the
Company in Canada. He also made trips into New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania, for the purpose of seeing the practical working of the new colo-
nies which had been settled in those parts, principally by the English
and Germans. Shortly after this his family arrived, together with
despatches from Mr. Bosanquet, informing him that his resignation hav-
ing been withheld, his duties would continue as before. He therefore at
once removed to the house at Burlington Bay, where they resided till the
summer, when they came to Guelph, so that he could give more time
and personal supervision to the operations being rapidly pushed forward
there.

Among the free grants announced to be made at the commencement
of the settlement, of some of which notice will be taken hereafter, the
Company promised fifty acres of land, to be vested in trustees, for the
benefit of the first child born in Guelph, if a male, and if a female, a
house and lot, to be vested in a similar manner. It is scarcely necessary
to dwell on the excitement and anxiety in matronly circles for several
months, not for the sake of obtaining the fifty acres of land, for that was
not a very valuable consideration, when land was offered in Quarter
Sessions at one shilling and three pence per acre, but for the honorable
distinction which it was supposed would attach, in after years, to the
man who could proudly place his hand on his breast, and say, with head
erect, " Behold in me the first child born in this great city !" Three or
four ladi-^s were secretly cherishing the hope that the honor of being the
happy mother of this future great man would fall to them ; and who shall
say what expectations and bright prospects were formed in their fond
visions of the future, when, perhaps, the town having grown with his
growth, th« child then expected would take his place in the foremost
ranks of the men of his day, and perchance preside over the interests of
his fellbtN'-citTr'cps as the occupant of the ctvjc chair, or even be honored

THE ANNALS OP THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Still more by being selected to represent them in the legislative halls of
his country. But how often the fondest hopes are shattered and the
brightest dreams dispelled by unforeseen events; and how frequently the
happiness we aspire to is rudely snatched from us, when almost within
our grasp, by the hand of a stranger. Even so was it in this case. At
the end of January a newly-married couple, named Thomas and Marga-
ret Brown, immigrants from England, arrived in town, and the coming .
struck consternation to the hearts of the ladies so anxious for the arrival
of the expected little stranger, in whom the hope of Guelph was to be
centred. Nor were the fears thus excited, as the event proved, without
reason, for the newly arrived lady had not been here many days, when
an interesting event was announced, and had there been a newspaper
published in the town at the time, in that column so anxiously perused
by ladies, a notice of the birth of Letitia, heiress to the estate of the noble
house of Brown, would doubtless have been chronicled. About four days
after this, Mrs. Lynch, wife of Mr. John O. Lynch, presented her liege
lord with a son — not the first, and consequently not the heir apparent to
the Lynch property — but, had it not been for the interloping Miss Brown,
the rightful claimant of the honor of being Guelph's first-born child, ot
which fifty acres of land was to have been but a slight and ten porary
recognition. And this was not the worst; for the parents of the young
supplanter showed such a thorough lack of appreciation of the exalted
position to which their heiress had been born, that in a few months they
abandoned the property so generously deeded to her (valued at about
thirty shillings), that they, one night, " folded their tent like the Arab,
and as silently stole away," leaving the birthright acquired by the young
lady to take care of itself, thus treating with contempt the honor which
others would have so highly prized. And such is life ! The property
remained unoccupied for some time, when James Carr settled on it, and
subsequently, by virtue of having paid the taxes on it for a certain time,
it was claimed and awarded to Mr. Robert Thompson, who owned it for
some years. Had an application been made to the Canada Company
for fifty acres of land for Thomas H. Lynch, the first-born male child,
there is every reason to believe it would have been granted, but no such
application was ever made by his parents, and consequently nothing
further was done in the matter.

In March Mr. Gait received news that one of the agents in Scotland
had made some mistake in the arrangements for forwarding a party of
emigrants, which necessitated his going to Montreal, when he heard that
trouble was again brewing, reports inimical to himself and throwing dis-
credit on the management of the affairs of the Company having had a
damaging effect on the stock, which was rapidly falling in the market,
the general opinion, in consequence, being that the Companv could not
go on. Knowing, from past experience, how insidious were tne workings
of the parties who were interested in bringing about this result, and how
easily a slight rumor at that time affected the standing and value of stock
on the London exchange,, in consequence of the m«ny bubble companies
which had burst, and brought ruin and disaster into thousands of happy
homes and prosperous communities, it is no wonder that the shock was
to him, as he says himself, electrical. So far as his own operations were
concerned, nothing to him could be more promising and prosperous, and
he was not long in coming to the conclusion, from what he heard from
other quarters, that the cry of impending (ailure had been raised, not for
thfe purpose of kcltiatfy eausinfe tnb breaking up of the Com'pany, but for

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

the purpose of affording an opportunity to English speculators, some of
whom had already acquired a large interest in and control over the Board,
to effect his recall, and the transfer of the management of the Company
to the hands of themselves or creatures whom they would appoint. Nor
was he altogether wrong in his surmises, for on his return from Montreal,
he found that a Mr. Smith, the accountant of the Company had arrived,
with instructions to take the oversight of the books and accounts, and
also take charge of the financial affairs of the Company here, thus vir-
tually placmg Mr. Gait in the position of a subordinate, in fact a mere
overseer. On this subject Mr. Gait says :— " His emoluments seemed to
give a perplexing corroboration to the report I had heard in the lower
province. They were, in n^y opinion, greatly beyond an adequate pay-
ment for the duties to be performed, and, as the directors complained of
my apparent expenditure, I could not but conclude that it was resolved
to break up the Company ; and that the excessive* emoluments of the
accountant were bait to lure hi»"i out of the way, and enable him to meet
the exigencies to which he might be exposed when the machination
should take effect. I call it machination, because I think it was a trans-
action of that nature ; but I confess it did not seem to me to be very
heinous to buy the stock cheaper, if no sinister means were employed to
lower the price ; especially as the effects of the Company in promoting
the prosperity of the province, were, in my opinion, of primary import-
ance. Provided they were to be continued, I did not care who were the
stockholders ; but I could not think, without wincing at the idea, of being
father to a wild and ruinous scheme, for such I saw would be the conclu-
sion, if the subscribers were induced to refuse to pay up their shares.
They were by this time at a discount, but are now (he wrote this in 1833)
the highest priced vendible stock in the market ; only seventeen pounds
are paid, and the price with the premium is fifty-five per cent, and there
has been no change in the system established by me."

Distasteful as were the proceedings of the Directors towards him,
and more especially with regard to the sending of the accountant, who
tacitly at all times, and more positively on certain occasions, appeared to
assume a superiority in position over him, Mr. Gait determined to carry
on his work with as much vigor as if nothing had occui ed, and not to
allow anything to interfere with the progress and prosperity of the town.
Previous to leaving for Montreal, he had given orders for the quarrying
of a lot of stone, and on his return he at once commenced to build a
school house. This was a stone building, about 50 x 40 feet, and stood
on Waterloo Street, a few yards east of the present Grand Trunk Rail-
way passenger station. At the ceremony of the laying of the foundation
stone of this building, and also of the bank, which was performed on the
same day, though the building was not at once proceeded with, eloquent
speeches were made by Mr. Gait and Mr. Pryor, and a very humorous
one by Dr. Dunlop, after which various amusements were indulged in,
the most notable being the firing of cannons, made from beech and maple
logs, about four feet in length and one in diameter, with a two inch bore,
and bound with strong iron bands. These primitive cannon usually
burst at the second or third discharge, not without some danger to the
bystanders. A few fights brought the public proceedings to a close, when
the elite adjourned to the Priory, where a dinner on a somewhat

frand scale had been prepared. Mr. Gait presided, the vice chair being
lied b)' Dr. Duiilop, and about eighty guests being present What fol-

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

lowed the removal of the cloth it is not necessary particularly to des-
cribe, but

"The nicht giew on m' sangs an' clatter,
"An' aye the ale was growing better,"

As the "wee sma' hours" approached some f the guests grew a little
pugnacious, and Thomas Brown, the father of Miss Letitia, acting as con-
stable ^ro tetn, was called on to quell the disturbance, and in his
attempts to restore peace had his hand badly cut by a carving knife in
the hands of one of the rioters. He was consequently disabled from
working for some time, and was therefore appointed to the honorable
position of "grog boss" among the Company's workmen, the duties of
which he filled to the entire satisfaction of the men. A portion of the
walls of the school-house still remains, the other parts having been
pulled down or fallen away when the gravel pits were dug close by. The
school was taught by a Mr. John Matthews, who appears to have been a
man of far different character and qualifications from Mr. Davis, to whom
reference has already been made, his experience having been acquired
in England, and his general temperament being such as to fit him for a
teacher. When the school was opened there were about forty children
in attendance, a number which steadily increase 1, until, in 1832, the
number was upwards of seventy in moderately regular attendance.

During the summer of this year Mr. Pryor was sent, with a number
of men, to ' irvey certain portions of the Huron tract, and to clear and
lay off a plot for the contemplated town of Goderich. To supply the
place of Mr. Pryor, in the superintendence of the out-door work being
carried on in Guelph, Mr. Gait had, in the Spring, engaged Mr. Strick-
land, who had had several years' experience in bush life, and had acquired
a practical knowledge of house and bridge building, as well as the usual
knowledge of woodcraft generally, which made him a valuable acquisition
to the Company's staff. One of the errors which Mr. Gait had com-
mitted, was in the selection of inexperienced persons to fill positions in
the Company's service ; men who not only lacked the knowledge requisite
in leaders of'^a pioneer enterprise, but who do not seem, with one or two
exceptions, to have possessed the physical strength and endurance so
indispensable for such arduous and wearying duties. In Mr. Strickland,
however, he had found a man in every way fitted for the life of a leader
of woodsmen, and for directing any operations which it might be found
necessary to undertake, from the felling of a tree to the building of a
house or bridge. Having spent several years in farming, both under his
uncle, in Durham, and on his own account, near Darlington, his agricul-
tural experience was also valuable to the immigrants, who were neces-
sarily ignorant of the differences between farming in England and in
this country. Being also a man of liberal education and refined man-
ners, he was a welcome addition to the social circle in the town, and
soon became a prime favorite. On his arrival he found the town con-
sisted of some thirty log houses, and about .-^s many shanties, a large
frame tavern building, not yet opened, a store, (Mr. Gilkison's), and the
walls of two stone buildings, one of which was the school house, and the
other was intended for the Company's offices. On driving into the town^
he went at once to the tavern kept by Philip Jones, or rather, as he says,
by Mrs. Jones, who appears, from all accounts, to have been the " boss
of the shanty," and to have governed Mr. Jones tolerably well, though
to strangers she was as pleasant and accommodating as could possibly
be. On this occasfon the house was futi, some emfgra'nts having arrived

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF CUELPH.

and

le town,
e says,
" boss
though
ossibly
arrived

that day, and so, with characteristic nonchalance, Mr. Strickland betook
himself to a hay-loft, where he slept soundly till morning, after which he
established himself in Mr. Gait's coach house. For the remainder of
the summer he was employed in superintending the erection of several
houses, and in building two bridges, one over the Speed, and the other
over the Eramosa branch. That over the Speed, where Allan's bridge
now is, appears from a painting executed in the fall of 1828, to have been
a very substantial and not inelegant structure, built on piles, the super-
structure being partly of squared timbers. This was a great convenience
to the settlers, ns a good number of farms had been cleared on the other
side of the river, and the farmers had hitherto been compelled to cross
on a rude ferry, consisting of a raft of logs lashed together; and as the
stream, especially in the Spring, was very swift, this was frequently
attended with considerable labor and frequently also with some danger.

Among the other works carried on this year, a number of other streets
were laid out and cleared, including Wyndham street, as far as the
junction with Woolwich street. A plot on the left of Wyndham street,
behind the American hotel, was from the first designated by Mr. Gait as
a burial ground, and on the opposite side, where the Alma block now
stands, was a triangular piece of land, purchased by Mr. Pryor, and for
many years afterwards known as Pryor s field. It was bounded by
Wyndham and Woolwich streets and a line running from about where
the Court House is to about half way down Quebec street. Douglas
street was not in the original survey, it not being at that time intended to
run a street through there, and it was not until the site of the Court
House was fixed upon that it was decided to open a street to afford a
nearer approach to it than by way of Wyndham and Woolwich streets.
A huuse was commenced for Dr. Dunlop, on the present site of St,
George's church, and in the following year it was finished. A house of
much larger proportions and with more pretensions to elegance than, per-
haps, any house within a radius of fifty miles, was then commenced on
Quebec street for Mr. Pryor. It was of squared logs, and the inter-
nal arrangements were most commodious, while the finish was posi-
tively elaborate, and evinced very great taste on the part of Mr.
Pryor and Mr. Strickland, who together drew the plans, and under whose
personal supervision much of the work was executed, until both men were
called away to other posts of duly, which was long before it was finished,
so that Mr. Pryor never lived in it, and the work was not finally com-
pleted till about four years afterwards. The whole of the work was
executed by John and Robert Levy. After Mr. Pryor's departure the
house fell into the hands of the Canada Company, from whom it was
purchased by Dr. Allen, who added the finishing touches to it, but not in
any way altering the original design. It was, some years afterwards,
purchased by Dr. G. S. Herod, who still occupies it.

Reference has already been made to a stone building to be called the
bank. According to Mr. Gait's plans, the office at York was to be closed,
and all the books and papers removed to Guelph, where all the business
of the Company was to be transacted. To make this practicable, a
strong and commodious building would be needed, with fire-proof vaults
for the safe keeping of records, books and deeds, and for this purpose the
bank was built. It was furnished with very strong and solidly-built
vaults, with iron doors, and altogether it might have served for a bank of
much greater pretensions and doing a far larger amount of business
than it was probable would he transacted by the Company for many years,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

It was situated on the site of the station-master's office at the Grand
Trunk passenger station, and had the plans of Mr. Gait been carried
out, though it was undoubtedly to some extent a needless expense at the
time, would have proved of advantage to the town, by bringing miny
people here who would not otherwise come, and by rendering it necessary
for all the officials and clerks to live here, and of course spend a certain
portion of their salaries in the place, instead of in a distant town. Before
the place was quite finished, however, circumstances occcurred which, as
will be seen hereafter, entirely changed the plan of of>erations, and the
head office was fixed in Toronto, and the building was never used except
for storing a few articles and occasionally as an emigrant depot. When
Hon. Adam Ferguson visited the town in 1831, this building was pointed
out to him by Mr. J. D. Oliver, who grimly remarked, "There stands the
bank that never stopped —since it never commenced."

The produce, especialiy barley, from the tarms in the surrounding
country, now beginning to be brought in plentifully, and the cost of
transporting it to a suitable market being very heavy, leaving absolutely
no profit for the farmers, Mr. Andrew McVean determined to build a
distillery, so that much of the barley could be used on the spot, and the
cost of bringing liquor — of which, it must be said, no small quantity was
then used — might be saved. He accordingly commenced the erection of
the distillery in August, 1828, on the site of the present oatmeal mill on
Mr. Shtrifif Gow's property, and for about three years did a very profitable
business, large quantities of his liquors being shipped to Gait, Dundas
and other places, more especially west and north of Guelph, where there
was no distillery. In ii->32 he retired from the business, which, with the
mill, was purchased by Mr. G. J. Grange, who, with two partners, under the
firm name of ( irange, Courtney & Bartley, made some additions to the
buildings and greatly increased the business operations.

The increasing business of the town, and the constant arrival of
immigrants, who, until they could have time to select land, required
accommodation in the town, now rendered it necessary to provide more
hotel room, and by the advice of Mr. Gait, Mr. Robert Elders built a
very commodious tavern, on the lot now occupied by Jackson's organ
factory. This was soon afterwards purchased by Mr. John Linderman,
of Eramosa, who considerably enlarged it, and conducted it for many
years. A few months after Elders had opened his tavern, this being
found insufficient for the growing wants of the town, Mr. Thomas Keat-
ing, together with his brother Patrick, built another, adjoining, on the
present site of the Royal Hotel, so well known in after years as the liriiish
Coffee House, where meetings of all descriptions were held, and where
many a political battle has been fought out. Adjoining this hotel, Mr.
Keating opened a general store, which was also the post-office, Mr.
Keating being the first regularly-appointed postmaster. Previous to this
the tavern kept by W. Reid, adjoining the Priory, had been used, semi-
otlicially, as a post office, but now the mails were regularly received
and made up here, until, Mr. Kcating's business increasing, and fre-
quently calling him away from home, he resigned the position, which was
assumed by Thomas Husband and afterwards by — Hume, who held it
until his death, when the late Mr. R. Corbet received the appointment.

In the summer of 1828 Sir John Colbcrne had arrived to succeed
Sir Peregrine Maitland as Lieutenant-Governor, and Mr. Gait hoped
that, now that an unprejudiced and impartial man had assumed the
direction of public affairs, his course would be fi'ee from many of the

THE ANNALS OF IHE TOWN OF GUELPH.

the Grand
en carried
snse at the
?ing many
t necessary
i a certain
.vn. Before
i which, as
IS, and the
sed except
ot. When
as pointed
stands the

-irrounding
he cost of
absoUitely
to build a
)t, and the
antity was
erection of
:a! mill on
^ profitable
It, Dundas
here there
1, with the
, under the
ons to the

arrival of
required
vide more
rs built a
)n's organ
nderman,
for many
lis being
IS Keat-
on the
le liriiish
nd where
otel, Mr.
ifice, Mr.
s to this
d, semi-
received
and fre-
hich was
o held it
intment.
succeed
It hoped
ned the
ly of the

annoyances and troubles which had been so harrassing for some time
past. I'his feeling was much strengthened by the receipt of a kind and
pressing invitation from Sir P. Maiiland to go to York on a visit to His
Excellency, a favor of which Mr. Oalt lost no time in availing himself.
But even from this circumstance, which he thought was to add so much
to his comfort and prosperity, one ot the most serious embarrassments he
had yet experienced was to arise. After Mr. (ialt had been introduced
lo .*Sir John, he offered to introduce Mr. .Smitli, the accountant, who,
in;;tead of receiving the proposal in the spirit in which it was intended,
scornfully rejected the offer, and even went so far as to use grossly
insulting words towards Mr. Gait, the consecjucnce being that a violent
altercation ensued, during which ihe accountant threatened to report Mr.
(ialt's action to the Company, and made use of some expressions which
left no doubt that his mission to Canada had been partly that of surveil-
lance. Mr. Gait, therefore, determined to at once resign his position,
and accordingly wrote to the Company informing them that it was his
intention to leave for England, by the first ship, to demand a full investi-
gation of all his affairs before the Board. The accountant, however,
forestalled him in this matter, for on the return of the messenger who
had conve>'xl his letter to the post-oflicc, he learned that that gentleman
had that morning crossed Lake Ontario, and was then on his way to New
York to take ship for England. It was, consequently, necessary for Mr.
Gait to remain for a time to watch over the interests of the Company,
which he would never leave in the hanils of unauthorized persons, and,
if necessary, to wind up the business. But he still persisted in his inten-
tion of going home, and at once commenced preparations for that pur-
pose, more especially as rumors of the impending breaking up of the
Company had revived since the departure of the accountant. Soon after
this, further apparent confirmation of these damaging rumors was given,
by the Directors, without notifying Mr. Gait, ordering the bank at York
not to honor any more of his drafts. Notwithstanding this harsh and
unaccountable treatment on the part of the Directors, Mr. Cralt stood
manfully to his post, and determined, if possible, to save the Directors,
in spite of themselves, from the effects of the suicidal policy they were
pursuing. He accordingly sent Dr. Dunlop to Montreal, to endeavor to
procure money from the agents of the Company, or irom some of the
correspondents of the leading shareholders, a payment of /8,ooo, being
soon due to the Colonial Government. No success whatever attended
this mission, and matters were in a desperate condition, as, if the pay-
ments to the (Government were not made when due, the public credit of
the Company, against which not a word could be said hitherto, would be
irretrievably injuied, and the consunnnation so much desired by those
v.'ho had circulated the injurious reports, the breaking up of the Com-
pany, would in all probabihty bo accomplished. To avert this, as well
in tire interest of the Company as in tnat of tiie town which he had called
into being, and which was now so prosperous, he took a step which under
other circumstances he would not have presumed upon. He had in the
bank ^ 1 0,000 worth of government debentures, which seemed to have
been forgotten by everybody but himself. He accordingly waited on the
receiver-general, whom he had himself obliged on more than one occa-
sion, and after stating the circumstances, offered, if he would endorse his
bills on the Company for the payment to government, to hand over tlie
debentures as security. The proposition was a startling one, and requiretl
time for consideration; but, the matter being submitted to Sir John

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN itV i/\VKLVU.

Colborne, liis .isserit was secured, and the transaction effected in a
very few clays, thus tidinj,' over what was, perhaps, the most
momentous crisis in the history of the Company, and a blow was
averted, which must undoubtedly have been felt for many years by the
entire country. " The bill was accordingly drawn," says Mr. (lalt, " the
honor of the Company saved, and the public oflicers sheltered from the
inconvcnicncci> that might have attended the sudden suspension of their
salaries the means of li(|uidati«.:^f which were provided for in the pay-
ment." In this way the affiiirs of the Clompany continued to be concfuct-
cd in a satisfactory manner, only a few persons in this country being
aware how near had been a disaster which must have entailed the most
calamitous results, and brought ruin on a large number of families.

At this time the only medical man nearer than ('.alt was Dr. Dunlop,
and as he was frequently away for weeks at a time, the duty of attending
tu the ills and ailments of the settlers fell on Mr. Strickland, who, though
l)ossessing some smatterings of medical knowledge, could not be expected
to exhibit the skill of a regularly qiialihed practitioner, which, liowever,
it must be admitted, was, on their part, frequently of the most element-
ary character, and their treatment sometimes of the most incomprehen-
sible nature. On one (xcasion, in the summer of 1828, a party of
immigrants had arrived from Scotland, and J)r. Dunlop, being called
away suddenly on business, weiit to .Mr. Strickland's house, and left a
message, rc<;|uesting him to take the calomel and jalap, and go down to
his house and treat those Paisley bodies with a dose apiece. " What 1
all of them, sir ?" said tlic servant. *' 'S'es, to be sure," replied the Doc-
tor; "they have but just arrived, and ha\c got as fat as pigs on the voy-
age. Some of their bacon must be taken otY, or with this heat we shall
have them all sirk on our hand-;. And tell him not to spare the jalap."
Mr. S.iickland liteialh' obeycl the oi'dcr '"by administering forty-two
closes of various strengths to the men, women and children, designated
by the Doctor as * the Paisley bodies." ' Whether as a result, or in spite
of, this somev.hat rude application of medical science, is matter for con-
jecture, but the fact is on record that there did net occur one cise of
sickness among these people during the remainder of the summer.

" Shortly after this,"' says Strickland, "■ a medical man, a M'-. Welsh,
applied for a town lot and commenced practice. This gentleman was
certainly a great oddity, lie ne\er had but two jxitierits that I ever
he;ird of, and they both died. The settlers used to call him the ' mad
doctor,' and \ believe not without reason. Me built a log house without
any door, his mode of entrance being through a square hole he had cut
out of the end of the house about six feet from the gruuncl. I walked
over to his place one clay to speak to him on some busine-s. and found
him very busy in his garden, driving into the ground a great (|uantity of
short sticks. I askecl him ' what all those sticks were for.' ' Why, you
see, sir, I have planted part of my garden with Indian corn, ancl 1 am
puttint; sticks down to mark the places where I have planted theni.' .\
day or two afterwards I met him wearing his coat turned inside out, the
rough seams and red edging of which had a curious effect. I incjuired
' what mighi be his reason for going about in such a costume (' ' Well,
you see. I call this my morning attire ; in the evening I have nothing to
do but turn my coat, and, lo I I am dressed ; a very capital arrangement,
and quite good enough for the Bush. Do you not think so r' ' As far as
regards economy,' I replied. ' it may do well enough, and as you do not
appear to care about being Irughed at, your i)lan will answer: and who

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

knows but that you iii;i) have the pleasure of introducing ;i new fashion
inlt) the colonics ?'"

Another of the odd characters who had settled here at that time, was
a portrait and n.iinialure painter, who had travelled a ^ood deal in Kussia,
and could speak the Ian}:juage of that country Ihiently. He purchased a
lot of land on the Waterloo Road about a mile out. On the land c hoscn
by him to build upon, he discovered a j;ood limestone bed, and he
accordingly determined to build a stone house, though, unfortunately for
his plan, he had not a shilling to commence uith, and it was not likely
that he would establish a very lucrative business in jtortrait and minia-
aiure painting fcr some years, at least. Hut to work he went, excavating
stone, his only assistant being a young and delicate lady, whom he had
married in the United States. The tine arts do not appear to ha\e had
a very softening or cle\ ating innucn<e on his mind or feelings, for it is
said his treatment of his youthful bride was harsh and cruel in the ex-
treme, imposing upon her the most arduous labor, such as carrying
mortar and stone while he w.is employed in building, and in every way
using her -is if she had been a slave rather than his wife. f'"or about
three months the work proceeded, when his credito:;. began to press
him, and his land being still unpaid for, ho found himself in an oxtremel)
embarrassed position, and there being no hope of his being able to meet
his liabilities, ho determined uj)on leaving. How to eftect this, and take
what goods he had with him, appears to ha\e troubled him considerably,
but at last he hit upon a plan which he thought would succeed. "He
knew that the river Speed, which ran at the rear of his lot, after a course
of fourteen or fifteen miles debouched into the Oand River, and was,
from thence, navigable for boats to Lake Erie, a distance of some seventy
or eighty miles further. He therefore conceived the plan of buildinga small
scow, large enough to hold himself, his wife, and his eft'ects ; and silently
dropping down with the current, bade adieu to their sylvan retreat, and
the great city of Guelph, which, however, he was destined to see again
much sooner than he expected. * * For the first mile they got
on pretty well, till they came to a jam of driftwood ; over this, with great
dilliculty, they hauled their scow ; every few yards fresh obstructions
occm-red in the shnpe of snags, fallen trees and driftwood, which caused
them to upset twice before they had accomplished the second mile, till
at last an extensive jam across the river many yards in length put a
complete barrier to their further ad\ ance. Wet and weary, half the day
gone, and no chance of proceeding down the stream, (hey determined to
retrace their course. This was not easy to .irromplisn, for the current
was too swift to paddle against ; so tying a short piece of rope to tlie
stem of the scow, he ordered his unfortunate wife to take the water and
tow the boat, whilst he sai in state assisting her with his paddle". The
next day the brutal artist left the place, and his wife followed him a week
after, and so ended a circun.stancc which furnished a subject of gossip
and small-talk for many a clay.

Though there was plenty of hard work, and, among the officers of
the Company, no little anxiety, on account of the relations existing be-
tween Mr. (ialt and the Directors, the time was not allowed to pass
without amusement, and dull care was not allowed to corrode their buoy-
ant and cheerful spirits too much. Many a pleasant hour was passed in
fishing in the Speed, which Mr. Strickland says was the best stream he
ever fished in, and for years afterwards it was noted all over the country,
as we have ample proof in " Ferguson's Tour in Canada " and " Mactag-

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

gart's Three Years in Upper Canada," as one of the finest streams for
trout in the whole province. Many excursions also were made in the
woods, and considerable fun was often extracted from them. On one of
these hunting expeditions Mr. Strickland captured a porcupine, in con-
nection with which he says: " I took my prize home, and put it into a
barrel in a dark corner of the store, which was half full of nails. A few
minutes afterwards, Dr. Dunlop, as he often did, came in to see me, and
drink a glass of cider, of which I had at that time some of excellent
quality in bottle. The Doctor, as he said, used to ' improve ' it, making
what he called ' a stone fence,' by inserting a small soupcon of brandy
from a pocket pistol, whicii he was too much in the habit of carrying
about with him in hot weather. ' Now,' said I, ' Doctor, I know you like
a bit of fun. When Fielding, the porter, comes in, ask hiu} to go to that
l)arrel in the corner and fetch you a nail ; for I have got a live porcupine
in it that I. have just brought home from the woods.' The Doctor was
mightily tickled with the notion, so, as soon as poor Fielding made his
appearance, he sent him off to the barrel. Quite unsuspiciously the man
put his hand in for the nail, and as quickly drew it out again, with the
addition of half a score quills sticking to his fingers, to the no small
delight of the Doctor, who greatly enjoyed Fieliing's consternation, for
the porter thought the devil himself was in the tub. Everj- one who
came into the store during the afternoon was served the same trick by the
Doctor, and it was certainly amusing to watch their countenances and
hear their remarks, thuse who showed the most anger being, of course,
the most laughed at for their pains."

Up to this time no Protestant service had been held in the town, no
minister having visited the place. Tiie first Protestant sermon was
])reached one Sunday towards the end of the summer, by a tailor, who
had made a professional visit to the town, and who had the reputation of
being an eloquent man. It having become known that he was to hold
service, a large number of persons came in from the outlying districts,
and the sermon is said to have consisted principally of a relation of the
preacher's experience, interspersed with some egotism and not a little of
the " terrors of the law,"' with which the discourses of the itinerant
preachers of that day were accustomed to be enforced. The service was
held in the new school-house, just then completed, and if some of those
who were disposed to be critical were not greatly edilied by it, there were
doubtless many who considered it a privilege, as being the hrst regular
religious assembly in which they had an opportunity of meeting since
leaving the land of their birth; and in a new settlement, if no more last-
ing and substantial benefits result, it is a good thing when even the out-
ward forms of religion are observed, as a means of keeping alive a respect
for religious institutions, and as likely to lead to more worthy feelings, or
at least, by the recollection of scenes and associations thus recalled to
memory, to prevent that lapse into semi-heathenish indifference invariably
found in settlements where the forms of religion are ignored. In this
instance the benefits were soon apparent, for though there is no reason
to believe that the tailor — a worthy and good man, doubtless — ever
preached here again, the people were not long in making arrangements
for frequent visits from preachers, principally laymen, it is true, and in a
short time services were held nearly every Sabbath in the school-house.
The people were very catholic at that time, and minor differences of
creed were not allowed to cause strife and contention among them, the
privilege of being able to assemble together for worship being too highly

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

prized to permit of their dividing en points of doctrine, such as Apostolic
succession, election, immersion or the final perseverance of the saints.
So long as the Gospel was preached, however much they might in their
o.vn hearts cherish the tenets ot their different forms of faith and church
constitution, they were, for the time, satisfied, and consequently, whether
the preacher happened to be an Episcopalian, a Presbyterian, a Method-
ist or a Baptist, so far as availing themselves of the privilege of worship-
ping together was concerned, it was all one. This harmonious and,
under the circumstances, most commendable state of things, continued
until 1832, when, as will appear hereafter, they were justified in asserting
each his own views, and forming themselves into different religious com-
munities, for the practice and perpetuation of the doctrines and forms of
worship in which the\ had respectively been taught to believe as most in
accordance with Scriptural direction.

In September of this year Mr. Gait received a visit from Mr. Bucha-
nan., British Consul at New York, accompanied by John Brandt, the son
of the celebrated Mohawk chief, so unjustly stigmatized by Campbell in
his " Gertrude of Wyoming." Mr. Buchanan had come to personally
inspect the improvements at the new settlement, and in his subsequent
correspondence with the English Government, he gave a very compli-
mentary report of Mr. Gait's management, and of the general progress
of the new town. During their stay, which lasted about a week, the
superintendent gave a public dinner in their honor, at which upwards of
two hundred guests sat dov/n, and Mr, Buchanan, in a speech of about
an hour's duration, spoke in the highest terms of the energy displayed
by the settlers, and prophecied that Guelph would become one of the
principal cities in the Province. John Brandt also, in a short but elo-
c[uent speech, expressed his pleasure at witnessing the prosperity dis-
played on all sides, and hoped he would have an opportmiity of visiting
the place again, when it had grown to much larger proportions than it
had then attained ; a wish however, he was not destined to gratify, for he
died of cholera about three years afterwards.

It being, by this time, perfectly evident that the culmination of the
schemes ot those in England, who had so long been plotting for Mr. Gait's
recall was approaching, he was busy for several months in preparations
for leading. Before taking his departure, he wished to see that every-
thing should be left in such a stale that his successor would find no
difficulty in assuming his duties, or understanding everything in connec-
tion with the works which had been commenced and carried on by him.
He was perfectly conscious that everything would be made the subject
of the strictest scrutiny, and that, wherever possible, a distorted inter-
pretation would be placed upon his motives and actions, and unless he
were in a position to explain and defend his course, a still stormier lot
might be in store for him on his return to London. He therefore, among
other precautions against such annoyance invited Mr. Fellowes, of the
Pulteney Office at Geneva, N.Y., one ot the most competent and in
every respect reliable men on the continent, to visit the settlement and
make such a report thereon as he might consider to be his duty, well
knowing that Mr. Fellowes' reputation v/as of tar too high a nature to
permit of the possibility of a suspicion that he would be in any way
partial or unjust in what he said, ''After having made an actual survey
of the lands allotted to the Canada Compc.ny, he states to the governor
and directors that he had 'the pleasure of expressing his decided opinion,
that all the proceedings of Mr. Gait, and his superintendent, Mr. Pryor,

TrtE ANXALS 01^ THE TOWN Ot^ GUF.LPH,

had bcci: exceedingly judicious, and that the improvements had been
indispensable, as viewed in reference to the sale and settlement of the
("ompany's lands." He then L;oes on to express his belief "that the sales
already made had been at good prices and the cash payments larger
than are usually received from first settlers," and concludes with these
words -' Upon the whole, 1 beg lea\e most respectfully to ^tr.te to the
Company my decided opinion, that Mr. (ialt's agency has been con-
ducted with sound judgment, and a proper regard to economy and tlie
advantage of the Company ; that his proceedings have promoted their
best interests ; and I believe that the Company cannot more effectually
promote their own views than by delegating to him th'^ most ample
discretionary powers.' "'

To the powerful and efficient testimony of Mr. Fellowes, was added
that of Col. Troup, in a letter to the late Lord Alloway, which deserves
cpiotation here: —

New York, April 2oth, 1829.

Mv Lord,- As my friend, Mr. Gait, is on his way to England, rela-
ti\e to the business of his land agency in L-ppcr Canada, and expects to
visit Edinburgh before his return to America, 1 ha\ c requested him to
do me the favor of calling on you with my respectful regards, and inform-
ing you that the trust estates under my management arc in prosperous
train, and promise the means of respectable remittances to the trustees.

From all I have learned of the operations of Mr. Gall's agency, I
iiave reason to belie\e that he is eminently worthv of the confidence of
his friends, and that he has laid a solid foundation for future p. 'ofits. To
realize these profits, however, will necessarily be a work of time, from
the extraordinary difliculties ever attending the settlement of wild lands,
and from the scanty resources with which the settlers generally corn-
menre the cultivation of their farms.

With the most perfect esteem, 1 ha\ e the honor to be, your lordship's
obedient servant, RoDERi Trolt.

Lord Alloway.

With such disinterested testimony as this, even if ample proof did
not exist in other correspondence from equally unbiassed persons, there
can be no doubt that, even if there were some extravagance, it had been
lor the purpose of securing larger and more immediate profits, and of
laying the foundation of the new settlement on :. sound and solid basis,
which, while paying handsome dividends to the stockholders, would also
secure the happiness and prosperity of the settlers. Mad Mr. Gait been
a man of a less sensitive and reiined nature, perhaps some of the expenses
would not have been incurred, but in his position he had it in his powci,
with very little trouble or outlay, to cheer and assist many a family,
struggling with poverty and borne down by misfortune, and ot alleviating
many of the sufierings and sorrows which are, unforiimately, more or less
the experience of settlers in new districts, even at this day. Who could
iilame him, therefore, if, with the immense resources of the Company at
his command, and with the full consciousness that whatever he might
expend at the time, would be returned a hundred fold in the future, by
the increased prosperity and loyalty to the Company's interests whicli
would be the inevitable result of his action, he was a little more liberal
in his dealings with the settlers than some other men might have been.'
And when he saw, by this benevolent course, scores of persons who, but
a short time before had been poor, and discouraged by the hard battle
they had been compelled to '.vage for bare existence, fast becoming ^^WY

;s had been
nient of the
i;it the sales
lerits larger
. with these
btr.tc to the
> been coii-
iiiy and tlie
tnotcd their
; effectually
most ample

was added
ch deserves

1, 1S29,
f,dand, rehi-
. expects to
ted him to
ind inform-
prosperous
rie trustees.
; nj^^ency, I
atidence of
I ."ofits. lo
time, from
ivild lands,
rally com-

• lordship's
ROUP.

proof did
ions, there
had been
and of
lid basis,
ould also
'rait been
expenses
IS powei,

1 family,
leviating

>re or less
10 could
npany at
le might
uture, b\
ts whicii

2 liberal
e been ?
who, but
•d battle
L' happy

THK ANNALS OF IHK TOWN OF GUELPH.

and comparatively well off, he would have been a strange man if he
could have looked back upon his course with anything but complacency
and inward satisfaction, even though ho might be called upon, in the
future, to suffer for it to some extent himself

Before leaving Canada, which he felt within hiiuself would be the
termination of his counection with the Company's concerns, though he
did not then allow anybody else to think so, he determined to pay one
more visit to the sister settlement at (]oderich. During his management
of the affairs of the settlement he hail commenced and nearly completed
the cutting of a road to the shores of Lake Huron, upwards of seventy
utiles in length. '■ He took his departure in a sleigh, and travelling alone
in the endless woods, the chill of whose uniformity was only taken off by
;ni occasional log house for refreshment, he freely indulged himself in
chewing the cud of bitter thoughts. ' I felt myself unworthily treated,'
he says ; ' for everything I touched was prosperous ; and my endeavors
to foster the o!:)jects of my care were all flourishing, and, without the
blight of one single blossom, gave cheering promises of ample fruit.'

'• Profit to the Conijjany, which I saw would soon come of course,
was less my objeci th.tn to build in the wilderness an asylum for the ex-
iles of society — a refuge for the ileers from the calamities of the old
world and its systems foredoomed.

'' In the course of this journey, that was rendered more desolate by
a heavy fall of snow, wliich often wreathed itself into impassable heights
in the forest glade of itie new road, and rendered it necesfuiry for the
sleigh to deviate into the woods. Mr. (lalt was once nearly lost in the
wilderness. It was almost midnight, and he was sixty miles within the
depths of the primeval forest ; while the moonlight only served to show
the flakes of the falling sno'v. ' iVll around was silence," he says, ' and
the winds slept even in the branches. I halted, where, by a strange glare
reflected from the ground, 1 seemed in a spacious court of a college,
solemn with overshadowing trees'."

"'Having reached Goderich the township allotted for which was
almost cleared of the trees, and several log houses built— Mr (ialt took
up his lodgings in the same log house where he hail formerly stayed with
Dr. Dunlop, when formerly there, in course of his exploratory expedition
to Lake Huron, The lake itself was now covered with ice, and the land-
scape with snow, as far as the eye coulo reach ; but the cheering changes
in the aspect of the kjcality itself, soothed and delighted him. A strong
and growing attachment to the I'r j\incc had taken root in his heart ; ancl
it is c]uite e\ident, that the necessity for his leaving it caused him many
bitter regrets. The day after his arrival was so boisterous and stormy,
that the drifting of the dry snow made out-of-door exercise impossible,
l)ut the following vnorning, bright and calm, was, he tells us, ' spent in
\ iewing the localities, and the progress made in the settlement; but al-
though not aware that anything was left unexamined, my eyes were cur-
sory and myself listless; for it was not likely I should ever be there again
■and let a man nerve himself ever so resolutely, there is satlncss in a
final thought, especially if, as in my case, it be attended wi'h regicts and
darkening prospects. Indignant reflections may appease farewell, nor was
I w ithout that acrid palliative. The Canada Company had originated in
my suggestions ; it was established by my endeavors ; organized in due
disregard of many obstacles by my perseverance, and though extensive
and complicated in its scheme, a system was formed by me, upon which
it could be with case conducted. Yet without the commission of a fault

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

— for I dare every charf:;e of that kind- -I was destined to reap from it
only troubles and mortifications, and something which I felt as an attempt
to disgrace me'."

Soon after his return to Guelph, Mr. Gait openly announced his
intention of leaving for England, although he deemed it impolitic to give
the same publicity to his fears of a scheme, hatching somewhere, for the pur-
pose of breaking up the Company. Weary and sick at heart, discouraged
and almost broken down himself, he preferred to bear the burden alone
than to excite fears in the minds of those around him, which, after all,
might prove, so far as they were concerned, baseless, and which, even
supposing the worst he anticipated should come, it would do no good td
raise at present. He therefore allowed them to think he was going to
ICnglnnd only on a Inisiness trip, and it was with this feeling that they
assembled in front of his house, on the morning tixed for his departure,
and presented him with the following address:

Sir, — We, the undersigned inhabitants of the town and township of
tiuelph, learning that you are about to leave us, beg to express our sin-
cere regret that we should be deprived of your presence, and the satis-
faction and pleasure it has ever afforded us. We trust and hope that
your absence from amongst us will not be of long duration, and that you
will accomplish the objects of your journey, whatever these may be. We
would wish to express to you the obligations which you have conferred
upon us, in the prosperity which has flowed upon us ever since we became
united with you and the Canada Company— many of us havinj; come
here in dependent circumstances, who arc now in a fair way to become
independent, and all having improved their condition under your foster-
ing care. iJy the measures you have adopted, our lands in many
instances have, in the space of eighteen months, doubled or tripled their
value ; and we do not look upon our obligations the less, that the Canada
Company have shared in the advantage. You have set an example to
the Province in the formation of proper roads and bridges, and showed
by what means the progress of the settlement of tie colony can be accel-
erated an hundred-fold by your measures, which have created this town
and township. Finally we beg you to accept of our best wishes for your
happiness and prosperity, wherever you may be ; and we request yoa to
thank the Canada Company for all the benefits they have conferred upon
us, and the greatest of these we consider their having sent you amongst
us. i'.S'iif ///•(/ by J 4^ heads offantilies.)

That this address was not written m a spirit of flattery, but was the
genuine expression of the feelings and sentiments of the setelers, there
can be no doubt, for it was but a statement of what was the simple and
unexaggerated truth. Where, two years before, stood a wild and tangled
forest, now had risen a thri\'ing and enterprising town ; where, on his
arrival, the wolf and the bear had roamed at will, holding imdisputed
possession, making the woods echo with their savage growls and shrill,
imearthly bowlings, were now heard the songs of joy and praise, the
expressions of gay, contented, and thankful hearts; and where the
untutored savage had occasionally wandered, perchance losing his way,
in the pursuits of the chase, were now seen all the evidences of civilization
and comparative refinement. It is not strange, therefore, that Mr. Gait,
in whose busy brain all this had been planned, and by whose untiring
energy, indomitable perseverance and practical skill this fair scene of
order and prosperity had been called into being, out of the wild confusion
and inhospitable desolation which had reigned but two years before,

ip from it
m attempt

unced his
tic to give
)r the pur-
5Couraged
den alone
after all,
ich, even

good to

1 going to
that they

leparture,

wnship of
s our sin-
the satis-
liope that
[ that you
be. VVe
conferred
c became
inj: come
o become
air foster-
in many
:)led their
Canada
imple to
showe'l
)e accel-
lis town
for your
t you to
rod upon
amongst
VVx)
was the
"s, there
I pie and
tangled
on his
isputed
id shrill.
lise, the
ere the
lis way,
ilization
r. Gait,
imtiring
cene of
)nfusion
before,

THR AXMALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

should have experienced mingled feelings of pleasure and sadness, hope
and regret; pleasure that he was privileged to ha\e been the means of
bringing hapj)incss and peace to so many who needed comfort and help,
and that he should ha\e been ahlc to reclaim from the native forcstb so
rich a possession ami plant the germ of future greatness and jM-osperit\-
in this city in cml^ryo; sadness that in his etVorls to serve his fellow men
his motives should have been so terribly misconstrued and his actions so
cruelly misrepresented ; hope -a feeble hope, it is true but still a hope,
that he would yet be enabled to carry out the plans he had so fondly
cherished, and still further serve the people lo whom lie had lieen as a
father; and regret that he should, under such gloom and uncertainty, be
leaving the little community w liich he had grown to love almost as his
own kin.

Whate\er were the faults of ]\Ir. (ialt"s management- and that it
was alw;'.\s wir.e and judicious, nobody con\'ers:>nt with the facts will for
a moment assert — there can be n^^ doubt that his general policy, and his
motle of working, were, in their entirety, most athnirable, and had he
been permitted to carry out his plans as conceived by liim, the result
would have been of the most gratifying nature. As has before been
stated, however, there was a clique in England, composed of some who
were ilisappointed at not having the management of the Company en-
trusted to them, envious of the honorable jjosition in which Mr. Gait had
been placed, and anxious, if possible, to bring about cither his recall or
the com))lete ruin of I he Company. There were others, also, who were
ever active in fomenting dissatisfaction and circulating damaging rumors
fv>r sinister purposes, and to enable them to operate in the Company's
stock on the exchange, and tinall>, perhaps, to olitain a controlling influ-
ence in its affairs, even if they did not succeed in getting the Company
entirely into their own hands. Thatthe treatment which Mr. Gait received
;U the hands of these jjeople, and from the Directors through their inlluence
was unjust, is clear from the commencement, and it is fortunate that the
magnificent success which the Company has since ])roved, has furnished
such an ample vindication of the course he adopted, and the wisdom and
forethought with which he formed the scheme, which, in no essential par-
ticular was altered after he retired from the service. In support of this, it
may, perhaps, oe as well, to quote the opinion of Mr. Mactaggart, the engi-
neer under whom thn' gigantic piece of worlc. the Kideau canal was carried
out — a gentleman whose pnictical kno'vledge and tensive experience,
entitle him to a respecful hearing. In his " Three Years in Upper Cana-
da," he says : '• Mr. (ialt deserves great credit for the invention and manage-
ment of the Company, in this he has shown a genius rarely excelled.
He organized the whole management of business, and displayed all that
•^act and diplomacv which his sujierior talents qualify him for in such an
eminent degree. He appointed surveyors and other people to look after
the Crown Reserves in the various townships, that they might be disprtsed
of to the Company's advantage, liu: these rei-er\es were not found to
be of utility, as nothing like a system of settlement could be employed
in relation to them, lying as they do scattered up and down the townships.
However, their sale will be much in the favor of Canada, and tend much
towards its improvement ; for as the/ lay like uncleared specks amid a
cleared country, they injured the progress of tlie settlements. On many
of these reserves, sqiiattirs had taken up their abode — a class of people,
who, having wandered from home without the means of becoming regu-
lar landholders, are glad to lind patches anywhere in the woods whereon

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

they may subsist. To these unfortunate human beings, and, in truth, to
all, he showed much tenderness, which has assisted to raise the just
popularity he at present enjoys. He did not drive the squatters off the Com-
pany's lands, as many would have instantly done ; but sold them to the
advantage of the Company and squatters, considering the little clearings
they had made as uncleared forest. By doing this he has established a
class of people in the townships devoted to the interest of the Company,
who will neither despoil, nor allow to be despoiled, those valuable woods
v/hich n^ay yet rome to good account, on the reserves. Nevertheless,
there were some in Upper Canada who continued to view the exertions
of the Company with jealous eyes. These Avere they v>ho found them-
selves unable to pluck the poor settlers before they got upon their lands,
in the shape of fees or what not. They found the Company established
the settler in a twinkling, without putting him to the galling trouble
and expense of hanging about office doors, receiving rebuffs from con-
ceited clerks, and getting their purses lightened into the bargain. Were
it for nothing else but this circumstance alone, the Canada Company will
be respected ; when we find the distress of mankind alleviated in any
degree, petty tyranny and pride laid prostrate before justice and humani-
ty, it is enough for our aftections to become attached ; we want no more.''
In referring to this subject in his work, " Twenty-seven Years in
Upper Canada," Major Strickland says: "Of Mr. Gait's litness for the
office of superintendent of the Canada Company, it would, perhaps, be
considered presumptuous in me to give an opinion. His position was an
unfortunate one, and from his tirst residence in the country to his resig-
nation, there appears to ha\e been a serious misunderstanding between
him, the Governor, and the Executive Council, in conset|uence of which
Cialt's character was misrepresented at home as that of a meddling poli-
tician and troublesome person. Other charges regarding the wasteful
expenditure of money in forming the new settlements were aiade before
the Directors, and these repeated complaints against him left him no
other alternative than to resign his situation. My own opinion is, that
Cjalt was ill-used by the Canadian Government. He says, in his auto-
biography, that his whole and sole oftence consisted in having accepted
a file of the Colonial Advocate, and shaken hands with the editor, the
notorious William Lyon Mackenzie. In those days of ultra-toryism,
such an instance of liberality and freedom from party prejudice was
sufficient to excite the displeasure of the Governor and his council,
though, as he says in a letter written in 1830, he had from his youth
upward ever been a Tory. There is no doubt that Gait acted imprudent-
ly in this matter, though I fully believe without any intention of opposing
the Government. In regard to the Company's affairs, more might be
said to his prejudice- not in respect of his integrity, for I believe liim to
have been a most honorable man, and incapable of any meanness — but
in regard to his management. Although, as the original projector of
the Canada Company, he evinced much cleverness, and afterwards dis-
played considerable judgment in the choice of the best situations tor
building towns and villages, yet he committed some grievous mistakes.
Kis ideas were generally good ; but often not well carried out in detail.
* * * ''• * * i \vas very sorry to hear of Mr. tialt's retirement.
He had always acted in a kind and liberal manner towards me; and,
indeed, when he left the Company, I considered that I had lost a true
and affectionate friend. I could not help, therefore, noticing with regret
that, although most of the clerks belonging to the office were at that time

truth, to
■ the just
the Coin-
Ill to the
clearings
bHshed a
"ompany,
)le woods
ertheless,
exertions
nd them-
;ir lands,
tablishecl
g trouble
rom con-
p.. Were
pany will
d in any
. humani-
10 more."
Years in
ss for the
rhaps, ])e
n was an
lis resig-
betwccn
of whicli
ng poli-
wastcful
e before
him no
is, that
lis auto-
iccepted
tor, the '
toryism,
ice was
council,
s youth
)iudent-
)posing
ght be
Irim to
ss — but
:ctor of
rds dis-
«ns tor
istakes.
detail,
rement.
e; and,
t a true
1 regret
at time

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

in Toronto (then Little York), only Dr. Dunlop, Mr. Rcid and my'elf
accompanied Mr. Gait to the landing-place to see him depart and cry
' God speed I' But this is the way of tlic world. Those who should be
•.nost grateful when the hour of adversity dawns on their benefactor are
often the hrst to desert him."'

That a man, who had by his own genius and courage, 'accomplished
work such as to call forth eulogiums, such as these, and many more which
might be cited, should be permitted to become the butt and victim of
designing and unscrupulous speculators, is a sad commentary on the
theory of " the eternal fitness of things," which some persons are so
ready to preach ; and a striking illustration ot the injustice and cruelty
by which so many in this cold and seltish world arc made to suffer. It
is painful to reflect that the Company, upon mere rumors and statements
afterwards proved to be false, and made by persons altogether incompe-
tent to judge, should have condemned a faithful servant, without even
giving him an opportunity to explain or demonstrate the utility and pro-
bably ultimately successful results of the course he had adopted. Yet so
it wa3 ! And when too late, their folly in expecting to "reap where they
had not strewn,'' or without waiting for the time of harvest, was fully
shown to them ; and there can be no doubt that had they persisted in fol-
lowing the advice so recklessly given by men who, while possessing no
ability or knowledge in matters such as this, were anxious, like wreckers
on the wild sea coast, to profit by the loss and desolation of others, and
reversed the policy laid down bj- Mr. Gait, ruin and misery must have
been the inevitable result.

Leaving Guelph early in the spring of 1829, '^''■- ^''^^t proceeded to
York, to settle some remnants of business there, and in taking leave of
Sir John Colborne, that gentleman assured him of his undiminished con-
iidence in his integrity and ability, and afterwards wrote in the most cor-
dial terms respecting him to the Secretary of State. After a stay of a
few days v. York, Mr. Gait left Crnada for ever, and proceeding to New
York, set sail for England, and on his arrival was informed that the
Company was to be broken up, and its inability to go on announced.
Anxious, if possible, at any cost, to prevent this pending calamity, he
proceeded at once to London, and mainly by his influence, and his enthu-
siastic advocacy of the claims and prospects of the infant settlement, the
disaster which seemed so near was finally averted, for which, if for
nothing else, Upper Canada owes him a debt of gratitude which can
never be repaid. At Hrst he could not ascertain who, among the Direc-
tors and influential stock-holders, were friendly, and who opposed to
him, and so he determined to be present at the next meeting of the
Board ; " but, instead of any opportunity of vindication or explanation
being afforded, the whole character, effect and importance of Mr. Gait's
Canadian operations were skilfully kept out of view, and simply the gen-
eral balance of his accounts stated. The impression meant to be pro-
duced from this mode of procedure evidently was, that 'he expenditure
had been lavish and inconsiderate. Yet, after all, what did this amount
to ? Four thousand pounds had been allowed for the township of
Guelph, and this had been found inadequate for necessary purposes, by
something under seven hundred more. 'The head and front of offence
had been this, no more;' and let it be added, that the settlement at the
time, instead of being an unfortunate one, was progressing beyond even
the most sanguine expectations. 'Y\\^fama occasioned by this general
meeting was next to conclusive ; and from private sources it was ascer-

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

tained that some negotiatio/i was goinjf on between the Company and
the Ciovernmcnt for the latter taking back the lands. There was some
idea that particular parties might step in and purchase tlicni ; but this
Mr. Gait resolved to prevent, if possible ; and he did his utmost to
remove the sinister misrepresentations which had been made, by exhort-
ing his particular friends on no account to dispose of their shares."

Being dci,iro.is, abijve all things, to save the Company from falling
into the hands of the parties now seeking to get control of the lands,
which he knew would be a serit)us blow to the prosperity of the settlers,
Mr. Gait made a think movement, which had the elYect of entirely rout-
ing the enemy. Having ascertained the effect of .Sir John Colborne's
letter at the Colonial CM'fice, he next day solicited an audience of .Sir
George Murray, Secretary of State, anci laid before him a full and explicit
statement of the affairs of the Company, and his \iews of iho prospects
of success which then f^xisted. I'pon this Sir Cieorge intimated to the
Directors the perfect willingness of the (iovernment to relieve the Com-
pany of the lands, on an equitable basis ; paying for such improvements
as had been effected at a fair valuation, 'i'he readiness with which the
(iovernment made this offer had the effect, which often occurs on
the minds of selfisii men, that as soon as they found others considered
worth having, what they were about to discard, they began to think that
they might be too hasty, and might, perhaps, be making a sacrifice by
which others might benefit, and so they at once resolved to hold on,
thinking, probably, that what was wortli having, to the (iovernment,
might be worth retaining to themselves.

The connection between Mr. Gait and the Canada Company Ijcing
now practically severed, it mav be interesting to the n^^ader to learn
something of his life after this reriod. One of the many proofs of the
disinterested manner in which ne conducted the Company's affairs was,
that though in a position in which he might, had he been so inclined,
have placed himself in a condition of comparative ease, he now found
himself, if not in poverty, at least in somewhat straitened circumstances.
Having the command of very large sums of money, and being sole direc-
tor cf all the operations in Canada, he could, doubtless, have managed,
without u'.iy breach of the trust rejjosed in him, to have operated to some
extent on his own account ; but in not the smalles' transaction was this
ever done, and in no single instance did he attempt to turn anything to
his personal advantage. The consec[uence was, that being thrown once
more on his own unaided resources, he was compelled again to turn his
attention to literature. In a letter to a friend, written in Jul), iS^y, he
writes : "Thetrutii h.>s come out. It w.is not alleged hcadstrongness
on mv pari uas been the cause of what has taken place, but the want of
funds to carry into effect the operations in the manner proposed origin-
ally by me, ,',nd to which the Government was so reluctantly brought to
accede. It was a weak policy to seek for fault in my proceedings, when
the reduction of my emoluments was found to be indispensable; but the
same policy hns been acted upon, J understand, towards Dr, Dunlop.
He was recalled on the pretext of some ixjlitical indiscretion ; but the
sentence was revised, and he has since been placed on the better footing
of being served with a notice to tjuit, on account of the necessity to
economize. I have brought here with me a great mass of book materials,
the fruits of my solitary iioctes in the Canadian wayside taverns. Part of
the ' Landlady ' I have sent to Blackwood, leaving it to himself to publish
in the magazine or otherwise. I have heard no literary news since my

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

return, beiiifj engajfed in wading through the Company's accounts. The
labor of this is, however, now nearly o\er, and then I shall betake me to
my pajjcrs. My arrangements on leaving Canada were for my being
back early in October; but that is now out of the ((uestion: nor indeccl
would 1 go again into the Com])anys ser\ ice, without more discretionary
powers being allowed me. The attcmi>l to manage so complicated a
concern by instructions from London was too absurd ; and nothing but
the enjoyment 1 had in tlie work of improvement could in any degree
compensate for the \exations of the last eighteen months.''

Though Mr. Gait was fully prepared to take up his pen agam, and
resume his place in the ranks of literature, the fact of his being recalled
by the Company had the effect of brmging upjii him serious embarrass-
ments, application for immediate payment being made of nearly all his
outstanding debts, aniong which v.as a ( laim by Dr. \'alpy of Reading,
in whose charge Mr. (ialt's three sons had been for some time. This
was the last claim Mr. Gait expected would be pressed, the Doctor being
an old personal friend, and being himself in easy circumstances, could
not have been in very urgent need of the money, but a formal demand
for payment by the Doctor's solicitors soon convinced him that he had
no reason to presmne oi. private friendsliip for leniency or consideration
.It this time, and none was granted. Not being then in a })osition to
meet this demand an arrest so(jn followed, and in referring to the matter
he says: — *'As I had by this time ascertained that, independent of a
security given for my chief debt, and several farms in Canada suftlcient
for the others, 1 was only embarrased about the arrc;ars of an annuity of
three hundred pounds, that though irregularly |)aid, i had long countctl
on. 1 saw v,hat was in my power; and pride was appeased by the con-
sideration that I had always made more than I expended, and that it
was entirely owing to others not fultilling their engagements to me, I had
ever suffered any perplexity in uioney matters. " Though he wrote thus
boldly, and to all appearances maintained his pride unabated, it must
have been very humiliating and saddening to his mind to reilect, that
after he had done so much for others, expending for their benefit the
strength which other men would ha\e been using in the interests of their
families, they should now, when their purposes had been served, cast him
off like a worn-out garment ; and while profiting by the expenditure of
liis mental and physicial abilities, they should forsake him in the hour of
his temporary necssity. Still, with that courage which never under any
circumstances forsook him, he determined to battle manfully on, and not
to surrender while a hope remained. " I felt my independence aug-
niented,"' he says, "by looking on poverty, undismayed at her emaciation.
I had, however, given hostages to society, and was no longer at liberty
to consult my own wishes, and therefore immediately began to build a
new scheme of life, in which the secondary condidon of authorship was
thus made primary. This winding up of my philanthropic dream is
stated with as little emotion as possible, but it was not so felt.'

Ilowe\er much he might seek to disguise his sorrow and mortifica-
tion at the turn aftairs had taken, there can be no doubt he still felt the
sting in his heart, and though he applied himself, with characteristic
energy to the pursuits of literature, he steadily refused to renew the
acquaintances of former years, unless some marked advances were made
towards him for that purpose. For some three or four years he continued
to work hard at literature, at one time editing the Courier, ?Li another
preparing a life of Lord Byron, and then again in writing works of fiction,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

such as Lawric Todd ; uiuil at last his hcaUh broke down, and he became
a confirmed invalid. Shortly before leaving Guelph, he one day
stumbled, and received a severe shock in the spine from the root of a
tree, from which he never fully recovered. At the time, and for some
time afterwards, he experienced very little inconvenience, but eventually
various nervous diseases manifested themselves, and soon afterwards he
had a touch of paralysis. At this time he wrote — " I could, indeed, no
longer equivocate to myself, that the afternoon of life had come, and the
hour striking. The consciousness of having overpast the summit of my
strength, was not, however, so obvious to others as to myself; and thus,
though I sulTered what the school-boy called an 'aM-overishness', I had
no particidar symptom that could be described ; some relaxation was,
however, recommended, of which I would gladly have availed myself;
but it is not in my nature to be long at rest, for I have found my truest
reprose in a 'change of employment."'

In the year 1831, he became absorbed in the interests of the British
American Land Company, but though through this and the following
year he gave much time and thought to the matter he was not destined to
take any active part in the business, and at the close of 1 832, he had several
paralytic seizures, and his general health became permanently affected.
The following letter, written in April 1833, will give some idea of his
physical and mental condition at that time :—

My Dear Sir. — Not being to-day in the best of spirits,.! feel, like
otherSjdisposed to wreak my chagrin on my friends, and on you among
others. John and Thomas have sailed for Canada, and you cannot
imagine how much this event disconceits me. Perhaps it is owing to my
disease that it aftects me so much: but I could not have|conceived, a priori
that it would have depressed me to any degree like what it has done.
John, poor fellow, goes with my full concurrence, though I cannot say
the same of Thomas, but I submit. He is himself in the meantime
pleased, but the Canada Company have no . acted towards his father so
as to give me the slightest confidence.

I am willing to think that I feel morbid on this point ; but I cannot
help it, especially as every day contirms the soundness of my undertak-
ings in the Upper Province, and the Company having pocketed above
;^3oo,ooo through my instrumentality— putting out of the question the
good done to Canada, and the relief there granted to the poor of this
country. When I went out as Commissioner, the circulating medium
did not amount to ^72,000 ; and last year upwards of 300,000 sovereigns
were lodged in the Bank ot Upper Canada. Although I myself say it,
it has fallen to the lot of few to have done so much for any country, and
to be so used, for the Government openly say they were over-reached ; —
just as if the present distress in this country could have been foreseen in
the spring of 1824.

My health is upon the whole mending, but I cannot move without
nid ; so my active life is over and the hopes which led me towards the
British American Land Company must be given up. We only wait for
letters from Canada to make me retire, for I am no longer fit lor public
business. This is a great calamity ; for it will oblige me to depend en-
tirely on literature, a poor trade, and even for it I am sorely disabled.

Since the " Stolen Child," I have dictated another work in two
volumes. It is finished, and I think one of the best I ever wrote. It is
a tale of the Reformation, and in the incidents and development as
original as I could make it. ***** * My lameness gives me

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

I had

British

cannot
ndertak-
above
tion the
of this
medium
ereigns
say it,
1 y, and
ched ; —
.'seen in

nuicli Ic'iiiurc, and that apportioning of my time I have been long acciis-
lomeil to, enables me to do a great deal, even to the surprise of myself;
for 1 have in the meantime been obliged to suspend reading, as it invar-
iably makes mo fall asleep. What 1 feel most is an occasional brightness
ot intellect, which on reflection is often attended with alarm, as my sleej)
declines. Can you advise nic anything as to thi ; ? Dr. A. T. Thomson
is for a voyage, or a residence at the sea side. Hut I am so helpless, and
so many troubles perplex me that require a stouter health to withstand.
ICver yours truly, John GM.r.

In 1834 Mr. (ialt removed to Scotland, and continued his literary
work, sending forth a considerable number of volumes, essays, sketches,
&c., one of which '• Literary Life and .Miscellanies," was by special per-
mission ot His .Majesty, dedicated to William 1 \'. (iradually, however,
but steadily, his strength declined, and on the morning of April nth,
1839, he breathed his last; and his remains lie buried in the family grave
at Cireenock.

After Mr. Gait's retirement, the management of the affairs of the
Company was entrusted to the care of two conmiissioners, Hon. Wm.
Allen and Mr. Thomas Mercer Jones, and on their arrival most of the
servants of the Company who had been appointed by Mr. Gait, and were
associated with him in the laying out and building of (iuelph, were re-
moved to Goderich, which was then beginning to assume very respectable
proportions, though a long distance from any other settlement, not a house
being then built within ten or twelve miles of it. The work of clearing
farms in the forest, however, soon began, and in a very short time home-
steads and smiling fields were to be seen in many parts of the Huron
tract. The work at this settlement was principally conducted under the
supervision of Hon. W. yVUcn, while the management "f affairs at (iuelph
wao left in the hands of Mr. T. Mercer Jones, who soon won the respect
of the entire community, by his upright and gentlemanly demeanor to-
wards the settlers.

In JNIay 1839, a serious disaster befell the town of Guelph, the results
of which were felt for some time. Those who are old enough to remem-
ber when the Upper Province was one wild, almost impenetrable forest,
or those who have travelled through regions of the country where the
hand of man, even yet, has made but slight inroads on nature's vast
domain, will have frequently noticed, in the woods, .'arge gaps or lanes,
the ground covered with trunks and branches of trees, twisted and
tangled in all manner of inconceivable shapes, through or across which
by no possibility could a man proceed. It wi'l also have been noticed
that in these gaps, the trees api)ear to have been twisted otf at the stumps,
or torn up at the roots, as if some monster of iniinite strength had passed
that w.iy and torn them up like rushes in his mighty grasp, and thrown
them down in anger and scorn. These wild scenes of desolation are
caused by hurricanes, which occasionally visit thickly wooded districts,
but which rarely occur after the land becomes cleared, it is supposed on
account of some mysterious climatic change which takes place with the
disappearance of the forests, somewhat in the same way as the change s
in temperature and the quantity of rainfall which follow the clearing of
the land. A hurricane such as this, and which, for violence has never
been equalled in this part of the country since, visited the town and
township at this time. The weather, for that season of the yenr, had
been unusuallysultry,and the air was hushed to an unnatural stillness, only
broken by the occasional sound of thunder booming faintly in the dis-

TUf'; ANNALS 0|- THF, TOWN OF OUKl.PH.

tance, which, bcinj^ nothing unusual, attracted but little attention. That
niorniiv^ all nature sceniecl in a preternatural repose, until towards ten

''^'k, when the sky began U) assume a most unusu.il appearance, a
n cloud overshadowing all, casting on the earth a most sickly pallor.

\\ards noon the sky assumed a still more awful appen ranee, presenting
to the view a vasl urch of rolling blackness, and a nameless dread seized
on the hearts of all, as the clouds gathered thicker and thicker and more
threatening in their lowerings. Suddeidy they seemed to gather closer,
as if concentrating their force to overwhelm one devoted spot, when, al-
most immediately, they separ.ued into attached masses, chasing each
other through the sky, and then whirling and eddying like the foam in the
vortex of ;t whirlpool. The thunder now broke forth in roars and peals,
while the forked lightnings ilarted hither and thither, now and again
striking some tall tree or other prominent object. In speaking of this
storm, Strickland says:— •' In a short space the clouds seemed to con
verge to a point, which apjiroached very near the earth, still whirling with
great rapidity directly under this point ; .and ni^parently from the midst
of the woods arose a black column in the shape of a cone, which instant-
ly ioincd itself to the depending cloud. The sight was now grand and
d in the extreme. Let any one picture to the imagination a vast
■>n of smoke, of inky blackness, reaching from earth to heaven, gy-
i.i ^ with fearful velocity ; bright lightnings issuing from the vortex—
the roar of the thundei the rushing of the blast the crashing of timber
— the limbs of trees, leaves anu rubbish, mingled with clouds of dust,
whirling through the air — a faint idea is the given of the scene.

" Ihrtnish .nli tlic sky ari.M; imUimklohs storms.
And de;uli st;iiuls tliri;ati;ninji in a tliKiis.ind form ;;

luiids th;ni;fd will, hmd destniclidn dnnvn tlu' tlay,
And airy ilcnions in wild whirlwind l)lav;
I'liii'k lhundcri:la]is, and liuhtnin;;':; vivid t;Iare
Disturb the sky, and trouble all tiie air."

" 1 had ample time for observation as the hurricane commenced its
desolating coarse about two miles from the town, through the centre of
which it took its way, passing within iifty yards of the spot wh?re a num-
ber of persons and myself were standing watching its fearfu.' i^rogress.
As the tornado approacheil, the trees seemed to fall like a pace of cards
before its irresistible current, .\ftcr passing through the clearing matle
round the town, the force of the wind gradually abateil, and in a feu-
minutes died away entirely. As bOon as the storm was over, 1 went to
see what damage it hatl done. From the point where I first observed
the black column to rise from the woods and join the cloud, the trees
were twisted in e\ery divectioii. A belt of timber had been levelled to
the ground about two miles in length, and about one hundred yards in
breadth: at the entrance to the town it crossed the River Speed, and up-
rooted about six acres of wood which had been thinned out and iclt b)-
Air. (ialt as an ornament to his house. The Eramosa Road was com-
pletely blocked up for nearly half a mile, in the wildest confusion possi-
ble. In its progress through t'ls town it unroofed seveml houses, levelled
the fences to the ground, and entirely demolislied a frame barn: windows
were dashed in, and in one instance the tloor of a log house was carried
up through the roof. Some hair-breadth escapes occurred, but, luckily,
no lives were lost."'

P'rom this time, for about three years, very little progress was made in
the town, but few houses being built, and business generally being in an
almost stagnant state. The Commissioners who succeeded Mr. Gait

THK ANNALS OF THE lOWN OF GUELI'H.

ion. That
)warcls ten
earancc, a
:^l<ly pallor,
present inj;
ead scizetl
■ and more
ber closer,
, when, al-
sing each
Dam in the
uivi peals,
and again
ng of this
d to con
irling with
the midst
:h instant-
;rand and
on a vast
iavcn, gy-
vortex —
of timber
s of dust,

lenced its
centre of
e a num-
progrcss.
of cards
ing made
in a few
I went to
observed
the trees
\elled to
yards in
. and lip-
id left b)'
I'as com-
on possi-
, levelled
windows
s carried
, luckily,

; made in
ng in an
*Ir. Gait

in the management appeared to be bent on a policy of "masterly inac-
tivity," doing nothing which coidd by any means be postponed till tho
future, the conseijuence being that money was scarce and a general
depression brooded over the entire settlement. Among the works which
was forced upon them, in self-defence, was the completion of the grist
mill, which Mr. (lalt had commenced ; for, without it, the hold the Com-
pany had on the farmel's, as their bankers and general agents (or the sale
of their produce, and for almost e\ery other comniunication with the
outside world, would pass into other hands. Accordinglj- they set to
work, in a dilatory, half-earnest sart of a way, to get the mill into running
order. Mr. Strickland, who was then at (loderich, was instructed to
engage a miller who had come there — an American, and said to be char-
acteristically shrewd and cunning with u'hom he started for (luelph in
the Spring, but there is no record of his ha\ ing arrived, or if he did, of
his having worked at the mill, for the builder and practical miller was
Hoiace Ferry, of Port Hope. The building was a substantial frame
structure, containing e\cry appliance for gristing, with three run of stones
and ample store-rooms. In a short lime the premises passed into the
hands of Mr. James Allan, father of Mr. David Allan, the late owner,
who from time to time made additions, until, in course of time, the frame
was taken down to make room for the present stone buildings, and
removed to a farm on the York Road, whcr,^ it still stands, being used as
a barn. When Mr. Allan purchased the mill, he put in another run of
stones, making four runs in all, three of which were used for gristing and
one for chopping. In 1835 he built a distillery in connection with the
mill, and about six years afterwards added a carding mill. When this
mill was linishcd, Perry built another, on the Waterloo Road, known to
this day as the Red Mill. This mill, with fifty acres of land, was after-
wards bought by Mr. (I. J, Grange, and was worked by him, after he
relinquished the distillery, for some years.

Towards the close of 1S28 or in the early spring of 1829, a number of
new immigrants arrived, some of whom made very good settlers, though
most of them afterwards left the place. Among tliose who remained
were Martin Dooley, who took up a farm about three miles out on the
Waterloo RoatI, and did \cry well. Another v.ho came at the same time
was Michael Lennan, who soon afterwards died, and his widow subse-
<|uenll\- married Andrew Farrell, father of Patrick Farrell, who still lives
here. The farm now owned b)- l\(r. Walter Sorb)- was first purchased
from the Canada Company by Thos. Baker, and those opposite by James
lialcer and Patrick Mci lowan. James IJeirnes generally known as 'Pinker
Bcirnes, about this time bouglit some land on the Waterloo Ro;id, and
laid it out in town lots, ho being the first to do this except the Canada
Company. A considerable numlxM- of persons built houses on this land,
which was for manv vcars familiailv known as " Tinkertown." Beirnes
afterwards moved to Puslinch, and if he did not succeed well in anything
else, he certainly fulfdled the Divine command to "increase and multi-
ply,"' for he was blessed with twenty children, in this particular therefore
proving a very good colonist.

For about two years, nothing of any interest occurred in the town,
the arrivals (>f immigrants being comparatively few, and the improvements
effected, in consequence of the financial stringency, which affected the
whole of Canada, beirg consequently very limited. In the summer of
1832, however, a fresh impetus was gi\'en by the arrival of a large party
of immigrants from England, who had chartered the ship " Caroline" to

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

bring them out. Among them were, Messrs. John and James Wilson,
Edward Murton, Wm. Necve, Edmund and Osmond Huntley, Josiah Mc-
Kelkan and others, the entire party consisting of nearly a hundred persons.
All of them were in comparatively affluent circumstances, some of thorn
keeping servants in livery, and their arrival was the signal for a general
revival of business, guineas being very plentiful with them, and they
were not in any way niggardly in spending them. Houses sprang up on
all sides, and a period of general prosperity commenced, the influence of
which was never entirely lost in the town. One of the houses built at
this time was that whicli stood for many years on the site of the present
Cirand Trunk passenger station, and the coachman's house, belonging to
which, still stands, on the east side of the track. The house was a large
two story brick Iniilding, very commodious, and for some years was un-
doubtedly the best house in town. Mr. John Combe Wilson, who • lilt
it, resided in it for some time, after which it was rented to Rev. Artn.a
Palmer.

Besides tliis party of wealthy immigrants, there were a few others,
who came from Ireland. A nun^ber of gentlemen had decided on com-
ing to Canada, and formed a party by themselves, chartering a vesr.ol.
Among them were the late Chancellor BIake> the late Archdeacon
Brough, Dr. Robinson, afterwards well known as an eminent physician,
the late Justice Connors, Rev. Edward Blake, Rev. Arthur Palmer, Mr.
Samuel Crawford and Mr. R. M. Richardson. All of these were in good
circumstances, and all men of education and position, every one of them
holding a B. A. degree. The three last-named came to Guelph, and
Rev. A. Palmer at once organized a church, meeting for the time being
in the school-house. The congregations were from the first as large as
the building would conveniently accommodate, many dissenters of the
various denominations attending the services regularly, the utmost har-
mony prevailing throughout, until the Presbyterian church was built,
when, of course, many of them left, though some of the Methodists never
severed their connection with the Episcopal Church. Of the party who
came out together, the only survivors are Rev. Archdeacon Palmer, now
in England, and Mr. Richardson, who still resides in Cuelph.

In the fall of the same yeai", several other well-to-do immigrants
arrived, including Captain Poore and Mr. Rowland Wingfield. Mr.
Wingfield did not remain long, but rclurned to England, and in 1834 lie
again came out, bringing with him several head of Durham cattle, Lei-
cester and Southdown sheep, Berkshire pigs, and ducks, geese, fowls and
pigeons in large numbers. Ho purchased tlie farm now owned and
occupied by I\Ir. John Howitt, and for some time was very successful in
breeding, and to him is due the honor of bringing into this part of the
country the first specimens of these very fine breeds of cattle and sheep,
for which — the cattle especially -this part of the country has since been
so famous. In 1.S34 Mi". Wingfield, Captain Poore, Mr. Durand of
Dundas and three or four others, contested the election for member of
Parliament to represent the District, when Mr. Durand was elected.
After this Mr. Wingfield sustained some severe losses, and sold his farm
to Mr. John Howitt. He then removed to Chatham, and thence to
Windsor, and a few years afterwards returiied to Guelph, intending to
open a billiard hall, but an American billiard marker, whom he brought
with him, being entrusted with ^300, all Mr. Wingfield's store, to go to
the States to purchase tables, etc., decamped with the money, leaving
Wingfield penniless. He soon afterwards received a remittance from

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Wilson,
liah Mc-
persons.
of them
, general
vnd they
ig up on
uencc of
built at
present
mging to
s a large
was un-
k-ho • ult
. Art Ova

w others,
on com-
a vesr.jl.
:hdeacon
)hysician,
imer, Mr.
e in good
c of them
jlph, and
me being
large as
rs of the
nost har-
as built,
sts never
arty who
mer, now

[migrants
;ld.' Mr.
1 834 lie
itllc, Lci-
|"owls and
ncd and
■cssful in
lirt of the
id sheep,
Ince been
urand of
lenibcr of
elected,
his farm
hence to
;nding to
brought
to go to
leaving
bee from

his friends in Wales, when he returned home, and is no\v in the enjoy-
ment of a large estate, which has been in his family for several genera-
tions.

During th's year the work of church building commenced in earnest,
the first to be erected being St. Andrew's church. In laying out the
plan of the town, certain portions of land had been set aside by Mr. Gait
for the uses of the various relig.ous denominations. The portion allotted
to the Roman Catholics was the hill at the head of Macdonnell street;
for the Episcopalians the piece of land now known as St. George's
vSquare, and to the Presbyterians a portion of the market place where the
Town Hall now stands. Besides these sites, other lands were also
allotted to them as glebes. The Presbyterian church was built on a hill,
which was levelled when the church was pulled down, and was a very
handsome and commodious frame bv.ilding, with seating accommodation
for about two hundred persons. The first pastor was Re\". William
Smith.

After the Rev. Father Campion had been removed to another dis-
trict, the Rev. Father Cullen had the oversight of the congregations in
this part of Upper Canada, and by his earnestness and zeal he induced
the members of the Roman Catholic Church in (iuelph to erect a sanctu-
ary for themselves. When once commenced it was not long before the
building was ready for use, the members of the church providing the
materials and giving their own labor in placing them on the ground
ready for the builders' use. Rev. Father Cassidy was then appointed to
the charge of the parish. The church, which was a frame structure, was
not really finished for some time, either internally or externally, the
painting not being done until 1835, when Mr. Harris, father of Mi. John
Harris, who then lived at Niagara, sent a quantity of white lead to
Guelph for the purpose. The work was doi">.e by James Beirnes. This
was the first time, so far as is known, that paint had been used in Guelph,
externally at least. This church stood until 1846, when on the night
when the nc'-s was received of the liberation of Daniel O'Connell, the
Irish residents became so enthusiastic, that they lighted large bonfires
on the hill, and some of the sparks fiilling on the roof, the church was
burned down.

St. George's church was commenced in the fall of tlie same year, and
by the energy of Rev. Arthur Palmer, was fully paid for before it was fin-
ished, which was in the Spring of 1833. It was a very substantially built
fn.nc structure, said to have been the most solidly and strongly put to-
gf ther building of its kind ever erected in Guelph, and stood as one of
tie most conspicuous objects in the town until about three years ago,
V len it was finally removed, it having by that time become not only too
' aall, but for other reasons unsuitable, as well as, to some extent, a de-
traction from the beauty of the town.

In the following year the Methodists built a neat frame church, on
the site of the present Norfolk street church.

Besides the parties of wealthy immigrants who came to the settle-
ment during this year, there Avere a great many of the poorer classes,
many of whom were in a sick and destitute condition. One party, debili-
ted by sickness and an extraordinarily long voyage, had to remain for a
time in Montreal, and while there some of them died from cholera, which
was making fearful ravages in the Lou'er Provinces that summer. On
the arrival of the others in Guelph, the disease again broke out among
them, and the authorities, to prevent the spread of the disease, kept them

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OK GUELPH.

all in the Market House, which was boarded in for the purpcse. A few
of them died, Init \jy careful treatment and the self-sacriricing attentions
of the towns-people, most of them soon recovered, and they scattered to
different parts of the township.

In 1833, the Court of Requests, for the recovery of debts under ^10
was established, the Court consisting- of eight commissioners, who met
at the British Coffee House, kept by Thos. and Patrick Keating, The
first entry in the records of this court reads as follows : —
Gore Districi', / Court of Request, opened at the liritish Coffee
To Wit: — ( House Inn of Thomas and Patrick Keating, in the
said District, at the hour of 10 in the forenoon of
Saturday, the 15th d;iy of June, 1833. Present -
Wm. Heath, J. P., Henry Strange, J. P., Osmond
Chas. Huntley, J. P., Samuel Crawford, J. P.
There was only one suit at the tirst court but at the next there were
twenty-two. The other commissioners were, Edward Huntley, Ceoffrey
Lynch, Dr. Clarke, Robt. Ambrose, and afterwards John Inglis. The
Court was held every two weeks, until Nov. 21, 1841, when it was abolish-
ed, under the Acl making provision for Division Courts. The clerks of
the Court of Request were successively — W. Heath, Edmund Huntley--
both of whom afterwards returned to England ; Jas. Hodgert, now dead ;
Wm. Lowry, who now lives on the Waterloo Road ; and A. A. Baker,
who held the office when the Court was abolished.

In referring to (hielph at this time. Dr. Thomas Rolfe, in his " Sta-
tistical Account of Upper Canada;' says : — " It is extremely healthy, and
possesses saw-mills, grist mills, tanneries, distilleries, and other manufac-
tories ; a large and increasing population ; new and superior houses in
course of erection ; an excellent market house ; three well conducted
taverns ; three large and handsome churches and a school. Hovve\er, it
may suit the purpose of grt elling malcontents and brawling grievance-
mongers to abuse, vilify and misrepresent the labors and exertions of the
Canada Company, it was mainly owing to their zeal, enterprise and assi-
duity that the l'ro\ ince became so much settled. They were the means
of diffusing a more accurate account of Canada amongst the British
people, and giving a tone to emigration, of which it formerly stood so much
in need. Sonie persons inimical to Guelph had described it as a failure.
How far it is to be considered so, let the following statement, from a
resident, decide: -

"'In the first place the emigrant is told that Gucluh is a failure.
How far this is consistent with truth will be seen by the improvements
now making, both in town and neighborhood. During the past year no
less than sixteen frame and two brick houses made there appearance in
our streets, and there are at present two large taverns in progress, a chapel
and seven or eight frame houses building or contracted for in the town ;
and builcing of all sorts and descriptions daily rising out of the woods,
if I may use the expression, in the country. Almost the whole of the
land that is available is disposed of, and is under cultivation and settled
on, with the exception, I believe, of from 2000 to 3000 acres out of 48000,
which compose the township, witli a large and daily increasing propor-
tion of town lots, also disposed of, and built upon. We have breweries
and distilleries, which give us the highest market price for our grain in
cash. So much for Guelph being a failure.' The short road from Dun-
das to Guelph, by the mills of Mr. Crooks, of West Flamborough, is
through a dense pine wood, extensive cedar swamps, with very few clear-

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

;. A few

ittentions
ittered to

nder /lo
, who met
ng, The

sh Coffee
ig, in the
renoon of
Present -
Osmond

here were
Geoffrey
^Hs. The
IS aboHsh-
clerks of
Huntley —
low dead ;
A. Baker,

his "Sta-

althy, and

manufac-

houscs in

conducted

owe\er, it

;rie\ancc-

3ns of the

and assi-

lie means

ic British

d so much

> a faihne.

nt, from a

a faiUu-e.
rovements
St year no
earance in
s, a chapel
^he town ;
he v.oods,

le ot tho
lid settled
t of 48000,
ig propor-

brewerics
r grain in
Tom Dun-
3rough, is

few clear-

ings until within seven or eight miles of Guelph. It is but 24 miles,
admirable travelling when frozen up in winter, but almost impassable in
the spring and autumn months, and but little improved in the midst of
summer. The horrible causewayed roads, most clumsily put together,
and occasionally broken, renders the most circuitous route by Gait far
preferable."

Captain Poore had for two or three years been endeavoring to form
a volunteer rifle company in the town, but the men had little time to
spare for such purposes, and, at that time, perhaps, but little inclination
for playing at soldiering. In 1835, however, considerable anxiety beean
to be felt as to the probable result of the political agitations which were
then beginning to be heard, more especially with regard to the faction
headed by William Lyon Mackenzie. This was an opportunity eagerly
seized upon by Captain Poore, and during the summer he formed a com-
pany some sixty strong, which met for drill every Saturday, on a portion
of Capt. Poore"s farm, where the race-course is now situated.

The year 1837 opened threateningly for Canada. For some years
serious differences had been growing up between the Colony and the
Imperial Government, and the breach was gradually but surely widening.
In 1832, in consequence of some scandals, having more or less reasonable
foundations, which had occurred in the conduct of the Judiciary, and the
House of Assembly having decided that, as f:ir as that measure would have
the effect ot removing the causes for the unpleasant popular feeling then-
existing, the judges should be made independent of the Crown, and
should have permanent salaries assigned to them, and that only the Chief
Justice should hold a seat in the Executive Council. The bill was passed
by a fiiir majorit)-, but when sent tc England for the Royal assent, Lord
Goderich thought fit to reject it. The Assembly thereupon retaliated by
adopting the course pursued under similar circumstances in the Lower
Province, by refusing to pass more than annual bills of supply, attaching
the names of the individuals to each of the sums voted for salaries, and
positively refusing to permit any person to hold more th; one office at
the same time. This latter measure was also rejected by i.ord Goderich,
and the Assembly then demanded the abolition of the Legislative Coun-
cil, and the substitution of one, the members of which should be elected
by the people. This was not only refused by the Imperial Government,
but Lord Stanley (the late Earl Derby) treated the colonists to a long
and somewhat severe homily on their impertinence for daring to wish to
legislate as they imagined would be best for the countn-, in opposition to
the superior wisdom at home, and for their temerity in offering any oppo-
sition to the Imperial will.

There was also existing a feeling of bitterriess between tne inhabit-
ants of the Upper and Lower Piovinces, and between the French and
English portions of the inhabitants, each nationality being jealous, lest
the other should enjoy any advantage which the other did not. All these
minor points of difference, however, were sunk in the more important
question of opposition to the home government, in what was universally
looked upon as the tyranny of the course of action pursued by them, and
the consequent burden of taxation under which the country was suffering.
The people did not dare to hope for any practical measures of improve-
ment, their hopes having been so often blighted in the past. To speak
of education, or the progress of public works, or the enactment of wiser
and better law3, was equivalent to announcing oneself as a half-demented
enthusiast; and to express a hope of the speedy establishment of a

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

sounder form of government, was looked upon by the people as the wild
imaginations of a heated fancy, and by the Government partizans as little
less than treason. There was practically no constitutional government,
the sole power, and the administration of affairs, being realh in the
hands of the Governor.

In 1834, Mr. Viger having been sent to l'"ngland to lay the griev-
ances of the colony before the Government, a commission was appointed
the following year to inquire into the causes of the dissatisfaction and
the remedies which might be taken to alleviate them. The Colonial
Secretary was willing to surrender the disposal of the entire revenue to
the Assembly, on condition of their making separate provision for the
judges, and Axing the salaries of the civil officers for two years; he also
agreed to place the whole of the proceeds of the sales of unclaimed lands
in the hands of the Assembly, but made such restrictions as to their man-
agement as virtually to nullify the effect of this provision.

These so-called concessions were not by any means satisfactory, and
in the early part of 1837 the popular discontent began to take definite shape,
the murmurings of an insurrectionary movement being heard, more or
less distinctly, in all parts of the country In the Lower Province some
active demonstrations of hostility had already been made, and in the
Upper Province there were symptoms that the example might soon be fol-
lowed. In the House of Assembly Mr. Wm. Lyon Mackenzie was particu-
larly active, and on several occasions defeated the Government ; but Sir
J<>ancis Bond Head, at that time Lieutenant (Governor, steadily refused
to concede any of the points demanded. Outside the House, public
meetings were being held, violent speeches made— some of them most
unjustifiably so— and in consequence, eighteen magistrates and thirty-five
militia officers were deprived of their commissions. During the summer
the agitation increased in intensity, the training of bands of Mac kenzie's
sympathizers was secretly carried on, and in some places the people went
so far as to elect their own magistrates and militia officers. .Some of
the newspapers were also active in keeping the rebellious spirit alive, and
soon armed bodies of men in the Lower Province openly set the Govern-
ment at defiance, and some sanguinary encounters had taken place
between them and the regular troops. At the outbreak of these active
measures of hostility in Lower Canada, Sir F. P. Head sent nearly all
the British troops to the i'.ssistance of the (Government there, relying on
the loyalty of the people of the Upper Province to restrain or suppress
any hostile demonstration which might be made here. The wisdom of
this action is open to serious question, and the results proved that the
Lt. Governor was not adequately informed, or, wh.it is equally probable,
greatly underestimated the strength, or affected to despise the influence
and determination of the insurgents. The event proved that, though he
was sustained by the loyalty of the people generally, Mackenzie and his
sympathizers were strong enough to cause great trouble and loss to the
country. On the 4th of December, 1837, the rebels assembled at Mont-
gomery's farm-house and taver::, a few miles up Yonge street, with the
intention of marching on and "taking" Toronto ; but a party of militia,
with the cTssistance of a number of citizens, soon routed them, and Mac-
kenzie fled. This was, however, but the beginning of the troubles, and
the Government at once called for the active assistance of the militia
companies organized in various parts of the Province. Captain Poore
had lost no time in placing his corps in a state ready for service, and on
the day of the engagement at Montgomery's they left Guelph, 62 strong,

s the wild
ns as little
vernment,
Ih in the

the griev-
appointed
ction and
e Colonial
•e\ enue to
>n for the
s; he also .
med lands
their man-

ctory, and
nite shape,
d, more or
ince some
nd in the
oon be Tol-
as particu-
it ; but Sir
ly refused
ISC, public
hem most
thirty-five
ic summer
kenzie's
;op1e went
Some of
alive, and
e Govern-
en place
esc active
nearly all
ying on
suppress
visdom of
that the
probable,
influence
hough he
and his
ss to the
at Mont-
with the

•"HE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

re I

of militia,
and Mac-
bles, and
le militia
in Poorc
:e, and on
1 strong,

under the command of Capt. Poore, Lieutenant Thompson, and Ensign
Cirange, a brother of Mr. G. J. Grange ; with John Thorp, James Arm-
strong and James Marshall as sergeants, leaving Col. Lamprey and Col.
Young in charge of a portion of the company to protect Guelph. It was
known that there were a considerable number of Mackenzie's sympa-
thisers in Kramosa and other districts in the neighborhood, and that if
an opportunity were offered they might make some active demonstration,
and possibly take possession of the town, so that there was a very natural
feeling of alarm here, and it was positively necessary to leave some
experienced and determined officers in the town, to prevent the rebel-
liously inclined in the country districts from taking such steps as, but for
the very pronounced feeling of loyalty on the part of the towns-people,
they would undoubtedly have proceeded to, they being in want of ammu-
nition, some quantities of which were in the stores in Guelph, several
men having been employed for some days in running bullets, and a
number of kegs of powder being also in store in the armory, known as
Hodgerts' octagon house, where the Herald block now stands.

On arriving at Dundas the company put up for the night at Bamber-
ger's hotel, and the town jjcing somewhat of a rebel hot-bed, a warm
reception was given to the Guelph volunteers, stones being thrown at
them, and a sort of intermittent fire of such missiles being kept up
throughout the night, at the hotel, in which the company were so.mdly
sleeping, mostly on the floor and tables. None of the men were hurt,
however, beyond a few slight bruises, and the next morning they marched
to Hamilton, where they were heartily welcomed by the majority of the
citizens, though there were quite a number who looked upon them with
anything but friendly eyes. The company remained in Hamilton three
days, being quartered in the Court House, when, being relieved by some
other \olunteers from Guelph, they marched to Ingersoll, Woodstock,
Rrantford, and other places. While at lirantford a report was brought
in that the rebels were making pikes and moulding bullets at Scotland,
and the Company at once started for that place, but on their arrival found
nothing more conspicuous or treasonable than a cider mill in full opera-
tion. After a time the company returned to Hamilton, and on Christmas
day went to the front, being stationed between Drummondville and Nia-
gara Falls. The corps which left Hamilton was 1,300 strong, besides
about 500 Indians, and upwards of 450 sleighs were employed in convey-
ing them. In consequenceof the energetic action taken by the authorities
against the steamer '' Caroline," and the insurgents stationed on Navy
Island, the corps of which the Guelph men formed a part were not called
into action, their duty consisting of the move arduous, if less glorious task
of preserving peace in the outlying country, and defending the approaches
to the scene of action. They were away about ^ix weeks, and when they
retvuncd they separated, but were not disbanded, each man going to his
own home. In the fall of 1838 another Company was raised by Captain
Poores orders, the men enlisting for a specified time, from November
1st, 1838, to May 1st, 1840. This Company was drafted to Hamilton in
the first week in November, and remained there the whole of the period
of their enlistment.

In common with other parts of the country, Guelph suffered comid-
erably by this rebellion, not only on account of the general stagnation in
business which followed, but also because of the absence of so many of
the men from their farms and stores; and it was some years before tlie
confidence and prosperity which had previously existed, fully returned.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOV/N OP OUELPH.

It had for some time become a matter of serious inconvenience, that
the people of Guelph, and the country lyinj,^ north and west of it, sho'.ilc'
he compelled to go so long a distance to Dundas, the District town, to
transact legal business, and a movement had for some time been on foot
for the division of the Gore District, which then included the whole of
what are now the counties of Wellington, Waterloo, Grey, Bruce, and the
district as far as the shores of Lake Huron. As the result of the agita-
tion which was vigorously carried on, an act was passed in 1837, 7 Wil-
liam IV., chap. 18, providing for the division of the Ciore District, and
foi the erection of the District of Wellington, as soon as a jail and
court-house could be erected, and other necessary preliminary arrange-
ments made. Among the provisions of the act were, that the jail and
court-house should be situated in the Town of Guelph; that a District
school should also be erected, the teacher's salary to be ^^100, to be paid
out of the Provincial lunds, as also the sum of ^250 for the support of
common schools, in addition to a share in such sums as were granted
luider the Provincial statute of 4th William IV. The justices were em-
powered to borrow ^'6,000 for building the jail and court-house, to be
repaid in annual instalments of ^250, with interest, for which they were
empowered to levy an additional rate of id. in the £ lor four years.

During 183S a movement was commenced for improving the road
between (iuelph and Dundas, much inconvenience being felt in conse-
quence of the difficulties in travelling between these two points, letters,
as appears by documents now in the office of the Clerk of the Peace,
sometimes being five and even seven days in transit. Several meetings
wore held to consider the matter but nothing definite was done until
1839, when a public meeting was called, Mr. Henry Strange being in
the chair, and Mr. Thos. Saunders acting as secretary. It was then
proposed that a survey should be made, for a road direct to Dundas,
instead of going round by way of Waterloo. Subscription lisis were
opened to defray the expense of the survey, which was entrusted to Mr.
R. W. Kerr, of Flamborough West. The estimated cost was ^'3 1 , 1 59. 1 7.7,
or ;^'i285.i6.8 per mile. A strong opposition was offered to the scheme
on the part of some residents in Puslinch, who wished the road to be
run from Guelph to the Waterloo macadamized road, cutting it at about
Lamb's tavern. Petitions wero prepared in fiivor of the original scheme,
with the intention of forwarding them to Col. Chisholm and Hon. James
Crooks, for presentation to the two branches of the Legislature, but upon
its being found that Hon. Mr. Crooks, being personally interested in the
success of the rival scheme, would be likely to " throw cold water " on
the Guelph enterprise, the petition was sent to Hon. Adam Fergusson,
instead of to him. Soon after this had been done, Mr. Henry Strange, \.'ho
had been the prime mover in the matter, suddenly died, and no further
action was taken for some time, as will appear hereafter.

In 1840 the Act for the separation of the District of Wellington from
the District of Gore came into operation, and on the 28th July the first
meeting cf the Court of Quarter Sessions was held, the Justices present
being Messrs. Alexander Dingwall Fordyce, John Inglis, Geoffrey Lynch,
Wm. Reynolds, Jas. Webster, Wm. Ellis, Wm. Hewat, Edward Murton,
Edward F. Henning, Robt. Ailing and Henry VV. Peterson. The fol-
lowing officers were then appointed for the District : — ShcriiT— Mr. Geo.
J. Grange; District Treasurer— Mr. Wm. Hewat; Surgeon to the Gaol —
Dr. Wm. Clarke; Inspector of Weights and Measures — Mr. A. A. Baker;
Gaoler — Mr. Robt. Dunbar ; Chief Constable — Mr. John Jones. The

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

liencc, that
f it, shoulc'
:t town, to
sen on foot
le whole of
ce, and the
f the agita-
l2>7, 1 Wil-
istrict, and

a jail and
■y anange-
he jail and
t a District
, to be paid

support of
}rc granted
;s were em-
ouse, to be
h they were
years.

ig the road
It in conse-
ints, letters,

the Peace,
al meetings

done until
ge being in
t was then
to Dundas,
isis were
sted to Mr,

;3i,i59.i7.7,

the scheme

road to bo

it at about

nal scheme,

Hon. James

re, hut upon

2sted in the

water" on

Fergusson,

trange, \>'ho

liO further

ngton from
ily the first
ices present
ffrey Lynch,
ud Murton,
The fol-
Mr. Geo.

the Gaol —
\. A. Baker ;
[ones. The

Sheriff was required to give security, himself in ^i,ooo, and two sureties
in ^500 each. These sureties were Messrs. Marcus Blair of Hamilton
and Mr. Thos. Saunders, of Puslinch. On October 3rd, Sheriff Grange
took the oath of office, before Messrs. A. J. Fergusson and Thomas
Saunders, commissioners.

At the same sittings of the Court, the Courts of Request, with the
districts assigned to each were numiaered as follows: — i. Guelph and
Eramosa ; 2. Waterloo; 3. Wilmot ; 4. Woolwich, Nichol and Queen's
Bush ; 5. Erin, (iarafraxa, and the townships added from the home dis-
trict, viz : — Proton, Luther, Amaranth and Melancthon ; the divisions to
take effect September ist. At the second meeting of this Court, held
October 27th, thirty-one tavern and beer licenses were granted for the
District. The fees charged were — for beer license, from ^^i. to ^3., and
for tavern licenses, from ^^5 to £'].

At the meeting of the Court in August i84i,a proposition was made
to lease from Wm. Dyson, a room in a new brick building he had just
erected on Gordon street for many years known as the Red Lion tavern,
and now called the Fountain Hotel. For many years the magistrates'
courts had been held at the British Coffee House, but now that the Dis-
trict had been set apart, and the legal business would be large, and constant-
ly increasing, it was decided to lease this place, at a rental of ^50 per
annum, until the Court House, soon to be commenced, should be ready
for occupancy. By the terms of the lease, Mr. Dyson was required to fit
up the room in a suitable manner, with the usual Judges' bench, dock,
witness box, accommodation for counsel, witnesses, &c., and to provide a
separate staircase for the Judges, all of which was done.

The attention of the Imperial Government having been called to the
way in which unscrupulous persons in England were in the habit of
misrepresenting to intending emigrants, the resources and general condi-
tion of the country, and the rate of wages, cost ot living, &c., a list of
questions was sent to prominent and reliable persons in all parts of the
Province, with the request that they should be answered as accurately as
possible, for the information of the home government, to allow them to
issue reliable circulars for the generilguidance of emigrants. From one
of these lists, tilled in by Mr. S. B. Harrison, and now in the office of the
Clerk of the Peace, the following facts are gleaned. The price of land
in the township of Guelph ranged from 12s. 6d. to 15s. per acre. The
cost of clearing was $14 to $16 per acre. Wheat was worth 3s. gd. per
bushel, oats iid. per bushel, and barley is. lod. per bushel.

In this year the Wellington District Agricultural Society was formed,
the committee reporting at the first meeting that ninety four members
had been enrolled. The net income of the District in 1841, was ^^726
I IS. 6d., of which Guelph paid ^132. The expenditure for the year was
^650.

At the January sessions in 1842, Mr. Adam Johnston Fergusson's
commission as Justice of the Peace, and his appointment as Judge of the
District were presented, when he took the oaths of office. At this time a
scene took place in the Court worthy of notice, as showing that the coun-
try was not altogether free from religious intolerance. A case in which
a note for a small sum of money formed the basis of action was being
tried, when a jury was demanded. Upon the jury rising to be sworn,
counsel for the plaintiff" objected to one of them, on the ground that he
was a Mennonist, and consequently ineligible as a Juryman. The Men-
nonists were a sect holding somewhat the same religious tenets as Quakers,

THE ANNAT.S OF THE TOWN OF GUETJ'H.

I^r.

claiming nmonjf other things, exemption from scr\ico in time of war, a
pri\ ilcge for wnich they were made to pay dearly enough, a tax of as
much as £^ pev year l^eing imposed ujjon them, in peace or war, as an
C(|uivalent for the exemption, the other taxes, to which all citizens were
liable in common, being collected in addition. It was not till 1848 that
this special tax could "be even reduced, a majority in Parliament always
voting down any measure brought in for their benclil. At the sitting of
the Court over which Judge Fergusson tirst presided, the objection was
raised, and the Jiulge had no alternative but to allow it, and the juryman
was ordered to leave the box, and another man called to fill his place.
Whether it may be regarded with satisfaction or not is a c|uestion, but
the fact remains, that the objecting plaintiff lost his case.

During this year the act for the election of school commissioners
came into operation, and the first meeting of the Hoard took place May
iith. The Board consisted of Rev. Arthur Palmer, chairman, Rev. P.
W'astel, Rev. Thomas Gibncy, Roman Catholic priest. Rev. [. Smith, Dr.
Henry Orton, Mr. Thomas Sandilands, Mr, Charles Julius Mickle and
Mr, Wm. Neeve. Mr. A. A, Paker was the first clerk to the Poard. The
first action of the Poard, after organizing, was to take under their control
all the schools in the District, and order an inspection of all the school-
houses, many of which were in need of repair, and in some districts new
school-houses were required, and in course of time these were built,
.Several changes were also found to be necessary in the staff of teachers,
some of whom were found to be ver\- incomjietent. Some of these were
therefore discharged.

In 1843 the new jail was finished, the distinction of being the first
man to be confined therein being due to James Lindsay, for stealing cat-
tle. It being proved that he had been carrying on this business for a
long time, he was sentenced to be imprisoned for Wvc years. This docs
not appear to have cured him of his propensity for dri\ing other peo])le's
cattle, for he had not been released from his long confinement more than
six weeks, when he was arrested on a similar charge near Toronto, and
sent to the Pro\ incial penitentiary for seven years.

The criminal business during the year 1S44 was very light, it being
on record that at the January sessions there was not a single prisoner for
trial ; at the July sessions only one, and at the November sessions only
four, of whom two only were found guilty, and these for minor offences.
This, howe\ er, as will be seen, was Init the lull before the storm, for the
courts were kept busy enough during the succeeding three or four years.

This year witnessed the revival of the St. Andrew's Society. In t'ne
year 1838 Mr. Gait had established ■\psciido society, without any regular-
ly elected officers or times for meeting, but now a properly organized
society was formed, but who were the otticers there is no record to show.
i\ St. George's .Society on a similarly loose plan had also i^ecn in exist-
ence, and this year it also was revi\ed, ViX. John Howitt being the first
president, no record having been kept of the names of the other officers.
This was nothing remarkable, for, until 1840, the records even of the
courts, and of the meetings for the transaction of public business, were
\ ery meagre, and in many instances no records at all were made, the
business being transacted in public meeting, and it apparently being
thought that those interested coi.ld 'emember what had been done, at
least until the next meeting. At the close of this year the Wellington
District Pencvolent Association was formed, with Rev. Arthur Palmer as
president. This association was formed of all creeds and nationalities,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF CUELPH.

; cat-
for a
lis docs
people's
re than
ito, and

t being
Dner for
ns only
■fences.

for the
r years,

]n t'ne
regular-

anized
o show,
n cxisl-
he first
afficers.
\ of the
>s, were

de, the
' being
lone, at

lington

hner as

lalities,

for the relief of all in distress, with the same catholic disregard to relig-
ious or national distinctions, and for many years it continued its benevo-
lent operations, being the niea^s of doing an incalculable amount of
good.

In 1845 ^ '^cw era may be said to have commenced in Ciuelph. As
the town had progressed in population and prosperit)-, two distinct
attempts had been made to publish a local newspaper, but, partly owing
to the limited constituency in the surrounding country and the financial
depression which had existed all over the Province forstvcral years, and
partly also in consetfuencc of the lack of practical ability on the part of
those who made the ventures, both attempts proved signal failures. In
the case of the Adiu-r/isrr, which was now commenced, the result proved
far difterent. The country was more prosperous, farmers were obtaining
higher prices for their produce, more settlers were coming in, and, what
was of far more conse(|ucncc, Mr. John Smith, the proprietor, was a man
of experience, and seemed to adapt his paper to the wants of the people
upon whom he depended for support.

In rS^G an act was passed providing for a reorganization of the Dis-
trict Councils, granting to each of the D'Strirts enlarged powers and an
additional number of councillors, tlie Wellington District being included.
Under this new arrangement, which came into operation in January,
1847, many improvements were made, under the direction of Mr.
A. D. Ford\ ce, the Warden, by which increased facilities were afforded
for travel, by the repairing of many neglected county roads and the
erection ot new bridges at several important points. During this year a
new mill was built by Drs. Clarke and Orton -the latter being the father
of Dr. Orton, M. P. on the site of the present People's Mills, now owned
by Mr. James (Toldie. It was a frame structure, of considerable dimen-
sions, with six run of stones. A large business was done in gristing, and
the enterprise promised to be exceedingly profitable for the proprietors,
as it was undoubtedly a great convenience to the small farmers. Earl)-
in the next year, however, these hopes seemed for a time to be shattered,
and a heavy blow was struck at the industry of the place. About two
miles out of the town, on the Kramosa road, lived two families named
Oliver and Coghlin, between which a long-standing religious feud had
existed, the Olivers being Orangemen and the Coghlins Roman Catho-
lics. Whenever any members of these families met, high words, and
frequently hard blows, were exchanged, the young men es])ecially evinc-
ing great bitterness towards each other, and none of them bearing a very
high character for sobriety, the disputes generally resulted from excite-
ment through drink. On the afternoon of March 23rd three of the Olivers
were driving home in a sleigh, and when a short distance beyond the
lu-amosa hill, they met some of the Coghlins, and a light ensued, in
which Charles Coghlin stabbed Richard Oliver with a bayonet, killing
him almost instantly. For this Coghlin was tried before .Mr. Justice
McLean, and being found guilty of murder, was hanged in front of the
Court House on July 1st. There had been some difficulty in getting the
scaffold erected, threats of a serious nature having lieen made by the
friends of the convicted man that whoexer undertook the job should
suffer for it afterwards, and the lawless character of some of them was
sufficient to deter many from doing the work who otherwise would have
willingly undertaken it. Of the extensive sympathy for the family of the
doomed man which existed in the minds of the lower classes, ample
evidence was afiorded on the morning of the execution, when a most

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPJ*.

unseemly riot took place under the scaffold, which, but for the presence
of a large posse of special constables, would probably have had serious
results. When the prisoner was first arrested he was brought before Dr.
Clarke, as Justice of the Peace, and the Coghlins declared that the pris-
oner vas not fairly dealt with by him, a statement for which there does
not appear to have been the slightest foundation, judging from the
numerous letters on the subject which were published in the Advertiser
at the time. This impression took a deep hold on the minds of the
Coghhn family, however, and it was feared for some time that some
injury, either of a personal nature or in his property, would be intlictcd
on the Doctor. When, therefore, in March, 1846, the mill was burned,
the general impression was that it was the work of an incendiary,
and it was so stated in a proclamation issued by the Government, offer-
ing a reward of ^250, in addition to ^400 offered by Drs. Clarke and
Orton and the District Council, for such evidence as would lead to the
conviction of the culprit. Nothing ever came to light upon which to
base a charge, though several persons were suspected, and the matter
gradually lost its interest. The loss by the fire was ^5,500, which was
covered by insurance to the amount of about ^3,000.

Hitherto the Conservatives in the District had possessed no perma-
nent organ for the enunciation of their political principles. Two separate
attempts had been made to establish a Conservative paper here, one in
1842. when Mr. Chas. Macdonald commenced the publication of the
Herald. Mr. Peterson, Registrar of the District, who was the first to
establish a newspaper west of Anc.ister, had published a German paper,
the Canada Museum^ in Berlin, in 1832, and having the press, one of the
Ramage make, and a quantity of type still on hand, Mr. Macdonnell
made an arrangement with Mr. Peterson, by which that gentleman was
to be the actual proprietor, though Mr. Macdonnell was to be nominal
owner, and the practical manager and editor. This paper only lived
about nine months, when a Mr. Matthew S. Willet came to the town
and made a similar arrangement, by which he commenced the Wflling-
tonian, a paper very similar in all respects to the Herald, but from a
variety of causes the venture did not prove a success, and in a few weeks
it was dropped. In the vSpring of 1847, Mr. F. D. Austin effected an
arrangement with Mr. Peterson of somewhat the same nature as the
others, and brought out the Herald. He soon after took a partner, and
the paper was published by Austin & Pearson. In the course of the
following year, it being desirable to improve the character of the paper
and to put in new type, a joint stbck company was formed, by Mr. Web-
ster, Mr. Peterson, and several other gentlemen in the town, and Mr.
Geo. Pirie, a man of liberal education and considerable ability, was in-
vited to take the editorial control, which he did, and the paper a'.* once
took a foremost place among Canadian newspapers, its fearless advocacy
of the principles of the Conservative party, and the unflinching opposi-
tion it offered to everything savoring of meaness or trickery in local or
general politics, as well as the ability displayed in its editorial columns,
and the enterprise shown in the news department, stamping it from the
commencement as a high class newspaper, destined to exert a powerful
influence on the future of the District, a mission which it most emphati-
cally accomplished. It was soon found, as has generally been the case,
that a joint stock company, in a small town like Guelph, was not the best
machinery for carrying on a newspaper business, and it was finally ar-
ranged that Mr. Geo. Pirie should become sole proprietor and editor, a

THE ANNALS OF THIJ TOWN OF GUELPH.

presence
i serious
jfore Dr.
the pris-
lere does
rom the
hurtiscr
s of the
lat some
inflicted
burned,
:endiary,
nt, offer-
irke and
id to the
which to
le matter
hich was

perma-
> separate
e, one in
)n of the

1 first to
m paper,
ne of the
icdonncU
man was
nominal

ly lived
he town
V'flling-
from a
w weeks
"ected an
as the
tner, and
of the
le paper
Web-
and Mr.

was in-

;i'. once

dvocacy

I opposi-

local or
columns,
from the
powerful

mphati-
the case,

the best
nally ar-

ditor, a

position for which his remarkable abilities eminently fitted him. With
what success he conducted the paper those who had the honor of his
acquainiance can fully testify, and it is not too much to say that the Con-
servative party in this town and surrounding districts, owes much of its
prosperity and power to his untiring exertions and saJf denying labors, in
wli'rli he never flagged up to the time of his death, which took place in
1870. ut the course pursued and the success of the paper since, the
public are left to judge for themselves.

Early in 1848 an appeal was made by Rev. Arthur Palmer and a
number of the most prominent men in the town, for funds to assist in the
relief of the people of Ireland, who were then in the greatest distress
consequent on the recent potato famine, and to the credit of the people
of Guelph, small in number thougli they were, it is recorded that upwards
of ^400 was subscribed.

The farmers of the Wellington District had always taken a deep
interests in the proceedings of agricultural societies, more especially that
of the Gore District, and several local clubs had been formed in the
townships in the neighborhood of Guelph, excepting Puslinch. This
year the Puslinch farmers determined to have a club, and accordingly in
February a meeting was held, and th'' Puslinch branch of the Wellington
District Agricultural Society was organized, a club which has, perhaps,
been more generally successful, and exerted a more beneficial influence,
both on account of the hearty interest taken in it, and the more than
ordinary intelligence and energy of its members, than almost any other
in the Province, and there is probably not one local organization of the
kind in this country which to-day commands so much respect among the
agricultural community.

In April a deputation arrived here from Toronto, to consult some of
the leading men of the town as to what steps should be taken by Guelph
in support of the proposed Toronto and Goderich Railway, which the
company contemplated bringing through the town, if sufficient encour-
agement were offered. A public meeting was at once called, Sheriff
Grange in the chair, when the intentions of the company were fully
explained by Mr. Thos. (now Judge) Gait, who said he had visited the town
in 1827, and had on foot traversed the distance from Guelph to Goderich,
before there was even so much as a pathway cut through the woods, and
he felt peculiar pleasure in being the first to lay before the people of this
town a proposal to build a railway across the same country. It was
resolved that a committee should be appointed to collect subscriptions to
defray the expenses of a survey and push the matter forward ; but, though
a number of meetings were held, and considerable stir was made in the
country, the project, so far as this company was concerned, died a natural
death.

Mr. James Webster had sat for the District in the Local Assembly
for several years, and the Reformers thought that a gentleman of their
own side in politics should be chosen at the next election, which was
expected to take place at no distant day. They accordingly organized,
and Mr. A. J. Fcrgusson, District Judge, was induced to resign his posi-
tion for the purpose of becoming a candidate, which he did in April, and
Mr. Wm. Dummer Powell was appointed his successor in May. At the
retirement of Judge Fergusson addresses were presented to him by
members of the bar and others, on both sides in politics, expressive of
the high esteem in which he had been held as a judge, and the warm
feelings of respect entertained for him personally. Canvassing went

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH,

vi},'orousIy on cUirinp the remainder of the year, the result of which will
be referred to hereafter.

In the November session of parliament an act was passed incorpor-
ating the (iuclph and Diindas Road Company, for the purpose of building
a macadami/.e<l and j,'ravclled road from the town to a point to join the
Dundas and Waterloo macadamized road, with a capital of ^10,000, with
]K)vver to increase it to ^20,000. The sum of /.'q,ooo was at once bor-
rowed on debentures, and this very important work was proceeded with
vigorously. An act was also passed incorporating the (luelph and Arthur
Road Company, for the purpose of building a macadamized and gra\el
road to Card's Corner, near the present junction of the Mlora and Fergus
roads, and that work was also soon afterwards commenced. In June of
this year Rev. J. (). Macgregor was ordained pastor of Knox's Church,
and in November a church was finished on the present site of Raymond's
sewing-machine factory. The Primitive Methodist chapel, on Surrey
street, was also built and dedicated in the fall of this year. Among the
other buildings worthy of note erected this year were the large stone
house and store of Mr. K. W. Stone, on (ktrdon street ; a stone building
by Mr. Thomas lleffernan on Wyndliam st'-eet, and a commodious hotel,
of stone, by Mr. Thomas Hood, known as the Wellington Hotel.

At the close of the year Parliament was dissolved, and in January,
184S, a general election took place, the candidates in the Wellington
District being Mr. A. J. Fergusson, Reformer, and Mr. James Webster,
Conservative. The election was hotly contested by both sides. The
result of the general election was that the Raid win, or Reform party,
succeeded to power, but Mr. I'ergusson was defeated in this district by
300 votes. He thereupon entered a protest, on the plea of corruption
on the part of the Conservatives, especially in the neighborhood of Owen
Sound where some \otes a})pear to have been polled by some persons not
duly qualitied. Mr. Webster, however, took his seat, and the contested
election suit dragged its weary wa} along until February, 1S49, when
judgment was given in Mr. Fergusson s favor, and he took his seat.

At ;he June assizes Joseph and Thomas Ferris were tried for the
murder of Henry Wilson, in Wellesley, in March. A dispute had arisen
respecting the ownership of a strip of land, and Wilson had obtained a
writ of ejectment, and upon going to serve it, Joseph Ferris knocked him
down and strangled him with his scarf, the other prisoner looking or
while it was done. 'J'hey were both sentenced to be hanged, when they
made a full confession, and their sentence was commuted to imprison-
ment for life. At the Ouarter Sessions in July, Judge Powell had the
gratifying duty to inform the Grand Jury that, for the third time, there
were no prisoners for trial, and only one case was brought before the
magistrates in Gueiph during the whole year.

Durinf, the summer contracts were let for macadaniizing seven miles
of the Dundas Road at ^{^1,230 per mile, and gravelling the remainder at
/420 per mile. On July 21st a large number of the inhabitants of
Gueiph proceeded in procession to Hamilton's tavern, where the first
shovel full of earth was turned, and the work, the total cost of which was
to be ^20,000, to be finished in September, 1849, was fairly commenced.
To carry on the work, debentures for various amounts were issued,
including some for five shdlings each, to be used in paying wages to the
men, and as a regular circulating medium. One of these is now in the pos-
session of Mr. Cxcorge Sleeman, and shows that it was not deemed neces-
sary to go to the expense of having them prepared in the highest style of

I'HL ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUKLPU.

the cn^a-avcr's art, the work being of the roughest description, such as
sonu; (town-casters might have been expected to whittle out with a jack-
knite or hew out with a "little haKhet." They were adorned with a rut
of the Duke of Wellington mounted on a rampant steed of the orthodox
rocking horse pattern, and informed all whom it might concern, that
'"The District of Wellington Promise to i)ay William Cook, or bearer.
Five years after date, at the ollice of the 'treasurer in (iuelph, and not

(•Isi'weiYy the sum of Five Shillings in currency, with years' interest,

tor value received." They were signed by James Wright, W'arden, and
William Hewat, 'treasurer.

Among the incidents worthy of notice during this year may be men-
tioned the death of Dr. Ailing, who had been in the tovvn for be\ enteen
years, during which time he had been successively a physician in good
practice, agent for the Canada Company, merchant, bank agent, and l)is-
trict ofticer, and who by his applicaiion to business and his unimj)eachable
integrity, had become one of the most wealthy and respected inhabitants
of the town. During tlic summer several stone stores were erected on
Wyndham street by Mr. Wm. Day and Mr. T. Heffernan ; a foundrj'
had been built by Dr. Cl.nkc, and was soon in active operation under the
management of Robertson & Co., and the Wellington Mills were rebuilt
of stone by Dr. Clarke. In May the brewery and distillery owned by
Mr. Oliver, and occupiec' by Mr. Williams and Mr. I'ox, were burned,
and one of the oldest and most prominent buiklings in the town thus
disappeared.

In Deceniber, considerable excitement was caused by an agitation
which originated in (ialt, for a division of the District, and several public
meetings were held at the Court House, when it was decided to send Mr.
John Smith to Montreal to represent the people of this portion ot the
District, and to oppose the proposed division before the Legislature.
.Subsequently Mr. jas. Wright and Dr. Clarke were also sent on the same
errand, but without avail, for in March 1849, a bill was passed for the
division of the District into the counties of Waterloo and Wellington,
and the united counties of (irey and I'eel, the Act to take effect January
1st, 1850. The Act provided that the County of Waterloo should consist
of the townships of Waterloo, W'ilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich, (except the
IMlkington tract) and the north half of Dumfries, Wellington to consist
of the townships of (kielph, Puslinch, Eramosa, Erin, Nichol, (iarafraxa,
Peel, iMaryboro, and the Pilkington tract, which was to be attached to
Nichol. (irey and Peel to consist of all the northern townshijjs, with
five others from the Simcoe F)istrict. Though the Districts were thus
abolished under this Act, District Courts and other District Institutions
and all la .s applicable to them, were to be continued as applying to the
counties, which would, however, at once become separate for registration
and electoral purposes, and so soon as all necessary arrangements had
been made, such as the building of gaols and court houses, for municipal
and Judicial purposes also.

In June, Mr. Fergusson having returned from his first session in par-
liament, a grand banquet was given to him at Pipe's hotel, in the after-
noon a procession of his friends from all ])arts of the District, two miles
in length, paraded the streets, and at the dinner in the evening about
500 persons were present, and great enthusiasm prevailed, Mr. Fergusson
on this occasion making one of the best speeches he ever delivered.

In the smimrer of this year the cholera made fearful ravages in\arious
parts of the country, as many as 26 cases, 7 of which were fatal, having

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

been reported in one day in Toronto. Though the disease did not
assume an epidemic form in Guelph, there were some cases and a few
deaths, v,'hich led to the appointment of a Board of Health for the Town
and Township, consisting of Sheriff Grange, Mr, A, J. Fergusson, M.P.P.,
Mr. Jas. Wright, judge Powell, Rev A. Palmer, Rev. S. Sandrel, Mr.
J as. Hough, Mr. Jno. Harrison and Dr. Clarke, to whose untiring exer-
tions in securing the cleansing of the streets and outhouses, as well as
the bed of the river, for which purpose the water was drawn off between
the dams, very much of the comparative immunity from the disease which
(nielph enjoyed is to be attributed.

In common with most other towns in Canada at that time, in conse-
quence of the cheapness of spirits, the curse of drunkenness was very
prevalent, and in 1845 a Temperance Society was formed, numbering
among its members nearly all the prominent men of the town, and in
September of this year a monster temperance demonstration was held,
when speakers were present from all parts of the country, and quite a
temperance revival took place, the beneficial effects of which never
passed away, while the immediate results were of the most gratifying
nature.

In the same month Lord Elgin, then Governor-General, in the course
of a tour he was making through the Upper Province, arrived at Gait,
when Sheriff Grange at once called a meeting to ascertain the wishes of
the people with reference to inviting his lordship here. The feeling was
far from being unanimous on the subject, there being many in Guelph, as
elsewhere, whc considered Lord Elgin had gone beyond his constitutional
rights in his action towards the government of the day, and in his reports
on certain measures made to the home government, and some went so
for as to advocate a petition to the Oueen to have him recalled. The
majority being in favor of inviting him to visit Guelph, a deputation, con-
sisting of Mr. Fergusson, Sheriff Grange, Judge Powell, Mr. T. Sandi-
lands and Mr. John Smith, was appointed to wait upon him at Grit, and
tender to him the hospitality of the town, which he accepted, arriving
here September 29th. A procession numbering about 2,000 persons met
him about two miles out of the town, and escorted him here with bands
playing and colors flying. On arriving at Thorp's hotel, where the vice-
regal party dined, a loyal address was presented by the town officials,
another by the Total Abstinence Society, and one by the people of Elora,
to which His Excellency replied in a long speech from the balcony of the
hotel, the malcontents showing their good sense by maintaining a
respectful silence. The next day being Sunday, his lordship remained
over that day, and attended the English church, in company with Mr.
Fergusson, Sheriff Grange and others. (3n his leaving the town on Mon-
day morning a loyal salute of 21 guns was fired on the Market Square,
and the visit concluded most creditably for Guelph.

In the Municipal Act, passed in 1849, Guelph was included in the
list of towns to be accorded municipal rights, and great was the mortifi-
cation felt when, at the close of the session, it was found that schedule
D. had, by a .is take on the part of one of the engrossing clerks, been
omitted from the bill as sent to the Upper House, so that when it passed
there, this schedule was not considered, and consequently formed no part
of the bill to which the assent of the Governor-General was given. The
consequence was that Guelph, with about half a dozen other town simi-
larly omitied, could not be incorporated until another Act was passed the
following year, and the incorporation was necessarily deferred till 1851.

THE AKNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

did not
id a few
he Town
, M.P.P.,
drel, Mr.
ing exer-
5 well as

between
ise which

in conse-
was very
umbering
n, and in
ivas held,
i quite a
ch never
gratifying

the course
I at Gait,
wishes of
;eling was
iuelpb, as
stitutional
lis reports
e went so
led. The
ition, con-
T. Sandi-
Cxrlt, and
arriving
rsons met
ith bands
the vice-
otficials,
I of Elora,
ony of the
taining a
remained
with Mr.
1 on Mon-
t Square,

ed in the
mortifi-
schedule

rks, been
it passed
:d no part
en. The
iwn simi-
lassed the
till 1 85 1.

It had long been felt that to counteract some of the evil influences
and attractions ot bar rooms and other similar places, some provision
should be made for affording to the young men of the town facilities for
self-improvement after the hours of labor had passed, and it was there-
fore proposed that a Mechanics' Institute, similar co those which had
proved so successful in the Lower Province, should be established, and
accordingly, in January, 1850, a public meeting was held to lay the mat-
ter before the people, and so highly was the scheme approved of, that
upwards of one hundred members were enrolled that night. In order
to make it popular with the rural as well as the urban population, the
name of "The Farmers and Mechanics' Institute" was adopted, and an
organization was at once effected by the election of the following officers :
President — C. J. Mickle, ist Vice-Pres. — Dr. Liddell, 2nd Vice-Pres.— J.
Harrison, Treasurer — T. Sandilands, Secretary — A. McDonald, Commit-
tee — Sheriff Grange, Col. Hewat, Rev. R. Torrance, Messrs. R. Scott,
P. Gow, J. Ferguson, j. Watt, D. Savage, J. Armstrong, W. Crowe, R.
Thompson and J. Jackson.

The first meeting of the new County Council, under the Act of 1849
was held in the Court House on Monday, January 28th, the late Warden,
Mr. J. Wright in the chair. The members present were:— Messrs. Bow-
man and Snider, Waterloo ; Meyer and Passmore, Woolwich ; Thurtell
and Sunlev, Guelph ; Cockburn and Ellis, Puslinch ; Henshaw and
Clarke, Erin ; Armstrong, Eramosa ; Donaldson, Garafraxa ; Carney,
Derby ; Watt, Nichol ; Cameron, Arthur ; Bcttschin, Wilmot ; C. O'Cal-
lahan. Peel ; George Jackson, Pentinck ; A. B. McNab, Glenelg ; Robt.
Houth. Sydenham ; Charles Thorpe, Holland ; William Halliday, Sulli-
van ; Hawk and Cunningham, Welleslcy ; W. Fox, Normanby ; D.
Cochrane, l-Lgremont. At the commencement of the proceedings, it was
discovered that some of the councillors had not deposited their certificates
of cjualification, nor taken the oaths of office, and an adjournment of the
Council, for one hour was agreed to, in order to afford time for such cer-
tificates to be presented. The Council re-assembled about 5 o'clock,
when the chair was again takon by Mr. Wright, who said that the County
was entitled to return 27 members to this Council ; but that only 25 had,
at "resent, given in their certificates, and taken the oaths of office. Of
this number, there were some who were not t|ualified according to Mr.
Baldwin's opinion, but he believed the majority were so qualified, and,
therefore, the Council would be competent to act. He would read the
list of those who were entitled to sit in the Council, having qualified ac-
cording to Mr. Baldwin's opinion: (^300 freeliolders): Messrs. Bowman,
Armstrong, Donaldson, Passmore, Cockburn, Carney, Watt, Sunley, Thur-
tell, Henshaw, Cameron, Ellis, Bettschin and Clarke. Therebcing 27 Coun-
cillors necessary to form the total number of the Waterloo County Council,
and 14 of this number being present, and duly qualified to sit, the Coun-
cil proceeded to business, and Mr. B. Thurtell was elected Warden, Mr.
A. D. Ferrier, Cleik, Mr. \V^. Hewat, Treasurer, and Messrs. T. R. Brock
and Thos. Ueffernan, Auditors. Mr. A. A. Baker, who had been clerk of
the District Council for nine years, had resigned, not wishing to hold the
office of clerk ai ) ! )nger. At the first meeting of the Township Council
under the new lav* Mr. James Hough was appointed clerk.

At the June session of the House of Assembly a new Representation
Bill was introduced into t\e Assembly by Mr. LaFontaine, for the further
division of a number of counties, and redistribution of seats, among the
provisions of which were, that " the County of Halton shall consist of the

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

townships of Erin, Esquesing, Trafalgar, Nassagaweya and Nelson ; the
County of Waterloo shall consist of the townships of North Dumfries,
including the town of Gait; Waterloo, Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley,
Peel and Maryborough ; the County of Wellington shall consist of the
townships of Puslinch, Guelph, Nichol, Garairaxa and Eramosa ; the
County of Peel shall consist ot the townships of Normanby, Egremont,
Proton, Melancthon, Minto, Arthur, Luther ar.d Amaranth." The excite-
ment and indignation in the public mind at this new attempt to curtail
the boundaries of the county were intense, and several most enthusiastic
public meetings were held to protest against the proposed measure. By
this arrangement Wellington vvould have been left with a population of
but 13,000, while Waterloo would have had 26,000, which was rightly
looked upon as a great piece of injustice, especially as the County of
Wellington had assumed liabilities, in connection with the buUding of the
Brock Road and other improvements, amounting to upwards of ;^i4,ooo;
and, as was agreed at the first meeting, if the contemplated division were
effected the county would find it extremely hard to raise sufficient money
even to pay the officers necessary to carry on its business. At this
meeting an able speech was delivered by Mr. A. J. Fergusson, M. P. P.,
who advocated that instead of cutting off any portion of the county, it
should be divided into three electoral districts, ':ut that for other pur-
poses it should remain intact. The three electoral divisions he would
propose, to consist of the Western, containing 279,000 acres, with a popu-
lation of 17,000 ; the Eastern, containing 274,000 acres, with a popula-
tion of 16,000; and the Northern, containing 365,000 acres, with a popu-
lation of not more than 7,000. These divisions he considered sufficiently
near, both in area and population, to balance each other, and would
answer the purposes of extended representation perfectly well, without
bringing upon the county the evils which would arise from a division
into separate counties. That this county, with a population of up-
wards of 40,000, should have but one parliamentary representative,
while some places had sent a member to parliament upon a population of
not more than 5,000 or 6,000, was manifestly unfair. It was finally de-
cided that a deputation, consisting of the Warden and Messrs. Webster,
Wright, Smith and Sandilands should proceed to Toronto to lay the case
before the Government, which they did, the result being that it was
arranged between Messrs. Hincks and Price, on the part of the Govern-
ment, and the deputat'ons from Gait and Guelph, that the townships of
Waterloo, Wilmot, Wellesley and Lower Woolwich should be set apart
from the county, bearing an equal proportion of any taxation, on tiie basis
of the assessment of 1848, for paying off the debentures issued for the
construction ot the Brock Road; leaving to Wellington the townships of
Guelph, Puslinch, Eramosa, Erin, Nichol, the Pilkington Tract, Peel,
Maryboro, Minto, Luther, Arthur and Amaranth. The County of Wel-
lington, as thus constituted, was to have two representatives assigned to
it in the Bill, while the former townships, with the north kalves of Dum-
fries and Blenheim, were to be formed into the County of Waterloo, with
one member, ]}y the emphasis of public opinion, and the persistent
opposition offered by the members from the constituencies more immedi-
ately interested, the bill was defeated at that time, though, as will be
seen hereafter, a measure, so far as it affected this county, very similar in
its tenor, was passed at a subsequent session.

During the sitting of the Legislature in August, a serious misunder-
standing occurred between the House and the Press. While an import-

;lson ; the
Dumfries,
Wellesley,
sist of the
losa ; the
Egremont,
'he excite-
; to curtail
ithusiastic
isure. By
pulation of
fas rightly
County of
ding of the
)f^ 1 4,000;
nsion were
ent money
5. At this
, M. P. P.,
county, it
other pur-
; he would
'ith a popu-
1 a popula-
ith a popu-
sufficiently
and would
■11, without
a division
on of up-
esentative,
Dulation of
tlnally de-
Webster,
ay the case
hat it was
le Govern-
wnships of
ic set apart
n tlie basis
led for the
ivnships of
ract, Peel,
ity of Wel-
issigned to
s ot Dum-
erloo, with
persistent
re immedi-
as will be
y similar in

misunder-
an import-

TrtE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

ant debate was in progress, Mr. (now Hon.) David Christie, left the floor
of the House and stood near the desks assigned to the reporters, and
carried on a conversation with some friends in so loud ? tone that the
speakers could not be distinctly heard, thus interfering ^ ery materially
with the reporters in the discharge of their very onerou^^ duties. Mr.
George Ure, a reporter on tht^ G/oh- staff, therefor; politely requested
Mr. Christie to speak in a littie lowei tone, or to move a little farther
away from the reporters' desks. This Mr. Christie chose to construe
into an insult, and brought the matter before the House as a question of
privilege, and though Mr. Ure had sent him an apology, disclaiming any
intention of insulting him-or infringing upon the privileges of members,
he insisted on the floor of the House that the offending reporter should
be called to the bar and censured by Mr. Speaker, on the ground that
the members of the Press were only admitted on sufferance, and had no
rights which members were bound to respect. The House divided on
the subject, the majority voting in favor of Mr. Christie's motion, and
Mr. Ure was accordingly brought to the bar and mildly — very mildly —
censured by Mr. Speaker, upon which the reporters withdrew from the
House in a body, and being sustained in their action by the proprietors
of the several papers, positively refused to return until some action had
beer, taken liy the House in reversal of the former proceedings, so that,
with the exception of such fragmentary scraps of information as were
volunteered by members, or gathered by private individuals, no reports
of the proceedings of the remainder of that session were published. At
the conclusion of the session, when hon. members went home, they were
exceedingly surprised at the storm of public feeling which burst about
their heads, those who had sustained Mr. Christie being condemned in
the most unqualified manner, whilst the glorious minority, of whom Mr.
Fergusson was one, were dined and feted all over the country. As Mr.
Fergusson had taken so firm a stand in favor of the liberty of the Press,
his constituents tendered him a banquet at Thorp's hotel, to express
their disapproval of Mr, Christie's action, and their high appreciation of
Mr. Fergusson's energetic opposition. About rive hundred persons were
present at the dinner, and a most emphatic vote of condemnation of the
majority of the House was passed. Several other demonstrations of a
similar character were got up in different parts of the country, at which
Mr. Fergusson was tendered votes of thanks. The result was that at
the commencement of the next session, it was found that, though the
House did not feel disposed to reverse its action, a gallery had been
built behind the Speaker, which not only offered better facilities for
reporting, but prevented any interruption from members or any other
persons. Thus, though not formally, yet practically, Mr. Christie was
condemned liy the Government and the country, and found that it is a
hard thing to kick against the Press. Here, therefore, the matter was
allowed to drop, and the first and last battle for the rights of the Press
in Canadian parliaments was fought and won.

During the Spring of th's year, Mr. VVm. Lyon Mackenzie visited
Guelph, and it may be interesting to j-eproduce his evidence as to the
prosperity of the town. The cry most industriously raised by interested
parties several years before, and once before alluded to in these pages,
that Guelph was a failure, had never been allowed entirely to drop, and
considering that Mr. Mackenzie could not, remembering the unflinching
opposition which Guelph offered to his faction in 1837, have any very deep
love for the town, his evidence is valuable. In writing to the New York

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Tribune he said : — " I went up the country last week as far as Guelph,
and saw one 300 acre farm close to Dundas, which I was offered at
$1,200 thirty years since, but could not now obtain it for $60,000. Guelph
is 26 miles north of Dundas, by a new road, graveled and macadamized,
and I had the pleasure to go up in the ' Guelph' coach (her first trip) and to
return in the ' Prosperity,' new and comfortable stages. When at Guelph
16 years since, it consisted of a few houses — now it is a hansome well-
laid out village, with many elegant residences and substantial stone and
frame houses, and the capital of the rich county of Waterloo, so named
after a prosperous Pennsylvania Dutch settlement of 35 years duration.
In 1831, there was scarcely a passable road in the county ; now two lines
of stages leave Guelph thrice a day for Dundas and Hamilton by various
routes, and one weekly line goes back to the Owen Sound settlement on
Lake Huron, 85 miles distant."

The Act to amend the Municipal Act of 1849 was passed this year,
by which those towns mentioned in Schedule D. omitted by an error,
were incorporated, among them being Guelph. In this Act the limits
and boundaries of the town are thus described: — "The Town of Guelph
is to consist of all that part of thi i Province situate in the County of
Waterloo, and lying within the following limits, that is to say: — Commenc-
ing at a point where the south-westerly side of the Edinburgh Road in
the said County intersects the north-westerly side of the London Road
produced in the said County ; thence, north-east, in a course along the
north-westerly side of the London Road, and crossing the river Speed,
to the easterly bank thereof ; thence, along the said easterly bank, down
the stream, and following the course thereof to its junction with the Era-
mosa branch of the said river ; thence, crossing the said Eramosa branch
in a direct line, to the south-easteily bank thereof; thence down the
united stream along the south-easterly bank thereof, and following the
course thereof, to a point where the said south-easterly bank intersects
the south-westerly side of the said Edinburgh Road produced ; thence,
north-west, following the course of the said road, to the place of begin-
ning." It was provided that the election of the first Council should be
held on the first Monday in January 1851, the Council to consist of five
members, to be constituted precisely similar to the then existing Town-
ship Councils, a Reeve to be chosen from the number elected, he to be a
member of the County Council. The qualification of Councillors was
fixed at ;[^ioo real, or 2^20o personal property. It was further provided
that when the population amounted to 3,000 persons, it should be lawful
for the Governor-General, on petition of the existing Council, to issue a
proclamation dividing the town into three wards, no ward to be less than
500 inhabitants. Three Councillors should then be chosen by each
ward, and a Mayor chosen, in precisely the same manner as the Reeve.

During this year Mr. J. Thorp commenced running a line of stages
to Hamilton, three times a week, the time occupied in the journey bemg
about six and a half hours. The line was subsequently run daily and the
time reduced to five hours. — The temperance movement having taken a
strong hold in the town, a Division of the Sons of Temperance was
formed by Rev. Mr. Dick, of Toronto, and a large membership was se-
cured. — Martha Bourdon was tried on a charge of poisoning her husband
with arsenic in Berlin, but upon the evidence of Drs. Orton and Clarke,
to the effect that though death might have been produced by means of
poison, it was possible that such was not the case, she was acquitted. —
Mr. T. R. Brock, an old and very highly esteemed resident of the town.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Guelph,
ffered at

Guelph
damized,
p) and to
it Guelph
)me well-
;tone and
io named
duration,
two lines
ly various
ement on

this year,
an error,
:he limits
»f Guelph
County of
^ommenc-
i Road in
don Road
along the
er Speed,
ink, down
1 the Era-
sa branch
down the
owing the
intersects
thence,
of begin-
should be
st of five
ng Town-
le to be a
lors was
provided
De lawful
o issue a
less than
by each
le Reeve,
of stages
ley bemg
y and the
g taken a
mce was
p was se-
husband
:1 Clarke,
means of
luitted. —
the town,

who had for many years taken a prominent part in all the public matters,
met with a fatal accident in September. He was going, with some of his
children into the woe ds to shoot squirrels, and in crossing a log he struck
his gun on the ground, and the charge exploded, discharging the contents
of the gun in his breast, from the effects of which he died in a few hours.
The Wellington Mills, now the People's Mills, were enlarged, and a joint
stock company formed to work it, with Mr. Smith as the acting partner.
This Company was shortly afterwards dissolved, and the mill was carried
on by Smith, Lynch & Co., who added a bakery, and supplied bread at one
penny per pound, about one fourth less than was being charged in Gait
and other places. The partnership was subsequently dissolved and the
mill was carried on by Fred. George & Co., for a considerable time.

In January 1851, the election of members of the Town Council under
the new law took place, resulting in the election of Messrs. E. Carroll, S.
Smith, J. Thorp, W. Stevenson and E. Hubbard. The first meeting of the
Council took place January 20th, when Mr. Samuel Smith was chosen
Reeve, and Mr. James Hough, who had resigned his position as Township
Clerk, was appointed Clerk and Treasurer of the Town of Guelph. Thus
was the town erected into an independent corporation, and completely
severed from the township, of which it had hitherto formed a part, and
in connection with which its business had been conducted. Previous to
this all nominations and appointment of officers, as well as the transac-
tion of a variety of other public business, had usually taken place in the
Market House, which building, as already described, consisted simply
of a roof supported by posts. The annual elections were always field
days for wipirg off old scores of dissatisfaction contracted during the
year, and for the perpetration of all manner of jokes by the waggishly
inclined among the free and independent electors, who would sometimes
make the most incongruous and ridiculous nominations, as, for instance,
nominatingan unpopular reeve for the position of poundmaster. The mode
of taking the vote was also of the most simple kind, not trammeled with
any of the protracted forms of modern conventions or voting by ballot, but
literally a counting of polls, the electors passing through a narrow gate,
and the Returning Officer touching each on the head as he passed, first
those in favor of a motion or nomination, and then those against. As
may be imagined, the rules of order were not very rigidly observed, and
much fun and merriment were invariably extracted from the proceedings,
the day usually winding up by all parties interested drowning their differ-
erences in a flowing bowl at Thorp's or some other hostelry.

The first meeting of the Township Council was held January 20th,
the members being Messrs. B. Thurtell, R. Boyd, William Logan, J.
Tolton and T. Hood. Mr. B. Thurtell was elected Reeve, and at a sub-
sequent meeting Mr. R. F. Budd was appointed clerk. The first meet-
ing of the new County Council was held on Monday, January 27th, the
following being the members present: Arthur, J. McA. Cameron; Ben-
tinck, Alexander Smith; Derby, R. Carney ; Erin, W. Clarke and Donald
McBain ; Eramosa, T. Armstrong; Egremont, J. Brown; Guelph, B.
Thurtell; Guelph Town, Samuel Smith; Garafrpxa, J.Donaldson; Glen-
elg, Peter Watson; Holland, Thomas >X''illoughby; Maryborough, Hugh
Holltnsheacl; Nichol, John Valentine; Normanby, John Robertson ; Peel,
C. O'Callaghan and J. Wilson; Puslinch, J. Cockburn and T. Ellis;
Sydenham, Thomas Lunn ; Sullivan, W. Halliday ; Waterloo, Elias
Snyder and H. Snyder ; Wellesley, John Hawke and G. Hawke ; Wilmot,
J. Ernst and A. Kaiser ; Woolwich, John Meyers and E. Passmore. Mr.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Thurtell was unanimously elected Warden, and Mr. A. Stephens and
Mr. T. Heffernan were appointed auditors.

The church of St. George, to the building of which reference has
already been made, was now found to be quite inadequate to the accom-

modation of the rapidly

mcreasmg

congregation, and it was therefore

determined to build a larger edifice, of stone, the corner stone of which
was laid July 17th, 1851, by Rev. Arthur Palmer, assisted by Rev. E. M.
Stewart, Assistant Minister; Rev. J. G. Geddes, Hamilton; Rev. M.
Boomer, Gait ; Mr. Sheriff Grange, Mr. R. Jackson, Col, W. Hewat,
churchwardens, and others. In the afternoon a sermon was preached by
Rev. M. Boomer, from ist Peter, i. 1-5 ; after which the ceremony of
laying the stone was performed. The Building Committee consisted of
Messrs. F. W, Stone, James Wilson, G. J. Grange, A. A. Baker, W. H.
Parker and Frederick Marcon, together with the Rector. The architect
was Mr. William Thomas, and Messrs. John Worthington, John Har-
rison and James Thompson were the contractors. In the bottle placed
in the stone were deposited: a par^ hment roll, inscribed with the names
given above, Report of the Church Society for 1850, Charge of the Bishop
of Toronto, delivered May 1851, Visitation sermon preached by Rev. A.
Palmer, Scobie's Almanac for 185 1, Circular from the Rector to the par-
ishioners. Appeal to the members of the Church in the Mother Country,
Programme of Ceremonies used on this occasion. The Church of July
loth, Guelph Advertiser of the 3rd July, and the Guelph Herald of
the 15th July. The estimated cost of the new building was ^2,500, and
the work was at once commenf^ed, but the original design was never fully
carried out, only a part of the contemplated stone building being erected,
as an addition to the original wooden structure. The work was com-
pleted in the course of a few months.

For some time a scheme had been under consideration to erect a new
Market House, and in February of this year it took definite shape by the
circulation of a subscription list, the heading of which was as follows : —
"PROSPERITY TO GUELPH !— Proposal to raise one thousand
POUNDS, to build a NEW MARKET HOUSE ! ! — The Agriculturists of Guelph
and acijoining Townships have long felt the want of some Public Mart, to
which they might resort for the purpose of turning their Produce into
Cash ; and the Inhabitants of this Town having also long felt the want
of such a place of general accommodation, the Undersigned hereby agree
to take the numbers of Shares opposite their respective names, in the
above important undertaking; such shares to be 5/each,and to be called
up in installments of 20s each, at intervals of three months. A Committee
of Management to be appointed when halt the amount shall have been
subscribed." The estimated cost of the new building was ^1500, deben-
tures for which sum were to be issued, redeemable at 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
years, the expectation being that the profits derived from the fees would
be sufficient to meet the payments which would then become due. A
public meeting was called to consider the matter, when it was announced
that 121 shares at ^5 each had already been subscribed, which amount
was ready for investment in debentures, but great opposition was offered
to the scjheme by Dr. Clarke and many others, and a very warm discus-
sion ensued, during which interested motives were imputed to the pro-
moters, various recriminatory charges were made, the meeting finally
separating without any definite action being taken. Another meeting
was held shortly afterwards, but in the interim Dr. Clarke and his friends
had organized a powerful opposition, and upon the question being put to

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

a new
Dy the

vs :—

SAND

uelph
art, to
into
want
ree
the
ailed
nittee
been
eben-
id lo
vould
A
need
lount
Tered
scus-
pro-
nally
eting
lends
lUt to

the meeting whether the work should be undertaken or not, it was decided
by a large majority that they did not want a Market House, and would
not have it at any price, at least for the present.

The railway mania had by this time fairly taken possession of the
country, and Guelph had become infected with the contagion. In this
case, unlike many others at that time, the desire for railway communica-
tion vvas a most laudable one, and the building of a line to bring the town
into direct communication with some large business centre and shipping
port was absolutely necessary to the prosperity of the town, and as the
Great Western, with its contemplated branch to Gait, which was already
being spoken of, would cut off a large portion of the trade from the town,
it was of the most vital importance that a like advantage should be
secured for Guelph. The question was therefore brought formally before
the County Council in July, and a proposition was made that ^25,000
stock should be taken in the proposed Toronto and Guelph railway, a
scheme which would secure to this town much greater advantages than
(jalt would derive from the contemplated branch of the Great Western
to that town. A public meeting was accordingly called to consider the
proposition of the County Council, and the enthusiasm in favor of the
plan was of the most intense description, and a deputation was at once
appointed to proceed to Toronto to confer with the Directors of the
Company on the subject, when it was arranged that if the amount named
were voted for the railway, Guelph should be made the terminus of the
road for the present, and should always be a first-class station. Subse-
quently a fusion of the rival companies, the Toronto and Goderich and
Toronto and Lake Huron railways, and, a bill incorporating the Toronto
and Guelph Railway Co. having passed the Legislature in August, the
scheme was fairly floated, and on the news being brought to Guelph the
excitement was most intense, cannon roaring and bonfires blazing in
every direction. Shortly afterwards a by-law to grant the sum of ^25,000
was submitted to the ratepayers, and carried by 112 to 6. In the Town-
ship a similar by-law was carried by 130 to 4, for granting ^10,000, and
by-laws were carried in other townships making grants of various amounts.

Attracted doubtless by the splendid success which had attended the
efforts of the promoters of the Toronto and Guelph Railway, a deputa-
tion, consisting of Mr. (now Hon.) Isaac Buchanan, Mr. A. Kerr and Mr.
R. Juson, soon afterwards arrived from Hamilton, asking for a grant of
^3,000 per mile, to enable the Great Western Railway to continue their
branch line from Gait to Guelph. The deputation was very cordially
received, and the proposal very favorably considered, at a public meeting
called by Sheriff Grange at the Court House, but, though, as will be seen
hereafter, the work was subsequently completed, no action was taken in
the matter at tb.at time.

In September of this year the agency of tlie Canada Company,
which had up to that time been held by Mr. F. Marcon, was discontinued,
and all books and documents were removed to the head of^ce in Toron-
to. — In December the Guelph Horticultural Society was formed, with
Mr. A. A. Brker as President, Messrs. W. S. G. Knowles, J. T. Tracy
and W. Benham Vice-Presidents, and Mr. Robert Sunley, Secretary-
Treasurer.

In the last session of the Legislature an Act had been passed, tempo-
rarily uniting the counties of Waterloo, Wellington and Grey for munici-
pal and judicial purposes, and also tor parliamentary representation, the
entire district covering 150 scjuare miles, and consisting of 33 townships,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

each of which sent a reeve, and some of them deputy reeves also, to the
Council, so that, with the reeves of Guelph, Gait and Preston, the Coun-
cil consisted of 45 members. The first meeting was held January 26th,
185?, Dr. Clarke being the member from Guelph, and Mr. Thurtell from
Guslph Township. The members of the Town Coun..il for 1852 were Dr.
Clarke, Reeve; Messrs. J. Smith, G. Sunley, W. S. G. Knowles and Dr.
Orton.

In January the Puslinch Agricultural Club was formed into a sepa-
rate organization, so as to be entitled to their share of the Government
grant made a*^^ the last session of Parliament. The President was Mr.
John Cockburn, Vice-President Mr. John Hammersley, and the Secre-
tary-Treasurer, Mr. David Stirton. The Guelph Township Agricultural
Society was formed at about the same time, in a few days 112 persons
having subscribed not less than five shillings each to the funds. At the
first meeting there were present, among others: — Messrs. James Wright,
Richard Jackson, James Loghrin, A. A. Baker, J. McCrea, J. Harland
and D. Allan, Col. Hewat, Drs. Clarke and Liddell, Messrs. William
Day, John Mitchell, James Davie, Thomas Card, A. Quarry, Joseph
Jackson, John Card, Robert Scott, George Pearson, W. Nicholson, F.
Marcon, A. Fisk, J. T. Tracy, W. Jackson, John Day, George Harvey, E.
A. Harland, W. H. Parker, Arthur Hogge, Henry Watson, George Mur-
ton, Henry Lynch, C. Davis, J. C. Wilson, John Sauvey, G. Pirie, John
Thorp, James Grahame and others. After the objects and nature of the
society had been explained, and some able speeches had been delivered,
the following officers were elected: President, Mr. R. Jackson; Vice-
President, Mr. John McCrea; Secretary-Treasurer, IVIr. J. Harland;
Directors, Messrs. James Wright, A. Hogge, W. Whitelaw, E. Hubbard,
A. Ritchie, J. Card, R. Campbell, A. Ouarrie and J. Davie.

About this time an advertisement was published by the Canada Com-
pany, offering for sale the lower portion of the Market Square. This, as
may be imagined, created no small consternation in the town, especially
among those who owned property in that neighborhood, and a public
meeting was called, at which a resolution was unanimouslypassed calling
upon the Council to take such steps as might be necessary to prevent such
an encroachment on the rights of property owners, and such a high-handed
confiscation of what had always been looked upon as Town property.
The Council consequently obtained the advice ot Mr. Fergusson, and
the opinion of eminent counsel in Toronto, the result being that the case
was thrown into Chancery, where it continued pending for a long time.
At length the trial took place, when some score or more of witnesses were
subpcenaed from Guelph, and in course of evidence it was clearly shown
that on all the maps published by the Company the land in question was
distinctly marked " Market Square,'' and, also, that in all sales of land in
that vicinity, it had been clearly stated by the agents of the Company
that it had been reserved as an open space for market purposes
in perpetuity, upon which representations the adjacent lots had been con-
sidered far more valuable than those more remote. In reply to this the
Company asserted that their agents had never been authorized to make
such statements, but the Court held that the fact that all the agents had
made the same representations, together with the evidence afforded by
the maps, if not conclusive proof that it had been the intention of the
Company so to reserve the land for a market as contended by the Town,
was sufficient to entitle the Tov/n to retain the land, and judgment was
given accordingly, thus securing the land in question as a market place

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

», to the
e Coun-
ry 26th,
ell from
vere Dr.
and Dr.

I a sepa-
ernment
was Mr.
e Secre-
-i cultural

persons
At the

Wright,
Harland

William
■, Joseph
olson, F.
arvey, E.
rge Mur-
irie, John
;re of the
leliveredj
n ; Vicc-
Harland;
[lubbard,

id a Com-
This, as
specially
a public
d calling
vent such
\-handed
l^roperty.
;son, and
: the case
Dng time,
sses were
ly shown
Dtion was
f land in
Company
purposes
leen con-
this the
to make
ents had
brded by
on of the
he Town,
ment was
ket place

or for such numicipal purposes as might be lawful, for ever. The Town
Council this year was composed of— Dr. Clarke, Reeve ; Messrs. W. S.
G. Knowles, Dr. Orion, G. Sunley and J. Pipe.

Early in this year another important step was taken in constituting
Guelph a first-class town, and in affording to the inhabitants the facilities
for rapid communication enjoyed by other places. In the course of the
previous year the Montreal, or (irand Trunk Telegraph Company, had
been vigorously engaged in e.xtending their lines to various important
pomts in Upper Canada, and in January of this year a deputation arrived
in Guelph to ascertain how far the town would be likely to support an
office here, and to what extent financial assistance would be granted in
bringing the lines to tliis point. Tie Company asked a bonus of ^375
for that purpose. A meeting was called to lay the matter before the
people, and in a very short time the requisite amount was fully subscribed,
and the work at once commenced, so that in June an office was opened,
adjoining Thorp's Hotel, and from the commencement to the present
time has proved one of the most remunerative oflices, for a town of this
size, in Canada.

In the Upper Canada Gazette of January 22nd a proclamation was
issued, erecting Waterloo into a separate county for all purposes, with
Jierlin as the County Town, much to the chagrin of the people of Cialt,
who had for some years been agitating the movement, with the expecta-
tion that that would l^e the county seat. The new county was adjudged
to assume ^3,809 a^. its proportion of the debt which had been incurred
in building tlie Guelph and Dundas Road and for other purposes, in
accordance with the provisions of the Act 12 \'ic. cap. 78, sec. 15. At
the meeting of the County Council in Guelph on January 24th, therefore,
only the members of the counties of Wellington and Grey were present,
those two counties still remaining united. In this council Messrs. 15.
Thurtell and Thomas Hood were the members for (nielph Township,
and Dr. Clarke for the Town. Dr. Clarke was elected Warden by a
vote of 1 5 to 13.

In ^Iarch a bill was passed giving to the County of Wellington two
representatives in Parliament, the county being divided into the North
and South Ridings. The following were the townships, with the popula-
tion of each, \\\ the respective ridings:

NORTH HIDING. | SOUTH RIDINc;.

Nichol 2,459 Guelph Township 2,870

Garafraxa • 2,o83|Guelph Town i,S6o

I'ilkington 1,990' Puslinch 3,862

Peel , 2,455 Eramosa ->35o

Maryborough 994! Erin jt590

Amaranth 33

Arthur, Luther and Minto 1,803!

Total 12,119, Total i4,S'M

For a considerable time the bridge across the Sj -^ed at the Eramosa
Road, known at that time as the Breakneck Bridge, nad been in a very
dilapidated condition, and it was now determined to replace it with an
iron structure, at a cost of about ^700. During the succeeding summer
the present bridge was erected by Mr. John Watt, the approaches on
either side being graded at the same time.

The old cemetery, situated in the angle between Wyndham and
Woolwich streets, having been condemned, a plot of land, consisting of

.'.jwii^art:'.^

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

forty acres, situated in the Scotch Block, on the Elora Road, was pur-
chased for the sum of ;{^6oo, and during the summer was partially laid
out and fenced. By a special arran;,'emcnt, ten acres of this was set
apart as an lOpiscopal cemetery, in connection with St. George's Church.

The Guelph and Gait Railway was now in a fair way of becoming
an accomplished fact. In September, 1853, a rivalry sprung up between
Gait and Preston as to which town should be the terminus of the road,
and some sh.irp practice was resorted to by the (ialtonians to secure the
largest reprer^entation on the Hoard of Directors. Many straw men were
induced to take shares for which they never expected to pay, and for
which they never would be in a position to pay, in order to secure an addi-
tional number of votes in the election of Directors. Gait thought it was
all secure, when, to their surprise and mortification, it was found that the
day before the stock books closed, previous to the election, a bar-tender
in Preston, named McCracken, had signed his name for shares to the
amount of ^25,000, thus securing 1,000 votes, a <(9/(/> which fairly stag-
gered the (Jalt people, and completely swamped them in the election.
Of course McCracken never paid a shilling for the shares, notwithstand-
ing that a suit was commenced — though not proceeded with — to compel
him to do so. Previous to this Guelph had subscribed for ^10,000 of
stock. Mr. Sheriff Grange was elected President of the Company, and
he turned the first sod, near Gait, May 12, 1854. In September, 1853,
ground was broken at Berlin for the Guelph and Sarnia Railway, a work
which was vigorously proceeded with.

In December, 1853, Mr. George Brown came to Guelph by invita-
tion of the Reformers to deliver an address on the political questions of
the day, and a large number of persons assembled to hear him. Unfor-
tunntcly for the harmony of the meeting, however, some of the Conserva-
tives, with a section of the Reformers, had sent an invitation to Mr. Wm.
Lyon Mackenzie to be present, probably as much for a joke as anything
else, and he arrived soon after Mr. Brown had commenced speaking.
This was tJic signal for a general disturbance, the Reformers having
announced that Mr. Alackcnzie should not be allowed to speak, a privi-
lege which the Conservatives were equally determined should be accorded
him. So great and uncontrollable did the interruption eventually become,
that the Reformers adjourned to the Temperance Hall, and Mr. Macken-
zie addressed those who remained.

The members of the Town Council this year were: Mr. W. S. G.
Knowles, Reeve ; Messrs, John Pipe, John Harris, W. Stevenson and
Dr. Clarke.

By virtue of a proclamation published in the Gazette in September,
1853, the County of Grey was set apart for municipal, judicial and elec-
toral purposes. The first meeting of the Wellington Courty Council
was held January 23rd, 1854, the following being the names of the mem-
bers:— Amaranth, John Currie ; Arthur, Robert Morrison ; Eramosa, D.
Black ; Erin, William Clarke, Robert L. Campbell ; Guelph Town,
W. S. G. Knowles ; Guelph Township, James Wright, George Shortreed;
Garafraxn, J. Donaldson, John Dobbin ; Maryboro', Samuel Robertson ;
Nichol, James Ross ; Peel (a double return), William Stutridge and P.
O'Reilly; J. Wilton and G. Molloy ; Pilkington, Hugh Roberts ; Puslinch,
J. Cockburn, D. Stirton. Mr, James Wright was elected Warden. Some
alterations having become necessary in the arrangements for holding
Division Courts, the following Divisions Vv-ere adopted: No, i, (iuelph
Town and Township ; No. 2, Puslinch ; No. 3, Eramosa ; No. 4, Nichol

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

vas pur-
ally laid
was set
Church,
econiing
between
he road,
;cure the
nen were
, and for
an addi-
ht it was
[ that the
ar-tender
•es to the
irly stag-
election,
dthstand-
:o compel
* 1 0,000 of
Dany, and
ber, 1853,
y, a work

by invita-

estions of

Unfor-

onserva-
Mr. Wm.

anything
speaking,
rs having
<, a privi-

accorded
y become,

Macken-

W. S. G.

:nson and

cptcmber,
and elec-
f Council
the mem-
amosa, D.
Dh Town,
ihortreed ;
.obertson ;
ige and P.
Puslinch,
en. Some
3r hokling
I, (}uelph
4, Nichol

concessions i to 10 in (iarafraxa, and I'eel from the 4ih concession east-
ward ; No. 5, Erin, Amaranth, East Luther, and Garafraxa ; No. 6, Pil-
kington, concessions 1 1 to 14, inclusive of Peel ; No. 7, Peel, concessions
I to 10 inclusive, and West Maryborough ; No. 8, Arthur, East Mary-
borough, Minto and West Luther.

At about this time the Guelph Mercury was first published, under
the management of Mr. G. M. Keeling, who had for a time, in 1848, had
the management of the Advertiser, which paper, now, under the manage-
ment of Mr. John Smith, who had resumed control some years previous-
ly, was published tri-wcekly.

The Baldwin administration, having been defeated on a cjuestion
relating to the Clergy Reserves, a dissolution of Parliament took place,
and on July 17th the nomination for South Wellington took place, when
Mr. A. J. Fergusson was returned without opposition. The nomination
in the North Riding took place the following day, the candidates being
Ur. Clarke, of Guelph, Conservative, and Mr. George Barron, of Elora,
Reformer. The canvass had been vigorously prosecuted by the Re-
formers for several months, but notwithstanding that, and the fact that
Mr. Barron was far better known in that part of the county, Dr. Clarke
was elected by an overwhelming majority.

Li August the county sustained a severe loss by the death of two of
the most prominent citizens. The first was that of Mr. Wm. 1). Powell,
Judge of the County and Surrogate Courts, a position which he had held
since the retirement of Judge P^ergussoii in 1847, and the duties of which
he had discharged with the greatest satisfaction to the entire community,
and in which, though still a comparatively young man, he had acquitted
himself in such a manner as to command the respect of the entire legal
profession, and the warmest esteem of all with whom he came into con-
tact, not only for his conduct on the bench, but also for his self-sacrificing
labors in promoting all movements for the interests of the town He
died suddenly August 20th from epilepsy, superinduced by fatigue and
exposure in driving from place to place in the discharge of his duties, in
the various parts of the large counties of Wellington and Grey, over
which his jurisdiction extended. A few days afterwards another useful
citizen was removed, in the person of Mr. B. Thurtell, who, with the ex-
ception of two or three years, had represented Guelph Township in the
District and County Councils from 1841, and had several times held the
honorable position of Warden.

In October a serious fire occurred on Wyndham and Macdonnell
streets, in which about a dozen of the best stores in the town were burned,
the loss amounting to several thousand pounds. In December another
fire occurred in the new buildings recently erected by Dr. Clarke on
Wyndham and Quebec streets, the Doctor's loss being about ^1,000, and
others losing property to the value of .^500 more.

Guelph had latterly been attracting considerable attention, not only
throughout Canada, but also in the United States, on account of the im-
portant position it was assuming in manufactories and general commerce,
and also from the large quantities of grain and fine cattle sent from its
market. As an indication of the interest lelt in the town, it may be
mentioned that the International Journal, in September 1854, published
a description of the town, which, though in some particular not quite
correct, and in some respects partial in its notices of manufactories and
buildings, may be worth reproducing here. It says : — "Guelph (commonly
pronounced Gwelf,) lies 14 miles north from Gait, and nearly 100 miles

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

from Goderich on Lake Huron, to which there are daily stages over fine
roads. Guelph was founded ])y Mr. Gait, the Canada Land Company's
Agent or general .Superintendent, about 20 years ago, and in 1850 the
population was 4,399. The houses are scattered over a large and rolling
surface, and contrary to the Ubual order in Canadian cities and towns,
many of the streets radiate from a central, open space, as the streets in
Washington, D. C, radiate in all directions from the Capitol. 'I'he river
.Speed flows past the lown, affording by a gradual fall of about 30 feet,
a valuable water privilege for mills or other machinery. One gentleman,
Frederick George, Esc]., who came to the country a few years ago, as a
farmer, has now upon the .Speed, a llour mill with four run of stones, to
which workmen are preparing to put in an addition of four j^airs more.
On the opposite side of the Speed, and connected with this mill by plat-
form and railway, there is a distillery, capable of using nearly 200 bushels
of grain per day, and adjoining this there is a piggery containing 200
sleek-looking " jjorkers."' The ^ame proprietor has on his premises a
saw-mill, a tannery, and a building used for a foundry, which are leased
to tenants. IJesides these he has about 1200 feet of land fronting on
either side of the Speed, with sufficient water power to drive the
machinery in any buildings that may be erected on the premises for
manufacturing purposes, 'fhe dam across the river is built ot stone, and
is amply secured from accident. There are two other (irist Mills in the
town, owned by Mr. Wm. j'Ulan. and Mr. Jas. Present; a distillery by
Mr. Allan ; a Brewery by Mr. Williams, and another by Mr. Hodgert ;
and five malt kilns, owned by dificrent individuals. There are three
foundries in Guelph. The establishment of Mr. John Watt gives employ-
ment to over 60 men. The machine shop is in a large three-story stone
building, the lirst and second stories of which are used for manufacturing
and general machine work, the third for preparing patterns, &c., and the
attic or half-story, is used as a pattern loft. In an L, or wing of the main
building, is the moulding and casting room ; the blacksmith work being
done in an adjoining building. Steam engines and boilers, mill work,
stoves and agricultural implements, are manufactured at this establish-
ment. The 1^'oundry and Tin-ware Manufactory of Smith, Mathewson
& Co., is devoted to stoves, agricultural implements, &c., and is a neat
and well arranged establishment. The other foundry is that of Mr. A.
Robertson, devoted to general castings and machinery. The tannery of
Mr. John Harvey is very extensive, and turns out annually about 5000
sides of sole leather, besides upper leather anJ kipskins. Mr. Gow has
a large tannery in operation, and there are three others in the suburbs of
the town, owned by Mr. Jackson, Mr. Clarke and Mr. Horning. A fan-
ning-mill manufactory is carried on by Mr. James Mays, where fanners
capable of cleaning a bushel of wheat per minute, are made and sold for
.$25 each. There is a chair factory m the town, carried 011 by Mr. Allen,
and a number of furniture manufactories, some of which are aided by
steam or water power, and use the most approved machinery for expedi-
tious work. Over the door of the ware-room of one of these establish-
ments, we noticed, on a sign in large letters : " Boston Rocking Chairs,"
but whether that offered for sale was the genuine article or only an imi-
tation, we did not inquire. In the suburbs of the town, there is a woollen
factory in operation, by Messrs. Campbell & Co. Thorp's Hotel is a
good house and well conducted. The proprietor has realized a fortune
from its fruits, and is erecting his " Castle" on a beautiful hill-side in the
suburbs, to which he will retire. The Hotel will be let, and is now in

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

•75

/er fine
njiany's
R50 the
rolling
towns,
reets in
he river
30 feet,
itleman,
50, a3 ii
ones, to
s more.
l)y plat-
bushels
ling 200
mises a
i leased
iting on
•ive the
lises for

Dne.

and
s in the
Uery by
lodgert ;
re three
employ-
y stone
icturing
and the
lie main
being
11 work,
itablish-
Lhcwson
a neat
Mr. A.
mery of
ut 5000
iow has
.^urbs of
A fan-
anners
old for
Allen,
ded by
expcdi-
tablish-
Hhairs,"
an imi-
wooUen
tel is a
fortune
in the
now in

the market. The Grand Trunk Railway will pass near it, and will be
opened to Toronto within a year, and the Gait branch of the Great West-
ern will be extended in a few months to the town. The " Wellington,''
by William Jlood, is a commodious house ; and we notice the " P^armer's
Arms" by Wm. Underbill, the "Railroad Inn" by Wm. Temple, and
'• Mechanic's Arms" by Thomas Ingraham, &c. A new hotel, of large
size, has been erected, and is ready for a tenant ; it is built of stone, with
narrow doors, narrow windows, &c., and has altogether too much of the
stiff, strait-jacket appearance for the modern taste and fancy of travellers.
Were a stranger in search of a nunnery he would as likely direct his
steps to the new hotel as to the convent on the hill, for they are as near
alike, externally, as can well be conceived. However, travellers will not
(juarrel about the exterior of a hotel if the AfM- iVIiotc, and other essen-
tials, come up to their reasonable ideas of comfort. Guelph has a tri-
weekly, and three weekly papers, and iin intel'igent, social, hospitable,
and cnterpr ising community."

The limits of the town having been considerably enlarged, and it
being ex])ected that this would be the last council under the existing
arrangements, before the regular incorporation, the election for council-
lors in January 1855 was very hotly contested, as it was thought very
probable that the inembers of the council this year would have a very
lair chance of election under the new law, when the head of the Corpora-
tion would be the Mayor, instead of the Reeve. On the day of nomina-
tion, therefore, a large crowd assembled, and great excitement prevailed,
each of the candidates being very popular, and the difficulty with most
of the electors appearing to be, whom they should select. The nomina-
tion took place at the Court House, on January ist. Mr. S. H. Ciarrard
nominated Messrs. J. Harris, J. Watt, J. Pipe, J. Smith and P. Gow, who
were seconded by Mr. Geo. Pirie. Mr. J. W. B. Kelly nominated Messrs.
J. Harris, J. Watt, Wm. Stevenson, Robt. Scott and W. S. G. Knowles.
All these gentlemen went to the poll, but after about an hour Mr. Scott
retired. At about three o'clock on the second day Mr. Stevenson also
retired, having polled in the two days 56 votes. At the close of the poll
the votes stood as follows : — Harris— 182, Gow — 178, Watt— 170, Pij-e —
169, Smith — 148, Knowles — 140, showing a remarkably close run.
Messrs. Harris, Gow, Watt, Pipe and Smith were therefore declared
elected, and at the first meeting of the Council, on January i6th. Mr.
John Smith was chosen Reeve.

The members of the Township Council for this year were, Mr. T.
Hood (reeve), Mr. W. Whitelaw (deputy reeve), Mr. G. Shortreed, Mr.
M. Sweetnam and Mr. R. Cooper. The meetings of the Council were
held at Blyth's hotel, the sum of ^15 being paid for the accommodation.

One of the lirst subjects which claimed the attention of the ratepayers
this year was a proposed Bill to amend the Gait and Guelph Railway
y\ct, among the proposed provisions of which were, the giving to each
municipality subscribing for stock in the Company, certain representation
on the Board of Directors ; the extension of the railway from Guelph to
Owen Sound ; the building of a branch to some suitable point on the
northerly part of the eastern shore of Lake Huron ; and aiso an extension
from Preston to Berlin, and thence to some suitable point on Lake
Huron ; and also an extension from Preston to Paris ; to increase the
amount of stock from ^140,000 to ^1,500,000, and to increase the amount
the Company was authorized to borrow by their Act of Incorporation
irom ^50,000 to ;i^i,ooo,ooo. To this Bill there was great opposition,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH,

whca the full meaning of its provisions were explained to the people,
which, however, was not until it had nearly slipped through a second
reading. Subsequently an amended Bill was brought in, giving to each
municipality subscribing ;^5ooo a seat at the Board ; allowing the con-
struction of the e tension from Guelph to Sydenhan;, or some suitable
place near that village, and also the extension from Preston to Berlin,
subject to the approval of the Governor in Council. It also provided for
the increase of the capital from ^i4o,0(Xi to ^550,000. A further proviso
was that the Owen Sound, or Sydenham line should not be commenced
until ^350,000 of the stock was taken, and 10 per cent, paid thereon ; nor
the one to 15erlin until ^{^50,000 stock should be taken, with the like
proportion paid. Sections 5 and 6 provided that as the Great Western
Railway and the Gait & Guelph Railway Companies were desirous of
entering into an arrangement for the working and leasing of the road,
power should be given to the said Companies to make arragements for
that purpose, the Great Western to grant assistance, by providing iron,
&c., for the railway, or to build and finish the works of the Gak and
Guelph Company, the amount of such advance or assistance to be a first
charge on the works. The extension to Owen Sound was to be com-
menced within three years and finishe.l within seven years. By a final
arrangement, made in October, Guelph subscribed an additional amount,
making the total stock held by the Town ^20,000, this action being
endorsed by a public meedng held October 4tn, and effected by the
Council a few days later.

Throughout the whole of the British Empire a movement, which
originated in London, England, and the ramifications of which extended
wherever the English tongue was spoken, had for some time been in
operation, for the raising of a fund, known as the Patriotic Fund, for the
relief of the widows and orphans, and others who suffered by the conse-
quences of the Crimean war, which at this time did not appear likely to
cease tor some time. Appeals were published, and sent to every city,
town and village throughout ihe Britisn possessions, for contributions
towards this noble object, and everywhere were they right nobly respond-
ed to. In Canada, the modes of raising contributions were various, in
many places the favorite mode being by a regular assessment, and among
other places Toronto and Hamilton adopted thir plan, but Guelph, true
to the benevolent instincts which had always characterized it, as in the
case of the appeal for help for the poor suffe' ' r^, Irish people v/hen the
potato famine brought such misery and jul..cang on that fair land, re-
solved to adopt the voluntary principle, the people preferring to give
what they had to give freely, rather than have their benevolent offerings
put upon the basis cf an ordinary tax. In other places liie amount of the
assessment v/as in the proportion of ^100 for every i, coo inhabitants,
which would have made the sum to be raised in Guelph ab:Hit ^300, had
*^his method cf raising the money been adopted. Toronto and Hamilton
did, with some difficulty, and al.50 with some expense, raise the sums
expected from thjin, but Guelph did more. Here, hundreds of willing
and energetic workers vvfe found, among all classes, young and old, and
instead of the ^^300 which was expected from Guelph, upv.'ards of ,1^450
was soon raised and forwarded to headquarters, being more than half as
much again in proportion to the nuuiocr of inhabitants as was raised in
the cities where the assessment was made, and where, in some instances,
there was no little dissatisfaction expressed at being compelled to pay,
whether the people would or not. That the benevolence of Guelph was

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

people,

second
to each
;he con-
suitable
) Berlin,
r'lded for
r proviso
UTienced
:on ; nor
the like
Western
sirous of
he road,
lents for
ling iron,
lak and
be a first
be com-
]y a final
, amount,
on being
d by the

It, which
extended
: been in
d, for the
le conse-
hkely to
^ery city,
ributions
•espond-
arious, in
among
pb, true
IS in the
v/hen the
land, re-
to give
offerings
nt of the
labitants,
300, had
Hamilton
the sums
of willing
old, and

of /aS^
m half as
raised in
nstances,
d to pay,
lelph was

duly appreciated, even in the cities where the tax was adopted, may be
readily inferred from the following, clipped from the Toronto 0/(i Coitn-
^lyiiian, which was only one ncws]:)aper in a hundred which made the
graceful acknowledgement of Guelph's superior benevolence:

" The only conimanity in Canada in which there appears to be any
enthusiasm about the Patriotic Fund is the little town of Guelph. There
they seem to be proudly conscious that there is ' no disgrace in poverty
honestly come by.' The rich have given of their abundance, and the
poor of their penury, and the scores who have placed their published
names opposite sums of sevenpence halfpenny and three ^ ence, are worthy
of all praise, and will in no wise lose their reward, 'i'his noble feeling
will reflect eternal honor upon the whole district. Perchance the very
name of their town, being that of the royal lacy who occupies the proud-
est throne in Christendom, may have its mfluencc, as well as the fact
that many of its inhabitants are countrymen of him who is the father of
the future kings of England, and the husband of their gracious Queen.
Nobly, right loyally done, men of (Juelph! We devoutly wish that there
was something of the same good spirit in other places we wot of. Your
donations have been heartily given, and may He w^'o seeth in secret one
day reward you openly, for this your free-will offcung to ' the fatherless
and the widows ' in their bereavement."

Among the leading members of the County Agricultural Society,
none had for many years been more active and zeal is in promoting the
intere!its of the farmers, both by his efficient and untiring exertions, as
secretary and treasurer, and by his practical suggestions whenever an
opportunity offered, than Mr. John Harland. It was therefore deter-
mined to make some acknowledgment of his services, and a subscription
was tal -n up among the memliers of the association for this purpose, md
on the evening of March 24th a dinner was given in his honor at the
British Hotel, a very large number of gentlemen from all parts of the
county being present. After dniner Mr. John McCrae, in the name of
the Society, presented him with an address, which, besides alluding to
his general usefulness, contained the following passages: "Your general
knowledge of agriculture, the first and most noble employment given to
man, pointed yo;i out as the most (it and proper person to organize the
Agricultural Society for this fine county, of which you^have been and are
so distinjTuished a member, and in the success of which you have been
so devoted an advocate. To you the continued progress of the Society,
and the advantages thereof brought before the public,'jfmust in the main
be atuibuted, for although you may have been directed and encouraged
by the body of the IMrectors, yet without your constant aid and advice,
the \arious presidents and directors never would have brought the Society
into successful workmg order. Again, as a member of the Board of
Agriculture, and your essay on the capabilities of our county, brought
your name before the public, and made known to the Province the fitness
of the soil of our county to bring all the cereal productions of the earth
to perfection, as well as the capabilities to raise the finest stock in Cana-
da, encouraging the industrious immigrant to make a settlement among
us.'' The address was accompanied by a presentation of a handsome
cup, salver and snuff-box, all in silver, manufactured in Toronto.

i'or two or three years past, it had been evident that some action
woidd have to be taken by the School Trustees to provide a Central
hchool building, those buildings then in use being altogether inadeijuate
to the accommodation of the large and e\er increasing number of chil-

*'K^

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

drer in attendance. In 1854, therefore, a committee of the Board was
appointed to obtain information respecting sites which might be available
for the erection of a suitable building, and reported : — ist. That there
are within the Corporation upwards of eight hundred children between
the ages of five and sixteen years. 2nd. That the two School Houses
belonging to the town will not accommodate more than one-fourth of
that number ; also, that one buildmg is in a bad state of repair, and
situate so near the Railway that it would be advisable to remove from it
altogether. 3rd. That the Trustees have been under the necessity of
hiring school accommodation at the cost of about thirty- five pounds per
annum ; — they have also received notice from the landlord of the Female
School Room that he will require it for other purposes at midsummer,
and that the school house at present in charge of Mr. Hough, may be
reciuired in like manner, as the term for which it was rented expires at
that time. 4th. That under the present management the Trustees employ
four Teachers, at an aggregate salary of three hundred and twenty pounds
a year. The Committee would therefore recommend the selection of a
suitable site of not less than one acre in a central part of the town, and
the building of a School House of sufficient dimensions to accommodate
the present and fast increasing school population, and place the same
under the management of one efficient Head Teacher, where all the ad-
vantages of centralization will be acquired without a large additional out-
lay to the ratepayers. No definite action was taken on this matter until
April 1855, when a largely attended meeting was held at the Court House
to consider the question. It was then announced that offers had been
made for the sale to the Board of lots 1046, 1047, 105 1 and 1052, com-
prising about an ?.cre of ground, on the crown of the hill, adjoining the
Catholic church property, which might be had for ^445. After some
discussion it was decided to purchase these lots, but, as will appear later
on, no steps were taken for some time towards the erection of the pro-
posed building, temporary accommodation being found in other places.
Up to this time the Methodist body had been worshipping in a small
building, which had long since become too small for them, and during
the winter of 1854-5, an energetic effort had been made to raise subscrip-
tions for the erection of a commodious stone church, on the corner of
Norfolk and Cork Streets. These eftbrts had been so far successful,
that in April of this year a sufficient fAmi had been raised to warrant the
commencement of the building, and on the 23rd of April the fourdation
stone was laid. A short service was held in the church then in use,
immediately adjoining the site ofj the new building, after which the con-
gregation adjourned to where the corner stone was to be laid, which, after
the usual preliminary services, was performed by Mr. John McLean. In
the cavity of tlic stone Mr. Wm. Day placed a bottle, containing tlie
following :— The name of His Excellency the Governor-Cieneral of this
Province. The date when this bottle was deposited, and this foun-
dation stone laid ; and the name of the gentleman who laid it. The
names of the ministers present on this occasion. The names of the
President of the Canada Conference of tlie Wesleyan Church, and of the
Chairman of the District and Superintendent of the Circuit. The names
of the Ti-ustees of the Cnielph Wesleyan Church. The names of the
Ladies of the (iuelph Wesleyan Bazaar. The names of the Choir. The
number of members belonging to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Town
of Guelph. The names of the gentlemen composing the Town Council,
and Municipal Officers; population of the Town of Guelph for 1853;

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

ard was
.vailable
at there
between
Houses
ourth ot
lair, and
from it
sssity of
mds per
; Female
svmimer,
may be
xpires at
;s employ
y pounds
tion of a
own, and
mmodate
:he same
11 the ad-
ionalout-
tter until
.irt House
lad been
352, com-
)ining the
iter some
lear later
the pro-
r places,
n a small
d during
subscrip-
:orner of
iccessful,
nant the
iundation
li in use,
the con-
ich, after
ean. In
,ning the
kl of this
Ihis foun-
it. The
IS of the
d of the
c names
s of the
ir. The
|ch. Town
Council,
or 1853;

annual assessment of real and personal property in the Town of Ciielph
for the year 1854 duly authenticated by tlie se;il of llic inunicipaiih .
Names of County Oflicers and other gentlemen. Names u'i the Mcm]>ers
of Parliament. Names of the Contractors and Architect. Copies of the
Guelph Herald, ^ld7\'rtisfr^ Mercury, and the Christian ( iimr./id/i and
some small coins. Addresses were ther, delivered by Mr. John Ale!. can,
Mr. Wm. Day, Rev. Lewis Warner, pastor, and Rev. d. Goiu'.son, oi"
St. Catharines former pastor, after which a soiree uas held in the old
chapel, when several addresses were delivered, and a number of anthems
sung by the choir. The estimated cost of the building was /,"24oo, the
contractors being, for the stone work, Mr. Freeman, and for the wood
work, Messrs. Halt & Robinson.

In May, Mr. John Fipc, in consequence of the !)ressure of business,
which required his presence in England for a few months, resigned his
scat at the Council Board, he at the same time stating that he considered
the business to come before the Council during the year of so nnich im-
portance, that he could not consent to have h's place at the Board vacant
so long. The resignation was, of course, accepted, and in the following-
week Mr. Fred. Ceorge and Air. George l^Uiott were brought forward as
candidates for the vacant seat. The election was very close, but resulted
in the election of Mr. George, by a majority of nine votes only.

In the early part of this year the P)aptists in the town had taken steps
to erect a place of worship, they previously having been compelleil to
meet in a school-house. Funds were soonraised, and a nuat frame chapel
erected on Norfolk Street, and on Sunday, July 8th, it was opened for
Divine worship. The Rev. Mr. Booker, of Hamilton, preached in the
forenoon, selecting for his text Nehemiah, 2nd chap., and 20th verse ;
" The God of heaven, he will prosper us ; therefore we his servants will
arise and build." The Rev. 3lr. Clarke, of Nassagawcya, preached in
the afternoon and evening, on both occasions from ( ienesis, 29th chap.,
17th verse, last clause: "This is none other than the house of (lod, anci
this is the gate ot lieaven." The diflerent discourses were alike earnest,
evangelical, and appropriate, and the chapel was well lillea at each ser-
vice. On Monday evening, a soiree was held in the chapel, which was
well attended, Tlie provisions made for the sustentation of tiie outward
man was profuse, and highly creditable to the ladies of the congregation.
On remo\.d of the tables, Mr. K. Hubbard was called to the chair, and
after the assembly had joined in singing and in prayer, addresses appro-
priate to the occasion, and marked by much brotherly feeling and
catholicity of spirit, were delivered by the Revs. McDougall and Booker,
and other gentlemen present. The sum rcalizetl at the diMercnt scr\ices
amounted to about /,'2o.

Towards the close of the year the interest in the contemplated incor-
poration of (]uelph as a town gradually increased, and some warm
cliscussionswerc held on the subject. Up to tliis time Guelph had ranked
in schedule D. in the Municipal Act, ana was called a town only by \ irtue
of its being llie seat of the county buildings and offices. Now it Mas
proposed to place it in schedule B., and to divide it into wards, with an
mcreased number of councillors and with a Mayor as the presiding officer.
The Hi:iiALiJ and ^idvcrtiscr both advocated this measure, but the
Mercury opposetl it, Mr. G. Keeling, the editor of that paj'cr making
some most absurd and extravagant statements with respect to the propos-
ed change, with a view to infiuencc persons to sign a petition agamst tlie
proposed incorporation. Among the other bugbears conjured up l)y this

■"'^v2i?iafflfSiur.'»j!;iia.->&i^j^ii

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

gentleman to frighten the'people, was the statement that the incoporation
would entail upon the town an additional expenditure of about ^'1200,
_^4oo as salary for the Mayor, ^250 or ^300 for a Chamberlain, besides
payment of Councillors and an endless array of officers of various grades.
This was represented as necessary under the Act, although in fact the
Act provided that the payment of the Mayor and Councillors should be
altogether optional. The other two papers in harmony with the great
body of the ratepayers, urged that the town having reached the requisite
status as to population — 3000, — was in duty to itself, and in defence of
the business interests of the inhabitants, bound to take the necessary steps
for incorporation, and so maintain its position among the neighboring
municipalities, some of which were petitioning for such incorporation
even before they had acquired the population specified in the
Act. It was rightly urged, also, that it was a duty which a community
owed to the country at large, as soon as it had reached that stage of de-
velopment and prosperity contemplated by the Act, to take advantage
of the privileges and rights to which it was entitled, and thus add
not only to its own importance, but to the general well-being of the
country. The majority of the Council took the same view, and accord-
ingly ordered a census to be taken, with a view to the division of the
town into wards, some of them favoring three wards, and others four. It
was decided, however, at a meeting of the Council held November 1 5th,
that the Town of Guelph be divided into three wards as follows:— All
below the C.rand Trunk Railroad and Market street one Ward. Com-
mencing at the I^ailmad, running along Quebec and Paisley streets to
the 'I'own Line, thencft to and along Market street, to the place of begin-
ning: The remainder another Ward ; And that the Reeve and Mr. Gow
be a Committee to prepare the necessary papers and proceed to Toronto
for the purpose of arranging the matter with the Governor (jeneral. On
the following day the Reeve, Mr. John Smith and Mr. Gow proceeded
to Toronto with the petition of the Council, and on the same day Messrs.
George, Keeling, W\itt, Scott, S. Smith and Kelly proceeded there also,
with a counter petition signatures for which had been actively sought
during the day. When this became known, a number of ratepayers met
and drew up a petition supporting the action of the Council,
and on the following Monday 260 signatures had been procur'ed.
Messrs. Sandilands, Harris, Day, Sunley, and Fisher then went to To-
ronto to support the Reeve and Mr. Gow in their audience with the
Attorney General, the Postmaster Ger.eral and the Inspector General,
and impress upon them the desirabilty ot a division into four wards.

Some misrepresentations having been made by the counter memori-
alists to the Governor-General, at the next meeting of the Council Mr.
Ciow introduced a memorial, as under, which was adopted, and duly
forwarded : —

To His Excellency Sir Ediiiund Walker Head, Barl., Goxicrnor-Gcneral

of British North America, &^c., dr'c., St'c.

The Memorial of the Town Council of the Town of Guelph humbly
showeth : —

That the rapid advance of the Town of Guelph in wealth and popu-
lation, the large boundaries of the municipality, and important financial
and other interests, loudly call for more extended corporate powers, and
an addition to the number of councillors it at present possesses.

I'hat the subject of an advance of this municipality from Schedule

poration

t /,I200,

besides
5 grades,
fact the
hould be
:he great
requisite
sfence of
ary steps
ghboring
rporation
in the
immunity
ge of de-
dvantage
thus add
ng of the
d accord-
on of the
; foui\ It
iljer 15th,
ows:— All
d. Com-
streets to
of begin-
JNIr. Gow
Toronto
eral. On
proceeded
ly Messrs.
lere also,
y sought
ayers met
Council,
3rocur'cd.
nt to To-
with the
( "icneral,
.uds.
r nicmori-
)uncil Mr.
and duly

v-Gcficral

)h humbly

and popu-
t financial
iwers, and

Schedule

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

D. of the Municipal Act to Schedule B., has long been under considera-
tion, and was at one time contemplated by the Council of 1854 when an
extension of the boundaries of the corporation was sought for at the
hands of the Government; but that it was finally postponed to give an
opportunity of taking the census showing the populadon of the present
year.

That in carrying out such intention, and from a full conviction of the
advantages likely to ensue therefrom, the initiative steps were taken by
the unanimous concurrence of the Council in April last, in instructing the
assessors to take the census with the assessment, for which purpose addi-
tional columns were inserted in the assessment schedule, as may be seen
by the one annexed, marked A.

That on the 28th of June last, the Clerk of this Council was instruct-
ed by resolution hereunto annexed, marked 15,, to prepare a full state-
ment of the population of certain divisionsof the town therein mentioned;
but that although frequently requested to carry out such resolution, the
same was delayed until the beginning of October last, when it was agreed
by resolution annexed, marked C, that three persons should be appointed
to take a fresh and more perfect census of the municipality, which was
returned by the Clerk two weeks thereafter.

That on such census being received by the Council, a petition to
Your Excellency in Council was unanimously adopted by your memorial-
ists, praying that Your Excellency in Council would be pleased to issue
a proclamation declaring Guelph a town in vSchedule B., with three
wards, as therein described ; setting forth that your petitioners believed
such division the most desirable and equitable that could be made ;
which after due consideration your memorialists are desirous of repeating".

That on the occasion referred to, your memorialists had presented to
them a petition against any division of the town into wards, of which a
copy marked D. is hereunto annexed, in which the objection urged was,
that " it would necessarily lead to the creation of a number of new muni-
cipal offices, largely increased expenditure, and increased taxation," the
incorrectness of which your memorialists were so fully aware of, and the
same must be so well known to )-our Excellency and your constitutional
advisers, that they do not deem it necessary to offer one single reason
for rejecting it. Further: — That although such petition had attached
thereto 231 names, this Council is assured by their Clerk that upwards of
go thereof arc noi; those of municipal electors.

That on the transmission of the aforemention':!dpetitionof the Coun-
cil to Toronto, your memorialists are informed tnat a counter petition
was addressed to your Excellency, setting for h that the municipal peti-
tion was only adopted on the casting vote of the Reeve, and praying the
disallowance of the same on the plea that the di\isions asked for were
unjust. That such petition was signed by about 120 persons, of whom a
number were not municipal electors, nor will have any voice in the next
election, and that such petition was carried to Toronto by several parties
opposed to the action of the Council.

That uj)on such proceedings becoming known, 261 " householders
and freeholders '' of the municipality signed a petition in a few hours,
praying your Excellen y in Council to grant the request of the corpora-
tion, and declaring the division therein asked for to be fair and equitable.
And one of the largest and most icspcctable deputations that ever left
Guelph waited upon certain members of your Excellency's administration,
and urged the granting of the request of the Council,

'4Mi

UdE

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

' !

That at a subsequent meeting of the Town Council corrected min-
utes of previous proceedings of tJKit body were forwarded to the Hon.
llie Provincial Secretary, for tlic information of your Excellency.

That the time is rapidly approaching for another election, and it will
be necessary for your memorialists to pass a liy-law for appointing Me-
turning Ofiicers, should Your Excellency see lit to grant their recjuest.
Your memorialists therefore humbly pray that your Excellency in Council
assembled will cause the immediate issue of a proclamation declaring
Guelph a Town in schedule 1), as prayed for in a former petition, with
the ward divisions therein described.

And your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray, &:c., &;c.

Dated at Guelph this 7lh day of December, 1S55.

(Signed,) jXO. SMITH, Reeve.

JAS. HOUGH, Town Clerk.

At a meeting of the Council in the following week it was unani-
mously resohcd to send a petition to the (iovcrnor-General, praying for
the division of the town iuio four vvards, the line of the Grand Trunk
Railway to form the di\ision line in one direction, the Dune as Road,
(.Gordon Street, Wyucham Street, and the Woolwich Road being the
intersecting lines, the four uards centreing in the ^Market Square, thus
securing the erection of the future Market House in that locality, the
object for which the majority had all along contended, though some per-
sons, having property in other places, had been opposed U) this location.

At a meeting of the Council in December it was proposed to open
negotiations with the trustees of St. Andrew's church, for the purchase of
that building, with the site, for the purpose of building a Market House
and Town Hall, the want of a suitable council chamber being very much
felt, and as the town was now on the eve of taking a higher rank in the
municipalities, it was thought right that it should ]J0ssess correspondingly
adequate i)uildings. It was also felt that the town had now reached such
proportions, and liad attained that position in v.calth and importance, as
to render it necessary that a public hall should be proxided, for the hold-
ing of meetir.gs and for the transaction of public business, instead of
using the Court House, rooms in taverns, or such other rooms as might
happen lo be available. This was the opinion also of the Council, but as
the Reeve jjointcd out. the suit between the Town and the Canada Com-
pany regarding the Market Square, in which the church would be in-
volved, was still pending, it having been taken to the Court of Appeal,
and it was not certain that the trustees of the church would be able to
give a title to the land. The question was therefore laid over for the
time, until a final decision w.is given.

'ihe annual dinner of the St. Andrew's Society this year was the
most interesting and largely attended since t!\e formation of the society,
t )ne reason fo"- this was the presence in town of a large number of gen-
tlemen, mnr.y of them .St olcli, tt) attend the sale that day, of a ]iortion of
the land belonging to the Macdonakl estate. Hon. (now Sir) John A.
Macdonald, owner of the property, was present, and was warmly greeted
by gentlemen on both sides of politics. At noon a sumptuous lunch was
partaken of at the iiritish Motel, after which the party adjourned to the
Macdonald property, when the sale commenced, some of the property
sold that day bringing as nnu.h as /" 10,000 per acre, Cfuaier lots on the
Market Square reaching X^Z-'^o cash, and square lots fetching /"20 ]ier
foot frontage, exclusive of the buildings.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

Clerk.

vas ihc

iocicly.

|of ^^en-

rtion of

[ohn A.

;rectcd

jell was

|1 to the

|ropcrty

on the

'20 per

In the evening a grand dinner was given at the Wellington Hotel,
Mr. FcrgLisson, M. P. P., in the chair, supported on his right and left by
Hon. John A. j\Iacdonald, Mr. John McLean, Mr. James Webster. Mr.
W. Hewat, Mr. Peter Gow, Mr. Whitelaw and others. After the usual
loyal toasts, Mr. Gow gave " The Attorney-General West, and the Bar of
Upper Canada," and in reply Hon. John A. Macdonald is said to have
made one of the best after dinner speeches he ever delivered. In the
course of his remarks, he said that when he canie to Guelph he little
anticipated the pleasure of the evening's entertainment, for, visiting the
town on business, he thought of himself and his pocket rather than of St.
Andrew, which was quite excusable seeing he was a Scotchman. He
certainly anticipated meeting a large company of respectable gentlemen
at the afternoon st.le, but he was surprised and delighted to see so numer-
ous, so large an assemblage from the town and neighborhood in remem-
brance of the country that gave them birth. But that delight was much
increased vv'hen he heard himself and the Bar of Upper Canada thus
toasted and so heartily responded to by men so intelligent, so respectable
and so influential. The speaker having jocosely and with hearty good
will, disposed of his profession, next referred to the day, and the objects
of the association they were then celebrating, which he considered of vital
service to the coinmunity at large, for whether the Society had reference
to Englishmen, Irishmen, or Scotchmen, it gave them a unity of purpose
and enabled them to give a properreception to those who from time to time
come amongst them ; whilst the circumstance made them none the less
loving neighbors and good citizens. In conclusion he congratulated the
inhabitants of Guelph upon the present and future prospects of the place,
reminded them that although that was his first visit, he was a land holder
here, and his interest ^vas wrapped up in its prosperity, he therefore asked
jH . .uission to give " the Town and Trade of (juelph. ' Some other toasts
followed, with songs, &c., after which the company separated, much
gratified at having had the pleasure of hearing so eloquent a speech as
that given by the Attorney-General.

The year 1856 was a notable one in the history of Guelph, as marking
the commencement of a new era in its progress and importance. The lirst
election under the new organization took place on Monday and Tuesday
January 14th and 15th. In the South Ward thc'e was no contest, Messrs.
W. Day, W. Atkins and Peter Gow being nominated by Mr. Fisher, and
seconded by Mr. John Clarke, were returned by acclamation. Mr. Henry
Hughes was at the same time elected Tavern Inspector for the Ward.
In the East Ward the contest was exciting, Messrs, J. C. Presant, Evan
Macdonald and R. Thompson being nominated by T^Ir. W. Dyson, and
seconded by Mr. Penfold, with Air. James O'Reilh' as Tavern Inspector
— and Messrs. J. C. Presant, Thomas Williams and W^illiam Crowe, with
Mr. James Harris as Tavern Inspector, nominated by Mr. Thomas 11 us-
liands, and seconded by Mr. Thomas Hewer, As Mv. Crowe and Mr.
McDonald declined running against each other, it was determined that a
show of hands sliould decide which of the two was to retire, and the
majority being favorable to Mr. McD, the latter retired. Great efforts
v.'cre made to enlist the svmpathies of the electcrs in favor of Mr. Wil-
liams, and sleighs with ilaming handbills ran rapidly through the ward,
but few were tempted to take a seac, and on Monday night the poll stood,
Presant 23, Thompson 19, McDonald 18, Williams 14; with O'Reilly
one ahead of Harris for the Inspectorship. — On Tuesday two more votes
were given for the first three names, and the poll closed at noon. Just as

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

I f

the poll closed, Mr. Thos. Husbands handed to the Returning Officer a
protest against the election, on the plea of their not being 500 inhabitants
in the ward, as required by the Act, but this was not pressed. In the
North Ward the election was held at the Court House, and the returning
officer appointed by the Council refusing to act, the ratejjayers chose
Mr. John Harvey, whereupon Mr. E. Hubbard proposed, and Mr. John
Harrison seconded, the nomination of Messrs. John Thorp, F. George,
and A. Robertson, with Mr. James Mays as Tavern Inspector. Mr.
Thomas Anderson moved, seconded by Mr. John McQuillan, a ticket in
which the only difference was, Mr. David Allan for ''vlr. F. George ; and
in commencing polling considerable activity was di.^played. About one
o'clock on the second day the poll closed for want of voters, when the
votes stood thus:— Thorp 6 r, George 55, Robertson 49, Allan 24. For
Inspector there was no contest. The West Ward appeared from the
first to attract most attention, from the strenuous efforts made to pre\ cnt
the return of Mr. John Smith, his nomin.ation being very unpalatable to
a certain portion of the ratepayers. After some delay, arising out of the
difficulty in settling the tickets to suit some malcontents on both sides,
Mr. Fraser moved, and Mr. Barber seconded the nomination of Messrs.
Samuel Smith, G. Elliott and Robert Scott as Councillors, and Mr.
Joseph Higginson as Inspector. Mr. J. T. Tracey moved, and Mr. Ain-
lay seconded, that Messrs. G. Elliott, George Sunley and John Smith be
Councillors, and Mr. William Wilson be Inspector. The show of hands
was in favor of the second ticket, and after a slight delay the polling
commenced with vigor, the votes at the end standing thus: [{;iliott69,
John Smith 57, Sunley 55, Samuel Smith 26, Scott 24. For Inspectors,
Wilson 49, Higginson, 21. During the second day there was little inter-
est felt or exertion made as the above figures had decided the contest,
and on two or three occasions nearly an hour elapsed without a vote, but
as the Candidates lowest on tlie poll would not retire whilst there was
hope of a vote, it was not until 3 p. m. that the poll closed, when the
numbers stood, — Elliott 89, John Smith 65, Sunley 60, Samuel Smith, 47,
Scott 43 — Wilson 53, Higginson 29.

The choice of Councillors for the Township was less interesting than
for many years past, no contest taking place in either of the wards, Mr.
W. Whitelaw, Mr. G. Shortreed and Mr. M. Sweetnam being returned
without opposition for the wards they respectively represented the
previous year, and Mr. John Rannic and Mr. A. Ouarrie being elected in
the places of Mr, R. Cooper and Mr. Thos. Hood, who were not candi-
dates on this occasion.

In consequence of the division of the town into wards, the old Board
of School Trustees became dissolved, and an election of two ti'ustees was
required for each ward In conformity with the law, Mr. Newton, the
Returning Officer, called a meeting of the electors on the 15th January,
at Underhill's tavern, when, on the motion of Mr. G. Elliott, seconded
by Mr. Rcbt. Scoit, Mr. Samuel Smith was elected ; and on motion of
Mr. Sunley, seconded by Mr. Horning, Mr. Geo. I'irie was elected, both
unanimously. In the East Ward Mr. Presant moved, seconded by Mr.
Orme, that Messrs. W. Crowe and \lcx. Emslie be elected, which was
carried by acclammation. In the South Ward Messrs. John Clarke and
W. Stevenson were returned, and in the North Ward, two of the former
trustees, Messrs. John Harrison and W. Heather were elected.

On Monday, 21st, the newly elected Town Councillors met at the
Court HousC; and organized by presenting to the Clerk their oaths of

i
I

r Officer a
ihabitants
1. In the
: returning
yers chose

AT V T r>lT n

F. George,
ctor. Mr.
X ticket in
orge : and
About one
, when the
11 24. For
I from the

to pre\ cnt
lalatable to

out of the
both sides,
of Messrs.
, and Mr.
d Mr. Ain-
1 Smith be
w of hands
the poUing

Elhott69,
Inspectors,

little inter-
;he contest,

a vote, but
there was

, when the
Smith, 47,

;sting than
Kvards, Mr.
jg returned

sented the
elected in

not candi-

old Board

rustees was

lewton, the

Ih January,

, seconded

motion of

3cted, Ijoth

led by Mr.

Iwhich was

larke and

Ithe former

Inet at the
Ir oaths of

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

oflice. The Clerk then announced the election returns as follows : —
West Ward- Messrs. CJeo. Elliott, John Smith and George Sunley.
South Ward - Messrs. Wm. Day, Peter Gow and Wm. Atkins. Kast
Ward —Messrs. Jas. C. Presant, Evan McDonald and Robert Thompson.
North Ward— Messrs. John Thorp, Fred. George and Adam Robertson.
The chairman stated that a proclamation having been issued by the
Government declaring Guelph a Tmvn, with four wards, the election had
been held in accordance, and that the fust duty which devolved upon
them was the election of a Mayor, whereupon, Mr. Day moved and Mr.
Thompson seconded, that Mr. John Smith be Mayor for the current
year, which was unanimously carried. The Council then adjourned
for half an hour, to accompany the Mayor elect to the residence of Judge
Macdonald, to be sworn into office. On resuming, the Mayor brictly
returned thanks for the honor conferred upon him, stated his conviction
that the duties and responsibilities accompanying the office were not
light, and trusted that he should acquit himself to the satisfaction of the
Council and the Town generally, lie then reminded the Council that
their next duty was, the election of a Reeve and Deputy Reeve, with the
taking of such steps for the appointment of the Committees as might be
deemed advisable. It was then mo\'ed by Mr. Thompson, seconded by
Mr. McDonald, and unanimously resolved, that George Sunley, Esq., be
Reeve. Moved by Mr. Atkins, seconded by Mr. Presant, and unani-
mously resolved, that Peter Gow, Esq., be Deputy Reeve.

The County Council met on Monday, January 28, the members
present being: — Amaranth, David Spence; Eramosa, L. Parkinson; Erin,
Peter McGill, William Everdale; Ciiielph, William Whitelaw ; Ciuelph
Town, George Sunley, P. Gow; Garafraxa, J. Donaldson, John Dobbin ;
Maryborough, John McKicman ; Nichol, James Ross ; Peel, John Wil-
ton, \Villiam Stutridge ; Pilkington, Charles Allan ; Puslinch, D. Stirton,
John Black.

The Council being organized, it was moved by Mr. McGill, and sec-
onded by Mr. Everdale, that Mr. Charles Allan be Warden for the pres-
ent year. It was moved by Mr. Donaldson, seconded by Mr. Parkinson,
that Mr. D. Stirton be Warden for the present year. On a vote being
taken it stood thus : For Mr. Allan—Messis. Everdale, McGill, iVIcKic-
man, Ross, Stutridge, Whitelaw, Wilson, 7. For Mr. Stirton — Messrs.
Black, Dobbin, Donaldson, Gow, Parkinson, Spence, Sunley, 7. The
numbers being equal, and there being no evidence to guide the Council
as to which Township had the largest number of names on the assess-
ment roll, considerable discussion ensued, and strong opinions were
expressed as to the course to be pursued. The representatives of Arthur
were not present, and Mr. Allan's friends were desirous of postponement
until their arrival, whilst the supporters of Mr. Stirton insisted upon the
question being disposed of by those present, and that parties could not
vote when they were not present on the motion being put. Eventually,
an adjournment was carried, to enable the representatives of Puslinch
and Erin to procure the collectors' rolls of their respective townships, and
thereby decide who had the casting vote, it being well understood that
the question lay be*^ween them. On Tuesday morning the representa-
tives of Arthur — M srs. R. Morrison and P. Kelly — took their seats, and
after some delay the roll for Erin was produced, but as there were fi\c
collectors in Puslinch it was found impossible to obtain the whole cf
them within a reasonable time. In organizing, therefore, Mr. Stirton
rose, and proposed, seconded by Mr. McGill, that Mr. Allan be Warden ,

THE ANNAI.S OF THE TOWN OF GUEI.PH.

.ind Mr. Donaldson witlulrnwint,' liis motion of tlic previous day, the
same was carried unatiiinously.

On Wednesday, 30th January, the first train which ever passed over
the raih-oafl between Toronto and (iuelph made its appearance at the
York Road bridge about half-past two p.m. and gre.it enthusiasm was
manifested by the inhabitants j^encraliy. A lar;^e concourse of people
assembled at the station, and on the train coming up, the event was sij;-
nalized by loud checrinj^-, the firing of cannon, and other demonstrations
of joy. 'This was not an ollicial opening of the line, but simply a trip of
a private nature, for the inspection of the road and to give the visitors a
view of the coimtry and an opportunity to sec the town of (nielph. The
party consisted of twenty-three gentlemen, the most distinguished of
whom weic, His ICxcellency the (jOvernor-CJcueral, the Attorney-General,
the Postmaster-Cieneral, Chief Justice Robinson, Justice Richards, Justice
lUirns, Chancellor Blake, the members of Parliament for Toronto, tl e
Mayor of Toronto, the ex-Mayor of Toronto and the President of the
Northern Railway, t.\;c. The party were met at the station by Mr.
Sheriff ('.range, ^ir. Jas. Webster, l\Ir. Kingsmill and others. His Ex-
cellency was escorted 10 the Court House, where addresses were presented
by the Warden and County Council, the Mayor and Town Council, the
Presidenl and Committee of the Mechanics' Institute. The company
then proceeded to the British Hotel when a splendid lunch was partaken
of, and in a brief period the whole party was again on its way to Toronto.

The Methodist church having been now nearly finished, it was form-
ally opened on Sunda}-, March 2nd, when sermons were preached, in the
morning by Rev. Enoch Wood, President of the Canada Conference,
in the afternoon by ]\ev. Richard Jones, and in the evening by Rev. (i.
(lemley, nearly one thousand persons being present at each service. On
the following evening a public meeting was held, when it was announced
that the cost of the building would be /37S5, only ^475 of which had
been jiaid. A loan of ^iSSo had been obtained, leaving still a consider-
able sum to be raised. The collections amounted to £114., and ;.t the
meeting on Monday £112 more was promised.

At about this time a movement was commenced to erect a monument
in the town to Mr. John Gait, in announcing which the Herald of
March 5th, said: — " We have mucli pleasure in annoncing that a move-
ment has been made to procure the erection of a monument to tlic
memory of the founder of our " good town,' the celebrated John Gait,
the author of Lawrie Tod, The Annals of the Parish, The I'rovost, The
.Steamboat, The Lairds of Grippy, Ringan Gilhaize, and half a dozen
other piquant and racy Scotch novels, which have given to their author
a world-wide and undving fame. Mr. Gait's discrimination in selecting
tne peninsula of the .Speed as the most favorable site for the granary,
the laboratory, and commercial mart of the rich agricultural country
which lies between Huron and Ontario, has of late years become suffi-
ciently conspicuous, and the hamlet to which its illustrious founder, in
anticipation of it destiny, assigned the patronomic of the reigning family
having risen, steadily, if slowly, to its present status and importance,
appears likely to mark its onward course by accelerated rapidity, and
increased stability. The opening of the Toronto and Guelph section of
the Grand Trunk Railway, has been deemed a favorable opportunity for
bringing the present movement before the public, on the supposition that
it may probably be desirable to combine the monument to Mr. (jalt witli
that proposed to be erected to commemorate that event. We learn that

IMF, ANNALS OL' THE Tl)\VW OF GUELl'II.

«7

(lay, the

ised over
:c at the
asm was
)f people
was si}^-
istrations
a trip of
visitors a
ph. The
I i shed of
-General,
Is, Justice
onto, tie
nt ol the
1 bv Mr.
His Ex-
presentcd
uncil, the
company
partaken
) Toronto,
was form-
ed, in the
)nfcrence,
Rev. ().
ice. On
nnounrcd
hicli had
consider-
d .'.t the

lonument;
|.u.\l,D of

a niove-
ht to the
bhn Gait,

ost, The

a dozen
ir author
Isclccting

granary,
country
Ime suftl-
|under, in

ig family
|3ortancc,

iity, and

;ction of
inity for

Ition that
alt with

tarn that

three ol ■ ih. 'oldest inhabitants*'— Messrs. IJakcr, Corbet and Thorp
have ai^rccd to act as a provisional committee in rnakin;^ the preliminary
arraiigements ; and we are persuaded that under such supervision the
affair will soon be brought to a succeosful issue. We h.ive seen a
very excellent design for tiie proposed monument, others will, doubtless,
be offered anil the selection will lA course be left to the sul) .( i ibi rs.''
At th"st the pnjposition was very wannly received, anvl in the following
week a largely atlemled public meeting wa;i held, \vhen:i conniiiUee cu:i-
sisling of llie folleuing gentlemen was appointed to collect subscriptions
and obtain de'^igns: Messrs. John Smitli,Mayor of Guelph,'A. J. Fergus-
son, M.P.P.. W'm. Clarke, M.IM'., Chas. Allan, Warden of Wellington,
John Scott, Warden of Waterloo, Col. Hcwat, R. Corbet, John Thorj), A.
A. A. IJakcr, I). Allan, Thos. Sandilands, John '.McLean, (jCo. .Sunle) ,
\Vm. Day, J. J. Kingsmill, Andrew Lemon. Geo. Pirie, Fred. George,
Peter (iow, Robt. Tliompson, John Harris, sr., Edward Carroll, Ke\'. K.
Torrance, \Vm. Whitlaw, Reeve cf (iuelph Township, David Slirton,
R.ec\e of Puslinch, John McCrea and Robt. I'atterson, Guelph Township,
Wm. Patterson, P-'blinch, Geo. Armstrong and Rev. Wm. Ikirrle, Era-
mosa, A. D. Fcrrier and Samuel !5roadfoot, Nichol, James IMathieson,
flamillon, John (Juarry, Mayor of Dundas ; Dr. Hamilton, Flamboro',
John McDonald, Goderi.di, and Dr. Daly, Stratford. ^\l th's meeting
$400 was subscribed, and further promises were afterwar<ls made, but for
some unexplained re.ison the monument wa.; never procured, and thus an
.:''-portunity pas^eil, sueh as may, probably, never occur again, for publicly
recognizing die bcneiits conferred on the 'iown by its noble founder.

inuring the Spring of this year a large number of "uie political friends
of .Mr. WiUian^ L\on Mackenzie throughout the I'rovmce had been agi-
tating the question of raising a fund for the purpose of presenting to that
gentleman a honicstead, ancl in June a jjul^lic meeting of those favorable
to the project was held in (iuelpli, when the following resolutions, which
will explain the sentiments of his admirers, were passed :—i\Jovcd by Mr.
C. Horning, seconded by Mr. R. Stewart, That one of the brightest jc\vcls
and rarest ti'aiis of man's character is, political consistency and unwa\er-
ing attachmeni to the people's cause ; that no man haLv exhibited such
a long and earnest devotion to the public service of the Province of Can-
ada as Mr. Williriui Lyon .Mackenzie ; and that some public testinionial
is due for his loiig and faithful services. Moved Ijy Mr. Gow, seconded
by Mr. .Melvin, Ihat this meeting, fully approsing of the scheme of the
Central Committee in Toronto, of presenting Mr. Alackenzie with a suit-
able homestead by the freeman of the Province, feel called upon to use
their best endeavors to promote the project. I\Io\ed by .Mr. John Stew-
art, seconded by Mr. John Smith, That the following gentlemen do con-
stitute a committee for the purpose of collecting subscriptions fo'' the
I\Lackcn/.ie Homestead : - IMessrs James ILites, Charles Horning, Robert
Stewart, Peter Gow, George Sunley, John Smidi, Robert .Sunley, James
Armstrong, Alexander Henderson, John I'locjkleso, James Howard and
John Orn^.e. Subscription lists were thereupon prepared, and several
sums subscribed.

On the 14th of this month, the form;il opening of the Guelph di\i-
sion of the Grand Trunk Railwa) took place. About two hundred
gentlemen left Toronto in the moining, and after stopping at various
places along the road, reached Guelph at about three o'clock, 'i'he cc5m-
pany of visitors comprised a large number of the members of the Legis-
lative Assembly, some members of the Legislative Council, and several

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

11.25

25
2.2

1.8

1.4

1.6

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•..XVVM

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mmiMamm

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

prominent citizens of Toronto. On their arrival they were conducted to
Horwood's hotel, (now the Royal,) then nearly finished, and a most un-
seemly farce was there enacted. In that part of its report of the day's
proce'^dings relating to Guelph, the Toronto Leader said: — '* An invita-
tion having been given by the Directors of the Grand Trunk Railway
Company to the members of the Legislature, the City Council, and the
Board of Trade, to take a trip to Guelph on Saturday, along the Toronto
and Guelph section of their line, which is to be opened this morning for
passenger traffic, a large number of the members of Parliament, as well
as of the Corporation and Board of Trade, took advantage of the invita-
tion. About ten minutes past one o'clock, five cars pretty well filled with
ladies and gentlemen, started from the depot at the Queen's Wharf. On
reaching the magnificent bridge which spans the Credit, the train stopped,
and nearly the whole party walked down a very long flight of stairs to
the bank of the river, to make a closer inspection of this piece of work-
manship, over 800 feet in length and 1 1 5 feet from the level of the river,
supported on five massive stone piers with heavy abutments. We glided
along to the centre of the bridge and stood between the centre piers to
show that there was not the slightest visible deflection caused by its
immense weight. We then passed along the bridge entirely to give the
passengers below a better idea of its height. As there had been a heavy
shower very shortly before, the ground was rather wet, and the company
remained only a few minutes outside. During this little divertissement,
the attendants for the occasion had been busy, tor on reaching the cars,
there was a very expensive display of sandwiches and champagne made
which, it is unnecessary to say very speedily disappeared. Some 12
dozen or so were thus quickly disposed of. There was also an abundant
supply of very excellent water for those who don't drink champagne till
after dinner. The train halted a few minutes at the Georgetown Bridge,
and a number of persons went out to take a peep at it. It is of a diftev-
ent construction, but equally substantial looking with the Credit one.
Matters went all well until we reached Guelph, when a scene occurred,
which we must say was grossly indecent. Some of the worthy M.P.P.'s
it is said, concocted a scheme to introduce Mr. Shaw, the M.P.P, tor
Lanark, to the inhabitants of Guelph as the Governor-General. Accor-
dingly when the hon. gentleman stepped out of the cars, they took oft"
their hats and gave him a hearty cheer as the Governor-General. Mr.
Rankin, the hen. member for Essex, then took Mr. Shaw's arm and they
walked along to the new hotel, followed by nearly all the excursionists,
with a large turn out of townspeople. Upstairs the gentlemen marched
and made their appearance on the balcony in front of the hotel,
which was speedily surrounded by a large crowd of persons eager
to get a glimpse of His Excellency. The hon. member for Essex,
without pauf ing for a moment to define his new position, introduced
Mr. Shaw to the audience fts Sir Edmund Head, the Governor-
General of Canada. His Excellency then came forward, and stated
-•that he had come up to Guelph along with a number of their repre-
ss .itatives, both from Upper Canada and Lower Canada, and he was
happy to say that upon a closer acquaintance the Lower Canadians
did not appear to be that inferior race which he at first believed them to
be. He was happy to see so large and thriving a town as Guelph, and
he was sure that the representatives of the people now that they had
witnessed the beautiful country through which they had just passed — and
the magnificent road over which they had tra\elled, would go back to

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

their places in the legislature, determined to meet in a more liberal spirit
the demand'3 which the Grand Trunk Company had made upon them.

" Mr. Turcotte then came forward and stated that he was a represen-
tative of that inferior race which had been alluded to. The hon. gentle-
man spoke at some length, referring to the necessity of maintaining the
Union intact, and the feet that if they did so, the two provinces, each
representing the most civilized nations on the earth, would, by the com-
bination of French vivacity with English reserve, make the most noble
people in the world.

" Mr. Foley, the hon. member for Waterloo, came forward — seemingly
in a state of great excitement. He said that a fraud had been practised
upon them, and that this was tne very same kind of fraud which had
been practised upon Upper Canada in Parliament. They had been
grossly deceived by false representations (cheers and hisses and noise
and turmoil). Several parties pulled Mr. Foley back, but he was deter-
mined to speak. He said. Gentlemen, that is French Canadian justice —
(hisses and cheers.) This is French Canadian justice — (hisses and
cheers.) That is the kind of justice which a portion of the Upper Can-
ada representatives, with their French majority, are giving to us — (cheers
and uproar.) Gentlemen, you have been imposed upon — most foully im-
posed upon. You have been led to believe that the Governor-General is
here to-day, while he is not here. (Here the hon. gentleman was forcibly
dragged from the front of the balcony, perhaps in mercy to himself, for
he was speaking above his strength.)

" Mr. Powell came forward and briefly denied having had anything to
do with the deception. Several gentlemen then attempted to speak, but
the noise and confusion was too great. Mr. Alderman Duggan, finding
that he could not get an audience from the balcony, came down and
mounted a one-hoi'se wagon, and commenced to address the people, tell-
ing them amongst other things that he had got up the first meeting which
was held in Guelph in connection with this railway enterprise. During
the time the worthy Alderman was speaking, there were several parties
trying to get the horse to run off, but it was somewhat baulky and resist-
ed all their coaxing. While this was going on below, Mr. Mayor Smith,
of Guelph, was attempting to get a hearing from the balcony ; but at this
stage fortunately the steam whistle sounded and the crowd moved off
towards the depot. Nothing particular occurred on the homeward trip.
In some of the cars singing was kept up all the way. The cars arrived
at the terminus at half-past six. The excursion was a very pleasant one,
although the day was somewhat chilly and wet, and but for the unhappy
incident at Guelph, it might have formed a pleasing retrospect. But
whether it will be taken seriously or not, it was rather a serious jest, and
one which had it been aimed at any one other than the representative of
royalty might have passed off with a guffaw. IJut it will now be
apparent to the meanest capacity thit " when drink's in, wit's out."

The press throughout the country was verj- severe in the denuncia-
tions published of this sorry jest, and when Mr. Shaw returned to his
constituency he was met with universal condemnation. On his arrival at
his home in Smith's Falls, some of the indignant electors of Lanark sent
him the following address: —
To His Exxellency Jaims Shmu, Esquire, M.P.P,, Governor-General,

May it Please Your Excellency:

We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the inhabitants of the

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Village of Smith's Falls, beg leave most humbly and most i-espectfuUy to
approach your Excellency, at this our t:arHi'st notice of your arrival
amongst us, to bid you welcome to this our humble village, and to express
cur deep sense of the honor conferred on us by the visit of so ai/i^iist a
personage as the representative (albeit self-constituted) of Her Most
Gracious Majesty. It could not fail to afford us the most intense satis-
faction, when the news reached us from C.uelph, of the elevation to so
distinguishsd a position of one who sojourned so long amongst us, and
whose social liabits and familiar intercourse roith all, and more particu-
larly of late years, have been the theme, and excited the admiration of all.

There are those, we are well aware, who will not fail to grumble at
your Excellency's assumption of the oflice of Governor-General ; but, if
your Excellency will be advised by us, you will treat all such invidious
XQ.tci'^xks, as is yuur ivonted custom in the House, ivith dignified silence !

We would beg leave to refer to history for a precedent for an appoint-
ment similar to your own ; it is to be found in Don Quixote, where San-
cho Panza was made '' Governor of the Island of Barataria,"and a model
Governor he was ; and why not you ?

Only a li ;tle longer bear with uc, your Excellency, and we will Laxe
done. We are not altogether pleased with all of your Excellency's ad-
viser?, and would recommend the dismissal of some of them, and the
appointment in their stead (excuse us for troubling >ou so much) of Mr.
Foley, M. P. P. for the North Riding of Waterloo; as the advice, which
we hear, he tendered you, on ihc auspicious event of your elevation to the
dislinguis/ied position yon now occupy, was such as to nieet our entire
approval; and which if followed out, would no doubt be attended with
the most beneficial results to us all, and to your Excellency in particular.
Your Excellency, we have done.

(Signed.) All of Us.

Whether these very intelligent and dignified legislators looked upon
this freak as a joke or not, the affair developed a laxity of political moral-
ity and a disrespect to the Oueen, through her representative, unjustifi-
able in zccc]- subjects of Great Britain, but peculiarly reprehensible when
found among the Legislature. At best it was a miserably foolish diver-
sion to play on ignorance, and a poor, selfish mode of creating amuse-
ment, and as such should never have been perpetrated by men with any
claim to education or gentlemanly consideration ; but when it is borne in
mind that the insult was not really to the people of (juelph, but to Her
Majesty the Oueen, the conduct of these legislative clowns cannot be too
strongly condemned. The probability is that the transaction was con-
cocted and carried out under the influence of champagne, which flowed
abundantly that tlay, but that was no excuse. In the position in which
they were, as members of the Legislature, come to inaugurate a great
public work, they should have remembered what is due to Her Majesty,
as ilie representative of our glorious Constitution, and that no frivolous
freedom can be permitted with her deputy in Canada. The Legislative
excursionists might, as some of thcni did, and some do even now, on such
occasion^, allow their excitement to ilnd vent in frothy sj^eechcs, but
nothing could palliate the gross conduct of Mr. Shaw and his associates,
and it certainly was in miserable taste that the men who had been select-
ed to represent the people in the Legislature should be so politically im-
moral as to impose a broad lie on the people, or a portion of the people,
and laugh at the vulgar and crhninal deception played on the credulity of
an audience which had no means of detecting the imposture.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

fully to
anival
express
uQitst a
;r Most
c .\-atis-
n to so
us, and
particu-
)n of all.
iniblc at
; but, if
nvidious
silcnc:' !
appoint-
ere S;in-
a model

vill have
ncy's ad-
and the
i) of Mr.
e, which
|0n to the
vr entire
ed with
irticular.

Us.

,cd upon
Inioral-
nijustifi-
!c when
h divcr-
amuse-
with any
boine in
t to Her
)t be too
as con-
flowed
which
a great
lajesty,
ivolous
islative
on such
|ies, but
ociates,
ii sclect-
lally ini-
pccplc,
ulitv of

On the Monday following the opening, the trains commenced to run
regularly between Toronto and (kielph, and on the first train upwards of
150 passengers left Guelph. The Oddfellows also celebrated their anni-
versary by a trip to Toronto, between four and fnc hundred persons
joinhig the excursion, Mr. Hutchinson, the station-master here, making
every arranL;cment for their comfort. The first train to Ilerlin was run
July 1st, and during the month of November the Grand Trunk was
opened to Montreal, thus aftording a direct railway communication
between Guelph and the Atlantic, an advantage whi .h soon made itself
felt in ihe prosperity of the town and neighborhoor', by ensuring for the
farmers a larger return for their products. The ce'cbration at Montreal
was extremely grand, consisting of monster processions during the day,
and torchlight processions and illuminations at night. There was also a
public dinner, at which gentlemen from all parts of the country were
present. Among the residents of CUielph who received invitations to be
present were, Messrs. D. Allan, W. Allan. W. J. Brown, Fl Brown,
Dr. Clarke, Chas. Davidson, John Smith, A.J. Fergusson, W. Hcwat,N.
Higinbotham, G. S. Herod, A. Macdonald, J. Peters, H. W. Peterson,
W. K. Smith, J. Webster and Capt. Vale.

Guelph liad long suffered from the want of additional hotel accom-
modation, and this fact, together with the opening of the (irand Trunk
Railway, had induced Mr. Harwood to give up an hotel in Toronto and
open the hotel in (Uielph, which for some years bore his name. To
celebrate the opening a number of prominent gentlemen in the town
formed themselves into a committee, and a grand dinner was provided.
The committee consisted of Mr. C. Allan, Warden of the County; Col.
Hcwat, County Treasurer; Mr. T. Saunders, Clerk of the Peace; Mr.
John Smith, Mayor; Messrs. Jas. Webster, John Harland, A. A. Baker,
W. D. P. Jarvis, D. Allan, G, A. Drew, G. Elliott, W. Day, G. Sunlcy, J.
Harris and P. Gow. Mr. A. J. Fergusson, M. P. P., took the chair, and
Dr. Clark, M. P. P., the vice chair.

The 1 2th of July, kept with much parade in many parts of the Prov-
ince, had always passed off very quietly in Guelph, sometimes no notice
whatever being taken of it. This year, however, formed an exception to
the rule, for a party of about two dozen Orangemen having been to a pic-
nic at Rockwood, were, on their return by the train, attacked with stones
and clubs, and a serious disturbance was the result. I'he Orangemen
took refuge in a saloon and defended thcmseles as best they could by
blocking up the doors and firing occasionrd shots from pistols. The
Mayor and other magistrates were quickly on the spot, and succeeded
for the time in quelling the disturbance, but it being feared that the light
would be renewed, and with more vigor, after dark, the Mayor and
Reeve swore in a number of special constables and read the Riot Act in
various places. It was well they did, for in a short time the battle was
renewed. A man named Kelly raised a loud shout and in other ways in-
cited the mob to disturbance, when he was ordered to be arrested, which
was at once accomplished. A dozen constables soon overpowered him,
and succeeded in conveying him to the gateway loading fothcga'ttl, when
they were assailed with stones and sticks, and the crowd numbering
many times their own number, they were soon overpowered, and the
]jrisoner was rescued, but not before the Mayor and several constables
had been struck with stones. The Mayor forthwith sent for Capt. Kings-
mill of the Rifle corps and presented him with a requisition for his
services, and in half an hour a body of from forty to hfty armed men took

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

up a position on the ground previously occupied by the mob, which had,
in the interval, perceptibly diminished. Sufficient time having elapsed,
the streets were cleared as far as possible, and a keen look out kept for
the rioters. At ten o'clock the Reeve and Deputy-Reeve, accompanied
by a section of the Rifles, visited the various taverns, clearing them of
all strangers, and ordering that no more drink should be served that
night. About midnight a disturbance took place in the rear of Moran's
saloon, and some half dozen constables proceeding thither, found Kelly,
the rescued man, with others, and again effected his arrest. Again he
was rescued, and but for the timely arrival of a portion of the Rifles he
would probably have escaped. He and four others, who had assisted in
the rescue, were taken to the gaol. The next night (Sunday), a kceri look
out was kept, and also on Monday night when a large number of men
were collected on the Catholic Church premises, and about forty Orange-
men from Rockwood were lying in readiness in various pa''ts of the town,
but in consequence of the vigilance and energy of the constables and the
military, no further disturbance took place. The rioters were brought
before the magistrates, and most of them fined, but Kelly was sent for
trial at the Assizes.

After the election of the Council under the new organization, one of
the first questions claiming attention was the erection of a suitable mar-
ket house, and after considerable discussiox:^ and correspondence with
the trustees of the Scotch Kirk, the site of that building was purchased
for ^1750. Then a long delay occurred in deciding upon plans, and in
letting tenders, but all these preliminaries were at last arranged, and on
Thursday, September i8th the ceremony of laying the corner stone was
performed. The Town Council, contractors, &c., assembled at the Court
House, and preceded by the band of the Rifle Corps, marched to the
site of the new building, where a large number of the inhabitants had
assembled. A platform had been erected, r.nd from this the Mayor
addressed the people, explaining the object for which the meeting had
been called. The Town Cierk then read the following list of manuscripts,
Sec, deposited in the cavity under the stone : —

County of Wellitii^ton^ Totvn of Gtielph, History and Statistics.

The first tree of the forest cut down within the limits of our present
Town, of which we have any record, was felled on the 23rd day of April,
in the year 1827.

The Population of the Toxvn of Gttelplu

. In the Year 1843 was 700

In the Year 1846 1357

In the Year 1847 1480

The Town of Guelph was incorporated with the Township under the
Municipal Act in the year 1850. In the year 1851 it was set apart with
the powers common to incorporated villnges. At the commencement of
the prgsent year it was constituted a Town proper.

The Annual Assessment of real and personal property for this year
is ;^33,372 7s od., and the population about 5000.

There are also deposited a Lithographed Map of the Town, published
in the year 1855 ; a copy of each of the Town Newspapers ; one Victoria
Sovereign ; one Victoria Florin ; one Victoria Shilling ; one Victoria
Sixpence ; one Canada Penny.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

which had,
ng elapsed,
)ut kept for
:companied
ig them of
served that

of Moran's
ound Kelly,
. Again he
he Rifles he
I assisted in

a keen look
aber of men
)rty Orange-
1 of the town,
ibles and the
fere brought
was sent for

lation, one of
suitable mar-
•ndence with
is purchased
plans, and in
iged, and on
ler stone was
at the Court
ched to the
Ditcnts had
the Mayor
meeting had
manuscripts,

'atistics.

our present
ay of April,

^p under the

apart with

kncement of

)r this year

\, published
me Victoria
be Victoria

Memoranda.

Governor-General of this Province : — His Excellency Sir Edmund
Walker Head, Bart.

Mcmliers of the Legislative Assembly : — North Riding — Dr. Wm.
Clarke. South Riding — Adam Johnston Fergusson, Esquire, formerly
Judge of the County Court.

Tow>i C''rponition.

John Smith, Esquire, Mayor.

Councillors — Messrs. Frederick George, John Thorp, Adam Robert-
son, James Presant, Robert Thompson, Evan McDonald, William Atkins
Peter Gow, George Elliott, George Sunley, and William Day.

Treasurer — James Hough.

Building Committee.

Messrs. Day, Robertson, Thompson, and G. Elliot, Chairman.

Architect — ^William Thomas, Esq., Toronto.

Inspector — Mr. John Wright.

Contractors.

Masons — Messrs. Morrison «S: Emslie, Guelph.
Carpenter — Mr. George Netting, Toronto.
Plasterers — Messrs. Stephen & Pringle, Guelph.
Slaters — Messrs. Mitchell, Rannic, and Duthcr, Toronto.
Painter and Glazier — Mr. Chas. Marsh, Toronto.

Cost '^f Building.

Aboi't ^6,500, and ;^ 1,750 for the ground, formerly the site of St.
Andrew's Church.

This bottle and its contents were deposited by the Chairman ot the
Building Committee, and this corner stone laid by John Smith, Esq.,
first Mayor of Guelph, on the i8th day of September, in the year of our
Lord 1856, and in the Twentieth year of the reign of our most gracious
and beloved Sovereign Queen Victoria.

All of which is duly authenticated by the seal of the Corporation,
and signed,

John Smith, Mayor.
James Hough, Town Clerk.

The stone being suspended by a windlass, Mr. Elliott proceeded to
deposit the bottle in the cavity prepared, and the Mayor performed the
usual ceremony of laying the corner stone, the Rifles firing a fiu de joi:,
and the band playing appropriate music. The Mayor then addressed
the audience from the stand, in doing which he briefly referred to the
history of the town from the cutting of the first tree in 1827, spoke of the
struggles in the past for the erection of a Market House, and regretted
that one of its most zealous advocates, Mr. Thorp was too ill to be pre-
sent on that occasion, concluding by expressing the hope that the steady
progress the town had hitherto made would be continued, and
that the building then erected would tend much to develop the business
of the place, and prove a source of profit both to those who brought pro-
duce tu it for sale and those who bought there. Mr. Fergusson then
delivered a brief address, and in pointing to the past looked upon it as
an index of the future, and fully anticipated that in a few years the popu-
lation of the town would be tenfold what it was then. The band then
played " God Save the Queen," and the company dispersed.

THE ANNALS ()F THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

In the evening a dinner was given at Horwood's hotel, about sixty
gentlemen being present. The Mayor occupied the c! air, having on his
right Mr. Fergusson, M.IM'., and Mr. I). Stirton, Reeve of Puslinch ;
and on his left, Mr. Wm. Thomas and Mr. W. Whitelaw, Reeve of
Guelph Township. Mr. EUio.t, chairman of the Market House Com-
mittee, occupied the vice chair. A number of toasts were drunk and
responded to, among the speakers being Mr. Stirton, Mr. Elliott, Mr.
I'ergusson, Mr. Whitelaw, Air. Pirie and others.

The building of the railway had by this time begun to have a very
sensible effect on the value of property in the town, and on the progress
of business generally. As a proof of this it may be mentioned that a park
lot which four years previously had been bought for $300, was this year
sold for $1800; and in another case, six acres of land, which five years
before had been sold for ^300, was now sold for ^2,700. A lot on the
Market Place was bought in 1854 for £62^, and this year fetched ,/,'2,5oo.
Building operations were being pushed with great vigor, and the improve-
ments all through the town were very marked, more especially in the
business portions, Wyndham street particularly presenting a very busy
aspect, among the other line stores erected during this yeai' being those
built by Mr. R. Corbet. The Toronto Colonist^ referring to (Juelph at
this time, says: — "(iuelph is particularly fortunate in possessing a build-
ing stone easily worked, and \ery pleasing in appearance, closely resem-
bling in color the white brick so much used in Toronto. This is well
displayed in a street newly built, called Wyndham street, leading nortli
fiom the Market Square, and branching off to the right and left on either
i/idc of tlie Wellington Hotel. This is now the chief business street,
many shop]ceey)ers and others recently moved into it from the Market
S(|uare. St. Ceorgc's Church, which, when finished, will be a handsome
building, is in this street. The new market, the walls of which are just
fmished, is a fine substantial edifice. It is built of Guelph stone, from ;i
design by Mr. Thomas. The trade and manufactures of Guelph are
rapidly increasing. Ten years ago the quantity of llour sent to market
by the principal miller was considered to be too highly estimated at eight
hundred barrels. This season the exports of wheat and flour are set
down at fifty thousand bushels of the former, and fifty thousand barrels
of fiour. One mill alone is said to manufircture twenty-five thousand
barrels. The manuf^icture of whiskey is also large, the quantity sold
amounting this year to about twelve thousand five hundred barrels. The
opening of the Grand Trunk has given the means of turning the stone
quarries of (kielpli to valuable account. There are now four in full
operation, anil arrangements are being made for the delivery and sale of
the stone all along the railway. There are also several foundries and
breweries, some of them doing a large business. The water ])owcr
alTorded by the River Speed is quite sufficient to supply much more than
what is rec|uired by the factories now on its banks ; but now one mill
owner has let power for ten additional factories to be erected next year.
The local trade of Guelph is very considerable, the country .about it in
all directions being ot the most fertile description and well settled. The
Guelph storekeepers have hitherto done a large business with Hamilton,
but the completion of the Grand Trunk renders their communication
with Toronto and Montreal so much more direct, that their trade will be
chiefly with those places, especially with Toronto."'

And again in reference to Guelph as a stock depot, it says: — "No
one interested in stock-breeding, or in agricultural pursuits generally,

vbout sixty
/inj^ on his

Puslinch ;
, Reeve of
ouse Com-

drunk and
Clliott, Mr.

lave a very

he progress
that a pari:
IS this year
11 five years
. lot on the
led ,:{;2,5oo.
le improve-
ally in the
a very busy
being those
(nielph at
ing a build-
iscly resem-
This is well
iding nortli
ift on either
ness street,
the Market
I handsome
ich are just
ne, from :i
kielph are
to market
ed at eight
our are set
ind barreh
e thoxisand
mtity sold
rels. The
the stone
ur in full
iind sale of
ndrics and
tcr power
more than
w one mill
next year,
about it in
tied. The
Hamilton,
lunication
de will be

vys:— "No
generally,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

who has occasion to visit this place, should lose the opportunity of seeing
Mr. Stone's herd of short-horn cattle, probably the finest and most valu-
able in the Province, Mr. Stone, who is one of the leading mercha^its,
has gone to an expense in importing cattle from England, which would
hardly be credited by any one not aware of the immen3<; capital which is
requisite at the present time to enable a breeder to lay the foundation of
a first-rate stock of short-horn cattle, or the more expensive kinds of
sheep. Year after year Mr. Stone and many other entrprisin.T; agricultu-
rists have gone to the most eminent English breeders to enter into com-
petition for the purchase of stock with men who, as regards genuine
mercantile enterprise, extensive means and social position, comprising as
they do many noble Lords and royal Dukes, may fairly rank with the
prmces and cotton lords of England. With a noble spirit of enterprise,
these men have invested in this way the accumulated savings of a life of
toil, and at great risk to themselves, and endless care— and, in spite of
great discouragement and even opposition, have doubled the agricultural
wealth and resources of the country. Mr. Stone has now fifty-four head
of thoro'-bred Durham cattle, chiefly direct importations, and from the
choicest strains and best blood — the very aristocracy of the breed. The
prices of some of these cattle would astonish many an unsophisticated
backwoodsman, who would stare at being asked ^150 for a calf 6 months
old, or the price of a small farm for a two year old heifer. Mr. Stone
has also some very fine Cotswold sheep and a lot of nice Southdown
ewes just imported."

There was very little excitement over the town elections in 1857,
there being no question of very great importance likely to come up to ab-
sorb public interest. The nominations were held on Monday, January
5th, the candidates being: -West Ward — Messrs. Sunley, Elliott, Samuel
Smith, Brown, A inlay and Wilson. Mr. John Smith was not a candidate on
this occasion. In the South Ward — Messrs. Day, Gow, Clarke, Knowles,
Condy ai;d Carrol. East Ward — Messrs. Presant, Tatham, Thompson,
Macdonald, O'Reilly and Adsett. North Ward — Messrs. George, Har-
vey, Rob ;rtson, Armstrong, Mackenzie and Anderson. The polling was
not by any means as spirited as in previous years, the vote being com-
paratively small. The result was that Messrs. G. Sunley, G. Elliott, S.
Smith, F. George, J. Harvey, J. Armstrong, E. Macdonald, R. Thomp-
son, G. P. Tatham, W. Day and W. S. G< Knowles were elected.

On the Council being organised, Mr. George proposed the election
of Mr. George Sunley as Mayor, on the ground of his long standing in
the town, his property and business qualifications, and the position he
had long occupied in the Council. He had been informed, and perhaps
they might be told, that Mr. Sunley declined the nomination ; but he
hardly thought that with the knowledge that the whole Council would
support him, he would resist their wishes. Mr. Harvey seconded the
nomination. Mr. Elliott said he should be happy to support Mr. Sunley
if he thought he would accept the appointment. After some hesitation
Mr. Srnley accepted the appointment and took the oath of office. The
Mayor having taken the chair, Mr. Smith moved, and Mr. Day seconded,
that Mr. P. Ciow be Reeve. Mr. Tatham moved, and Mr. George second-
ed, that Mr. W. S. G. Knowles be Reeve. On a division Mr. Gow was
declared elected. Mr. James Armstrong was unanimously elected
Deputy Reeve.*

The official Gazetlc oi December 21st, 1856, contained the following
announcement: — " His Excellency the Governor General has been pleased

i^l

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

to appoint Port Guelph, in the County of Wellington, to be a warehous-
infc port from and after January 1st." Under this order a regular staff of
Government officers were appointed, and much greater facilities were
afforded for the warehousing and entry of goods. Mr. John Harland
was appointed Collector, and Mr. E. Carthew landing waiter at this port.

Towards the close of the previous year a proposition was made to
make a grant to Mr. John Smith, as compensation for loss of time and
the work which had devolved upon him as mayor. This raised a storm
of opposition in certain quarters, more especially among those who had
contended against the incorporation of the town, and who had been so
extravagant in their statements of the probable expense which would be
entailed by the change, in the payment of the various municipal officers.
It was urged that Mr. Smith had promised that, if elected, he would
serve without demanding, or expecting any remuneration, and those who
had been disappointed in delaying the incorporation were very zealous in
their efforts to defeat the proposed grant. His friends, however, claimed
for him that, even if he had made such a promise, he had not contem-
plated that he would be expected to perform the duties of Police Magis-
trate, in addition to those of -the Mayoralty, and as, if a Police Magis-
trate had been appointed, he would have received a salary of ^150 per
annum, it was not unreasonable that Mr. Smith should receive a grant of
;^ioo. Finding that the opposition was likely to be much more bitter
than they had at first anticipated some of the friends of Mr. Smith sug-
gested that a subscription should be taken up for the purpose of indem-
nifying him, but Mr. Smith and some of his supporters objected to this,
and finally the grant was carried in the Council.

In the Spring of this year considerable changes were made in the
Militia Department throughout the Province, and a general re-organiza-
tion of the corps was a necessary consequence. Among the other
changes was that the ist Waterloo Battalion became extinct, and the ist
WelHngton Battalion was created. In the Gazette of February 14th, the
following appointments were announced: — To be Majors: Captain G.
Harvey, from late rst Waterloo ; Capt. John C, Wilson, do. To be Cap-
tains: Lieutenant Edward Thompson, from late ist Waterloo ; Lieut.
William Henry Parker, do,; Lieut. Walter King, do.; Lieut. Robert
Richardson, do.; Lieut. Alfred A. Baker, do.; Lieut. Richard Greet, do.
Ensign James G. Husband, do.; Ensign Arthur Hogg, do.; Ensign John
Thomas Tracy, do. To be Lieutenants: Ensign W. Porter, from late ist
Waterloo ; Ensign and Adjutant James Cain, do. Charles Davidson,
Henry Watson, Robert White, Thomas Watson, George Murton, Henry
W. Peterson, John C. Allan, Nicol Kingsmill. To be Ensigns: Georg'j
Tolton, Edmund Harlandj James Webster, jr., Colin Biyth, John C.
Chadwick, jr., Frederick J. Chadwick, Walter Murton, Thomas Heffer-
nan, Leonard Harland. To be Adjutant: Lieutenant James Cain. To
be Surgeon : Surgeon William Clarke, from late First Waterloo. To be
Assistant Surgeon: William S. Hewat. The following Officers from the
late First Battalion, Waterloo, are permitted to retire, viz. ; — Major Wm.
Thompson, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Ensign James Davie,
retaining rank. Ensign David Allan, do.

In the Gazette of May i6th, the following notice appeared: — Volun-
teer Militia Rifle Compatiy of Guelph — To be Acting Adjutant with the
rank of Lieutenant: Ensign James Armstrong ; to be Eijsign: Sergeant
George Bruce, jr., vice Armstrong, promoted ; to be Surgeon: George
S. Herod, Esquire,

I !'

varehous-
ar staff of
ties were
Harland
this port.
s made to
time and
d a storm
; who had
d been so
would be
il officers,
he would
those who
zealous in
r, claimed
)t contem-
ce Magis-
ce Magis-
"^150 per
a grant of
lOre bitter
Imith sug-
of indem-
;ed to this,

ade in the

organiza-

the other

|nd the 1 st

14th, the

aptain G.

|o be Cap-

o ; Lieut.

. Robert

Jreet, do.

[sign John

late 1st

)a\idson,

n, Henry

; George

John C.

Hefifer-

Uiin. To

To be

from the

[ijor Wm.

[s Davie,

Vohtn-

h the

|Sergeant

George

th:: annals of the toww of guelph.

In May, Mr. John Smith retired from the management of the Ad-
vertiser, his interest in that paper having been purchased by Mr. P. Cleri-
hew, late of the Berlin Telegraph. In addition to a long and somewhat
windy article, in faint and ineffectual imitation of the style which marked
the productions in Addison's Spectator an explanation of the principles,
political, moral, religious, social, domestic, and, in fact, in relation to
almost every other conceivable subject on which men's opinions could
possibly differ, the new proprietor printed the entire platform of the Re-
form Alliance, as the sutnmum bonum of human desires, and of all that
related to the advancement of mankind, and as the infallible guide to
universal prosperity, contentment and peace. Unfortunately for the
stability of the Utopian vision which Mr. Clerihew's fertile imagination
conjured up, the millenium which he apparently anticipated as the
certain consequence of the enunciation of these principles, not
only to the world at large, but to our good town in particular, faded like
thousands of other visions have faded before and since, and in a short
time the sanguine dreamer awoke to the stern reality of the fact, that the
degeneracy of the people in this part of the world was such, that they
could not appreciate either his dreams or his talents, and evinced their
callousness to his frequent and impassioned appeals to come forward in
support of his universal peace and prosperity theories, by the cold and
unpatriotic command — " stop my paper."

At the Assizes in March a case of a mo:; , ainful nature was tried.
James McGarrie, a boy fourtr^en years of age, was placed in the dock
charged with the murder of a boy named William Cull, eleven years of
age, in Garafraxa, on the nth of October, 1856. It appeared that the
two boys were in the woods together gathering berries, when a dispute
arose between them, and finally McGariiC struck Cull on the head with
a stick, knocking him senseless. He then took a piece of a glass bottle,
which had been broken in the struggle, and deliberately cut the child's
throat from ear to ear. The youthful murderer then ran away, and it
was not for several days that the body was discovered. McGarrie was
arrested near Goderich, and iully confessed the murder, giving the fullest
account of all the revolting details. At the trial a defence was set up
that he was of unsound mind, and that he must have committed the
dreadful crime while in a fit of insanity, but this availed nothing, the jury
finding him guilty of wilful murder. The Judge then sentenced him to be
hanged on the i ith of April, but before that time the sentence was com-
muted to imprisonment for life.

At the close of this month the town was called upon to mourn the
death of one of the most prominent and highly respected inhabitants, in
the person of Mayor Sunley, which took place, somewhat suddenly, on
the 30th March. Mr. Sunley had been extremely unwilling to accept the
position of Mayor, probably because he felt that his health would not
permit of his discharging the duties of the position satisfactorily to him-
self, but it was little thought that his tenure of office would be so brief,
and terminated by so sad an event. He presided at a meeting of the
Council only a few days before, and within a day or two of his death no
serious apprehensions were entertained that the result of his illness
would be fatal. On the day of the funeral upwards of a thousand of his
fellow townsmen assembled in front of his residence, to follow his
remains to the ^rave, and thus testify to the love they bore him person-
ally, and the high estimation in which they had held him as a friend, a
citizen, and as Mayor of the Town. The funeral procession was formed

I 1

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

in the following order : Guelph Rifle Company, the Fire Company, the
members of the 'I'own Council in carriages, the ministers and physicians
of the Town, the pall-bearers, the hea*-se, the executors and children of
the deceased, Mr. Mclvin and Mr. Mills, his partners in business, the
band, playing the dead march, in " S.iul,' the Associated Mechanics of
Guelph, and some hundreds of inhabitants, in carriages, on horseback
and on foot. 'I'he stores throvighout the town were closed during the
afternoon, and for several days a deep gloom was cast over all.

On the 13th of April the nomination of candidates for the seat in
the Council rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Sunley took place, when
Mr. John Kirkland and Mr. W. J. Brown were the candidates. Mr.
Brown was elected by a very small majority. At the next meeting of
Council Mr, Samuel Smith was elected mayor for the unexpired teiTn.
At this meeting the Market House Committee reported that they had
expended ^64oo 17s. ghd. on the building^ and that ^2743 3s Sad. more
would be needed to complete the work, including the stone cornice wiiich
it had been decided should be put up, instead of the wooden one, as at
first contemplated.

At about this time a number of new stores were opened, including
the hardware establishment of Horsman Bros., the business of which
very speedily developed into large proportions, the enterprise and thor-
ough business knowledge of the proprietors soon placing them iu the
front rank in their trade, a position which they maintained with marked
success for several years, and which the present pioprietor, Mr. John
Horsman, still con^mues to hold.

On Sunday, May loth, a chapel, intended for tha Evangelical Union
congregation, was opened, sermons being preached by Rev. R. Peden of
Hamilton, who was assisted in the devotional exercises by Rev. E.
Barker of Eramosa, and Rev. John McDougall, pastor of the church.
The chapel, capable of holding between two and three hundred persons,
was well filled at all the services. On Monday evening a tea meeting
was held, followed by a public meeting, Rev. J. McDougall in the chair.
Addresses were delivered by Rev. R. Paul (Primitive Methodist), Rev.
Dr. Cooney (Wesleyan), Rev. E. Barker (Congregationalist), Rev. J.
Clarke (Baptist), and Rev. R. Peden (Evangelical Union).

In the fall of this year a general election took place, and in the North
Riding Mr. Charles Allan of Elora (Reformer) was elected over Dr.
Clarke by a small majority, principally on account of some of the electors
disapproving of the course taken by Dr. Clarke on the question of remov-
ing the capital to (2uebec.

In October, the new building on St. George's Square, for the Bank-
of Montreal, was finished, and a motion was passed in the Council for
laying a sidewalk in front of it. In November a Gas Company was
formed, and a petition was presented from Sheriff Grange and others,
asking the Council to take such measures as might be deemed advisable
for the encouragement of the enterprise, by adopting gas for the lighting
of the streets and other purposes.

The year 1858 did not present any circumstar.ee of any great public
interest. The election for Councillors resulted as follows : — E.ist Ward,
Messrs. John Harris, Charles Davidson and James Murphy ; South.
Ward, Messrs. J. Kirkland, P. Gow and W. Day ; West Ward, Messrs.
George Elliott, George Keeling and George Bruce ; North "Vard,
Messrs. J. Harvey, F. George and James Armstrong. At the first meet-
ing of the new Council on Jan. 13th, Mi. George Elliott was elected

any, the
lysiclans
ildren of
ness, the
lanics of
Drseback
iring the

e seat in
ce, when
es, Mr.
meting of
ed temi.
they had
r^d. more
ice wiilch
me, as at

nckiding
of which
ind thor-
m in the
1 marked
Mr. John

al Union

Peden of

Rev. E.

church.

persons,

neeting

ic chair.

1st), Rev.

Rev. J.

[e North

Iver Dr.

I electors

"remov-

le Bank
ncil for
liny was
[others,
Ivisable
lighting

pubhc
1 Ward,

South,
llessrs.
|Ward,

meet-
klected

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF CUELPH.

Mayor, Mr. James Armstrong, Reeve, and Mr. John Harvey Deputy-
Reeve. At the next regular meeting of the Council, Mr. F. George
resigned his seat, in consequence, partly of some disputes in the Council
and probably because he was not elected Mayor, and partly on account
of business engagements. On the 15th February Dr. Herod was elected
to till the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. (ieorge.

It having been represented to the Council that it would be a great
convenience to farmers and others living to the East and North of the
Town if a foot-bridge were placed on the Grand Trunk railway bridge,
the contractors. Messrs. Gzowski & Co., were written to on the subject,
requesting them to erect such bridge, according to their contract, and the
required accommodation was shortly afterwards provided. In April a
little tea-cup storm was raised in the Council over a somewhat small
matter. The ladies of the town had subscribed to present a flag for the
Town Hall, and instead of formally making the presentation through the
Mayor, it was sent .0 the Council through one of the members. No doubt
the ladies were guilty of a breach of etiquette, and their conduct in cast-
ing such an unwarrantable slight upon His Worship the Mayor was most
reprehensible, and of course the Council pretested against such an insult
to his dignity, but it is not recorded that that they refused to accept the
gift. In December the by-law for establishing a monthly cattle fair,
instead of the quarterly fair, as heretofore held, was introduced, though
the by-law was not carried until January loth, 1859.

A vacancy having occurred at this time in the representation in Par-
liament for South Wellington, Mr. David Stirton was elected, but there
was little excitement over the matter.

In the fall of 1858 an act was passed in the Legislature for the elec-
tion of mayors of municipalities by direct vote of the people, instead of
by the Councils as heretofore. The passing of this act was the cause of
considerable excitement in this, as in other towns, many being anxious
to be the first to receive the honor of election to that honorable position
by the suffrages of the people. At the nomination in Guelph, in Decem-
ber, therefore, a larger number of electors were present than at at any
previous nomination for many years. The candidates were — Mr. James
Webster and Mr. Peter Gow, and at the election, Mr. Webster was the
choice of the people, defeating Mr. Gow by 226 to 203. The Coun-
cillors for 1859 were— Messrs. J. Harris, C. Adsett and J. Murphy.
South Ward — Messrs. J. Kirkland, J. Stevens and Robt. Thompson.
West Ward — Messrs. C. J. Buckland, R. Melvin and G. M. Keeling.
North Ward — Messrs. J. Harvey, Jas. Armstrong and F. George. After
the declaration had been made, a large body of the electors proceeded to
the residence of Mr. Webster and took possession of the house. The
health of the newly- elected Mayor was drunk, and a number of very
complimentary speeches were delivered, congratulating Mr. Webster on
the honor which had been conferred upon him. After this the party drove
to the residence of Sheriff Grange, where the jovial part of the programme
was repeated.

On the loth of this month a large fire occrrred at the granary recently
erected by Mr. John McCrae at the junction of the Grand Trunk and,
Gait and Guelph Railways. The building was a large and substantial
structure, and had only been in use a few months. At the time of the
fire there were stored in it about i5,ocx) bushels of barley, peas, oats, &c.',
which, with the building, were to a large extent destroyed. The loss was
about $4000, which was only partially covered by insurance.

100

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

On January 14th, the County was called upon to mourn the loss of
one of its oldest and most valued citizens Mr. Charles Allan, M. P. P.,
who had been elected for the North Riding only about a year and a half
previously. Mr. Allan had been in Guelph the day before and had
reached Hamilton, from whence he intended going to Toronto, On his
way to the railway station he was taken suddenly ill, and before he could
be conveyed to the residence of his friend, Mr. J. Matheson, he expired,
ihe cause of death being disease 01 the heart. At the funeral, which
took place at Elora on the 17th, gentlemen from all parts of the County,
as well as from the County of Waterloo, were present, the funeral being
the largest ever seen in that part of the country. Mr. Allan had served
in almost every capacity it was possible for a man to fill, from that of
village Councillor to Warden of the County, and at last, as a member of
the Legislature, and few men ever lived in the County who were more
highly respected than he, for his business integrity, his devotion to the
interests of his fellow citizens, and tlie general kindliness of his disposi-
tion.

In the Council on the 17th, the election of Reeve and Deputy Reeve
took place, the nominees being, for Reeve, Mr. John Harvey, proposed
by Mr. Keeling, and seconded by Mr. Armstrong ; and Mr. John Harris,
moved by Mr. Kirkland, and seconded by Mr. Murphy. On the ques-
tion being put the vote showed a tie. and the Mayor thereupon gave the
casting vote in favor of Mr. Harvey, who was consequently declared
elected. For Deputy Reeve, Mr. Murphy nominated Mr. John Kirkland
who was seconded by Mr. Mclvin. Mr. Robert Thompson was nominat-
ed by Mr. Keeling and seconded by Mr. Armstrong. On a vote being
taken Mr. Kirkland was elected by a vote of seven to five.

The Township Council for this year consisted of Messrs. Whitelaw,
Laidlaw, Rannie, Shortrced and Sweetnam. Mr. Whitelaw was elected
Reeve and Mr. Rannie, Deputy Reeve. The County Council was com-
posed of the following meml)crs:— Amaranth, C. Gillespie, Reeve ; Arthur
and Luther, R. Morrison, Reeve, John Sinclair, Deputy ; Elora, Charles
Clarke ; Eramosa, Donald r)lack, Laz. Parkinson ; Erin, Wm. Everdell,
Wm. Cornock ; Fergus, Alex. Wilkie : Garafraxa, John Dobbin, Thomas
Duffy ; Guelph, Wm. Whitelaw, John Rennie ; Guelph, John Harvey,
John Kirkland ; Maryboro', Wm. Hambly ; Minto, J. Harrison ; Nichol
James Ross; Peel, Thomas Gabutt, Wm. Sturtridge ; Pilkington, John
Smith ; Puslinch, Wm. Leslie, Samuel Taylor. On motion of Mr. White-
law, seconded by Mr. Dobbin, Mr. James Ross was unanimously elected
Warden.

On the 4th February, the nomination of candidates for the represen-
tation of the North Riding took place at Fergus. For about three weeks
political excitement had run high all over the north part of the County,
it being evident from the first that the contest would be very close. The
candidates were Mr. James Webster, Conservative, and Mr. James Ross
Reformer. At the nomination there was a very large attendance, and
the show of hands was in f-xvor of Mr. Ross by a small majority. A poll
was, of course, demanded by Mr. Webster, and the election took place
on the nth, resulting in the election of Mr. Ross by a narrow majority.
This result was due to the fitct of Mr, Ross, as Warden of the County,
b.eing intimately acquainted with most of the electors personally and also
to the fact that many Conservatives^ more especially those in the neigh-
borhood of Elora, at the l^t moment, werq jpduced out of friendship
for Mr. Rdss, to succumb tb the 's\tmg jJfW^tfrt bVbfllght m tte^T upon

loss of

I.P.P.,

a half
id had
On his
; could
xpired,

which
Zounty,
l1 beinj;

served
that of
mber of
e more
n to the
disposi-

;y Reeve
n'oposed
I Harris,
le ques-
gave the
declared
Kirkland
lominat-
tc being

litelaw,
elected
IS corn-
Arthur
Charles
Lverdell,
Thomas
Harvey,
. Nichol
in, John
•. White-
elected

|epresen-
ee weeks
[County,
(e. The
Us Ross
:ice, and
A poll
3k place
majority.
I County,
Lnd also
Ic neigh-
lendship
lat upon

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

101

them by his friends. A few days afterwards a grand dinner was given to
Mr. Webster at Fergus, the chair b«ing taken by Lieut-Col. Valentine, of
Nichol, ana the vice chair by Mr. Thos. Whitley, Mr. Webster's mover
and seconder at the nomination. 'I'he attendance was very large, and'
the enthusiasm exhibited was such as to render it certain that at a future
election, should Mr. Webster run again, the result would be far different
from what it was then.

In April some consternation was caused in the Town by an assertion
made in the Mercury, that the assessment this year, on account of the
(ialt and Guelph Railway debt, would be is. iid. in the £. In order to
grant the bonus to this railway, /"2o,ooo had been borrowed from the
Municipal Loan Fund, and it was true that on January ist, the arrears
due, in consequence of the inadequate assessment made under Mr. F.
George's financial policy in the previous year, amounted to $12,678, but
by the judicious management of the Council of 1859, that indebtedness
had been reduced by the payment of $3,200, so that it was found necessary
to levy a rate of only is. in the £.

In April a shocking murder was perpetrated a short distance from
tlie Town on the Brock Road. John McC^pffney was in the woods with
his wife and son, aged about 12 years, when, after taking their dinner,
McGaffney accused his wife of infidelity, and while the son was absent,
struck his wife on the head with a krge piece of wood and then battered
the ])ody almost out of recognition. Tlie murderer did not attempt to
escape, and when arretted fully admitted the crime. At his trial it was
proved beyond a doubt that he was subject to fits of temporary insanity,
he having for several months been an inmate of the Toronto Asylum. It
was also proved that the suspicion of his wife's infidelity was a delusion.
He was acquitted of the charge of murder, and ord', iod to be confined in
a lunatic asylum during llci Majesty's pleasure.

The new church of St. Andrew being now finished, the formal induc-
tion of Rev. John Hogg as pastor of the congregation was held July ist,
the service being conducted by Rev. Mr. Gibson of (jalt and Rev. Mr.
McDonnell of Fergus.

The death of x\Ir. H. W. Peterson, for many years Registrar of the
County, which occurred June 13th, having caused a vacancy in that
office, Mr. James Webster was appointed to succeed him July i6th. It
was at first thought that the appoiuyiient would necessitate Mr. Webster's
resignation of the office ot Mayor, but the opinion of the Attorney-Gen-
eral having been obtained, to the effect that such resignation need not
necessarily follow such appointment, Mr. Webster retained the position.

In August another important enterprise connected with the trade of
the town was commenced. Mr. C. E. Romaine, acting for Messrs.
Gooderham & Worts, distillers and grain dcalcr^3, of Toronto, purchased
a quarter of an acre of land near the apex of the Market Square, and at
once commenced building a large granary, capable of holding 50,000
bushels. He immediately commenced buying large quantities of grain
from farmers in all parts of the county, the consequence being that better
prices were realized than had been the case for a considerable time.

The Rev. J. G. Macgrcgor having retired from the pastonne ot
Knox's Church, a unanimous call was extended to Rev. D. H. McVicar,
which, having been accepted, the ordination service was held October
nth, Rev. William Millican ofGarafraxa, Rev. George Smellie of Fer-
gus, Rev. James Middlemiss of Elora, Rev. Thomas Cuthbertson of
Wiiilerbourne, Rev. Alexander McLean of Aberfoyle, and Rev. Andrew

102

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

McLean of Puslinch, officiating. The sermon on the occasion was
preached by Rev, Mr. Millican, who chose as his text, Psalm Ixxxvii,
3. Cn the following Sabbath Mr. McVicar preached his first sermon in
the church, from 2 Corinthians, :»'. 5.

The month of October brought some severe losses to many of the
merchants in the town, consequent on the stoppage of the International
and Colonial banks. Although the notes of these institutions were not
convertible at the local bank agencies, and were looked upon with suspi-
cion by most of the sagacious moneyed men, still a considerable amount
of these promises to pay had got into circulation here; for in those hard
times persons were apt to think '' a brown loaf better than no bread,"
and when a decent-looking ticket, unadorned with " wild cats,'' and claim-
ing no paternity from the land of bogus banks across the lines was offered
in payment, they were not generally disposed to be very critical. And
so, for a while, there was quite an interesting spice of excitement, desks
and tills were examined, spleuchans were ransacked, and not a few good
folks who had put off dunning credUors on the previous day, with the
time-honored response ot " no funds," found to their astonishment that
they had nice little rolls of bank bills securely stowed away in snug
receptacles, which, on examination, gave out a moderate percentage of
the now proscribed commodity. But while nearly all the merchants lost
more or less heavily, a few of the canny monied men were smitten much
more heavily, by venturing to accumulate large stocks of the suspected
scrip. In fact, there was a general loss on all the trading community.
In the case of the International Bank, the affair was undoubtedly got up
with the intention of swindling the Canadians, who lost, in the aggregate,
nearly $250,000 by the failure.

In November a proposition was made to the Vestry of St. George's
Church by Dr. Clarke and Mr. W. J. Brown to purchase the site on St.
George's Square, for the sum of ^2150, the purchasers to hold the pro-
perty in trust for the Town for two years, at the expiration of that time,
if the Town did not buy it, it was to be the sole property of Dr. Clarke
and Mr. Brown, to be used as they thought fit. The matter was fully
discussed in the Vestry, but the proposal was not accepted, Rev. Arthur
Palmer agreeing, if the congregation would contribute ^1500, to provide
the balance of what would be required to finish the church where it
then stood, from other sources.

The Rev. H. W. Stewart, B. A., assistant minister ot St. George's
Church, being about to remove to another sphere of labor, a deputation,
consisting of Messrs. Leslie, Battersby, Th9s. W. Saunders, F. J. Chad-
wick, H. W. Peterson and Capt. Vale, waited I'pon him and presented
him with the following address: —

TO THE RJLV. HENRY W.M. S I'EWART, D. A.

Reverend and Dear Sir, — We, the undersigned, members of the
Church of England, and others, mhabitants of the Town of Guelph and
vicinity, hearing of your proposed change to some other parish, cannot
allow you to leave this sphere of your useful ministry without expressing
our heartfelt regret at parting with you ; and renewing our assurance of
every kind wish for your health and happiness,

We would avail ourselves of this occasion to bear willing testimony
to the constant faithfulness with which you, in co-operation with yc ur
esteemed father, have discharged the laborious duties devolving upon
you, during the absence from the parish, for a period of nearly two years,
of the Rector, the Rev. Arthur Palmer,

sion was
bIxxxvu,
ermon in

ny of the
:rnational
were not
'ith suspi-
e amount
iiose hard
\o bread,"
md claim-
:as offered
cal. And
ent, desks
. few good
, with the
ment that
y in snug
;entage of
hants lost
tten much
suspected
pmmunity.
dly got up
aggregate,

Georges
to on St.
the pro-
that time,

Clarke
was fully

Arthur
o provide
where it

George's

2putation,
J. Chad-
presented

srs of the

elph and

, cannot

xpressing

Lirance of

[estimony
r-ith ycur
ling upon
Wo years,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

103

And we earnestly trust that the blessings of a kind Providence may
attend you, wherever your lot may hereafter be cast, and that there your
future ministry may be marked with the same measure of success which
it has been hero.

This address, which was signed by about four liundred persons,
members of St, George's and other churches, was replied to in suitable
terms by Rev, Mr, Stewart, who expressed the hope th.at all those who
had signed it might receive the same blessings they had -.vished should
be given to him.

At the nomination for Mayor, in December, there was very little
excitement. It had been the very generally expressed wish that Mr.
John Harvey should be the next Mayor, and steps had been taken to
carry his election liv acclamation, but a few persons, inimical to him,
were determined that this should not be, if they could prevent it, and
accor{lin,;]y a requisition was prepared to Mr. James Webster, to allow
himself tt> be nominated, which liowever, he refused. (Jn the day of
nomination, therefore, against his expressed wish. Dr. Parker was nominat-
ed, and he only escaped being obliged to go to the poll, Jjy claiming his
right to exemption from service, as a medical man, under the statute which
makes special provision for such a purpose. Mr. Harvey was thereupon
elected by acclamation.

The close of the year was very near being marked by the destruc-
tion of the new market house, Ijy fire. In order to prevent the meat
from freezing, Mr, Wald, who occupied the first stall on the left, had fill-
ed a stove with firewood, and there l^eing no guard plate beneath, the
stove became hot enough to ignite the fioor, which soon burned through,
and the stove fell into the stall beneath, where there was a quantity of
butter stored, which, of course, burned very fiercely, and had the fire not
been discovered when it was, the probability is that the entire building
would soon have become a heap of ruins. .As it was, however, a liberal
supply of water being procured, the flames were extinguished liefore very
much dainage \\as done.

The members of the I own Council for i860 were: F.ast Ward —
Messrs, C, Davidson, D. .\llan and N. Higinbotiiam. South Ward —
Messrs. J. Kirkland, T. lloUiday and Dr. Parker. West Ward -Messrs.
George Elliott, C. J. IJuckland and G, M. Keeling. North Ward -
Messrs. James Armstrong, Fred, (George and Dr, Herod, At the first
meeting of the Council, .Mr, (Jeorge Elliott was chosen Reeve, and Mr,
Chas. Davidson Deputy J^eevc.

The County Councd for the year was composed as follows: — Amar-
anth, Chas. Gillesi)ie, Reeve ; Arthur, John Martin, Reeve, Robt. Mor-
rison, Deputy Reeve ; Elora, (village) Charles Clarke, Reeve ; Eramosa,
D. Black, Reeve, L. Parkinson, Deputy Reeve ; Erin, P. McGill, Reeve,
W. Cornock, Deputy reeve ; Fergus (village), James Grindley, Reeve ;
(iarafraxa, John Dobbin, Reeve, Thos. Duify, Deputy reeve ; (iuelph,
Wm. -Whitelaw, Reeve, John Rannie, Deputy reeve ; (iuelph (town), G.
Elliott, Reeve, Charles Davidson, Deputy reeve ; Luther, George Todd,
Reeve; Maryboro', W. S. Hambly, Reeve, Joseph Medill, Deputy reeve ;
Minto, Joseph Harrison, Reeve, Noah Bullock. I)cputy reeve ; Nichol,
John Beattie, Reeve ; Peel, Wm. Sturtridge, Ree\ e, John Ciibson, Depu-
ty reeve ; Pilkington, John .Smith, Reeve ; Puslmch, Wm. Leslie, Reeve,
John Cockburn, Deputy reeve. On motion of Mr. Leslie, seconded by
Mr. Beattie, Mr. Whitelaw was elected W trden,

A fire of a serious nature occurred on the morning of January 31st,

104

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

on the Market Square, on the premises occupied by H. Jacobs & Co.,
cigar manufacturers and the Castle Garden Saloon, on the site new occu-
pied by the Herald Bloclv. The buildings being principally of wood,
were soon enveloped in flames, and though the fire engines were quickly
on the ground, the hose was rendered useless by the severe frost, only
one engine being able to be of any service whatever. Jacobs &. Co.'s
loss was about $500, while Mr. Moran's on the saloon with the stock
was about $4000.

The period ol crvice of the Governor (ieneral having expired, by
official rule, during the past autumn, and he having been re-appointed by
Her Majesty recently, Mr. Allen moved, in the meeting of Council of
February 6th, the following address, to be presented on behalf of the
Corporation : —

To His Exxellcncy Sir Edmund IVai/ccr Head, K. C. 11, Governor Gen-
eral of British North America i^c, S^c.

May it please your Excelt^ency :

The Municipal Council of the Town of Guelph having learned that
Her Most Gracious Majesty has vouchsafed to testify her cordial approv-
al of the manner in which you have discharged the onerous duties of the
high position you occupy as Her Majesty's representative in this Colony,
by prolonging your terui of office, respectfully beg leave to tender their
sincere congratulations on so desirable and auspicious an event.

Under the judicious, the firm and constitutional rule of your Excel-
lency, agriculture, commerce, manufactures, education— all the staple
interests of the country have been fostered and have flourished ; greatly
increased facilities have been given to internal traffic, the credit of the
province has been maintained and improved, and the country has attained
a position and enjoys a prosperity unsurpassed by any portion of Her
Majesty's dominions.

Should the expectation of Her Majesty's loyal subjects in this Pro-
vince be realised by a visit from the Prince of Wales or other member
of the Royai FamiU in the ensuing summer, we entreat your Excellency's
good offices to nrocure us the honor and the happiriess of welcoming a
scion of Her Majesty's illustrious house to her loyal town of Guelph.

Guelph, February 6th, i860.

Dr. Parker opposed the presentation of this address, on the ground
that the Council should not interfere in any way in politics, while the
majority of the members contended that there was nothing political in it.
Dr. Parker, however, insisted that there was, and that by introducing such
an address, some of the members had disregarded their oath of office,
and threatened that if the address should pass he would resign his seat.
Di'. Parker then moved for an adjournment, which was lost by a vote of
7 to 4. Dr. Parker then moved, seconded by Mr. Kirkland, *' That the
address now ])roposcd to the Administrator of the (lovernment is an
improper interference with public affairs, and calculated to disturb the
efficient working of the Co'.incil." The amendment was then put and
lost, after which the address was carried. At the next meeting of the
Council, the Clerk rend a communication from the Governor General's
Secietar}', acknowledging the receipt of the address and enclosing the
following reply of His Excellency to the same :— •
Mr. Mayor and Centlenioi of the Municipal Council of Guelph.

Although I am not aware that my term of office has been specially
prolonged, I thank yoi'.r very sincerely for your congratulations on my

5 & Co.,

cw occu-
of wood,
; quickly
ost, only
& Co.'s
the stock

piled, by
Dinted by
ouncil of
ilf of the

nor Gen-

rned that
d approv-
ties of the
;s Colony,
ider their

ur Excel-
die staple

greatly
dit of the
attained
)n of Her

this Pro-
member
:cllency's
:omir
lelph.

le ground

while the

cal in it.

in'j such

of oflice,

his scat.

a vote nf

That the

;nt is an

5turb the

put and

ig of the

Jeneral's

)sing the

specially
IS on my

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

105

having continued up to the present time to administer the government of
this Province.

I rejoice to think that the last harvest, with which Providence has
blessed us, will have done much to restore Canada to its former prosper-
ty; and if His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visits the Province,
I shall hope to see hirn welcomed by a thriving and a loyal jjeople.

I acknowledge the expression of your attachment to out most graci-
ous Sovereign.

EDMUND HEAD.

Government House, Quebec, February I3lh, i860.

Dr. Parker then moved, seconded by Mr. Elliott, that the answer of
His Excellency to the Address of the Council, be received and entered
on the minutes of the Council. In moving this the Doctor said the Gov-
ernors reply was an admirable one, and had completely changed his
opinion of His Excellency, who, he now believed, was not such a bad
fellow after all, and he hoped the address would be entered on the min-
utes with the reply.

In February the Town Clerk received a new Commission of the
Peace for ihe Town, containing the following names: -William Clarke,
David Allan, George Elliott, Charles Davidson, John McCrea, W. S. G.
Knowles, John Harris, John Horsman, C. P. P. Hutchinson and James
Hough. At the same time the Clerk of the Peace received a new Com-
mission for the County, as follows:-

Township of Guelph.— John C. Chadwick, George Elliott, Wil-
liam Whitelaw, James Laidlaw, George Piric, William Day.

Township of FIrin. — Henry Read, John McEwan, John Rott,
Adam Conboy, James Kerr.

Township of Eramosa.- John Blanchtleld.

Township of Nichol. — Charles Michie, George C. Hamilton,
Brebner Cadenhead, James Ross, Nicholas Murphy, James Reynolds,
William Tindal, George Wilson, Alexander Muir, Eugene Scanlan, James
Wilson (Fergus), James Grindlay.

Township of Garafraxa. — John Campbell Ross, Joseph W.
Ferrman.

Township of Luther.— George Todd, James Newson, Duncan
Saunders, Hugh McDougall, Jarnes Isles.

Township of Arthur T. H. Philips, Richard Chalmer, John
Morrison (the Eider, Lot 23, Con. loth.)

Township of Pilkington.- Hugh Roberts, Arthur Ross, John
Finlayson, David Henderson, James M. Frazer, John Potter, Walter P.
Newman, William Gibbon, Charles Clarke.

Township of Peel.— Robert Nay, A. Bannerman, George Stewart,
Thomas Holt, James Gibson, Thomas Heritage, William Blackwell,
George Halley, Thomas Burns, Alexander Weir, John Mnlloy, Senior,
Samuel Thompson, David Blair.

Township of Maryborough.— Samuel Kilgour, John Watson,
William Clarke, William Ayerst, John Robinson, William Robinson,
John Walker, WiUiam Johnson, John Kilpatrick, Samuel Benson, Thoma
Henderson, John Johnston, Henry Maudsley.

Township of M into.— Noah BuUork, Robert Caldwell, John
Smithurst, Henry Stovel, Senior, Leonidas Chalmer, Archibald Harrison,
Alexander Dow, William Webber, William Keith, Mat hew G. Miller,
Joseph Harrison.

106

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

At the meeting of Council on May 7th Mi. F. (Jeorge tendered his
lesignation, on account of pressing business engagements, and the resig-
nation was accepted. At the same meeting a committee, consisting of
the Mayor, Messrs. Allan, Kirkland, Keeling, Dr. Parker and Dr. Herod,

appointed to make arrangements for the reception of His Royal

was

Highness the Prince of Wales. On May 21st Dr. Clarke was elected to
till the vacancyin the representation of the North Ward caused by the
resignation of Mr. George.

In May an Act received the Royal sanction for the consolidation of
the debt of the Town of (iuclph, the provisions of which were as follows:
The Tov.n being indebted to the Municipal Loan Fund in the sum of
$80,000, and on ordinary debentures $48,132, the arrears on which were
$3,667 ; and on other accounts the Town being indebted $4,475, the same
should be consolidated by the issue of debentures for such sums uncon-
nected with the Municipal Loan Fund, to the amount of $28,000, for the
purpose of redeeming or discharging certain debentures, due and in a
short time to be due, provided that the by- law for issuing such debentures
should receive the assent of a majority of the electors, and that the Town
should not deviate from, change or repeal the terms of the issue of such
debentures, except that the Town might abstain from issuing all the
debentures. The whole to be redeemable not later than the year 1880.

In the Council on June 4th, the Mayor, Messrs. Allan, Buckland
and Dr. Parker were appointed a committee to correspond witli Rev,
Arthur Palmer with reference to the purchase by the Town of the site of
St. George's church, the result being that Rev. A. Palmer declined to
name a sum, and for a time the matter dropped.

In June of this year the Herald commenced the publication of a
semi- weekly edition, in reference to which some very flattering notices
appeared in the newspapers in various parts of the country. Among
others, the Colonist said: — " Our contemporary the Guelph Hkrald now
publishes a semi-weekly edition, besides his usual weekly issue. We are
glad thus to notice the enterprise and energy displayed, for the Herald
is one of the best Conservative papers we receive. It has long and man-
fully fought our battles, and stood true to the interests and fortunes of
our party. We are glad to notice this sign of increased prosperity, and
hope its spirited proprietor will meet with the success he deserves under
this additional responsibility." The London Free Press said: — "The
Guelph papers have made a sudden start, and there are now two semi-
weekly journals issued in that comfortable well-to-do place. The semi-
weekly edition of the Guelph Herald is now before us, presenting itself
as a well-filled, attractive sheet, containing a capitally selected and well
digested budget of the news of the day, such as may be taken up and
read with pleasure and profit by any one, be his bias what it may. Mr.
Pirie, its conductor and proprietor, is among the oldest members of the
Provincial press, and that he knows well how to cater to his readers is
fully shown in his new and creditable enterprise." The Canadian Free-
man said: — " It is this week our pleasing duty to chronicle a change in
the Guelph Herald. Though differing- essentially with our contem-
porary in general politics, we the more cheerfully accord him the credit
of being among the fairest and most liberal of the Conservative journal-
ists in the Province. The columns of the Herald have always been
open to just remonstrance against grievance or wrong, to truthful refuta-
tion of misrepresentation or falsehood, and to temperate discussion.
Further, we have never known the editor of the Herald to descend to

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

107

;red his
le resig-
sting of
Herod,
5 Royal
ected to
I by the

ation of
follows :
e sum of
ch were
the same
s iincon-
D, for the
and in a
ibentures
he Town
e of such
g all the
r 1880.
Buckland
vith Rev.
he site of
'clined to

tion of a
notices
Among

ALD now
We are

I15RALD

.nd man-
tunes of
rity, and
under
— " The
,vo semi-
he semi-
ng itself
md well
up and
ly. Mr.
Is of the
laders is
pi Free-
in
:ontem-
le credit
iournal-
I's been
rcfuta-
:ussion.
Icend to

the mean and insulting slang with which some other journals befoul
their columns. We wish our contemporary triumphant success."

At the meeting of the Town Council in August 8th, Dr. Parker made
a statement to the effect that the joint committees of the Town and
County Councils had transmitted a memorial to the Governor-General,
soliciting a visit from the Prince of Wales, to which no answer had been
returned. The memorial read thus : —

To His Excellency Sir Edmund Walker Head, Governor General of

British North America, etc., etc.

The memorial of the Joint Committee of the Municipal Councils of
the Town of Guelph and the County of Wellington, to solicit a passing
visit from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the Town of
Guelph, duting his tour through Western Canada, and to make such
arrangements as will insure to His Royal Highness fit and proper recep-
tion within the reach of youi memorialists, should the prayer of your
petitioners be granted — Humbly showeth:

That your memorialists desire to approach your Excellency at this
auspicious moment for Canada with renewed assurances of devoted
attachment and loyalty to the person and government of our gracious,
beneficent and beloved Queen, and, in common with the whole Province,
hail with pride and gratification the approaching visit of His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales to this country.

That the obvious and direct route for His Royal Highness from
Toronto to Sarnia would appear to your memorialists to be by the Grand
Trunk Railway, passing through the centre of the Western Peninsula,
one of the finest and most populous agricultural districts in Canada, thus
affording to a large portion of Her Majesty's Canadian subjects, other-
wise debarred by their remoteness from the frontier towns, an oppor-
tunity of exhibiting their devotion and loyalty to the Crown by welcoming
the Heir apparent to the British Throne io this most important part of
Her Majesty's Dominions.

Therefore your memorialists, on behalf of the people ot this town and
county, pray your Excellency to use your kind offices to secure the Town
of Guelph, a town which bears the illustrious family name of the House
of Brunswick, and is situated on the route, a visit of an hour or two from
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

And your memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray.

Signed by the members of the Joint Committee of the County and
Town Councils.

No reply having been received to this memorial up to August i8th,
the Mayor of Guelph and Warden of Wellington proceeded to Quebec to
present ar other and similar memorial. They were introduced to the
Governor General by Col. Irvine, and presented the memorial, and in
reply his Excellency said the Prince would par- through Guelph and
would probably be induced to stop long enough to receive an address.
The deputation were directed to transmit a copy of the address proposed
to be presented, to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, who would inti-
mate to them when and where the Prince would receive it. At a meet-
ing of the Joint Committee, held a few days afterwards, it was decided
to erect a covered stand in which to receive the Prinze, each person oc-
cupying a seat therein to be charged a small sum for the privilege. An
address was also drafted, and Mr. Hough was despatched to Montreal
to submit it, through the Governor General, to the Duke of Newcastle.

1(»8

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

In a few clays a telegram was received intimating that the Prince would
leave the cars and remain in Guelph for a short time, and preparations
were at once commenced for his reception. On September 12th the
Prince paid his much wished for visit to Guelph, and a most loyal recep-
tion was accorded hmi. The following description, published in the
Hkrald, will give a better idea of the proceedings than anything
written now could possibly do.

Wednesday last will bo written in large letters in the annals of
Guelph, and will be remembered for many years to come, as the period
of an event that must needs be of a rare occurrence in the interior of a
Province so far removed from the central seat of Government of this
mighty empire. How little could the founder of our good town have
anticipated, how remote from even his fertile imagination, the idea, that
in little more than thirty years after he felled the first tree in the un-
broken forest which then stood v/here Guelph now stands, ten thousand
persons would be assembled within a fiew hundred yards of the site of
that goodly maple, to welcome the heir of the British Crown, the eldest
son of the reigning sovereign, after whose illustrious house he named the
embryo town, for which he chose so fair a site.

As only some ten days intervened between the period at which it
was conceded that the Prince should make a short stop at Guelph on his
way to Sarnia, and the date of his arrival, the preparations for the royal
visit had to be made somewhat hastily, but despite such disadvantage
the arrangements were tastelulb.- designed and well and elegantly com-
pleted. The amphitheatre connecting on the one side with the railway
track, through a beautifully ornamented arch, surmounted with a crown
of tlowers, and having on the opposite side a dais surmounted with a
gaily-colored cupola and a flag staff, from which floated the rcval stand-
ard, was capable of accommodating some 6000 persons in the seats and
on the floor. The entrance arch and dais were connected by an elevated
gangway about 150 teet in length, which had a rope rail on either side,
and surmounted by numbers of niinature union jacks, was neatly carpet-
ed. This gangway led up to the platform forming the pedestal of the
dais, which was elevated a few steps above it, was elegantly carpeted,
and furnished with three handsome arm chairs. On the floor of the
amphitheatre to the right of the dais, seats were prepared for the school
children, and on the left some of the brass bands were subsequently
placed. Lofty flagstaffs, bearing a variety of colors andflags, rose from
different parts of the building, which did much credit to Messrs. Bruce
and Armstrong the artificers.

The sidewalks on Wyndham street and the Market Square wxre
tastefully dressed with evergreens, and flags fluttered gaily from the house
tops and from elevated flagstaffs. The Dundas Artillery Company under
Lieut. Smith, which had arrived on the previous evening, drove up and
unlimbered their guns on the upper section of the Market Square early
in the forenoon, Major Notman, who commands the Company, was pre-
vented from attending by sickness in his family. Lieut. McKenzie acted
as signal man, to announce the arrival and departure of the Royal party,
which regulated the firing. The Company wear a very handsome uniform
and have quite a soldierly appearance, and their Brass Band, although
numbering few instruments, were fully as efficient as any on the ground.
The other brass bands present, were those of Fergus, Elora, Berlin and
Guelph, who all merit much praise for their services on this occasion.
Soon after noon, the school children, who had assembled in the Town

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

109

would
rations
!th the

recep-
in the
lything

rials of

period
ior of a

of this
vn have
ea, that
the un- ,
lousand
; site of
; eldest
med the

which it
h on his
he royal
[vantage
tly corn-
railway
a crown
with a
stand-
;ats and
levated
[icr side,
carpet-
1 of the
.rpeted,
of the
school
iquently
,e from
Bruce

Ire were
le house
[y under
I up and
re early
iras pre-
fie acted
[l party,
miform
jlthough
ground,
(in and
Icasion.
Town

Hall to the number of 500, were ushered into the amphitheatre by their
teachers and took their seats, and soon after the gentlemen invited by the
Mayor and Warden to take places on the platform with the members of
the Town and County Councils arranged themselves around the dais.
Colonel Webster, commanding the 6th Military District, Lieut. -Colonel
Saunders, Lieut. -Colonel Fergusson, Lieut. -Colonel Drysdale, Lieut.-Col.
Munro, Major Greet, A. (2- M. G., Major W^ilson, Captain Date, Captain
Hamilton and other olHcers, the Rev. A. Palmer, Rural Dean, Rev. E.
M Stewart, of St. George's church, and Rev. John Hogg, of St. Andrew's
church, these gentlemen appeared in' their clerical gowns — the Re\.
Messrs, McVicar and Torrance, of the Presbyterian church, the Rev.
Messrs. Holzcr and McOuag, Roman Catholic, Rev. Messrs. Douse and
Adams, Methodist, Rev.^Mr. Clarke, Baptist, Rev. Mr. Clarke, Congre-
gationalist, all of Guclph, F. Kerr, Esq., County Surveyor. J. Hough,
Esq., Deputy Clerk of the Crown and A. D. Ferrier, Esq., Clerk of the
County Council, John Miller, Esq., R. F. Nellis, Esq., and Wm. Cooke,
Esq., from Gait, and several other gentlemen were present. The stop-
page of the trains on the line prevented the appearance of several
gentlemen from Toronto.

About 12.30 the rifle company, led by Capt. Higinbotham and pre-
ceded by the Artillery Company's brass band, entered the enclosed space
and took post in front of the arch. They were followed by a detachment
of the Guelph Cavalry (dismounted) who were posted by Colonel Web-
ster in front and rear of the dais.

The Royal party having left Toronto at 11 a.m., were announced in
the instructions transmitted to the employees of the Cirand Trunk along
this section of the line, to arrive in Guelph at i p.m. and that hour was
now at hand. The school children, aided by Messrs. .Sunley, Wheatley,
iS:c., with instrumental music, and led by Mr. James Fergusson, sang
some stanzas in very excellent style, l)ut were not heard, we believe, by
many present, so fully occupied were they in expectation of the arrival of
the Prince.

Precisely at 12.50 the pilot engine, announced to run 10 minutes
ahead of the royal train, passed through the town, setting expectation on
tip-toe. One o'clock passed, however, and the minute hand of the town
clock that looked down on the amphitheatre had passed a third of the
points on its next hours journey, but still there v/as no sign of the ]^rince"s
approach, and many grave conjectures were made as to the cause of de-
tention. The royal party had been detained a few minutes at different
stations on the route, and more especially by descending to view the
stupendous viaduct over the Credit, so that it was 1,22 ere the train ran
up to the landing place.

The Prince immediately left the royal car, and was received on the
platform outside the ar :h by the Mayor and Warden, who, leading the
way into the interior of the amphitheatre, were followed by the Prince's
equerries ; the Prince, -hat in hand, and gracefully bowing — the Governor
General, Duke of Newcastle, General Williams, the hero of Kars, Col.
Bruce, and other members of the Royal suite. The artillery now com-
menced firing the salute, the rifle company presented arms, the school
children rose and waved their handkerchiefs, and the assemb'ed thou-
sands cheered with a vehemence that quite drowned the martial sound of
trumpet and drum, which vainly endeavored to make audible the strains
of the National Anthem.

The Royal cortege passed along the platform amid this outbui'st of

110

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

pl'^asur.ible excitement, the fluttering of flags and strange commingling
of sounds, to the dais, ih the centre of which the Prince turned and
stood until his suite arranged themselves, and a half circle was formed
by the gentleman occupying the platform. The rifle company marching
along the gangway until the leading file reached the platform around the
dais, opened and fell back on each side, forming a double line from the
pjatform to the arch. The Mayor now advanced and read the following
address : —
To His Royal Highness the Prince ok Walks:

May it please your Royal Highness- -

The Mayor and Council on behalf of themselves and the inhab'tants
of Guelph, proudly welcome your Royal Highness to this Town, which
bears the family name of the illustrious House of Brunswick, a town
which has risen in thirty years from an unbroken forest.

We thank your Royal Highness for the honor of this visit, and the
opportunity thus afforded of expressing our loyalty and devotion to the
person of our Queen ; and attachment and fealty to the free institutions
of the great Empire of which we are proud to form an integral part.

We entertain a profound sense of Her Majesty's kind and gracious
consideration for her Canadian subjects, in delegating your Royal High-
ness to visit Canada, and are deeply sensible of our obligations to your
Royal Highness, in encountering the fatigues and perils of an Atlantic
voyage, to come amongst us.

Our warm affections will follow your Royal Highness, and our earnest
prayers to Almighty God for your safe return to that empire whose future
liopes and expectations, in common with our own, are bound up in your
Royal Highness. JOHN HARYEY, MAYOR.

The address, which was beautifully engrossed on parchment, was
received by the Prince, who handed it to the Duke of Newcastle. The
Warden then came for\vard and read the following address from the
County Council :

To His Royal Highness, Prince AWert Ed^vani, Prince of Wales, Duke
of Saxony, Prince of Cobonrg and Gotha, Grand Steward of Scot-
land, Duke of Cornioall and Rothsay, Earl of Chester, Carrick and
Dublin^ Baron of Renfrew, and Lord of the Isles.

May it Please Your Royal Hiohnkss:

We, the municipal representatives of tlie County of Wellington, in
County Council assembled, gladly avail ourselves of the opponunity pre-
sented by this visit of your Royal Highness to our County Town, to tes-
tify in word as we are ever ready to do in our daily li\es, our devotion to
the crown and person of our illustiious and beloved sovereign, while with
others we cannot avoid the expression of our regret that the duties
appertaining to the high position held by her gracious Majesty have pre-
vented her acceptance of the invitation proficred by our Legislature, and
from becoming personally acquainted with the present feeling of loyalty
pervading this portion of her dominions. We gratefully acknowledge
the readiness with which she has met theprayer of her Canadian subjects,
by deputing, as her representative, one who at some distant day will
wield the sceptre now held by her. In doing this, we beg to congratu-
late your Royal Highness upon the enthusiastic and hearty reception
which has greeted you during your tour through the province, and can
assure you that in the backwoods of this peninsula, thousands of miles
from the parent state, where the hardy pioneer is busily engaged in

Duke

\f Scot-
ick and

ton, in

ty pre-

to tes-

3tion to

Ic with

duties

ve prc-

re, and

loyalty

wledgc

ibjects,

ay will

ign>fu-

:cption

nd can

f miles

^g'ed in

battling with the difficulties of a fresh settlement in a forest land, there
burns ai strong a feeling of attachment to tlie throne as in those "happy
homes of England," in the midst of which you dwell.

And our pleasure in welcoming you to this section of Canada, is onl)-
marred by the reflection that the limited time at your disposal does not
permit you to travel through the interior of the noble country spreading
from this town northward to the shores of Lake Huron and to witness
how the labors of less than a score of years have converted the wilder-
ness into a land ^teeming with plenty, and tilled with a prosperous and
contented people.

in conclusion we pray your Royal Highness to convey to our belov-
ed Sovereign this expression of the feelings of devotion and esteem which
animate the people of this country ; and an assurance, that should
occasion ever call for more active proofs of loyalty, the nien of Welling-
ton will bo found worthy ot the illustrious name which they proudly bear.

WILLIAM WHITELAW, Wakdkn.

The Prince having handed the County address— which was equally
handsomely got up as the other- to the Duke of Newcastle, received
from him and read, with a singularly distinct and musical intonation, the
following reply ; delivering, at the conclusion, the document to the
Mayor: —

Gkntlkmen, I thank you sincerely for the Address which you
have presented to me.

In the Queen's name I thank you sincerely for the expressions of
your loyalty to her crown and person, and for myself I am grateful to you
for this welcome to this the chief town of so fertile and beautiful a dis-
trict, bearing, as it does, the name of my own family.

The Mayor was now directed to present the gentlemen of the Town
Council, and then the members of the County Council were presented by
the Warden. Colonel Webster and the Rev. A. Palmer, who had been
presented at Toronto, again paid their respects to the Prince, and the
school children sung the following stanzas in admirable style :-

^ Ciod suvc our gracious (jiicen,

Loiifj may Victori.'i reign,

(Jod save the Queen !
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
l.oni; to reisn over us,

(joil save tlie (^\ieen I

Crowned with each kin^jiy grace.
Wisdom and righteousness.

Our youthful Prince ;
.Strong in tht nation's might,
Alay he defend the right,
J'urn al! liis foe:; to flight,

Cod save the Trincc !

The Prince now descended from the dais, and preceded by his
equerries and followed by the rest of his suite, passed slowly round the
platform, giving to the multitude outside the enclosures a perfect view of
his person and countenance. This condescension on the part of his
Royal Highness was met with another hurricane of hurrahs. Lingering
a minute in front of the dais, the procession then passed between the
lines of the Rifles towards the railway, followed by the gentlemen on the
platform. The artillery now began firing the parting salute, the bands
commenced " God Save the Queen !' which soon passed into " Rule,
Britannia !" and the crowd in the amphitheatre, from the basenient away

112

THE ANNALS OF T\}7 TOWN OF GUELPH.

up to the highest range of seats in the lofty senu-circle, arose sinuilta-
neousl> and cheered loudly and long. And so, amid thf: clamor of voices
and instruments, the steam whistle uttered its shrill scream, and the
Royal party in a few seconds were out of sight ; the people came down
from house tops and verandahs, and the amphitheatre was emptied of its
occupants in a twinkling. The Prince's visit occupied scarcely twenty
minutes. He was, indeed, only 14 minutes within the arch.

In the afternoon the officers of the Dundas artillery company, the
Guelph cavalry, including the gentlemen about to receive commissions
in the corps — Capt. Hutchinson, ist Lieut. Hemmings, and 2nd Lieut.
Hood, with several officers of the sedentary militia, dined at Thorp's
hotel. The cavalry paraded the streets mounted, in the evening, and the
different bands discoursed music in all directions.

In the evening nearly all the houses on Wyndham Street, were il-
luminated. Among the more conspicuous, were Higinbotham's block at
one end, and the Alma block at the o'.her, the Great Western hotel and
Mr. Harte's store on the opposite side of the street, in front of which
weresuspended some pretty colored Chinese lanterns, were well lighted up.

The store of Horsman Brothers, ironmongers, was very tastefully
illuminated, showing four beautiful transparencies, in the top window,
surround by " the mammoth horse shoe," was a large crown with the let-
ters V. R. Underneath this window were three other transparencies in a
line, the one in the centre being the Prince of Wales' feathers, with the
motto " Ich Dien," the one on the left represented the arms of Canada,
with the legend ** hon mutal genus solon" and on the right was the rose,
thistle, shamrock and maple leaf entwined, surrounded by the inscription
" we are all one." The /o/zl enseinhlc had a very pleasing effect, and re-
flects great credit on our enterprising townsmen Horsman Brothers.

The British hotel was also well lighted and had colored lights hanging
from the evergreens in front, and the seminary of the Ladies of Loret'io
was a blaze of light, its spacious front and elevated position, giving it a
singularly brilliant appearance. In the evening the Town Council gave
a ball in the Town Hall which was attended by Col. and Mrs. Webster,
the Mayor and the Mi.^'ses Harvey, Major and Mrs. Wilson, the members
of the Town Council, officers of the active and sedentary militia, and a
host of civilians. Dancing was kept up with much spirit till midnight,
and a day of much enjoyment was concluded without accident or disap-
pointment.

One of the members of the Prince's suite, in an account of the
tour, published in tlic Si. yovies' Chronicle, one of the oldest and best
papers then published in Great Britain, in referring to the visit to Guelph
said : — " But at the beautiful town of Guelph the first really fine and im-
posing spectacle was presented after leaving Tornto. The town is charm-
ingly situated in the hollow of a basin, the sides being gently swelling
hills, all of them, or most of them, exc ^dingly well cultivated, and dotted
with snug and handsome villa residences with gardens and orchards.
The station is apparently in the middle of the town, and here, close to a
splendid and highly ornamented stone structure (which I learned was
the town hall) a tasteful pavilion was erected, facing the railway, and on
one side was an amphitheatre, something like that at Toronto, only not
on so large a scale. A throne was placed under the pavilion, and at the
foot of the dais the Guelph corporation were v/aiting with their address.
The amphitheatre was filled with well-dressed people — some 4,000 or
upwards — while outside a large open space contained a crowd twice as

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

113

simulta-
)f voices
and the
ne down
ed of its
r twenty

lany, the
missions
d Lieut.
Thorp's
, and the

were il-
block at
lotel and
of which
ghtedup.
tastefully
window,
h the let-
ncies in a
, with the
■ Canada,
the ro3e,
iiscriplion
, and re-
isers.

js hanging
f Loretlo
ing it a
cil gave
IWebster,
Imembers
a, and a
Inidnight,
|or disap-

of the

md best

Ciuelph

and im-

|s charm-

|swelling
dotted

Orchards.

lose to a

led was

and on

|only not
i at the
iddress.
|.,ooo or

Itwice as

large in number, and the houses abutting on the square had their windows
filled with spectators. There was a fine triumphal arch, and of course the
town was gaudily decorated. A number of children sang the National
Anthem as the Prince walked to the pavilion, and the greatest enthuiasm
as usual prevailed. The Prince was evidently much struck with the fer-
tility of the country about (luelph, and indeed said so in reply to the
address which was presented to him. He also said that he was peculiar-
ly gratified at receiving an address from a town which bore his family
name. The people of this beautiful and nourishing town, now containing
about 5,000 inhabitants, will never forget the gracious condescension of
his Royal Highness, and in this section of Upper Canada loyal sentiment
is likely to burn brighter than ever.

"There is an appearance of prosperity about duelph which is most
pleasing to behold. It is the most attractive-looking town and neighbor-
hood I have yet behel.l in Upper Canada. There are several really
splendid buildings, evincing good taste in theirarchitecture, among which
I must name the Town Hall, the English Church, the Court House, and
more than one elegant row of houses and shops, which I was enabled to
obtain a glimpse of during a hurried scamper through a portion of the
town. Thero are sex .^ral really imposing hotels, one of which I entered,
and found the interior fitted up in quite a luxurious manner. The town
is a stone one ; most of the public, and many of the private buildings are
constructed of this material, which is peculiar, differing from any other
stone which I have seen in Canada. It is a kind of limestone, but to my
observation seemed to partak. of the saponaceous. Viewing the sur-
rounding splendid agriculturing country, which extends to nearly fifty
miles in length on the Grand Trunk Railway, I should say that Guelph is
destined to become the centre of one of the finest and richest districts in
Canada West, and certainly here no English capitalist can do wrong in
investing his surplus funds. I shall not soon forget Guelph — the fine
aspect of the town, although the streets are by no means regular, and the
English church occupying the centre of the principal thoroughfare — the
beautiful rolling country, admirably farmed all around, and the pretty
little river speed."

From Guelph the Prince proceeded to London, where a grand ovation
was prepared for him, and in the evening a ball was given at the Tecumseh
House. From London the royal party went to Sarnia, and from thence
to Detroit, Chicago, &c.

During ttie visit of the Prince to Kingston, some unfortunate mis-
understandings arose on account of the position which the Orange body
felt it their duty to assume in reference to the reception of his Royal
Highness, and some persons had charged the Orangemen with disloyalty,
the charge being reiterated by the London Times. At a soiree given by
the Orange Lodge in this town subseciuently, Hon. John Hillyard Cam-
eron, Grand Master and Sovereign of the Loyal Orange Institution of
British North America, in referring to the matter, said, " there had been
an attempt to insult and coerce Orangemen, and in the irritation conse-
quent on such provocation, some of them may have been betrayed into
proceedings that were to be regretted, but they were not the * ruffians' the
London Times had termed them ; there were none more loyal to their
Queen, nor more ready to shed their blood for the maintenance of British
connection." The Orangemen in the town also, while they regretted the
occurrences which took place at Kingston, took every means to disavow
any disloyalty either in word or thought, and repelled the insinuations

J,.

114

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

which had been made in various ciuarters, inimical to their avowed love
for the Oueen and British institutions.

At the November yXssi^es the trial of George Harris, for murder, took
place. The evidence adduced showed the crime to have been one of the
most atrrcious and unprovoked ever perpetrated in this part of the
country. Harris was a colored man, a laborer, living near the town, and
for about eighteen months he had been living with a colored girl named
Sophia Waldren, about sixteen years of age, but they were not married,
though deceased went by the name of Rachel Harris. P{arris had been
in the h<d)it of beating her, and on Sunday, August 26th, while under the
inllucnce of liquor, he had knocked her down and beaten her with a
small rod to such an extent that the Ijody piesented one mass of inflam-
mation and wounds from head to foot, from the results of which cruelty
she soon died, when Harris carried the body into the woods and went
and told some neighbors that she had fallen from a tree into a pile of elm
tops and jjcen killed. The jury returned a verdict of guilty and the
prisoner was sentenced to be hanged December 21st. Shortly before his
execution Harris dictated a statement in which he said he was 45 years
of age, and that he hatl been married, his wife and one child having died
under what were considered suspicious circumstances, some years pre-
viously. He denied that he had murdered the girl Waldren, asserting
that she had bruised herself while wandering about in a drunken state,
though, as the medical testimony had proved that blows had been inflict-
ed by some person, he must have done it. At the execution, which took
place outside one of thj windows in the Court House, there were present
about 1600 persons, but all passed off (.[uietly.

For some time the Reform party had been giving dinners to their
leaders in various parts of the country, at which statements had been
made respecting the members of the government which it was found ad-
visable to contradict, and for this purpose the Conservatives of Ciuelph,
with some other towns, invited Hon. John A. Macdonald to a dinner, to
give him an opportunity of making a statement in reply. The dinner was
given in the Town Hall, which was tapestried with flags and scrolls,
suitable mottoes being placed over the windows and doors. A table for
the invited guests was set out on the platform, at the west end, and three
long tables were run from the platform to the foot of the hall. Covers
were laid for 250 guests, but these were occupied at the first rush, the
steps and breast of the pl.tfonn, the window seats and every avail-
able nook and corner of the hall we e converted into dining tables
for the nonce. I'he stewards and some thirty other gentlemen had to
stand until others, having dined, relinquished to them their places at
table, the number present being little short of four hundred. J^ut besides
those who obtained sitting or standing r./om not a few persons retired, on
seeing the crowded state of the hall, without attempting to enter. The
company having taken their seats, the invited guests, preceded by the
Mayor, entered and passed up to the platlbrm, while the " Hail to the
Chief !" of the brajs band was speedily drowned by the cheering of the
crowd.

Mr. John Harvey, Mayor of Guelph, occupied the chair, and the
vice-chairs were tilled by Dr. Finlayson, of Elora; Mr. John Watt, of
Fergus, and Mr. J. Davis, of Erin.

On the chairman's right were placed the Hon. John A. Macdonald,
Hon. Solicitor-General Morriaon, Rev. A. Palmer, Col. Kingsmill. Mr. J.
Hespeler, Mr. Andrew. Geddes, and Dr. Clarke. On the left of the chair

wed love

cler, took
ne of the
rt of the
own, unci
:1 named
married,
lad been
aider the
;r with a
if inflam-
h cruelty
md went
lile of elm
' and the
before his
45 years
Lving died
ears pre-
asserting
ken state,
:en intlict-
hich took
•e present

-s to their

had been

bund ad-

(iuelph,

tinner, to

nner was

Id scrolls,

table for

nd three

Covers

rush, the

;ry avail-

ng- tables

had to

laces at

besides

tired, on

ir. The

d by the

kil to the

|g of the

and the
I Watt, of

xlonald,
II. Mr. J.
the chair

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

115

were the Hon, John Ross, the Hon. S. Smith, Dr. Henick, Mr. J. J.
Kingsmill, Col, Rich, Captain Date and Mr. VVilliam Alexander. The
press was represented by Mr. Greig, of the Toronto LiuxcUr^ Mr. Harvey,
of the Hamilton Spectator, Mr. Jaffray, of the Gait Reporter^ Mr. Green-
ham, of the Fergus Constitution, ar>d the editors of the local journals.

The following gentlemen acted as stewards: — Dr. Herod, Dr. Harvey,
Messrs. Charles Davidson, J. Horsman, W. S. G. Knowles, Y. Kerr,

F. J. Chadwick, Capt. Hutchinson. J. Davis, G. Murton, W. Allan,
J. Webster, Jr., W. Wilson, J. Allan, J. Douglas, J. C. Wilson and J.
Harrison.

Among the guests around the long tables, were Mr. N. Kingsmill,
Capt. Vale, Messrs. J. Davie, A. Hogge, H. \V. Parker, R. Johnstone
(Fergus), A. Quarry, Col. Saunders, Col. Hewat, R. Corbet, A. A. Baker,
D.Allan, R.Brodie, J. Beattie (Reeve of Nichol), Col. Wilton (Peel),
John lies, John Caulfield, James Webster, Kd. Carthew, W, P. Wilson,
J. C. Chadwick, R. Shortreed, D. Muri-ay, Col. Valentine, S. L. Shotter,
(Erin), J. Thorp, J. L. Smith, M. Anderson and A. Cadenheaci (Fergus,)

G. McKenzie Stewart, T. W. Saunders, A, Lemon, S. Broadfoot and A.
Sherratt (Nichol), J. Fiulayson (St. Jacobs), James Reynolds, W. Rev-
nolds; J. Morrison, C. O'Callaghan and M. Cox, Arthur; William Gib-
bon, Flora ; H. Tolton, D, Day and J. McKerlie, Eramosa ; Major Wil-
son, Dr. Munro and R. Brown, Fergus ; R. Thompson, J. Presant, James
Thorp, William Lindsay, J. Coulson, G. Draper, C. McElderry, J. Kellar,
A. V,. Stewart, John Millar, B.J. Harte, J. Murphy, J. Hazelton, M. Ryan,
T. K. Beatty, G. Fox, John Hogg, F. Fetherstonhaugh, E. Harland, J.
15ain (Flora), E. V. Smith, A. W. Blyth, George Richardson, A. Blyth,
Jr., T. Card, A. Kennedy, J. Mitchell, A. Allan, A. McKenzie, E. Hub-
bard, J. Watson, D. Henderson, P. Moran, J. O'Neill, G. Robins, J.
McCrae, T. VV. Cooper, J. M, Eraser (Flora), R. Lingwood (Nichol), J.
Leslie, B. Ternant and J. A. Thompson, Arthur; J. McLaren, Er.notville;
John Green, Elora, &c.

Grace was said by Rev. Arthur Palmer, who, after dinner, also re-
turned thanks. The usual loyal toasts were then drunk, and Col. Kings-
mill delivered a most patriotic address, which was greeted with loud
cheers.

The chairman then said, the gentleman who would next speak had
had his share, at least, of abuse, while making efforts which he considered
eminently successful in the interests of the country. He then gaA'e "The
Hon. Attorney- General Macdonald," which was received with the great-
est enthusiasm.

Hon. J. A. Macdonald then rose and said :--

" Mr. Mayor, Vice-Chairmen, and Gentlemen: — I should indeed be
devoid of those sentiments which must actuate every man of proper feel-
ing, if I did not experience the greatest pleasure and thankfulness for this
reception — this kindly greeting from the people of Guelph and the County
of Wellington. For it is a greeting like this — a kindly welcome of this
kind — that compensates a public man for much of the trial and oblocjuy
that he must go through during his career, (Applause.) As you have
said, sir, a public man gets plenty of abuse, and I get more than my share
of it ; but as I have acted according to the best of my ability aud judg-
ment — although, of course, I have committed many errors— as i ieel my
meaning to have been honest, and that I des'gncd in my best way to do
the best for my country, I have been able to bear up against all the
attacks to which I have been subjected, and I have confided in the good

116

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

hearts and the fair play of the people, of Upper Canada especially, feeling
that they would not allow me to be condemned unheard. (Cheers.) And
I find, from meetings like this, that although I have been traduced, I can
yet face the people of Upper Canada at a public board, and that they are
willing not only to allow me an opportunity of giving explanatory state-
ments, but are ready to ride many a mile to meet me, notwithstanding the
inclemeney of the weather and the breaking up of our summer roads.
(Cheers.) Hereafter, then, though I may be subjected, as I certainly
shall be, to many attacks, calumnies, and sinister representations, I will
look back and remember with confidence which will cheer me, the greet-
ing which has been given me by the men of Wellington and Waterloo,
who have come to bid me Godspeed. (Applause.) I must say that, even
though I knew I had many personal and more political friends in this
part of the country, I did not expect this magnificent demonstration in
Guelph. Some Opposition papers have said that nobody would be here
to meet John A. but a parcel of parasites and toadies — that a set of mere
sycophants, officials, and seekers for ottice, would come (laughter), but I
find that there is a fair representation of the whole bone and sinew of the
country. I ascertain from those who know you, that here I can find the
honest farmer who has driven thirty or forty miles to meet me ; while
the merchant and the hard-working artizan are here, too, to meet their
fellow-countrymen." He then at great length reviewed the action of the
(Government on all the questions of public interest at that time, contend-
ing that what had been done had been for the immediate and ultifnate
good of the country, and would be looked upon in after years as the best
policy which could have been adopted. Other toasts followed, and one
of the most successful and best conducted political demonstrations ever
held in Guelph was then brought to a close.

On Saturday evening a fire occured in the Victoria Mill, owned by
Mr. J. Presant, and it being a frame building, it became an easy prey to the
flames. The wind at the time was blowing a hurricane, and several other
buildings in the neighborhood were for a time in great danger of being
sacrificed, but by the effoi'ts of the firemen and the inhabitants, these
were saved. The fire engines were early on the spot but the only result,
so far as the mill was concerned, was the destruction of the hose carriage,
which, having been run close to the mill, could not be withdrawn and was
burned. It was soon evident that the mill could not be saved by human
eflorls, and attention was directed to the getting out of flour and grain,
and to the safety of a cottage a short distance off, occupied by Mr. Bradley
and the miller, and that of the residence of Mr. Presant, still further dis-
tant. The former building soon caught fire, but it was, by considerable
exertion^, extinguished, and Mr. Presant's house was only kept from ignit-
ing by the use of wet blankets and water thrown by hand ; the heat was
so intense, the sweep of the flames so overpowering, and the wind so high
that the fir<p engines were useless. In less that two hours from the break-
ing out of the fire the mill was reduced to a heap of smouldering brands.
The loss on the building, machinery and produce was estimated, by Mr*
Presant, at $12,000, on which there was no insurance, a policy from the
Wellington Mutual having expired only a short time before. Mr. Pres-
ant called a few days belore the fire at the Company's office, with the
intention of renewing the policy, but, unfortunately, did not find the
Secretary.

The elections did not excite very great interest in i86i. For the
mayoralty, it was the wish of a considerable body of the electors that Mr.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

ned by
y to the
I other
being
, these
resuh,
irriage,
nd was
human
grain,
radley
er dis-
lerable
ignit-
t was
o high
break-
rands.
y Mr*
m the
Pres-
h the
d the

)r the
U Mr.

John Harvey should serve another year, but at a public meeting he said,
that though he would leave the matter in the hands of the ratepayers, he
was not anxious to be a candidate. The election was consequently con-
tested by Mr. George Palmer and Dr. Parker, the result being that Dr.
Parker was elected. The Councillors for the year were : — East Ward-
Messrs. C. Davidson, N. Higinbotham and Geo. Hood. South Ward —
Messrs. H. W. Paterson, J. Kirkland and T. Holliday. West Ward —
Messrs. G. M. Keeling, C. Buckland and T. Gowdy: North Ward— Mr.
John Harvey, Dr. Hood and Dr. Clarke. Mr. John Harvey was chosen
Keeve, and Mr. Kirkland Deputy Reeve.

The County Council of the year was composed of the following gen-
tlemen : —

MUNICIPALITY. REEVE. DEPUTY REEVE.

Amaranth C. Gillespie

Arthur F. Thompson C. Dowd

Elora village C. Clarke

Kramosa D. Black L. Parkinson

Erin P. McGill W. Everdell

Fergus village . . . . W. Robertson

Garafrax J. Dobbin W. Armstrong

(juelph W. Whitelaw J. Laidlaw

Guelph town J. Harvey J. Kirkland

Luther D. Saunders

Maryborough. . . .W. S. Hambly W. Ayerst

Minto A. Harrison N. Bullock

Nichol S. Wissler

Peel T. Garbutt W. Sturtridge

Pilkington J. Smith

Puslinch Wm. Leslie S. Taylor

Mr. Wm. Whiteliw was re-elected Warden.

The committee of the Farmer's and Mechanic's Institute, feeling
that some more tangible proof of their appreciation of the services of
Mr. Edwin Newton, the Secretary, was due to him than the mere routine
vote of thanks, decided to present him with a piece of plate, which was
done on the evening of February 20th. The presentation was accom-
panied by the following rddress : —

7o Edwin Newton, Esq., Secretary of the Guelph Fanners and Mechan-
ics' Institute.

We, the undersigned President and Members of Committee of the
Institute, at the commencement of the fourth year of the discharge ot
your duties as Secretary, beg your acceptance of the accompanying piece
of plate, as a small testimonial of the appreciation and respect of the
Institute toward you. We bear willing testimony to the untiring devo-
tion and cheerhil support you have rendered to the Institute, not merely
• as an oftice-bearer, but as a private member, and that the prosperous
and successful condition of thj same is attributable in no small measure
to yourself.

Although your onerous and important duties have always been gra-
tutiously rendered, we are fully persuaded that no pecuniary recompense
would have been as acceptable as the pleasant reflection that you have
contributed your utmost endeavors in promoting the elevating and praise-
worthy objects of the Institute, and achieving for it no trifling share of its
present useful and flourishing position. . . _

118

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

The value and importance of this reflection, we trust, sir, will not be
impaired by our tribute of sincere respect and estimation for you, both in
your official and private character, accompanied, as it is, by the kindest
wishers of every member of the Guelph Farmers and Mechanic's Institute.

(Signed) A. M. JACKSON, President.

David Savage, V. P. ; James Gow, V. P. ; T. Sandilands, Treasurer; N.
Higinbotham, David Allan, R. M. Moore, John Horsman, T. S. Parker,
H. W. Peterson, Robt. Melvin, John C. Allan, A. Mackenzie, James
Cormack, A. B. Stewart, Alexander Thomson, D. Guthrie, T. Anderson.

Mr. Newton responded in a brief but feeling manner, expressing his
high appreciation of the kindness of his friends, and the interest which he
would always take in the Institute.

In the Council in April a petition, signed by Mr. Sheriff Grange and
150 other taxpayers was presented, as follows : —
To His Worship the Mayor, and Council of the To7vn of Guelph :

The petition of the undersigned ratepayers humbly sheweth : That
a petition was presented to your predecessors in office last year, signed
by a large and influential portion of the taxpayers of this Municipality,
praying that steps should be taken to lease or sella portion of the Market
Square ; that the Council of last year did take action and made some
progress in the matter : that the Mayor and Council for the current year
have applied to Parliament for power to carry out the request of said' pe-
titioners ; that your petitioners some of whom signed the petition of last
year, believe that the circumstances which existed last year, and which
induced many to sign that petition have changed, insomuch as the busi-
ness of the Market has greatly increased ; but there is every prospect
that it will continue to increase, and, therefore, a more apparent necessity
to reserve the whole of the Market Square for market purposes : and
further, that the unanimity which then existed upon its subject among
the property-holders upon the Market Square does not now exist, and
the strong probability is that ill feeling and litigation will result, if the
measure originally asked for be not abandoned, are additional reasons
which induce your petitioners respectfully to request your worshipful body
to take immediate steps to withdraw the application I'ecently made to
Parliament for power to lease or sell some portion of the Market Square.

And your petitioners, &c.,

Guelph, April 8th, 1861.

The census of the entire county having been taken during the previ-
ous year by Mr. W. S. G. Knowles, he reported to the Town Council in
February, that at the time of taking the census the population of Guelph
Town was 5140. The folloAving is a copy of the statistics : —

POPULAT/ON.

Males 2547

Females 2583

Total 5 1 30

PLACES OF IJIRTH.

England 968

Ireh.nd 910

Scotland 580

Upper Canada 2339

Lower Canada 96

United States 141

France, Germany, &c 96

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

Episcopalians 1282

Roman Catholics 11 76

Church of Scotland 402

Free Church ditto 51^

United Presbyterians 173

Wesleyans 857

Baptists 98

Protestants 133

Primitive Methodists 106

New Connection 6

Evangelical Union 54

Ouakers 7

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

119

will not be
ou, both in
;he kindest
's Institute,
'resident,
asurer ; N .
, S. Parker,
izie, James
\ Anderson,
pressing his
;st which he

Grange and

;weth : That
>'ear, signed
VTunicipality,
,f the Market
made some
current year
St of said pe-
etition of last
ir, and which
ii as the bu si-
very prospect
rent necessity
urposes : and
ibject among
ow exist, and
result, if the
lonal reasons
)rshipful body
ntlv made to
arket Square.

ing the previ-
wn Council in
.on of C.uelph

INATIONS.

1282

1 176

402

5ie

>73

857

133

. . . 106
'."...,. 6

". 54

Congregationcdists 263

Christians

Lutherans

Universalists

Second Adventists

Episcopal Methodists

EDUCATION.

Boys attending school 457

<^''rls '• '• 393

5
I

6
5

Total 850

Males over 20 who cannot read

or write- 40

Females over 20 who cannot l

LIVE STOCK.

Horses 384

Cows and horned cattle 559

Sheep 27

Pigs 443

Total value $38, 151 00

DWELLING HOUSES.

Stone 238

Brick 58

Frame 568

Log 69

Total 933

FACTORIES, ETC.

read or write 39|Grist mills 2

Tanneries 3

Total 79 Breweries 3

Widowers 53

Widows 100

Colored persons 10

Lunatics 2

Births in i860 1S8

Deaths in i860 55

The following were the statistical returns for the County as shown by
the census taken at the same time: —

Distillery i

Cloth factory i

Planing factories 2

Iron foundries 3

Printing offices 3

Townships.

Puslinch ....
Guelph Tp .. I

Nichol I

Pilkington. . . ;

l^lora :

Fergus j

Minto I

Peel j

.Maryborough!
(jarafraxa . . . j
Amaranth . . . j

Luther |

Eramosa . . .
Erin

Births Died,

i860

Total 21478 19094140572

4
1>S

34
21
16'
26
II
7
43
28

274

For several years there had been a feeling that tlie assessment rolls
of the County did not give so full and accurate a statement of the actual
value of land and property as was desirable, and in taking the census on
this occasion great care was taken to obtain such information as would
make the statement as nearly as possible correct, and the agricultural
census of the Coi?nty showed the following figures :

120

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

Townships.

j I Under

Acres Cultiva-
loccupied. I tion.

Cash

vakie of

Farms, $.

Vakie ofiTotal vahie
Farm Im indols.ofall
plemcnts Live Stock.

1. Puslinch !

2. Guelph

3. Eramosa

4. Nichol

5. Pilkington... .

6. Amaranth ... .

7. Luther

S. Garafraxa. . . .

9. Peel

10. Minto

1 1 . Arthur

12. ^Laryborou<(h.

13. Erin

55-679
34.207

27
18

I74><

942
508

744
16.514

54.429

60 . 9 1 3

52.439
49.617

43. 572
60 753

32.884 I
22.953KI
19-653;^
15-233
16. 127

6.625

2.046
24.520;..
-5 032

7-440,"^'
13-034

14.056 '<

32.743

Total 532.49!/'^ 232.348;^ 12. 464. 800I505. 031 1 .616.248

I .636.625

1-5^3-340

967.42:

I .226. 516

939.150

333-400

105.820

1 .250. no

1.318.570

416.650

599.720

838 . 500

1.248.974

76.468
56.865
46 . 984
49.706

31-789
12.780

2.049
55-301
56-530
1 1 . 504

25-443
30 . 1 7 1

49-441

2'32 . 742

179^888
130.165
120. 120
110.644
37.680
1 2 . 596
167.857
161 .669

59-755

81.956

91 .421

229.755

In June the otficc of postmaster of Gueljih became vacant by the
death of Mr. Robert Corbet, which occurred on Sunday, June 23rd. His
death was alike sudden and unexpected. Havin<^ been for a short walk,
he reached home about half-past nine, and shortly afterwards went to
bed. He had retired but a ;.hort time, when he bejjan to cough and spit
blood. The nearest medical man was sent for in all haste, and Dr.
Herod was in attendance almost immediately, only to find his patient
beyond the reach of medical aid, and when Dr. Clarke arrived a fe'.v
minutes later, Mr. Corbet had expired. Death was the result of the rup-
ture of a blood vessel in the region of the lungs. Mr. Corbet was in his
59th year, healthy and robust, and with every appearance of enjoying for
many years a green old age. He had been postmaster of Guelph for the
long period of twenty-four years, his being one of the oldest appoint-
ments in the ser\ ice, and he had seen the business of the office increase
under his management many hundred-fold. He was diligent, industrious
and provident in business, and had, in the course of his long residence
in town, amassed considerable property, having erected one of the finest
and most valua'jle blocks of buildings in the business portion of the town.
1 le was a native of (iiasgow, J-'.cotland, and son of Mr. James Corbet, an
old and respected employee of the Canada Company, who was present
when the first tree was felled in Guelph. At the funeral, nearly all the
business men in town were present, most of the stores being closed on
that afternoon.

In the general election, which occurred in June, consequent on the
dissolution of Parliament, Mr Stirton, who had been elected in 1858, was
returned without oj^position in the South Riding. In the North Riding
the contest was between Dr. Clarke and Mr. James Ross, who had de-
feated Mr. Webster at the previous election. The result was a victory
for Dr. Clarke by 7 1 \ otcs.

Finding that it would be impossible for him to attend to the interests
of his constituents in the North Riding of Wellington, and discharge the
duties of Councillor at the same time. Dr. Clarke, at the meeting of the
Town Council on August 5th, resigned his seat at the Bo^rd, and at the

THE ANNALS OP THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

131

on the
I58, was
1 Riding

lad dc-
Ivictory

iterests

rge the

of the

at the

election which followed Mr. (leorge Palmer was elected in his place
without opposition.

The Government having recently made some important changes in
the location of the military stations, and some further alterations being
in contemplation, it was thought advisable to ask the (Jovernn-'-nt to
station some of the troops in (lucliih, and a memorial to that ehict was
adopted in tlie Council, as follows:
Jo J lis Excelleiuv Sir Edmiiiul W'alkir ILiuf, Liart.y Coininandey-iii-

CJiief:—
May it Plkase Your Excellency.

We, the Corporation of the Town of Cuelpli, having learned from
the ])ub]ic prints that a large addition is immediately to be made to the
military force now in Canada, beg leave respectfully to submit to your
Excellency's favorable consideration the following among the claims cf
Guelph as a military station, or as quarters for troops.

That in 1854 the Commissioners selected Guelph as a place for the
erection of an arsenal.

That Guelph is situated in the centre of ()ne of the finest agricultural
districts in Western Canada, with excellent gravel roads diverging into
all ]>arts of the interior, and is connected by the (irand Trunk Railroad _
and (iroat Western, with all the principal places, cities and towns in
Upper Canada.

That Guelph is, in population, the fourth town in the Upper Pro-
vince, and is, commercially, entitled to a much higher rank.

That all articles of food, forage and fuel, of the best c}uality and in
unlimited quantities, may be procured in Gnelph, at rates as cheap, or
cheaper, than in any other place in Canada.

That Guelph is noted for its salubrity, and has never suffered from
afiy endemic disease, while the beauty and picturesqueness of its scenery
makes it a most desirable place of residence.

That Guelph can offer barrack accommodation, second to none in
the Province, not specially erected lor such purpose, composed of a large
four-story stone hotel, with a range of h\e three-story stone buildings
attached, which would furnish the necessary accommodation for officers
and men connected with which is a large stone stable. These buildings
have an abundant supply cf excellent water; opposite these buildings is
an extensive public square which could be used as a parade ground.
There is another large stone building in the town which could also be
obtained if required. The whole can be had at a merely nominal rent.

Should your Excellency grant the prayer of this Corporation, it will
cordially give your Excellency every assistance and co-operation in
locating a military quota in this town, and will also do everything in its
power to make the residence of Her .Majesty's troops in the town satis-
factory and pleasing.

We therefore sincerely pray your Excellency to quarter in this town
four or five companies of troops, and your petitioners as in duty bound
will ever pray.

A public meeting was soon afterwards held, when the action of the
Council was endorsed, and Col. Webster was sent with the memorial to
Toronto, to lay the matter before the military authorities there, and to
Quebec, to present the memorial to the Governor-General. In reply,
His Excellency said he would bear in mind the liberal offer made by the
town, but at present the strength of the forces would not permit of any of
the troops being quartered in Guelph.

122

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

In October another vacancy occurred in the Council by the death of
Mr. G. M. Keeling, one of the members for the West Ward. The cause
of death was paralysis, and appoplexy of the brain. Mr. Keeling had
resided for some years in Guelph, having been at one time proprietor of
the At/:rr/ist'\ after relinquishing which he commenced the publication
of the Afi-rcit, y, which he continued to edit until his death. In the elec-
tion which followed Mr. John Keller and Mr. Henry Hatch were the can-
didates, the former being elected by a narrow majority.

As a consequence of the outrage committed by American cruisers on
the British steamer Trent, and the arrest on the high seas of Messrs.
Mason and .Slidcll, serious fears were entertained in T.ngland and iii this
country that a war between ICngland and the I'niied .States was immi-
nent, and as Canada would, from its proximity to the States, be the first
to suffer, some little anxiety was felt to make such preparations, in case
hostilities should commence, as would place the country in a comparative
state of defence and security. With this view meetings were held all
over tlie country, among the first towns to take this step being (iuelph
Not that there existed here any alarmist feeling, or that the people were
unduly e.xcitcd, but tiiat the men of Guelph were anxious to evince their
loyalty by being prepared in case of an emergency, and, as had been the
case on previous occasions, be the first to place themselves in readiness
for any contingency, and take the van in any movement for the defence
of the country and the British Government. A numerously signed requi-
sition having been presented to the Mayor, a public meeting was called
on December 17th, when the Town Hall was, within a few minutes of the
doors being opened, filled to repletion, and the meeting was accordingly
adjourned to the Market Square, the Alayor and the speakers addressing
the crowd, the largest ever seen at any meeting in the town before, from
the balcony in front of the hall. The Mayor, in opening the proceedings
said the situation in which the two countries were placed was a very grave
one, and the result of the dispute might prove veay serious, but he was
sure the men of Guelph would be ready to do their duty. If war did
come, it was the duty of Canadian citizens to show that they were in a
position to meet their foes with resolution and decision. He hoped their
proceedings would be conducted with prudence and propriety, and if the
worst occurred he had no doubt the men of Guelph would, as heretofore,
prove themselves a credit to the great empire of which they formed a
part. Addresses of a loyal and energetic character were delivered by
Col. Webster, Hon. A. J. Fergusson, Lt.-Col. Grange, Mr. C. E. Romaine,
Lt. Col. Saunders, Mr. George Elliott, Mr. John Harris, and others. It
was finally determined to appoint a committee to conduct the drilling of
the militia in the County, and to take such other measures as might be
deemed necessary tor the organisation of the people for defense, such
committee to be composed of Col. Webster, Lt.-Cols. Hewat, Saunders,
Grange, and the Hon. A. J. Fergusson, Majors Greet and Wilson, Cap-
tains Schweizer, Kingsmill, Higinbotham, Hutchinson and Cain, and
Lieut. Armstrong. It was also decided to petition the Council for the
use of the Town buildings for drilling purposes, a request which the
Council promptly granted. A meeting was held a few days afterwards to
organize a Highland Rifle Company, when addresses were delivered by
Messrs. Adam Robertson, (}. Pirie, D. Murray, J. Massieand D. Guthrie.
The result was that about thirty names were enrolled the first evening,
and a number of others a few days afterwards. Drilling went vigorously
on, and munitions of war were being extensively prepared, until, a few

leath of
e cause
ing had
ietor of
ilication
he elec-
the can-

isers on
Messrs.
:l in this
s imnii-
ihe first
in case
parative
held all
(Juelph
pie were
\ce their
been the
cadiness
defence
3(1 requi-
as called
tesofthe
ordingly
drcssinj.;
re, from
:eedings
ry grave
he was
war did

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

123

^ere ni a

)ed their

bd if the

Iretofore,

[omied a

-ered by

lomaine,

iers. It

jUing of

Mght be

se, such

[undcrs,

In, Cap-

lin, and

"for the

lich the

^ards to

:red by

Juthrie.

/ening,

jrously

a few

days before the close of the year, Messrs. Mason and Slidcll were surren-
dered to thp British riovernment, and thus the war cloud which had
loomed so portentously over the country for some weeks was dissipated,
and, to some extent, the usual feeling of tranquillity was restored, though
the men of Guelph did not wholly abandon the organizations which had
been effected.

The municipal elections for the year 1862 passed oft very quietly.
The candidates for the Mayoralty were Mr. James Webster and Mr. (jeo.
Palmer, the latter being elected by a small majority. The members of
the Council were : — East Ward— Messrs. Chas. Davidson, (leo. Hood,
and R. Mclvin. West Ward- .Messrs. Chas. I'nckland, Henry Hatch
and F. W. Cialbraith. North Ward — Messrs. John Harvey, Adam Kob-
ertson, and Francis Evatt. South Ward-Meosrs. H. W. Peterson,
Thos. Holliday, and Dr. Parker. At the meeting of the new Council,
Dr. Parkers was chosen Reeve, and Mr. Chas. Davidson, Deputy Reeve.

The County Council was composed as follows: — ^Amaranth, Chas.
(rillespie ; Arthur, Sidney Smith, Garatt Cavanagh ; Elora (village)
Chas. Clarke ; Eramosa, Robert Royce, Jar.ics Loghrin ; Erin, P. Mc-
(iill, Alex, liinnie ; Fergus (village), James Grindley ; Garafraxa, John
Dobbin, Wm. Armstrong ; Guclpli, Wm. Whitelaw, James Laidlaw ;
Guelph (town), Thomas S. Parker, Charles Davidson ; Luther, Duncan
Saunders ; Maryboro', Wm. S. Hambly, Wm. Ayerst ; Minto, Noah
Bullock, Malcolm Wright ; Nichol, Sem. Wissler ; Peel, W'm. Sturtridge,
John Madden ; Pilkington, John Smith ; Puslinch, Wm. Leslie, Samuel
Taylor. Mr. Whitelaw was re-elected Warden, without opposition.

The pulpit of Knox's Church having become vacant by the transla-
tionjof Rev. McVicar, to Montreal, a '^all was extended, early in Janu-
ary, to Rev. W. S. Ball, of WoodstocK, which being accepted he was
duly inducted on Wednesday, February 5th. The Rev. Mr. McMicken,
of lierlin preached an appropriate sermon from Acts xvi. 15, " Go ye
into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." After the
induction service. Rev. Mr. Duff, of Elora, addressed the minister, and
Rev, Mr. Smellie, of Fergus, the congregation on their respective duties as
pastor and people. In the evening a complimentary soiree was given to
the newly inducted pastor, at which about 600 were present. Rev.^Mr.
McLean took the chair, and|'addresses were delivered by Rev. Mr. Bar-
rie. Rev. J. Hogg, Guelph, Rev. D. Inglis, Hamilton, Rev. R. Torrance,
Mr. D. Stirton, M. P.P., and others. Mr. Ball expressed his regret at
the absence of his brother-in-law, Hon. George Brown, whom he had ex-
pected together with Dr. Ormiston and Dr. Thompson. The evening
was, on the whole, one of the moit enjoyable ever remembered in Knox's
Church. On the following [^unday morning, Rev. Dr. Thompson/ of
Gait, preached from St. John v. 35, and in the evening Rev. W. S. Ball
preached from Colossians i, 28, the churchbeingcrowded at both services.

The vacancy in the postmastership of Guelph, which had existed
since^the death of Mr. Robert Corbet, was in'April filled by the appoint-
ment of Col. Kingsmill, father of Mr. J. J. Kingsmill, of the law firm of
Fergusson & Kingsmill. Col. Kingsmill, a veteran officer of the' Penin-
sular war, had been for^nany years sheriff of Welland and Lincoln, the
duties of which, as years increased, Jwere found to be beyond his strength
and he accordingly resigned his shrievalty to accept this appointment,
which was a less onerous, but also a less remunerative office. There
had been several applications for the position, and some of the candi-
dates were considerably annoyed that their claims were overlooked, but

124

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

tlie general opinion was that the appointment was a good one, and would
give general satisfa' tion.

In July the conj;icgation of Knox's Church met for the purpose of
presenting to their pastor, Rev. W. S. Hall, a carriage as a token of the
esteem they entertained for him personally, and the gratitude they lelt to
him for tlic unwearying exertions he had made in clearing off the debt
on the church. The presentation, which consisted of a handsome Rock-
away carriage, built ))y Messrs. J. 15. Armstrong & Bros., was made by
Mr. David Stirton, M.I*. P., in an appropriate address, which was feeling-
ly responded to by Mr. Ball. A few days later the congregation of St.
Andrew's Church, through Mr. James Massie, made a similar presenta-
tion to Rev. John Hogg.

In August a fire occurred in the planing mill of Messr--. Stewart &
Co. on the Paisley Block Road, ])y which a considerable number of per-
sons were temporarily thrown out of employment, portions of the building
beijig used by Messrs. Stewart, Cossitt & (loodfellow as drying premises
and steaming rooms for material for fanning mills, <S:c. Besides other
valuable property, 30,000 feet of lumber were destroyed, the loss alto-
gether being about .$3,000.

The news of the distress among the cotton operatives in Lancashire,
England, consequent on the conv)arative stoppage of the supply of cotton
from the United States, having uxcited much sympathy in the town, a
public meeting was held to consider what steps should be taken to contri-
bute to the alleviation of the unfortunate condition of the operatives, and
after some stirring speeches had been delivered by Rev. Arthur Palmer,
Mr. Charles Davidson, Dr. Parlier, Mr. G. Elliott, Mr. Hatch, Rev. W.
S. Ball, Mr. C. E. Romaine and others, a committee, consisting of Revs.
A. Palmer, W. S. Ball, W. F. Clarke, James Brock, John Hogg, John
Clarke, R. Torrance, Messrs. 1. Webster, G. J. Grange, C. Davidson,
T. Sandilands, W. S. G. Knowles, George Elliott, J. McCrca, N. Higin-
botham, H. W. Peterson, G. Murton and Dr. Howitt, was appointed to
collect subscriptions. Meetings were held in various parts ot the county,
the result being that in a short time upwards of /"164 were collected in
(iuelph alone, which was duly forwarded to London.

In September a telegram vviis received announcing that Lord Monck,
the (jovernor-General, would pay a visit to Guclph, on his wa\- to (jod-
erich. Preparations wjre accorc'ingly made to give him a proper recep-
tion, and on the day ol the visit, .September 25th, the town presented
quite a gala appearance, ilags floating over the public buildings, the
liocels and many private houses, and as the time announced for the
Governor-General's arrival — twelve o'clock — drew r.ear, preparations
for firing a salute were observable, while the children attend-
ing several of the public schools were marched into the Market Square,
and placed in positions favorable for viewing the proceedings. A small
platform had been (.-rected at the east end of the market house, on the
line of Huskisson street, at the point where the reception of the Prince of
Wales took place, and the best ])ossible point for obtaining a view of the
business part of the town, and here the Mayor and Town Council, Mr.
William Whitelaw, County Warden, CoL Kingsmill, the Rev. Messrs.
Palmer, Torrance, Smithurst and Clarke, Dr. Herod, Messrs. T. Sandi-
lands, D. Allan, G. Elliott, A. B. Stewart, Major Greet, and a few other
gentlemen, were assembled to meet His Excellency. About noon the
special train, conveying the Governor and suite, running past the Grand
Trunk station and along the Market Square, brought ' p at the platform,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GULf.PH.

ISS

id would

jrposc of
-n of the
cy ielt to
the debt
^^c Rock-
made by
s feeling-
ion of St.
presenta-

itcwart t!"^
;r of pci-
2 building

premises
des other

loss alto-

mcashirc,

' of cotton

le town, a

to contri-

tives, and

ir Palmer,

, Rev. W.

; of Revs.

3gg, John

)avidson,

s. Higin-

ointed to

c county,

llccted in

Id Monck,
to God-
pcr recep-
)resented
ings, the
for the
Iparations
attend-
|t Square,
A small
,, on the
t'rince of
iw of the
icil, Mr.
Messrs.
I\ Sandi-
Tew other
Inoon the
Grand
)latform,

when amid the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells I lis Excellency,
accompanied by Lord .Mulgrave, the Hon. Messrs. J. S. Macdonald, Foley
and McUougall, Mr. C. J. lirydges, Alanaging Director of the (iraiul
Trunk Raiiw.iy, and Mr. C. K. Christie, Superintendent, Mr. .Sheriff
McDonald, of Goderich, and other gentlemen, alighted.

The Mayor having l)ecn presented to His 1C.\( ellency by the Hon.
J. S. Macdonald, immccliately read the following admess: —

'/'o His lixulUncy the Rii^ht Honoyixblc ike Lord Viscount Monck\ Gov-
ernor-iii iieral of Britis/i Nortli Ainerica, iy^c, i-^c: —

May m' Plf.ase Your Excellency;

We, the Mayor and* Corporation of the Town of Guelph, on l.>ehalf of
ourselves and fellow townsmen, most cordially welcome your Excellency
to Guelph.

We regret that the briefness of yo;ir Excellency's visit, and the ab-
sence of very many of our fellow townsmen at the Provincial Exhibition,
precludes us from offering to your Excellency that reception which we
would heartily desire to give the honored representative of our most gra-
cious Oueen, but we trust your Ex':ellency will ere long again visit our
town, when circifmstances may permit us to acknowledge the honor in a
manner more becoming its importance and our own wishes.

We gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity to express our loyalty to
the ()ueen, our respect for your Excellency, and our ilcvotion to the con-
stitution of our country.

We most earnestly hope tliat your Excellency. Lady Monck and
family, may enjoy all health and happiness while resident in this Prov-
ince, and that your Excellency's administration of public affairs may tend
to the peace and prosperity of the Province, and to draw closer these
reciprocal relations of allegiance and proteciion which have hitherto
united us to the mother country.

Dated at Guelph, this Twenty-iiftli day of September, A. D., 1862.

JAMES HOUGH, ( .. PALMER,

Town Clerk. Mayor.

His Excellency read the following Reply : —

To the Mayor and Toxvh Council 0/ Guelph.

(zKNTLKMEX : -

I thank you sincerely for the Address that you i ave presented to mc,
and I wish at the some time to express to the inhabitants ot the Town
and neighborhood, my warm acknowledgements for the kind reception
they have gi\cn me.

It was stated that no copy of the Council's address having been for-
warded, the response was necessarily brief. The members ot the Town
Council, the Warden, the Clergymen present, and several other gentle-
men were then presented to His ]'"xcellency by the Mayor. The
Governor (icncrai accom.panied by Lord Mulgrave, on suggestion, then
went to the extreme end of the platform, where all around had a good
opportunity of seeing him, and on the call of the Mayor three cheers
were given for the Queen, and a like compliment was paid to the
C/Overnor (.cneral and Lord Mulgrave. Lord Monck intimated his in-
tention of paying another visit to Guelph, at no distant period, with more
time at his disposal, and having made remarks to different gentlemen on
the platform, including Mr. D. Allan, whom he recognized as his fellow
passenger from Liverpool, he ascended the platform of the car, and soon

126

THE AJ/NALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

after the train moved on slowly amid the booming of cannon and the
cheers of the crowd.

The contest for the Mayoralty for 1863 commenced early, and was
somewhat exciting. When Mr. Palmer had been elected, he had dis-
tinctly pledf^ed himself that he would offer no opposition to the election
of Mr. H. W. Paterson the next year, and upon that understanding Mr.
Peterson had refrained from becoming a candidate. This pledge, how-
ever, Mr. Palmer now denied having made, and thus forced Mr. Peterson
to take more energetic measures Ihan would otherwise have been neces-
sary, and also to come into the field earlier than he would have done had
Mr. Palmer not announced himself as a candidate, a course which v/as
most inconsistent with his conduct all through the last contest, in which
he strongly objected to Mr. Webster on the ground that he had served
one term and should therefore retire. Meetings were held by both can-
didates almost every evening for some time, and the fight continued up to
within a day or two of the nomination when Mr. Palmer, acting on the
advice of some of his more judicious supporters, retired, and Mr. Peter-
son was consequently elected by acclamation.

The election of Councillors for the year 1863 resulted as follows : —
East Ward — IMessrs. Geo. Hood, George Palmer and R. Wilson. South
Ward— Messrs. P. Gow, E. Carroll and Dr. Parker. West Ward-
Messrs. Henry Hatch, George Elliott and W, F. Galbmith. North
Ward — Messrs. John Harvey, A. Robertson and R. Mitchell. Mr. Geo.
Palmer was elected Reeve and Mr. George Elliott Deputy Reeve.

The members of the County Council for the year were as follows : —

Amaranth -Charles Gillespie; Arthur — Robert Morrison, Sidney
Smith ; Elora Charles Clarke ; Eramosa — Robert Royce, Jas. Loghrin ;
Erin — P. McGill, Alex. Binnie ; Fergus — James Cattanach ; Garafraxa
-A. Drysdale, A. Dyce ; Guelph Town-Gerge Palmer, Geo. Elliott;
Guelph Township— John Rennie, (i. Shortreed ; Luther — Mr. Saunders ;
Maryborough — VVm. Ayerst, W. S. Hambly ; Minto — A. Harrison, M.
Wright ; Nichol— George Barron, John Beattic ; Peel — Thomas Garbutt,
W. Sturtridge ; Pilkington— John Smith ; Puslinch -W. Leslie, W. Clark ;
Mr. George Elliott was elected Warden.

For some time there had been a desire on the part of the towns-
people that some place should be provided for holding concerts, balls,
&.C., independent of the Town Hall, which was not always available, and
not in all cases suitable. To supply this want Mr. John Thorp, with his
usual enterprise, erected a very commodious hall adjoining his hotel on
Macdonnell Street, and on New Years' eve it was opened by a grand ball
and supper, under thv'! patronage of Mrs. Sheriff Grange. The ballwas
opened by Col. Webster and Mrs. Grange, and dancing was continued
with great vivacity until after the new year had come in, when the com-
pany sat down to an elegant supper, presided over by Col. Webster, after
which dancing was resumed and kept up till about four o'clock.

In the Gazette of January i6th ♦he following appointments on the
Commission of the Peace were announced : — Guelph Town — Judge A.
Macdonald, Messrs. (leo. Elliott, Fred. W. Stone, A. A. Baker. John
Neeve, David Allan, George Pirie, William Hewat, William Clarke,
James Armstrong, John McCrea, W. S. G. Knowles. William Day, John
Horsman, John liariis, Jr., James Webster, Sr., Charles Davidson, T. S.
Parker, P. Gow, A. Robertson, R. Melvin, William Stewart, W. F. Gal-
braith, N. Higinbotham, Edwin Newton, James Hough ; and for the
Township— Messrs. WUhan} WhitQlaw, James Laidl^w, Thomas Hood,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

and the

and was
had dis-
: election
ding Mr.
Ige, how-
Peterson
en neces-
:lonc had
liich was
in which
d served
Doth can-
ned up to
g on the
Ir. Peter-

)llows : —
I. South
Ward-
North
Mr. Geo.
vc.

)llows : —
.Sidney
Loghrin ;
iarafraxa
Elliott ;
aundcrs ;
son, M.
Garbutt,
Clark ;

le towns-
ts, balls,
ble, and
vith his
lotel on
and bail
ball was
ontinued
he com-
ter, after

s on the
udgc A.
er. John
Clarke,
ay, John
on, T. S.
F. Gal-
for the
s Hood,

John Rannie, R. Campbell, A. McCorkindale, William Logan, William
iJenham, Jr., John Hobson, Jr., John Kirkland, S. Hodgskin, William
Alexander, Andrew Quarry, J. C. Chadwick, John Card, Arthur Mogge,
William T. Vale, Henry Watson, W. H. Parker, Charles Mickle, Richard
Jackson, (ieorge Shortreed and James Wright, Sr.

Hon. A. J. Feigiisson-Hlair having returned from a visit to Scotland,
a number of his friends, without regard to political differences, tendered
him a dinner, which was given in Thorp's new hall on January 29th, a
large number of ladies and gentlemen from nil parts of the country being
present. Col. Webster, in the absence of Mr. .Sheriff Grange through
indisposition, occupied the chair, and on his right sat the guest of the
evening ; Mr. J. Cowan, M.P.I'.; Mr, G. Davidson, Sheriff of Waterloo ;
Mr. George Elliott, Warden of Wellington : Dr. Clarke, M.P.P.; Mr. C.
I''.. Romaine, Mr. McK. Stewart and Col. Hcwat ; while on his left sat
Hon. W. Dickson, Col. Kingsmill, Dr. Parker, Mr. P. (Jow, Mr. D. Stir-
ton, M.P.P., Mr. H. W. Peterson, Mayor of Guelph, Mr. William White-
law, and others. Speeches were delivered by Mr. Fergusson-Blair, Dr.
Clarke, Mr. Stirton, Hon. Mr. Dickson, Mr. Webster, Col. Kingsmill and
Mr. Romaine, the company separating just before midnight.

The Hon. A. J. Fergusson-Blair having accepted the portfolio of
Receiver-General, a new election became necessary in the Brock Elec-
toral Division, and the nomination took place March 28th. Mr. Fergus-
son was nominated by Mr. James Ross, and seconded by Mr. Elias Eby;
Dr. Parker, of Guelph, being nominated by Mr. John Rennie, and sec-
onded by Mr. James Mitchell, of Kramosa. Dr. J'arker, after addressing
the electors, and consulting some friends, withdrew his name, and
nominated Mr. George J?iric, editor of the Hkrald, but that gentleman
positively declined the honor, and Mr. P'ergusson-Blair was consequently
returned without a contest.

At the Assizes in April, John Bain, a tavern-keeper in Elora, and
John JJain, his son, were tried for the allegedmurder of Thomas Lysight,
on February 28th. The deceased went into the tavern on the day ii.imed,
and with soine others made a disturbahce, and young Jiain put him out,
when a general fight ensued, in which the two Bains struck deceased
several times, and finally he was knocked down, his head striking a
stone, death resulting shortly afterwards from concussion of the brain.
The defence was that Lysight was a very violent man, and that he had
caused the dispute, the injuries he received being intlicted in the course
of a fight in which he was the aggressor, and that the prisoners had acted
only in self-defence. After a few minutes' aliscnce the jury returned a
verdict of " not guilty."

The Macdonald-Sicottc ministry having been condemed by Parlia-
ment on a vote of want of coniidence mo\ed by Hon. John A. Macdonald,
on April 28th, Parliament was dissolved and a general election took
])lace early in June. In the South Riding Mr. I)a\id Stirton was nomi-
nated by Mr. George Elliott, Warden, and seconded by Mr. P. McGill,
Reeve of Erin. No other nominations being made, Mr, Stirton was de-
clared elected. In the North Riding Dr. Parker, of Guelph, was nomi-
nated by Mr. Robert Hay, of Maryborough, and seconded by Mr. E.
Passmore, of Pilkington. Dr. Clarke, of Guelph, was nominated by Col.
Drysdale, of Garafraxa, and seconded by Dr. Maudslay, of Maryboro.
Mr. John Beattie, of Nichol, then nominated Mr. George Palmer, who
was seconded by Mr. George Spafford, of Drayton. Mr. Palmer, how-
ever, did not go to the poll. The result of the election was in favor of

128

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Dr. Parker, which was undoubtedly due to the fact of Dr. Clarke's over-
confidence, causing him to delay the commencement of his canvass until
within a few days of the nomination, and his indecision in giving a defi-
nite answer as to whether he would be a candidate or not.

A few days after the election the friends of Mr. Stirton entertained
him at dinner at the Wellington Hotel, among those present being Hon.
M. H. Foley, M.P.P.; Hon. J. C Aikens, M.L.C, Mr. J. Cowan, M.P.P.,
Mr. J. Rymal, M.P.P., Dr. Parker, M.P.P., Messrs. James Ross, George
Elliott, H. W. Peterson, C. K. Komaine, II. H. Swinford, N. Higin-
botham and W. Whitelaw. A number of speeches were made, congratu-
lating Mr. Stirton on his success.

In April Dr. Clarke made an (j(ier to the vestry of St. George's
Church to piuxhase the site on St. George's Square for the sum of $io,-
ooo, which was accepted, the congregation being anxious to build a more
suitable edifice on Woolwich street. In July Dr. Clarke offered to trans-
fer the site to the Town, at the same price, an offer which was not then
accepted.

in August the town sustained a severe loss in the death of Mr.
James Wright, one of the oldest settlers. Mr. Wright, from the time he
arrived here, took a deep interest in all public matters, and served in
various offices, in the old District Councils, as Commissioner of County
Roads, as Reeve and as Warden. He took an especial interest in the
development of the resources of the district, and in the opening up of
means of communication with the adjacent country, more particularly in
the building of the Brock Road, the completion of which was largely due
to his energy and perseverance. In 1851 Mr. W'right ran in the Conserva-
tive interest against Mr. A.J. Fergusson for the representation of the
County in Parliament, and was only defeated by a small majority. Since
that time he had taken an active interest in the Agricultural Societies ot
the County and Township, and for some years had acted as Secretary-
Treasurer to the South Riding Agricultural Society, which, with the
other societies with which he was identified, severely felt his loss.

The town having now assumed such ]>roportions as to warrant the
step, a movement was set on foot, on the suggestion of the Mayor, to
induce the managers of the Provincial Exhibition to hold the show of
1864 in Guelph, and a public meeting was called, at which it was resolved
to ac>k the Council to make a grant of $2,000 towards the necessary
fimds, and also to ask the County Council to vote a similar amount,
which, with $ 1 ,000 which it was expected to raise by private subsci'ip-
tion, and $500 it was hoped would be granted by the Township, it was
thought would be sufficient to defray the expenses. The proposal was
rejected by the Directors of the Provincial Exhibition, and a movement
was subsequently set on foo', for a County show, the result of which will
appear hereafter.

On Sunday, October 4th, the ceremony of laying the corner stone of
the Roman Catholic Church of St. Bartholomew was performed. The
work had been in progress for some time, and the stone work had been
raised to a considerable height, and the south side of the partially-built
walls was tastefully decorated with 'Evergreens and streamers. The pro-
cession, headed by the Bishop, passed from the old church to the west
end of the new buildings, where the sanctuar> was to be, at which place
the Bishop blessed a large wooden cross, placed on the site to be occu-
pied by the altar. The procession th6n passed to the front of the church,
where the corner stone was placed, and there the Bishop uncovered, and

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

129

:essary

lount,

[bscrip-

it was

lal was

cement

Ich will

tone of
The
kl been
fy-built
le pro-
le west
place
occu-
lurch,
Id, and

assisted by the attendant clergymen, recited certam liturgies and prayers,
in latin, the choir afterwards singing the 137th Psalm, ''Except the Lord
build the house," &c., and while the corner stone was being adjusted in
it5 place, the Bishop, wearing his mitre, recited a prayer in Latin, and
having blessed the corner stone, assisted by the clergy, he repeated the
51st Psalm, also in Latin. A vessel containing a roll of parchment, bear-
ing the following inscription in Latin and English, was deposited under
the corner stone ; the Latin inscription was also engraved on a sheet of
zinc :

" His Lordship Right Rev. John Farrell, D, U., First Bishop of
Hamilton, blessed and laid the first stone of this Church, to be built to
the honor of C}od, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, con-
ceived without sin, and of St. Bartholomew, Apostle and Patron of the
Parish, the 4th day of October, the Feast of the Holy Rosary of the

B. V. M., A. D. 1863.

" Pius IX., Pope ; Flavian Turgeon, Archbishop ; Very Revs. Ed.
Gordon, V. G., John Walsh, V. G.; Revs. M. M. O'Shea, .S. Maheut,
Ed. Glowalski, J. Holzer, S. J., .Sup. ; Dh. Petit, S. J., J. Archibald,
S. J,, N. Sorg, S. J., assisting.

" Victoria, (2uee!i ,; Lord Monck, Governor-General of Canada ;
H. W. Peterson, Mayor of Guelph."

Subsequently the Bishop, clergy, etc., passed in procession
around the site of the church, recitmg prayers in Latin, and sprinkling
the foundations of the building with holy water. Having made the cir-
cuit of the church, the clergy on returning to the corner stone sung the
hymn " Veni Creator Spiritus," and the ceremony was concluded with
prayer by the Bishop, After this, the Rev. J. Walsh, V. G., of Toronto,
ascending a temporary pulpit, wreathed with evergreens, delivered along
and eloquent discourse, having reference to the erection of the new
church, lauding the zeal of those by whom the work had been pro-
jected and undertaken, and pointing out the benefits that must accrue
from the erection to the present and future generations.

There was very little excitement over the municipal elections for
1864. only one candidate coming forward for the mayoralty. Dr. W^illiam
Clarke, who was elected by acclamation. The members of the Council
were: East Ward, Messrs. George Hood, G. Palmer and R. Melvin.
South Ward, Messrs. H. W. Peterson, P. Gow and J. Lamprey. West
Ward, Messrs. G. Elliott, H. Hatch and R. Hampson. North W^ard,
Messrs. J. Harvey, A. Robertson and Richard Mitchell. Mr. (ieorge
Palmer was elected Reeve, and Mr. Adam Robertson, Deputy-Reeve.

The County Council was composed of the following gentlemen ; —
Guelph Town — George Palmer, Adam Robertson ; Guelph 'I'ownship —
George Murton, Robert Can;pbell; Nichol — Samuel Wissler, Wm Tay-
lor ; Pilkington — John Smith ; Elora — Chas. Clarke ; Fergus — James
Cattanach ; Garafraxa — Alex. Dyce, George Monger ; Orangeville— f\

C. Stewart ; Amaranth — Charles Gillespie ; Luther — Duncan Saunders ;
Maryborough — W^m. Ayerst, Joseph Madill ; Minto — Archibald Harri-
son, Noah Bullock; Peel Geo. Allan, Robert McKim ; Puslinch — Wm.
Leslie, John Clark ; Eramosa — James Loghrin, Robert Royce ; Erin —
George Martin, J. Bennie ; Arthur — Robert Stevenson, S. Smith. Mr.
Wm. Leslie was elected Warden.

The Primitive Methodists in the town had long been in need of a
more suitable place of worship, but how to obtain one with their limited
means was for some time a difficulty. To commence a building fund

130

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

the ladies held a bazaar in 1862, subscription lists were opened in March
1 863, and when they commenced the building, at about that time, they were
not sure ot being able to push on the work very rapidly. By subscriptions
from members and the general public, assisted by the Ladies' Aid vSociety,
they succeeded in raising nearly $1000, before the building was complet-
ed, and on February 12th the dedication services took place, the sermons
on that and the following Sunday, being preached by Revs. R. Boyle, R.
Cade, W. F. Clarke, J. Pringle, and J. A. Millar. At the soiree on the
following Tuesday evening, addresses were delivered by Revs. W. S. Ball,
John Hogg and others.

On the night of Wednesday, June 8th a most disasterous fne occur-
ed at the Peoples' Mills, owned by Mr. W. P. McLaren of Hamilton, and
leased at the time by Mr. Charles Whitelaw, of Paris. 'I'he fne, which
had commenced in a shed, containing about 1000 empty barrels, was soon
communicated to the main building, and although the hremen were speed-
ily on the ground, and hundreds of the inhabitants were prompt to aid the
tiremen in their endeavors to subdue the raging element, it was soon evid-
ent that all efforts to save the mill woukl be ineffectual, and means were
consequently used to get out the produce, utensils, and furniture in the
building. Under the direction of Mr. Gay, the mill manager and Mr.
Arkell, the foreman, a considerable quantity of flour in barrels, together
with the office safe, books &c. were removed. Meantime the fire continu-
ed to increase rapidly, and breaking through the roof, an immense column
of flames rose to a great height, lighting up the town and country for
miles around. At one time it was feared that a shed in front of the build-
ing, containing some 2,000 barrels of flour, and also Mr. Hockin's stave
factory, would be destroyed, but, though several times ignited, the efforts
of the people of the town were successful in saving them. In less than
two hours from the time of the alarm the ruin was complete, nothing but
the blackened walls remaining. The total loss was nearly $30,000 on
which there was but a comparatively small insurance. An inquest was
held by Dr. Hewitt, when evidence was adduced which left no doubt that
the fire was the work of an incendiary, but nothing definite was proved to
show who the guilty party or parties were, though several persons had
been heard to make threats, which left a strong suspicion on the minds
of the jury as to who had accomplished the work cf destruction.

Early in August the town was shocked by the occurance of a fright-
ful case of assault, which terminated fatally shortly afterwards. On the
night of Saturday, August 6th, Mr. John Piatt, a tavern keeper, who was
highly respected in the town, retired as usual. Tiie night being exceed-
ingly warm he could not sleep, and went out on the sidewalk, where lie
fell asleep in a chair. At about four o'clock in the morning Mr. William
Mitchell, tailor, while returning to his residence from the railway station,
discovered Mr. Piatt lying on the sidewalk, and assisted him into the
house, when medical aid was at once procured, and it was found that he
had been most brutally beaten, several of his ribs having been broken,
and other injuries inflicted. Mr. Piatt said he had been set upon by two
men, whom he did not recognize, who, without any provocation assaulted
him so suddenly that he had not an opportunity to defend himself. He
rallied for a time, but died on Friday, an inquest being held the same
day, but adjourned till the following Wednesday, when the jury brought
in a verdict that in their opinion deceased had come to his death by
violence, but at .whose hands there was no evidence to show.

Scarcely had the funeral of Mr. Piatt taken place when another

stave
efforts
ess than
ling but
cxx) on
est was
ubt that
roved to
ons had
minds

fright-
On the
/ho was
exceed -
lere he
Villiam
station,
nto the
that he
Dfoken,

by two
saulted
If. He
i same
)rought
ath by

Another

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

131

tavern keeper, named Henry Hughes, died under what were considered
suspicious circumstances, and an inquest was held in this case by Dr.
Herod. The evidence went to show that deceased had been somewhat
addicted to drink, but not to such an e.xtent as to cause the symptoms
displayed. i3eing troubled with diarrhoea, he sent to the drug store kept
by Mr. Robert Farley for some medicine, and was supplied with what
was said to be a cholera preventive. Soon after taking the medicine he
was seized with violent pains, which increased in intensity, so that the
doctors who were summoned could not afford him any relief, and he
soon afterwards died. The evidence was very voluminous, especially
that given by medical experts, and the jury brought in a verdict that
death had been caused by sub-acute inflammation of the stomach, super-
induced by intemperate habits, but accelerated by an over-dose of Liquor
Ammonia Fort., combined with other drugs, taken in excess by deceased,
and improperly administered by Robert l-'arley, chemist and druggist.
The jury censured Mr. Farley for the carelessness displayed in com-
pounding and prescribing the medicine. Mr. Farley was subsequently
arrested on a charge of manslaughter, but at the Assizes the Grand Jury
threw out the bill, much to the satisfaction of the public, who sympa-
thized with him in his unfortunate mistake. »

At a meeting of the Town Council in October the seat of Mr. J.
Lamprey, one of the members for the South Ward, was declared vacant,
by reason of his absence from the locality longer than the time prescribed
by law. An election was therefore ordered, the candidates being Mr. C.
E. Romaine and Mr. J. T. Cunningham, the result being the election of
Mr. Romaine by 42 to 7.

At the nomination for the Mayoralty in December Dr. Clarke was
again the only candidate and was consequently declared elected. The
election for Councillors for 1865 was conducted with more energy and
spirit than for many years past, and resulted as follows : - South Ward —
Messrs. P. Gow, C. E. Romaine and H. W. Peterson. West Ward —
Messrs. H. Hatch, G. Elliott and Jas. Massie. East Ward — Messrs.
Geo. Hood, N. Higinbotham and J. Harris. North Ward — Messrs. J.
Harvey, R. Mitchell and A. Robertson. Mr. H. W. Peterson was chosen
Reeve, and Mr. Geo. Elliott, Deputy Reeve. Mr. George Hood then
entered a protest against the election of Mr. Elliott as Deputy Reeve, on
the ground that he had, by himself or partner, an interest in a contract
with the town. The protest, however, was not pressed.

The County Council consisted of the following members : (J iielph
Town — H. W. Peterson, Geo. Elliott ; Eramosa — Jas. Loghrin, Robert
Royce ; Guelph Township — George Murton, K. Campbell ; Puslinch —
Wm. Leslie, J. Clark; Fergus —M. Anderson; Erin — Geo. Martin; A.
Binnie ; Minto— N. Bullock, M. Wright; Nichol— J. Beattie, S.Wisslcr;
Elora — J. M. Eraser; Amaranth — C. Gillespie. Maryboro', — J. Madill,
W. 8. Hambly ; Garafraxa — Geo. Monger, W. H. Hunter; Orangeville
— Thos. Jull'; Peel— Wm. Sturtridge, John Madden ; Pilkington — John
Smith ; Arthur — D. Saunders, J. Small,'; Luther — Robert Stevenson.
Mr. Leslie was re-elected Warden.

The financial position of the Town at this time may be briefly sum-
marized as follows :- The debt of the Town, (without the Railroad debt),
was : — Debentures falling due during the next 12 years — $43,826 ; Rail-
road debt, (originally $80,000, 7.2oths paid,) say $52,000. Total debt,
$95,826. The assets were : — Market Square and Public Buildings there-
on, paying at the time nearly 6 per cent, were worth $80,000. School

132

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

houses in the different wards, and school property, say $10,000. Gait
and Guelph Railway stock $70,000. This paid no direct revenue, but an
indirect benefit was derived from it. Debentures of Village zf Preston,
$9000, and Guelph Township $10,000. These paid 6 per cent. Ceme-
tery property worth $1,900. Total assets — say, $181,500.

During the month of January the town lost two of its oldest, most
prominent and useful citizens by death. The first was that of Mr. Wm.
Day, which occurred on the 7th. He was one of the most spirited and
enterprising of the early settlers, and to his active exertions much of the
material progress of the town was due, by his indefatigable efforts and
untiring industry, he having contributed an unusually large share to the
building up of the place, many of the public buildings here, as also in
other towns, having been erected by him. On the 27th inst., another
most useful and enterprising citizen was removed by the death of Mr.
John Thorp, also a builder, who had erected, perhaps, a greater portion
of the buildings in the town than any other man. Mr. Thorp came to
(iuelph in 1828, and at once engaged actively in building houses for the
new settlers. St. Andrew's church, demolished to give a site lor the
market buildings, the original St. George's church, the first Romaa Ca-
tholic church and several hotels, were all of his workmanship, and exhib-
ited the good taste and practical skill which he possessed to a large
degree. He afterwards went into the hotel business, occupying at various
times different hotels, including the North American, and, after his
return fi'om the campaign in the Mackenzie rebellion, the British hotel.
From the first introduction of railroads in the Province, he had been ex-
ceedingly desirous of getting a line to run from Toronto to Guelph, and
this object and the erection of a market house on the Market Square, were
zealously advocated by him, and he had the gratification of seeing the
Toronto railway scheme inaugurated while he was a member of the first
Municipal Council. Being of a speculative turn, he purchased among
other property, a tract of land, and laid out a village between Guelph
and Elora, which he called Thorpville, where he procured the establish-
ment of a post office. In 1855, he retired from business and occupied,
for some time, the handsome residence, erected by him, now occupied by
Mr. John Horsman. He soon returned to business, however, occupying
the International hotel, now known as the City hotel, which he enlarged
to four times its original capacity.

It having been customary, during the Spring, for Rev. W. S. Ball, of
Knox's church, and Mrs, Ball, to have a re-union of the members of the
Bible classes under tlieir instruction, the members of Mrs. Ball's class
resolved to mark the one this year by a presentation, with an address,
expressive of their grateful appreciation of her unwearied labors for their
good. The presentation consisted of a handsome tea set, the tea pot
bearing an appropriation inscription.

When the news of the brutal assassination of President Lincoln was-
received here, the people deeply sympathized with the American nation
in the serious loss they had sustained, and promptly and readily gave
expression to their feelings by such outward observances as the melan-
choly occasion demanded. On the day appointed for the funeral obse-
quies of the late President, therefore, the stores, offices, workshops, &c.,
tnroughout the town were closed, and business generally suspended for
two hours. The national colors were hoisted at half-mast from the Town
Hall, the Court House and several other buildings, while the town bell
was tolled at funeral time. Religious services were held in the To^vn

»o. Gait

e, but an

Preston,

Ceme-

!St, most
Mr. Wm.
ited and
ch of the
'orts and
ire to the
s also in
, another
h of Mr.
r portion
came to
s for the
e lor the
omaa Ca-
nd exhib-
a large
at various
after his
ish hotel.
i been ex-
ph, and
lare, were
:eing the
the first
among
Guelph
tablish-
ccupied,
upied by
ccupying
enlarged

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF C.UELPH.

133

IJall, of

rs of the

ill's class

address,

for their

tea pot

toln was-
nation
[ily gave
melan-
i\ obse-
jps, &c.,
^ded for
ie Town
Iwn bell
Town

Hall at one o'clock, by Rev. R. Torrance, assisted by Revs. Messrs. Ball,
Hogg, Carroll, Pedley and Graffley. Appropriate passages of scripture
were read, the audience engaged in singing psalms and hymns suitable
to the occassion, and the clergymen offered rolemn and impressive pray-
ers for the afflicted nation, the bereaved widow and family of the
deceased, and for the survivors whose lives had been attempted, and who
were still in danger from wounds inflicted by the assassins. After this the
Hon. Mr. Foley delivered an eloquent and impressive address, dwelling
on the admirable life and character of the late President, concluding
with the hope that the cordial spirit of amity which then existed between
the two nations, evinced on the part of Canadians by the services which
were then being held all over the country, would remain forever un-
broken.

In May the business community sustained a severe loss by the death
of Mr. Thos. Sandilands, one of the oldest and most justly esteemed
residents of the town. He became a resident of Guelph in 1832, when
the town was recovering from a state of depression, consequent on a
commercial crisis. He commenced business as a store keeper, and suc-
cessfully carried it on for over twenty years. A few years after his
settlement here he was appointed local agent for the Gore Bank, the
first bank agency established in Guelph. When he relinquished mer-
cantile pursuits he retained the bank agency, and was afterwards
appointed manager of the bank, an appointment he held at the time of
his death. In the management of the bank he might have been con-
sidered by some as a little too cautious, but his probity and sincerity in
all his dealings were unquestionable. More lucrative employment was
more than once offered him by other banking companies, which he de-
clined, he preferring to remain in Guelph, where he had made so many
friends and where his influence and benevolence rendered him so useful
a citizen. He died on May 22nd, the immediate cause of his death
being heart disease.

The school accommodation having for some time been very inade-
quate for the accommodation of the large number of children in
attendance, it was resolved, at a meeting of the School Trustees held in
May, to call upon the Council to assess the Town for the purpose of
building a new girls' school, the attendance of the female pupils having
largely fallen off recently on account of the health of many of the child-
ren having been affected by the insufficient accommodation. A public
meeting wa called a few days afterwards, when resolutions were passed
to the effect that it was inexpedient to build another school house as it
was not then required by the inhabitants, especially while business was
in such a depressed state as at that time. The School Trustees were
therefore asked to rescind their resolution. At the next meeting of the
Trustees a committee was appointed to confer with a committee of the
Town Council as to the best means of raising the required money for
building the school house, but the Council declined the conference, and
the Trustees therefore proceeded to award the tenders for the building
which was comnitr.ced with at once.

In September the committee on Finance and Assessment presented
to the Tov/n Council a report in which the following recommendations
were made: — "That a petition be drawn up and signed by the Mayor
and Clerk, setting forth the most prominent subjects in the bills before
the Legislature which they considered objectionable, and the amend-
ments they considered would be beneficial, as set forth in the following

134

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

clauses of the report: — Personal property should be assessed upon a
sliding scale, but that incomes under $400 should be exempt in towns
and cities, and that the slidmg scale should advance at the rate of $200,
from $400 to $1000 ;at the rate of $500 from $1000 to $5000; at the of
$1000 from $4000 to $10,000 and at the rate of $2,500 from $40,000 and
for higher sums increasing by $5,000. That the heads of all corpora-
tions should be elected by the members of each corporation as there
could be no valid reason why towns, as in the proposed Bill, should be an
exception to all other municipal organizations. That all persons voting
on by-laws for creating debt should be freeholders or tenants under lease
for the same period of years as the debt is incurred ; also, that provision
might be made compelling municipal councils to annually assess for their
indebtedness and limit their power of creating debt. That Boards of
School Trustees in towns should be compelled to levy and collect the
amount required tor their use, that the anomaly of a corporation within a
corporation should not exist, and that as Boards of School Trustees were
elected by the ratepayers, as well as municipal corporations, the int<ir-
vention of the Town Council should not be required to furnish the Board
ot School Trustees with funds for its purposes. These recommendations
were adopted, with the exception of that referring to the election of the
Head of the Corporation which was negatived by a vote of 8 to 4, the
vote standing,- -Yeas: The Mayor, Messrs. Gow, Peterson andRomaine.
Nays: Messrs. Massie, Elliott, Higinbotham, Harris, Hood, Robertson,
Harvey and Mitchell.

The candidates for the mayoralty for 1866 were Mr. Peter Gov/ and
Mr. John Harris, Jun. The contest was conducted with some little
bitterness, in consequence of some persons having circulated the un-
founded report that Mr. Harris entertained some sympathy with Fenian-
ism, an imputation which his principal opponents afterwards disavowed
in the most honorable manner. The election was close, resulting in the
return of Mr. Peter (iow. The members of the Council were: — Eastward,
Messrs. R. Melvin, N. Higinbotham and T. Sayers ; South Ward,
Messrs. H. W. Peterson, T. HoUiday and J. Day ; West Ward, Messrs.
(ieorge Elliott, H. Hatch and James Massie; North Ward, Messrs.
John Harvey, R. Mitchell and Dr. Herod. Mr. H. W. Peterson was
elected Reeve, and Mr. James Massie, Deputy Reeve.

The members of the County Council for this year were:— Messrs.
D. Allan, John Beattie, Noah Bullock, John Burkholder, A. Binnie, John
Clark, Robert Campbell, John Dobbin, J. M. Eraser, C. Gillespie, W. H.
Hunter, W. S. Hambly, John Jebb, William Leslie, James Loghrin, Geo.
Martin, James Massie, George Murton, Robert McKim, H. W. Peterson,
Robert Royce, Joseph Small, D. Saunders, John Smith, F. C. Stewart,
Robert Stevenson, J. B. Wyllie, J. Wynn, Malcolm Wright. Mr. John
Smith, Reeve of Pilkington, was elected Warden.

At a meeting of the Town Council in January, the question of the
erection of a drill shed was brought up for settlement. During the pre-
vious year the County Council had made an appropriation, as also did
the Township Council, towards the building of such a shed, it being
hoped these amounts would be supplemented by the Militia Department,
and the matter being left to the management of the Town Council, ten-
ders were advertised for, and a plan prepared by Mr. Murray, architect,
was provisionally accepted. This plan was for i building 80 by 300 feet,
more of the Crystal Palace type than the ordinary drill shed, it being
proposed to use iron and glass to a large extent in its erection. It was

[ upon a
n towns
of $200,
It the of
000 and
corpora-
as there
lid be an
IS voting
iev lease
Drovision

for their
;oards of
Dllect the

within a
tees were
the int<;r-
he Board
andations
on of the

to 4, the
Romaine.
Lobertson,

Gov/ and
ime little
the un-
li Fenian-

isavowed
inji in the
as" Ward,
Ih Ward,

, Messrs.
Messrs.

Irson was

-Messrs.
Inie, John
|ie,W.H.
1, Geo.
^eterson,
Stewart,
Vlr. John

3n of the

the pre-

I also did

lit being

|artment,

icil, ten-

Irchitect,

I300 feet,

' it being

It was

THE ANNALS OP THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

135

to be octagonal in shape, the main building to be 39 feet in height to the
eaves, the lantern in the centre to rise to the height of 80 feet. After
further consideration, and correspondence with the Militia Department,
however, this plan was rejected, and the matter was relegated to the
Drill Shed Committee, with instructions to obtain a plan of a building
to cost not more than $2,000. This was done, and in the course of the
summer the present building was erected.

At about the same time a resolution was passed in the Council for
the erection of twenty-five street lamps, these being the first street lamps
used in the town.

The oil fever, which had at this time taken possession of almost ihc
whole country, had for some little time shown symptoms of breaking out
in Guelph, and though the people here were not so violently affected as
in many places, several capitalists were unable to resist the temptation of
joining in the speculations then being brought before them. Some of
them were moderately fortunate, though others sustained some losses, in
a few cases to a considerable amount, but not enough to deter others
from embarking in similar enterprises. From taking stock in wells
owned by companies in London, Sarnia, and other places, some of our
merchants soon began to agitate for the formation of companies of their
own, among which was the Wellington Rock Oil Company, of which Mv.
James Hough was president and treasurer, and Messrs. James Hough,
Archibald Spiers, George Hough and M. Ryan, of Guelph, James Nee-
lands, of Brampton, (ieorge Randall, of Waterloo, and W. A. Shearson,
of Gait, were directors. The company purchased land in Enniskillen,
where they erected works and set up a 16 horse-power engine. For a
time the speculation paid very well, but afterwards, though there was
little if any loss ultimately, the company stopped, the wells not paying
sufficiently well to warrant the continuance of operations. Other com-
panies were also started, but did not turn out so profitable as this one.

The Fenian organization in New York having resolved on making
raids into Canada at various points on the frontier, the Government, as
soon as definite information reached them, took prompt measures for
the defence of the country, and the ministers were summoned to the
capital, when orders were issued for calling out the volunteers. On
Thursday, March 15th, the following telegram was received in Guelph: —
'• Immediately on the arrival of the Hon. Mr. McGee from Montreal, a
Cabinet Council held an important sitting. Present: Messrs. John A.
Macdonald, Gait, Campbell, McGec, Chapais, Cockburn and Fergusson-
Hlair. In view of present circumstances, the vast amount of property at
stake, and the more important consideration of the protection of our
fellow-subjects along the frontier, ercposed lo the marauding operations
of Fenians, it was resolved to call out, at once, ten thousand volunteers
for the protection and defence of the Canadian frontier. This step is
adopted merely as a precautionary measure ; but if wanted for more act-
ive service, the volunteers will b^ on hand. It is hoped active exer-
tions will not be necessary ; but if they are, the Government relies with
confidence on the courage of the Canadian volunteers." The Guelph
Rifles were quickly in readiness to leave for any point where they might
be required, and in the course of two or three days were ordered, with
the Goderich Rifles, to Sarnia, under the command of Lt.-Col. Higin-
botham. They were aftenvards removed to St. Marys and Windsor,
but were not called upon to suppress any hostile demonstrations, their
service bein^ rather that of preventing than resisting attack, a duty

136

■THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF OUELPH.

which, if not so glorious for them, was far more satisfactory to the
country, though there can be no doubt there were many who would have
preferred that our citizen soldiery should have an opportunity to teach
the miscreants a lesson. The men finally returned to Guelph on July
I ith, when they were received by the people in a most enthusiastic man-
ner, a large procession being formed, escorted by the firemen with
torches; and on reaching the Town Hall the Mayor delivered an address
on behalf of the inhabitants, thanking them for the manner in which
they had done their duty, and on the following morning they were tem-
porarily mustered out.

At the meeting of the Town Council July 2nd, Mr. Hatch resigned
his seat as member for the West Ward, and in the following week Mr.
Alexander Thomson was elected in his place.

In August the town was shocked by the perpetration of a horrible
murder. An aged couple named Andrew and Margaret May had for
some years occupied a shanty on the farm of Mr. John Rennie, near the
Catholic cemeter)'. For several months Mrs. May had been confined to
her bed by sickness, and had been for some time an inmate of the Cath-
olic hospital. Soon after her return, her husband commenced a course
of brutal treatment towards her, and on the night of August iith she
was discovered lying outside the shanty, nioaning piteously, and was
removed to her bed. On Sunday May sent to the cemetery for Mrs.
Margaret Hurley, wife of the sexton, who on her arrival found Mrs. May
dead in bed, and from the appearance of the body there was no doubt a
brutal murder had been committed. An inquest was accordingly held,
when the evidence clearly showed that death had resulted from a violent
shock to the system, caused by the numerous injuries which had evidently
been inflicted by some blunt instrument. A verdict was rendered
accordingly, and May was committed to the Assizes. At the trial in
October the prisoner was convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to
two years imprisonment in the connnon gaol.

During the month of August the government received news which
induced them again to call upon the volunteers,. and the Guelph Rifles
were ready at once, and on the morning of the 23rd they left for Thorold,
being accompanied to the station by a large number of citizens. They
were away only a short time, however, the necessity for their services
having been obviated by the prompt action of the government. At this
time the feeling had been rapidly gaining strength that some more
effective measures should be taken for arming the men of this town and
county, and a public meeting was called, at which Dr. Howitt read a
paper upon a scheme which he had thought would be worthy of consi-
deration by the government. He stated that the object was to arm for
defensive purposes a great portion of the inhabitants of tht County with
the breech-loading rifle, and accustom them to its use without materially
interfering with their industrial pursuits, and without incurring any seri-
ous outlay on the part of the Government and municipalities. It was on
the assumption that this co-operation could be secured that the plan was
based. The different municipalities or townships must appropriate a
certain sum annually to give prizes, the prizes to be awarded to the best
rifle shots in those municipalities. The Government would have to fur-
nish the rifles at something below cost price, and ammunition at cost
price, and moreover appropriate a certam annual sum for prizes to be
competed for by the best rifle shooters in the Province. He also ex-
plained a system of matches, for which he proposed that the Government

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

137

)ry to the
^ould have
y to teach
ih on July
astic man-
emen with
an address
r in which
were tem-

;h resigned
g week Mr.

f a horrible
[ay had for
ie, near the
confined to
)f the Cath-
ed a course
ist uth she
y, and was
irv for Mrs.
d'Mrs. May
no doubt a
dingly held,
om a violent
ad evidently
,s rendered
the trial in
entenced to

Inews which
lelph Rifles
[for Thorold,
tens. They
leir services
it. At this
Isome more
s town and
^vitt read a
ly of consi-
to arm for
bounty with
|t materially
ig any seri-
It was on
|ie plan was
ipropriate a
to the best
lave to fur-
lion at cost
trizes to be
ie also ex-
iJovernment

and private individuals should ofter prizes. Speeches were delivered by
Mr. Stirton, M.P.P., Judge Macdonald, the Mayor, and others, all of
whom were favorable to the scheme. A committee was appointed to
communicate with the Militia Department, and if the reply were satis-
factory, to take such steps as might be necessary to complete the various
organizations contemplated. The scheme was favorably received by
newspapers in all parts of the country, and to some extent it was adopted
by the Government.

At the meeting of the Town Council on December 3rd the Clerk
read a report from Mr. James Armstrong, to the effect that he had taken
the census of the Town, in accordance with a resolution of the Council,
and that he found the number of the inhabitants of the North and East
Wards to be 2577 ; in the South Ward 1630, and in the West Ward 1807,
making a total of inhabitahts in the town of 6014 persons.

It having become desirable, in consideration of the large amount of
business coming before the Police Court, to which the Mayor could not
be expected to give his attention, that a Police Magistrate should be
appointed, several gentlemen's names were mentioned for the office,
including Mr. T. W. Saunders, barrister, son of the Clerk of the Peace,
Mr. W. S. G. Knowles, Mr. Geo. ElUott, Mr. K. Newton, and Mr. John
Smith. The Council at a meeting in December, resolved to recommend
Mr. Saunders for the position, and that gentleman soon afterwards
received his appointment from the Government.

Under the new municipal law, passed in 1866, Guelph became en-
titled to elect a Mayor, Reeve, and two Deputy Reeves, by a direct vote
of the people. Previous to this there had been a Reeve and only one
Deputy Reeve, who had been appointed by the Council, but now all were
to be elected by the people. By this Act it was also provided that towns
having less than five wards should elect three Councillors for each ward,
and that one should retire each year in rotation. The anxiety on the
part of some of the members of the Council, to secure nominations, was
very great, and but for the influence of some of their better advised
friends, several gentlemen would have been in the field, who, as it was,
were induced to refrain from becoming candidates. For Mayor, Mr.
Peter Gow was re-eiected, and Mr. R. Melvin was elected Reeve, the
Deputy Reeves being— Mr. H. W. Peterson and Mr. R Mitchell. The
Council was composed of the following members : — East Ward — F. J.
Chadwick, P. McCurry and Thos. Sayers. West Ward— F. Galbraith,
Alex. Thomson and Jas. Maasie. North Ward — John Harvey, Jas. Mays
and Dr. Herod. South Ward — Wm. Day. Wm. Hockin and Thos. Hol-
liday. Mr. Hockin at once resigned, and Mr. 1". A. Hefifernan was
elected in his place.

The County Council met January 22nd, the following members being
present :— Messrs. iieattie, Campbell, C. Clarke, J. Clarke, Connell, Cor
nock, Cross, Dobbin, Duffield, Garbutt, Gillespie, Hunter, Jull, Lander-
kin, Leslie, Lingwood, Mair, Martin, Maudsley, Melvin, Mitchell, Murton,
Peterson, Rae, Saunders, Small, Stevenson, Swan, and Wright.

St. George's day of this year being the fortieth anniversary of the
foundation of (iuelph, the St. George's Society celebrated the occasion
by a grand dinner, given in the Town Hall. Upwards of a hundred
persons sat down, the dinner being provided by Mr. Thomas Ellis, of the
American Hotel. Mr. W. S. G. Knowles, President of the Society, oc-
cupied the Chair, the vice-chairs being occupied by Dr. Herod and Mr.
HoUiday. On the right of the President were Mr. J. Hazelton, Presi-

188

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

dent of the St. I'atrick's Society, Messrs. Stirton, P. Gow and D. Allan,
and on his left were Mr. James (iow, President of St. Andrew's Society,
Dr. Parker and Mr. James Massie. After the usual loyal toasts, the
President gave " The army and navy," which was responded to by Lt.-
Col. Higinbotham, and Captain Swinford ; " The day we celebrate," was
responded to in an eloquent speech by Mr. Holden. The Vice President
then gave " The Dominion of Canada,' to which Dr. Ilowitt responded ;
"The Sister Societies," which was spoken to by Mr. James Gow ; "The
Legislative Assembly," to which Mr. Stirton, M. P.P., "and Dr. Parker, M.
P.P., responded. Otlier toasts followed and speeches were delivered by
Mr. H. W. Peterson, i\lr. J. Harris, Dr. Howitt, and others, the proceed-
ings being interspersed with songs by Mr.T. fl. Taylor, Mr. P. (iow and
Mr. IJreadon. 'I'he celebration was in all respects an unqualified success
and reflected great credit on the officers of St. George's Society.

The members of the Congregational Church having for some time
been making efforts to raise sufficient money to commence the building
of a new church, in the spring of this year they found themselves in a
position to proceed with the work, and on the i6th May, the corner stone
of the new structure was laid by Rev. Adam Liilie, D. D., Professor of
Theology in the Congregational College of British North America,
among the ministers present, being Revs. R. Torrance, W. S. Ball, John
Hogg, J. Carroll, Geo. Graftey and G. Wood, of Guelph, W. Barrie, of
Eramosa, T. Pullard, of Hamilton, W. II. Allvvorth, of Paris and J.
Wood, of Brantford. The Rev. W. F. Clarke, pastor of the church, in
the course of an address in which he explained the progress of the work
and the design of the new building, said the estimated cost was $7000,
towards which upwards of $3000 had been subscribed, in addition to
which they expected to realize about $2000 from the sale of the old church
property, so that, the lot on which the building was to be placed being
unencumbered, they would not be more than $2000 in debt. He acknow-
ledged the obhgations the committee were under to Mr. S. Boultand Mr.
John Davidson, for generous contributions and practical suggestions, and
to Mr. James Goldie, who in addition to large subscriptions, had pre-
sented the stone, from his ciuarry near the Peoples' Mills, thus cheapen-
ing the cost of themasonry to the extent of at least $500; and to Mr.
Chas. Raymond, for liberal contributions towards the purchase of the
site. In the bottle was placed a manuscript, containing a brief history
of the church as follows:—

" On this loth day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1867, being the
30th year of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Oueen Victoria,
Lord Monck being Governor of British North America, the provinces
whereof only await the Royal Proclaniation to be confederated under
the name and style of the Dominion of Canada, this corner-stone of an
edifice to be used for the worship of Almighty God by a body of Christ-
ians known as the " Guelph Congregational Church," was laid in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, by the
Rev. Adam Lillie, D.D., Professor of Theology in the Congregational
College of British North America. The Church was formed in the month
of June, 1825, and consisted at first of eight persons, one of whom sur-
vives and is still a member of the church. During the pastorate of the
Rev. W. P. Wastell, the first church building was erected, being opened
for divine worship, Feb. 5th, 1840. In this place of worship the church-
has continued to meet until now. The present pastor entered upon his
duties the first Sabbath in July, i860. At this date the membership of

I D.Allan,
/'s Society,
toasts, the
i to byU.-
brate," was
e President
responded ;
iow; "The
Parker, M.
lelivered by
le proceed-
P. Gov/ and
ified success
ety.

some lime
he building
nselves in a
corner stone
Professor of
th America,
I. Ball, John
^ Barrie, of
'aris and J.
e church, in
of the work
was $7000,
addition to
old church
ilaced being
le acknow-
lultand Mr.
[estions, and
s, had pre-
is cheap6n-
nd to Mr.
ase of the
irief history

,, being the
)n Victoria,
provinces
ited under
Itone of an
of Christ-
laid in the
by the
regational
[the month
Lvhom sur-
late of the
ig opened
Ihe church-
upon his
Ibership of

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

139

the church numbers 86. Its officers are : William Fletcher Clarke, Pas-
tor ; Richard Baker, Robt. Thompson, Edwin Newton, Samuel Hodg-
skin, Robert J. Jeanneret, and Chas. Raymond. Deacons. The Trustees
of the church property are : Thomas Hodgskin, Richard Raker, Samuel
Hodgskin, Robt. Thompson and Edwin Newton. The building commit-
tee are : William Fletcher Clarke, Chairman ; Edwin Newton, Secretary
Treasurer ; Richard Baker, R. Thompson, S. Hodgskin, C Raymond, R.
J. Jeanneret, James Goldie, Thomas Lawrence, Alexander Thompson,
Wm. McLaren, and John Davidson. The architect and superintendent
is Stephen Boult. The contractors are ; James Davidson, mason ;
Stephen Boult, carpenter and builder ; Wm. Day, plasterer, and W. H.
Jacomb, painter and glazier." The bottle also contained a copy of the
Herald, and other Guelph papers, the Toronto Globe, Leader^ &c.

The assessment rolls of the Town for 1867 showed the population to
be : East Ward 1037, South Ward 1443, West Ward 1581, North Ward
1296 — total 5357. The value of real and personal property and amount
of income was returned as follows : East Ward real property $279,830,
personal do. $37,200, amount of taxable income $31,200, non-resident
lands $4,114; total $352,345. South Ward real property $215,052, per-
sonal property $4,000, income $27,600, non-resident lands $104.60 ; total
$257,112. West Ward real property $369,853, personal do. $34,100, in-
come $51,800, non-resident lands $28,061 ; total $483,814. North Ward
real property $352,017, personal do. $5,610, income $26,200, non-resident
lands $4,620: total $439,727. Total real property in all the wards
$1,216,752, total personal do. do. $132,200, total income do, $136,800,
total non-resident land, $47,246; grand total $1,532,998, which showed
the aggregate wealth of the town as shown by the Assessors. The total
number of first class militia men was 344; 2nd class do. 542 ; 3rd class
do. or reserve 226. The number of men liable for statute labor was 235.
The whole number of cattle in the town was returned as 447, sheep 372,
hogs 512, horses 329.

On June 28rh a disastrous fire occurred in the Liverpool Produce
Store, Dundas street. The building, being entirely of wood, was totally
destroyed, considerable delay having occurred in the arrival of the fire
engines, and in the ringing of the alarm bell, so that when the men did
arrive, the fire had nearly done its work. Both building and stock be-
longed to Messrs. Naughton & Gauhan, who estimated the aggregate
value to be $14,000 on which there was an insurance for $12,500. In
the following week a fire occurred at Newton's Hotel, near the Grand
Trunk Freight Station, by which the hotel and several small houses ad-
joining were destroyed, the loss being about $3,000.

The Wellington, Grey and Ikuce Railway Company having completed
the arrangements for the building of the road, from Guelph northwards,
the first sod of the new railway was turned at Fergus, June aSih, by Mr.
Adam Brown, of Hamilton, President of the company, in the presence
of a large number of spectators from all parts of the country. Speeches
were delivered by the President, and by Messrs. McGiverin and White,
of Hamilton, and Dr. Parker, of Guelph, Directors of the road.

The scheme of Canadian Confederation havmg been brought to a suc-
cessful issue, and the plan of govenmient consequently greatly changed,
the elections which ensued excited far more interest in all parts of the
country than had been the case for many years. In the County of Wel-
lington additional interest was given to the elections on account of a
change in the representation which bad taken pipxe in accordance with

140

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

a bill introduced by the Government, and passed in July, 1866, for the
re-distribution of seats,one of the provisions of which was that the County
of Wellington should be divided into three ridings, instead of two, as
heretofore. The following were the divisions, with the population of
each township : North Riding -Amaranth, 1,196; Arthur, 3,597 ; Luther,
689; Minto, 2,341; Maryborough, 3,134; Peel, 5,008; total, 15,965,
South Riding — Guelph, township, 3,088 ; Guelph, town, 5,076 ; Puslinch,
4,701 ; total, 12,865. Centre Riding — Elora Village, 1,043 ; Eramosa,
3,604; Erin, 4,948; Fergus village, 1,117; Garafraxa, 4,866; Nichol,
2,395 ; Pilkington, 2,397 ; total, 20,370.

In the South Riding the candidates were : For the House of Com-
mons, Mr. Uavid Stinton and Mr. F. W. Stone ; and for the Legislature
of Ontario, Messrs. Peter Gow and Wm. Leslie. Mr. Stone being then
in England, his friends labored at considerable disadvantage in conse-
quence of his absence, and there can be no doubt that had he been here
to address the electors, if he had not been elected, the majority of Mr.
Stirton would have been much smaller than it was. Under the circum-
stances, however, a good run was made, proving that Mr. Stone was not
only popular in the riding, but that a large number of the electors were
prepared to make considerable sacrifices, as many of them did, to en-
sure his election. The contest for the Legislature was more closely con-
tested, and the defeat of Mr. Leslie was not only a disappointment, but
somewhat of a surprise to his friends. Mr. Leslie had 225 names of
Puslinch electors on his requisition, and as a number of others subse-
quently pledged themselves to vote for him, he was of opinion that he
would poll as many votes in Puslinch as Mr. Gow, but the returns
showed that he only polled 171 votes in that Township. He was se-
lected one of the Union candidates on account of his supposed strength
in Puslinch, but the returns showed that he polled nearly double the
number of votes in the Town of Guelph that he polled in Puslinch, and
that Guelph Township also gave him a larger majority than Puslinch did.

The nomination of candidates for the North Riding took place at
Arthur, September 6th. Quite a number of prominent politicians were
present from the adjacent townships, and especially from the villages of
Mount Forest, Fergus, Elora and Salem. A substantial platform had
been erected on the grounds opposite O'Callaghan's Hotel, in front of
which the electors assembled to the number of 500. The Brownites of
Mount Forest mustered in strong force, together with a select assortment
from distant portions of the North and upper sections of the Centre
Riding. With the exception of a few personal friends of Messrs. Drew
and Beattie, the Unionists were nearly all from Arthur township and vil-
lage, and the adjoining parts of Minto, Amaranth, Luther, Peel and Mary-
boro". The assembly had a most respectable appearance throughout,
and the best of order was observed during the entire proceedings. Mr.
Geo. A . Drew, Elora, was nominated as a candidate for the Commons,
by Dr. Tuck of Drayton, and seconded by Mr. Peter Kean, of Minto.
Hon. M. H. Foley was nominated by Mr. Samuel Robertson, and sec-
or.ded by Mr. D. Yeomans, of Mount Forest. In the Legislature, Mr.
Jonn Beattie was nominated by Dr. Maudslay, of HoUin, and seconded
by Mr. C. O'Callaghan. Mr. Robert McKiro, of Peel, was nominated by
Mr. R. Stevenson, and seconded by Mr. Wm. Sturtridge. The result
was that Mr. Drew was elected for the Commons by a vote of i486 to
1269, showing a majority of 217. For the Legislature Mr. McKim was
elected by a majority of 71.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

141

for the

County
two, as
ation of
Luther,

15.965.
uslinch,
ramosa,
Nichol,

of Com-

jislature

ng then

a. conse-

;en here

r of Mr.

circum-

was not

ors were

d, to en-

sely con-

lent, but

names of

rs subse-

\i that he

returns

was se-

strength

)uble the

iich, and

inch did.
place at
ans were
illages of
"orm had
front of
wnites of
sortment
le Centre

«rs. Drew
and vil-
nd Mary-
•oughout,
gs. Mr.
ommons,
f Minto.
and sec-
ture, Mr.
seconded
nated by
he result
(f i486 to
Kim was

In the Centre Riding the nomination tt>ok place at Fergus. Two can-
didates were nominated. Dr. Parker, of Guelph, and Mr. John Dobbin,
but the latter gentleman declining to go to the po'l, Dr. Parker was de-
clared duly elected. For the Legislative Assembly, Mr. A. D. Ferrier was
proposed by Mr. Jas. Reynolds, of Pilkingtori, seconded by Mr. Geo. A.
Lacey, of Hillsburg. Mr. James Loughrin was proposed by Mr. A. Hood,
and duly seconded. Mr. T. .S. Armstrong was nominated by Mr. R.
Taylor, of Elora, and seconded by Mr. Robert Black, of Gaiafraxa. At
the close of the poll to vote stood Ferrier, 1083 '> Armstrong, 1025, and
Loughrin, 338. Mr. Ferrier was therefore declared elected.

A fire, which at one time threatened to be of a most serious nature,
occurred on .September i8th, in the hosiery works of McCrae, Arm-
strong Sc Co. It originated in the second story of the building in the
packing room, and soon spread to the other apartments, running through
the carding and other rooms with great rapidity, but by the exertions of
the workmen, assisted by a large number of the neighbors, the fire was
extinguished in about half an hour, but the damage was very heavy,
probably reaching to $3,000, which, however, was fully covered by insur-
ance. The next morning a fire occurred in the carriage works of Mr.
Wm. Dyson, but fortunately the buildmg was isolated and the weather
calm, or the damage might have been mucl: greater than it was. The
loss was heavy, as besides the building, a large number of finished bug-
gies, and vehicles of various kinds in course of construction, were de-
stroyed, the loss amounting to about $4,000. There was no insurance.

During November a young man named Foster, living near .Sleeman's
brewer)', was married, and on the night of the 25th, a large party of
Youghs living in the South Ward assembled for the third time, to treat
him to charivari. The night being very dark, favored their designs, and
for nearly an hour they alarmed the neighborhood with their unearthly
noises — ringing bells, beating drums, tin cans, boilers and kettles, dis-
charging guns and pistols, shrieking, singing,cursing, whistling, groaning,
throwing dirt, stones and sticks, blowing horns and trumpets, and per-
forming all other insane tricks usually accompanying a charivari. Sud-
denly a head was protruded through a window, and a gun discharged into
the crowd. With a loud cry, a lad about 15 years of age named Thos.
Chamberlain, fell down, and as the noise instantly ceased, a number of
the party bore him away to a dwelling house near by, where Dr. Orton,
jr., attended him, but notwithstanding that all was done which medical
skill could devise, he died in a few days. At the inquest, which was held
by Dr. Howitt, evidence was given that the gun was fired by Joseph
Foster, father of the newly married man, under circumstances of great
provocation, his wife being dangerously ill, at the time, and suffering
from the effects of the excitement caused by the pandemonium outside.
There was no reason to believe that he intended to seriously hurt any-
body, and after carefully considering all the circumstances the jury
brought in a verdict tantamount to one of justifiable homicide, at the
same time properly recommending that the parties engaged in creating
the disturbance on the night of the shooting should be rigorously prose-
cuted.

The candidates for the Mayoralty in 1868, were Mr. N. Higinbotham
and Mr. John Harris, the former being elected by a small majority. In
accordance with the Municipal Act of 1866 the following members of the
Council retired: — East W^ard — Mr. Thomas Sayers. West Ward — Mr.
F. W. Galbraith. North Ward— Mr. John Harvey. South Ward— Mr.

142

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

T. Heffernan. The Council consisted of the foUowine: members : —
Mayor — Mr. Higinbotham. Reeve— Mr. R. Melvin. Deputy Reeves —
Mr. H. W. Peterson and R, Mitchell. Councillors :— East Ward —
Messrs. F. j. Chadwick, Thos. Sayers, and P. McCurry. West Ward —
Messrs. James Massie, Alex. Thomson* and Geo. Howard. South Ward
—Messrs. Wm. Day, Thos. HoUiday and T. Heffernan. North Ward —
Messrs. John Harvey, James Mays, and Dr, Herod. In March, Mr.
Peterson resigned his position as Deputy Reeve, and Mr. James Massie
was elected, Mr. C. Buckland being elected for the vacancy in the re-
presentation for the North Ward caused by Mr. Massie's election as
Deputy Reeve.

The County Council consisted of the following members : — Messrs.
JJoyd, Broadfoot, Campbell, Cassin, Cornell, Cornock, Dobbin, Duffield,
(iillespie, Gordon, Hunter, Johnston, Jull, Mair, Melvin, Mitchell, Mc-
Innes, McMillan, Passmore, Peterson, Rea, T^obertson, Saunders, Small,
Stirton, Swan, Whitelaw, McManus, Cross, ■ itherland. By the retire-
ment of Mr. Peterson in March, a vacancy wa^ .reated, which was filled
by the election of Mr, Massie. Mr. S. Robertson, Deputy Reeve of
Maryboro', also retired, and Mr. A. Maxwell was elected in his place.
Mr. Small, of Arthur, died in April, and Mr, R. Stevenson was elected to
fill the vacancy.

In April the country was called upon to mourn the death of Hon,
Thomas D'Arcy McGee, and in common with other towns and cities,
Guelphgave expression to the feelings of sorrow at the loss the country
had sustained, and sympathy with the bereaved relatives of the hon.
gentleman. A public meeting was held in the Town Hall, where appro-
priate resolutions were passed, and eloquent adresses'delivered by several
prominent citizens, among whom were Rev. Arthur Palmer, Dr. Clarke,
Mr. W. S. (r. Knowles, Rev. W. F. Clarke, Mr. J. Harris, Mr. A. A.
Baker, Mr. Melvin and Mr. G. Palmer, 3ome of whom had known Mr.
Mc(jee, and all of whom expressed the abhorrence which was universal-
ly felt of the foul crime of murder, by which Mr. McGee had fallen. The
resolutions were ordered to be engrossed and forwarded to Mr. McGee's
widow.

The assassination of Mr. McGee, with the news of hostile preparations
going forward on the other side of the lines, created a state of intense
anxiety and alarm throughout the Dominion, and there can be no doubt
that in many cases measures were resorted to for the detection and pun-
ishment of supposed Fenians, which at a more peaceful time would have
been looked upon with disfavor, and met with a firm condemnation on
the part of the people generally. So was it in Guelph. For a lor -_, time
the existence of a small band of Fenians had been suspected, an ' some
persons contended that there was a regularly organized circle n this
vicinity, and that Fenian leaders were in the habit of cominr to the
neighborhood in disguise, and to some extent making Guelph a vi.ntreof
operations. Some weeks previously a number of cases of second hnnd
guns, rifles, &c., had been sold in Guelph, and it was suspected that the
Fenian sympathizers had purchased them. Thinking there was suffi-
cient evidence in their hands on which to act, warrants were placed in
the hands of Chief Constable Kelly for the arrest of certain individuals
in (iuelph, and in one day three arrests were made, a Puslinch farmer,
and two men in Guelph, all of whom were lodged in jail. It was said that
documents were found upon these men clearly proving their connection
with the Brotherhood, but though the prisoners were detained in close

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

143

ies

)ns

ise

:bt

in-

ive

ion

jne

lis

Ihe

Ind

Ihe

lis

confinement for a considerable time, nothing definite could be laid to
their charge, and they were consequently released. The excitement,
however, was not by any means abated, for the Fenians were known to
be making preparations for an invasion, and towards the end of May,
Lieut.-Col. Higinbotham received a letter requesting him to have h's bat-
talion ready to take the field at any instant, as it was not known when
they might be required to meet the foe. The Guelph companie? received
the news on the Queen's birthday with loud cheers, and instructions were
sent by telegraph to Elora, Fergus, and Mount Forest for the men to set-
tle up their iDusiness and make ready for an immediate march on the
frontier, and arrangements were made by \>hich 500 men could be mar-
shalled in Guelph at 48 hours notice. A few days afterwards orders were
received that the 30th Battalion should be attached to the Flying Squad-
ron, and the men were kept under arms for some weeks, but were not
required for active service.

In May a new fire engine, which had been ordered by the Town Coun-
cil from the Silsby factory, was received in town, at the trial at Presant's
mill and Allan's distillery, gave unqualified satisfaction. The total cost,
including hose, reels, &c., was $5,638.68.

On one or two occasions the merchants of Guelph had endeavored to
make an arrangement by which to rid themselves of the American silver
nuisance, but without avail. In July of this year another attempt was
made, in conjunction with the merchants of Toronto, Hamilton and other
places, by forming a league, the members of which should be liable to a
fine OS $50 if they received American silver except at a discount of 4
per cent, on silver coins above the denomination of 25 cents, and 10 per
cent, on coins under that denomination. A meeting of the merchants
was held, and a compact to the above effect was signed by most of the
merchants in town, and for a time it was rigidly adhered to, but gradu-
ally the arrangement became a dead letter.

For some months past an unhappy division had existed among the
members and congregation of Knox's Church, and the Presbytery had to
be called upon to adjudicate on the matter, but as some of the adherents
were still disaftected, it finally became evident that the breach was
such as to be almost beyond the hope of healing, and a Committee of the
Presbytery was therefore appointed to organize those who wished to se-
cede into a separate congregation. On July 27th, therefore, the commit-
tee met at the Court House, Rev. Mr. Middlemiss, of Elora, convener,
and a large deputation of church members being present. Certificates
from Rev. W. S. Ball in favor of 1 14 members in good standing with-
drawing from Knox Church were presented, and being foui \ sufificient,ia
communion roll was mnde up, and the congregation of Chalmers Church
was declared to be constituted. A Board of Managers to act pro teni.
was then appointed, consisting of ten gentlemen lately managers of
Knox's Church, and Mr. D. Stirton, M. P., and Mr. Jas. Gow, after
which arrangements were made for a regular siipjily for the pulpit.

On Monday, Oct. 19th, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone
of the new Knox's Church, on Ouebec street, was performed by Rev. Ur.
Ormiston ; the pastor, Rev. W. S. Ball, Revo. Messrs. Griffin, Wood,
Clarke and Torrance, of Guelph, and a number of the Presbytery from
Gait and other places taking part in the service.

On Sunday, Oct. i8th, Dr. Parker, M. P. for Centre Wellington
having received a professional call to visit a sick child at Rockwood, pro-
ceeded there, intending to remain all night, but finding that his services

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

could be of no avail, at about lo o'clock he started to walk to Guelph,
taking the road, in order, as he said, to avoid the danger of falling through
a bridge on the track near Rockwood, where two men had already been
killed. Finding the road very muddy, he altered his determination, and
took the railway, walking cautiously, as the night was verv dark. Before
he was aware of it, however, he had arrived at the fatal L-ridge, which was
spanned only by beams to support the rails, and plunged throiigh to the road
beneath, where he lay, unable to move till the next morning. When he was
discovered medical aid was at once procured, and Dr. Hewitt and Lieut. -
Col. Higinbotham brought him to Guelph, when it was found that he
had sustained a fracture of the thigh and serious internal injuries. He
lingered, mostly in an unconscious state, until the following Saturday,
when he died. Among those present at the funeral were Archdeacon
lirough, the deceased's father-in-law, Mayor Clarke, of Hamilton, Mr.
C. Magill, M. P., Mr. J. Young, M. P., Mr. Macfarlane, M. P., a number
of Ministers, and several of the prominent electors of the Centre Rid-
ing. The pall-bearers were Lieut. -Col. Higinbotham, Judge Macdonald,
Dr. Herod, Mr. Geo. Elliott, Mr. E. McGiverin, and Mr. Adam Brown,
of Hamilton,. Rev. Mr. Geddes, of Hamilton, assisted by Rev. Dr. Al-
exander, officiated.

The candidates for the Mayoralty in 1869 were Dr. Herod and Mr.
Melvin, the former gentleman being elected by a good majority. For
Reeve, Mr. Richard Mitchell was elected, and for Deputy Reeves,
Messrs. P. McCurrie and J. Goldie. The members of the Council were :
East Ward — Messrs;. F. J. Chadwick, T. Sayers and W. Allan. West
Ward — Messrs. G. Bruce, G. Howard and and A. Thomson. North
Ward — Messrs. John Harvey, J. A. Wood and A. Robertson. South
Ward — Messrs. W. Day, J. Holliday and T. Heffernan.

The members of the County Council were : Guelph Town, Richard
Mitchell, James Goldie and P. McCurry. Guelph Township, W. White-
Ip^v, George Darby. Puslinch, Wm. Leslie, M. Spreuhan. Eramosa,
John Duffield, John Rae. Erin, D. McMillan, Ed. Johnson. Garafraxa
West, John Dobbin. Garafraxa East, \V. H. Hunter. Fergus George
Mclnnes. Elora, J. M. Frazer. Pilkington, W. Clarke, Hugh Roberts.
Nichol, John Mair, John Broadfoot. Peel, J. Cross, W. S. Sutherland
and J. McManus. Maryboro, S. Robertson, J. Landerkin. Minto, Jas.
Connell, John Prain ; Arthur, R. Stevenson, R. Gordon. Mount Forest,
Thomas Swann, Luther; D. Saunders. Amaranth, C. Gillespie. Orange-
ville, T. Jull. Mr. John Mair was elected Warden.

. The election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Parker,
M. P., for Centre Wellington, was held Jan. i8th. Several candidates
had been named, among whom were Hon. George Brown, Hon. H. M.
Foley, Mr. A. McKellar, Mr. T. White, of the Hamilton Spectator, Mr.
James Ross, Mr. John Smith, Warden, Mr. C. Clarke, Mr. James Logh-
rin. Dr. Howitt, Mr. H. H. Swinford, Lieut.-Col. Higinbotham and
Mr. Geo. Elliott. Mr. Ross, of Cumnock, was the only one who ac-
cepted a nomination, and was elected by acclamation, thus leaving vacant
the office of Crown Lands Agent, which was worth from $1,000 to $1,200
per annum.

On February 6th, the Town sustained another severe loss by the
death of Mr. James Webster, Registrar of the County, at the age of 61.
Emigrating to Canada in 1833, he settled in the township of Nichol,
where, in partnership with Hon. Adam Fergusson, he purchased a tract
of land, founded the village of Fergus, and remained there until 1852,

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

145

uelph,
irough
(T been
»n, and
Before
ch was
he road

he was
Lieut.-
that he
s. He
Lturday,
ideacon
on, Mr.
number
tre Rid-
;donald,

Brown,

Dr. Al-
and Mr.
ty. For

Reeves,
:il were :

. West
North
South

Richard
White-

:,ramosa,

tarafraxa
George

iRoberts.

Itherland

|nto, Jas,
Forest,

[Orange-

Parker,
ididates
H. M.
\for, Mr.
;s Logh-
im and
I who ac-
vacant
$1,200

by the

te of 61.

Nichol,

a tract

til 1852,

when he removed to Guelph. In all the political movements of his day
he took an active part and sat in Parliament as representative of the then
District of Waterloo in 1844. In 1859 he was appointed Registrar of the
County of Wellington, which office he retained till his death. In the
same year he also held the position of Mayor of Guelph. For two or
three years his health had been so impaired that he was unable to take
any active part in public matters, but he never ceased to evince a deep
interest in all questions having for their object the improvement of the
Town and County. On the day of the funeral the stores were closed
for an hour, and a large number of citizens joined the mounful cortege.
The pall bearers were — Col. Hewat. Col. Saunders, Mr. Geo. Davidson,
Sherift" of Waterloo, Mr. J. L. Smith, Toronto, Mr. G, D. Fergusson,
Fergus, Mr. Chas. Davidson, Guelph, Judge Macdonald, Guelph, Mr. D.
Chalmers, Woolwich, Mr. David Allan, Mr. Wm. Alexander, Guelph,
and Mr. A. W. Scheweigener, Berlin. Mr. James Webster, son of the
deceased, was soon afterwards appointed to the vacant office.

In April Mr. John Harvey resigned his seat in the Council for the
North Ward, and Mr. Robert Mitchell was elected in his place.

Except the unusual activity in the building trade, nothing of any
moment occurred in the Town for some months, so that the recurrence of
the time for the municipal elections was a relief to the " flat, stale and
unprofitable" state of things which had rendered the people listless with
regard to everything except business. Up to within a short time of the
nomination, it had been thought that Dr. Herod would be elected to the
Mayoralty for 1870 without opposition, but at the last moment Mr. James
Barclay was brought out and a very close contest was the result, Dr. Her-
od being elected by a majority of only twelve. Fcr the Reeveship, the
contest was more exciting, two candidates being brought out in good time
and the canvassing prosecuicd vigorously on both sides, the vote at the
close giving Mr. Richard Mitchell a majority of eight over Mr. James
Goldie. The candidates for the Deputy Reeveships were — Messrs. F. J.
Chadwick, Henry Hatch, James Goldie, and C, Buckland, the votes be-
ing — Hatch 424, Chadwick 41 Goldie 344, and Buckland 118, the two
former being elected. There was a contest for a Councillorship in two
wards. In the East Ward, Mr. David McCrae polled 94 votes, against
68 for Mr. John Stewart, and in the West Ward, Mr. J. McNeil polled
147 vote against Mr. Buckland's 74. The members of the Council were,
therefore: — East Ward — Messrs. T. Sayers, W. Allan and D. McCrae.
West Ward — Messrs. G. Howard, G. Bruce and J. McNeil North
Ward— Messrs. J. A. Wood, A. Robertson and Robt. Mitchell. South
Ward — Messrs. T. Heffernan, W. Day and J. Holliday.

The members of the County Council for 1870, were: — Messrs. Chas.
Gillespie, Robert Gordon, Anthony Buschlen, J. M. Frazer, John Rea,
Alex. McQueen, D. McMillan, E. Johnson, G. T. Orton, John Dobbin,
Wm. Gibson, Wm. H. Hunter, Thos. Hamilton, James Laidlaw, G. A.
Darby, Rich. Mitchell, F. J. Chadwick, H. Hatch, Peter Hanson, Robt
Hay, Wm. H. Lowes, James Cornell, John Prain, John Robinson, John
Mair, John H, Broadfoot, M. McCarthy, James Cross, W. S. Sutherland,
T. McManus, Wm. Clark, Hugh Roberts, Wm. Leslie, Wm. Nicol. Mr.
John Mair was elected Warden.

For some time there had been much opposition shown by interested
parties to the building of the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway, this
being one of the causes which had led to the delay which had occurred
in prosecuting the work. To overcome the evil effects of this opposition

146

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

a delegation from Hamilton, comprising the Mayor, the President of the
Company, and others, with Messrs. C. Davidson, J. Massie, H. Hatch
and Lt.-Col. Higinbotham, as delegates from Guelph, in March proceeded
to Harriston, where they were met by the following representatives of the
townships which had granted bonuses to the road: — Mr. Cornell, Reeve,
and Mr. Prain, Deputy Reeve, with Messrs. Dalmage and Hughes,
Councillors of Minto ; Mr, Perkins, Reeve and Mr. Weir, Deputy Reeve
jf Howick; Mr. Hay, Reeve, Mr. Lowes, Deputy Reeve, and Mr. Patcr-
son, Councillor of Maryboro ; Mr. Cross, Reeve and Mr, Brown, Coun-
cillor of Peel, with several other gentlemen interested, besides about
three hundred ratepayers from the various township, Mr, Adam Brown
gave a brief outline of the history of the Company, and a statement ot
the unforeseen difficulties which had arisen in prosecuting the work, in
consequence of which they were unable to complete the road at the time
stated when the bonuses were granted, and he therefore asked an exten-
sion of time of one year from Maryboro', Minto and Howick. Mr. Brown
was very clear and candid in his remarks, and was listened to with much
attention. He was followed by Aid. Edgar, Messrs A. Sproat, M. P., N,
Bullock, D, D. Hay, and others, who spoke in favor of the extension, and
it was finally moved by Mr, J, Laing, and seconded by Mr, Wm. Crea-
sor, that the meeting had the fullest confidence in the Railway Company,
and that it would be for the interests of the townships that the extension
of time be granted. At a subsequent meeting of the Reeves and Coun-
cillors of the townships, it was resolved to endeavor to carry by-laws for
the object sought, which was afterwards successfully carried out, and the
withdrav/ing of the bonuses, which the opponents, of the road were anxi-
ous to bring about, was prevented.

From the assessment roll for the year it appears that the population
of the town was 6424, Total value of real property, $1,214,200, Total
value of personal property and taxable income, $240,460, Aggregate
total value of all property, $1,403,665,

The Grand Trunk Railway Company having decided to remove their
workshops from Toronto, a proposal was made to ask Mr, Brydges to
locate the workshops in Guelph, and a public meeting to consider the
matter was called by the Board of Trade. Mr, George Murton, Presi-
dent of the Board, took the chair, and addresses were delivered by
Messrs. John Hogg, F. J, Chadwick, W. Wilkie, W. S. G. Knowles, H,
W, Peterson, and others, when it was resolved : — "That the Mayor be
requested to call a special meeting of the Council, to take into considera-
tion the propriety of offering suitable ground for the workshops of the
Grand Trunk Railway, as a gift, and to exempt them from taxation for a
term of years, and, in addition, to offer a bonus of at least $10,000," The
special meeting of the Council was accordingly held, and a communica-
tion sent to Mr. Brydges, to which a reply was received that he could not
entertain the offer, as the situation of the town was not suitable for the
object sought.

On the 23rd July, the hand of death deprived the town of one of its
brightest ornaments, in the person of Mr. George Pirie, editor and pro-
prietor of the Herald. For twenty-two years he had labored, through
the columns of his paper, and in numberless ways as a private citizen, to
promote the best interests of the town and neighborhood, and up to
within three weeks of his death he continued to give to his readers the
results of his ripe experience and brilliant intellect. He had been, for
many years, a sufferer from asthma, and was periodically subject to

ve their

ges to

er the

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THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

147

distressing attacks of this complaint, and it was long a matter of wonder
how he bore up so well under his affliction. In the previous November,
he was laid aside by a severe illness, and then old age and the breaking
down of a naturally good constitution, began plainly to tell upon him,
and though still able to discharge his duties, up to within a short time of
his death, it was evident that the strong man was gradually but surely
sinking. Mr. Pirie, at the time of his death, was upwards of 71 years of
age, having been born in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, on February
28th, 1798. He received a very liberal education in his native city, and
also in London, where he was afterwards apprenticed to a relative. Sir
John Pirie, an eminent merchant, and at one time Lord Mayor of Lon-
don, In 1818 he came to Montreal, where he lived some time, acting as
agent for his father, who was a leading merchant and shop owner of
Aberdeen. Not long after he visited Scotland, but returned in 181 9.
On the voyage out, he, in company with some other passengers, visited
the island of Anticosti, where he was for some time exposed to a thick,
damp fog, by which he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in chro-
nic asthma, from which he continued to suffer, more or less, during the
remainder of his life. After remaining two years in Montreal, he again
returned to Scotland, and in company with a Mr. Saunders, commenced
business in Aberdeen as a wholesale dry goods merchant. He was
obliged, however, from infirm health, to give it up in 1834, and in 1838,
came out again to Canada and settled in the township of Nichol, where
he bought a farm in the Bon Accord settlement. He continued farming
until 1848, when finding he was unable to perform the arduous duties of
a farmer, he was induced by Mr. James Webster to purchase the Guelph
Herald, then only in the second year of its publication. From the first
day of his management, the Herald was a staunch Conservative paper,
maintaining the position of the leading organ of that party in this part
of the country. Mr. Pirie was an able, accurate and spirited writer.
Thoroughly acquainted with the political history of the country, and of
the characters of its public men, he brought his knowledge and experi-
ence to bear with singular effect on every subject under discussion. En-
dowed with an acute intellect, and being a thorough master of a clear,
incisive style, aided by a keen and often sarcastic wit, he was a formi-
dable opponent in a discussion, and not seldom came out of these en-
counters victorious. Having once expoused a cause, he held to it with
great tenacity, but when a fight was over and a truce proclaimed he
retained no resentment, nor were his private friendships or relations
broken up in consequence. When he expoused a cause, he did it on
conscientious grounds, because he believed he was right, and frequently
was he known to sacrifice his own interests in advocating what he consi-
dered was for the public good. But not only as a public writer and
journalist was his loss greatly felt. Prominent and honorable as was his
position in his profession, he was equally useful as a public spirited
citizen, whose time, talents and means were always at the disposal of his
fellow townsmen. He was for twenty years a member of the Guelph
School Board, acting either as a Grammar or Common School Trustee,
and if there was one thing more than another which lay near his heart,
it was the educational interests of the town. As a magistrate he was one
of the brightest ornaments of the bench, and so enthusiastic was his
patriotism, that at the time of the " Trent " affair, though then a feeble
old man, he gallantly joined the Scottish company formed in the town at
that time^ and drilled night after night, to be able to take his place among

148

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

his country's defenders. For twenty-one years he was the indefatigable
secretary of the St. Andrew's Society, and to many other charitable
organizations his energies were freely given. The funeral was one of the
most mournful sights ever seen in CJuelph, nearly all the inhabitants
wearing crape, and a \ ery large number joining in the procession to pay
the last tribute of respect to one whom all honored, whatever their dif-
ferences of opinion may have been. The pall-bearers were : Messrs.
David Stirton, M.P., P. Gow, M.P.P., James Gow, James Fergusson,
John A. Davidson, G. B. Fraser and James Innes.

At a meeting of influential merchants and others held on July 27th, a
company was organized under the title of the Guelph Gas Company, and
Messrs. F. J. Chadwick, Richard Mitchell and N. Higinbotham were ap-
pointed a committee to canvass the town in order to obtain subscrip-
tions of citizens and capitalists to the company's stock list. The sum of
$4,000 was subscribed at the meeting, which, with the sum taken by Mr.
Perry, the projector of the con.pany, made $10,000 taken up. For $16,-
000 Mr. Perry offered to purchase a site and erect a stone building 80
feet by 40 and 16 feet high, and to provide all that was necessary to make
20,000 feet of gas in 24 hours ; also to buy ihe necessary pipes, metres,
&c., for 100 consumers, and main pipes running from the gas works up
Wyndham street, as far as Suffolk street, thence across to St. Andrew's
Church, up Quebec and Paisley street, to Dublin street along Macdon-
nell street to Allan's bridge, up Woolwich street to the Court House,
around the Market Square from Wyndham street, up Church street to
Norfolk street. Shortly afterwards the company was fully organized,
with a capital of $30,000, in 1,500 shares, at $20 each, the term of the
company's existence to be fifty years. The Directors chosen for the first
year were Messrs. F. J. Chadwick, N. Higinbotham, James Massie,
Richard Mitchell, Donald Guthrie, J. C. McLagan and John Hogg. Mr.
Perry, the proprietor of the undertaking, was chosen manager, and it was
expected to have gas burning by the ist of November. Gas was not
used, however, till January i8th, 1871.

On September 13th the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway was
opened as far as Fergus, when addresses were presented on the occasion
to Mr. Adam Brown and the other Directors, by Mr. J. M. Fraser, Reeve
of Elora, and Dr. Orton, Reeve of Fergus, on behalf of those municipal-
ities.

The great want of house accommodation, especially of such descrip-
tions as would be suitable for mechanics, having long been felt, a public
meeting was called to consider the question, the result being that a state-
ment was drawn up as follows : * We, the undersigned, are willing to
erect, during the fall, dwelling houses containing four rooms each, pro-
vided the mechanics will undertake the work at reasonable terms."
Donald Guthrie, Chas. Davidson, F. J. Chadwick, N. Higinbotham, J.
C. McLagan. In pursuance of this agreement a considerable number of
houses of the description named, were erected during the fall and winter.

The municipal elections for 187 1 were attended with an unusual de-
gree of excitement and interest. Mr. Richard Mitchell was elected
Mayor without opposition. For Reeve the candidates were Messrs. Jas.
Massie and F. J. Chadwick, the former gentleman being successful. The
Deputy Reeves were Mr. George Howard and Mr. N. Higinbotham.
The members of the Council were : East Ward — Messrs. D. McCrae,
W. Allan and J. Stewart. West Ward— Messrs. J. McNeil, G. A. Bruce
and. H. Hatch. South Ward— Messrs. D. Kennedy, T. HoUiday and T.

tigable
.ritable
: of the
bitants
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eir dif-
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rere ap-

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by Mr.

or $16,-

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id it was
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Imber of
. winter.
Isual de-
elected
srs. Jas.
tl. The
|)otham.
[cCrae,
[. Bruce
and T.

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

149

Heffernan. North Ward— Messrs. A. Robertson, R. Mitchell and Chas,
Walker.

The members of the County Council for this year were : — Amaranth,
C. Gillespie ; Arthur, Robt. Gordon, Anthony IJushlen ; Elora, J. M.
Fraser ; Eramosa, John Rea, Alex. McQueen ; Erin, D. McMillan, Chas.
McMillan; Fergus, G. T. Orton, M.D. ; Garafraxa East, W. H. Hunter,
Thos. Hamilton; Garafraxa West, John Dobbin, Stephen Piper; Guelph
T'p, Jas. Laidlaw, Geo. Darby ; Guelph Town, Jas. Massie, N. Higin-
botham, Geo. Howard; Luther, P. Hanson; Maryboro, j. D.Johnson,
W. H. Lowes ; Minto, John Connell, John Prain ; Mount Forest, John
Robinson ; Nichol, John Mair, John Broadfoot ; Orangeville, M. Mc-
Carthy ; Peel, W. S. Sutherland, Thos. McManus, Thos. Rose ; Pilking-
ton, Hugh Roberts, Donald Wallace ; Puslinch, Wm. Leslie, Wm,
Nichol. Mr. Mair was elected Warden. Mr. A, D. Ferrier, M.P.P.,
Clerk of the Council, who had filled the office for twenty-two years, now
resigned that position, when an address accompanied with a handsome
piece of plate, was presented to him by the Council. Mr. John Beattie,
of Fergus, was then appointed clerk.

For some years attempts had been made to induce the Directors of
the Provincial Exhibition to hold it in Guelph, but without success, and
now it was proposed to establish a Central Exhibition, for which it would
be necessary to purchase a piece of land, and a committee of the County
Council was appointed to consider the matter. They now recommended
the purchase of a portion of the Catholic glebe, containing 35 acres, at a
cost not to exceed $5,000, on easy terms, which they specified. The
report was adopted and the Warden and County Solicitor instructed to
carry out the provisions named.

The Ontario Legislature, having existed four years, was dissolved in
February, and in March the general election took place. In the South
Riding of Wellington Mr. P. Gow was returned without opposition. In
the North Riding Mr. McKim was re-elected, defeating Mr. John Cross.
In the Centre Riding Mr. A. D. Ferrier, the late member, did not run,
and the contest was between Mr. Alexander McLareii and Mr. Charles
Clarke, the latter being elected. The general result of the election was
that the Conservative party had a majority in the House of 44 to 37.

On Tuesday, May 23rd, the event so long hoped for by the congrega-
tion of St. George's Church, the laying of the corner stone of the new
church, took place. A special and largely attended service was
held m the old church, after which the children of the Sunday-
School, followed by the members of the congregation, the building
committee and the clergy present, including Revs. Messrs. Geddes,
Hamilton ; Boomer, Gait; Cooper, Fergus, and others, formed a proces-
sion and proceeded to the site of the new building. After the stone had
been prepared, Mr. George Elliott deposited in the cavity a sealed can-
nister, containing a statement of the history of the church, the names of
the building committee — Archdeacon Palmer, Messrs. Wm. Reynolds,
T. W. Saunders, George Elliott and Judge Macdonald. The cost of
this building, as stated, was to be $29,998.60. The following papers were
also deposited in the canister: Guelph Herald, Advertiser, Mercury,
Toronto Qhbe, Leader, Church Herald and Canadian Almanac. The
stone was then laid with the usual ceremonies by Rev. Archdeacon Pal-
mer.

The efforts of a number of the leading agriculturists of the county
together with several of the prominent citizens of Guelph, to establish a

160

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Central Exhibition, having been sacccssful, and liberal grants having
been made by the Town and County, the necessary preparations were
completed, and tne show fixed to be held on October loth, nth and 12th,
The amount offered in prizes was $8000, a larger amount, by several
thousand dollars, than was ever offered at any similar exhibition in Ca-
nada. As the preparations advanced, it was found that the buildings
provided would be insufficient to accommodate all the cattle and goods
entered for competition, and a number of additional buildings were
erected. There were nearly 7000 entries from all parts of the Province,
and in all respects the show was beyond the most sanguine expectations.
On the first day the attendance was good, and on the second day the
number of persons on the ground was about 15,000, the number being
still larger on the third day. During the third day, Mr. James Ander-
son, of Puslinch, President of the Central Exhibition, delivered a practi-
cal and eloquent address, on the advantages to be derived from such
exhibitions, and the mutual benefits to be realized by farmers and manu-
facturers in thus meeting in friendly competition. Speeches were also
delivered Ly Mr. D. Stirton, M.P., Mr. John Mair, Warden of the County
and Mr. R. Mitchell, Mayor of Guelph. During the Exhibition week
the Guelph Herald was issued daily.

In December the Herald, which had been conducted since the
death of Mr. Pirie, under the management of his widow, passed into the
hands of Chadwick & Co., who, in their salutatory, announced their in-
tention of issuing the paper daily, and of making such improvements as
would render it in every respect equal to any daily paper published west
of Toronto, a promise which they persistently endeavored to fulfill, with
great success. The only feature in the paper, indeed, which did not
undergo a change, was in its unswerving support of the principles of the
Conservative party, and in the consistent advocacy whicli it had always
given of measures having for their aim the advancement of the people's
rights and general good, and at the same time condemning with all the
energy of integrity and partiotism, everything inimical to the popular
weal.

On Sunday, December 17th, the new edifice known as Chalmers'
church was opened for public worship, the sermons being preached by
Rev. John Thompson, of Sarnia, and Rev. Dr. Waters, of St. Marys.

On the defeat of the Sandfield Macdonald ministry in December,
and the advent to power of the Reform party under the leadership of
Mr. Edward Blake, Mr. P. Gow, member for South Wellington, was ap-
pointed 1 .-ovincial Secretary. At the election on January 4th, 1872, Mr.
Gow was re-elected without opposition.

There was no contest for the Mayoralty in 1872, Mr. Richard
Mitchell being re-elected by acclamation. Mr. James Massie was elected
Reeve, and Messrs. G. Howard and G. A. Bruce, Deputy Reeves. The
members of the Council were : — East Ward — Messrs. Wm. Allan, J. P.
MacMillan and J. Stewart. West Ward— Messrs. R. W. Bell, J. McNeil
and J. Crowe. South Ward — Messrs. D. Kennedy, M. Snider and W.
Stevenson. North Ward--Messrs. Robert Mitchell, A. Robertson and
John Hogg.

The members of the County Council for the year were : — Amaranth,
Mr. W. B. Jelly. Arthur Village, Mr. A. Buschlen. Arthur Township,
Mr. R. Stevenson, Mr. T. Flahiff. Elora, Mr. H. Hamilton. Erin, Mr.
D. McMillan, Mr. E. Johnson. Eramosa, Mr. J. Rea, Mr. J. McKerlie.
Fergus, Dr. G, T. Orton. Garafraxa East, Mr. R. Henderson, Mr. T.

1 having
)ns were
ind 1 2th.
' several
n in Ca-
buildings
nd goods
ngs were
Province,
Bctations.
day the
ler being
s Ander-
[ a practi-
rom such
nd manu-
were also
he County
tion week

since the
d into the
I their in-
ements as
ished west
ulfiU, with
did not
es of the
id always
people's
th all the
le popular

Chalmers'
cached by
Vlarys.
)ecember,
dership of
, was ap-
1872, Mr.

THE ANX.M.S OF THE TOWN OF OUELPTI.

l&l

Richard
ras elected
ves. The
llan, J. P.
[j, McNeil
Ir and W.
Irtson and

amaranth,
'ownship,

I Erin, Mr.

JMcKerlie.

In, Mr. T.

Hamilton. Garafraxa West, Mr, W. Gibson, Mr. S. Piper. Guelph
Town, Mr. J. Massie, Mr. (i. Howard, Mr. G. A. Priicc. Guelph Town-
ship, Mr. J. Laidlaw, Mr. K. Darby. Luther, Mr. \V. Dawson, Mr. P.
Hanson. Maryborough, Mr. H. Maudsley, Mr. J. Ogden. Minto, Mr.
J. O'Connell, Mr. J. Prain. Mount Forest, Mr. J. Robinson. Nichol,
Mr. J. ilair, Mr. J. iiroadfoot. Orangcville, Mr. M. McCarthy. Peel,
Mr. W. S. Sutherland, Mr. J. McManus, Mr. J. McCiowan. Pilkington,
Mr. H. Roberts, Mr. J. L. Brohmann. I'uslinch, Mr. W. Leslie, Mr. W.
Nicol.

During the year two vacancies occurred in the Town Council, one
by the death of Mr. .Stewart, in whose place Mr. D, Coffee was elected,
and the otlier by the retirement of Mr. McNeil, who was succeeded by
Mr. George Elliott.

In .\pril a (ire occurred in Messrs. Arms & Worswick's tool works
on Sutfolk street, by which the premises were entirely destroyed, and
about forty men tlirown out of employment. Mr. CJeorge A. Bruce's car-
riage factory, adjoining, was ba\ed by the untiring energy of the firemen.

At tlic Spring Assizes, Levi Gillies, ronvicted of an attempt to con\-
mit rape, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, and receive thirty
lashes on entering prison, thirty more at the expiration of a year, and
thirty more a fortnight before the expiration of his term. Theophilus
Coates, convicted of a similar offence, was sentenced to six months im-
prisonment and forty lashes. This was the first time the punishment of
the lasli was inflicted in this county. John Wilson, convicted of rape was
sentenced to be hanged on the 20th of June. The sentence was com-
muted to penal servitude for life.

The corner stone of the new Baptist Church on Woolwich street, was
laid on Monday, May 7th, by Rev. Dr. Davidson. Among the minister^
present were Rev. Mr. Mackie, pastor of the church ; Kev, Dr. Fyfe,
Rev. i\Iessrs. Mont»omerv, Beamsville ; Gcrrie, lilora ; Griffith, .St.

^ ieorge
{•"or

(riant, Hillsburg, and Dr. Hurd, Ijrantford.

some months an effort had been made to introduce the system of
nine liours labor, and in May a mass meeting was held, about 2,000 per-
sons beincr present, to consider the c|uestion, when a resolution was passed
in favor of the movement, and in many instances it was afterwards
adopted.

An application ha\'ingbeen made to the Town Council to grant the
use of the main portion of the l'Ahil)ition building to the Sisters ot Si.
Joseph's Hospital for a jiicni'- on June 2.).tli, a majority of the Council
decided to refuse it, and in a few c\a\ s a monster mass meeting was held,
at which the action of the Council was strongly condetiiaed, and a reso-
lution passed asking them to r{:St:ind their lesoliitinn, which was done at
a special meeting called to consider the mattci'.

At the general election for the House of Commons, in August, 1872,
Lt.-Col. Higinbotham ^vas elected for the Nortii Riding of Wellington,
by a majority of 60 over Mr. (i. A. Drew. In the Centre Riding Mr.
James Ross was elected by a majority of 46 over Dr. Orton, and in the
South Riding Mr. Stirton was re-elected by acclamation.

The Central Exhibitioii, held October Jst, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, was a
magnificent success, the entries being much more numerous, and the at-
tendance much larger than in the previous year, it had been expected
that Lord Dufferin would pay the town a visit during the week, but in that
the people were disappointed. On the 3id, however, Lt.-G,overnor How-
land arrived in town, and was received in a most etithusjjjstjc manner,

168

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN" OF GUELPH.

addresses being presented by the Mayor and Corporation, by the Warden
of Wellington, and by the Directors of the Central Exhibition. In the
afternoon a lunch was given in the Town Hall, when addresses were de-
livered by the Lieut.-Governor, the Mayor and others.

It being considered by many that the hospital accommodation inthe
town was insufficient, a number of prominent gentlemen took the matter
in hand and a public meeting was called in November to coi.rHer the
question. The chair was taken by Mr. James Massie, and addresses
were delivered by Nfr. Stirton, M. P., Revs. Messrs. Ball and Hogg, Drs.
Herod, Keating, Clarke, Brock and McGuire, and Messrs. John Hors-
man, John Harris, J. M. Bond, C. Raymond, F. W. Stone, John Hogg, A.
Lemon, and others, after which preliminary arrangements were made for
collecting subscriptions, and for making enquiries as to suitable sites,
cost of buildings, &c. The movement was vigorously pushed forward,
the result being that the present handsome and commodious building
was erected, and a General Hospital established, second lo none in any
town of the size of Guelph in the Province.

The municipal elections in January 1873, were unusually animated, so
for as the wards were concerned. For the Mayoralty, Mr. Adam Rob-
ertson was returned with scarcely any opposition. For Reeve there were
three candidates. .Messrs. Massie, Cioldie and Hatch, the first named
being elected. I'or Deputy Reeves the candidates were Messrs. George
Howard, F. J. Chadwick, D. Kennedy and J. P. Macmillan. Messrs.
Howard and Chadwick were elected. F'or Councillors, in the North
Ward there were six candidates, Messrs. John Hogg, Richard Mitchell
and Robert Mitchell being elected. In the South Ward there were
seven candidates, the successful ones being Messrs. T, A. Heffernan, D.
Kennedy and T. Holliday. In the East Ward their were six candidates,
and Messrs. J. Horsman, D. Coftee and Robt. Bell were elected. In the
West Ward there were six candidates, those elected being Messrs. Geo.
Elliott, 1. C. Mc Lagan and John Crowe. During the year Mr. Rell re-
signed his seat in the East Ward and Mr. C. Davidson defeated Mr. D.
McCrae for the vacant position.

The legal business of the County having become too large for the
County Judge to attend to, Mr. Austin Cooper Chadwick, barrister, was
appointed to the position of Junior Judge, the appointment being
announced in the Gasette of January i8th.

The members of the County Council for the year were : — W. B. Jelly,
Robert Stevenson, Alexander Fraser, Hugh Hamilton, John Rea,
Duncan McMillan, Henry Michie, William Gibson, Robert Henderson,
James Laidlaw, James Massie, William Dawson, John Prain, Robert
Kilgour, John Mair, Maitland McCarthy, Hugh Roberts, Wm. Leslie,
James Golden, Thomas Flahiff, William Duffield, John Berry, John
Mitchell, Thomas Hamilton, Geo. Darby, F. J. Chadwick, G. Howard,
Peter Hanson, T. B. Patterson, John H. Broadfoot, Jacob L. Brohman,
William Nicol. Mr. John Mair was elected Warden.

The new St. George's Church was opened for Divine worship on
April 20th, by the Bishop of Toronto. Among the clergymen who took
part in the service were. Revs. J. G. Geddes, Hamilton, F. A. Bethune,
Trinity College, Port Hope, and F. Alexander, Curate of the parish.

A by-law for raising $30,000 for the use of the Board of School
Trustees, principally for the building of the new Central School, was
submitted m September, and carried by a fair majority.

The Central Exhibition in 1873 was even more successful than that

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

16S

arden
In the
!re de-

i in the
matter
er the
iresses
g, Drs.
Hors-
ogg, A.
laUe for
le sites,
orward,
Hiilding
; in any

lated, so
m Kob-
ere were
; named
, George
Messrs.
e North
Mitchell
re were
man, D.
ididates,
In the
rs. Geo.
Bell re-
Mr. D.

for the
ter, was
being

B, Jelly,
n Rea,
derson,
, Robert
. Leshe,
, John
oward,
ohman,

rship on
dio took
Jethune,
bh.

School
\o\, was

lan that

in the previous year. The number of entries was 5550, and the amount
of prize money was about $8500. The attendance was very large and the
exhibit, especially in the stock departments, exceedingly hue.

A sad accident occurred to Col. Saunders on the morning of October
6th, resulting in his death a few days afterwards. He was driving into
town in his own conveyance and while coming down Paisley street a run-
away team, attached to a heavy vehicle, dashed into his buggy, smashing
it to pieces, and throwing Col. Saunders violently to the ground, by
which he sustained a severe shaking, and while in an unconscious state
he was kicked on the head by one of the horses. Col. Saunders was 78
years of age, and had been Clerk of the Peace of the County since its
foundation. He was also lor some years Inspector of Inland Revenue,
and occupied several other places of trust in the County under the
Government.

The dispute which had been pending between the Government and
Mr. F. W. Stone, relating to the purchase of Moreton Lodge, and the farm
on which it stood, havinjj been at last satisfactorily settled, Mr. Stone
offered most of his fine cattle for sale in October. There is no doubt
that this was the largest sale of stock ever held in this country, and for
quality, perhaps no finer collection was ever offered on this continent.
The Government shortly afterwards took possession of the property, and
converted it into a Model Farm and School of Agriculture, selling the
land at Mimico, which had been intended for a similar purpose.

The municipal officers for 1874 were : — Mayor — Mr. J. Harris.
Reeve — Mr. Geo. Howard. Deputy Reeves — Messrs. C. Raymond and
Geo. Hood. ^Councillors — East Ward, Messrs. C. Davidson, D. Coffee
and D. McCrae. West Ward — Messrs. Geo. Elliott, Jno. Crowe and
Geo. Bruce. North Ward — Messrs. A. Robertson, E. Harvey and W.
H. Mills. South Ward— Messrs. A. B. Petrie, T. Heffernan and J. W.
Hall.

The members of the County Council for this year were : Amaranth—
Wm. B. Jelly, Jas. Golden. Arthur Township — R. Stevenson, M. C.
O'Donnell. /Arthur Village— J. F. Hollinger. Elora— R. Dalby. Era-
mosa— J. Rea, W. Duffield. Erin— D. McMillan, W. Teeter. Fergus —
M. Anderson. Garafraxa W. — W. Gibson, John Mitchell. Garairaxa
E.— R. Henderson, Thos. Hamilton. Guelph Township — J. Laidlaw, G.
A. Darby. Guelph Town — G. Howard, C. Raymond, G. Hood. Harris-
ton — J. Meiklejohn. Luther- -W. Dawson, P. Hanson. Maryborough-
Jas. Robb. Minto — John Prain, M. G. Miller. Mount Forest — J. Ro-
binson. Nichol — John Mair, J. H. Broadfoot. Orangeville — F. C.
Stewart. Peel — Jas. Cross, J. McManus, J. McGowan. Pilkington — H.
Roberts, Geo. Swr.i . Puslinch — W. Leslie, W. Nichol. Mr. James
Laidlaw was electt ' Warden.

In the general election for the House of Commons, in January 1874,
Mr. Stirton was re-elected for South Wellington, defeating Mr. Henry
Hatch. In the Centre Riding Dr. Orton defeated Mr. R. McKim by 49
votes, and in the North Riding Lt.-CoL Higinbotham was elected over
Mr. Geo. A. Drew by 6 votes.

When it became apparent that a contest was pending, Mr. McKim
resigned his seat for North Wellington in the Ontario Legislature, to
become a candidate for the Commons in Centre Wellington, and in the
election which ensued for the Local House, Mr. John McGowan defeated
Mr. E. J. O'Callaghan, the Reform candidate, by a majority of 82.

In Aptil considerable excitement was caused in the town by the

154

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

escape from the gaol of Samuel McLean, a mail clerk on tt>e G. W. R.,
committed for trial for stealing money letters. The circumstances were
of so suspicious a nature thnt an investigation was held by the Ciovern-
ment Inspector, which clearly showed that some iriends had for some
time been hoping for his escape, but nothing defmite could be proved
with regard to any outside complicity. At the ensuing Assizes, however,
llillen, the turnkey, was tried for aiding in the escape, but was found
" not guilty."

At the same Assizes, John Dunn, til/'a.'! Sullivan, was charged with
having committed a most heinous crime, by assaulting a little girl, about
six years of age, and the case being fully proved, he was sentenced to be
hanged, but the sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life. Dur-
ing the month of April the town was shocked by the intelligence of two
cases of suicide, one being that of Richard Howitt, who shot himself
with his own gun, near his father's house, and the other that of Maurice
Armour, who shot himself near the Exhibition grounds.

In July the foundation stone of the new Methodist Church on Dub-
lin street was laid by Mr. James Hough. Among the ministers present
were Revs. J. B. Howard and J. E. Lanceley, pastors of the church ; W.
H. Poole, Toronto, and T. Wardrope, Guelph, The trustees were Messrs.
Jno. B. Kelly, W.T.Chipchasc, \V. B. Clarke, J. H.Osborne, M. A. Keables,
J. A. Davidson, R. S. King, John Jackson, jr., Hugh Hurley, Ci. O, Mad-
dock, John McConnell, Alfred Smith, Wm. Wheatley, J. H. Bishop and
W. H. Husband.

In August the town was shocked by a lamentable tragedy. For
some time a girl named Eliza Hazel had been leading a life of crime, and
to retain her she had been placed in the gaol, but on her release she re-
turned to her former companions. Her father happening to meet a young
man and woman named Daniel Hurley and Mary Carver, and thinking
them to be his daughter and a young man with whom she was intimate,
fned at them, wounding Hurley in the head and Miss Carver in the
cheek and neck. Hazel was tried at the Assizes, found guilty of shoot-
ing Avith intent to do grevious bodily harm, and sentenced to twelve
months imprisonment.

In the course of his tour of the Province, His Excellency, the Gov-
ernor General, visited Guelph in August, when lo_\al addresses were
presented by Mayor Harris and by Mr. J. B. Armstrong, on behalf of
the Directors of the Central Exhibition.

In November the petition against the return of Dr. Orton for Centre
Wellington was tried in Guelph, and resulted in the seat being declared
vacant in consequence of corrupt practices by supporters, but the peti-
tioners failed to prove that Dr. Orton had any personal knowledge of
such practices, and they therefore failed in their attempt to discjualify
liim. At the election which took place in January, 1875, ^'*- Orton was
again returned, defeating Mr. James Ross by 126 votes. The election of
a member of the Local House for West Wellington also took place in
January, Mr. J. McGowan being returned by a majority of 98 over Mr.
McKim.

The members of the Town Council for 1S75 were : Mayor, Mr. R.
Melvin ; Reeve, Mr. Geo. Howard ; Deputy Reeves. Messrs. Chas. Ray-
mond and D. McCrae. Councillors, East Ward, Messrs, Thos. Sayers,
C. Davidson and D. Cotfee. North Ward, Messrs W. H. Mills, C. Chase
and A. Robertson. South Ward, Messrs. A. B. Petrie, T. A. Heffernan

W. R.,
:s were

""lovern-
r some
proved
owcver,
s found

cd with
1, about
xl to be
;. Dur-
i of two
himself
Maurice

on Dub-
present
rch ; W.
: Messrs.
Keables,
O. Mad-
ihop and

idy. Tor

•ime, and
she re-

a young
h inking

ntimate,
r in the
f shoot-

;o twchc

lie Gov-
ses were
aehalf of

Centre

declared

the peti-

/ledge of

isciualify

rton was

ection of

place in

Dver Mr.

Mr. R.

|as. Ray-

Sayers,

I. Chase

leffernan

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

165

and J. P. MacMillan. West Ward, Messrs. John Crowe, (icorge Bruce
and George Murton, Sr.

The County Coimcil consisted of the following members : Amaranth,
W. B. Jelly, James Golden. Arthur Township, Arthur Stevenson, M. C.
O'Donncll. Arthur Village, J. F. Ilollingcr. Clifford, A. S. Allan.
Drajton, W. I".. Wortley. Klora, k. Dalby. Eramosa, John Rea, M,
Cunimings. Erin, D.* McMillan, W. Teeter. Fergus, M. Anderson,
(iarafraxa West, W. Gibson, John Mitchell. Garafraxa East, R. Hen-
derson, Thos: Hamilton. ( Juelph Township, J as. Laidlaw, Creo. Darby.
Guelph Town, Geo. Howard, C. Raymond, l). McCrae. Harriston, A.
Meiklejohn. Luther, W. Dawson. Maryboro", J as. Robb, John Ogden.
Minto, John Prain, M. G. Millar. Mount Forest, J. Robinson. NicoJ,
John Mair, J. H. Hroadfoot. Orangcville, F. C. Stewart. Peel, James
Cross, W. Harcourt. Pilkington, Hugh Roberts, Geo. Swan. Puslisch,
W. Leslie, W. Nicol. Palmerston, W. Thomson. Mr. Jas. Laidlaw was
re-elected Warden.

Licut.-Col. Higinbotham having been unseated on account of bribery
by agents, another election took place in March, when he was re-elected,
defeating Mr. G. A. Drew by three votes only.

On ihe night of Saturday, April loth, a large fire occurred at the sew-
ing machine factory of Mr. C. Raymond, the loss being about $20,000,
arid the insurance $i6,ochd. Mr. Raymond at once commenced to re-
build, and in a few months the present factory, one of the finest in the
Dominion, was erected.

The assessment returns for the town, completed in April, showed the
following figures : Population, 8,578 ; real property, $1,920,360; personal
property and taxable income, $384,400. Total, $2,304,760.

In June the trial of the petition for the unseating of Mr. John Mc-
Gowan, M. P. P. for West Wellington took place, and resulted in Mr.
McGowan being unseated, on account of a case of treating by an agent,
but Mr. McGowan was altogether exonerated from the personal charges
of corrupt practices preferred.

I n August a charge of attempted murder was preferred against a young
man named Wm. Marks. The accused, with Richard Yates and some
others, had been out shooting, and on their way home had indulged
lather freely in drink, and a dispute arose, some time after which, quite
unexpectedly by any of the others, Marks fired his gun, shooting Yates.
From the evidence given at the trial there was some doubt as to the
shooting being intentional, and the sentence therefore was light — nine
months imprisonment. During the same month Henry White, a colored
man murdered his wife in Peel, by striking her on the head with a large
piece of wood, and then throwing her into a well. He was sentenced to
be hanged, and the execution took place Dec. 23rd.

The election to fill the vacancy caused by the unseating of Mr. Mc-
Gowan, for West Wellington took place in September. The candidates
were Mr. John McGowan, nominated by Mr, Thos. Swan, of Mount
Forest, and seconded by Mr. Thos. McMr..nus, of Peel ; and Mr. Thos.
Garbutt, proposed by Mr. R. Stevenson, of Arthur, and seconded by Mr.
T. Harcourt, of Peel. The result was that Mr. McGowan was re-elected
by a vote of 1,238, against 1,210 for Mr. Garbutt.

In October, His Honor Lt.-Governor Macdonald visited Guelph,
when addresses were presented to him by the Mayor, the Warden and
Mr. J. P. MacMillan, on behalf of Sister Alphonsus, of St. Joseph's Hos-
pital During the day His Honor visited the Model Farm, St. Joseph's

166

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

Hospital, the factory of Messrs. W. & R. Bell, the Osborn Sewing
Machine factory, and several other places of interest, after which a lunch
was given at the Royal Hotel, at which most of the principal residents of
Guelph were present.

During the same month the new Baptist church, of which Rev. Dr.
Davidson is pastor, was opened, the sermons being preached by Rev.
Dr. Fyfe and Rev. Wm. Stewart, of Hamilton. The Baptist missionary
convention was held in the church at the same time.

On Wednesday, November J 7th, Rev. Alexander Dixon, B.A., Canon
of Christ Church Cathedral, Diotese of Niagara, was inducted into the
Rectory of St. George's Church, by Venerable Archdeacon McMurray,
assisted by Rev. Rural Dean Thompson, of El ;. .1.

The new Town Hall was formally opened L ficember loth, by a con-
cert, ball and supper, given by the St. Andrew's Society. The concert
was, perhaps, the most largely attended ever given in Guelph, the well
known Kennedy family supplying the entertainment. The ball and sup-
per were equally successful, and reflected great credit on the society.

The material progress of Guelph during the year was greater than
in any previous year, the total value of the buildings erected, according
to the list published in the Hera[,d, being little short of a quarter of a
million dollars. This list included the new Town Hall and the new
Central School, each of which stands unrivalled, for their respective
uses, in the Province.

The members of the Town Council for 1876 were : — Mayor — Mr. R.
Melvin. Reeve — Mr. Geo. Howard, ist Deputy — Mr. D. McCrae.
2nd Deputy — Mr. D. Kennedy. 3rd Deputy— Mr. Geo. Hood. Coun-
cillors : — East Ward — Messrs. T. Sayers, J. B. Armstrong and D. Kribs.
North Ward— Messrs. W. H. Mills, C. Chase and Dr. Herod. South
Ward — Messrs. A. B. Petrie, Geo. Sleeman and J. P. MacMillan. West
Ward — Messrs. W. Hart, Geo. Bruce and J. C. McLagan.

The County Council was composed of the following members : —
Amaranth — John Gillespie, Joseph Banks. Arthur T'p. — R. Stevenson,
M. C. O'Donnell. Arthur Vil. -Alex. Eraser. CUfford— Jas. Brown.
Drayton — Henry Deebel. Elora — Robt. Dalby. Eramosa — Jno. Rea,
M. Cummins. Erin— D. McMillan, J. W. Burt. Fergus —M. Anderson,
Garafraxa W. — W. Gibson, J. J. Dobbin, (jarafraxa E, — W. H. Hunter,
T. Hamilton. Guelph T'p.~ Geo. Darby, M. Sweetnam, ( iuel^a Town —
Geo. Howard, D. Kennedy, Geo. Hood. Harriston — J. Meiklejohn.
Luther — Wm. Dawson, Jas. McLuhan. Marjboro — Jas. Robb, Jno.
Ogden. Minto— John Prain, M. G. Millar. Mount Forest— R. Kilgour.
Nicol — Jno, Mair, J, H, Broadfoot. Orangeville — F. C, Stewart, Jas.
Allen. Peel — Jas. Cross, F. McManus, Thos. Whale. Palmerston —
Jas. McEwing. Pilkington — Hugh Roberts. Puslinch — Wm. Leslie,
Wm. Nicol. Mr. John Rea was elected Warden.

The Government having decided to erect new buildings in Guelph
for the Post Office, Inland Revenue Department, &c., considerable dis-
cussion ensued in the town in the month of March as to the best site to
be selected, some recommending that the buildings should be placed on
a portion of the Market Square, others that they should be erected at the
corner of Woolwich and Wyndham Streets, while the majority favored
the site of the old Wellington Hotel, on St. George's Square. This was
finally recommended to the Government, and to cover the additional
cost, a subscription having been taken up, it was ultimately decided upon,
and the work was soon afterwards commenced. The amount voted by

sewing
I lunch
ents of

ev. Dr.
ly Rev.
sionary

, Canon
nto the
vlurray,

^ a con-
concert
;he well
nd sup-
ety.

:er than
xording
ter of a
the new
spective

-Mr. R.
McCrae.
I Coun-

Kribs.

South
West

ibers : —
venson,
Brown.
10. Rea,
iderson.
Hunter,
Town —
klejohn.
b, Jno.
ivilgour.
rt, Jas.
rston —
Leslie,

JGuelph

)le dis-

site to

Lced on

h at the

favored

lis was

llitional

IcI upon,

Ited by

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUKLIMI.

167

the Government for the entire cost of the buildings, including the pur-
chase of the site, was $25,000, but the total cost will probably exceed
$30,000.

During the summer the erection of the new Masonic block, and the
new Wellington Hotel was commenced, the result being that Guelph now
possesses one of the finest blocks of stone buildings in the Dominion.
The Masonic Hall is a magnificent structure, of which the Order gen-
erally may be justly proud, while the hotel is superior in all its<Trrangc-
ments to most of the hotels in the large cities in Ontario.

The assessinent rolls for this year showed the following figures : —

Population — 9017. Real property $2,103,160. Personal property and

taxable income $355,448. Non-resident land $39,890. Total — $2,498,-

498.

In view of the fact that the next year would be fiitieth anniversary
of the Town of Guelph and that St. ("rcorge's Day was the day on which
the first tree was cut here, a movement was set on foot for the reorgani-
zation of the Guelph St. George's Societ\, which had some few years
since been allowed to drop out of existence. A meeting was accordingly
held on Monday, April 24th, for this purpose, among those present being,
Messrs. John Harvey, W. S. G. Knowles, (]eo. Murton, T. Ellis, H. H.
Swinford, Geo. Hirst, R. Parker, C. Chase, Geo. Robins, J. W. Smart,
and C. Acton Burrows. After som.e discussion it was decided that the
Society should be revived, and at a meeting held May 2nd, the following
officers were elected: — President, Mr. W. S. G. Knowles; 1st Vice-Presi-
dent, Mr. Geo. Murton ; 2nd Vice-President, Mr. John Harvey ;
Treasurer, Mr. Wm. Sunley ; Secretan,-, Mr. Wm. P. Rogers ; Chaplain,
Rev. Canon Dixon ; Physician, Dr. G. S. Herod ; Committee, Messrs. H.
J. Saunders, C. Chase, Geo Robins, S. Myers, J. W. Smart, R. Parker,
Thos. Ellis, E. Harrison, Geo. Tolton and \V. Newport.

By the death of Col. Wm. Kingsmill, which occurred May 6th, the
postmastership of Guelph became vacant, and in a few days Mr. David
Stirton, who resigned his seat in the House of Commons for the purpose,
was appointed to the position. The contest for the vacant seat was a
very spirited one, the candidates being Mr. D. Guthrie, Reformer, and
Mr. James (ioldie. Protectionist. Mr. Duncan McMillan, of F>in, was
first chosen as the Protectionist candidate, but he soon afterwards with-
drew, and at the last moment Mr. Jas. Goldie was induced to run. The
result was that Mr. Guthrie was elected by a vote of 1366 to 1228,
though there can be no doubt that had Mr. Goldie been in the field
sooner he would have been elected by a handsome majority.

The ceremony of planting the cross and turning the first sod of the
foundation of the new Roman Catholic Church, took place July loth.
His Lordship Bishop Crinnon, of Hamilton, officiating, accompanied by
about twenty-five priests of the diocese. Rev. Father Dowling delivered
an eloquent and impressive address, exhorting those present to do all in
their power for the completion of the work commenced under such favor-
able circumstances.

The Mayor having declared August 9th, a civic holiday, and this
beir.gthe day appointed for a monster Conservative picnic, at Kinnettles,
a great many of the citizens availed themselves of the opportunity to go
to Fergus to hear an address from Sir John A. Macdonald. On his way
to Fergus the Right Hon. gentleman visited Guelph, when an address
was presented to him by the Liberal Conservative Association of the
town, to which he made a suitable reply in the Town Hall.

158

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF CUELPII.

On August 19th another of the few remaining early settlers was re-
moved by the death of Sheriff Grange. Mr. Grange came to Guelph in
the year 1834, and after having been in active business for some years,
was, in 1840, appointed sheriff, which oUice he filled till the time of his
death. In 1852 he became heir to a large fortune, bequeathed to him by
a relative in Ireland, and he afterwards entered largely into real estate
transactions, in Guelph, Toronto, Berlin and Stratford. Since his arrival
in the town he had always taken a deep interest in all public matters,
and no man, perhaps, did more to advance the interests of the town and
county than he did. The funeral was one of the most numerously at-
tended ever witnessed in Guelph, gentlemen from all parts of the Province
being present on the occasion.

In September, Mr. Peter Gow, M.P.P., resigned his seat for South
Wellington, in the Ontario Legislature, and accepted the Shrievalty of
Wellington, vacant by the death of Sheriff Cirange. At the election
which followed, Mr. James Maisie was elected by acclamation.

l^y the hst published in the HeraU) in November, it appears that the
total value of the buildings erected in the Town in 1876, was $288,000, a
rate of progress not equalled by any town in the Dominion, in propor-
tion to its size.

The contest for the Mayoralty in 1877 was very keen. The candi-
dates were Mr. 1". J. Cliadwick and Mr. Geo. Howard, and from the fiict
that the friends of Mr. llovvard had been able to place him in the posi-
tion of Reeve at the previous election, and that they were thoroughly
organized and determined to carry their man, they felt sure of victory.
The event, however, was a complete disappointment for them, Mr. Chad-
wick being returned by a majority of 219, the largest ever given to a May-
or in this tcvvn. Mr. Geo. Hood was elected Reeve, and Messrs. W.
Hart, Geo. Sleeman and J. }'. ^lacMillan, Deputy Reeves. The mem-
bers of the Council are:— East Ward — Messrs. D. Coffee, Joseph Hcffer-
nan and A. Dunbar. South Ward — Messrs. V. Gauhan, J. Lamprey and
J. T. Cunningham. West Ward IMessrs. George P^lliott, J. C. McLagan
and T. Gowdy. North Ward- Messrs. F. Riscoe, \V. Hearn and W. H.
Mills.

The County Council consist of the following gentlemen : Guelph
Town, George Hood, Wm. Hart, George Sleeman, J. P. MacMillan.
(juelph Township, G. A. Darby, M. Sweetnam. Pllora, H. Hamilton.
Orangeville, John Foley, James Allan, Mount Forest, J. McMuUen.
Fergus, M. Anderson. Arthur A'illage, Alexander Frazer. Clifford, G.
Macdonald. Harrison, A. Meiklejolm. Palmerston, VV. Thomson. Erin,
J. W. Hurt, Chas. McMillan. Eramosa, John Kea, (ieo. Duffield. Minio,
J. T. Prain, M. Bateman. Peel, J. IMoUoy, J. Harcourt, T. Whale. West
Ciarafraxa, W. Gibson, J. J. Dobbin, liixst (iarafraxa, W. 11. Hunter,
A. Baker. Puslinch, W. Leslie, Wm. Nicol. A.thur Township, R.
Stevenson. Drayton, J. Landerkin. Luther, James McLirtian, W. Lux-
ton. Maryboro', H. AJaudsley, Wm. Long. Amaranth, J. Gillespie. J.
Banks. Pilkington, Hugh Roberts. Nicol, John Main J. Broadfoot.
Mr. John Rea was re-elected Warden.

On January 26th. most of the members of the Legislature of On-
tario visited Guelph, for the purpose of seeing the town and inspecting
the Model Farm. On their arrival Mh .Speaker Wells was presentctl
with addresses by His Worship j\Iayor Chadwick, Mr. John Rea, \Var-
den of the Count), the Board of School Trustees, ccc, alter which the
visitors drove to he Model Farm and round the town. A fitting enter-

was re-
jelph in
e years,
e of his
him by
xl estate
s arrival
matters,
wn and
)usly at-
^rovince

3r South
;valty of
election

; that the
S8,ooo, a
1 propor-

le candi-

the fact

the posi-

loroughly

victory.

•. Chad-

a May-

ssrs. W.

mem-

1 Hcffer-
rey and
c Lagan
IW. H.

Giielph

Millan.
milton.

Mullen.

ford, G.
. Erin,
Minlo,
. West
lunter,
lip, R.
J. Lux-
pie, J.
adfoot.

lof On-
jecting
[senteil
I, War-
|ch the
I enter-

THE ANNALS OF THE TOWN OF GUELPH.

169

tainment was provided for them in the Town Hall, where speeches were
delivered by the Speaker, some of the leading members of the House,
the Mayor, the Warden and some of the prominent citizens of the town
and county.

The members of the Presbyterian Churches, and the citizens gener-,
ally, were, on March 3rd, called upon to mourn the removal, by death,
of Rev. Dr. Hogg, pastor of St. Andrew's Church. For eighteen years
the rev. gentleman had been identified with the religious and educational
interests of the town, and had, by his undeviating devotion to the welfare
of the church and the town generally, won for himself the warmest re-
gards of every person with whom he had been brought in contact. His
funeral was largely attended, many persons being present from Hamilton,
Gait and other places where he had 1)een well known and highly es-
teemed.

The 23rd of April of this year being the 50th anniversary of the cut-
ting of the first tree on the site of the town, steps were taken by the St.
George's Society to secure a fitting celebration of the day. At a meeting
of the Society on January 25th, a committee was appointed, with Mr. C.
Acton Burrows as chairman, to make the necessary arrangements. The
society will hold a dinner in the Town Hall on the evening of the day,
which will no doubt be largely attended. In the inaugural address
delivered by His Worship Mayor Chadwick, on 'aking his seat in the
civic chair, he recommended that the anniversary be celebrated in a
manner befitting its importance, and that a special committee be ap-
pointed to carry out the arrangements. This proposition being favorably
entertained by the Council, a special committe was appointed, with Mr.
George Elliott *as chairman. At a special meeting of the Council on
April 1 2th, a grant was made towards the expenses of the celebration
and as the St. George's, St. Patrick's, St. Andrew's and the Caledonian
.Society have promised to co-operate with thi- Council, there is no doubt
such arrangements will be made for the due c.:;lebration of the day, that
it will be long remembered, and when, perchance, some person may
write "The Annals of the Town of Guelph," not in the year of jubilee,
but in the centennial year, the occasion may be referred to as one of the
most pleasing in the entire history.

GUELPH ADVERTISEMENTS.

161

o-TJELi^ia:

Sheet Metal Works

Alma Block, 99 Wyndham Street,

MARTIN & CAMEBON

MANUFACTURERS OF

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stoves, Tin and Copper Ware, Force and

Cistern Pumps, iron Sinks, Lamps,

Coal Oil, &c.

GI-I"V-E TJS .A. OA^Lri.

162

r.UELPH ADVERTISEMENTS.

WATCH, CLOCK AND JEWELLERY

ESTABLISHMENT, CUELPH.

(FOUNbKI) IN 1848.)

This is the phicc lo get :i i^ood, reU.ible (iULl) OR SllAER WA'ICII,
a Clock, or anything in the Jewellery or Electro- I'late line.

Plain Gold Rings, Hair Rings, Gents' Signet Rings, Gold
Mounted Hair Guards, Cuff Buttons, &c.,

MKulo lo nnli-T liv ;i lir-.t-(l:is-; working Jewi-llcr.

Wat<'lH's, <l<u*ks, :iii(t Jewt'Ilcry repaired

i;\ NciNK fa' r 1 iksi-_:lass workman.

Electro-Plating and Engraving done on the shortest notice.

B. SAVAGE, Proprietor.

TiiE O-AuTST .A. ID X -A. IS3

BANK OF COMMERCE,

TORONTO.

.$6,000,000

i,e-)00,ooo

HEAD OFFICE, . .

Paid-up Capital, - - - -

Reserve ------

DIRECTORS.

Hon. \VM. McMASTER, rrcsident.

Hon-. ADAM HOPE, Vicc-Pycsid.'iit.

Ni)aii l'..iiiilnit, l'.>(|. Tnmes Micliif, l'.-;q. !•'. \V. Cuinbtrkuid Km|.

T. Siithtrhiiid Stay.!.-', li^l- \\'illiam Eliiot. I'-i). George Titylor. Esq.

John J. Aniton, Ksq.
W. N. ANDERSON, (ienei-.i! Manager. • J. H. PEUM.MER. Iii^pea-r.

New Vokic— J. ("•. Harper and J. H. Ciadby, Agent.:.

Chic.\(10- \. (r. On;liard, Agent. ,

BRfANCHES.

liarrie, P.rantfi)rd, Cayuga, t,'liathani, Collingwood, Dundas, Gait, ODderic)), Giuliih, Ifamil-
ton, Eondim, I.\icaii, Munireal, Orangeville. ()ttawa,- Paisley, I'etevboro', .St. Catharines, Sar-
nia, Simcoe, Stratford, Strathroy, Thorold, Toronto, Trenton, Walkerton, Windsor, Woodstock.

Commercial credilb issned for use in Europe, the F'.ast and West Indies, China, Japan and
South America.

Sterling and American E.xcliange bought and sold.

Collections made im the most favorable terms.

Interest allowed on deposit Receipts and Savings Bank Deposits. ■ '

BANKERS.

New V'ork— The American Elxchange National Hank. Eondon, England, Kaiik of Scotland
OEFICE IX GUEEPH— Corner of Wyndliani Street and ftEirkct Square.

G. W. SANDILANDS,

Local Director.

WILLIAM .SMITH,

Manager.

ERY

s, Gold

ce.

>rietor.

■J

»NTO.

)0,000
)0,000

■land K--.1.
, Esq.

|h, I rami 1-

riiies, Sar-

/oodstock.

apan and

I Scotland

hnager.

GUELPII ADVERTISEMENTS.

163

r?;^^5^sS^

W. BELL & CO.

MANl'FACTURKRS OF

ORGANS & ORGANETTES

Silver Medal at Ontario Provincial Exhibition for 1S71.
Silver Medal at CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION for 1876.
47 All Instiuments guaranteed for fivs years.IEk

164

OUELPIl ADVERTISEMENTS.

Silver CreekIBrewery

GEO. SLEEMAN,

BREWER AND MALTSTER,

"W-A.TEIiLOO .A.-V^Eiq-XJE!,

G-XJELm.

Best quality of Ales, Porter and Lager Beer

KEPT IN STOCK.

HART & SPEIRS,

LAND, LOAN, fiENERAL & INSURANCE A&ENTS,

CONVEYANCERS, &c.,

No. 11 Day's Block, Guolph,

Loans negotiated. Money always on hand for Mortgage and tnst-class
pei'sonal security. Fire and Life llisks taken in A i Companies.

JS?* Office of Guclph Wliitc Lime Company.

ROBERT PARKER,

MACDONNELL STREET, GUBLPH,

Has been in'buyiness 12 years, and in Guelph 24
years, always working at the business, which gives him
the experience that is required in carriage making.
He is still'carryinjj on the business at the old stand,
Macdonnell Street, where the pubhc^can see "and
examine his stock, and judge for themselves.

He has always on hand a good s'lock'of liugfiies/.Market WagojiSj^^Sleishs and Cutters, of the
latest styles, aua has the name of selling cneap for ca&h.

ERY

E3L.i=*ia:.

Beer

MNTS,

ll hrst-class
ipanics.

Iblph,

iuelph 24
II gives him
Ic making,
lold stand,
see 'and

|es.

litters, of the

r.UELPH ADVERTISEMENTS.

lef)

JOHN HORSMAN,

HARDWARE MERCHANT

GhTJELIPBC.

This House was opened on the i4ih April, 1857, and docs more business
than all the rest put together. Jolin Horsnian is the sole proprietor
and needs no one to go into Company with him to help to
bolster him up. His Stock is always large, well-
assorted and cheap.

BURR & SKINNER,

Mamifacturers and Wholesale & Retail T^^'alers in

:FTJiiisriT"cri?,E)

SCHOOL FURNITURE A SPECIALITY.
Wareroom -97 Wpidham St. Factory— Cor. Clasgow & Oxford Sts.

JOHN HARRIS,

MARKET SQUARE, CUELPH,

MacMILLAN & O'CONNOR^

BARRISTERS, &c.

Office over Bank of Commerce.
JOHN P. MacMILLAN, EDWARD O'CONNOR.

16G

OUELPH ADVERTISEMENTS.

SODA WATER & ICE CREAM.

^W^. J. LITTLE

HAS NOW IN OPERATION HIS FIRST-CLASS

where the loveiii of that delightful beverage can quench their thirst

at all times.

His Ice Cream is also delicious.

Bread, Cakes & Confectionery constantly on hand.

Public Dinners pro\ii!cd in elegant style and at the lowest possible rates.

"W- Cr. LITTLE,

Upper Wyndham Street, Guelph.

COSSITT'S

AOEICULTUEAL IMPLEMENT WORKS

G-XJELI^I^:, OlSTT.

r.uy only the genuine FARMER'S FRIEND GANG PLOW, patented
March 1875. Send for circular and terms.

. L. COSSITT,

Manufacturer of Ganj,^ Plows, Fanning Mills, Horse Turnip Seed Drills,
Horse and Hand Power Feed Cutters, Lawn Mowers, Horse Pokes, &c.

(•■rF'i.T'ir .\riVF.T?Ti<FNrrN'Ts.

1(57

GUELPH SEWING MACHINE CO.

THE

'fir iP ^'«"''^E''S>' tA'o
'"^ "■I'NIVKD^T.VnSv

I'fljl^ (ENTOSI

OSBOElsT"

SEWING MACHINES

itented

Drills,
les, &c.

Having been awarded CENTENNIAL MEDALS and

DIPLOMA and MEDAL in Canadian Award

at the PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

in ie"^6 and Certificate of the

Centennial Judges for

"Simplicity and

Adaptability"

May be taken as a j^niaiamee lliat ;hcy are i!e-^cr\ ia;.;" u: liie ijublic conli
dence, \vlii( li is imw uniNCisalK a(.i:(i:(!rcl ', 'uni.

We Claim that our Hand Shuttle Machine

has no equal.

,£.!f^ \\" !•: Ask [ \ s i ' r.( r ; o .\ . ^ •• :^.

Every Machine warranted to L,M\e satisfa ( t ion on c'.(.rr descriptioH of
wovl>. C.IVK US A TRIAL, VlJ'.ASi:.

:* ..- ...>l ' f

! ! ;••

WiLKIE &, OSBORN,

Mannfacturers, Giieiph, Ontario, Canadfi,,

1 (kS

C.UEI.I'ir AUVC.U llsr.MKNTS.

■it

.'J.

GOLDSMITH HALL, GUELPH

THE OLD

POST OFFICE.

■ii

SIGN OF THE LARGE CLOCK

Is the spot to K'et su|)))lic(l with WAI CUKS, CLOCKS. | K.WKLI-F.RV,
SIIA'KK i'l.AI!:. \c.. nt hottoni pi ice.

If yen \r;tnt i once t time '^c\ c nc of

4 KAwroini's Tin SI woiMiiv m ak hks

hi sihtT r.T^es. fnun .riio to $4.0. !n j^old rases, frmn .li.jo to $1 30. War-
ranted for two years.

Jobbing', Engrrtving, Gold and Silver Plating done as before.

CHARCKS MoDKK \ri:.

HOOD &, McHARDY,

WHOLESALS AND RETAIL BUTCHERS

STALL NO. 1, GUELPH MARKET.
Have ahv.nxs on hand a lar<je and j^ood supply of

Frosh and Salt Meats, Poultry, &c.,

All oiileis piomplly .-mended to, and mcut deliven-d tt< any lurt of the town.

MITCHELLS HOTEL,

Market Square, Cuelph.

This Hotel has now been thoroughly refitted and repaired*

and every accommodation can now be afforded for

Travellers and permanent Boarders.

The Bar is supplied with all kinds of Wines, Liquors and Cigars of the

choicest descriptions, selected nith .tjrcat care. Convenient and

roomy stables, and an attentive hostler.

Cluelph, April, rS;-.

ARCHIBAIi,D MITCHELL,

IBS

laired I
)r

of the
in (I

tjULM'll ADVERtbKMENTS.

CHAS. RAYMOND,

MANin'AC'I'.rKI'.K OF

LOGK-STITGH & CHAIN STITCH

SEWING MACHINES

TO WOPK BY HAND OR FOOT POWER.

GhUELI^HC,

03SrT.A.I^I0

0-A.isr^i:3.A..

M. J. DORAN,

l.MI'i iR IKK 1)1

Teas, Siijtars, Famil.v ^iIhhmth's, Best Wines A Liquors

&c., &c.
Bost Garden and Field Seeds always on hand in Season.

Aijriit lor ip.il' 111 l.'.iii II' 1 ^ .iiiil t-\li.i irliiirj (ill,

,r^-CASIl TAII) luK lAR.M l'k( )| )L'CK.-fei.

Guuda M..1U I'lic;!]; fi..!' (.'-I'll aiiJ ilcii .t rut! U' all |ui't : uf the luwn ar.d Sl.ilii,'iia frut uf charge.

West Markit Scjiare, (]lki.ph.

W. M. FOSTER, L.D.S.,

DENTIST.

Office over W. G. Smith & Go's. Dni" Stoic,

COllNlilK MAODONNELL & WYNDHAM STS.,

CUELPH, ONT.

1 ■/•)

(iUKI.l'll Al)\ EkTlSEMkNTSi

AjMm. '-T--,

THE FASIIIOXABLK WEST END

Dress-Making and Millinery Establishment

87 Upper Wyiidham Street, Gnelph.

SI'llCIAI, ()i;PARTMr,NJ'S:

SILKS AND DRESS GOODS, MANTLES AND MILLINERY,

GLOVES AND HOSIERY, FANCY GOODS,

STAPLES, ETC.

'I'lic l■■;l^!li^.lK^blL• W'csl I'.iul is ihe leading,' house in the iradc, putroni/ed hy every lady in llie

tuwn of (iticlph and sunoundiiis coiiiitry.

-A.. O. BTJCii^^JVl,

l-'aj,hiuiV:iljlc West End Dress, Mantle and .Millinery IvslalilishniLiit.

. CITY HOTEL,

(LATE THORP'S)
Opposite the Gi.tikI Trunk Passenger Station,

JOHN HAUCH, Proprietor,

Excellent Sunnle Koom for Comnicn ial Men. Free Omnibus to and

from all trains for (iuests.

Good Stabling and Livery in connection.

Aii Kinds of CASTINGS made to order.

STOVES O- THE LATEfT PATTERNS ^'l^ays l„ stock, also Cistern ard
Furi(> i'liiiips. Tai, Cuijper and . -jv Ironwares at Iju est Drices.

W. H. MILLS.

ROBERT MITCHELL,

Attorney at Law, Solicitor in Cliaiirery A Insohenoy,

. , Notary Public, Commissioner, &c,

Day'a Block, opposite Horsman's Store, Guelph.
J^lT- MonC) to lend in sums to suit borrowersi

.-•"ffc*. %'.

■■■■n

'»^

•-Ui'-if

,% 1

632012

W. SUNLEY,

dealer in all kinds of

I Coal or Wood Cook

\ N I )

RANGES.

PARLOR, HALL ANI! BOX STOVES

oi IHK HF.Sl' MAKKS AND I. All's! l>F.SI(iNS.

TIN, COPPER, and SHEET IRON WORK

IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. i

Galvanized Iron Roofing and Cornice Work a Speciality.
Wi-.si' Market S<.)T'ark, (".uki.fh.

GEORGE HOOD,

i'.RKi:hKK ()L

HEREFORD CATTLE

AM'

BERKSHIRE PIGS,

le^OSETTA. F'.A.RnVI.

a-XTELFH.

M^ Sii)( K HAS RK( i.i\ Kit

9 Centennial Medals and Diploma