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Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

23 W£ST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) s/a-'ssoa

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^»

THE THOROLD ARMS

JUBILEE HISTORY

or<^

THOROLD

TOWNSHIP AND TOWN

FROM THK Time OF THE RED MAN TO THE PRESENT

-J^^^-vSX-

PUBLISHEI) BY JOHN H. THOMPSON

I'OR THE

THOROLD AND HEAVER DAMS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

IHOROLD
THK THOROI.n J'OST PRINTINtl AND PUnLISHINd COMl'ANV

1897-8

F5H91'
T75

167584

Kntc...! ac.-..nlinj; ,., Act of, he I-a,lianu-n. of Cannula, in ,1,. v.ar .SyS, by (oh„
H. Ihomps.iiK at the I )e|)ailiiu-nl of Airriciilturc

Preface

It was ,l,e su,,„es,i„„ „f ,,,0 IVovinnal Historical Association
rcK.ard,„g ,hc compiling of local histories tha. caused „,e T 3d
d Keavcrdan. Historical Soeierv to p., f„r,„ ,his „.„,k, „ ^^
e n,e„, ,ers „ad long Telt that the Township possessed a histor ^
Its owi. well worih recording, '

Considerable space has been devoted to the Town of Thorold
•ind to the Villages of Araohurgh, Port Kohinson and S h "
Vest, winch he wholl, within the Township; while briefer ii

boen nrade of Konthill, which lies partly with,,, ,.e,l,a,n. A
o, , , s,„a portton of ^^•el,and is on the so„,h side of theChippawa
Creek and s.nce the town is considered as separate fro,, the
l»wnsh,p for all ,n„„ieipa, p^poses, its history has not b
n.c ,rde„ ,„ ,his work. „ is hoped, however, 'that both tt
paev,ll receive due attention when the Townships of Crowlan.
and Pelham record their annals. '•ro»,a,iu

The inl„r,„ation has Ix^en gathered ehicHy fro.n the descendants
"f...'- early settlers, although, wherever po.,sible, docum n "^
ev, ence has also been obtained to verify any state™ nts nrade Tn
s.ch a work ,1 ,s i,np„ssib,e to prevent errors fr„„, creeping n,' f,
." he abse,,ce of written records on n,a„v p„i,„s, even t '1,',;
authorities differ greatly. ^

k.ndly urn,shed ass,s,a„cc in pro,.„ri„g i„f„r„,a,i„n. It would be
""Posstble to .nention the na„,es of all thos,. within the tZ 1,^
who have a,cM the work in this wav, but special thanks are o

High school, who has written th'e':';.;: t '^, l^
h,s,or) of the (ire contpany. Through the ki„,h,ess of ,„any

persons living outside the Township, accurate information has been
obtauied on many important points: Miss M. A. Kit/Ciii^bon of
Toronto, author of "A Veteran of .8,2"; Sir fohn Thorold, Hart.,
Syston Park, (irantham, I.incohishire ; Col. (). T. Denison'
Toronto ; Stephen Heatty, Es,]., St. Catharines, who has furnished
most of the information regarding the Fenian Raids ; and Capi.
Cruikshank of I'ort r:rie, from whose inonograpli entitled "A
Century of Municipal History in Wdland County" the chapter on
municipnl government in this i)(,.,k has been .-ompiled.

■'I

Publisher's Preface

■ ■" " ■ -' -> I.™.. —I ,;™,i„., ,C ,~-

V. lue and „l too vast importance ,„„ to be encouraged to the verv
nlniost by every patriotic citizen. >^

-Ihe publisher of tlie History of Thorold, for himself and for ,h.
cc,ety which he represents, has to acknowledge a warn ,1 .' :

op:::' ar: Of ::,i""' - '"""" -' "-""-""• '■™" --^ w^os;

l-'om a purely business point of view, the enterprise must be
lowed to he a bold one. To publish such a book at sue ,apri
cl,,e deu^nd for which tnust necessarily coure fron, a sing, Z!
M..P, and „,ake „ a financial as well as a literary and artistic succes^
.-quires no s,„all degree of conf,dence, not to speak of t as u „S
.l.a. c venture will be fully appreciated u, that small con tit ncy
he ,lustrat,ve features also call for mention. Most of th'^
Photograps, excepting, „f course, the portraits and a few 1
..cures fron, which the engravings were made were taken y
' Lorold amateurs, and the quality of the engravmgs as th appe
'" the book speak.s well for the skill n..H . ^ ^^

onViml. 'M M "^ '^^''"■'-' '^'-''^towed upon the

n^ al.s. Ihose ,llu.st.atu,ns which, are fron, photographs by
professionals are so marked. ^

CONTENTS

ToPo,n<A,.„v, (;„:o,.o(;v and Arch^:o,.oc;v

■••» ■ .... ji"«a)s. 1 rails. < )i)i,r|iiaia, .,r Nia^ra,;,.

I''i>lklnre.

An In.lian Imrial. Indian rdics ill„sl rale-.

/'";•'■ /

rHAI'TKR II

Sl'TTLEMKNl
■■'niled Kmpire Loyalists. Kirsi conu-rs \i i r

•i-lH- n«n,i„« ,'„- T , ;, ; *-""™"".;i.- ." .r„„,,s.

"■•"'"■« «»%-« » i,; ,„. : ,7"^. TT '•" "'

sctlii-rs. '^^nsni|). .\,„es aix-iit mo (]rs,

/'<i,i;r ,.-

CH.AI'TKR HI

KaRI.V Struccm.Ks and SlT(c,.ssi.s

II >■ .. "im ciimnais. .TWajnns Ph.. "f ii

lluiiifrv \ oar of i-rXV \fi-. "'"I's. i iio told,

--- »- " -. .wl- :,:7u,„j:;;.r";7"™v'?''-

«' »■ <■'" » 1.1 ». ,j:::Iz"'""- 'r""

f-HAPTKR IV

AmKK.CAN ()ccr.ATK.N OK ,„k ToUNs„n>
Outbreak ot war in iSn \.„ ■

-' - "; .^r;:;:: ; :::,:'•' ^j- '- --»"« -

George. American rai.k cu . , \ "^'^- An.encans retreat t., Fort

Cl'S

la.

■s.
of

< nAI'TKR \
Thk Skirmish at Hkavkki.a.ms

A.nc.nn.„s resolve ,o .lisl...]^, Fi,.(;iN,.„., ,„,., ^. ,^ ^, ^ ^

•Mohawk Indians Fi,,,;,, • " •^'"^■'■'^■'*" '''■"'acha.en. ,„,l the

'Ik- «V, , I , Z"T', -l>i".l»....... M„„u„,e„, ,„,

^■^•^ *^ i.".^;..::,:::^;:^:;^''•'''; :■'*■" "■^■''- "■ •■

prt-sented i,, her l,v ( •„) I,,/, 11 I ru ' he c:ertihcate

memory. ' '"'"'''''""• 1 he propose.! ...onunu-nt to her

<:HAi'rit:R \'i

Kko.M 1S15 I,, ,S^Jy
''fleets (if ii,.. ..,,,. ,. , .

ri.c. w. , ,„„ '";"",; *!•■"'■- . , '■-■" '-v.„,. ,,„„„„.

. , ' ' ^'^t'k'riiie .Maitland. Minister.; <■ 1

Aca.le,„y and Tpp,, Canada College The .• ^ "'

"'"""-' =^'"-s. Mackenzie on Navy nLi t n' ''*""'^"' =^"''

a' -St. lohits. Act of Union T ^^'^''^''^- '^""'^'^ "l"'" the Lancers
- .he notninion T .'p inehiT I' """''^^ '^'^ ''^'^- ''■^■'-'" -"
-iephone. N'isit of e P^:* of W ■""";■ " • '^"^'^^" "^'^^^^'"^ -"
l-rtant Thorol.1 n,en Hi , " . H T '''"''''' '^"'^- ^^ ->'• In-

".sto,j „f Heaverdanis an,l .St. Johns West. Z^, ,-,

Can.m. Towns

Thorold. Its situation. Its founders r)l 1

^^'ecinVlitjhtsan.l acetylene Lns vt , ^ectnc railway.

Ties pas, and present "CnP , ""*^"' '''''■ '^"""^ --'- '-lus-

'^'•--.•^. -;uiarsit:r/::;rL,rr^v ^^^t-""^"^--

-'-.'•ies. Applications n.rincorporarmT '^'^7 ^'f "^^- ^^'-"-
Allanln.r,h. Hkuk l,..rse Tavern T,, 7^"' 1 ^ ^" '^'«''-^-"-
''-.'Cut. Kirs. u,i,.. l-resen. cuht!!: """^"" ^"^'"- ^'^^^ "" "^'^

f'H.XPIRR \'in

I'KNIAN RaII>.S
I'art playe,l l.y the Welland Canal Kiel,] Iiatler^• uid N'

six weeks. V'enians cross the Niagara Kiver. l''ifl(l Hultcry again called out.
Batlly e<iiiii)|>e<l. < )n duly at Port CoUx)rne. The tug /r. 7'. A'ohb. Field
Battery and Naval Brigade taken to Fort Frie. Volunteers capture fifty eight
prisoners. Canadians hennned in hy eight hundred I''enians. S'olunteers
obliged to surrender. List of the wounded. List of oHicers and gunners
made prisoners. Canadian victory at Ridgeway. U. S. War Ste«mer Michi-
gan seizes the escaping Fenians. Presentations to the Field Battery. 'I'horold
aft'ectcd hy the raids. Later inviisions threatened. /'<n;i- SO

CHAPTKK I.\
AcRicui.riJR.M-

(irain, fruit, vegetaiiles, stock and dairy jiroduce. l-irsl fair in the Niagara Dis-
trict. Beet .syrup and silk among the cxhihits. Thorold Township ^>gricul-
tural Society formed. .Silver medid awarded lo 'Ir- model farm. (battle
show at Heavcrdams in 1S48. I'ri/e list. /''A'<' 100

CHAI'TKK X

Tuii W'ki.i.ami Canals

Their importance. Tlic I Inn. Wm. Hamilton Merrill. Canal Company formed.
First sod turned. .Mr. Merrill's s|)eech. Attempt to liuild an underground
canal. l-'ailure of the scheme. Plan to feed the canal from the Chippawa
Creek. Impossihility owing to (piicksands. Third plan successful. Canal
led from the (irand River. Navigation opened in 1829. Widening of the
wooden locks, tiovernment Iniys the .stock. Secontl enlargement of the
old canal. Stone locks huilt. The new canal begun in 1870. Dimensions.
Completion. Cost. Canal lolls. Important vessels. Navigation season.
Sabbath observance. Tolls and freight in 1895. Cataract Power Canal begun
in 1897. Piiiir /oj;

CHAP'I ER XI
Municipal History

Parish and town officers. Lieutenants of counties. Township ,\ct of 1835.
Office of Town Warden restored in 1838. The first entry in Thorold
Township book. Return of roads laid out in 1796. Later roads in the
Townshij). Municipal Act of 1841. Thorokl mend)ers of the old Niagara
District Council. List of Wardens of Wellaiul County chosen from Thorold
Township. Im]iortant by-law affecting the Township. By-laws passed by
the Thorold Town and N'illa're Councils. /'a'.r riS

CHAPTER %:il
('hukchks

Presbyterian church at Port Robinson. Methodist churches al Beaverdams,

Hit,

eld
k'ht
ers
ers
///•■
)ld
SO

. »

'I'liiin.l.l, Alhinl)ur,.|, ami |',„, i. \-

-H '-n :; ; ,:;:;:;:;;;:;:^:;-t::^T ,"''"^ "'

' CHAi'TKR xirr

Schools
n„vc.,„„r Si„,„,,'» ofr„r„ i„ ,h. ,:.,„s. ,.f „l„c«,i„„. ri,.. K„„, „„n, „f =„

.. . •■'•<!) iL.uiiLrs. (iciicra Droi'ross lir i'..

•SujifiiniciuluMl ,,(■ F,|„,.-,i„,n u- . r , '""l''^'^^^- "r. Kyerson,

•'• -'■ ^ «:-v:-.^r ;::l:-i-^'' ::-;

CHAPTVAi XI\-
Hooks an-d Nkwsi-api.r.

Mechanics' I„.i,u,e n.a.le a ,Vee Hl.ary. ' JVeir.,. ^ 7'"'^" '^^'"^•
Newspapers published j, ,he townsho yy J "^ '"-^"Se.nent.

local news. yy.. //'.//,»,/ //-/TV u '"'' -'''''""■'^''■- ^'"

CHAP'l'ER XV
MiijTARv History

Men who served in the Kevoh.tionary War. Thor..,d n,en in the War of ,8..
List of the veterans still ah vein 1 87fi TK . 'e war ot 1812.

Rebellion of ,837. History" No . C \ """' "" '''' '""' '" '""^

Canal Field Bat ery 866 TK ""'""'' """"" '"" ""■"" '" ^^"'^"•l

A a;;::;:!'/^; :?:-'^'^:r" ^'^^ ^-^-^ '^^benion of .88/

A Thorold man on the Bisley team in 1896

CHAPTER XVI

Lodges and Societies

At Thorold, Port Robinson, Allanburgh, Beaverdams
(^(hcers for 1897. Notes of interest.

/'rf;v

/7^

Lists of first ofiRcers
Paj^v 180

A.
H.
C.
D.

E.
F.

(;.

K.
L.

Appendixes

Business Directories of 1851.

Thorold Business Directory of 1897.

Voters' List for 1897, Town of Tliorold.

Councillors and Officers of the Village of Tnorokl (incorporated ,850). Of

the Town of Tliorold (incorjiorated 1875).
Voters' List for 189, , Township of Thorold.
Officers and Councillors of the Township of Thoro!,! (fn>n, ,799).
Canal Statistics.
Agricultuial Prize List, 1897.
Old .Military Documents.
The House of Thorold.
BiograjAical Notes.
Methodist Ministers, Revised List.

\- •

){

Index of Illustrations

The Thorokl Anns

Her Majesty Queen \'ici,-ria .
l'"iont street, T old

Face of Clift" . '■

^'ievv from Top of cii/T

Indian Relics

Old Residents

tieor^e Keefer . ' " ' '

Children of George K. fe; and Catherine' Lampn,an "

Cclren of Ceorge Keefer and Jane MeBriCe

<JI(I Keside.its . _ ' '

Beaverdau. Monument ; Laura Secord • T . c"

Old Coach ; S. S No 1 I w , r ' " '"''"'"^

Christ. Scientist ; Union No ' ^^"'" ' ''''' "^'^"^^ "^

'^I'-. and Mrs. James Munro . " * ' '

The late John Hattle ' ' ' ' •

M. „..„..«,,„,- „,„„,,„:,, -'..-„.j_c.,„«

Kesidence of James JL Heatty "*"■'•
Kesidence of Samuel Campbell .'"■'•
The Three Canals, Allanln.rirh • Nii.r",,.^ r '. , '

,„,-■■:«;'"« ^- :;^:^::z:::7"'°""'"""""^

"isl Ivcuei House at I hon.ld ; Ki,e JliU
' ''-rold fnm, Cartmell's .Mo,:nlain ; The w.v M ,. . '

'=^"''' '•'-"•= S. S No , ,.', "•'^"""'^■'•'"''^«l;A.Stuher.
... •^" "^"- 3' Allanimrtrh

'o^^nsh.p Councillors and ()f(i.vrs, ,So7. Fiv.f' ■ '
The family of Thorol.l ^7 . I ue (.enera.mns (Uagar)

Thorold Circle No. 2o, (). c. II. C " " " ' '

\Vni. AfcCleary, M. \\ " ^

.'■'-q-l' Battle, May..r of Thorold.' tSyS ' ' '

<>l<l Residents

!>• H. Croml.ie ; L. McMann
■Mayors of Thorold

Page
Front
Title
'rontispiece
2
4
5-6
1617

32-33

4S-49

64.65

80.81

96-97

Tln)rol(l Town Council, 1897 .....

Thorokl Town Council, 1898 .....

Four Generations (Hoover); Thorold Town Hail; "The Locusts"

(residence of the late Peter Hoover) ; McKsnzie Monument ;

Front street, Allanhurgh ..... 112-113

Five Thorokl Churches— St. John's, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian,

Methotlist and Baptist .....

Six Township Churches— Old White M. F. at St. Johns; Port kohin-

son Methodist and Presbyterian ; Beaverdams Methodist (old) ;

Allanburj^h Methodist and .St. John's Methodist (new)
R. C. Presbytery ; Separate School ; R. C. Church, Port Robinson :

Township Hall ......

Harvest Home Festival at St. Peter's, 1865 ....

Council of the Board of Trade .....

Residence of VVni. McCleaij, M. P. .... . 128-129

R. C. Priests; Thor()ld and Beaverdams Historical .Society

Rectors of St. John's Church ; (Quebec Bank ; Bishop P'uller ; St.

Paul's Church, Port Robinson .....

Directors and Officers of the Thorold Agiicultural .Society, 1897
James Battle, ex-Reeve of Thorold: Residence ol Walter Upiier
Dr. L. I.oran Palmer; W'm. McClure, M. 1).
Baruch Tucker sr.; Baruch Tucker jr.
Methodist Ministers

Presbyterian Ministers ; Baptist Ministers
The 1866 Veterans of No. 2 Company remaining in 1892
High .School, Thorold ; First School-house at St. Johns, school of

internu'diate perod, and new (union) school ; the old School-house

at Port Ri>l)inson .....

Beaverdams, Fonthill, Plank Road, DeCeu Falls and Bouck School-
houses ......

West and l-'.ast Side Schools, Thorold ; .St. John's Rectory ; .Stone

House built by Col. DeCeu ....

Village of St. Johns; Holy Trinity Church, Fonthill ; Two \'iews of

Port Robinson . ...

.\n old Settler on theCanl)oro' Road ; Old Wagon ; Only Occu|)ied Log

Honse ; l''irst I.og House in the Township (east of Port Robinson)
The Heaverdani .Mea<low ; Present appearance of ik-averdani

i^allle (iidund ...... IQ2-193

144-145

160-161
176-177

Index of Chapters, with Illustrations
Bearing Thereon

Chapter

III

VII

VIII

IX
X

XII

xni

XIV

-W'l

1-6

Illustrations
Page

32-33, 80-81

32-33. 80-81, 192-193

192-193

48-49,

192, 193
8o-8r, 96-97, 162

■163

16, 48-49, 64 65, 80-8

128-129, 144-145. 160-161
176-177

144-145
32-33, So-Si

80-81

80-81, 128-129, 144-

', 96-97, 112-113,

192-193

48-49. 80-81, 12S-
144- .45

176-177
80-Si, 144-145

145, 160-161, I

129, 160-161, 192-1

92-193

ERRATA

Page 19. For " Frederick Buck" read " Frederick B„„ck."
1 age 20. For "lots No. 905, 906, 907, 908 and 909" read " lo.s No. 205 206
207, 208 and 209." ^' ^°°'

'"''r^'^'' -7': «-P-P-'- - a widow na„.d Johns.on " should
read the widow Patterson " (who erected the hotel)

age 98. line ,5. For " niedals are now bein« given" read " the governn.ent has

now under consKiemtion the question of giving tnedals," etc

age 132-3. For revised iist of Methodist n,inisters see Appendix L

age r45, hne 18. For " nine yean." read " thirteen years " ' "

Page 151 For " pledged one-third of his life insurance towanis the church

rhr:-'"^" "'""---'"•-«---'"--- -

Page 17s (illustration). For " X'eterans

"in 1892."

Page 179, line 7. For " first stage" read " third stage."
I'age .93-193. Log huilding east of Port Kohinson was the first log building

erected n, the Township of Thorold-af.erwnrds removed to its present t
lagea A n.„,. ,He na.e of Ja.es Battle, deputy-reeve "for 9r.s

remaining in 1893" read

' -f imp rn M rnrrfV ^: ■ Tl f * "

iH^ ip . 1 '■ 'w n t ' .' J" ^I ' f. ! m ' ' -"f r , ti Vf ^ i I ' f *Ti

-yt^ ,T»?->i » . w i ^w ^V" — ' ^-^ '' T ' ! ' " "' I l ■'■!" 'J ' ' " ' "M y n V t ( I WTi ' f ^. ' J.

Chapter I

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TOPOORAPIIY, (lEOI.OGY AND ARCH<t:OLOGY

General Topograiihy. Siirfiico. Soil. Trees and animals. Prehistoric races
Neutrals' houses and customs. Ojihways. Trails. Onj^hiara, or Niagara.
Folklore. An Indian hurial. Indian relics illustrated.

Thorold township is the central one of the three forming the
northern half of Welland county : it is bounded on the north by
the townships of Grantham and Louth of Lincoln county, on the
cast by the townshij) of Stamford, on the south and west by the
townships of Crowland and Pelham respectively. It has an area of
twenty-five thousand, seven hundred and sixty-five acres.

Thorold is in the main a level plateau, varied with an undulating
surface in the northern and northwestern portions, where it is
decidedly hilly. It is worthy of notice that the Welland river, which
forms the southern boundary, has deepened its bed to such an
extent that the present level of the river is about eight feet below
the level of Lake Erie. This condition is the result of the
deepening of the Niagara gorge, into which the Welland river flows.
'I"he northern extremity of the township presents a feature equally
interesting to the geologist. Here the plateau ends abruptly,
forming in some places a steep bluff one hundred and fifty feet high,
constituting what is called by geologists the " Niagara escarpment."
Along this bluff there are numerous indications which prove
conclusively tliat the shore of Lake Ontario once followed tlie cliffs
near Cartmell's quarry and Lakeview cemetery. At that distant
period an observer at either of the above points would have seen the
blue waters of Lake Ontario at his feet, instead of nine miles distant
as we see them to-day. The beautiful stretch of country called the
"Garden of Canada " was then the bottom of a lake, whose shore

iii«i-i i^ff.Knm%um

2 rnsTORv ov tjiorold

can still he traced westward frotn Queenston to Burlington cjuite
around the lake. There is no way of knowing with any degree of
certainty the length of time that has elapsed since the lake occupied
the former level ; hut it must certainly be very great, the more
moderate estimates being from eight thousand to sixty thousand
years.

(lEOLOGV. The surface strata are alluvial deposits of the post
glacial period, which vary in de[)th from twenty to eighty feet. In
this period the whole of the Niagara District, and in fact the greater
part of western Ontario, was under the sea. Beaeath the alluvial
deposits we find the " bed-rock," polished and scored with " striae,"

Face of cliff at Cartniell's (|iiany, with new W'elland canal in fiiret^round.

running from south-west to north-east. The bed-rock in Thorold
township is known as the Niagara limesione, and is a silurian
formation. It is a massive, dark blue rock of magnesian and
siliceous character, copiously interspersed with cavities containing
calcspar and gypsum. It is highly bituminou-s, emitting from its
seams an inflammable gas. Below the formation just described we
come to the " Niagara shale," a bluish grey or nearly black
laminated mass, which shows a marked tendency to decompose and
crumble when exposed to the atmosphere.

Next in order occurs a member of the Clinton group, a very hard

TOPOORAI'HV, OF.OLOOY AND ARCH.KOI.OGY

|ld
id

Its

I'e

l-k
Id

and durable limestone of light grey color, and about sixteen feet in
thickness. This rock furnishes excellent material for building
purposes.

Underlying the above is a formation of light green shale five feet
in thickness, which soon turns to clay on being exposed to the
atmosphere.

The next in succession is known as the Medina sandstone, a
greyish or brown mottled formation of fi' jen feet in thickness.

Below the former are alternations of sandstone and limestone
sixty feet in thickness. Lower, we encounter a light grey quartzose
sandstone of excellent quality, largely quarried from Queenston to
Dundas.

The suitableness of Thorold stone for all purposes of construc-
tion has been amply proved by its use in the locks of the Welland
canal and in public and private buildings. The excellence of the
lime and cement made from the calcined rock has gained a most
enviable reputation from being employed in the construction of such
works as Victoria bridge and the St. Clair tunnel. A consideration
of the foregoing, in connection with the ready means of transport
available, leads to the conclusion that the rock formations of
Thorold and their products will play an important part in the
industrial and commercial interests of the future.

Soil. The soil is chiefly a heavy clay ; but there are numerous
areas of sandy loam throughout the township, and along the Pelham
line a purely sandy soil is found. Such soils in our climate always
produce a luxuriant growth of woods, and the virgin forests of
Thorold are not surpassed by any others in the province. These
include beech, maple, oak, chestnut, walnut, elm, hickory, pine, ash,
and linden (basswood), besides many smaller species.

The level character of the central portions of the township was
an oljstacle to the drainage, and this in turn delayed settlement.
The uncleared portions continued for years to furnish a harbor for
deer, bears, wolves, lynx'is, and an occasional panther ; while the
numerous small streams were the abode of the beaver and the otter.
Ikit the .soil, once cleared, repaid amply the tiller's labor in the
abundant yield of the more useful grains and vegetables and hardy

HISTORY OK THOKOI.D

fruits. 'I'he soil has proved an excellent one for the growth of
nursery stock, one firm having several hundred acres under
cultivation in the township for that purpose. With such a soil, and
convenient markets, it is needless to stale that the farmers of
'I'horold are a thrifty class.

Akcii.koi.oov. It is impossible to say much of the archieology
of Thorold township distinct from that of the Niagara district. So
far as the writer knows, no ossuaries have been found in the
tf)wnship, though numbers of them doubtless exist ; but excavations
have not been fortunate in discovering them.

The abundance of stone and flint imj)lements found everywhere
seems to indicate that every hillock has been the scene of a "death"

[

\'icw from top of cliff sit Carlniell's (|uairy, sliowiiijj jiriniary l)c(l of lake Ontario,
now traversed l>v new \Vell\;".(l canal.

in the chase. These implements do not differ materially from
those used by primeval man in other parts of the world. In
outward appearance they resemble closely the representatives of
the two well-known classes — palaeolithic (old stone) age, and
neolithic (recent stone) age. The first, besides instruments of
doubtful use, includes rudely formed arrow tips, spear heads and
knives, along with rough or unpolished stone axes and hammers.
The second is choacterized by well formed arrow and spear heaJs
of flint, by polished stone axes, gouges, etc., and by unglazed

lOPOCiRAF'HY, <;K0I,0GY AND ARCH/KOLOOY 5

pottery. Tilt' (liffcrtticc helween the two classes is fairly
represented by the groips shown in Plates I and II.

Whether ;he race which used the rough stone implements was
identical with that which used the more skilfully made weapons
cannot now he determined from the evidence at our disposal. It is,
however, affirmed that only one rare occupied the Niagara district
prior to the coming of the Jesuit missionary, La Roche Daillon, in
1626. If this improbable contention be correct, then the

no,

)m
In

of
nd

of
Ind
trs.

led

a. S|u'cinicn found on Muisiner fiirni, nciir Cliipj'awa river. /' and c. l-'ound near
town of Tliorold. </, </, </, </, (/, (/. .S|)eciniens rudely formed.

Attiwandarons or Attikidarons were the first occupants of the
Niagara district. Unciuestionably they used the artistically formed
flints, for they had, we are credibly informed, no knowledge of
metals before the arrival of the " pale-faces." The .Attiwandarons,
speaking approximately, occupied a long, narrow strip along the
north shore of lake Erie, bounded on the north by a line from
Sarnia to Burlington : on the east their settlements extended beyond

6 HISTOKY OF IIIOKOI.D

the Niagara river to Cicncsee. They were the kinsmen of the
Hurons to the north of tlieni, ind also of the fierce Irocjuois to the
east and south. The Attiwandarons received from tlie Krench the
name of " Neutrals " because they took no part in the deadly
struggle hetwtjn the Hurcns and Irocjuois.

Our knowledge of the Neutrals* is obtained from the Jesuit
missionaries, who sent yearly to France an account of their work
among the savages of Canada. These narratives contain full

a ami />. Axes used by Neutrals. c, c, c, (•. Arrow-heads. </, (/, </. I'lint knives.
e. Horintj instrument. /'. ( louge. ,;'■. Spear-head.

descriptions of the maimers and mode of life of the once powerful
race which held possession of this part of Ontario, t

The visit of the first mis.sionary to the " Neutrals " has been
mentioned : the second was made by Fathers Preboeuf and

* These writings, known as " Relations of the Jesuits," were published at the
time in France, and were reprinted in 1858 by the Canadian Ciovernment.

t Those wishing fuller information regarding the Neutrals are referred to
Parkman's "The Jesuits in North America," to Dean Harris' "The Catholic
Church in the Niagara Peninsula," and "The Annals of Niagara," by William
Kirby.

TOPOGRAPHY, OKOI.OC.Y AND ARCH.KOI.OOY

Chaumonot in 1640. From them we learn that the Neutrals were
the most ferocious in Canada. In i(>40 their forty villages
eontaint d a population of 1 2,000 souls, distributed ovei the area
already defined.

They were possessed of a splendid physique, and in this respect
they were superior to the Hurons and Iroquois. We must call them
ingenious mechanics if we consider together their workmanship and
their tools. Their flints are among the best specimens made by
savage man. Stone implements hard enough to cut glass have been
found, worn into symmetrical shape, which must have cost incredible
perseverance. Their constructive power made them good surgeons.
Though hunting and fisliing gave tiiem an abundant supply of
animal food, they had clearings in which they grew mai/e, pumpkins
and beans. In many of their customs they resemble their kinsmen
the Hurons. In summer the men wore no clothing, but tattooed
their bodies ; while the women went but scantily attired. IJut in
winter both sexes were comfortably dressed in furs and skins.

But however rude their customs were, they possessed two which
are not thought to be unworthy of the dignity of modern society.
Their fondness for gambling and their love of smoking are the
practices referred to.

In the Niagara district the Neutrals had numerous small villages
and two large ones, viz.: at Point Abino and Niagara. The last
name is but a changed form of the Indian appellation " Onghiara,"
which was once used to designate the Neutral village which stood
on the site of the present historic town. The land adjacent to the
village was well cultivated in the growth of maize and tobacco.
The traditional treeless districts of Stamford township may have
been similarly used.

In Thorold, as in other parts of tne province, there were
temporary villages, used only during the hunting .season. Along the
Welland river, every bank e.xanvned gives proof of occupation, by
the abundance of (lakes of flint, fragments of arrow heads and other
broken implements. On the Muisiner farm, already mentioned
(Plate I), all the indications of former habitation are met with, while
on the opposite side of the river, in Crowiand township, a burial

HISTORY OF THOROI-D

i^^f

I ■

place is known to exist. The suitableness of the banks of the
Chijjpawa (Welland) river for temporary residences is obvious : t\,2
stream is the Largest intersecting the Niagara peninsuLi, and is
navigable with canoes fully twenty-five miles from i'^s mouth, and
had the impoitant advantage of leading to a section abounding in
game.

The Neutrals usually lived in bark wigwams ; but, like the
Hurons, they had " long houses," from forty to two hundred and
forty feet in length, and thirty feet in width and height. To build a
hovse of this kind, they planted two rows of saplings the required
distance apart, to form the sides. These poles were then bent
together at the top and tied to form the ridge. Other poles were
tied horizontally, to give firmness to the structure. The sides and
roof were formed from pieces of bark .securely fastened. An
opening a foot wide was left the entire length of the roof for the
escape of smoke. B^'ths were built a few feet from the ground
along both sides of the house, and here, on mats and skins, reposed
the inmates of the house. In winter a row of fires was built in the
centre of the house, fiom one end to the other. In many parts of
the province the position of these houses can still be traced, as at
Point Abino, by rows of ash heaps, which in some cases reach a
depth of two feet. The ash heaps are flanked by accumulations of
camp refuse of equal depth, containing fragments of pottery, pipes,
bone needles and other implements casually dropped.*

Character of Neutrals. The cruel, warlike character of the
Neutrals is brought out in their war with the Mascoutins or Nation
of Fire, a numerous people who inhabited the south shore of I^ke
Michigan. The Neutrals, two thousand strong, besieged their
eneni)' for ten days. Then taking the town by storm, they made an
indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children. Eight
hundred prisoners were captured and brought back to the Neutral
country, t

* The best examples which it has been the good fortune of the writer to
examine are found on the fiirm of the late Cornelius Burwell, Elgin County, near
Eden, ' )nt.

t Relations dcs I.' urons, 1644.

if the
ation
Lake
their
le an
'.ight
butral

Kter to
|, near

TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND ARCH/EOLOGY 9

These events took place in December, 1643. The victorious
Neutrals, on reaching their own country, portioned out the prisoners
among their cantons, und put them to death by prolonged torture,
the details of which seem too shocking to relate.

But the day of vengeance was at hand. The Iroquois found a
pretext for attacking the Neutrals in 1645-1650. The Mohawks
and Senecas took two frontier towns belonging to tHe Neutrals, one
of which contained 1600 men. They slaughtered the old people
an 1 children, who were too weak to stand the journey to the country
of the Iroquois, but took with them a large number of j^risoners,
chiefly young women. The remainder of the Neutrals were so
terrifieo by the fate of the captured towns that they fled from their
villages, and, abandoning their territory, sought safety in the remote
wilds of the forests. Thus separated, the fugitives soon either
succumbed to starvation, or were absorbed into other tribes, and
the Neutral nation became extinct forever. But we still find traces
of the vanished race in our plowed fields, in our gardens, and even
in our streets — traces which excite our curiosity, and deepen the
mystery of human life and progress.

For an unknown period the country of the Neutrals remained
a solitude which was avoided by superstitious Indians ; but it was
finally occupied by the Chippawas, or Ojibways, as the word was
sometimes used.

The colonization of the English and French on the Atlantic
coasts doubtless did much to attract the western tribes eastward for
the purpose of barter, to which the superior implements of the
Europeans- gave an irresistible impulse. Stone axes, flint knives
and bone needles yielded at once to steel ones, for which there
was a keen demand.

This seems to be the most plausible explanation of the re-
settlement of the Neutral country by the Chippawas, and also of
the trans-continental trails connecting the east with the great west.

A part of these trails afterwards proved of great service to the
U. E. Loyalists, who wished to make their way to the Niagara
frontier in order to escape the persecution of an intolerant,
victorious democracy.

HISTORY OF THOROLD

One of these routes passed from Detroit through Canada by
what is now called Talbot street and the Canboro road to the
Niagara river. Two branches of the trail cross Thorold township.
Conunencin)^ at Fonthill, tho Canboro road passes through
Al'anburgh to Lundy's Lane, where it intersects the "Portage Road,"
which ran from (,)uecnsion to a point on the Niagara liver above the
l^alls. The other branch deviated to the northward, following a part
of the Beaverdains and St. Davids roads to Queenston. Another
trail connected Lundy's Lane with Burlington, thus crossing the
Queenston trail not far to the south of the town of Thorold, and is
still in use as a travelled road.

The branch of the Chippawas which took possession of the
Neutral country are known as Mis?issaugas, who continued to
occupy the country till their title to the land was extinguished
through purchase by the British (iovernment.

Owing to their commerce with the whites, their habits were very
different from those of the Neutrals. They copied many of the
virtues of their " white brothers," and, sad to say, many of their
vices also. In loj-alty, honor and gratitude, the most illustrious
examples may be found— examples which utterly shame the weaker
product of civilization. Stil) they clung with tenacity to their pagan
religion.

It is much to be regretted that the early settlers of this district
have not left us written accounts of the customs of the Indians with
whom they came in contact : such information would be of the
highest value to-day. Most of the traditional lore is so corrupted as
to be almost worthless.

The following brief sketch of the burial of a pagan Indian chief
may be relied on as correct :

A flotilla of fifty or more canoes brought the funeral party to a
spot on the bank of the Welland river, in the township of Crowland,
on the farm now owned by Jabez Clarkson. The body was dressed
in the official co!:tume of a chief of that tribe. It consisted of
moccasins, leggings and coat made of buckskin, with profuse
ornamentation of beads, feathers and porcupine quills. In the grave
beside the body were placed a bow, some arrows and a tomahawk.

TOPOGRAPHV. GEOLO,;V AND ARCH^.OLOGV

Then the assembly formed in a circle abonr tU.

officiating chief bei.anh.cK "^ grave, and the

e v-mer oegan his harangue. He r'arpH tKo ^„ .. u . ,-

tomahawk in the ri^hf h. ^ 7 ^'''^' ^""'^'"g his

me right hand, and commenrpH f^ i

'■n.e» swinging the eomahawk over l,i, herd Zt' ■* ' "'

deceased, now toward, th, ^ ' P°"'""8 n™ « the

•ho south and tie r: and":::''' '' !''-' '"'-"' '°

.i^e heavens, a„iving at the "u^^ ^Ttt!:' f""':'

H.s.o.or.hetnherenr;a,ed"t et;,o;::\r:h:vr '^^

'his world, or whe.her it c.pa.ia.edTn ^ "e T' '"
hunt,ng ground -beyond, the spectators cou d ot .el'""'
thoughtful onlooker believed he ,,w , T ' "' ""'

the sun """ """"«>l«:able. reverence for

instead of the con'tin ous e. w^thL 7""' l' '''"'''■
Attiwandaron, with his mute d " '" *""<"« ""=

Instead of the intricate trail o, the savage 1 rTd L, '™""-

us vistas of orchard, farm and dwellin! I'h ! ™''' °'^" '"

place to the whistle of the l„ warwhoop has given

-'-^'eating of *;l:^:,i— :; - '^;h- ojthe wolf to
hasdispcMedfore. rfh. H I "^ ^' ^'^"'e. A sunshine of peace

and theUtn,,: r :r :: r'^,:,,:: . " -^ -"'■- -

Chapter II

Settlement

United Empire Loyalists. First comers. Mode of travelling. Indian treaties.
The naming of Thorold Township. List of original i)atentees. List of
Butler's Rangers who settled in the Townshiji. Notes about the first
.settlers.

Our debt to former generations is often all too easily forgotten ;
but we, who are now enjoying the goodly heritage of this most
favored land, may do well to consider the struggles and privations of
those who first tilled its soil.

Distinctively a U. E. Loyalist settlement, Thorold township could
not have been more fortunate in the character and ability of its
founders. Having already made one home in the wilds of America,
no one knew better than they how to cope with the difficulties that
everywhere beset them. Cle;.r of brain and strong of body, men
who feared God a. id honored the King, they drained the swamps,
cleared the woodlands, lived honest, industrious lives, and left
behind them families well fitted to carry on the work so nobly
begun.

Throughout the Revolutionary War many persecuted loyalists
from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania fled for refuge to the
Niagara frontier. F"ort Niagara sheltered several thousand Tories
until after the independence of the United States was declared, as
before the boundaries of the new Republic v.^.c clearly defined that
spot still lay within the British jurisdiction. Then they crossed
over into the British colony, and from that time until the end of the
century a constant stream of U. E. Loyalists came to make new
homes in Upper Canada and New Brunswick. A letter from Col.
Butler to Cen. Hald'mand, dated the 17th of December, 1780,
reports that four or five families had already settled in this district,

SETTLEMENT

ps,

ift

ries
as
tiat
sed
tlie
lew

:oi.

80,
ii-t,

and had built themselves houses. Probab'y there were also others,
unknown to him, who had settled as "squatters" in the woods.
The Misener family records give 1782 for the date of the building
of a log house by Leonard Misener on I>ot 180, on the Thorold
bank of the Chippawa river. The year 1783 brought a large number
of settlers. About this time John Brown took up land at the Gore,
and Abraham Overholt settled near the Pelham boundary, while
John Kelly came from New Jersey to make his home near the
present town of Thorold. The first white child born in the
township was Kelly's son Isaac, who lived from 1787 to 1874.

Neither necessity nor hope ' '■eward was the chief cause of
these immigrations. In some cases the Americans had offered
tracts of land to the loyalists if they would promise allegiance to the
new government. Such an offer was made to the younger Jacob
Ball's father-in-law. Captain Clement, known as Ranger John, who
had led a regiment of Indian warriors on the King's side all through
the war. " No," hotly replied the sturdy old fighter ; " I'll follow the
British flag into the wilderness of Canada, to live under it there, and
if need be to die for it, but never to fight against it." Other and
more worldly-wise subjects of King George found it wiser for their
families' sake to accept the bribe and promise to preserve a neutral
attitude, while at the same time they gave vent to their loyalty by
covertly assisting His Majesty's supporters in crossing to Canada.
Then, nearer the close of the century, they were better able to join
their friends and take advantage of the grants given to the U. E.
Loyalists.

The early settlers of Thorold were chiefly of Dutch or Ge»-man
descent, and nearly all were adherents of the Lutheran Church.
These men had come on horseback b>- way of Niagara or Fort Erie
from their old homes, several families travelling together. Port-
manteaus fastened to their saddles contained their chief portable
possessions, while those who could brought also a cow or two, and
some hogs. Often there were not enough horses for the number of
travellers, so, in order that the women might ride, the men had to
walk most of the way, while little children were balanced on each
side of a saddle in inijirovised panniers. Quaint, pathetic proces-

HISTORY OF THOROM)

sions these little bands of exiles must have appeared, not, perhaps,
without a touch of the comic to unsympathizing spectators.

In several cases the men had come first, and those who had
been too openly faithful to the King were afraid to go back for their
families, so sometimes this duty would be entrusted to a friend who
had been less zealously loyal. One of the Swayzes, who had
evidently underestimated his service to the Crown, volunteered to
convey the wives and children of some neighbors from New Jersey
to Niagara; but the new Republic had remembered him as a warm
Tory, and some soldiers were sent down to capture him at his old
home. After feeling a bayonet thrust through his sleeve and
un{)leasantly near his arm while hiding beneath the floor of a log
cabin, he decided upon an artifice by which his pursuers were sent
off in the wrong direction : taking the heels off his boots and fasten-
ing them to the toes, he left misleading tracks in the mud, and was
able to carry off his charges in safety.

The first settlers came by the Indian trails, while the later ones
followed the "blazed" j)aths. Often they were obliged to hide in
the daytime, and do all their travelling by night, for fear of meeting
with hostile Indians or United States soldiers. However, they were
treated with great kindness by the loyal Indian tribes. When they
reached the Niagara river, it was always easy to get canoes to cross
in, and once on Brii'^h soil they felt compensated for all the
dangers of travel.

The Indians may be said to have ceded the township to the
Crown in wiii on May 22nd, 1784, and in deed on December 7th,
1792. The treaty of the earlier date gave up most of the district
lying between J^akes Erie and Ontario, but a careless description of
the western tjoundary made it impossible upon actual survey to
decide upon that limit of the land. So, in 1792, a new treaty was
signed, definitely including the site of Thorold in the lands thus
surrendered.

The following is the full text of the treaty :

/. Graves Simwe. 7TH Ufxtimber, 1792.

This Indenture, made at Navy Hall in the County of Lincoln, in
the Province of Upper Canada, on the seventh day of Decemb^T in

1.1

SETTLEMENT

lin

the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two,
between Wabakanyne, Wabanip, Kantabys, Wabaninship and
Nattoton on the one part, and our Sovereign Lord George the Third,
by grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King,
Defender of the Iviilh, iV'c, (!v'c., on the other ;/art.

Whereas, by a certain indenture bearing date the twenty-second
day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-four, and made between Wabakanyne, Nannibosure,
Pokquawr, Nanaughkawestrawr, Feapamaw, Taljendau, Sawainchik,
Peasanish, Wapamanischigun, Wapeanojhqua, Sachems and War
Chiefs and Principal Women of the Messissague Indian Nation, on
the one part, and Our said Sovereign Lord George the Third, King
of Great Britain, France and Ireland, &c., &c., on the other part,

It was witnessed that the said Wabakanyne and the said
Principal Chiefs and Women above named, for and in consideration
of the sum of eleven hundred and eighty pounds, seven shillings and
fourpence of lawful money of (ireat Britain, to them the said
Wabakanyne, Sachems, War Chiefs and Principal Women in hand,
well and truly did grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm
unto His said Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, all that tract or
parcel of land lying and being between the Lakes Ontario and Erie,
beginning at I.ake Ontario four miles westerly from the point
opposite to Niagara Fort, known by the name of Messissague Point,
and running from thence along the said lake to the creek that flows
from a small lake into the said Lake Ontario, known by the name of
Washquarter ; from thence a northwesterly course until it strikes
the river La Tranche or New River ; thence down the stream of the
said river to the part or place where a due south course will lead to
the mouth of Cat Fish Creek emptying into Lake Erie, and from
the above mentioned part or place of the aforesaid River La
Tranche, following the south course to the mouth of the said Cat
Fish Creek ; thence down Lake Erie to the lands heretofore
purchased from the nation of Messissague Indians ; and from
thence along (he said purchase to Lake Ontario at the place of
beginning as above mentioned, together with the woods, ways, paths,
waters, watercourses and appurtenances to the said tract or parcel
of land belonging. To have and to hold unto Our said Sovereign
Lord the King, His Heirs and Successors for ever, as in and by the
said Indenture will more fully and at large appear.

And whereas at the time of executing the said Indenture the
boundaries of the said parcel of land were on one side described by
an imaginary line running from the small Lake Washquarter in a
north-west course until it strikes the river, but from an actual survey
it has l)een discovered that a line from the said Lake Washquarter
carried on in a northwesterly direction will not strike the said River
La Tranche.

And whereas it is necessary and expedient that the boundary

HISTORY OF THOKOLD

vild be more accurately laid down

the said Wahakanyne,
Mattotow do hereby

lines of the said parcel of land sb
and described.

Now this Indenture witnesseth, and
Wabanip, Kantabus, A\'abanishii) and

acknowledge and declare that the true and real description of the
said tract or iiarccl of land so bargained, sold, aliened and
transferred by and to the parties aforesaid is all that tract or parcel
of land lying and being between the Lake Ontario and Erie
beginning at Lake Ontario four miles south-westerly from the point
opi)Osite to Niagara Fort known by the name of Messissague Point,
and running from thence along the said lake to the creek that falls
from a small lake known by the name of Washcjuarler into said Lake
Ontario, and from thence north forty-five degrees, west fifty miles ;
thence south forty-five degrees, west twenty miles ; and thence south
until it strikes the River La Tranche ; then down the stream of the
said river to that part or place where a due south course will lead to
the mouth of Catfish Creek emptying into Lake Erie, and from the
abo\ ; mentioned part or place of the aforesaid River La Tranche,
following the south course to the mouth of the said Catfish Creek ;
thence down the Lake to the lands heretofore purchased from the
said nation of Messissague Indians ; and from thence along the said
purchase to Lake Ontario at the place of beginning as above
mentioned, together with all the woods, ways, paths, waters, water-
courses and a[)purtenances thereunto iKlonging. And therefore the
said Wabakanyne, Walianip, Kantabus, Wabaniship and Mattotow,
for and in consideration of the said sum so advanced as aforesaid,
and for the further consideration of five shillings of lawful money of
Great Britain to them, the said Wabakanyne, Wabanip, Kantabus,
Wabanishij) and Mattotow in hand duly [)aid at and before the seal-
ing and delivering of these presents, and for the better ratifying and
confirming of the heretofore recited Indenture, have granted,
bargained, sold anvl confirmed, and by these presents do grant,
bargain, sell and confirm to His JJrittannick Majesty, His Heirs
and Successors, all that tract or parcel of land lying and being
between the Lakes Ontario and Erie, beginning at Lake Ontario
four miles south-westerly from the i)oint op|)osite to Niagara
Fort known by the name Messissague i'oint, and running from
thence along the said lake to the creek that falls from a small
lake known by the name of Washquarter into the said Lake Ontario;
and from thence north forty-five degrees, west fifty miles ; thence
south forty-five degrees, west twenty miles ; and thence south until
it strikes the River La 'I'ranche ; and then down the stream of the
said river to that part or jjlace where a due south course will lead to
the mouth of the Catfish Creek emptying into Lake Erie, and from
the above mentioned part or place of the aforesaid La Tranche,
following the south course to the mouth of the said Catfish Creek ;
thence down Lake Erie to the lands heretofore purchased from the

aid down

)akanyne,
hereby
•n of the
ncd and
or parcel
and Erie
the point
fue I'oint,
: that falls
said Lake
ifty miles ;
?nce south
am of the
nil lead to
J from the
I Tranche,
sh Creek ;
from the
ig the said
as above
ters, water-
refore the
Mattotow,
aforesaid,
money of
Kan tabus,
e the seal-
li tying and
granted,
do grant.
His Heirs
iiul being
e Ontario
) Niagara
iing from
hi a small
Ontario ;
IS ; thence
l)Uth unlil
Im of the
(ill lead to
land from
Tranche,
Ish ("reek ;
from the

George McArtliui

James Stewart

Hiram 1'. Swayze

SKTTLKMKNT

nation of Messissague Indians : and from thence along the said
purchase of Lake Ontario at the place beginning as above
mentioned, togetiicr with all the woods, ways, paths, wiuers, water
courses and api)urtenances thereunto belonging.

To have and to hold all and singular the said tract or parrel of
land, with its a|>purtcnan< es, unto liis 15ritanni( k Majesty, His heirs
and successors forever.

And whereas at a conference held by [ohn Collins and William
R. Crawtbrd, ICscjrs., with the principal Chiefs of the Messissague
Nation, Mr. John Russeau, inter|)reter, it was unanimously agreed
that the King should have a right to make roads through the
.Messissague country, that the navigation of the said rivers and lakes
should be open and free for His vessels and those of His subjects,
that the King's subjects should carry on a free trade, unmolested, in
and through the country : Now this Indenture doth hereby ratify
and confirm the said conference and agreement so had between the
parties aforesaid, giving and granting to His said .Majesty a power
and right to make roads through the said Messissague country,
together with the navigation of the said rivers and lakes for His
vessels and those of His subjects trading thereon free and
unmolested.

In Witness Whereof the ('hiefs, on the part of the Messissague
Nation, and His lv\cellency John Craves Simcoe, Esqr., Lieutenant-
(lovernor of the said Province, iVc, iVc, i\:c., on the part of His
Hritamiick Ma jest), have hereunto set their hands and seals the day
and vear first above written in the presence of

John Hutikk

R. H.AMIl.TON

Roi'.T. Kkkr

I'tlKR RlSSKI.I,

John Mcdii.i.

I).\\ II) Wii.i.i.vM Smith

L. S.
I.. .S.
L. S.
I.. S.
I.. S.
L. S.

\\'.\I!AKANVNK

W'AliANIl'

KaN'I AlUJ.S

WAIlANINSHir

Ma TIC) TOW

J. CiKAVKS SiMCOK

s.l

.s.

s."

(totem)
(totem)
(totem)
(totem)
(totem)

It was fully four years after the signing of this treaty when the
first patents of land were given. By that time the Niagara district
had been thoroughly surveyed, and the whole peninsula had been
named Lincoln county. i'he townships were known at first by
number, Thorold being the ninth. Even as late at 1798 it appears
without a name on a map of the organized part of Upper Canada
made by I). W. Snu'th, the number in this case being 95. The
townships were nearly all called after the subdivisions of old
Lincolnshire, the chief exceptions being Niagara, which has thus
perpetuated the name of the old Indian village, Onghiara, and
Thorold, which was called after Sir John Thorold, at that time and

I I

HISTORY OK THOROIJ*

for several years previous Member for Lincolnshire. The Thorolds
are an ancient Lincohishire family of Saxon origin, whose seat is
Syston Park in (Irantham The Sir John Thorokl who was head of
the house in 1775 was greatly interested in colonial <|uestions, and
voted against the war with America, and it is fitting that his name
should he perpetuated in a colonial township.

The Chip|)awa Creek, which forms the southern boundary of
Thorold, was at this time re named the Wclland, and to-day it is
indifferently called by both names.

'{"he grants of land and the names of the ])atentecs for i7«>6 are :

NAME OF P.\TRNTEK

ACRKS

NO. OK LOT

Hon. Robert Hamilton

2000

225-228, 231-237, 240, 242-246,
253-254, 258.

Jacob Ball

100

Jacob Hall, jr.

200

6,7

Andrew Heron

400

20, 33

James Jones

200

34, 35

William Dickson

250

40, 41, 42

Israel Swayze

550

53, 54, 55, 75, 76, 77

Edmund Fro:;t

300

5^'. 57, 79

Andrew Whitsell

300

59, 60, 61

Abraham Overholt

400

'56, '57, 161, 162

Captain Thomas Welsh

600

241, 247, 248, 249, 252, 256

Those who received

grants in the following year (i 797) were :

Andrew Jones

200

21, 22

Esea Waterhouse

280

23, 24, 36, part of 37

Isaac Swayze

220

Part of 37, 38

John Brown

300

64, 65, The (Jore

John Vanderberg

y.c

118, 119, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145

Harmon Vanderba.:' .;

\V'

Part 135, 178

John Lutes

.■•■:.>0

155. '63

Blackly Robins

200

194, 158

Peter Misener

256

179, 195

James Berger (full amount not given) Part 259, 257

Agnes Brown

I ^'5

Part 259, 260

The allotments for i

798 were particularly large, being :

George Keefer

600

9, 10, II, 18, 103, 104

George Miller

150

27, Part 28

Jacob Upper

200

44, 67

George Couke

400

45, 68, 91, 114

SF.TTI.KMKNT

«9

Robert Wilkinson

John Kelly

Ezckiel Younglove

John Stoflle

f'hristian Ninger

William Vant'vt'ry

Isaac Hancy

Ohadiah Hopkins

Kphraini Hopkins
Christian IJoiick
Joshua Robins
'J'honias Haraglian
(Jeorge Hartscll
Leonard Miscncr
James I 'ark
Samuel Street
Jolin (Jarl
luiianuel Stinehuff
James Crawford
Andrew Heron
John Camp

300
200

750
100

200

300

200

100

400

300

200

400

440

200

250

46, 47, 69

4«, 49

7'^. 136. '37. '3«. 139. 140
He

«f), 87

9^». 97. 120

'30,
146,

'47

107

I4«, 149
'5°. '5'
'59. '^>o
168

144, 145. '46, 147
j8g, 196, 197

183. i«4

i«5. '87, 188, 189

186, 203, 204, 213

214. part 215

I^^rt 215

222, 223

250. 251

In 1799 only two patents were issued, namely

Ceorge IJowman
Leonard Misener

400 29,30,31,32
230 198, 210

'80. was the next date of issue, whe.i these grants were made:

12, 66

Abraham Larraway
Ceorge Upper
John Decue
Anthony Upper
Adam Dennis
Benajah Williams
Eleanor Ostrander
Isaac Ostrander
Cieorge Lutes
George Hoover
John Dennis
Frederick Buck
John Castleman

200

400

200

100

400

100

200

100

200

100

106.

14, 102
43. 89,
58,8.

'05

116

117

126, 127

128

219,

221

129

220

'I'he following patents bear date 1S02 :

Ceorge Miller
John Wilson
John Brown
Benjamin Canby

200

350
100
400

25. 26

50. 51. 52, part S3
108

T09,

1 10

. "I. 134

"i,
'■I-

r I

John McAIwain
Hon. Robert Hamilton
James Gregor
John VV'iUiams
Jonathan Silverthom

George Turney
Jonathan Hagar
Isaac Ostrander
Pete Ostrander
Benajah Williams
John Brown
I'eter Staght
l)elx)rah 'I'o[)ham
John, Andrew, W'm.

and Nathan Cohoe
Christina Ostrander
Amy K(x.'vers et al
Edward Topham
Hon. Robert Hamilton
Job Robins

HISTORY OK THOROI.D

I GO

200

164
181,

182

222

199.

2 CO

220

20I,

202

2IO

229,

230

ig grants

were made :

'44
300
200
100
100

'- 4

62, 63, 64, 85

70. 93

100
200

•3i

170

■ 3^

1 66,

167, 168,

100
100
100

»73
190

191

100
200
200

The later grants were given in the following years :

(Andrew Hansalear 200 12, 13
Peter Ostrander
'""^"jjoh.i Wilson
yohn Lutz

•^ [John H»ll

o ^/ Peter Boughener
\Sarah Robins

1807 Andrew Whit.sell

124

200

100
200

200

73, 74
155, 163

2, 5
15, 16

152
192, 193

1808

i3o9

'hos and John
Wilson and
[annin

r Henry Damewood
I Thos and I
Wilson "
\ John Hai

jjohn Hill

- (ieorge Keefer

[Eleanor Ostrander

J, TMathias Crysler
^^'°\ Andrew Whitsell

82, 83
200 153, 154

800 905 906, 907, 90S, 909, 2 1 6, 217,
218

32 Part 8
32 Part 8
100 169

200 238, 239
100 54

SETTLEMENT

J-

!i6, 217,

150 Part 28, 19

400 98, 99, 100, 121

30 Part 215

100 2^4

George Bowman
jgjj First Rectory in
Thorold
William Halton

,8 /I.t. Col Colley |
^i Lyons L. Hoster/

(John Darling 100 153

i8r7 Stephen Sebiirn 300 123, 124, 125

1825 Joseph Augustus

Wilford 84 225

1829 John Cbrk 200 211,212

Many of those names have a special interest because of historic
association. The following men had served in the Revolutionary
war in Col. Butler's famous company of Rangers :

Jacob Ball William Vanevery

Abniham Overholt Christian Bouck

Anorew Jones Thomas Haragan

John Brown j^^^gs Park

John Lutes . George Bowman

George Lutes Abrahan; Larrawav

Peter M.sener John DeCou
Leonard M.sener . : Frederick Buck .

George Miller joh„ (^^stleman

L2ekie \ ounglove (Jeorge Turney

John Stoffle Math.as Crysier ■

In rhe Canadian Archives, Haldimand collection, we fmd this
account of Capt. Jacob Ball :

" First Lieutenant Tacob Ball.

Plac> of nativity, Schohary in ye County of Albany, P N Yk

Length of service— 6 years. ' ., -i-^. kk.

A Farmer, Captain of Militia, left his estate and family in 1778
Ra' ge""' "' '"^^ "' '^ "'"'""^ ''' "^^" --' J"'-'d the' corps'of

As the Balls had Whig relatives, and were connected by marriage
w.th the Van Rensselaers of Revolutionary fame, the Tory members
of the family nad to pay dearly fc^r their loyalty.

'I'he Turneys were an Irish flimily, as is shown by the following
extract from the Archives concerning one of the Rangers :

.11,
'11:

■I'

HISTORY OF THOROLD

" First Lieutenant John Turney.

Place of Nativity — Strangford, County Down, Ireland.
Length of service, 25 years, r8 years on' the King's (or 8tli)
Regiment, 17 of which a non-commissioned otificer.'V

Many of the Thorold patentees were not residents of the town-
ship. The Hon. Robert Hamilton lived at Queenston, and took an
active part in the early politics of the country. Isaac 'Swayze, who
made his home at Niagara, was a member of the first Parliament
of Upi^er Canada. Samuel Street's name was associated with
Niagara Falls ; he was known as the wealthiest man in Canada,
and was a sort of banking institution for ail the settlers in the
district.

Among the actual residents of the township, the Miseners were
among tl;e first comers. They were of Dutch extraction, the
original spLUing of the name being Miznardt, afterwards corrupted to
Muisener. The brothers, Leonard and Peter, came from Pennsyl-
vania near the Virginia border ; they brought their goods and
chattels in a wagon that had carried supplies for the King's party in
1776 ; a hub of this wagon is still in the possession of one of their
descendants. Leonard Misener first took up 500 acres of land near
Drummondville, but as he could raise only buckwheat there, he
exchanged for land in Thor jld near the present village of Port
Robinson.

The DeCous wore another family whose name appeals in various
forms ; we find it in documents as DeCue, DeCau and DeCow,
while the present spelling is DeCew. The family had originally
fled from France as Huguenots ; and after several generations
had lived in England some of the name emigrated to Vi^rmont,
where Capt. John DeCou was born in 1766. .At the clo.se
of the American revolution his lather's family removed to Upper
Canada, crossing the river at Queenston. Capt. DeCou selected
a property to iiis liking in the townships of 'I'liorold and (Irantham,
including what is now DeCew Falls on the Beaverdam Oeek. He
purchased one man's right to a hundred acres for an axe and an
Indian blanket, and another hundred acres for a gold doubloon.

George Bowman, or Roman, was a Dutch Loyalist, who cante
with his son in 1783 from the Schuylkill mountains near tiie

i I

SETTLEMENT

Hudson. They travelled on foot for about five hundred miles
through an almost unbroken wilderness. After securing a title to a
large block of land in Thorold, they returned to their old home,
where Bowman settled his affairs ; and then, with his wife and five
children, he started on the long journey to the scene of his future
labors.

The Swayzes (or Sweezys' were of Welsh descent, and ranie to
Canada from New Jersey. Israel Swayze was the chief founder of
the old settlement at the Beaverdams.

In 1790 (ieorge Keefer, a youth of eighteen, and his brother
Jacob, two years younger, left the United States to seek a home
under British rule. Their father had come from the vicinity of Stras-
bourg, and settled in New Jersey, but the Republican government
had confiscated all his iiroperty. The brothers walked all the way
from New Jersey to Canada, following an Indian trail through a
dense forest. When they reached the site of Buffalo, they found
only a few fishing huts. Crossing the Niagara River at Fort Erie,
they continued their way until on the site of the town of Thorold
they found a lone s(juatter who had cut down a few trees and built
a log hut. He gladly sold his claim to the young men, who stayed
for two years clearing the land and making a home for their mother
and family. In 1792 the brothers walked back for them, and
several other families returned with them to Canada.

John Brown came from Schohary in Albany County, New York
State. He was a (Icrman by birth and a Lutheran by religion,
although in the matter of war his views were decidedly Quakerish.
le first made his home at Niagara, where his son was born in 1784,
bat before Thorold was surveyed he took up land in the township,
wherr he lived until his death in 1804.

The Cohoes had originally emigrated from the north of Ireland
to New Jersey, and from the latter [)lace they came to Canada in
1787. The children received grant.« of land in Thorold, in
acknowledgment of a petition sent by them to the governor in 1789,
stating that their father had been the only Tory member of a large
family, and that his politics had lirought him to this province, and
that after suffering many privations because of his loyalty he had
died in th(> "starving year."

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

The Hartzel Road from Merritton to St. Catharines has been
called after a Thorold settler — (ieorge Hartsell (or Hartzel) as the
name is now spelt.)

John Carl's grant included the present village of Port Robinson.
The oldest house still standing in the village is that originally built
by him. Although since bricked in, it still bears traces of the old
Dutch architecture.

The Uppers came from New Jersey, crossing the Niagara river at
Fort Erie. They brought a small herd of cattle with them, and
stopped at a spring just north of Allanburgh. Here they decided to
make their home, and the first log building was very near the site of
the present large stone house owned by one of their descendants.

The Hoovers came to this country from Morris county. New
Jersey, travelling on foot most of the way, and crossing the Niagara
river at Queenston. They brought only a cow and a horse with
them, and therefore they were particularly carefub- to spare the poor
animals as much as possible on the long journey from New Jersey.

John Vanderburgh (or \^an der Berg, as the name appears in old
papers) camt from the Mohawk valley in New York state in 1784,
accompanied by his wife and three children, Jacob, Elizabeth and
Harmonius. His grant from the crown included the site of the
present village of Allanburgh, where many of his de.scendants still
live.

The Wilkersons were English Loyalists who proved their
allegiance to the King again in 1812. Their crown grant of land
lying between Thorold and Allanburgh is still in the possession of
the VVilkerson family.

Chapter III

Early Strucuw.ks and Successes

I,oR houses. Ingenious contrivances. Fruits, game anil fish. Woollen clothing.
Itinerant tailors and shoemakers. Wild animals. Swamps. The "Cold,
Hungry \ear" of 1788. Military stores. The Great Hurricane of 1792.
Constitutional Act. Kirst Parliament of Up|3er Canada. The old Lutheran
Church. Rev. Robert Addison. Extracts from his register. Old burying
grounds, I'irst mills and shojis. Rumors of war.

The way of the pioneer is ahvays hard, hut the settlers of the
Niagara district had more than ordinary hardships to endure.
However, during the first four years after the Revolutionary war,
their troubles were chiefly those incident to a wilderness life.
P'ortunately, the governtiient grant included tools and seed for every
Loyalist, and thuo some slight compensation was made for the
possessions left in their old homes. The men were kept busy clearing
the woods, sowing the grain and building log huts. Rude structures
these first houses were, but by no means uncomfortable. The earth
was dug away from the floor, and a well-mixed clay stamped in its
place ; huge fire-places were built, in which the largest stumps could
be burnt ; sometimes the house was built around the stumps left from
felled trees, and these did duty as seats. Glass was unobtainable,
and several substitutes were used for windows, a common one being
oiled paper stretched over apertures in the wall. The nearest shops
were at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and naturally all imported articles were
extremely dear. Nails cost a shilling a pound, so they were very
little used, wooden pegs being driven in to fasten boards together.
One settler had to walk to Rochester, New York, for a set of harrow
teeth, and then had to carry them home on his back.

The foiest itself provided the settlers with food ; even in the
early days fruit was abundant in this district, and plums, strawberries,
rasj)l)erries, blackberries, grapes, huckleberries, cranberries, and crab

2 6

HISTORY OF THOROl.l)

t
I

^i;

apples all grew wild. Walnuts, butternuts, chestnuts, hickoryruts
and beechnuts were gathered for the larder, while the sweets were
aiso to be procured for very little trouble ; the maple provided
syrup and sugar, while honey was obtained from the hives of wild
bees, (iame was plentiful, and each farmer had his troughfuls of
venison and squirrel salted for the winter. These troughs were
merely logs hollowed out to serve as substitutes for barrels.
Rabbits, pigeons, quail, |)l()ver and fish were common articles of
food.

Grain being scarce at first, acorns and the common nuts were
gathered for the hogs. 'I'he fire-light was strong enough to read by,
but few of the settlers possessed many books other than a German
or En|.',iish Bible. Grease was Inirnt for lights, and afterwards
candles were made from beeswax. All the clothes worn were
woollen ; nearly every family possessed a spinning wiieel, while one
loom served for several. The walnut and butternut husks and the
sumach furnished natural dyes. Boots were a great luxury, and
it was only when itinerant cobblers began to visit the district that
even the women possessed any footgear. Then a hide would be
tanned, and the shoemaker would find plenty of employment. In
the same way, the tailors of those days used to travel from house to
house. In various ways inventive brains and capable hands
contrived many little substitutes for the comforts to which the
settlers had once been accustomed, and gradually the Loyalists
acquired the little possessions that commonly belong to civilized
life.

Still, the forest held its terrors as well as its stores. The settlers
were constantly in danger from the wild animals that were roaming
about, and the horses and cattle had to be sheltered from them
every night. Wolves were continually prowling around and attack-
ing the cows. No uncommon story is that of the farmer's daughter
who in searching one night for the cattle that had strayed farther
than usual was overtaken by darkne.ss in the bush ; and, knowing it
impossible to get the animals through the wood at that hour, climbed
a tree to be safe from the wolves until morning, when fewer dangers
would beset the way. In the records of the council of the united

KARI.\ STRUOOI.KS AND SUCCKSSKS

countiv.'S of I-incoln and Welland are the following items, showing
how these animals w-re got rid of: " 1850, bounty paid for seven
wolf scalps," and " 1854, bounty paid for seventeen wolf scalps."
Foxes, too, made their usual raids upon the farms, and even within
the last decade these sly prowlers have occasionally been found in
Thorold township, when they have furnished sport for a few hunts-
men and their hounds, lilack bears were common ; and panthers
were also occasionally seen, the last one having been killed about
sixty-eight years ago ; uttering hideous yells, it passed with almo.st
lightning speed through the township, and . > killed at Pelham,
where all the farmers turned out to attack it with pitchforks. Eagles
were plentiful in the early days, and were the terror of the settlers'
flocks. 'I'he royal bird is not yet (}uite extinct in this district, for
within the last three years some of the species have been shot near
Shriner's pond.

At that time the low lying lands at the north-east of the
township were mere swamps — the source of disease and the home of
the rattlesnake. During the war of 181 2 both the British and the
United States soldiers stationed in this district suffered greatly from
malaria, and Lieut. FitzGibbon said that he was glad to get his men
away from such a sink of disease. Later on agriculture ai'd the
constructing of the canals drained these morasses, but as late as the
middle of this century the climate was still miasmatic.

However, in spite of these dangers and troubles, a great deal of
progress had been made, (lood results were showing from the four
years of patient work, and the hopeful pioneers were just becoming
encouraged by the bouptiful harvests, when, m 1788, a famine fell
upon the land. During the spring and summer of that year, several
successive frosts destroyed the crops. No grain was brought to
maturity, and the poor settlers suffered terribly, for the} had not yet
been able to provide for such a contingency. Tho.se living near the
lake or river were able to procure fish, but those on inland
farms had very few resources. By the King's bounty, as it was
called, provision was again made for serving grain and food from the
(lovernment stores to those in need, but ill-fed men and women
could not walk any great distance to nrocure these rations. Of

HISTORY OF THOROI.D

course, there wf re as yet very few horses or oxen in the township.
Niagara and Queenston were the nearest store-houses, the supplies
at the latter place being given out by the Secords. Very pathetically
this was named the " Hungry year," and as such it has since been
known. Drawn nearer together by the brotherhood of suffering, the
poor settlers helped one another aS' much as possible. 'I'hose who
had cows kept their poorer neighbors supplied with milk and curds.
One farmer, who felt that his cow must be sacrificed rather than his
family, went out to kill the animal, but found himself too tender-
hearted to act as his own butcher ; however, just as he returned to
his cabin, his children discovered and pryed out some grains of
maize that had got between the cracks of the loft. These, bruised
and boiled, helped to ward off starvation for a short time. Then
some Indians came to beg ; but when they saw the state of want to
which the poor white colonists were reduced, they gave food —
bread, made from bean flour — instead of taking it. Also, they told
the poor settlers of the pork and beans that were being given out
from the military stores. The wheat, which had to be cut while still
unripe, was dried in the sun, and when shelled between stones was
used for food ; mixed with water, or with milk when the latter was
procurable, the grain made palatable and nourishing dish. The
leaves of the beech tree when cooked took the place of vegetables
for that summer, and in the faW the nuts were eagerly welcomed.
In the winter the .settlers fared less badly, for they could then shoot
game ; but in the spring of 1789 the suffering was very great.

There is very little to be found in official documents relatir.j to
the " Hungry year." The first notice of the scarcity of provisions to
be found in state papers is in a report sent on the 14th of February,
1789, by Lord Dorchester to Lord Sydney, stating that on account
of want of food he had allowed the free importation of provisions.
On the 14th of March Lord Dorchester reported that in addition to
opening trade by Lake , Champlain for importing provisions,
applications had been made for permission to import by sea.

On the 25th of January, 1789, Bishop Hubert sent a circular to
the clergy of the province of Quebec, saying : " The scarcity
(disette) of this year having multiplied the poor in a great number

J -»'l

EARLY STRUGCLKS AND SUCCKSSES

township,
supplies
ithetically
ince been
uring, the
hose who
id curds,
than his
10 tender-
urned to
grains of
?, l)ruised
?. Then
" want to
e food —
they told
;iven out
^•hile still
ones was
itter was
The
^etables
corned.

in shoot

-■■?■

itir.^' to

■I

sions to

.'hruary,

account

visions.

ition to

visions,

Hilar to

scarcity

lumber

■Mm

of the parishes, we must endeavor to multiply resources in their
favor and to show more than ever sentiments of compassion for so
many of the unfortunate." The IJishop also urged them to obtain
grain for the spring sowing.*

One month later the Hishop wrote that the efforts at relief were
insufficient, and that in spite of every measure " misery is felt more
keenly than ever in a great number of parishes." He desired the
priests to enquire as to the best methods of relieving the distress.!

With the help from the King's store.s, the spring was tided over,
and altogether only a very few lives were lost. The summers
immediately following yielded splendid harvests, and there was great
cause for the heartfelt rejoicing so generally shown. However, the
"Hungry year" was not without its effect upon the founders of
Upper Canada, for a people whose lot had included rude labor,
warfare and famine were not the men to shrink from smaller dangers
or to be daunted by any common reverses.

The year 1 792 was marked by another calamity, which, however,
proved to be a blessing in the end. A violent harricane passed over
the southwestern portion of the township, levelling all the houses in
its path, but at the same time uprooting the trees, thus effectually
clearing the woods. A road was afterwards built through this storm-
swept region from Fonthill to Port Robinson, and was appropriately
named the " Hurrica;,e Road."

From this time until the outbreak of the war progress was
continuous, the greatest activity being shown in the neighborhood of
the Short Hills, or St. Johns. New and better houses were built as
more of the Loyalists came over. About the close of the century
some English Quakers, who had waited to test the new Government
of the United States, settled near the Pelham side of the township.
In 1 79 1 the Constitutional Act had given the people greater security
in the tenure of their land, and in 1792, when Newark (Niagara) was
made the .seat of (Government for Upper Canada, the meeting of
Parliament brought new interests into the lives of the Thorold
settlers. All their trading was done at Newark, and all their first

* " Mandenients des Evequs de Quebec." \'ol. II, p. 360.
t U\vm. J). 361.

HISTORV OK THOROI.n

grain was ground there, so there was constant intercourse l)ctween
the old lake town and the inland districts. (Iradually, as the farmers
had more time left after their agricultural labors, they began to turn
their other talents to ac(;ount, and various articles were manufac-
tured that proved to be more marketable commodities than farm
produce, and these were taken to Niagara and exchanged for
groceries. Still, every member of the settlement worked hard ; even
the women helped in the fields and in th" bush, and in one case the
girls of the family dug the well.

From the very first the Lutheran settlers worshipped together
every Sunday in the different houses. They had all brought their

German service books with
them, and by means of public
prayer and praise they man-
j aged to keep together little
congregations here and there
throughout the peninsula. At
a very early date a log church
was built for the use of the
Lutherans from Thorold, Ni-
agara and Stamford townships,
the Hutts, Balls, Reefers and
Lampmans being those chieHy
interested in its erection.
Until late in the sixties
it stood in a corner of the
old graveyard at the east of the present town of Thorold. It seems
to have been known by mnny names, for we find it spoken of as the
German, the Lutheran, and sometimes the Presl)yterian church.
Sunday was strictly observed among the old pioneers; even whistling
on that day was considered extremely sinful. Vet the church
services were also looKed forward to as social gatherings, for long
before the minister made his appearance the people would meet at
the old spring which is still to be seen just outside the graveyard.

At the same time there was built near the church a comfortable
log house, which was intended tor a manse. However, as no

The Old Lutheran Church

EAKI.V STRUGOLKS AND SUCCESSES

minister came, it was rented to Dr. IVendergast, who came here from
Mayville, New York. When war was declared in 1812, he, with
other aliens, was obliged to leave the country, but his daughter
afterwards returned to Canada as the wife of the Hon. William
Hamilton Merritt jf St. Catharines.

The Lutherans had brought no pastor with them from the
Mohawk valley, but the Church of England services being so like
their own, they gratefully accepted the ministrations of the Rev.
Robert Addison, who had been sent in 1792 by the Society for the
Propagation of the (;ospel in Foreign Parts. Dr. Addison was the
first Rector of old St. Mark's at Niagara, but the parish of which he
voluntarily assumed charge really extended throughout this district
and as far as York (Toronto) ; and the careful entries in his register
show how faithfully he administered the Church's rites for thirty-
seven years. We find him preaching in private houses in ThorolJ
township and baptizing at the Twelve Mile Creek, as St. Catharines
was then called ; but the more important services were usually
held at Niagara, a church having been built there in 1804. The old
register of St. Mark's contains several items referring to Thorold,
among others the following entries :

Wcddmgs, Niagara, 1809, May 4.

Jacob H. Ball, Bachelor, and Catherine Clemenf, Spinster.
Burials, Niagara, 18 10. Old Anna Meisner.
Baptisms at Twelve Mile Creek, 18 15, May 14.

Mary Ann Larraway of Jonas and Mary.

Caroline Bowman of Adam and Hannah.

Jane Jemima Larraway of Harmonene and Phoebe

Agnes, j

Nancy, -Bowman of Adam and Hannah.

(Jeorge Adam |

Weddings, Niagara, 18 15, June 8.

(ieorge Keefer, Widower, and Jane Emory, Widow.

Weddings, Niagara, 18 16, Novr. 7.

Jacob A Ball, Bachelor, and Elizabeth Hostetter, Spinster
(of Grantham). '^

Baptisms, 181 7, Jan'y 21.

Emily Browne of riper years.

John Browne of Richard and Emily.

HISTORY OK THOROI.r)

Haptisms, 1818, May 27.

Amelia Kcefcr of (Icorge Kccfcr I^s(|, and Jane.

Weddings, Niagara, 1823, Decemher 25.

Thomas Creen, Bachelor, and Anna I). Hall (Thoroid),
Spinster.

Mr. Creen afterwards succeeded Mr. Addison as Rcrtc- of St.
Mark's.

Before any churches were huilt the hurying-grounds were on the

settlers' farms. " Clod's .Acre" the Germans reverently called these

plots set apart for the dead. Most of the older tombstones have

either been destroyed or the inscriptions have been so rudely cut

that it is impossible now to decipher them. One of the oldest

inscriptions in the Brown graveyard at the (lore reads :

Magdalene Brown.
.A p. 1 8th, 1804.

Aged 54. ,

Bor:i I 750.

In the Misener, Carl and liall burying ground, neai "ort

Robinsoi,. some of the earliest settlers are buried; but th st

stones have been .stolen. That erected to the memory oi Leonard

Misener and his wife bears this in.scription :

Leonard Misener

Died Sept. 3, 1 806.

62 years.

Barbara Misener,

Widow of Leonard Misener,

Dieil 23rd Ap!., 1821.

Then follows a (juaint verse of the old time elegiac order.

In the graveyard at Beaverdams, one of the oldest in the
township, the earliest date that is at all decipherable is 1801. The.se
are the oldest inscriptions :

Here lieth the Body

of I'eter Weaver

Who departed this life, the 7tli day of .March,

in the year of Our Lord, 1801.
He was aged 52 years, 7 months and 10 days.

Here lies the Body of Shaver

Who departed this life Sept. 5th
in the year of Our Lord, 1805.

(Thorold),
'Cto- of St.

k'crc on the
ailed these
tones liave
I rudely nit
the oldest

neai "orl
th. ^st

f Le(jnard

jr.

'it in the

I. These

■t

rniiW.

^S^|I|t||^

^^###*

GEOHGE KEEFER, Sr.

Boni ill Siihscx CMiiiiiy, ( o.oiiy of Niw J( rsrv N„v. H, i>7, Died a 1 li,,i(.lil, Jiiiu' 25, 1H58 aged 84

yiais, 7 nioiitlis ami 17 days.

.-'it:

June 25, 1858 agetl 84

(»!

f.;

ELIZABETH II A MOT

^ ^ OEOP.OB

9ori,r„|, 2i. 17B0. DW N„v. ig. uss

,*«*"••*«««

JACOB

Bwill Nn». s. IglM. Dlrd 1„ ,,. |(7j

PBTKR
Horn lar. in, IBOS. DM Jan. !S, IMS ■

;'' (lATHERINE [,AMPMAN\

Born 1778, Dl«l laiU *
O

HER DAUOHTEK C

Born laos 'J

Dioil 1804 J'

'. No Portraits of These (;''
■a aro uxtant ^O

^ *^

ANNA KKLHO

B»r-ll.l.„. I. ,,„•; lll.d H„j .11. I,,

-.«»<»,

OATHRRINK HASTMAN

JOHN

Hum Irin. II. ii|i:i, n,„| ^,., ,, |,„

NAMDBL,

•>••'" J'^-'-. I«ll. III...I Inn. 7. I«.|(

Children of George Keefer and Catherine Lampman

who died m 1814

lied Ju .«, i»;a

IJLHO

Mny .11. lalll

AI.I3XANDBR

Bom Nov, to. r82,'. Oi.d MAy 25. IRBa.

npman,

Ghildreri of George Keel'er and Jane Mc Bride.
who died in 1833

•1

RARI.V STRUOOLKS AN1> SUCCESSES

In tlie old cemetery at Allanhurgh, where so many of the

pioneers are buried, there are no dates of interments to be found

made there before the war. The earhest mscriptions that can now

1)6 read appear thus :

In Memory of

Noah Davis

Son of Wright Davis, who departed

this life December 29th,

1813, Aged 21 years

anil 2 months.

In Memory of

Mary Oysler,

Who de|)arled this life on

the 14th Dec, 1815, in

tlie 52nd year of her age.

Even in the very early days of the settlement time was taken to
instruct the young. The older boys and girls, who worked in the
fields all day, spent the evening in study. Those who lived near
enough used to attend a night-school conducted by Dr. Prendergast
at his house, and here many of the youths gained a solid foundation
in the more necessary !)ranches of learning.

At first the nearest mills were at Niagara and Queenston ; but as
early as 1801 we find in tlie municipal records of Thorold township
mention of DeCou's grist-mill, while John Darling's mill is spoken
of as being in existence in 1803. Some lime before the war of 1812
Jacob Ball had a saw-mill on a little stream running through what
is now called Wilson's bush, east of the town of Thorold. The
foundation is still to l)e seen a little east of the culvert under the
W'^Uand division of the (irand Trunk Railway At a very early
date John DcC'ou built an oil-mill, there being none at that
time between the two lakes. He was aided in his enterprise by
Colonel Hamilton of Queenston, who imj)orted the necessary
ironwork from Scotland. »

One of the first shops in the townsl ip was kept by an old man
named l.ard. It was situated just within the 'I'horold boundary,
opposite the (leorge Hoover [)lace. Here the farmers could trade
their butter and eggs for other groceries, while Lard sold this farm
produce at Niagara. .\t the smaller shops everything was paid fi)r

HISTORY Of THOROI.n

in kind, but as the goods were brought from Montreal the
necessaries and many of the luxuries were procurable in this
way. There are still in the possession of the Hoover family a side
saddle and a china dinner service for which ijutter wns traded at
Niagara in 1812. At Kort C>eorge the commissary paid at the rate
of twenty-five cents a pound for butter, and twenty-five cents a dozen
for eggs; and many a housewife managed to accumulate considerable
silver by selling her share of the farm produce at the barracks.

Before the close of the war, (jcorge Keefor opened a shop
directly in front of Maplehurst, on what is now St. David's street, in
Thorold.

At Niagara, the people learned all the news of the day, and not
a little interest was taken in the great war then going on in Europe.
Gradually there began to reach them rumors of an approaching
contest between England and the United States, and of the intention
of the new republic to attack Canada. Needless to say, the men,
and even the women, who had left the older American colonies
because of their loyalty, were willing now to risk everything rather
than to give up their new homes under the British flag.

■^l-

treal the
; in this
ily a side
traded at
t the rate
ts a dozen
nsideral)le
:ks.

J a shop
s street, in

y, and not
in Europe,
pproaching
e intention
, the men,
n colonies
ling rather

Chapter IV

American Occ urAxioN ok the Township

Outbreak of war in i8i2. Aiiierirans take \'()rk and Niajjara. The Peninsula in
their hands. The liattle of Stoney Creek. Americans retreat to Fort
(leorj^e. American raids. Chapin's band. Hiding of valuables. Capt.
Merrill's dragoons and KitzClibbon's scouts. Ca[)t. DeCou's account of
his ex])eriences as a prisoner of war. Military supplies stored in DeCou's
house.

Wlien the war of 1812 broke out several companies of volunteers
were formed, and a great many Thorold men served in the Lincoln
militia. The residents on the frontier were constantly in danger,
and for nearly a month — from May 27th, to June 24th, 181 3 — the
Americans had actual possession of the Niagara peninsula. On the
former dale their fleet reached Fort (ieorge (Niagara) after a
successful attack on York. Here, close to their own shores, they
were three times repulsed when they attempted to land : hut (len.
Vincent, who had not enough men nor sufficient ammunition to
sustain so unequal a conflict, was ohli"«.tl lo leave the fort to the
enemy, after spiking the guns ami . 'owing up the magazine.
Retreating to Quecnston, he sent ohIltn to the garrisons at Fort
Erie and ('hippawa to join him at Heaverdams. The next day
he continued his retreat to Burlington Heights, tiius leaving the
enemy in possession of the Niagara frontier. The Americans made
the most of their brief tenure ; officers were sent to every house in
the neighborhood to exact a parole from all the male inhabitants,
and those who resisted were threatened with exile and imi)rison-
ment.*

(Icneral Vincent was now completely cut off from help. With
York and Niagara both in the hands of the enemy, and his own troops

* .'Kuchinleck's " Ilistorv of the War of 1812."

lis

CI,.

.T^'

rnsTORN or Tnoi<r»[.r»

al)out halfway l)et\veen these two forts, and with the American fleet
on the r^ake, the outlook was anything hut encouraging. However,
his men, less than two thousand in number, were eager for battle.
On the 6th of Jui>e a detachment of the United States army
encamped for tlie night at Stoney Creek. Information was brought
to the British, and scouts were at once sent out by Clen. Vincent.
To obtain a iK'tter krtowledge of the American camp, several of the
militiamen, dressed in civilians' clothes, passed through the enemy's
lines selling butter and other supplies.* It was ascertained that the
American forces, though numbering about 3,750 men, were badly
disposed, and might be unable to resist a spirited attack. About
seven hundred men were chosen from the 8th and 49th regiments,
and were put under the command of Col. John Harvc)'. who led
them out at night to surprise the sleeping enemy. The attack was
completely successful ; nearly a hundred prisoners were taken,
including the two Araerifcan generals, Winder and Chandler ; and
two field-guns were captured. The bewildered foe, leaving their
dead on the leld, retreated to Fort Ceorge, their flight being
considerably precii)itated by sundry attacks from Major Evans'
companies of infantry, aided by all the farmers in the neighborhood.
General Dearborn, discouraged by the result of this expedition, at
once withdrew the garrisons from the outposts, and entrenched his
troops, in all about six thousand men, within P'ort (leorge.t

General Vincent now estabi'shed his headquarters at Forty Mile
Creek, or Grimsby, and many detachments were sent throughout the
country, although the British were not strong enough to make an
attack uiK>n Fort George (at Niagara). In many cases the Canadian
militia were disbanded, but were ordered to go at once to the
assistance of the British if ever they heard the sound of guns. 'J'hey
were also warned not to keep their arms in the houses, for the
Americans would certainly take them from them.

The enemy now roamed about the country, a company of New-
York volunteers under Major Cyrenius Chapin of Hufflxlo making

* Cruikshank— Miss iMtzCiibhnn.
t Cruiksliiuik.

AMKRICAN OCCUPATION OK 1 HF, TOWNSHIP

in fleet
3wever,

battle.
^ army
brought
Vincent.

of the
enemy's
that the
•c badly
Al)()iit
giments,

who led
tack was
e taken,
ler ; and
ing their
lit being
r Evans'
borhood.
dition, at
ched hh

orty Mile

lout the

make an

Canadian

to the

■>s. 'I'hey

for the

of New
o making

raids uiK)n the farmhouses all over the peninsula. Chapin's men
were really only a hand of marauders, whose doings were not always
countenanced at headtjuarters. Many Americans of the lower
classes also came over in swarms to secure all the plunder possible ;
they landed at Queenston, where they were met by a renegade
Canadian named .Scheldenburg, who directed them to the wealthier
houses. Most of the inhabitants had hidden their valuables, any
plate that they possessed being safely buried. No place was really
secure, but one of the best depositories was that chosen by a careful
housewife, who buried her silver teapot beside a spring of water,
where the mud could be well stamped down over it and show no
suspicious traces. The Hanselers had $20,000 in specie, which they
hid in a barrel and buried, and made doubly secure by placing a
heavy cider-press over the spot. Notwithstanding all these
precautions, considerable booty was secured by the Americans, who
showed a marked predilection for all the English watches that they
could lay their hands on. They had to make the most of every
opportunity, for they sometimes found their movements restricted by
a few bands of British scouts. Col. ('larke with his company. No.
2 Lincoln militia, and Capt. Merriit with a troop of I'rovincial
dragoons* afforded some protc tion to the inhabitants, an J caused
consideral)le discomfort to the enemy.

I.ieut. FitzCiibbon of the 4yth, Brock's old regiment, gained
permission to lead a band of fifty men as scouts into the peninsula.
Many volunteered to accompany him, but he took only forty-six men
of the 49th and three Canadian militiamen — Thompson, Ensign
Winder and Jarvis, afterwards Judge Jarvis of Brockville. From the
green facing on the tunics of the 49th, these men came to be called
" FitzCibbon's (Jreen'uns" and the " Cireen Tigers." 'j'his little
company used to break up into three divisions, and thus cover more
ground, while they communicated with one another by means of
cowbells and a code of signals that they had arranged. They
interrupted communication between Fort Erie and I'ort (leorge ;
and, destroying the bridge over the ('hippawa river, they had Chapin

*Mcrritt's Journal.

IIISTOKV OF TIIOKOI.I)

shut up in a corner, until 150 infantry from Fort Erie canie to
his assistance.!

Among the Canadians who were taken, prisoners was John
DeCou, who has left us this interesting account of his experiences :

I was appointed captain of a company of mihtia, and being
thoroughly liritish I turned out with my men, altliough conscious
that we had to fight against great odds, yet determined to make u{»
hy courage what we lacked in numbers. After engaging in several
skirmishes, I was among the few that were made prisoners at the
taking of Niagara. We were at once hurried across the river to
Hatavia, where we were joined by some of our regulars.

We now numbered in all about fifty prisoners, but only a s'.iall
guard was placed over us. We discovered in the place an arsenal
containing arms and ammunition, and resolved to capture it, and
thus arm ourselves and make our way home. We laid our plans
carefully, and appointed the time to put them into execution. Our
movements were to be made at niglit, when we should have least
to fear from the inhabitants ; but just . efore the hour arrived one of
our regulars divulged our wild scheme to the enemy. Our
indignation against the traitor was so great that our guard had to
rescue him ; but his red coat could not be found, and enciuiry after
it elicited the remark from one of his old comrades that " He
deserted his colors and his coat deserted him." An o[)portunity was
shortly afterwards presented, when said coat was placed on a post
and whipped to shreds.

.Shortly after this we were moved about from place to place, and
we proved to be great objects of curiosity, one old lady expressing
disappointment at finding that we were "just like ouri'olks." At
length we arrived at Fittsfield, and twelve otificers, myself among the
number, were selected as ho.stages to be sent to Washington and
executed, in retaliation for the supposed execution of some Americans ;
these men, however, proved to be deserters of our army, who were
captured when found bearing arms against us. After travelling
night and day towards Washington, we received notice that the
orders for our execution had been countermanded. The rea.son for
this was Sir (ieorge Frevost's action in placing twenty-four
Americans in close confinement, and threatening to put to death two
of the enemy for every one of our men that the Americans executed.

While the matter was being arranged we were ordered to be kept
at Philadelphia, and were placed in what was called the Invincible
Prison, a large three-storied building, the third flat of which
contained a spacious hall to which we all had access during the
day. We were humanely treated, and for a time had liberty to

t Miss Fitzdihlion's " A Veteran of 1812."

".'4'

A>rFRirAN OfTITATrON OV THF TOWNSirrP

traverse a jKirtion of the city on parole. During our parole we were
freciuently invited to the tallies of the wealthier inhabitants ; and
naturally, thi- chief topics of conversation on these occasions were the
war and its injustice.

On returning to our restricted positions our longing for home,
coupled with uncertainty as to our ultinuite positi(jn, caused us
again to plan our es( ape. .At the end of the hall nearest the street
there vas a fire-place, the chimney of which was sufficiently large to
adni't of our escape through it. It was grated with iron bars, and
at least two of these would have to be removed for our egress. We
knew the hours when we were usually left alone, so we commenced
operations on the grates witli little saws made from the mainsprings
of our wat< lies, which we had placed in frames for that purpose ; but
the work was not completed before our tools w<re worn out. Help
came in the end from a young lady whf) had become engaged to one
of our men. She furnished a phial of a<|uafortis, hidden in a
handkerchief, and this soon completed the work. Ihe chinmey was
inspected every day, and to prevent suspicion we had to replace the
grate when we were not working at it ; wrap])ing it in sooty paper, we
managed to fasten it securely in place, and thus prevent detection.
We next made a rope by tying strips of bedding together ; we chose
the hour between eight and nine in the evening for our escape, as
we were usually alone, and the street was not mucli fretpiented at
that time. I was the last to make the descent, and unfortunately
for me the rope had broken with the man that jireceded me.
I'inding myself at the end of the rojie, I could do nothing but drop
to the ground, where I found myself supported by my comrades, the
blood runnin/; from my mouth. With difiiculty I prevailed upon
my comrades to leave me and make their own escape, as it was
impossible for me to travel. After remaining alone for some time
I found that a heavy "-lin had begun to fall, and feeling
sufliciently recovered to be able to walk, I started out; but had.
not gone far when in the darkness I fell into an unoccupied cellar.
I lost my hat in the fall, and as nearly a foot of water stood in the
cellar I had to wade about for some length of time to recover my
headgear and to find my way out ; and in the meantime I heard the
patrol of dragoons pass by on the street. Notwithstanding my
accumulated bruises. I was able to continue my journey until 1 .saw
a light from a window, towards which 1 proceetled, directed as I
believe by a kind Providence. On reaching the house and gaining
admittance, I found a lady and gentlemai. occupied with books, and,
I adi]ressed myself to them, saying : " Vou see before you an
unfortunate prisoner of war, vho has just escaped from the
Invincible, in which he has been confined as a hostage with the
possibility of execution. I have a wife and four chiklren on the
frontiers of Canada, exposed to all the ills of a bloody war. I am
maimed and bruised in affecting my esca[H.'. I am wholly dependent

Itl'^rnUV OK TMOKOI.I)

upon what your mercy may induce you to do." 'I'he young man
seemed lost in astonishment, and the lady sat in silence, hut I saw
tears in her eyes and a glow of generosity heaming on her
countenance as she exclaimed ; " I would risk everything rather
than have him given up." 'Ihey then proposed to hide me
upstairs, hut I advised them to allow me to go to some outhouse, so
that if discovered I could say that 1 had secreted myself there
without their knowledge. 'I'his they consented to, and I crawled
into a hayloft over a siahle. My present anxiety heing >omewhat
relieved, I was given time to feel the full force of the pain caused hy
my hruises. I was not neglected, however, for the young lady
hrought me refreshments in the morning, and we|)t over my sad
condition. One day 1 came nearly heing discovered hy some
children, hut I (.'overed myself u\) effectually with the hay as I heard
them approaching ; however, they discovered some pretty huttons
that I had hought in the city (for I never forgot my l)oys), and ran
to the house with them. This aroused the watchfulness of the
owner of the premises, and he himself afterwards kept guard over
the building when the children were ahout. He was a Quaker, and
was engaged in puhlishing a Hihle. On the day following my
concealment he presented me with a printed hill offering one
hundred dollars for the capture of each of the escaped prisoners, and
also announcing that if anyone was known to harhor them or in any
way to assist in their escape his property would he confiscated and
he himself would he tried for high treason. In view of the immense
risk that he ran, I hegged the Quaker to give me up and receive the
reward ; hut to this he would hy no means consent, preferring, as
he said, a good conscience to his estates, although they were
considerable.

On the first forenoon after '■ s hill was published, the escaped
prisoners were all recaptured exccjjt myself and two others, who had
friends in the city. I remained in my concealment for several days,
during which time I received every possible kind attention. When
leaving my hiding-place I was furnished with a change of clothing to
prevent detection, and was also provided with a sum of money for
the expenses of my journey. I set out as a drover returning from
market, and fell in witji two others of that calling, from whom I
obtained a great deal of informatfon respecting the business, as well
as considerable knowledge, about t^e ypads and the country through
which I had to pass. 1 had great pain in one of my feet, which had
been injured in mV fall, hut this 1 accounted for by saying that I
was afflicted with rheumatism.

Knowing that I should not be able to cross the Niagara river, I
betook my way to Lower Canada, passing through \'ermont, my
native state. Near Bennington 1 found some of my relatives, to
whom I made myself known ; from them I received assistance that
enabled me to continue my journey, by way of Rutland, to Burling-

AMKRICAN OCCUPATION Ol Till. TOWNSHIP

ve the
ing, as
were

ton, and tlifiue by l)<)at to Plattsljnrg. At lUirlington a young man
eyed nic closely, and afterwards, when lightinj^ me to bed. said :
•' Here you will be safe." In the morning he wakened me and
conducted me to the boat, where he enquired if there were any
ofticers on board. He probably took me for a deserting soldier.

From IMattsburg 1 ma<Ie my way to the Canadian border, on
nearing which I cut a short cudgel and resolved not to be captured
by fewer than (\vc men. 1 found myself sadly perplexed to know
how to avf)iil the Americans and how to fall in with the Canadian
out-posts, for 1 dared not make any encjuiries. However, I entered
a cottage and found an old lady making johimy-cake, of which I got
a share. 1 praised it highly, and the old lady became very talkative,
and told me all I wanted to know. So, in a few hours afterwards, I
found myself in a British camj), surrounded by red-coats and under
my beloved Union Jack. I was then sent for by the general, who
supposed I might have broken my parole ; but on hearing my story
he gave me credit for tact and endurance, paid me my arrears cad
gave me a free pass home, where I arrived just two weeks after my
fellow-captives, an exchange of prisoners having been made in the
meantime.

During ("apt. DeCou's absence part of his house had been turned

into a soldiers' barrack, and it was from this place that I'itzGibbon's

men went out on their daring expeditions. In the same way

Dittrick's barn, near St. Catharines, was used as hcadcjuarters at times

by Capt. Merritt's dragoons.

iscaped
lo had
il days,

When

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from

horn I

as well

through

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that I

THE PROPERTY OF

SCARBORO

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

river, I
nt, my

tives, to
ce that

Burling-

. ;

Chapter V

'I'm. Skirmish at liKAVi;Ki).\Ms

Ainericiiiis resolve to (lislc)(lj;u i'"il/( lihlion's men. 'I'rue story ol l.iuira Secord.
Skirmish at tlie IJeeeliwooils lietweeii the Amerieaii ilelachmeiil and the
Moiiawk liiilians. l''it/(!il>l)on\s stratagem. Si\ hiiiuhed of the enemy
surrender to fifty or sixty British. Articles of capitulation. .Monument on
the VVellaiid Canal where liie Ijones of American soldiers were found.
I'itzdiijhon's iiromotion, his services in 1S37, and his a|)[)ointment as a
Military Knijjht of Windsor. Laura Secorcl's after life. The certificate
firesented to her l>y Col. i*'itz(iil)lK)n. The proposed monument to her
nHMiu)rv.

!^^'

On the 24th of June, 1813, an effectual check was put upon the
enemy's progress by what is often vai^uely called the "affair" at
JBeaverdams. Lieut. FitzCiibhon with his i)and of scouts had taken
up his headquarters at DeCew's stone house, a building which still
stands about three miles west of the present town of Thorold. From
this position he guarded the way to Burlington Heights ; and the
enemy, finding their })rogress greatly impeded, determined to dislodge
these troublesome " (»reen Tig-^rs." Major C'hapiii, always boastful,
urged the attack, declaring that he was familiar with the country
even farther inland than the Beaverdams. Although it is true that
he had gone on his raids as far west as Fonthiil, yet lie afterwards
proved himself unable to guide the Americans on their march.
Through the unguarded language of himself and his followers, the
enemy's plans became known even before the orders were signed at
Fort (ieorge. Two soldie*;, a.sking for food at James Secord's at
Queenston, openly spoke of their intentions ; and their careless words
were not lost upon their unwilling entertainers. James Secord had
been wounded at Queenston Heights, and was at home on parole,
too crippled for active service: but it was decided that FitzClibbon
must be warned, and after some consultation it was arranged that his
■*'iUi should make the attenipt. Early ne.xt morning, under pretext

THi; SKIRMISH AT IIKAVKKIUMS

Scronl.

;\iul tlie
c enemy
inient on
e fouiul.
lent as a
icrlitiiiite
il lo her

1)()11 tlie
ffair" at
1(1 taken
lich still
,. l<"ioni
and the
dislodge
boastful,
country-
rue that
tcrwards
■ march,
.vers, the
igned at
•ord's at
ss words
ord had
1 parole,
/.(iil)l)on
that his
j)retext

of niilkin;^' a refractory cow, which, however, by means of judicious
prodding she managed to drive past the enemy's picket, I^iura
Secord began her long and perilous walk. When at a safe distance
from the sentries she hid her milking stool, and let her cow wander
at will. The day became exceedingly hot, and near St. Davids she
stopped to rest at the house of a friend, who tried to dissuade her
from continuing her journey. However, she was not to be dis-
couraged, and soon set out again on her loyal errand. Now began
the most dismal part of her walk ; to avoid the wildcats, rattlesnakes
and Indians, to circumvent the eneniy's [)icket, and to find a path
through the black swamp, was enough to tax every energy. With all
these dangers before her, it was impossible for her to take the direct
route to DeCew's In her wanderings Mrs. Secord crossed the
Twelve Mile Creek at St. Catharines, and then, discovering that she
had already gone too far, she recrossed the stream by means of a
fallen tree at a point near the Turney farm, where the creek is still
bridged in a somewhat primitive manner. Hecoming diz/y near the
middle of the brook, she got down on her hands and knees and
crawled along the log until she reached the other bank. At this
moment the moon shone out, and she lifted U]) her hands in thanks-
giving for its friendly beams. According to Mrs. Secord's own
estimate she had already walked nineteen miles,* although the direct
route from Queenston to the DeCew house is only twelve miles.

Here Mrs. Secord's own account, often told while her faculties
were yet unimpaired to persons who are still living, differs materially
from that of other narrators. Most writers of her story tell of her
coming upon an Indian encampment, but the heroine herself in her
earlier days made no mention of such an adventure. She said that
while walking along a rather well-frequented path she heard the
sound of a horse's hoofs, and at once hid behind some bushes, but
recognizing the horseman as a preacher who had often conducted
services at Queenston she came out and told him her errand. He
tried to persuaile her to ride the rest of the way, but she liegged him
to go on alone with all haste to warn I'itzCiibboii, while she waited

■ ' !

'Letter from Laura Secord to Lossin^, juiljlished in the " rittorial Field
ISiioU of the War of i8l2."

3*BMIii

HISrORV OF THOKOI.I)

■K.

there. In due time her good friend returned, and mounted her
upon his horse. When she reached DeCew's house she was
received right royally by Lieut. J'itzCiihhon and his men, who pre-
sented 'irms when she rode up. Mrs. DeCew urged her to remain
tor me night, hut she did not care to stay at a house that might
soon be battered down by American guns, so she begged to be
taken to her friends the Turneys. Two Indians carried her thither
in a hammock improvised from an army blanket, while a soldier
walked on each side as guard. In this way she was safely borne
over the same stream that she had crossed in such dread a short
time before. -

FitzGib!)()n at once sank such stores as he had with him in a
pond behind the DeCew house, in order that in case of defeat the
enemy might not profit by them.

The Americans were now making preparations for the attack.

The expedition was entrusted to Col. Boerstler of the 14th U. S.
infantry or Maryland regiment — a gallant officer, eager for active
service, having already suffered many disappointments by seeing
other men put in charge of work that had first been promised to
him. The force under his command consisted of between 500 and
600 men, including Capt. McDowell's company of light artillery with
two field-pieces (one six-pounder and one twelve-pounder), 20
dragoons under Cornet Burd, Major Chapin's 38 or 40 militia, and
the rest infantry of the 14th, 6th and 23rd regiments.t On the
evening of the 23rd this detachment began tiie march from Fort
George to Queenston, reaching the heights about midnight, as the
roads were in a wretched state owing to the recent heavy rains.
Early the next morning they continued their way, taking the moun-
tain road, according to Boerstler's own account. Philip Metier and
his brother were ploughing on the.r farm in Stamford when Chapin,
whose band was in advance of the others, rode up and with an oath
asked where the British soldiers were : getting no satisfactory answer
he galloped on, but the Metiers, fearing some trouble, left their oxen
and hid in the bush, and afterwards looked on at the fight. i,ittle

t Annstroni!; says 500, while Oiffin states the force as 673.

THi: SKfRMISIf .\r liFAVERDAMS

Hannah FcIIer, seeing the enemy pass, fled to the Hanselers' ham
loft, from which she, too, watched the engagement. The Hansels
were also working in the field when (^hapin came up, and they were
taken prisoners by the Americans ; a little farther on the enemy
came upon John Hoover, from who* . they took a fine horse. At
the Bowman farm they encountered a body of Indians under Capt.
Kerr and young John Brant. The number of warriors is variously
stated at from 30 to 450, but Kerr's own narrative, contained in a
letter to Col. Fit^tCIibbon, says that he had 250 men. These
Indians were chiefly Mohawks from the (Irand River. Young
Brant, who was a son of the old chief Joseph, was at this time only
a youth of nineteen.

The Indians opened fire upon Boerstler, and fought in their own
fnshion, concealing themselves in the woods and attacking his detach-
ment in the flanks and rear. I The sound of firing aroused the whole
neighborhood, and all the farmers possessing arms rushed to the
scene of combat, including Isaac Kelly, with his brother, who was a
militiaman, then at home putting in a crop. Jacob H. Ball heard
the guns, and arming himself rushed to the fieUi, but was too late
for the fighting.

The Kellys thought the sounds were from British guns, and
getting their muskets from their hiding-place in the woods they
ran to the east corner of their farm, and found the two American
field-pieces mired in Shriner's creek.

The contest lasted for three hours, and, the Indians having
adroitly surrounded the enein , Boerstler concluded that he had
met a foe of far superior numbers. Chapin behaved like a
consummate cow.i <1 throughout the engagement,;^ and when Lieut.
FitzGibbon came p with his men ('ol. Boerstler, thinking large
reinforcements hau come to the British, felt sure of defeat.
KitzCiibbon had already sent a despatch to Major I)e Haren, then at
Twelve Mile Creek, or St. Catharines ; and, knowing that he dared
not expose his small numbers, he was obliged to resort to strategeni.
Tying a white handkerchief to his sword, he advanced and found

J Stone's 'M.ifeo: Hrant."
S Stone.

"Ill

HISTORY OK THOROI.I)

Col. Pioerstler ready for a parley. FitxXlihhon stated his rank, said he
had with him a detachment of British soldiers, that his commanding
officer, De Haren. was near by with several companies, and that
he would have great difficulty in restraining the ferocity of the
Indians ;.t and, magnifying his numbers, he called on the Americans
to surrender. This Col. Hoer.stler refused to do, especially as he
had not yet seen the Hritish force. To this FitzCibbon replied that
he would recjuest his superior officer to allow any American officer
whom Boerstler might name to inspect the British troops. Just
about this time Capt. Hall came up with about twenty dragoons,
having ridden from Chippawa, attracted by the cannonading.^
FitzCiibbon persuaded him to act as his superior officer, and to
refuse the request. When Boerstler received this refusal, he asked
for time to consider ; liut Fitz(iibbon would not allow more than
five minutes, and the result was that 'the Americans surrendered as
prisoners of war. It was really a very embarrassing moment for the
British, as they had not enough men to take charge of the prisoners.||
Just then Major l)e Haren came up, and soon all the militia who
were in hearing of the guns were upon the .scene. The Americans
stacked their guns in what is now the orchard of the Shriner farm.
Articles of capitulation were drawn up, the document reading as
follows ;

Capitulation of Col. Boerstler and 541 Americ:an troops.

Particulars made between Capt. McDowell, on the part of Lieut. -
Col. Boerstler of the United States army, and Major De Haren of
His Brittanic Majesty's ('anadian regiment, commanding the
advance of the British, respecting the force under the command of
Lieut. -Col. Boerstler.

Article I. That Lieut. -Col. Boerstler and the force under his
command shall surrender [)risoners of war.

Article IL That the officers shall retain their arms, horses and
baggage.^ _

Article HI. That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers
shall lay down their arms at the head of the Britisii
column, and shall become prisoners of war.

T r

* Coffin.

S Miss Fitz(;il)l)()n's " A W'lonin of 1812.

!l Coffin.

i !

■|!11C SKIRMISH AT MKAVERDA.MS

.IL'Ut.-

icn of
the
liml of

:r his

is and

i)ldiers
Hritish

Article I\'. That the miUlia and vokinteers with Lieut. -Col.
Hoerstler shall he permitted to return to the United States
on parole.

Andrkw McDowell,
Captain of the United States Light Artillery.
Acceded to and signed. C. (i. Bof.rsti.kk,

Lieut. -Colonel commanding detachment United States .Army.

B. W. DkH.aren,
Major Canadian Regiment. J

Thus there passed into the hands of the British, besides the
prisoners of war, the two field-pieces, two ammunition cars, and the
colors of the 14th regiment of the United States army. Several of
the Americans had been killed in the skirmish ; and many more
were wounded, among the latter being Col. Boer.;tler himself. The
British had not lost a single man, and not a single shot had been
fired by the regular troops. Capt. Norton, an Indian officer, thus
epigrammatically described the affair : " The Mohawks did the
fighting, P'itzGibbon got the glory, and the C!aughnawagas secured
the plunder." In the account given by Armstrong, a Major-
(ieneral in the United .States army, and Secretary of War, he
gives the strength of the British force by enumerating those actually
upon the field at the time of surrender, and by mentioning all those
who were in the neighborhood, including Col. Bisshopp at the
Twenty Mile Creek, Major De Haren with his three companies of
regulars, some Indians and militia, and Col. Clarke with all the
militia that he could gather.

The skirmish is important, not only becau.se of the superior
numbers of the enemy, but because Boerstler's surrender influenced
the subsequent course of the war. By it the Americans, who then
occupied most of the Niagara Peninsula, were driven back to Fort
(leorge, concentrating all their forces there.

When the new Welland canal was in process of construction, the
workmen came upon sixteen bodies of Americans who had fallen ,at
the battle of Beaverdanis. Buttons of the United States uniforms
were also found, thus proving beyond a doubt the identity of the
men. The remains were reinterred near the east bank of the canal, a

J .\uchinleck ; Miss Kii/Ciihhon ; Can.idian .Vrchives.

•ji

HISTORY OK IHOKOI.K

!■ VI

m
m

■ 11

I If'

i.;

little south of the Niagara Central Railway bridge. Through the
efforts of the late Judge Baxter of 'I'horold and Mr. J. P. Merritt
of St. (Catharines, together with the late John Brown, and other
leading c:iti/ens, a modest monument was erected on the spot ; and
on the 24th of June, 1874 — the sixty-first anniversary of the battle —
this monument was unveiled in the [)resence of a large number of
peoplf. The inscription at the base of the shaft is simply :

lieaver 1 )ams
24th June, 1813

At the lime of the skirmish the town of Thorold was not in
existence, and the Heechwoods, at the south-east, and Beaver-
dams, two miles south-west of 'he present town, were the nearest
places bearing any name by which the battle field could be
designated. In reality, the fight took place almost within the
limits of what is now the town of 'I'horold.

For his services in this affair a company in the (Jlengarry Light
Infantry was bestowed upon the gallant Lieutenant of the 49th.
Aftar serving throughout the war. Col. FitzCibbon was appointed
to a position in the office of the Adjutant-General of Militia in
Upper Canada. During the many years of his residence in (Canada
he proved himself a brave citizen in peace as well as in war. When
cholera broke out in Toronto, in 1832 and 1834, FitzXiibbon, moved
by pity for ihe Irish immigrants, who suffered most, worked day and
night among the sick and dying. In 1837 he was particularly active
in organizing a defence against the rebels. It was afterwards
proposed in the House to grant him five thousand acres of Crown
lands in recognition of his services ; and, although the Queen was
petitioned to allow the gift. Her Majesty decided that the recent
Provincial .'\ct forbidding the alienation of the waste lands of the
Crown would prevent the compensation's taking the form of a grant
of land. However, in 1846 Col. FitzCibbon retired on account of
ill health, and a pension of three hundred pounds a year, (Canadian
currency, was given to him. I'our years afterwards he was
appointed one f)f the military knights of Windsor, an order founded
by I'Cdward III in 1348 for the su|)port of twenty-four soldiers "who
had distinguished themselves in the wars, and had afterwards been

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^'•i^^--

Laura Sicdid in lalcr life

Preseni appciuaiu-e of the spi.t whcio Laura Seconl crossed the
Twelve NFile Creek on her way to warn I'"il/( lil)l)on

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THF SKIRMISH AT T.KAVF.RDAMS

reduced to straits." In 1863 the old soldier's busy life ended, and
his body was laid to rest in the cata("oml)s of St. (leo.ge's chapel,
Windsor castle.*

A longer but more uneventful life was granted to the heroine of
l>eaverdanis. The Securds moved from St. Davids to Chippawa,
and for several years James Secord held th" office of collector of
customs at that port. He died in 1 841, and his widow spent the
remainder of her life in the j^eaceful little village. Although very
modest in speaking m' her heroiL walk, she was always glad to tell
stories of the war to the younger :4enerations that she lived to see.
Col. FitzCiibbon, who never forgot what he owed to her warning,
presented her with this certificate :

I do hereby certify that Mrs. Secord, the wife of James Secord
of Chippawa, Kscj., did, in tiie month of June, 1813, walk from her
house in the village of St. Davids to De Cou's house in Thorold by
a circuitous route of about 20 miles, partly through the wood.s, to
ac(iuaint me that the enemy intended to attempt, by surprise, to
capture a detachment of' the 49th regiment, then under my
command, she having obtained such knowledge from good authority,
as the event proved. Mrs. Secord was a person of slight and
delicate frame, and made the effort in weather exce.ssively warm ;
and I dreaded at the time that she uiust sufer in health in
consequence of fatigue and anxiet)', she having been exposed to
danger from the enemy, through whose line of communication slie
had to pass. The attempt was made on my detachment by the
enemy, and his detachment, consisting of up'wards of 500 men, and
a field-piece and 50 dragoons, were captured in conse{}uence.

I write this certificate in a moment of much hurrv and tVom
memory, and it is therefore thus brief

(Signed) Ja.mks FitzCiIhuon,

Formerly Lieutenant 4(;th Regiment. t

In 1861, when the Prince of Wales visi'ed Canada, Faura
Secord's story was told to him, and the heroine herself was presented
to His Royal Highness. 'I'he Prince greatly regretted that the
government had not rewarded the brave woman, and afterwards sent
her as a personal gift tlie sum (jf^ioo. In October, 1868, Laura
Secord died at (Chippawa, in the 94th year of her age. She was

*■ " A \ eleniii of 1S12.'"

I (^)u()U-(I liy .Aiic'liiiiU'ck, who rcndirs Dc Cn\\\ as De ('amp's: a.nl 1)\'
Cfiliin, will) sjK'lls llu' iiaiiK' Dct'au.

NISTORV OK THOf<OI,r>

buried in I.uiKly's Lane Cemetery, where lie the hones of so many
gallant soldier.s — a fittinj^ resting place for one who served her
country as loyally as did any man who bore arms. The stone at
the head of her grave bears th»s brief inscription :

Here rests

r^'iura,

Beloved wife of James Secord.

Died Oct. 17, i868,

Aged 93 years.

There is now a movement on foot among the women of Canoda
to perpetuate the memory of Laura Second by some monument or
benefaction, although it has not yet been decided what form the
memorial will take. Thv. money is being collected by ten cent
subscriptions, and a considerable amount has already lieen received.

The other chief actor in the /{iw.verdams affair was deprived of
his command, although his surrender was justified. That Boerstler
was the victim of circumstances, in charge of an ill-advised
expedition, " detached Ijecause of false infornxti, u given by Major
Chapin," was admitted ; while it was also acknowledged that he had
not sufficient artillery ammunition to sustain a conflict But,
nevertheless, he was made to feel keenly the disgrace of having
yielded with upwards of 600 men to a \>rce not one-tenth so strong
in number.

\im I

Chapter VI

From 1815 to 1897

Kflects (if the war. (lourlay's statisiics. I.iiion wcaviiifj. I.uxiirfes.
The Welhi'id canal. Sir Peregrine .Maillaiul. .Ministers. CJranthani
Academy and Upper Canada Colle^;e. The Kaniily Com])act and
|)()litical al/uses. .Mackenzie on Navy Island. Thorold cuni|xinie.s furmed.
The hurniag of the Caroline. Dogyerel ver.se. Attack ujxin the Lancers
at St. Johns. .Vet of I 'i

in the Dominion niii|
telephone. \ Islt ill

Ion. To\vnshi|i statistics for 1849. Thorold men
'fovincial rarliainents. Railways, telegraph and
II' I'linre of Wales. i'enian raids, Cias well.

Iin|)orlall| I'liiiniM men. liistor\ of Heaverdams and St. Johns West.

't'he war had more than one effect upon the township. Until its
clo.se the people lived in constant terror. Nearly all the men were
away fighting in the service of their country, with the exception of
the few who were released from time to time to attend to the crojis.
The old town of Niagara was sacked and burnt, while the village of
St. Davids, only two miles east of tiie townshi[) line, suffered
destruction in the same way at the hands of tiie American soldiers.
Fighting was going on all along the frontiei', and no one knew how
soon the enemy might again make a raid upon Thorold. On the
otiier hand, never since their exodus from the United States had the
material wealth of the farmers been greater. The highest prii i s
were paid for provisions, and there was a constant demand fi r all
kinds of farm produce.

I'or many years after jjcace was declared, tliis |)art of the country
still ftit the effects of the struggle : for scarcely any new immigrants
came from the United States, and no great progress was made. The
Americans who did make tiieir appearance in Canada at this lime
were chiefly l)ent upon securing plunder. Thorold, not being a
svealthy place, was rather free from thesr marauders, although one
alien family made their home here for a time. They were looked upon
with the greatest suspicion, and the simple Unnadians considered it

' lit

HISTORY OK IHOROr I)

very significant thai they kej)': a naked sword liaiiging over the fire-
place and frequently boasted of its sharpness. One very dark night
the man came to Andrew Hanseler's house, asking for help to extricate
his horse, which he stated was mired in the mud. The Hanselers
were known to have considerable wealth, and the old people were
alone on this night : but the old man was anxious to help anyone in
distress, so he went out with the American, and followed him as far
as the cross-roads at the Beechlands. At this [)oint the moon
suddenly shone out, and revealed the naked sword hanging at the
man's side. Without any thoughts of valor, Hanseler turned and
ran, and shortly afterwards the strange family moved away.

Naturally, since those with whom the Canadians came in contact
at this time were not the representative people of the United States,
it took a long time to heal the differences between the two nations.

In 1817 Robert (iourlay, the young Scotch editor living at
Niagara, and afterwards well known as a partisan of the Patriots in
the Rebellion, collected a number of statistics, from which we can
gather a great deal of information regarding the state of affairs in the
country. In that year, in the 25,765 acres that make up Thorold
townshi[), there were only eight hundred and thirty inhabitants.
One grist mill and four saw-mills were then in operation. In 1788
wild land was sold for 8d. an acre, while in 181 7 cleaied farms were
valued at 50 shillings an acre.

Better farming was done as more of the land became cleared.
The first crops were chiefly corn, grass, and a little wheat, which
were sown after the ground had been merely raked over among
the stumps. Wooden ploughs were used, and the work was very
hard, for it took a dozen men to harvest the grain that two could
do with modern machinery. All the grain was cut and bound by
hand, and threshed with flails

Belter clothes were now worn, and more luxuries were acquired.
The hot (Canadian summers made it de.sirable to weave a cooler
material than flannel. Calico then cost $1.00 and $1.25 a yard, so
it was worn only on rare occa:-;ions, <or silk was nearly as cheap. A
great deal of Hax was raised in liie township, and consequently a
great deal of linen was made. Thrt it was o\' good i\v. "'

.^M^iL;fe^;'

■■-T,..;3»J??!

FROM 1S15 TO i8q7

lired.
ler
M. so
A

kiy a

testified by the pieces still in existence, woven by the pioneer wo.nen
before sunrise. Another material in common use was the cloth
called '' linsey-woolse)-,'" made by using the warj) of linen and the
woof of wool.

The table was no longer ill supplied : but one of the greatest
luxuries was tea, which still sold for two dollars a pound at Niagara,
^'et on state occasions it must have been considered a necessary
drink, for every housewife of any means at all seems to have
possessed a silver tea-pot and caddy. Of fermented drinks a
common one was metheglin, made of honey and water boiled and
then fermented, and often highly spiced.

The grey and red limestone with which the Thorold quarries
abound was already used for building purposes, one of the earliest of
the stone houses being that built by Capt. DeCou before the war.

In 1819 several large bush fires raged in this district. A few
houses were burnt, and many fields of grain were destroyed.

Until 1824 Beaverdams was still the chief settlement lying
wholly within the township. Many industries were carried on at
.St. John's West, but they were chiefly within the Pelham boundary.
In 1824 work began on the Welland canal, a full account of which
is given in another chapter. Through the many workmen who were
employed, Thorold, AUanburgh and Port Robinson soon became
l)laces of importance.

There were social advantages, too, in the early days for the
people of this district. At Niagara there were many cultivated
persons, who entertained a great deal, and ilistance was considered
no obstacle to attendance at these gatherings. It was particularly
pleasant for the Thorold people to have the (lovernor, Sir Peregrine
Maitland, established so near. His handsome house of twenty
two rooms, an uncommon size at that time, was situated only a few
miles east of Thorold, at the lower end of the present village o(
Stamford. From 1820 until 1828 he lived here, and the society
that gathered at "Governor's Crate," as the place is still called, was
one of the most cultivated in the province. Lady Sara Maitland,
it will be remembered, was a daughter of the Duke of Richmond,
and it was her mother who gave the celebrated ball at Brussels the

. <■ m

HISTdKV OK THdkOI.I)

a y

night before the battle of Waterloo. Sir Peregrine took a great
interest in the construction of the canal, and always brought his
guests to visit the works. He was fond of making informal calls
upon the peoj)le here, and he freciuently visited the families living
near DeC'ew I'alls, the scenery about which he particularly admired.

In religious life, the Methodists were particularly active. As
early as 1820 regular services were held at Heaverdams, while
local [)reachers conducted meetings in private houses throughout the
townshi]). In the same year the Rev. William Lceming was sent
out as a missionary to ('anada by the Society for the i'ropagation of
the (losi)el. He was the lirst Rector of Chippawa, and after Mr.
Addison's time he preached once a fortnight in the old Lutheran
church at Thorold. The first liishop Mountain of Quebec came
once in four years to hold confirmation here.

Better opportunities for educattjn were now given to the
Canadian youth. On tht 14th of September, 1829, the (Irantham
Academy, now called the St. (\atharines Collegiate Institute, was
opened. It was first owned by a stock company, shares oeing $50
each. Jacob Keefer and Hall Davis of Thorold township were
among the shareholders. In 1829 Ui)per Canada ("ollege al.so was
founded at York ('I'oronto). To both of these institutions many
boys were .sent from Tiiorold. .As there was then no university in
Upper Canada, the importance of these secondary schools cannot be
over-estimated. No early registers of the (Jranthum academy arc
now in existence, so no complete list can be given of 'iborold boys
educated there wfiile the school was still in its infancv. Some
record of later years can be foun/f from the scholarship list which
adorns its walls, and the first among these names is that of James H.
Ball, now Public School Inspector for Wellana Countv. !ii the
Upper Canada class lists for 1851 we find the name of >rtimutl
Keefer, and on a tablet in the entrance hall of the cc»Jlt;ge A^j^ostu-
Keefer is mentioned as a member of the fir-it ( rnckrt eleven, whicn
was formed in 1836, and was one of the >4dt"« (^lul>^ in Cana<ia
devoted to this game.

It will be seen that by this time life in du Lpi;XT Province ha«l
(^cased to be all hard work.

FROM 1815 10 1897

was

lany

ity in

art-
)oy.s

DMIL*

inch

the

imel

■tii->

hu ft

had

The township schools, of which nine were in existence in 1818,
are spoken of at greater length in another chapter, while the religious
life of the people can he gathered from the chaj)ter devoted to the
churches.

Hefore the war of 181 2, complaints had been made that
Parliament was not responsible to the people, as the Upper House,
through having control of the supplies, was independent of the
Assembly, which was elected from the people. When a common
danger threatened the country, these grievances were dropped.
Afterwards the political abuses became so great that they were again
a cause of dissension among the people. Felham township warmly
sympathized with William Lyon Mackenzie and his followers.
I'horold, l)eing fully occui)ied with the canal work, was too
self-concentrated to take any very active interest in the atEiws of the
government ; nevertheless, the loyalty of tiie inhabitants did not
prevent them from being anxious for a l)etter rule than that of the
/'"amily Compact. Hut the best reforms have never yer been
ilfhu^t about by revolution, and the Thorold nit?n were willing to
wait //// k'jfc(islation to do the work. When Mackenzie took up arms
against the (lovernment, he lost hundreds of his l)est sujiipe^ars. Sir
Francis Bond Head, with too firm a faith in the laalty of the
disaffected, had very foolishly sent all the regular troop>^ to Lower
Canada. Then, when the attack on Toronto was tibreatened,
Reformers and Conservatives alike offered their servr.t-s to the
country. Later on, when Mackenzie took up his position on Nasw
Island in rhe Niagara river, this peninsula was well prepared for war.
as it was :h.u the rebels were receiving considerable assistance

trom syn, rs in the United States. At Port Robinson, Dtmcan

McFarland organized a cavalry company, which performed good ser-
vice in carrying despatches ; and Major Anthonv Upfxrr of Allanburgh
was instrumental in organizing a corps that did active work on the
frontit r. U>e rebel force was supposed to be \ery strong, but Dr.
1 )illenliaugitt. a Hufiiilo surgeon well known in ("anada, c<>«fidently
affirmed at the time that Mackenzie never had more than one
hundred men with him on Navy Island. However, his United States
friend.s, im luding l)r. Chapin of Buffalo and Ren.sselaer Van

■* I'.

HISTORY or TMOROI.I)

,1 '

r t

Rensselaer of Albany, prepared to invade Canada. The American

steamer Caro/ific, which as a f)assengcr boat had been well known

on the Welland Canal, was chartered to carry supplies for the rebels.

On the 2yth of December the Caroline could be seen from the

Canadian shore bringing armed men from Fort Schlosser to Navy

Island. Son)e Mohawk Indians from the (Irand River, and a body

f)f negro slaves who had escaped from the United States, and who

)iad now joined the ranks of the Canadian loyalists, were anxious to

vleacl in an attack on the Island. Col. Allan McNab obtained

"'permission from Sir Francis Head to attempt to destrov the Caroline.

.; Coftimander Drew, a retired naval officer, volunteered to undertake

*.V\he. work. At Fort Schlos.ser he climbed up the side of the steamer

r":*with his cutlass between his teeth. After some hard fighting the

-Canadians obtained po.ssession of the vessel, and sent its crew on

sh.Ore. 'J'he Caroline was then set on fire and sent over the Niagara

Falls. ihis act aroused violent indignation among the Americans,

but the Canadians felt no remorse, as is evident from this piece of

doggerel verse, which was freely sung throughout the country to the

tune of " Yankee 1 )oodle " : 1 . ■

When first Mackenzie's rebel liand
Was beat at Gallows Hill. sir.
To Ikiffalo they did retreat.
And said we used him ill, sir.

ClcoKis : Yankee-doodle, boys, huzzah,

Down outside and up the middle ;
Yankee-doodle, boys, huzzah,
I'rumpet, drum and fiddle.

The Buffidonians sympathized,
.And kicked up such a roar, sir,
And kicked up such a windy noise
It rt'ached the Hritish shore, sir.

(iioRU.s : Yankee-doodle, etc.

The steamer, bound for Navy Isle,
Left Buffalo one morning
For to assist Mackenzie's band,
Britannia's thunder scorning.

Chorus : Yankee-doodle, etc.

FROM 1815 TO 1S97

GC
UJ
Q.
O
DC

X
H

lUit when the lion shook his mane,
And looked ;i little grim, sir,
He said "twas not a Texas game
That they could play with him, sir.

Chorus : ^'ankee-doodle, etc.

A party left the British shore,
I,ed on by gallant Drew, sir,
'I'o set the Caroline on fire,
And heat her pirate crew, sir.

Chorus]: Vankec-doodle, et<'.

The Yankees say they did invent
The steamboat first of all, sir ;
I'ut Britons taught their Yankee boats
To navigate the Falls, sir.

Chorus: V'ankee-doodle, etc.

'I'he spirit of our Wolfe and Brock
1 )()th still around us hover,
And still we stand on Queenston's rock
To drive the Yankees over.

CiioKts: \'ankee doodle, etc

No slave shall ever breathe our air,
No tyrant's law shall bind us.
So keep your Yankee mob at home,
P'or Britons still you'll find us.

Chorus : ^'ankee-doodle, etc.

The Canadians felt perfectly well able to manage their own
affairs without foreign interference ; and it was that sentiment
expressed in these verses which made them so popular, in spite of
their faulty rhyme and rhythm

In June, 1838, several of the rebels, with their American
sympathizers, crossed »ver to Niagara and made their way to Pelham
township, lames Morrow and Benjamin \Vait were in command of
the party. As soon as the loyalist soldiers who were patrolling the
Niagara river heard ol this rebel gathering, they sent a di^tachment
of lamvrs to St. Johns as an outpost, billelting fourteen of the men
at Overholt's tavern. On the 18th 01 June the insurgents made an
attack upon this datachment. The wooden building in which the

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HISTORY Ol 1 HOKOLO

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lancers were stationed was completely riddled tiy bullets, hut the
men escaped injury by lying flat on the floor while the shot went
whizzing over their heads. Many of the rebels were wounded, but
they compelled the loyalists to yield by threatening to set fire to the
tavern. A reinforcement of lancers from Niagara and a cavalry
troop from St. Catharines soon released the prisoners and put the
rebels to flight. Over fifty of the insurgents were captured by the
loyalists, Morrow was hanged at Niagara, and one Chandler was sent
to Van Diemen's Land.

For some years after the exile of Mackenzie, the frontiers were
still guarded for fear his supporters might make a second attempt Ui
invade Canada. Compensation was afterwards made to the loyalists
who suffered by the struggle. Very little had been lost by the
Thorold people except a scow or two that had been pressed into
service on the canal by our own men.

The terms of the Union Act of 1841 gave the Canadians nearly
all the reforms that they had wished for, as by it the Legislative
Assembly was made directly responsible to the people.

With the exception of the Fenian raids, the sixty years of Her
Majesty's reign have been peaceful ones for the Niagara District.

In 1849 Thorold township contained 3,^95 inhabitants. Thir-
teen grist-mills and six saw-mills were then in operation within its
limits. From the crop of 1849 forty-four thousand bushels of wheat
and twenty-nine thousand bushels of oats were produced, while
seventeen thousand pounds of butter were made in that year.
Cleared farms sold for ;^5 los. per acre, although wild land could
still be bought at thirty shillings an acre.

In 1 84 1 Fonthill post office was established, under the name of
Pelham. In 1849 the population of the village numbered one
hundred and fifty. It then contained a Baptist church, an oil-mill,
a sash and last factory, and a cigar and tobacco factory.

In 1850 a Provincial Council was formed for the county of
Welland, and on April 21st, 1856, the counties of Lincoln and
Welland were finally separated. The Canada Gazette of May 12th,
1856, contained a proclamation of Sir Edmund Walker Head,
declaring the union of the counties dissolved. Hervey W. Price of

I'ROM 1815 TO |8()7

Thorold was appointed Judge of the County and Surrogate Courts.

This riding was only once represented by a Thorold man in the
Parliament of the Tnited Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada.
Duncan Mel'arland of Port l\<ii)inson defeated the ('onservative
candidate, James (!ummingN of ( liippawa. At the next election he
was himself defeated hy 'l\ ('. Street of Niagara I-alls. Dr. Fra/er
of Fonthill aI>-o represented this county in the old Parliament before
(Confederation, but he was really a citizen of Pelham.

When the Dominion was formed in iSi);, '1". C. Street was
elected for the House of Commons from this riding. In 1872 Dr.
King of Port Robinson was the Conservative candidate, while the
Reformers had nominated William A. Thomson. The contest was
an exceedingly close one, but Dr. King was defeated by fifty-nine
votes. In 1887 another Thorold representative was nominated in
the person of Thomas (Conlon, the Reform candidate. He opposed
Dr. Ferguson of Niagara Falls, but the latter was elected. In 1892
James Lawson of Thorold was the Conservative candidate, but he
was defeated by James Lowell of Niagara I'alls South. In 1896 the
Reformers again nominated Mr. Lowell, but the (,'onservative
candidate, William McCleary of Thorold, was elected.

In the Ontario Legislature the first representative of this riding
was William Heatty of Thorold, who defeated J<jhn Pew of S .lUiford,
the Conservative nominee, in 1867, by a majority of 202. 'Phrough
upholding the Coalition (lovernment of John .Sandfield McDonald,
Mr. Heatty ceased to represent the Reformers. At the next
election, in March, (871, he was again a candidate for the House of
Assemblv, his op])onent being J. C. Currie of St. Catharines, who
appeared in the field as a sup|K)rter of party government. Mr.
Currie was elected by a majoritv of 139. In 1886 the Conservatives
nominated Alex. Fraser of Thorold, but he was defeated by Col.
.VIorin of Ridgeway, the Reform candidate. In 1890 the Conserva-
tives were more successful, and William McCleary of Thorold, the
present member of the Dominion House, was elected. He was
again nominated in 1894, but was defeated by \\'illiam (lerman of
Welland.

In the Australian Parliament, also, Thorold has had a represenla-

'II

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HISTORY Ol' THOROI.n

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tive, the youngest son of (icorge Keefer having l)CLn menil)er for
Melbourne. He was the first Canadian that ever sat in the
Australian House.

In 1853 the Welland Railway, now owned by the (Irand Trunk,
was built. It connects I'orl Dalhousie and Port Colborne, and has
stations within the township, at Thorold, Allanburgh and Port
Robinson. It was built chiefly for the purpose of carrying grain for
the vessels that require to be "lightered" in order to enable them
to pass through the canal. Most of its revenue, accordingly, is
gained during the summer months. It has always been declared
that the (iovernment should buy this railway, since it is operated in
connection with the canal. The Air Line branch of the (Irand
Trunk connects Allanburgh with Niagara Falls.

In 1885 the Town of Thorold passed a by-law granting a bonus
to the St. Catharines i\: Niagara Central Railway. This road, a
great deal of which is built on trestles, has a station at Thorold,
from which it runs in a south-easterly direction to Niagara Falls.

Thorold was one of the earliest points to be reached by the
electric telegraph, on account of its importance as a shipping and
miUing centre. In 1884 rhe telephone was introduced, Thorold
being made a portion of the St. Catharines exchange. The line also
passed northward through the township, connecting with Port
Robinson and other places.

At the Desjardins canal accident near Hamilton, on the 12th of
March, 1857, John Morley of 'I'horold was among the large number
of persons who lost their liverj in that catastrophe. At the May
session of the Welland County Council an address of coiidolence was
drawn up and stnt ' to the bereaved families, relatives and friends
of the late Samuel Zimmerman of ('lifton, Esquire, and of Mr. John
Morley of Thorold."-

In 1858 the decimal currency was substituted for the old Halifa.\
sy.stem of pounds, shillings and pence; but for a great n^any years
previous to this both methods had been commonly I'sed.

In i860 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales made a tour
througii Canada, visiting many towns in the Niagara District.
Although this township was not honored by a visit, many Thorold

ruoM ;Si5 m i.S<;7

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!tll of

Iniher

May

was

lends
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(lifax

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persons had an opjwrtiniity to show their respect for Her Majesty's
representative. Mrs. James Munro sent some verses lo the Prince,
<:om|)osed in honor of this visit. .A quaint notice that appeared in
the Thorold Chronicle at this time showed how the negroes testified
their loyalty. The notice is here given in its original wording :

The Colored Men's Demonstration.
I'he I'rince of Wales.

The Colored Ladies and Gentlemen of Thorold, Port Robinson
and Cayuga, are hereby notified to assemble at (!lifton, and form in
procession, well uniformed, on the day ot His Royal Highness, the
Prince of Wales, our future King, at lo o'clock a. m.

All who do not answer tliis call will be surely fined in the penal
sum of $2.00 for non-attendance.

By order of the

'I'horold, Aug. 8, i860. Colored Committee.

In 1866 the Kenian raids created considerable anxiety in this
district. When news of the th.eatened invasion was brought, many
persons living near the border left their farms and took as inany
possessions as tliey could, in waggons, to Pelhani and the western
towns) i,ps. The raid was a very mild invasion, but the fright
produced by it was greatly augmented by the wild rumors that were
afloat. A full account cf the raids, in so far as they affected Thorold
township, is given in chapter VHI. '

The military camp at Thorold in the latter part of the summer of
'66 is described in chapter XV.

In 1870 the New Canal was begun, and a new impetus was thus
given to trade and agriculture in Thorold.

A comparison of the census of 187 1 with that of i88i shows
that the j)opulation of tne township, not including the town of
.'I'horold, had decreased from 2,501 to 2,456 between these dates.

Encouraged by the discovery of natural gas in the southern part
of the county, a company was formed at Thorold in 1887 to bore
for the .same natural product. A well was sunk near the High
School to a depth of three thousand feet, when gas was reached. A
considerable volume came up at first, but the quantity was not large
enough to be of any profit to the shareholders. Salt and oil also
were found nearer the surface.

ftmmmntfmmimm Hi'VitvHniiimmmimKmn

HISTORY 01 THOROI.D

:|.|

TIh' later life of the to\vnshi|) has been coniparativcly imevcntful.
At"-i,ultnre has improved, and the people liave profited l)y the
many inventions of the age ; l)ut Hfe has not been different from that
in any other of the older rural districts in Ontarit).

The younger generations have been worthy successors to the old
Loyalist settlers. Thomas C. Keefer is now for the second time
President of the Canadian Society of ICngineeis. He has twice won
the (lovernor's ])rize for his essays on railways and canals. It was
he who chose the site for the Victoria Hridge at Montreal and drew
the plans for the structure, although his name has been omitted from
the list of engineers on the tablet on the bridge. Before the
Canadian Pacific Railway was built he wrote pa[)ers urging its
construction, showing plans and giving a description of the proposed
route. Scarcely less important as an engineer was his brother, the
late Samuel Keefer, who was also President of the Society of
Engineers for one term. He superintended the building of the stone
locks on the old \Velland Canal, while the planning of the
Parliament Houses at Ottawa was also under his supervision. He
built the Suspension Bridge at Ottawa, then the first of its kind in
("anada, and was one of the engineers who planned the first
Suspension Bridge at Niagara Falls, which was comi)leted in 1868 :
at that tin^ - the latter structure was the longest span in the world.
Joseph Hobson, for many years sheriff of Welland county, was also a
native of Thorold. Names of other honored sons can be gathered
from the pages of this work, for most of liiose who have attained to
any importance in the workl have kept up their connection with the
township. One of our citizens, Matthew Royal, has achieved no
inconsiderable fame as a dramatist in the United States. While
Thorold is proud of all these honors gained, yet she glories not so
much in a few isolated cases of brillinncy as in the general high
average of intellect and character that distinguishes a Canadian
township.

Be.whrdams. This is the oldest settlement in the township,
although it has never attained to the dignity of an incorporated
village. The derivation of its name is obvious, the beaver meadow
being still pointed out, with the remains of the dam plainly xisible.

»-ROM 1.S15 in 1897

<i3

'I'lie first settk-r at this place was Israel Swav/e, who huilt the
firsf brick house in Welland County. Many of hi'^ neighbors had
come from the same part of New jersey — " near the old log jail," as
they designated the district, which, was then un-named— and this
made an additional bond of union among the sett'ers. Most oi
these families had come before the " cold, hungry year," and when
the famine came they shared their provisions, a deer that was shot
by Mr. Swayze furnishing food for many who had not tasted meat
for months.

Beaverdams was very early connected with the neighboring
settlements by roads, which were laid out in the most irregular way.
Wherever possible streams -..ere avoided, and thus the farmers were
saved the expense of building bridges.

In 1802 Elisha Edwards had a blacksn^ith shop at Beaverdams,
and before the war there was a tavern at the crossroads kept by a
man named June.

Until navigation was opened on the V.'elland Canal, Beaverdams
was a very important place. The first survey for this great work was
made by an English engineer named Clewes, who laid out the route
from De Cew Falls to the Beaverdam flats. Had his plan been
followed, the latter place would have secured all the industries that
have since belonged to the town of Thorold. As it was, the older
settlement had its due share of business, considering its population.
Opposite the tavern was a general store owned by George and Jacob
Keefer ; the goods were bought at Montreal, and in winter time they
were brought up by teams. In this shop was the tirst township
post-oflice. When work began upon the Deep Cut, the Keefers
moved their store to the canal bank. At about this time David
Young had a chair factory, while a shoe shop, a tailor shop, a
blacksmith shop and a saddlery and harness shop, were the other
business houses of Beaverdams. Between 1820 and 1825 Hiram
Swayze had a saw mill on the creek a little below the hamlet. Here
he carried on a large business until the dam broke, after which
accident he devoted all his energies to his farming interests.
Ephraim Hopkins also built a stone tannery not far from the tavern.
Most of the industries were situated near this corner, whi( h was the

^'4

HISTORY OF THOROLI)

regular stopping place for the stage coaches from Hamilton. No
less famous than the tavern was the " well in ihc middle of the
road," which is still used.

At the eastern end of the McClelland farm there was a tannery
built in 1820 by 'I'liomas Wilson, who had bought the tanning
business established by Benjamin .Swayze. Wilson came origi-
nally from Stamford township, and his interesting experiences in
the war of 1812 belong to the history of the frontier. As a
manufacturer, however, he became important in Thorold township.
As a greater demand arose for lumber, on account of wooden locks
being built on the canal, his tannery was converted into a saw-mill,
'{'he successive enlargements of the canal destroyed much of his
[)roperty ; and as an indemnity the (lovernment grantvd him water
power to be free forever to himself, his heirs and assigns. Taking
advantage of this, in 1845 he built the saw-mill which is still in
working order.

A very important building in the little hamlet was the old red
school house. In 1820 Hiram Swayze gave the site, and the
building was erected by the people of the neighborhood, with the
understanding that all denominations might use it for religious
purposes outside of school hours. Consequently, services were held
in it on Sundays. During the week it served as a court-house as
well as a school, for here 'Scjuires CJeorge Keefer and Oowell
Wilson used to try ordinary cases, the chief offenders being
disturbers of the peace on the canal.

Beaverdams was a pioneer community in many ways, and as
such its history recjuires a large number of superlatives. In
educational work it was exceedingly important. Not only is its
school known for early excellence, but it also claims to have been
the first free school established in Canada.

Over seventy years ago one of the first circuses was held in a
barn at Beaverdams, where there was exhibited a menagerie that
would scarcely have satisfied the small boy of the present day,
consisting as it did of one elephant and two or three monkeys. The
elephant, however, was the first ever shown in Canada.

For a long time this settlement was the centre of Methodism

ft'.'

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THE LATE JOHN BATTLE

'j.-v .rnranvMara I mi ■ liiiivii iji^i^MlpiM<gl»WWPBp"^wP*w«w»wi«^yi

Wm. feeatty, Sr.

Mrs. Wm. Beatty

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James H. Beatty

James Campbell Beatty

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FROM 1815 TO 189;

in the Niagara District. Large camp-meetings were held here, to
which people drove from a distance of twenty miles. The history of
the Methodist church is found in another chapter. Until late
in the sixties the (juarlerly meetings took place at Beaverdams ; and
it was no uncommon thing upon such an occasion to see one
hundred and fifty teams tied under the big elms near the church.

The second brick house built in Welland county stands a little
west of Beaverdams, on the road leading to St. Johns, being still the
residence ol fr. Levi Louis Swayze.

Although the shops, the hotel, the tannery and the brickyard
have long ago vanished, yet the little settlement bears no evidences
of decay at the present day. Agriculture has always been the chief
industry of the place, and some of the most prosperous farmers in
the township are t'lose living in this vicinity.

St. ( jHns West. The village; proper now lies wholly within
Thoro' < township, and therefore has to yield to Beaverdams its
claims of priority of existence. Just beyond the Pelham boundary,
however, were some of the oldest industries of this district. The
"Short Hills," with their rich farming land and springs of water, led
some of the best of the Loyalists to make their honieL' there ; and soon
their agricultural labors proved so profitable that they were able to
establish their own factories and shops, and had no longer to go to
Niagara for every manufactured article that they needed. Abraham
Overholt, one of Butler's Rangers, owned much of the land in this
vicinity, while Samuel Street's crown grant also lay in this fertile
region.

Including the one or t'vo important industries that were v/ithin
Pelham township, St. Johns at one time possessed five grist-mills,
all within one mile, on the Twelve Mile Creek. These were known
as Darling's, Burgar's, Street's, Davis' and Beckett's. Richard
Killens and John Street each built a distillery, while Russell Rich
had in operation a saw-mill, a blacksmith shop, a stove foundry, and
a machine shop where ploughs and mill machinery were manufac-
tured. John Darling, whose grist-mill was in existence in 1801,
built a sawmill farther down the stream. The Overhi/.ts also had a
saw-mill, and Samuel Darling built a foundry which was managed by

HlSTOKV Ol TlUIUni.I)

Paul Hewitt, while Howd's axe factory was in operation over eighty
years ago. Brooks & Haney's woollen and carding' mills were also
among the most important manufactories. Robert AIjcH's hat
factory was another early industry. John C. Davis' tannery was in
existence early in ihe century. 'I'here was ready sale for all the
wares made at St. Johns, and some of the manufacturers became
wealthy, among them being 'i'homas Fletcher, who made a fr-rtune
out of fanning-mills.

The village boasted two general stores, one owned by Zenas Fell,
and the other 'n- a man named Terryberry. 'I'here were also three
tailor shops and a harness and saddlery shop.

In 1849 we find that the population of St. Johns was a hundred
and fifty. The industries are spoken of as the five grist-mills, three
saw-mills, a tannery, a cloth factory, and a foundry and machine
shop. The village possessed by this time a handsome brick church,
belonging to the Wesleyan Methodist denomination.

Now the only industries at St. Johns are a grist-mill, a woollen-
mill, and a waggon-shop ; and two groceries have taken the place of
the general stores.

Yet the village is not lacking in prosperity. It has given up its
manufacturing simply because it found that tilling the soil wa; a
more profitable occupation, and because, since the country has
become opened up, manufactured articles are more easily procured
than in the early days. One need not go farther than St. Johns to
find a practical refutation of the idea that agriculture, properly carried
on, no longer pays. On every side are found prosperous farms, while
the handsome homes of the owners would grace a city street.

The villagers are very proud of their school, which was one of
the pine mentioned by Gourlay in 1817. Among the pupils who got
their primary education here were Dr. Fletcher Haney and Dr.
Henry Haney, and two ministers, who have held high positions in
the Methodist Episcopal church of the United States, the Rev.
William Brown, M. A., and the Rev. Albert R. Rich, \>. I).

Chapter VII

Canal Towns

Thorold. Its situation. Its founders. Old canal. Census of 1835. Soldiers
stationed at Thorold. Mills in 1849 and 1858. Fires. Electric railway.
Electric liyjhts and acetylene j;as. \'ice-rej^al visits. Minor events. Indus-
tries ])ast and jjresent. I'ori Robinson. Settlement. (3rig;in of the name,
liusy days. Regulars stationed at I'ort Robinson. Negro soldiers. Former
industries. A implications for incor])oration. Townsend, the hifjhwayman.
Allanburgh. Hlack Horse '•'avern. The Holland road. Mr.rket on llie
Deep Cul. First mills. Present condition.

■

Town of THOKOLn. While known chiefly as a manufacturing
place, natural advantaj^es clone would make the town of Thorold
worthy of mention.

Situated on the brow of the mountain, it commands a fine view
of the valley at the north. Looking towards the northeast, one
sees the vineyards, fertile fields and richly stocked orchards of
Lincoln ; and the Niagara lighthouse, fourteen miles distant, shows
perfectly at night. Immediately north of the town lies the
busy village of Merritton, while St. Catharines, the only city in the
district, is situated a little farther away. The two canals can be
seen at intervals, wir ding in and out ; and the blue waters of Lake
Ontario, dotted with vessels during the summer, form a background
for the whole scene. On clear days th i coast-line of the opposite
shore, fifty-two miles distant, can be discernc'd, while at night the
lights of Toronto illuminate the horizon. • .

The town is over three hundred and fifty feet above the level of
Lake Ontario, and is now well drained. Its invigorating air and
good drinking water make it a particularly healthful spot, while its
accessibility by water and by rail gives it advantages not always
possessed l)y small towns.

All the lantl on which Thorold is built was o'iginally included in
the crown grants to (ieorge Keefer, Jacob Hall and (leorge Hoover.

1. ^i

. i

nisTfiRY o;. riioRoi.n

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II i»

The Keefer house stood on the hill where Maplehurst has since i)een
built. The Hoover homestead was on the site of the present building,
just east of the road bridge over the new canal ; while the Balls lived
on what is now St. Davids road, just east of the Grand Trunk Railway
track. The Balls had given the land for the churchyard ; and the
log church and manse then stood in the midst of their fields. The
next house built within the present town limits is that owned by the
estate of the late Judge Haxte. ; it was the homestead of Scjuire
Black, who bought a farm from the original patentee.

The early history of Thorold has beeti included in that of the
township, for, with the exception of the battle of Beaverdams, no
event of importance happened here until the construction of the
canal in 1824.

In 1827, two jears before navigation opened, Mr. Keefer l)uilt
the stonp grist-mill now known as the Niagara casket factory. The
stone was obtained from Hoover's quarry, through which the new
canal now runs. While the work of the canal was progressing, the
compa.iy promised Mr. Keefer, as he was a large shareholder, and had
taken so great an interest in the project, that if he would build a stone
mill with four run of stone, ready for work when the water was let in,
he, his heirs and a.ssigns, should have the hydraulic power rent-free
forever. As the mill was finished in time, it still enjoys from the
governmimt the free water power promised by the canal company.

Origuially Thorold had been well wooded, and for a long time
after the land was cleared it was known as " Stumptown." 'I'hen
the nane "St. George" was propo.sed, in honor of Mr. Keefer, and
for a few years that designation was common ; but before the post-
office v/as established the name of the township had been given to
the new village. It is impossible to obtain the date of the first post-
office situated here, but such an institution is known to have been in
existence before 1824. 'Hie first post-office called 'I'horold was situ-
ated at Beaverdams ; the mail was distributed there in the shop kept
by (ieorge and Jacob Keefer. Afterwards the office was removed to
Mr. Keefer's store on St. Davids street, Thorold, in the midst of the
vill.-'^e.

In 1824, a large number of the Irish and English immigrants

CAN.M. TOWNS

i 11

employed on the canal made their homes at Thorold, and shops,
inns and houses had to be built for the accommodation of the new-
comers. From that year until 1887, the canals offered a constant
means of employment to the thousands of workmen who came in
successive relays to this district. With the increase of population,
new industries sprang up, and a great deal of money was spent in
the place. The government always paid the men's wages promptly,
and the "fifteenth" of each month took the place of the "quarter-
day " to which the laborers had been accustomed in the old country.
The money was not always wisely spent, and the " fifteenth " came
to be known as a day on which the constables had to be particularly
viti;ilant.

During the building of the old canal, the new residents lived
near the works, and Front and Pine streets became the centres of
business. At the head of Front street, George Hoover had a large
general store where the City Hotel now stands, and many smaller
shops were afterwards opened.

The Irish " canallers," as the workmen were popularly called, had
brought their religious differences in an intensified form to this
country, and occasionally humiliating broils took place ; but as the
men began to make permanent homes in the place, they gradually
came to identify themselves with the Canadians. On the whole, no
better element could have been introduced into the tow.iship than
the quick Hibernian temperament w.^h which to offset the more
phlegmatic i:haracter of the Dutch and (ierman settlers. At this
time, local names were common for the different parts of the village.
On the west sidr of the canal, the southern end was known as Con-
naught town, while the northern portion, through which St. Davids
street runs, was called Protestant Hill ; and when the woods farther
west were included, it was spoken of as the Queen's Bush,

On August 7th, 1835, a census of Thorold was taken by Jacob
Keefer, which showed the total population then to be three hundred
and seventy. The families are thus enumerated :

rf'l

Head of household

J. Watts
John Hart

WKST SI HE OK THK CANM. :

No. in fatiiily Head of houseliold

10 (Jeorge Keefer, jun.
3

I). A. Bavham

No. in family

7
4

7°

HISTORV OF THOROI.I)

J. Wilde
J. Wentworth
Joshua Cleveland
William S. Stewart
Alonzo Sweet

(Ira ham

John Darker
R. McCiraw
J. Wtlstead
Jacob Keefer

8
4
5
3
9
6

Isaac Head
W. Shi[)man
Petor lioylan
Thomas Walt
Libbers Sweet
Nicholas Smith
C. Jiiitcher
\i. Merithew
(lecrge Keefer

Total on west side, 144.

Isaac Lacey

Henderson

Huntley

McArthur

McMahon

McCluire

I), S. Brown

Mclntyre

P. McCoy
William Coulter

Durant

J. Foster
James White
George Hoover

Hogg

Wallace

O. Ingols

r.AST SIDR OK THK CAJ^AL :

H. Doty
Millinors

10
6

15
ic

12
2
8
2
6
4
7
9
9
6

7
3
3

Squires

Hubbell

Waud

Dr. Aberdein
John Burns
R. iMcCue

Davidson

D. Black

W. Carter

Fitzmaurice

H. Hoover

D. Casy

S. Cleveland

Flett

7
5
4
2

5
9

•4

1 1

3
8

15
6

4
8

3
3

R. Garhatt
Total on east side, 226.

Total population of Thorold, 370.

After the Rebellion of 1837, a company of redcoats — 3rd Bat-
talion, Incorporated Militia — was stationed here. The barracks
were on the east side of Pine street, a few doors north of Albert ; the
building was afterwards used for the grammar school. These men
were followed by a company of the Royal C!anadian Rifles ; for when
the work of enlargement began on the old canal, only military force
was sufficient to keep the peace among the excitable navvies, who
formed so large a proportion of the population.

From the opening of the canal until the Manitoba wheat made
its appearance upon the market, the Niagara district was unexcelled
for the quantity and the (juality of its flour. A great many

CANAL TOWNS

7«

grist-mills were in operation along the canal, and thousands of
barrels of flour were shipped each week to Montreal, and thence to
Europe. In 1846, Jacob Keefer built the Welland Mills, then the
largest in Canada. An advertisement in the Thorold Advocate in
1849 describes them as "in complete order for manufacturing from
200 to 300 barrels of flour per day, with shi[) elevator capable of dis-
charging 1,000 bushels of wheat per hour, and storage for 70,000
bushels of wheat and 5,000 barrels of flour." The building is a
substantial stone structure, and was until recently owned by the firm
of Howland (S: Co., the senior partner being Sir William Howland,
late Lieutenant-dovernor of Ontario.

Other mills mentioned in an early issue of the Advocate give us
some idea of the business done in 'I'horold forty-eight years ago.
'The advertisements include the following : The Elgin Mills, owned
by Alexander Christie, and capable of grinding and packing 150
barrels of flour per day ; the Niagara Mills, owned by James Gibson,
and able to grind and pack 120 barrels of flour a day; the Old
Stone Mill, operated by George Keefer, jun.; and the Thorold Mills,
owned by Parke (!t Cowan, and capable of grinding and packing 130
barrels of flour and 80 bushels of custom work per day. In the
same paper we find mention of two other industries, arising out of
the natural products of Thorold : Charles Cockburn's Pottery on
l*ine street, and Brown & McDonald's Cement and Plaster MiH at
Lock No. 18. The hotels open in that year included the Thorold
House, the Welland Canal Inn, the Union House, the American
Hotel, the Farmers' Inn, the Welland Hotel and the Thorold
Temperance House. , '

In "Canada, Past, Present and Future," the village of Thorold is
credited with a population of twelve hundred in 1849. ^ 'i<^

industries are described as : five grist-mills, with an aggregate of
fifteen run of stones ; one saw-mill, containing one upright r.nd two
circular saws, and two planing machines : and a machine shoj) and
carding machine. Mention is made also of a tannery, a broom
factory, a plough factory, a soap and candle factory, two potteries
and a plaster mill.

In 1847, the first cotton woven in Canada was made at Thorold.

..;k

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IlIsroKV f)l' lltOKOI.D

■1' I-

'I'hc factory was (isviied l)y a company of enterprising citizens ; hut
the management was not siiffuientiy economical, and the experiment
proved a financial faihire.

In 1858 the advertisements in the 'I'horold Cr/stf/A' show what
industrial progress the village was making. In it D. W. C'orhin
advertises a new brick vard on I he Ker farm, close to the (ireat
Western Railway station at 'I'horold (now called iMerritton station) ;
John Pollock's new stone yard on Mill street, now (!laremont,
opposite the " New English Church " is mentioned ; and Walter H.
Hall advertises building stone for sale on the townshi]) line between
(Irantham and Thorold. The list of manufactories inchules Jolin
Brown's cement and plaster mills, Morley's plough factory, W. H.
Hendershot's saw mill (leased at that time by John McDonagh),
and the Thorold mills, bought from Clibson <\: Elliott by Band &
Hutchison.

From 1850 until 1880 were Thorold's brightest days. There was
work for every laborer anil mechanic ; all the shops did a thriving
business, and the factories found a ready market for all their wares.
Throughout the Crimean war, fortunes were made by both farmers
and millers in this district. A good story of one of the many
quarrels between the mill owners and canal superititendents illustrates
the wealth that was made here at that time. In the early fifties John
Woodward was one of the most prominent millers of Thorold, and he
was frequently annoyed at fitiding the water turned off from his mill
when there was not a sufTicient supply for navigation. Angry at the
loss that idleness entailed, he once threatened to throw the superin-
tendent into the canal if the water svas turned off again. At the next
offence he carried out his threat, and when the government official
reached the bank he threatened Woodward that the action should
cost him a hundred dollars. " Kriend," calmly replied tiie miller, " I
could afford to throw you in every day at that price, if my uiills may
run."

During the civil war in the United States, Thorold shared in the
general prosperity enjoyed by the Canadian manufacturing towns,
which were constantly shipping goods to the neighboring republic.

In 1850 Thorold was incorporated as a village, and in 1874 the
act was passed by which it became a town.

CANAI, TOWNS

It has several times suffered from fire: In 1857 the I'arke &
Cowan mill was destroyed ; in 1858 several good dwelling houses
were burnt ; and in 1866 a great fire destroyed forty buildings. The
latter eatastro|)he originated on the west side (jf Front street, on a
very windy Sunday in April. Most of the towns[)eople were at church
when the fire broke out. When the smoke was first seen the news
was (|uickly sent to the Methodist PMnister, who at once (juietly
dismissed his congregation. All the people then turned out to try
to check the fire. The town possessed only a hand engine at that
time ; and, although a St. Catharines hose company came up, it was
impossible to check the flames until they had carried off all the
l.nisiness portion of Front street. On Claremont street, too, the fire
spread as far east as St. John's church, destroying nearly all the
buildings in its path. Since that time many small fires have
occurred, the most destructive being the one that occurred in 1891 ;
but the town is now well protected. The two canals furnish a never-
failing water supply, and the very efficient fire company nearly
always prevents the flames from gaining any headway.

On the 1 8th of April, 1882, a street railway took the place of the
'bus line that had for some years connected Thorold with St. Catha-
rines. In 1887 the electric system was introduced, the first car
being run to Thorold on October 5th of that year. This was the
first use of electricity for carrying passengers in Canada. Before the
trolley system was used on the St. Catharines and Thorold road,
one car had been run by electricity at Windsor, Ontario, but it
carried no passengers. Besides the distinction that its seniority
gives it, the Thorold road is important because of the hilly nature of
the region which it traverses.

The town has been lighted by electricity since 1887. The lights
are particularly good, and can be seen distinctly from Upper Canada
College at North Toronto.

The i.orne Curling Rink has been thi. first place in Thorold to
use acetylene gas for lighting purposes.

Three times in the course of its history I'horold has l)een
honored by a visit from the (lovernor-General. In 1850 Lord
Elgin, accompanied by several meml)ers of the Covernment, came to

i '

il.;"

msTOKV OF TIIOKOI.P

visit llu- canal. He drove from Port I )allu)usie lo 'I'horold, and at
this point the steamer Briitanui took charge of his jjarty and
conveyed it to Port ('olhorne. In 1S74 the whole town turned out
to do honor to Lord 1 )iifferin, who also came to ins])ect the great
(iovernment work. Tlie 44th Hattalion formed a guard of honor
for His Ivxcellency. Ihc following address was presented l)y .Mr.
John McDonagh, the Reeve for that year:

To His Excellency the Ri^^tit /fi>ni>r<il>le the Earl of Dufferin, K. /'.,
A'. 6". />., GoTenior-tjenenil oj the Dominion 0/ CitnuJn,

VV'e, the Reeve and Coimcil of 'I'horold, on hehalf of the
inhabitants, beg leave to approach Vour ICxcellencv with assurances
of loyalty aid devotion to the person of Her Majesty the (^ueen.
VV'e also take this opportimity of e.\|)ressing our res[)ect and esteem
for yourself, both personally and as Her Maji'sty's rejjresentative,
antl of welcoming you aiul the Countess of Dufferin to the Niagara
Peninsula. Vour Kxcellency, during the visit you are about to make
to the public works now in the course of construction in this plioe,
will l)eliold an undertaking creditable to the energy and enterprise of
the Dominion, and destined, we believe, to be the great highway
of tiie immense carrying trade between the great West and Kurope,
and to advance the interests and prosperity, not only of this part of
the country, but of the whcjle of C!anada. We have no doubt that
Your E.xeelleney will appreciate the importance to the general
interest of the country of the manufa(;tones, and other industrial
establishments on the line of the Welland canal.

While knoning that your extended tour through the Province
of Ontario will be taken atlvantage of by you to increase your know-
ledge of the country and its people, we trust it will also be productive
of pleasure to you, Lady Dufferin and the members of your family.
W. T. Fish, Clerk. John McDonagh, Reeve.

Lord Dufferin's reply is thus given in the " History of Welland
County " :

His Excellency expressed the pleasure it gave him to receive an
address from the inhabitants of Thorold -a place to which, by its
connection with the Wellanil Canal, considerable attention was at
the present time directed, not only from all parts of the Dominion,
but from the United States. It was impossible to over-rate the
importance c, those works now in progrt;ss, whose magnitude was a
measure of the advancement which had taken place in the aspirations
of the (iovernment and of the people of Canada since the present
VV^elland canal was constructed. During his present tour he had
visited the distant waters of Lake Superior, and he had arrived at the

;iiti>

CANAI. lOWNS

its
at

»",

s a

.Mlt

ad
he

conclusion that no i asonahle man could doubt that within a few
yiuirs the industry and cncrj^y of the Canadian people would conduct
tile waterways of the Atlantic to the head of Lake Superior
(applause). Neither was it |)ossil)le to over rate the conseipiences
that would flow from these j^reat works. >'f> one could look upon
the navigation of the northern |)arts of North America without
perceiving that the River .St. Lawrence and the chain of lakes that
empty their waters into it are destined to he tht- highroad along
which all the productions, not only of the (Canadian Northwest, hut
also of the northern valleys of the Mi.ssissippi and its tributaries,
would |)ass (cheers). It must necessarily follow that a conuiuinity
Icjcatetl upon thai great thor(jughfare wcnild immensely profit by
the stream of connnerce that would How beside them, and he (I.,ord
Dufferiii) sincerely trusted that a great deal of the advantage to
which he referred would stick to the fingers of the people of
Thorold (cheers). In conclusion, he thanked them for their kind
expressions in their address with regard to himself and Lady
Dufferiii, and assured them that he would always watch with great
interest what he trusted would result in rapid improvement in their
(•i/cumstances.

A much more informal visit was that made in 1880 by the
Mar(}uis of Lome, whose coming was not generally known before-
hand. On Monday, Se[)tember 27th, of that year, His Excellency,
accompanied by Mayor Carlisle of St. Catharines, Thomas Monro,
C. E., W. Ci. Thompson, C. E. (both of the canal staff of engineers),
and W. Ellis, superintendent of the canal, examined the locks from
number 2 to 16. The party then drove to the engineers' ofifice at
Thorold, where the (lOvernor-CJeneral viewed the plans of the work.
Mrs. V. Lampman and Miss Allison then presented boucjuets to His
Excellency, who graciously thanked them. After this, the party re-
entered their carriages and proceeded to Merritton, where a special
train was waiting to take them to Clifton.

On December ijtii, 1S79, Sir Charles Tupper, as Minister of
Railways and Canals in the Macdonald government, officially visited
Thorold, to insi)ect the new \Velland canal.

In 1865, the steamer IVaiil'iifto was built at Thorold by W. and
J. Beatty, .or the Georgian Bay Transportation ('ompany. The
vessel was wrecked near Moose Point in November, 1879, and the
crew and passengers, twenty in number, were all lost. The Asia,
another steamer owned b) the Bcatty.s, was wrecked in a great

i : ■■'

! i

P- !::

HISTORY OK IHOROl.l)

•J !

storm on the (leorgian May, on the 14th of September, 1882, when
the crew and all the passengers except two' were drowned.

In 187J, the new High School building was erected in Thorold.
At that time, also, Albert street was opened up west of I'ine. On
December 20th, the subject of the erection of a new town hall was
brought before the council, and a by law tf) raise $20,000 by deben-
tures was submitted to the people ; but was voted down by 89 to 35.
In July of this year, fifty-five freeholders petitioned the cou?icil to
have several old builditigs on i-'ront street removed.

In 1875-6, forty-eight buildings were erected in Thorold. In the
/Vjj/ of July 23rd, 1875, we find this hopeful statement: "When tin-
new canal is completed and factories an<l mills are erected thereon,
there will be a greater demand for houses."

In 1876 taxes wt re as high as at present (1897). The people
voted down a by-law to borrow $8,000.00 to pay certain debts, to
eFect im[)rovements and to purchase a cemetery ; and thereCore a tax
of twenty-five mills on the dollar had to be levied.

During the building of the new canal -.lie jjopulation was
increased by many Italian laborers. Frecpient (|uarrels took place
among the workmen, and occasionally a " strike " among the stone-
cutters would retard the progress of the work. More than once the
Riot Act was read, and No. 2 company of Volunteers, under Capt.
James, had to be called out to disperse the mob. Fretjuent arrests
were made on every pay day, and once in 1876 the Police Magistrate,
after holding two courts on Saturday, was obliged to hold an extra
session on Sunday to avoid the over-crowding of prisoners in the
lock-up.

The Odd Fellows' Hall was l)uilt in 1876. In that year the
market was so large that .Andrew Hardie bought the fees for $500.00,
while now only $15.00 a month is paid for them. $1800.00 was
spent in the same year in adding the two south rooms to the east
side public school,

A special census for license purposes, taken in 1876, credited the
town with a population of 3,673.

In 1877, a by-law tj expend $8,000.00 in building a fire-hall was
passed by the people. In the following year, a by law was passed

'li

1*!i

PANAI, I OWNS

lor tlv issue of dcbcnturi's for the same amount, in order to
purchase a steam fire-'-iigine and hose, and to erect certain tanks
and an enf,'ine-house.

In if<78, the town council lowered the hccnscs of the nine
taverns from $130.00 to $100.00, and of the several li(|uor shops
from $170.00 to .$140.00.

Since 1879, W. T. Fish was appointed I'ohce Maj^istrate, a posi-
tion that he has held to the present day.

In 1880, the citizens were panicularly active in trying to ind;ice
capitalists to establish factories here.

The industries now existing in Thorold are : two grist-mills, a
casket factory, a pulp-mill, a bicycle factory, a basket fitctory, a
cement-mill, a carriage tactory, a knitting-mill, and a fotindry and
machine shop.

I'lie town once possessed the following industries, which no
longer exist : four grist-mills, a casket factory, a tannery, a plough
factory, a saw-mill, silver-plating works, a pulp-mill, a cotton factory, '
a ship-yard, two pottc'ies, a cement-mill, two furniture factories, a
waggon factory, a soap factory, a candle factory, a ciiair factory, a
casket hardware factory, felt-works, and several coo{)erages.

The ()uebec Hank has a branch at Thorold, and it was only this
year (1897) that the Hank of Commerce removed its agency from
the town.

There are five churches in the town : The Methodist, .Anglican,
Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Ikiptist, the first four being
handsome stone buildings. Other good public buildings are the
Odd I'ellows' Hall and the Masonic- Hall, while many of the
residences are both hand.some and suljstantial.

Not all of Thorold's prominent citizens have been connected
with the public life of tht town, for in many cases large business
interests have claimed all their time and energies. Among those of
whom mention must be made in this connection are: The late Dr.
Rolls; the late John Hattle, manufacturer and vessel-owner; and
John 1). McDonald, contractor, al.so decea.sed.

Port Robinson. Until 1824, Port Robinson was a dense
wood, known as the hickory bush ; and the only house within the

: ■ i

■
.1

■■

L<c«y

HISTORY OK THOUOL.J

limits of the present village was that built on the banks of the '^.'hip-
pawa Creek by the U. E. Loyalist, John Carl. Carl's nearest neigh-
bor was Peter Misener, whose second house, built one hundred
years r.go, ;till stands about a mile and a-half northeast of the
village. For many year.-; after the white settlers came, the Chippawa
Indians: lived in wigwams on both sides of the river to which they
had given their name ; and it was only when they began to be
annoyed and ill-treated l)y the navvies working on the canal, tiiat
the whole settlement withdrew to the Si.\ Nations Reserve on the
banks of the Crand River.

When the excavaiions began on the old \V'elland canal, in 1824,
the greater number of the men were employed upon the Deep Cut,
which lies between Allanburgh and Port Robinson ; and naturally a
little settlement v.-as made at each terminus of this branch of the
work. John Coulter, who had come from Ireland to take a sul)-
contrict at the southern end of the cut, built the second huuse in
Port Robinson ; while Duncan McFarland, who owned a ^ie'it-'rul
store near Allanburgh, soon afterwards removed to this place. In
the same yeai, the first church was erected by the Presbyterian.s, the
same building being still used by that denomination.

The history of Port Robinson has been largely the history of the
canal. With the exception of the Carls, Miseners, Blakes, Lemons
and McFarlands, the early inhabitants were Irishmen, attracted here
by the work of excavation. When navigation was opened in 1829,
the village became a port of entry, and was called Port Ueverly, after
Chief Justice Beverly Robinson, who was a member of the Canal
(Company. In the same way, Merritton, and Merrittsville (now
Welland) were called after the chief promoter of the canal scheme.
Later on, the name I-ort Beverly was changed to Port Robinson.
A post-ofifice was established in the village in 1829, and Duncan Mc-
Farland was appointed first postmaster.

In 1832 and 1834, Port Robinson suffered from cholera, as did
all the settlements of Irish immigrants along the canal.

All the important boats that used the new waterway, from what-
ever port they came, were obliged to pass through Port Robinson ;
and soon it became the most flourisliing village in the district. In

CANAI. TOWNS

•79

the matter of trade, it far outrivalled St. Catharines and Buffalo ;
and the present county town, Welland, was not yet in existence.
There was a large hotel in the place, owned by Dilly Coleman, and
capable of accommodating one hundred guests ; and in exchange for
this he was offered a valuab'e lot in Buffalo, but of course he
refused the offer, as the United States port, which now boasts of its
300,000 inhabitants, gave no promise at that time of becoming so
prosperous a place as the little Canadian village.

After the Rebellion, the British regulars, who had c ")me out too
late to take part in the skirmishes, were kept in the country to pre-
vent further uprising. The 43rd Regiment was stationed at Niagara
Falls, and " look-outs " were posted throughout the peninsula, one
being kept ut Fort Robinson. When the 93rd Highlanders suc-
ceeded the 43rd, these outposts were withdrawn.

When, in 1840, the (lovernment assumed control of the canal,
and the work of enlirgement was begun, a new impetus was given to
trade at Port Robinson. A great dea' of business was done there,
for a large number of i)eople were constantly coming atid going, as
this was the central point for travellers. A steamboat made. daily
trips between Buffalo and Port Robinson, carrying hundreds uf
passengers during the navigation season ; a line of passenger packets
plied daily during the open season between Port Robinson and
Dunnville ; a daily stage coach was laden witl'" passengers on each
trip to and from St. Catharines ; and mail coaches came to the
village from Wellandport and way stations, and from St. Johns West
and North Pelliam. A four-horse stage coach also carried passen
gers and the mail between Port Robin.son and Hamilton. All this
is now changed ; when the Buffalo, Brantford & (ioderich Railway
was completed, the steamboat to Port Robinson ceased to make its
usual trips, and when the Welland and Creat Western divisions of
the Grand Trunk Railway were finished, the stage coaches from St.
Catharines and Hamilton ceased to run, and therefore there was no
more use for the packet boats.

Jiefore steam tugs were brought into existence, r.ll vessels, except
steamers, were lowed by horses. The village being mid-way between
Lakes Erie and Ontario, the low-boys (as they were called) and tow

HISTORY or TIIOUOI.I)

I'^i

horses made this their stopping place for rest and refreshments. Now
that tugs are used for towing, there is no more use for the ancient
mode of propelling, and consequently Port Robinson loses all
revenue from that source.

The Irishmen working on the canal came chiefly from Cork and
Connaught, and many were the fights that took place between the
two classes, who still retained their ancient tribal hatred for each
other. The contractors were utterly unable to restrain these riots,
so law and order was to some extent maintained by a squad of
Mounted Police under Captain John Wheeler, and a corps of
colored soldiers commanded by Captain Duncan Macdonald. The
officers of this company, both commissioned and non-commissioned,
were white men, but the privates were all negroes, chiefly runaway
slaves who had escaped from the United States. They were a fine
set of fellows, very jealous for the honor of their company, and
exceedingly proud of the trust reposed in tiiem. To the Irish, how-
ever, the sight of a black man wearing a red coat was as so much
more fuel for the fire, for they bitterly resented being governed by a
militia made up of the Africans, whom they had always despised.
At last, one of their faction fights broke out, and the workmen from
Thorold, AUanburgh and the Deep Cut marched southward un-
molested. When the mob reached Port Robinson, the whole corps
of red-coats, two hundred men in all, were called out, while most of
the men of the village were sworn in as special police. The soldiers
were served with ball cartridges, and were ordered to fire and charge
among the rioters, if they advanced beyond a given point. The
infuriated Irishmen were just upon the point of daring the negroes
to touch them, when Father McDonagh of Si. Catharines rode up,
,vhip in hand. This priest had great power over all the laborers,
and was always of great assistance in keeping the peace ; but on this
occasion he was obliged to resort to extreme measures. Drawing a
line across the bank, he threatened to pronounce the curse of the
church upon any who dared to cross it. Then, fearing lest some
might be tempted to disobey, he rode down among them, laying the
horsewhip vigorously over their shoulders, until this form of punish-
ment brought the rabble to their senses, and they gradually slunk off
to their homes or lodgings.

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THOROLD TOWNSHIP COUNCILLORS AND OFFICP.R., mi

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Until the improvements on the old canal were completed, the
negro soldiers were stationed at Port Robinson. The two com-
panies were disbanded in 1851. Of the negroes, there is but one
now left in tlie village, Henry Lowry, a highly respected resident.

The first inn built in the place was the one still known as Jor-
dan's Hotel, although the first p jprietor was a widow named John-
ston. There have been three other large and well kept hotels in Port
Robinson, besides a number of smaller ones, and about six small,
saloons. The extent of business done there ma> be gathered
from the fact that the village once contained four general
stores, five groceries, one ship chandlery, four blacksmith shops,
three waggon shops, two paint shops, one jtnvelry store, one
drug store, four tailor shops, four boot and shoe shops, one bakery
and confectionery, three butcher shops, an ashery, one saddle and
harness shop, an ink and sealing-wax factory, two grisi-mill.s, one
saw-mill, a shingle factory, one shipyard and two dry-docks, and a
plaster-mill. Most of these places employed large numbers of work-
men. The shipyard and dry-docks would sometimes give employ-
ment to between two hundred and fifty and three hundred men.

" Canada, Past, Present and h'uture," gives the popi''r.i.ion of
Port Robinson as four hundred in 1849. However, at one time it
contained fully nine hundred inhabitants, while transients to the
number of two or three hundred often passed through the
village in a day. In 1856 the ' county council passed an
act niaking Port Robinson a police village, but it has never
been incorporated as a munici[)ality. When it did contain
the requisite number of inhabitants, the people could not sec any
advantages that would accrue to them if the place became a village.
Since the population has decreased, the desire to be classed as a
municipality has become greater ; but the necessary seven hundred
inhabitants can now be made u|) only !)y including the pa.ssengers
on excursion trains passing through ; and it is said that this was
actually done, when the people a few years ago applied for iticor-
poration.

After the I'enian Raid in 1866, there were two hundred British
Regulars —the 7th Fusiliers — stationed at Port Robinsori. This

r,1

HIsrOkV OF THOROI.I)

corps was kept under canvas until the cold weather, when it was
removed to the regiment's headquarters at Hrantford.

For a number of years succeeding the Trent Affair (from 1863
until 1886), Fort Robinson was the headquarters of the Welland
Canal Field Battery, commanded i)y Lieut. -('ol. R. S. King, M. IX;
and upon his death the headquarters were removed to Port Col-
borne, and subsecjuently to St. Catharines.

^Vhen the Counties of Lincoln and Welland were separated, the
first check was given to Port Robinson's progress. The new (bounty
building had to be situated somewhere in Crowland township ; and
Port Robinson, which bordered on it, ('ook's Mills and Merrittsvillc
were all mentioned as likely places. The first nasned was by far the
largest of these villages, and therefore it was first choice. The
corner stone of the Court House was laid on the ('lark property, at
Ramsden's point, just within the Crowland boundary ; but the
building was never erected. In the end, the Provisional County
Council chose Merrittsvillc (Welland) as the county town, and the
corner-stone of the Gaol and Court House was laid in that village in
1855. This change of choice was the making of Welland, but
naturally, it drew trade away from Port Robinson.

One by one its industries have ceased to exist. The shingle
factory has been removed. T"ie dry docks have been closed by the
Department of Railways and Canals, and the shipyard was expro-
priated for canal enlargement. In 1888 a fire broke out, which de-
stroyed Coulter's Hall, a merchant tailor shop, two general stores, two
groceries and a bakery, on all of which there was very linle insur-
ance. The village has no fire protection ; and so in the same way
there have been destroyed at other times the saw-mill, the plaster-mill,
two grist-mills, Coleman's hotel, a grf)cery shop, and a bakery in
which three tons of flour were burnt.

The village at one time could boast of a fine l)rass band and of a
pul)lic library. Until a few years ago it was the headciuarters of the
Liberal-Conservative Association for Welland (^ountv, and here the
nomination of the Conservative candidates to contest the riding
always took place. In 1895 the office of canal tolls at Port Robin-
son was closed, and in 1897 the customs office was removed to
Welland.

lii

CANAL TOWNS

At present the population numbers about five hundred. The
places of business now consist of a grist-mill, two blacksmith shops
and three general stores.

About 1854 the whole couritry was in terror from a highwayman
named William Townsend, who was sujjposed to have his hiding-
place in the woods near Port Robinson. In the general excitement
every harmless vagrant who wandered Uirough the township was
declared to be Townsend. No one dared venture alo.ie upon a
count.y road, for the notorious desperado had only to state his name
and demand money to nmke the terrified farmers yield up all their
valuables Bands of men scoured the county in search of him, but
he was not to be found. After murdering a man in Haldimand
county, he fled to the United States, but soon returned with a com-
rade, and made his appearance at Jordan's Hotel. The village
constable, Charles Richards, at once attempted to arrest him, but
Townsend calmly drew his revolver and shot the man, so that he
died of the wound four hours afterwards ; and, strange to say, the
criminal himself escaped. In 1858 he was captured in the United
States and brought to (\inada for trial, buf was ac(iuitted, as the
prisoner claimed to i)e a Scotchman named McHenry, and swore
that he had never been in Canada before. The trial excited the
greatest interest throughout the province, for the case was resolved
into a question of identity. However, there was not sufficient evi-
dence to prove that the prisoner really was Townsend, and so he
was finally actpiitted.

Ar.i.ANurRc.ii. Allanburgh, lying midway between 'i'horold and
Port Robinson, is a pretty little village, the history of which has
been contemporaneous with that of the latter place.

A little north of the village is the Hlack Horse Tavern, the oldest
inn situated in the county. The exact date of its first building is
unknown : but as it is situated at the intersection of important roads,
it is'probable that a hotel stood on the site at a very early date. It
is said that some Indians hatl a log wigwam at this place, and that
the present tavern took its name from a black horse that the old
chief rode, but for this the chronicler cannot vouch. In the early
venrs of this century it was known as Hadgeley's Inn, being kept at

mSTORV OK riJOROI.I)

that time by Joseph Badgeley. The main road from Niagara l-alls

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Michi

; and when Western
being opened up about sixty years ago, the Black Horse Tavern was
the stopping place for those who were going from the Eastern States
to make homes in the new lumber region. During the time of this
emigration, eight or ten waggons containing settlers' property might
commonlv be seen at the old inn, where tiie travellers rested for the
night.

The village proper was built on the \'anderl)urgh farm, although
the Uppers, whose property lay a little farther iKjrth, have always
been identified with the interests of the place.

Most of the early s' "tiers in this vicinity were Dutch Loyalists.
The first road laid out was an irregular one connecting the farms of
the Boukes, the Up[)ers, the V.mderburghs and the W'ilkersons, and
was known as the " Holland Road " It now leuds from Allanburgh
to Lundy's Lane.

In the history of the W'elland canals, .Allanburgh has been an
important [)oint ; for the fust sod of the old canal was turned at this
village, and here the new waterway joins the old one.

From the time of the canal agitation until navigation was
opened, this work was the all-absorbing topic. While the rest of
the country was occupied with discussions about the Family Com-
])act and other political abuses of the day, Lincoln county was
divided chiefly into two i)arties — the pro-canal men and the anti-
canal party. Naturally, the frontier people, and especially those
interested in the portage com[)any, were opposed to Merritt's
scheme ; but even among those who afterward., benefited by the
canal there were a few who objected to it, because it was something
new. Their views changed, however, as soon as excavation began
upon the Deep ('ut, for at once Allanburgh and its neighborhood
became a centre of business. All along the Deep Cut, where ncnv
we see well-sodded banks on wliirh the cattle graze, there was then a
row of .shops and lodging-houses— poorly-built shanties, it is true, but
'■till representing the wonderful change that had taken place in the
population. 'I'he Canal Company had a general store, and there
were three or four other sho[)s on the bank that sold goods of all

C.WAI. rOWNS

kinds. There was also a market at the Deep Cut, and so great was
the demand for farm produce that some farmers sent waggons there
twice a day, with fruit, vegetables, eggs and butter.

Within the village of Allanburgh two of the oldest shops were
those kept by Andrew Vanderburgh and Sanmel Swayze.

It was some mills built by an American capitalist that practically
gave life to the village. 'I'his man, the Hon. J. R. V'ates, built a grist-
mill, a saw-mill and a shingle factory in Allanburgh in 1835. He was
represented in the place by his agent, John G. Stockley. These
mills were afterwards owned by several different firms, including that
of James McKee & Jacob Upper, while Baruch Tucker and John
Rennie were partners in the business for thirty years. The Canal
Company also owned the property at one time, and then the Gov-
ernment bought it. The mills were destroyed when their sites were
needed for the enlargement of the new canal.

It was Stockley who gave the village its name, calling it after
Allen, a member of the Canal Company.

Among the many industries that the village once possessed were:
Duncan & Wright's flour-mill, Bowman's pail factory. Hoover (S:
Vanderburgh s saw-mill, Harper's bakery, Philip Bump's tannery,
Thomas Towers' foundry and Williams' wheel-barrow factory, while
James Brodhead manufactured scythe snathes. John Hrown regu-
larly employed between twenty and thirty persons in his shipyard.
Allanburgii has contained also eight taverns, two shoe-shops, two
tailor-shops, a brickyard, two blacksmith shops, t\so cabinet shops,
two woollen factories, a dye-house, two waggon shops and a factory
in which grain cradles were made. Now all the mills and factories
are gone, and the village is merely a little agricultural settlement.

In the curiosity line, Allanburgii has produced the biggest horse
that the world has ever seen. , ' j •

In 1849 the population numbered three hundred. At one time
it must have been larger, ♦for the village school has had as many as
one hundred and ten pupils attending the classes. Now there are
scarcely more than one hundred and fifty inhabitants in the place.
'I'he O'lly church in the village is that belonging to the Methodists.

THE PROPERTY OF

SCARBORO

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Chapter VIII

Fknian Raids

Part played I)y the Welland Canal l'"iel<l Hattery and No. 2 Company. The
" TienI Affair." Tlie I'ield Mattery orj^anized. British troops sent to Canada.
Southerners \v Canada. Raid on St. Allian's. The l'"enian Hrotherhood.
An invasion tareatened. X'olunleers called out for tluty, but dismissed within
six weeks. I'Vnians cross the Xiaj^ara River. Field Mattery aj^ain called out.
Hadly equi]))K'd. On duty at Port Colliorne. Tiie tuj; //'. 7'. A'ftM. Field
Mattery and Naval Mrit;ade taken to Fori ICrie. \'<)lunteers capture fifty-eij;ht
prisoners. Canadians henniied in by ei^ht hundreil Fenians. N'olunteers
oblit^ed to surrender. List of the wounded. List of officers and gunners
made prisoners. Canadian victory at Rid{j;eway. U. .S. War .Steamer J//i///-
,(,>•«;/ seizes the escapinjf I'cnians. Presentations to the Field Mattery. Thorolil
affected liy the raids. Later invasions threatened.

As the Welland Canal Field Battery was organized at the time of
the " Trent Affair," and afterwards played so important a part in the
Fenian Raids, it will be necessary to give some account of these
events here.

During the American Civil \Var the Government of the Con-
federate States sent two of their most prominent statesincn, John
Slidell and Jame.s M. Mason, as commissioners to England and
France, to impress upon the governments of those countries the
advisability of recognizing the (Confederate States as an independent
power. All the ports of those States were blockaded by the
fleets of the Federal Ciovernment. The (Commissioners successfully
ran the blockade, and landed .safely at the capital of a British
colony — Kingston, Jamaica. When a favorable o[)portunity arrived,
they took passage for England on the British steamer Trent. They
had not, however, been long at sea when the vessel was overhauled
l)y a United States man-of-war, and the commissioners were seized
as prisoners and taken to a Northern fortress.

In F^ngland the news of this insult to the national flag was
received with outbursts of nopular indignation, which comiielled the

V > V

. }•••:

■ KF,rilA.N'UAf1WH'>.. J

Government to make a resentful demand upon the Federal States.
The course taken was chara' teristic of the Hritish nation. There
was no parleying, but a simple, imperative demand for the surrender
of the prisoners and their attaches.

In Canada the indignation was even more keenly felt than in
ICngland. The whole population determined to resent openly the
insult offered to the Motherland. Thorold township was quite as
active as any of its neighbors in organizing for the expected war, for
well the inhabitants knew that the destruction of the Welland Canal
would be one of the first attempts of tl"" enemy. If this were
effected, no vessel could pass to or from the Upper Lakes, and con-
sefjuently the British or Canadian gunboats would be unable to
destroy the United States lake fleet and forts.

Volunteers were at once enrolled, with instructions to hold them-
selves in readiness until called upon for service. Thorold township
was, jointly with Port Colborne, instrumental in organizing the Wel-
land Canal Field Battery. At first the headquarters were at Port
Colborne, John Verner, collector of customs, being Captain. When
he was removed to a fresh field of labor the head(iuarteis were
transferred to Port Robinson, with R. S. King, M. I)., as Captain,
A. K. Scholfield of Humberstone as First Lieutenant, and C B.
Nimmo of Port Colborne as Second Lieutenant. Two fieVl-pieces
were placed at Port Robinson, and one was stationed at Port Col-
borne, while a non-commissioned officer from the Royal Artillery
was appointed drill instructor.

, A large number of British soldiers were sent to Canada, but the
trouble was soon ended, and the expe'-t'^d war between the two
great English-speaking nations was averted.

In complying with the demands of England, the Federal authori-
ties imposed a deep humiliation upon their own Northern States,
'i'he prisoners, over whose capture the whoL North had but recently
exulted, were immediately surrendered. W. H. Seward, the Federal
Secretary of State, even declared that they were given up ''cheer-
fully," and in accordance with the " most cherished principles of
American statesmanship"; and advanced an argument in favor of this
acknowledgment of England's claims— an argument that might

i 111 ^- :-

If!

HISTDRV OK THOROI.I)

!,,,

have come even from a I'.ritish diplomat. Tlnis peace was main-
tained, hut it wus felt that any overt act might plunge the two
countries into warfare.

Many of the Confederates were now living in Canada. Mason
himself had taken up his abode at Niagara. Large numbers of citi-
zens from the Northern .States had crossed over to Canada in order
to prevent being drafted into the army, and the Niagara Peninsula
was their chief rendezvous in the Upper Province. Of these
Americans, several made their homes in Port Robinson.

During the war considerable friction was caused between Canada
and the United States. A number of Southerners made a raid from
Lower Canada upon St. Alban's in Vermont, where ihcy robbed a
bank and committed murder, but they managed to make theii way
back to Canada in safety. The United States (iovernment at once
demanded the surrender of the raiders. This was refused; and, after
trial, Judge Coursel of Montreal ordered their releas ,. Naturally,
('anada's action, as compared with that of the Federal authorities
when a similar demand was made, was not likely to cause harmony
between the countries.

In 1865 the rebellion closed, and the great army of the Federal
States was disbanded. I'eni nism, which had been organized in
Ireland, had by this time gained a strong foothold in the northern
cities. New \'ork was the headquarters of the Brotherhood ; and
branches existed in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati,
Erie, Buffalo, Oswego and Ogdensburg. This Fenian army was
swelled by recruits from the disbanded l*'ederal soldiers. England
was to be attacked through Canada, and in the end Ireland was to
be freed from British rule.

After the "Trent Affair" it was England's first intention to recall
the army that she had sent to Canada, but fortunately this order was
countermanded before the Fenian Raid took place.

During the period of the trouble the British committed no end
of blunders. When the attack was threatened, the Canadian Govern-
ment was extremely careless, through ignorance of the extent of the
danger. The Volunteer Militia was being perfected in drill, and the
Welland Canal I'ield Battery was making excellent progress ; but

FF.NIAN RAIDS

through the indifference of the government to the Brigade Major's
advice, that guards sliould he mounted to look after the valuable
field-pieces, Colonel Villiers was obliged to send the guns to Hamil-
ton, where they could be protected by the British Regulars stationed
in that city. The Battery, therefore, was obliged to be content with
a thorough drill in rifle practice.

On the 8th of March, 1866, a large number of Volunteers were
called out for' duty ; and on the loth of that month, the Port Robin-
son detachment was sent to Tort Colborne. Along with the left
division already stationed at the latter place, they and the Rifle com-
panies of Whitby, Columbus and Collingwood perform.ed the duty
of guarding the entrance to the Welland Canal, until the 21st of
April, when all fear of a Fenian invasion had passed over, and the
men were recalled and dismissed.

Hut the fears of the people were too soon allayed. On the 31st
of May telegrams were received, stating that a Fenian army had
crossed the Niagara river from ]}uffalo, and had landed without
opposition at Fort Erie. The strength of the invaders was placed at
from 800 to 20,000, but in reality no one knew anything definite
about their numbers. Wild rumors were abroad ; and even Mr.
Hemans, the British Consul at Buffalo, telegraphed to Ottawa that
the enemy was supplied with four field-pieces of artillery — a piece of
information that had been incorrectly furnished to him.

The Welland (^anal Field Battery, although still without its
guns, was among the first to respond to the call to arms. Armed
with Enfield rifles, the Port Robinson detachment was taken to Port
Colborne by the same train that conveyed the Queen's Own Rifles
thither. As absentees reported themselves at the latter place, it was
found that the Enfield RiHes were insufficient in number ; carbines
were accordingly served out to the men unsupplied with the former
weapon. The bayonets, cartridges and cap pouches were far too
few for those who had already reported, and, furthermore, the Bat-
tery was not provided with naversacks, and there was not a single
cup in the whole company.

In the afternoon a contingent of the Battery, under Lieut. Col.
J. Stoughton i)ennis of the Queen's Own, was taken by a pilot train

iiisroin ()i iiioKoiD

II:

down the Buffalo \' (iodcrich railway to repair Saeiirwinc's l)ridgo,
which had lifcii partially destroyed by the Fenians on the previous
night. Having completed this work, they re-entered I'ort Colhorne
about midnight. Sliortiy after their arrival, a train from the west
brought in the 'I'lMrteenth Matlalion and the Rifle (Companies of
York and (Caledonia, all under command of Lieut. (Jol. Alfreil
Hooker, who at once assumed conuiiand of the garrison, being
senior Volunteer officer.

A ferry-boat named the International was chartered by the
Militia Department to patrol the upper part of the Niagara river, in
order to prevent the escape of the Fenians from Canada, and also to
make it impossible for re-enforcements of the Brotherhood to cross
over from the United States. At midnight the steamer had not yet
reported at Port (.'olborne. Later on, instructions to the Command-
ant at this place wee brought by Ca])t. .\kers, of the Royal ICngin-
eers, frctm Col. Ceorge Peacock, Conmiander of the Forces on the
Frontier. A conference was held between C'olonels Booker and
Dennis and ("aptain .'\kers, and they deinded to telegraph to (!ai)t.
\.. McCallum, who commanded the Naval Brigade at Dunnville, in
order to secure his steam tug, the W. T. Rohb, with which to patrol
the Niagara river. \\\ four o'clock in the morning, the tug arrived,
with the Naval Brigade on board. On it the Meld Battery was then
embarked, and the Robh started off for Fort F>ie just as the Queen's
Own left the village for the unfortunate battle that took place at the
Lime Ridge in the forenoon. On reaching Fort Erie, the Volun-
teers found the village almost deserted by its inhabitants. Customs
ofificers Treble and Schryer were on duty, hut there was no duty to
perform. The troops were diseml)arked and divided into scjuads to
reconnoitre. 'i'he telegraph wires had been cut, and were found
strewn on the ground. The village was thoroughly invested, and
eleven unarmed men, > ' o could not, ox would not, give satisfactory
answers, were taken into custody, and handed over to the civil
authorities, who confined them in tlie village lock-up.

The Battery and Brigade had now become a land force. The
men were fornied into two divisions ; the right wing, conmiandcd by
('ol. Dennii., performed patrol duty along the river bank ; while the

FF.NIAN KAir)S

9«

lelt, under Capt. Akcrs, patrolled ihc interior as far as one and a-
h.'ilf miles from the river. The day was excessively hot, and as the
hours advanced the men grew thirsty. There was not a single
drinking vessel in either of the romi)anies. All the farm-houses
were locked and deserted. Not until the men reached Percy
Beam's farm were they able to (piench their thirst ; there, however,
they were furnished with both sweet milk and butter milk, until the
supplies were exhausted.

About five miles north of Fort Erie a halt was made, and the
patrol parties of bcjth right and left wings were called in.

On the march down from the head of the river, Thomas Newbig-
ging's farm was passed. It was there that the Fenian force had
bivouacked on the previous night, and now desolation was to be
seen on every side. All the fences on the farm had been used in the
construction of temporary breastworks, while the growing grain,
grass and other crops had been trampled under foot. On the
march the volunteers made prisoners of a number of men who were
skulking about the neighborhood, and who could not give reasons
for their presence there. Several of them had small firearms in
their possession. Altogether fifty-eight men were taken, as follows :

Patrick O'Mally, aged 35 years John O'Connor, aged 42 years
Harney Dunn 31 E. Cunningham 40

A. T. Moseley 33 John O'Neil, 40

John (irace 37 l>aniel Drummond 32

(From Drummond Capt. King secured a revolver.)
Thomas Mendy
James (^uinlan
James Thatterhouse
Micliael Cochrane
James Dillion
Thomas Ellis
Robert Bailey
John O'.Mahony
John Johnston
William Madigan
John Hughes
J. K. Mitclian
J. H. Maxwell
J. McEidham
James Roll

Cieorge Miller

Thomas 'I'liiiks

A. Flonsbery

Michael Kilfather

.'8

James Lynch

John Kearney

John Dillon

Robert R. Merrison

2 1

Francis Mills

Patrick Kilbourne

W'ill'am Slevin

'ihonias Reynolds

«4

Michael Flanin

•7

Martin McCJormic

Ceorge Welsh

iiisrouN oi iiioKoi.i)

Framis King j;

Daniel (^)uiMii 47

jaiiK's Kflly .?o

l-'rcdcrick l''ry .^^?
'I'liomas McI )()nal(l J5

John Miuphy ij

Jolin Mayru'ld 22

Owen KcnniMly k;

jolir) Comv 2,?

Hen jam in horrv 15

janits H()fj[aii 23

William Kilii^Mii iS

janu's A. Hi<'hnian id

William Itakt-r .40

Thomas School 25

j'aliick Daivlinjf 41

John ( )tr 5 I

I h'tinis l,yn(;h 20

Miihat'l Hart 25

rhiimas Kinkland 16

Vhv last mentioned seemed to he a harmless youth from the
neij;hl)orhf)()d of Clifton (Niaj^ara Kails).

Kraneis Kin^', who came from New Orleans, had served in the
Confederate army. Canada had been reported to him as a coiintry
seven miles wide, whi( h could he ovi-r run and captured in a fore-
noon.

These, with the men who were seized by other Volunteers, were
tried at a special Court of Assi/e, at Toronto, in the winter of i80f) 7.
Those not in possession of firearms when captured were acijuii
the others, kwer than a do/en, received sentences of life impi
ment in the Provincial Penitentiary. 'I'his sentence was, however, in
most cases, commuted to a term of two years. I'our or five prison-
ers were detained until 1872. Considering the deplorable loss of
life and property which the raid entailed upon Canadians, there were
not a '":w of the Volunteers and their friends who regarded the treat-
ment which the Fenians received at '.he hands of the C.overnmeiu
as altogether better than they deserved.

At Black Creek the Field Hattery and the Naval Brigade, with
their prisoners, embarked upon the AVW^. This proceeding was
very necessary, as the Volunteers with their officers numbered only
eighty-seven men, while they had fifty-eight prisoners in charge.
The commissioned officers who served as Col. Dennis' associates on
the march were Captains King and Scholfield ; those with (Japt.
Akers were Capt. McCallum, Lieutenant Nimmo of the Battery and
Lieut. Macdonald of the Brigade. Second Lieutenant W. T. Robb
of the Naval Brigaoo was also captain of t!ie tug, and he now took
charge of it. The only way of embarkation on the /'ioM was by
means of a small row-boat. The prisoners were taken first, in smail

rilNIAN KAIDS

s(|ua(ls of three or four at a tiiiic, until finally they and their captors
wore all on hoard. It will he seen that the course |)ursue<l hy ('ol.
Dennis, in landing his men and tlividing his eonimand into two
divisions, was a most dangerous one. 'I'he position of the t neniy
was unknown, and at any time they mif;ht have intfr(ei)ti'd the
march and caijtured the Volunteer-^.

The Rohl) at once made its way to lort lirie, where the troops,
with the exception of four nitn who were detailed for guard duty on
the tug, were again disembarked, and formed into line on the wharf.
Just lliL-ii a horseman, Lewis I'ahuer of Hertie, galloj)ed in from the
west, and informed the ('ommander that the Kenian force, about
eight hundred st'-ong. would arrive in the village withiti twenty
minutes.

A small s(|uad was at once sent to bring the prisoners from the
lock up ; and these, with the Fenians captured during the day, were
safely confined below deck.

The Volunteers were commanded to embark on the lug, but the
order was afterwards countermanded. 'i'hen the whole force was
again drawn uj) for the coming conflict. The men of the IJatlery
faced the west, while the Brigade faced south. 0)1. Dennis stood
at the right of the Hattery, with the other officers in the rear, except
Capt. Akers, R. IC, who had procured a horse and buggy and gone
on a reconnoitering expedition ; his return was cut off, but he was
able to reach Fort ('olborne in safety.

Soon the Fenians advanced from the south, first waving a white
flag to give the \'olunteers an opportunity to surrender. The
enemy then opened a fusilade upon the Volunteer force. The first
to feel its effects was Capt. King, whose left ankle was shattered.
Col. Dennis now observed a large body of the enemy advancing in
skirmishing order from the west and coming down the slope of the
hill, and another body marching through a street at the northern end
of the village. Thus the Volunteers were well hemmed in.

Lieut. Rol)b, seeing the embarrassing position in which the land
force was placed, and fearing that the tug might be captured, either
for the sake of liberating the prisoners, or to make it serve as a
means of escape for the enemy, now moved out from shore and
slowly drifted d(jwn the river.

HISIORV OK rilOKOM)

The whole force (jf the I'enians opened a galling fire, which their
opponents could not successfully resist ; and accordingly after a few
vol'cys were fired, the Battery and Brigade broke ,ind ran. Some of
the retreating Volunteers, including Captain McCalluni, went drAvii
the river road, and were afterwards taken on hoard the Roho ; while
others escaped through the country to their homes. Some took
refuge in the Kort luie post office, and resumed the fire upon the
enemy ; but after their ammunition failed they were obliged to sur-
render, for the I'enians smashed the windows with the butt end of
their rifles.

In this encounter the enemy were known to leave a number of
killed and wounded on the field. The N'ohinteers lost no lives, but
a few were wounded. The list of the latter iiirluded : ('apt. King,
ankle shattered; Ciunner John Bradley, thigh shattered; (uinner
Fergus Scholfield, left leg shattered ; (iunner John Harvestor, severe
flesh wound in leg ; (iunner Robert Jordan Thomas, slight flesh
wound in hip on retreat. The last mentioned escaped with. Col.
Dennis, and reached Col. Beacocke's camp during the night. All of
these were of the Welland Battery. There were no casualties in the
ranks of the Brigade.

After the surrender the prisoners were divided into small s(|uads,
and under heavily-armed escorts were marched up the [)rincipal
street and halted near the Americon Consul's residence. Here the
green flag of Ireland was unfurhnl, and the victors cheered at their
success; while a loud response followed from the opposite side of the
river, where thousands of Fenians and their sympathizers had
assembled antl witnessed the fight. The prisoners were then taken
to the ruins of old Fort Erie, where they were given quarters on the
grass. The captured "^^olunteer otiieers. Lieutenants Scholfield and
Nimmo of the Welland Battery and Angus Macdonald of the
Brigade, were (juartered at the residence of Dr. Kempson, the reeve
of the village.

The following is a list of the officers and gunners of the Battery
who were made prisoners : Sergeant-Major Richard Boyle ; Ser-
jeants Gideon Grisdale and James H. Boyle ; Corporals Stephen
Beatty and Vilroy McF e ; Farrier I.saac Pew; Gunners Robert

KKNIAN RAIDS

Offsprini,, William Hrooni, John Waters, Patrick Roach, Samuel
Cook, Thomas l^oyle, Joseph Reaveley, Jonathan War ' Hagar,
^Villiam Clark, Robert Armstrong, Jacob (iarner, Edward Arm-
strong, James Coleman, Charles Campbell, Isaac Dickerson, Serril
Radcliffe and Mauiice Weaver.

The tug Roob again steamed up the river ; and at Fort Erie it
was fired upon, but no damage was done other than breaking a pane
of glass in the window of the pilot house, the man at the wheel
having a very narrow escape. A.« only Fenians were visible in the
village, those on board the tug came to the conclusion that their
comrades had all been killed in an unequal battle; and this was the
report that they first 4)rought to Port Colboriie.

Hy permission of Col. John O'Neil, commander of the Fenian
force, ("apt. King was allowed to be taken to liuffalo, to have his left
leg amputated. The wounded gunners, Bradley and Scholfield, had
the amputations performed by surgeons on the following morning.

About half-past one o'clock on Sunday morning, June 3rd, the
("anadian prisoners were formed in line near a board fence, a short
distance apart ; and were afterwards marched to the wharf. They
sup[)osed that the Fenians at first intended to shoot them, and that
their escape from such a fate was due to the enemy's fearing that their
own captured comrades miglit be more numerous. At the wharf
there were a steam tug and a large scow in waiting. The X'olunteers
did not yet know of the Canadian victory at Ridgeway ; but Coi.
O'Neil now informed them that they were at Jiberty, and he
expressed a ho[)e that the I'cnian i)risoners would be treated as
humanely as these men had been. His force then embarked upon
the boats ; and not many minutes afterwards the booming of cannon
was heard from the United States war stenmer Michigan, whiih then
came u|i the river, and in the name of the United States seized the
tug and scow, with the Fenians on board, for breaking the neutrality
laws. The Michigan anchored in the middle of the river to await
specific orders from Washington regarding the disposal of its prizes.

Si.me of the released Volunteers went home, while others
remained in the village to await further developments. At about six
o'clock in tlie morning Col. C. 'I'. Denison's cavalry company, of the

?l'

HISTOkV OF IHOKOI.It

Governor General's Body Guard, arrived at Fort Krie, and took up
their quarters at the City Hotel. These were followed by Colonel
Lowry, commanding Her Majesty's 47th Regiment of foot, with a
Uattery of Artillery nnd some Canadian Volunteers. Later on, Col.
George Peacocke and his troops reached the village, and in the after-
noon the force was increased by the arrival of the Queen's Own and
the Thorold men from Port Colborne. The troops went under
canvas on the rising ground in the rear of the village.

By noon intercourse between the United States and Canada was
resumed, and hundreds of sight-seers and news-gatherers crossed
over from IJuffalo, while civilians came from various parts of Ontario.

In the afternoon the tug Rohh came down from Port Colborne,
and took on board the wounded Volunteers, and those of the Battery
and Brigade who had remained at Kort Erie. The wounded were
taken to the British North American hotel at Port Colborne, which
had been temporarily converted into a hospital.

By this time the field-pieces had been sent down from Hamilton.
The Field Battery, thus properly equipped, began a five week's term
of active military service. On the 6th of July they were marched to
Port Robinson, their headquarters, and dismissed from duty.

The corporation of tliC village of I'brt I^rie presented Captain
King with a valuable sword, and the Battery witii a silver-plated
trumpet. At a special session of the Welland County Council,
Edward Lee i)eing then warden, one hundred acres of land in the
Great Cranberry Marsh were granted to each of the wounded
Volunteers. Captains King and McCallum each received a valuable
sword ; while to each of the other officers, and to the men, of the
F'ield Battery and the Naval Brigade a metlal was given. When the
council learned that they liad violated the Military Rule, they
appealed to tiie Imperial War Department to recognize their act.
Permission was granted, and each of the Volunteers was allowed to
wear the medal upon his right breast when lie was in uniform. The
presentation was formally made at Port Robinson, when most of the
residents of Tiiorold Townsiiip assembled to do honor to the l''ield
Battery.

In 1870 the i?attery was again called v)Ut for service, when the

I,;
■i.'i

iHr

: • , I

': f !

' 'i

Wr,

: I

:ii

i I'i

William McCleahy. M. P

^1 ^ ^1

,-, vfe

n r

I '.

■i-

»,.>s

■ -i!

JOSHPH BATTLE

Mayor ol riicir.ild, i«y8

■ aj^-^-:.z-::z-.r'san^-.:4i-.^-4i

•■ 'iJ

■J

I James 'Wuson

:' ii

Hi!

^ II

:h s

\ J

111

|ii

n.NIAN RAIDS

<)7

renians threatened a second invasion of Canada. The men Il-U so
indinn;int for the leniency extended to the Fenian prisoners in 1866
that they resolved to sliow no quarter.

The headcjuarters of the Battery have since been removed to St.
Otharines, and the Commander is now I-ieut.-Col. I"'rank King, M.
I)., son of the late Captain R. .S. King, M. I).

A less exciting but quite as honorable experience during the raid
was that of No. 2 Company of 'i'horold. For some months before
the Fenian invasion the men had been drilled by instructors from
the regular army, and they were therefore fully prepared for thi'
attack. On the first of June, 1866, the company, imder the
command of (laptain James, was ordered to proceed to I'ort
Colborne, in order to serve as protection for the town and to guard
the locks of the Welland Canal. Then, when it was learned that
the Fenians had reached Ridgeway, the men were ordered to that
place. As no cars were available, they had to be » -^nveyed thitht^r
on an engine and tender on the (Jrand Trunk Railway. Arriving
too late to take nart in the fight, they had nevertheless the honor of
forming the rear guard to the Queen's Own Rifles on their way back
to Port Colborne, that regiment having run short of ammunition.
On the following day, the troops marched to l'V)rt ]'>rie, No. 2
Company forming a line of skirmishers on the left of the column.
This march was partiiularly fatiguing, ior in passing through the
swamps the men were in many places obliged to wade waist deep in
water. The company remained at Fort ICrie until the camp broke
up, attending to the daily military duties under Lord Wolseley.
The camp was afterwards formed again at Tiiorold for about six
weeks, at the expiration of which time the Volunteers were allowed
to return to their homes.

Archibald Dobbie and Harlholomcw Macdonald of Thorold went
up to view the battlefield at the Limestone Ridge on the day follow-
ing the fight. Some of our own men took them for Fenian scouts,
and Mr. Macdonald was shot and killed. Not understanding
military rules, he disobeyed when called U])on to halt.

In 1867 No. 2 Company was again called out, and ordered tf)
Clifton for the protection of that town from a threatened invasion of

iiismiM (II iiioRoii.

I'Viiiaiis, wlio were tAportcd lo come over Ity way ot Suspension
l>ri(lj;e.

Ill 187.S aiiotlier Keniaii Raid was ihreuteiied, and the nailery
and No. 2 ('()ini)any were again [)re|)ared for active service.

At the time of the dynamite outrages perpetrated in London, ICng-
land, l)y the l-'enians, a rumor was circulated that the W cll.uid (,\nial
was to l)e destroyed, (uiards were placed at various points, and tlie
railway tunnel under the canal at Thorold was well watched. How-
ever, no I'enians came, hut the guards once mistook an innocent
firecracker, dropped by a mischievous youth from the hank over
head, for the dynamite fuse that was to destroy the great (lovern-
nient work.

Partly in commemoration of i<Si;7 as juhilce \\;\\\ ;nid partly in
recognition of the services rendered i)y the \'olunteers in i(S06,
medals are now being gi\en to those who went to the front at the
time of the henian Raids.

Among those who are or have been residents of the townshij)
of Thorold, and who, although participating in the e\ents of that
period, were not members either of the Battery or of No. 2 ( "om-
pany, may be mentioned: Rev. 1'. I.. S[)encer, rector of .St. John's
church, Thorold : Mr. !>. H. Crombie, manager of the (^)uebec bank,
Thorold ; and Rev. C. R. l.ee, rector of St. Andrew's church,
Grimsby.

The first of these was, at the time f>f the 1866 invasion,
a teacher in the village of Millbrook. When the call to arms
resounded through the Province, he joined the Millbrook ( "om
pany, which formed a i)art of the hurham and Northumberland
Provisional Battalion ; and, though (jualified by the ])os.session of a
certilicate from the Toronto military school to take the position of

an olticer, he served as a private ui the comijany, remaining with it
until the troubles of the times were over. The regiment, after

hold

nii.

itself in readiness for some davs to assist, if necessarv, at

Ridgeway, was sent to Kingston, where it performed the duty of
guarding the frtintier from a threatened attack by tlie I'enians at
that point, remaining in the city for the space of three weeks. The
men were billeted upon the citizens, their active service comi^rising
field man<eu\ri'S and patrol and guard diilies.

KKMAN HMDS

Mr. CrombiL' was a member ot thf Upper Canada College C^adet
Company, then attached to tlie (^)uecn's Own Rifles ; l)ut this
<()mpany, l)eing composed of boys, was not allowed to go out on
active service. Several of the older boys, however, joined No. 8, or
Trinity College, Company, which at the time was not up to its full
complement. Mr. Crombie, along with his company, was present at
Ridgeway, and particMpated in the engagement. His recollection of
the circumstances which brought about the withdrawal of the
Queen's Own and the 13th from the field, leads him to think that it
was entirely due to the ill-judged order of the sui)erior officers to
prepare for cavalry. Up to this point of time the Trinity College
Company, with others of the regiment, had been moving as
skirmishers, and steadily advancing against the I'enians. When the
imfortunatc order was given, the t^ompanies formed rallying squares,
and then later idou bled in upon the main body. Here the whole
regiment received the full fire of the enemy. Then the order was
given to retire, followed immediately by the command to halt and
front. This was so fre(|uently repeated that the men became
bcwiklered, and the regiment fell into disorder. 'I"hc volunteers,
though retreating, still held together in stiuads, and from time to
time faced the I'enians and fired from the fence corners. The
enemy did not follow for any great distance ; and the Canadians
■were of the oj)inion that the Fenians imagined that, after the good
stand the volunteers had made, the retreat was simply a ruse to lead
them into ambush.

Rev. C. R. Lee was also a member of Trinity College Company.
He held the rank of sergeant ; and the ojjinion entertained by the
men was that he was a thoroughly effi( ient non-commissioned
otticer.

1 ,

! ;

( ■

l! ...^j,.

1 •

Chapter IX

AcKK Ul/ITRAL

(Iraii;, fr'iil, vegetables, stock and dairy produce. First fair i-i the Niagara Dis-
trict. Heet syrup and silk aiiiong the exhibits. Thorold T.jwnship Agricul-
tural Society formed. Silver medal awarded to the model farm. Cattle
show al Heaverdams in iS4<S. I'ri/e list.

The Niagara District is far-fanied for its excellent farms. In the
opening chapter the character of the soil has already been described,
and it will be easily understood that the moderate climate of the
peninsula still further increases the valii'^ of the land. drain was
once the chief product of this township, but it has not been so great
a source of wealth since Manitoba has entered into the competition ;
and hence our farmers have found it more profitable to turn a con-
siderable portion of their land into orchards. vSome idea of the
large crops of fruit raised here may bo gathered from the market
prices of 1896. 'J'he harvests in that year were so bountiful that
grapes brought only one cent a pound, while the best a|)ples sold for
fifty cents a barrel. Of all fruits, peaches bring the best rettirn.s, for,
however great the supply, the prices vary but little.

Of vegetables, nearlv all varieties are raised here, but tomatoes
form the largest proportion of those that are exported. I'^en the
lower orders of vegetation are not neglected, lor the example of
England and France, in utilizing abandoned mines as mushroom
beds, has been followed here, an excavation in the "mountain""
being made to serve the .same purjjose at Thcrold.

Although stock raising is not very common, yet there are a few
farms within lite townshi|) that ship several thousands of ilollars'
worth of horses ar:J callle t(» luigland and the United Slates each
year.

Naturally, dairy [)roduce is not so abundant here as in the less

AOKlCUr.Tl'UAI.

?ot

Ill's
(■h

less

fertile districts, but the (luality of the butter and cheese made is
extremely good.

Agricultural shows have l)een held since 1846. In October of
that year the first fair of the Niagara District took place at Beaver-
dams, at the farm and hotel owned by Mr. Ephraim Hopkins. The
barn was used as a hall in wliich fruit, vegetables, cheese and butter,
and grain of all kinds were shown. The exhibits included a skein
of silk in its natural state, mnde by the silk worms on the farm of
("aptain Radcliffe of ('entreville. Capt. Radcliffe was a retired
officer of the Royal Navy, who took a prominent part in the munici-
pal, educational and agricultural life of the township. At this fair,
his farm contributed also a (juart of syrup made from the sugar beet.
In a field adjoining the hotel were exhibited the horses, sheep and
cattle. Farmers and villagers from all parts of the surrounding
iountry were present, but the gathering did not include women, as it
was not the custom for them to attend fairs in those days. .About
one hundred persons sat down at dinner on this occasion, and
speeches were afterwards made congratulating the managers upon
the success of the exhibition. .\t about four o'clock in the after-
noon the meeting was brought to a close, everyone having been well
pleased with the experiment.

'I'he Niagara District l-'airs were held annually for five years, and
since the expiration of that time their i)Iace has been supplied by the
township and county agricultural shows, and by the provincial exhi-
bition. The last of the district fairs took place in iS5i,in a field
adjoining the site of the ('ity Hotel in Thorold.

On the 17th of April, 1847, there was formed the I'horold
'lownship Agricultural Society, with the following as officers :

President, Duncan .Mcl'arland ; Vice- Presitlents, the Rev. T. 15.
Fuller and John Williams ; Treasurer, William U right : Secretary,
Robert Hobson.

The annual membership fee was five shillings, Halifax currency.

One of the articles of the constitution stated that the society
should hold a meeting each autunui for tiie exhibition of " domestic
animals, agricultural implements, horticultural and mechanical pro-
iluctions, and such other articles as thv Hoard may di'cm worthv of

I02

HISTORV OK THOKOII)

encouraging, at which meetings premiums shall be awarded from the
society funds."

A silver medal was awarded to the owner of the best farm in the
lottnship. I'he committee took into consideration the following
points : tlie state of the crops, the drainage, the stock of all kinds,
the fences, the barns and sheds, the farm utensils, the fruit trees, the
state of the soil, and the amount of help that eacli farmer received
from the members of his own family. Those entering their farms
for competition were .Alexander Page, Robert Hobson and Robert
M. W'ilkerson. After inspecting these, the commiitee sent in the
following report :

We, the undersigned, appointed by the Thorold Township
Agricultural Society, a committee to inspect the several farms
entered with the Secretary, for the silver medal offered for 1848,
after a careful and imi)artial examination of the three farms entered
for inspection, do hereby declare it to be our unanimous opinion
that, whilst the other two farms entered are in many respects very
excellent and in some respects superior to the one to which we
awarded the medal, )et, taken as a whole, that of Robert M. W'ilker-
son is the best.

John \\'ii,li.\.ms,
t. b. fui.lkr,
'I'horold, June 20th, 1848. Wkm.inc.ton Smiiii.

The first Cattle Show of which we have any account, held under

the auspices of the Society, took place at Beaverdams on the 10th of

October, 1848, when the following prizes were awarded :

William Ash, stallion, best - - . -
John Thomas, stallion, 2nd best -
Andrew Upper, team of horses, best
John Gainer, team of horses, 2nd best
William Moore, team of horse.s, 3rd best -
William Hanney, carriage horses, best
John Shriner, carriage horses, 2nd best
(leorge Vanderburgh, carriage horses, 3rd best
Duncan Mcl'"arland, single horses, best
The Rev. '!'. B. l-'uller, single horses, 2nd best
John Rannie, single horses, 3r(l best
'I'homas Waters, three-year-old coll, best
David Campbell, three-year-old colt, 2nd best
William Ash, tliree-year-old colt, 3rd best
Robert M. Wilkerson, two-year-old colt, best
Jacob Bouke, two-year old colt, 2nd best

AGRICUI.TURAI,

103

Antliony Upper, two-year-old colt, 3rd Ijcst
fohathan Doan, one-year-old colt, best - .

Andrew Orr, one-year-old colt, 2iid best -
Samuel Johnston, one-vear-old colt, 3rd best
David Campbell, mare and colt, best
Dr. Campbell, mare and colt, 2nd best
Duncan Mcl'arland, mare and colt, 3rd best
Duncan McFarland, bull over 2 years, best -
Samuel Johnston, bull over 2 years, 2nd best -
John Williams, bull over 2 years, 3rd best
Obadiah Hopkins, bull from i to 2 years, l)est
James Smith, bull from i to 2 years, 2nd best
Duncan McFarland, milch cow, best
James \'analstine, milch cow, 2nd best
Thomas McCormack, milch cow, 3rd best
Duncan Mcl'arland, two-year-old heifer, best
Duncan McFarland, two-year-old heifer, 2nd best
John Williams, two-year-old heifer, 3rd best
Aaron Upper, one-year-old heifer, best
Andrew Upper, one-year old heifer, 2nd best
Robert M. Wilkeison, steer, according to age, best
Peter Upper, steer, accordmg to age, 2nd best
Andrew Upper, steer, according to age, 3rd best
\\'illiam N'anderburgh, calf, according to age, best
Thomas McCormack, calf, according to age, 2nd best
John McCoppin, calf, according to age, 3rd best
Andrew Upper, working oxen, best
Andrew Uj)per, working oxen, 2nd best
\^'illiam Ash, ram, fme wool, best
William Ash, ram, fine wool, 2nd best
Wellington Smith, ram, coarse wool, best
U'illiam Ash, ram, ( 'arse wool, 2nd best
Rev. T. H. I'uUer, tiiiee ewes, best
\Vellington Smith, three ewes, 2nd l)est
Welliii on Smith, three lambs, best
John Si iner, three lambs, 2nd best
Rev. T. i'- I'"uller, three boars, best
William ^ oore, three boars, 2nd best
\\'ellington Smith., three boars, 3rd best
\Villiam Wright, breeding sow and pigs, best
Kphraim Ho[)kins, two pigs under one year old, best
Jonathan Doan, two bushels of wheat, best
Robert M. Wilkerson, 10 lbs. of butter, best
Alexander I'age, 10 lbs. of butter, 2nd best
William Wuiderburgh, 10 lbs. f)f butter, 3rd best
Alexander I'age, half-bushel of potatoes, best
Wellington Smith, half-bushel of turnips, best -

.5°

'Ml

i i

ii,|

I04

UISTORN- or THOU'OM)

Alexander I'age, hairi)ushel of onions, best

John Williams, half-bushel of timothy seed, best

John Morley, plouj^di, best ....

Wellington Smith, plough, 2nd best

Wellington Smith, harrow, best

Wellington Smith, turning drill, best

Duncan Mcl'arland, scarifier, best

Alexander I'age, 10 lbs. of cheese, best

Peter Upper, 10 yards of flannel, best

Wellington Smith, fulled cloth, best

Andrew Upper, carpeting, best

Andrew Ui)per, coverlets, best ....

Alexander Page, six kinds of apples, best

John Williams, cabbage, best

John \\'illiams, flax seed, liest

Alexander Page, corn, best ....

James Hilton, corn brooms, best - - -

Wellington Smith, cultivator, best

The prize list of the last township fair (1897) shows a wonderful
increase in the number of entries.*

■>

.3c

See Appendix for 1897 prize list.

't::

Chapter X

I'liK U'ki.i.am) Canals

Their iinpdrlaiice. The Hon. Wi.i. IIiiDiihon Merritt. ("anal Company formed.
First sod turned. Mr. Merrill's speech. Attempt to huild an underground
canal. Failure of the scheme. I'lan to feed the canal from the Chipi)a\va
Creek. Impossibility owing to quicksands. 'I'hird plan successful. Canal
fed from the Crand River. Navigation ojiened in 1S29. Widening of the
wooden locks. (lovernment huys the stock. .Second enlargement of the
old canal. .Stone locks luiilt. The new canal begun in iSjo. Dimensions.
Completion. Cost. Canal lolls. Important vessels. Navigation .Season.
Sabbath observance. Tolls anil freight in 1895. Cataract Power Canal begun
in 1897.

Without doubt tlie greatest work of importance ever undertaken
in the town.ship is the Welland Canal. Apart from its value as a
piece of engineering, it has a definite local interest, in that it has given
to an inland district all tlie advantages of a lake port. IJy its con-
stru(-tion, Thorold, Allanburgh and Port Robinson were all brought
into existence, and to it all their business enterprises are due ; for not
only does it offer an easy means of transportation, l)ut its great water
powers have attracted or developed many important industries.
And thus, in the midst of one of the finest fruit districts in the
world, we have tlie uncommon feature of several manufacturing
towns and villages.

For a long time it had been thought possible to create a water-
way through the Niagara Peninsula, and thus to overcome the great
obstacle to continuous travel presented by the Niagara I'alls ; but it
was the Hon. William Hamilton Merritt of St. Cotharines who
brought forward a definite plan that resulted in tlie actual construc-
tion of the Welland Canal. Mr. Merritt owned a mill on the
Twelve Mile Creek at St. Catharines, but in dry seasons there was
not enough water to turn the wheel, so he conceived of a scheme by
which the stream might be fed through an artificial channel from the
Welland or Chippawa River. In 1818, he and some friends went

■'! il

io6

MisTORV or TiroRoi.r»

over the proposed route, and afterwards Mr. Merritt sul)mitted his
plans to the Government. The Legislature became interested in
the project, and voted ^2,000 to have the land more correctly sur-
veyed. They decided, however, that the course suggested by Mr.
Merritt was too near the frontier, and all this money was sjient,
therefore, upon surveying a less practicable route from the (Irand
River to Burlington liay, a distance of fifty miles.

In 1823 Mr. Merritt, influenced by the success of the Erie
Canal in New York state, made another attempt to put his plan in
operation. A number of persons furnished funds to have the old
route surveyed by a competent engineer, named Hiram Tibbetts.
The Welland Canal Company was then organized, with a stock of
^"40,000, shares being ^12, 10s. each. Mr. (leorge Keefer was
elected President. The chief shareholders were: George Keefer,'
Thomas Merritt, George Adams, William Chisholm, Joseph Smith,
Paul Shipman, John DeCou and William Hamilton Merritt. The
(Company was incorporated by an act passed in January, 1824. On
the last day of November of the same year, the first sod was turned
near the present village of AUanburgh. About two hundred persons
were present at this formal opening of tlie work. Mr. Merritt's
speech on this occasion well explains the benefits that would result
from the construction of the canal. We give his speech in full :

Having been appointed an agent by the President and Directors
of the Welland Canal Company, to manage the affairs for tiie time
being, they have honored me with an opportunitv of addressing you
at this time, and I assure you that nothing could afford me greater
satisfaction, were I not conscious, from want of ability and from not
being in the habit of public si)eaking. that I shall fall far short of
doing common justice to the occa;. ..)n. We are assembled here this
day for the purpose of removing the first earth tVom a canal which
will, by the shortest distance, connect the greatest extent of inland
waters in the whole world ; and it gives me peculiar [)leasure to find
that the line of this canal has been located in this neighborhood, the
inhabitants of which have turnetl out on all occasions with a zeal
and alacrity worthy of the undertaking. Their homes have been
open at all times, and to their j)ersonal exertions we are greatly in-
debted for its speedy commencement. You are now, gentlemen,
about to receive the just and welbmerited rewards for your time and
hos[)itality. The first attempt that was made to level this route was
in 1818. A meeting was held at the Beuverdams, a [)lan drawn out,

'" ;

TIIK Wr.I.I.ANl) CANALS

107

111
11
1

and a petition sent to tlie Legislature, requesting that they would
send an engineer to explore the route. Its advantages were not at
that time fully comprehended, and our re<|uest was not attended to.
In 181.S the Legislature appropriated a sum of monev .0 explore
the eountry between I.;ikes Lrie an<l Ontario, ('ommissioners were

ited, to \vli(

)lied,

tht

ad\

stating

the route, and recjuesting that it should lie ex[)lored. They con-
sidered it too near the frontier, and we were again disappointed.
Having failed in our applications, we were sensible that if we did
not make use of great personal exertion we could never bring the
subject [)roperly before the public. We were fully aware of the suj--
posed magnitude of the undertaking ; we were sensible that the
personal interest of the capital and talent of the district was against
us, and that we had no co-oi)eralion to expect from them, which the
result fully proved. Every attem[)t has been made to get this
project taken up by able hands, but not one individual of extensive
capital in the province, or in any high official station, has given it
the least assistance, except the Hon. John H. Dunn. He came
forward at an early day, and has given us his steady and warmest
support. At the same time we were conscious that if disinterested
<apitalists were aware of the natural facilities of the route, the simple
fact of uniting so great an extent of waters at so trifling an exftense
would be a sufHient inducement for them to embark in it. We
therefore determined to tlepend on others no longer, but to apply
our own shoulders to the wheel, and set about it in good earnest.
A subscrijjtion pajx'r was made out at the. April session, 1823, a
small sum of money raise<l, an engineer em{)loyed and a report of
the same laid before the jiublic on the loth of May. An act of
incorporation was oi)tained at the next sitting of the Legislature in
February, 1824. Sul)s<:rij)lions were made at (^)uebec and this
place, in May following, to the amount of nearly $50,000. It was
our intention at that time to follow it up immediately, and to com-
mence the work at this point in June last. However, as some
gentlemen in this district, who were whollv misinformed respecting
the situation of the route, thought it proper to write stating the whole
scheme to be entirely vi.sionary, and that it would most probably
result in a total loss to the subscribers, we were under the
necessity of .suspending operations until surveys and reports
were obtained l)v different engineers, which have already been
published, and which have given perfect satisfaction. We tiien
sent to New York and obtained the aid retjuired to cover
the first estimates, and have now put this part of the line
under contract, as was the original design. We have had difficulties
and prejudices to contend with, but not so many as we apprehended ;
and taking everything into consideration, we have commenced as
soon as could be reasonably expected. A reiKirt having been circu-
lated that the stockholders in Quebec refuse to pay the amount of

i 1

■4 ■.'

1 :■'

I i

''■ ! i 1

' 'if

io8

iiisTnR\- ni THnRni.r»

their subscriptions, \vc \)c^ leave to read an extract of a paper
received from the Committee in (^)iiel)ec, througii our agents, Messrs.
Irvine, McNouglit \- Co., addressed to the President, Ceorge
Keefer, Ks(].:

"Sir — At a general meeting of the stockholders in the District
of (^)uel)ec, held on Monciay last, the reports, letter and documents
received from you and Mr. Merritt were suhmittet!, and the whole
gave great satisfaction. The general meeting, having every confi-
dence in the juilguient, discretion and prudent nianagc'iifiit ol' the
Directors in conducting the general concerns of the Welland ("anal
Company, as well as in the economical expenditure of the funds con-
fided to their discretion, have withdrawn the restrictions lu^retofore
thought necessary. The tlirectors need not entertain any doubt of
the due payment l)y the stockholders. They mention this, not only
with a view to satisfying the i)ui)lic, but more es|)ecially the contract-
ors, as we wish them to retair every confidence in the Directors, and
to rest assured of tlie punctual hilfilnu'nt of our engagenu-nts in
Quebec of the instalments when called for, their doubts in the
expedienc y aiul advantage of the imdertaking l)eing (juite removed :
and as already stated, in the integrity of your management they rest
with implicit reliance.''

'I'here still remains about $30,000 to be subscribed to fill up the
amount of our capital. it was the wish of the Directors to have
$100,000 taken up in the [)rovinces, and $50,000 elsewhere, that we
might have a greater interest in a work that so materially concerns
us. We hope and trust that every farmer and iiilKd)itant within the
influence of this canal will make himself interested in the undertak-
ing, by subscribing for more or less shares. It will be a peculiar
satisfaction to you, one and all, to go to your own mills and machin-
ery, — everything you take to them will be putting money in your own
pockets. We wish this stock to become general, and you may be
sure if you let this o[)portunity pass, you will have reason to regret
it. 'inhere is not the least doubt hut it will be the most ])rofital)le
description of stock. This is the opinion of almost every intelligent
man who has given himself the trouble thoroughly to examine the
subje<'t. J. H. \'ates, I'lscp, has taken stock to t!ie value of $30,000,
and Mr. Alfred Hovey, $10,000. These gentlemen have no interest
in the countr}- whatever : but have taken it for no other object than
the returns they are hereafter to recei\e. (lentlemen, this canal,
from its peculiar and most favorable situation, will be the means of
creating within itself, or by its own construction, a greater amount of
trans|)ortation than will pay the interest of the capital expended,
over and above the transit it will draw frojii Lake Erie and the
profits of its hydraulic situation. It is well known to you that the
banks of the River Welland and the (i rand Riser abound with an
inexhaustible su|)ply of pine timber, now useless, which will be
floated down to our establishments, converted into lumber, and

'I!

THK Wl.l.l.AM) CANALS

lOt)

■it

lrans|)nric(l to the cntrancL- of the American canal at 'I'onawanda,
wlierc it must ever find a constant and ready demand, as tlieir l)or-
ders are destitute of that article. I'here are likewise important (jiiar-
ries of the purest white j^yjjsnm, or |)Iasters, on the borders of the
(Irand River, which will soon become a profitable article of com-
merce. Staves can be conveyed thence to I>nke Ontario for $2.00
or $.vo^ ^ thousand. All the produce from the most remote town-
ships of that river and west of it, which now goes to lUirlington, will
come through this canal. 'i'he transit of these articles, md many
more too numerous to mention, will be created bv its construction ;
besides thousands of barrels of flour, which will be drawn from the
siurounding country to its mills. By entering the mouth of the
(Irand River one month earlier every spring, we shall draw all the
early transit from the American shore, even slK)uld they join their
own canal again at i'onawanda. 'I'his is an advantage of the great-
est im])ortance, and one that this will ever retain, as nature has
|)laced such a barrier to the entrance at Buffalo, by the ice, that
with all their enterprise and ingenuity they will never be able to
overcome it. In case it should hereafter be found exjjedient, by the
<'onstruction of one lock with a four-foot lift at I'ort Isrie or Waterloo,
and making a tow-palh on the Niagara or (Jhippawa Rivers, which can
be accomplished at a small expense, ves.sels can be towed of any
burthen from Lake Erie to I,ake Ontario. This i)eninsula is wholly
<lestitute of a situ ition for rivers that can even be consitlered mer-
cantile, the l"'alls of Niagara excepted. This canal, having the Ni-
agara for its feeder, at the commencement will afford the best and
most numerous situations for machinery within the same distance in
America ; wet or dry, warm or cold, we always have the same abun-
dant and steady su])ply of water, which will be alternately made use
of without any detriment to trans|)()rtati();i, until its termination in
Lake Ontario. The verv idea of those contemplated improvements
has a tendency to exhilarate our spirits. Instead of remaining in
this dull, su|)ine state, in which we have been for years |)ast, we
shall mingle in the bustle and active scenes of business ; our com-
modities will be enhanced ii> value, and a general tide of prosperity
will be witnessed on the whole line and surrounding country. In
short, gentlemen, we are situated in a country favored with every
advantage, in soil, climate and situation : its resources remain only
to be known to draw men of caj)ital amongst us : and we trust, now
that improvements have commenced, it will increase, and that we
inav witness the same spirit of enterprisi' here that our neighbors
the Americans, possess in so eminent a degree. We have now
stated the local advantages of this canal, and the reasonable expecta-
tion we have that it will become a profital)le speculation to the
shareholders. \'ou may think we are ha/arding a bold assertion ;
but I verily believe it to be as great a national object to the Bro-
viiice a.s the Erie Canal is to the State of New York. 'J'hev have

I »i

t ;

I " ,

J It.,

I I'

I lO

iiis'ioRN ni' iiinuoi ri

appropriated $8,000,000 for tlic piir|)ose of connecting Lake Hrie
with the Hudson River or the ocean ; we shall expect the same ob-
ject for one-fiftieth |)art of tho money, and shall reap ecpial if not
superior advantages by the Welland. This canal is the coniiiience-
ment of a similar undertaking ; it is the most iinportant link in tiiat
chain of communication which we hope to sec effected within tiiree
years. We iem<jve the only natural barrier of importance the I'alls
of Niagara. The rapids between IVescott and Lachine command
the next consideration. If the subject is properly before the Legis-
lature of the two provinces this winter, it can be commenced the
year following. 'I'here is nothing novel, new or intricate in the
undertaking, or the method to be pursued. Let us only follow the
plan adopted by that celebrated and enlightened statesman, J)e
Witt Clinton, and it will succeed without taxing the country one
farthing. If they can make a canal 300 miles without taxation, I
trust we can do the same for 50 miles by following similar means.
When we contemplate the natural advantages we possess over the
Americans in our water communication, it is astonishing to think of
the apathy and indifference tliat have hitherto prevailed among us
on this sid)ject. If we encjuirc the ise, nine-tenths of us would
blame the (iovernment. There ne\i. was a more erroneous idea.
We are ever inclined to move the burden from our own shoidders,
and can only blame omselves. Nor ought we to sup|)ose that our
governors are as immediately interested in any part or portion of the
country as the inhabitants who are living on the spot. If you were
asked in what branch of the Legislature should those measures ema-
nate, you would readily answer, the branch composed of the Com-
mons ; they are sent from amongst us ; their interest is ours, and if
we do not find exertion among them, where are we to look for it ?
Show me a measure that has passed that body for the improvement
of the country, and you will find it has received the concurrence and
sanction of the other branches. It is a rare occurrence that mea-
sures of great national improvement originate from the administra-
tion of the Ciovernment. It was not the (lovernor of New York
who first recommended the Krie Canal ; it was brought forward by
the people, who were the most interested. The system or plan was
matured by Mr. Clinton at an early day, and the act finally passed
in 1817, during the administration of (iovernor Tompkins. I men-
tion this circumstance more particularly, as a most unfounded idea
is entertained, not only among ourselves, but in the United States,
that the cause of our negligence and inattention to the improvement
of the country originates in the government of the colony, and has a
tendency to prevent people of capital from making it their residence.
We shall soon begin to realize the benefit arising from the American
canal ; this will create a competition between the rival markets
New York and Montreal or Quebec — and be a general benefit to
the whole country above us. All the produce from the American

nil; will AM) ( AN AI.S

I I I

side will he carried down the St. I.awrenee, for we shall have nearly
the same advantages in transit as heretofore. It will he the n>eans
of more closely uniting the interests of the two Provinces, and
increasing their character and re|)iilatioii ahroatl. The I )irectors
have reason to believe that they have been fortunate in obtaining
contractors every way (jualified for the undertaking ; and it is to be
hoped in your future choice that you will select men of integritv and
j)erseverance, who will carry on the work as rapidly as under e.xislinj^
circumstances it has commenced, thai they may t:ommand the \)er-
fect confidence of the contractors, and be so fortunate as to obtain
contractors who will be entitled to the confidence of their men.
In that case, all the branches will harmonize, and there will be no
difficulty in completing the all-important undertaking. That it may
have a speech' and successful termination, is tlu' most ardent wish of
the W'elland ('anal ("ompanv.*

A spade was then given to .\lr. Reefer, who turned the first sod,
saying: *' (ientlemen, it is with pleasure that I remove the first
earth from the W'elland (!anal, and I ardently hopt- that the work
may continue unmterru|)led until the whoU- is completed."

Already, contractors had been engaged for the work ; and
hundreds of immigrains, chielly from Ireland, now came to find
employment as laborers. The diggers received only sixty three
cents a dav. It is interi'sting to note that the original itrojectors of
the scheme did not in their wildest hopes look forward to so
stui)endous an aehievt'inent as the new canal. The lirst idea was
to connect the two lakes by means of a boat canal through the
valley of the 'i'wclve Mile ( !reek to the loot of the mountain ridge,
while the incline was to be ascended by means of a railway ending at
l^eaverdams ; from this point a second canal was to be tunneled
through the hill that has since been excavated, and is now known as
the Deep ('ut.t P)oats were to enter the tunnel from the ("hip[)awa, a
little east v»f the |)resent village of I'ort Robinson. Two shafts were
sunk ; and while the work went on, two Hat boats to be used on this
strange route were built. They were known by number, being i
and 2 of the ICrie and Ontario Navigation Company. However,
while the workmen were digging down to the level of the tunnel,
they came upon a s[)ring of water so great in volume that it swept

" " I{i()5;n;pliy of tlu' Il.ui. W. II. Merrill. M. 1'.
) Mr. Merrill"'. " Kcviiu of llic Wtllaiul t';ui:il."

I I .

HISTORY OK TIIOROI n

off one of their nuniher. Leaving their tools at the bottom, the
others escaped as t|uirkly as possible, and ran to the little settle-
ment, reporting that a stream of water as large as a barrel had burst
out upon them. At any rate, the stream or spring was important
enough to make the company abandon all thoughts of being able to
construct an underground canal. The hole still remains iK-side the
(irand Trunk Railway track, about seven-eighths of a mile north of
the I'ort Robinson station, while a gully near the I'resbyterian
church in the same village is another witness to the excavations
made for this route.

'i'he second plan was also to bring the water from die ("hippawa
Creek ; but it was now proposed to dig a chaiincl through the
troublesome hill that was to have been tunneled, 'i'he work was
then all done with pick and shovel, and soon the men found a new
difficulty in the quicksands. Slips of so disastrous a nature
occurred that the company gave up the i)lan of bringing the water
from the ("hi|)pawa, and decided to connect the canal with the
(Irand River, which is on a much higher level. They were better
able to do this now, as in February, 1827, the Legislature of Upper
Canada had taken stock to the amount of ^50,000, and had also
made a grant lo the company of 13,000 acres of land in the
township of A\'ainileet, while the (iovernment of Lower Canada had
invested ^^2 5,000 in the project. Just when the quicksands
interfered with the work, it was estimated that the construction was
so far advanced that in ten days the waters of the Chippawa could
have flowed through the Deep Cut.

Experienced engineers were employed to survey a route from
Caledonia to Port Robinson. They pronounced it i)erfectly
practicable to bring the water from the (Irand River, but estimated
the cost at ^25,000 more than the company then had on hand.
Nevertheless, as the canal between Lake Erie and the Chippawa
was already completed, the Directors determined to undertake the
work in a new direction. At the present town of Welland an
aqueduct was built over the (Chippawa River, whilea dam was con
structed across the Grand River at Dunnville, and by means of an
artificial channel (ailed the l-'eeder the pent-up waters of the latter

IHLUAUKMUUSHr?}^'*

w.u \i,c;,i

MAYORS OV THOROLD

1 -

^li

III.

vv V i,a>

I \S Mo. w. T. Fish, Clerk, ^ '^iv'«„^^T^'^"-

IHOKOLi^ TOWN COUNCIL, 1.S97

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r I

' ; '^>''^ >^

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~ V I" mMhvif^

MiU-jjaii't, wife of i;lniiiia, (laimliti r lit M,n ^artil I'.lmiii.i M.ii\ l-.liiiiiia, dauKlitir

John llnovtr Jotm and Mis. lli ovi r uilc .il T. 1-". I'atlison ot T.l'' anil Mis.Pattison

and uranildanjJluiT of and [^nal-yranddaiinlitcr
Mrs. I'llm Hoover of Mrs. John Hoov('r

' t|

■ 1 hi' Locnsts, tlir I. ,.t( lire ot ilic laic I'cicr lloovii, bnilt in the

year iHz^. Directly opposite tliis honse is the lii'ld where

tlie harness was cut ofl the horses wliiU' Jolni

Hoover was ploii^ihilif; in i.Sli

Monuini ni i i tried h\ the
pi opU- ot theeonnly ot ()\tord

to ilie memory of Mal<'ohn

MeKeiizie. who tell at Kidncway

June 2. tSWi, a^;e(i 27 years

The 1-iont Street of Allanhiirnh

1. '

"1'

TIIK WRI.I.ANll CANALS

I '3

Stream wore thus brought to tlie Dec,) (ait. The great volume of
water kept the banks in their places, anil it was now possible to
dredge out the bottom where the quicksands had refused to yield to
pick and shovel. The canal was thus connected with the Chippawa
River, and in this way two outlets were given to it - one through the
Chippawa into th*> Niagara River, not far from its source, and
thence into Lake Erie at ili'.ffalo ; and the other through the I'eeder
and the Cirand River to the same lake at Dunnville. With this con-
nection it was easy to lock boats down from the level of the canal to
that of the Chippawa Creek, and thus a great difficulty was
surmounted, for it would have been impossible to dig low enough
through the quicksands to he able to feeil the canal from th« <Toek.

On the 30th of November, 1829, the first two vesseK the .Inn
and Jane of 'I'oronto, and the R. //. Boir^kfon of Yi>uni»stown
(N. Y.) passed up the canal from Port Dalhousie. All along tlie
way the people turned out 10 witness this great event, which was
/t'lcbrak'd with due honor. After some discussion on the question of
pticciftil/ 1', it was decided that the British vessel should lead. The
canal laborers themselves took turns in towing the boats, whicn were
covered with flags. At Port Robmson, thj::e vessels »it;re let in
through the guard locks to ■ Chippawa River, and then passed on
to Lake Erie, thus formallv opening the canal.

As the locks and their gates were all made of w:)»«»i. it has
become coiairmon in thesr days of greater hvdraulic achiev -Tiients to
refer to this mode>t Ix'ginning as the " wf)odcn canal." Some of tht
first locks were only fourteen feet wide, but these were afterwards
enlargeii.

This new line v it travel, which tliverted coirmiercc from the
frontier. w:is by no means a|)|)roved oi by the inhai)itants of Niagara-
on-the lake, then the chief town in the clismct. l'"or many vear- it
was thicau-ML- of great jealou- between this old port and the new-
city of St. < jaharines,

'I"he support nf the Ciovernment in th>' inierests of t!ic cinal was
olitained chieflx by the efforts of llu' Rev. Dr. Strachan, then .
niember of the Legislative ('ouncil, and of Chief Justice McLean, at
that timi' Si -aker of the Ho .se of .Xssembh.

I )

IIISIORN Of- T/f()U()I.I>

Already half a million [jouikIs had been spent on the work, and
much more jnoney was needed for improvements ; so, in i<S42, the
Governnient bought out all the share-holders and assumed entire
control of the canal. The channel was at once enlarged, and a new
waterway was dug from Wrlland Junction to Port (.'olbornc on Lake
Erie. 'I'his formed the fir>.t direct connection between du' two
inland seas. The long level between Allanburgh and Port
C!oll)orne was still fcdhoni tlic Cirand River, and therefore vessels
had to be l(H:ked dotvn into Lake Krie as well as into I«ike Ontario.
In 1 843,- stone locks 150 ft. long by 26 ft. 6 in. wide replacx'd the
old wooden one.s. Lock nunii)er i at Port Daliiousie, lock 2 at St.
Catharines, and one at Allani)urgh were 200 feet long and 45 feet
wide. At each of these, vessels could be lowered eight and a
half feet to the next level, and thus the descent from t!ie (Irand
River level was easily made. .\ waste-weir for eacii lock served
as a regulator for the water. The atjueduct at Wt-Iland was
rebuilt of stone, its length being 316 feet and its width 45 feet,
while a depth of 10 feet 8 inches allowed it to serve for either the
Cirand River or the Lake l'>ie level. 'l"he length from P()rt
Colborne to Port Dalhousie was twenty-seven and one-fifth miles,
and this constituted the old Welland Canal.

In 1870 the Covernment began the construction of what is
railed the new canal. I'rom I'ort Dalhousie to AUaiiburgh, a dis-
tance of ten miles, an entirely new waterway was made, running east
of Si. Catharines and Thorold, its greatest distance from the old one
at any point being a mile and a-lialf .\t .Mhuiburgh it joined the
old canal, and from that i)lace tn Port ("olborne the channel was
enlarged. The total length is now twentv-six and three-(|uarli'r
miles. The sunuiiit has i)een reduced from the (liaiul River to the
level of Lake l^rie, and from Port ( 'olborne t(J .Mlanburgh there is
no descent. l'"rom tlu' latter point to L:ike l)ntario there is a fall
of T,2()i/^ leet, which is overcome by twenty fi\e sto;u.' locks 270 feet
long bv 45 feet wide. The canal is 100 feet wide ,it the bottom,
and has a tiepth of 14 feet, 'i'he depth was at fust 12 fvet, but the
banks were raised 2 feet. The acjueduit over the Welland river
is considered one of the finest pieces of masonry on the ( ontinent.

TIIF, WKM.ANI) CANALS

I'S

At Thorold the canal is crossed by the Niagara Central Railway
bridge, and a little south of the town the Welland branch of the
(Irand Trunk Railway has another bridge over it. The Oreat
Western branch passes under the canal ; its tunnel is 713 feet long,
including the approaches, as it describes a curve of nearly one and
a half feet radius. The width is 16 feet, wiiilc the height of the
centre of the arch from the ground is I S feet. At a short distance
north of this tunnel there is another culvert, through which a road
passes. In i<SS4 the wliole work was completed, the entire cost
having been $13,000,000.

'I'he locks and bridges are all lighted by gas.

Since the i-ompletion of the canal the towns along its banks,
with the exception of Merritton, have all shown a decrease in
population and in business energy. The water power on the new
canal has never yet been rented, although many applications have
been made for it.

Until July ist, 1895, there was a colle<-tor of canal tolls at Port
Robinson, but now the tolls are paid at the terminal ports. Most
of the sailing vessels are towed through the canal by tugs belonging
to the towing union, which pay an annual toll of $30.00. Sailing
vessels j)ay two and a (juarter cents a ton. The loll for a raft of
saw logs is eight cents on the standard log (250 feet).

Some of the largest boats that pass tluough from lake to lake are
the Frosty Rosemount^ St. Lawrence and the whalebacks -yewc/// /..
Colby and Charles IVetiiiore, each of which completely fills a lock.
The C. 1'. R ironclads were obliged to go through in sections.
Perhaps the most intere^tl;lg \esnels that liave ever been brought wy
the canal were the Spanish caravels, the Nina, the Pinta an'l the
Santa Maria, which ])assed through on their way to Chicago for
the World's I'air, while the New Bedford whaling vessel bound for
the same port .I'^o attracted a great deal of attention. Of the
|wivate yachts many are admired for their handsome eciuipment, but

the

most
mission

mi)o

rtant one, Ih-ctusc of association, was the Evanirel

iin\

try boat sent out from Knglantl by the I'rince of Wales
for the use of Hishop -Sullivan m .Mgoma diocese, and manned
entirely by Ojibbeway Indians. in iSho the Pritish na\y was

4 1

116

HISTORY OK THOROr.D

il;.-

rcpresented in the Welland canal by Her Majesty's Ships, Heron^
Cherub and Britomart, which passed througli in order to protect the
shores of the upper lakes from the I'enians. In 1895 an Anieri(\an
vessel hound for CuIki passed down the ranal, and it w.is only when
she was safely out of Canadian waters that her ultimate destination
was known ; she had ix'en fitted out at a United States port for
filibustering service on the coast of Cuba. In December, 1897, the
United States man-of-war, YantiCy was allowed to go througli, as she
carried no guns and her government had promised that she should
be used merely as a training ship at Detroit.

The regular navigation season on the canal usually extends from
ihe middle of Ajiril until the middle f)f Novemlx-r. A few lock-
tenders are, however, kept on <luty for a longer period, in order that
vessels may go through as long as the canal is free of ice, and very
often the boats are able to run until Christmas.

Until 1845 vessels were locked through on Sundays, but in that
year a lawsuit; was brought against the Covernnient, with the result
that the Sabbath Observance law was strictly enforced on the caiKil
until 1876. Those chiefly instrumental in bringing this about were
John Ker, William James, William P>ealty and the Rev. T. B. Fuller.
From 1876 until 1897 the canal has been closed on Sundays only
between the hours of 6 a. m. and 8 p. m. Now, in accordance with
the new Sabbath Observance law, the locks are closed for twenty-four
hours.

In 1895 the total number of ves.sels passing through the canal
was 2222, while the amount of freight transported was 869,595 t^^ns.
The tolls collected amounted to $138,713.64.

In 1895 469,779 tons of freight were carried through the canal
from one United States i)ort to another.

A full description of the vessels and their cargoes is given in the
Appendix.

On the 20th of October^ 1897, the first sod was turnecFon the
Cataract I'ower Canal, a new waterway which is to be fed from the
old Welland canal at Allanburgh. The cliannel is to be used
merely to convey the water from Lake l'>ie level to a point in the
Niagara escarpment a short distance east of DeCew Falls. Here

.■:J>:'^^'^i£S7i'm*' ^b-^^*'*--

THF. WKI.I.ANI) CANALS

the water will lie dropped through immense steel tubes to a reservoir
on the plain i)elo\v. where tlv water power thus generated will be
converted into electricity. 1 .. channel will be about 40 feet wide,
and will have an average depth of 7 feet. Its total length will be
four and one-third miles. The xoluine of water will have a fall of
about 240 fi-et at the northern terminus of the canal, and thus about
6,000 horse power will be developed t)\ the descent. This power
will be transmitted to various points by means of electricity, but it is
expected that most of it will be used at Hamilton.

Below the fall, the Twelve-mile Oeek will be utilized as a tail-
race to convey the waters of the <'anal to Lake Ontario.

'I'he canal company is composed chiefly of Hamilton men, the
President being the Hon. J. M. Gibson, Minister of Crown Lands
for Ontario.

It is estimated that this power canal will cost about $450,000,
and much of this money will be spent within Thorold township.

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23 WES ' MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

Chapter XI

MuNiciPAr, HrsTORY

Parish and town nfTicers. Lii'utoniints of counties. Township Act of 1835,
Office of Town V/arden restored in 1838. The first entry in Thorolcl
Townsliip Hook. Return of roads laid out in 1796. Later roads in the
Townshi]). Municijial Act of 1841. Thorold nienihe s of the old Niagara
District Council. List of Wardens of Welland County chosen from Thorold
Township. Important l)y-hu> affecting the Township. Hy-laws [lassed by
the Thorold Town and \'il!age Councils.

"The system of local rioremment in Ontario may he looked
upon as nearly perfect, and certainly the l)t;St in the whole world."
— Sir Charles Dilke, " Problems of dreat Britain," p. 66.

Tn 1793 an act was passed by the Parliament of Upper (Canada
" to provide for the nomination and appointment of parish and town
officers." As the town meeting was regarded with distrust as the
seed-bed of revolution, the authors of this act sought to limit its
authority to local niatters of petty importance, and therefore defined
the duties of all elective officers. The officers named were "a clerk,
two assessors, a collector, not less than two nor more than six over-
seers of highwa}'s, one or more pound-kee[)ers and two town-ward-
ens." The duties of the clerk were defined as being " to make a true
and complete list of every male and female inhabitant within the
limits of his parish, town or township, and to return the same to the
justices of the peace, so that they may produce the said list at the
general quarter sessions in the month of April to be holden," and "to
enter and record all such matters as shall relate to such parish, town
or township, and shall appertain to his office, which records shall be
faithfully and carefully kept and preserved by such clerk, and by hin>
delivered to his successor duly nominated and ap|)ointed. ' The
assessors were to "assess all such rates and taxes as i:hall be
imposed by any act or acts of the legislature of this province, and l>e

1:1 Mk mi:

iir '^.

MTNiriPAI. HISTORY

payable by the inhabitants thereof." The collector was to " demand
and receive from the inhabitant householders such rates and taxer.
as may be due and payable from the i.ihabitants in respect of the
niatters aforesaid." The duties of overseers of the highways were
de.scribed as being " to oversee and perform such things as shall be
directed by any act lO be passed touching or concerning the high-
ways and roads in this province, which said overseers shall also serve
the office of fence-viewers." The town or church-wardens were "as
a corporation, to represent the whole inhabitants of the township or
parish, and as such may have a property in goods or chattels of, or
belonging to, the said parish, and shall and may suCj prosecute, or
defend in all presentments, indictments, or actions, for or on the
behalf of the inhr;bitants of the said parish." They acted as over-
seers of the poor and as guardians of orphan children, whom they
were empowered by a r^.ubsequent act to bind out as apprentices. It
was further enacted that " as soon as there shall be any church built
for the performance of divine service according to the use of the
Church of England, with a parson or minister duly a[)pointed
thereto, then the said inhabitant householders shall choose and
nominate one person, and the said parson or minister shall nominate
one other person, which persons shall jointly serve the office of
church -warden."

The terms i)arish and township, it will be observed, are used to
designate the same local division, and the office of church warden
aiipears to have been purely temporal in its functions.

This act continued in force with slight alterations for almost hah"
a century.

Municipal organizations were intimatelv connected with that of
the militia. The inhabitants of each township were enrolled in one
or more companies, and officers aj^pointed to command them. This
measure was conducted, however, on very different lines from that
already described. " In order to promote an aristocracy most neces-
sary in this country," wrote I.ieut.-dovernor Simcoe (4th November,
1792) " I have appointed lieutenants to the most pojnilous counties,
which I mean to extend from time to time, and have given them
recommendatory powers for the militia and magistracy, as is usual in
England."

i^^

I20

HISTORY OK TMOROr.r?

In 1S35 a new Township Act was passed aiithorizfng the
rnhahitaiits of each township to elect thrtc commissioners, to w'nom
were transferred many of tlie duties hitherto perfornu-d by the
justices >n (iiiarler sessions respecting the mair tenance of 'he
highways. The office of town wardens was then ahohshed, and only
une assessor was to he elected in future. In 1838 the situation of
municipal affairs was described by CharJes Buller in these teims :
"In Upper (Canada there appears to exist a systematic, compre-
hensive and i)0[)ular organiziition of the townships. The people
of these districts are entrusted with the freest election of municipal
officers ; but the officers thus chosen seem to i)e entrusted with
hardly any of the powers which are nece.ssary for \ really efficient
municipal government. The inhabitants of these townships appear
to have a very popular choice of nearly useless functionaries, and a
very perfect municipal machinery exists without I)eing rendered
available for the most important municipal purposes."

In 1838 the acts respecting the election of town.'^hip officers were
again amended. 'I'he ofiice of commissioner was abolished and that
of town warden restored. Some of the duties of c;)mmissioners in
respect to the rtxids and bridges devolved ujxjn the wardens, the num-
l)er of whom was ivjcreased to three. They l>ecame guardians of the
l)oor and of orphan children, and were required to report to the
magistrates of the district any dangerous lunatic who might be found
at large. They were ret^uested to audit the accounts of the clerk,
who was made the treasurer of all fines, commutation money in lieu
of militia service, and all sums arising from the assessment of wild
lands. As before, the wardens were created a cori)orate body to
represent the whole of the inhabitants of the township.

The first entry in the Thorold Townsliip lK)ok wis made in 1799,
but there is evidence to show that town-officers had been elected
several years before. The following extracts refer to the first roads
made in the township :

Return of roads and highways laid out by us, Isaac Sway/e and
Thomas Welsh,- I'^scjuires, two of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace
for the Home 1 )istrict and Province of Upper (Canada, as follows,
that is to say : Beginning for a road laid out across the Township

MUNKIPAt. HISTORY

I 21

of Tliorokl, ill the vicinity of the river Welland, formerly railed the
(Miippawn, at or very near to a maple tree marked on four sides,
standing on or very near to the easternmost side line of the Township
of Thorold, and on tlie easternmos^ side of the lands (granted) by
the Crown to Peter Misener, and theme extending through the said
Peter Misener's field on the highest and best ground for that pur-
pose as near as (:ireu<nstance!: will admi' to the house and ham of
said Peter Misener, so as to meet the old road or j)ath on the east
side o( the bridge, thence extending westerly along the said road or
])ath to or near the back or north side of Leonard Misener's barn,
thenee extending across Leonard Misener's fields westerly on a ridge
of high ground to wood lands of said Leonard Misener, still
extending westerly on the highest and best ground for the purpose
of crossing Williams' creek, a littU? below the bridge, thence still
extending westerly on the highest and best ground to a marked black
oak sapling standing near the north west corner of ('amp's field,
thence still expending westerly on the highest and best land for tliat
purpose to a small marked beech and an ironwood standing on the
north side of Jonathan Silverthorn's branch, thence still extending
westerly on the highest and best land for that i)urj)ose to a marked
beech tree standing near the north west side of a field called
Templeton's field, thence extending westerly on the highest and best
ground for that purpose through 'I'homas Welsh's plantation to the
creek by and to the southward of James Burger's house, thence still
extending westerlv through James Burger's plantation and to the
westernmost sii.le of tire 'rownshij) of Thorold.

(liven under our hands and seals this ninth day of November, in
the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-six.

'iiros. Welsh, J. P.
Isaac SwA^z^:, J. P.

'IVue copy, (iARki:i Vani)i:iu!i:k(;h, '['.(".

RecordecLby me, Obadiah Hopkins, by a return to me by

Isaac Swayzc, Thos. Welsh, J. P. )

Upper Canada, Home District, to wit : I

Return of a road or highway by us, I'homas Welsh and Isaac
Swayze, F>s(]uires, two of His Majesty's Justict^'s of the Peace for the
district aforesaid, beginning where a road formerly opened and at
present used by the consent of the inhabitants, leading from David
Secord's grist-mill in Pelham and extending thence on said road or
as near thereto as the ground will admit, through the plantation of
Abraham Overholt, of Henry Damude, of Adam Dennis, Jonathan

I 22

HISTORY or THOROI.I)

Hagar, Israel Swayze, and to the township line between the
Township of Thorold and Newark, near Philij) Midler's.

(liven under our hands and seals this tenth day of November,
1796. Isaac Swavze, J. P.

Thoma.^ \>'ki.sh, J. P.

True eo[)y. (iARRKi' \'ANi)r.Ri'.i'R(;n, T. C.

Return to nie, Ohadiali Hopkins, Town Clerk for the Township
of Thorold, of a road laid out by Isaac Swayze J. P. and Thomas
Welsh, J. P. which I have put on record according to the return
made by I. S., T. W., Escir's.

Home District, Upper Canada.

Return of a road laid out by us, Isaac Swayze, Thomas Welsh,
Kstpiires, two of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, for the district
aforesaid, beginning at Tlionias Welsh's, l'>s(i'r. landing on the north
side of tlie river Welland, in the Townshij) of Thorold, and extend-
ing thence in a direct line, as near as the ground will admit for that
purpose, toward the southwest angle of the said Township of
'I'horold.

Given under our hands and seals this the tenth day of
November, i 796. Isaac Swavzk, J. P.

Thomas v\'ki,sh, J. I'.

True copy. Carrki Xanderhuroh, T. C.

IJy an order from David Secord and John McKerline, Esqr's, to
me directed, this tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord
1803, to record a road or highway througii the Township of Thorold,
beginning at the east side of the said township, on the concession
line between the third and fourth concession on a due course until
it intersects a road or highway leading to Darling's Mill, to be
described as follows . Between Jacob L'])per"s on the north,
Benajah Williams' on the south, and through (leorge Couke's,
between R. Wilkerson on the north and James Nevills' on the
south, between Paul Crips, .Xnthony Upper, Thaddeus Davis, Hall
Davis on the north, and William Lee, John Vanderburgh, Hiram
Vanderburgh, Herman Van Alstine on the south, thence between
the glebe on the north and P^zekiel Younglove, thence George
Miller, George Keefer, and Ailam Dennis on the north, and on the
south Stephen Sebum, (ieorge Hoover, Aaron Dennis, until it inter-
sects the road leading to John Darling's grist mill.

Recorded by me,

John Hm.i., T. C.

True copy. Garrkt Va.\I)i:riii'R(;h, T. C.

By an order from David Secord and John Reily, Es(ir's, to me
directed this 27th day of October, 1802, to record a road laid out
from a corner of W. H. Lee in the t()wnshi[) of (I'horold) running

MIJNICIPAI. HISTORY

123

due nortli of a line iK'twecn Isaac Ostrander and Peter Oslrandcr,
and between Rol)ert W'ilkerson's and John Kelly's lot to Elisha
Edwards' blacksmith shop, thence east along the road leading to
the falls to a line between Robert Wilkerson's and Oeorge Couke's,
due north to the corner of (leorge Miller's fields, thence northeast
across by his consent to a road leading from the Heaver Dam, by
Philip Metler's to Queenston.

Done the 8th day of April by the oath of twelve freeholders,
according to law.

Oiven under our hands this 17th day of October, 1802.

David Skcord, J. P.
John Reii.v, J. P.
John Hill, T. C.
True copy. (iARRKx Vanderi!UR(;h, T. C.

We, the Honourable Robert Hamilton, Thomas Dickson, Esqr's,
two Commissioners for the District of Niagara, do certify : On
Monday, the 27th day of April, 1801, a jury of freeholders in the
Townshi[) of Thorold declared the concession line unfit for a
highway, therefore we declare the road at that time leading from
Upper's by the Beaver Dams, by Decow's mill, to John Brown's, to
be a road according to law.

Witness our hands and seals at (Queenston, this 23rd day of
March, 1805. Rohert Hamilton, J. P.

Thomas Dickson, J. P.
To the Town Clerk of Thorold :

Recorded by me, John Hill, tiiis tenth day of June, 1805, lown
Clerk for the Township of Thorold.

,T. T^• . • ^ ^ 1"*^> John Hill, Clerk of the 'I'ovnship of

Niagara District | -' Thorold:

Wliereas, for the accommodation of travellers, it is necessary to
open and work the road on the concession line leaving Chippawa
Creek between the houst of Elijah Shotwell and that of John Smith,
then extending west until it shall intersect the township line, thence
on the said township line south to Chippawa Creek, and the same to
be worked in future by the inhabitanfs of the Townships of Thorold
and Pelham. 'I'his order you will enter in the town book in your
care, and make the same public, that the constable presiding at the
next town meeting, to be holden on the first Monday of March next,
put in nomination the inithmasters necessary to carry it into
execution.

(liven under our hands and .seals at Willoughby, this fifteenth
day of I'ebruary, 1806.

Samukl .Street, J. P.
Amos Chai'Man, J. P.

Recorded by me, P'ebruary 16th, 1806, John Hill, Clerk for the
Township of 'I'horold.

■iliiii:;, ,

124

HISTORY OF THOUOI.n

In 1841 a very importnnt nuinicipal act was passed, establishing
in U|)pt'r Canada District Councils with authority to make l)y-la\vs
in regard to roads and streets, bridges, piibhc l)uildings, for t!ie
estal)Iishnient and support of schools, and for defraying the expenses
of the administration of justice. The District of Niagara as then
constituted consisted of the twenty-two townsliips subserjuently
com[)osing the counties of Lincoln, Welland and Maldimand.
'I'horold was allowed to elect two members for the District Council,
and was represented for seven years by the following persons :

Robert Hobson and Duncan Md'arland, - 1842-4

Ceorge Keefer and Duncan McFarland, - - 1845-7

Wm. 15. Mendershot arid Duncan Mcl''arland, - 1848

Wm. H. Hendershot and Dilly Coleman, - - 1849

The Counties of Lincoln and Welland were not separated until
1856, but a Provisional Council for the County of >Velland was
organized in 1850. The warden was chosen from Thorold Town-
ship in the following years :

1862. Warden, Robert Coulter, Reeve of Thorold 'I'ownship.
1863.

David Killins.

Alexander Kraser. Reeve of Thorold Town.
Wm. McCleary, Deputy-reeve of Thorold T(nvn.
C. B. Hennet, Reeve of Thorold Township.

The most important by-law affecting the township appears in the
records as follows :

A meeting of the freeholders and hou.seholders of the Township
of Thorold was held at the town hall, Allanburgh, the 10th day of
March, 1855, to consider the propriety of building a macadamized
road from Thorold Village to the limits of the township at Port
Robinson and to obtain the sanction and support of the various
towns and villages to carry the same to Port Colborne.

At a meeting of the qualified municipal electors of the Township
of Thorold, held at the town hall, Allanburgh, the 29th day of
September, 1855, in pursuance of public notice, to take into consider-
ation the propriety of passing the by-law for raising ;^5,ooo, by way
of loan for the stock taken in the Port Robinson and Thorold

1 864.

1 868.

1883.
1884.
1893.

MUNKII'AI, IIISTORV

'25

I'P
\oi'

T-

macadamized road. A poll was taken, and the majority in favor of
the l)y-law was i 7.

The most important by-laws passed l)y the Thorokl town and
village coimcils have been as follows :

Uy-law i)assed on Xoveniher Sth, 1852, to loan the St.
Catharines, Thorokl antl Suspension Bridge Road Company the sum
of $8,000.

A by-law to authorize the St. Catharines and Welland Canal (las
Company to lay down pipes, etc., in the Village of Thorold, was
passed March 26th, ICS55.

Passed, May iith, 1855, a by-law to donate ^100 to the
Patriotic fund.

A by-law establishing a market in the \'illage of Thorold was
passed December 13th, 1856.

I-'ebruary i8th, 1873 — By-law for $6,000 for the building of a
High School.

May 4th, 1874 — By-law passed to impound animals running at
large.

An act to incorporate the Town of Thorold assented to 21st
December, 1874.

Voted on June 29th, 1877, and carried — By-law to raise $8,000
to purchase a steam fire-engine; by-law finally passed, July 3rd, 1877.

By-law establishing fire limits passed April 15th, 1878.

By-law regulating the market fees, on May 8th, 1882

A by-law to authorize the corj)oration of the Town of Thorold to
aid the St. Catharines and Niagara Central Railway by guaranteeing
the payment of interest only on $20,000 of debentures for twenty
years, was passed January 12th, 1885.

A by-law to raise by way of loan $3,000, for the purpose of
purchasing a plot of ground for a cemetery, was passed January
18th, 1886.

A by-law to raise by way of loan $8,000, for erecting and
operating an electric light plant, passed July 29th, 1887.

A by-law for the issue of $6,000 del)entures, for consolidating the
indebtedness of the town, was passed August 19th, 1889.

A by-law to authorize the issue of $7,000 debentures to
consolidate the outstanding indebtedness and to meet current
expenses, was pas.sed May 31st, 1890.

■■ : (

H 1

Chapter XII

("hdrciiks

rrcshylerian clnirch at I'ort R<)l)iiis<in. Moiliodisl cliurchos iit HcaviTiIains,
'riiorold, Allanlnirj^h and rnrt l\i>l)ins(in. Iin|Hirtanl iiiinislers. Cluirch of
Kn^^laiul al 'I'iiorold and I'orl Ki)l)insiin. C"kT^;y Ki'scrvcs. I'rcshylcrianisni
at Ik'avL'rdains and Till >i( lid. Koniaii ("alliolic cliiinlu's al Tliorold and I'urt
Kiihinson. ("Inircli of l'"nj;land al l''unlliill. I'niU'd ISri'thrcn. liaptist
clnncli al 'I'lioinld. Cllirislian Sciunlisl.

Prkshyticf^ian Church, Port Robinson. Tlic oldest congre-
gation in the townshij), lioUIing regular services, and under the
definite care of" a pastor, is the i'reshyterian church at Port Robinson.
Unfortunately, however, the official records of this body were
destroyed by fire some years ago, and it is ini[)ossil)le now to
procure all the necessary details for a consecutive history of the
congregation. Tlie loss is a particularly serious one, as Port
Robinson was for many years connected with Stamford, which is
supposed to have been the first Presbyterian congregation in
Ontario.

Several documents mention 1824 as the date of the building of
the brick church which still stands at Port Robinson, although the
deed of the land bears the dale 1826.

From an article in the Cufitu/a Presbyte.ianoi March 29th, 1878,
we obtain this interesting infoiination regarding early Presbyterian
services held in the townships of Stamford and 'I'horold :

" We find thai long before ministers could i)e had to preach the
woid, congregations were gathered, and comfortable log churches
marked the centres of Presbyterian infiuence. If llie hardy pioneers
could not enjoy all the ' ordinances,' they could set up tabernacles
in the wilderness, and come together on each returning Sabbath for
prayer and praise. The congregation at Stamford, thus originating,

( MIJRCUKS

'27

jifHR 1

dates the first gathering togetlier for rilif;io\is worsliij) hack to 1785,
from about \vhi( h time, for many years, it was necessarily a kind of
Independent I'reshyttrian Society. 'I'he first Presbyterian preaciiing
of which record has been preserved was in 1794. In October of
thai year the Rev. John l>unn, a licentiate of the Presbytery of
(ilisgow, came over from Albany, N. \., where he had been officiat-
ing for some time to a I'resbvterian congregation, lie labored for
two years in Stamford ami Niagara, and then abruptly left the
ministry for more congenial pursuits. There is no evidence of the
congregation's being supplied with preaching after Mr. Dunn left
until i<Soi, when the Rev. 1). W. luistman, a licentiate of the
l'resl)ytery ot Morristown, New Jersey, came with hi^ family, and for
a year or more resided at Stamford. He began at once to preach
for the Stamford people on stated Sabbaths, and continued to do .so
until the second American war, sometime in 18 14, compelled a dis-
continuance. In 1804 the Rev. John Hums, a Scotch Secession
minister, arrived, and also resided for a tiuie at Stamford. lie
preached at Stamford, at Niagara, and at the '(lerman meeting
house' near Thorold, alternating at Stamford with Mr. Ivistman until
the war, and even then the clash of arms did not drive either of these
faithful ministers entirely away. As o[)portunity afforded, they
ministered to tin; suffering and the afflicted, and preached the gospel
wherever they could be heard. * * ♦ + * Neither Mr. East-
man nor Mr. Burns preached regularly at Stamford after the war,
and it is not known how the church was supplied for several years.

"In May, 1822, the .Associate Synod, meeting in the State of
New York, appointed Messrs. Beveridge, Hanna and Alexander
HiUlions to itinerate in Canada three months each or thereabout, the
expenses incurred by said mission to be defrayed by the Synod.
The occasion of this action was a letter received by Dr. Bullions
from a M . Orr living in Thorold township, not far from Stamford,
retpiesting the doctor ' or some other of the brethren to take Upper
Canada on their way to the Synod (A Pittsburgh ' and suggesting
that ' he wished the service; of some brother to preach and adminis-
ter the ordinance of baptism in his family.' The letter created an
impression of greater destitution than really existed, and when, a few

Lit'

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t' .

128

ifrsTORv iti iirouot r>

'nffl^H '

weeks afltT their nppointment, Messrs. Ileverld^'e ai"! H;innr»
arrived, they were surprised to find a small roti^re^ialioii worsliip-
pinj; in a eomfcjrlahle t luinli hiiildnig and enjoying the serviees of a
'liired prtaehcr ' named Wright, wlio had l)een with Ihem for several
years. ♦ ♦ ♦ *

" Dr. Hnlliotts came afterwards to Canada, and in the latter part
of iSjj, or early in 1N23, the Stamford congregation was formally
connected by him with the ' Associate Synod of North .America '
and placcil inidcr the care of the Associate I'reshytery at .Albany.
In 1S24 the Rev. David (It-odwillie (father of the Rev. I). H. (Jood-
willie, a snbseiinent |)astor), preached for a time at Stamford by
ap|)oiiilment of Synod. ♦ ♦ * In 1823 the Rev. John Russell
(afterwards Dr. Russell) was sent by the Presbytery as an ordained
missionary to supply at Stamford, and in November of that year he
was regularly inducted i.s the first settled pastor of the congregation.
Dr. Russell ministered also to a church at Port Robinson which had
been organized by f>r. Bullions and associated with Stamford,
holding the pastorate of the two congregations acceptably until he
was stricken down by death on the third day of May, 1854, in the
fifty-eighth year of his age and the twenty-eighth of his ministry.
He jjossessed intellectual abilities of a high order, preaching with a
rare unction, and especially excelling in the gift of ])rayer. He was
known and beloved through all the surrounding country. He was
for many years the only minister of the Associate church in Canada,
and was chiefly instrumental in 1S36 in the formation of the
Associate Presbytery of Stamford, as an offshoot from the Presbytery
of Albany."

The Rev. I). H. Cioodwillie, a licentiate of the Associate Presby-
tery of Shenango, was installed as Dr. Russell's successor in Septem-
ber, 1855, holding the charge of Stamford until 1861. It would
appear, however, from the few records that can be gathered, that
during the six years intervening between these dates Port Robinson
was ministered to by Mr. McAllister, and not by Mr. Goodwillie.

Our former authority gives tlas hiJitory of the two congregations
from 1862 until 1873 :

"In 1862 the congregations of Stamford and Port Robinson,

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St. [dim' (. liunli, ■riiorold

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K. C". C'luirch, ThoruUl

Presbyterian Church, Thorolu

Methodist Church, Thorolcl

Baptist Church, ThoroM

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129

which had ht-en separate since the death of Dr. Russell, were again
united : and in January, 1863, the Rev. James Magill was inducted
pastor ' f both. He was a native of Scotland, hut was by education
and citizenship an American. His ministry covered a period of
nearly eleven years, closing by his resignation, September 9th, 1873.
At this date the Stamford congregation was much divided, and
depleted in numbers ; and the congregation at Poti Robinson,
becoming discouraged, withdrew from the U. 1'. Presbytery of Stam-
ford and joined the Presbytery of Hamilton, of the (Canada Presby-
terian Church, carrying with them the church property, and perma-
nently severing the union between the two congregations."

The next pastor was the Rev. William Hancock, whose charge
included not only Port Rolunson, but also Crowland, Welland,
Pelham and Port Colborne. Port Robinson was committed to his
care some time in 1874, but the exact date is not given in the
Assembly records. However, it is probable that Mr. Hancock was
de facto minister of the congregation from the time of its separation
from Stamford in September, 1873. During his pastorate he
travelled throughout the peninsula doing what was really mission
work. He resigned the charge in December, 1879, and .vas
succeeded by the Rev. C. D. McDonald, H. A., P. 1)., who was
minister also of the I'horold IVesbyterian church. He was known
as a faithful worker and a man of accurate scholarship.

On the 13th of October, 1887, Port Robinson was united with
Merritton, and was served by the Rev. William Mowat from that
date until January, 1892.

In October of the latter year the Rev. James Bryant took charge
of the two congregations. His pastorate was closed by his
resignation in August, 1895.

On the 24th of April, 1896, the Rev. J. lindsay Robertson,
B.A., an Edinburgh graduate, was inducted as minister of Merritton
and Port Robinson. His connection with the latter congregation
was severed on the 24th of October, 1897, when Port Robinson was
again united with Pelham and Louth.

Since that date the Rev. W. Coulthard has been the pastor.

.11

•3°

irisTOKv oi rii(>Hf)i.i»

Mktmodist Church, 'I'horoi i>. Tn the year 1833 it was
decided that a convenient place for the church that the followers
of John Wesley contemplated building was in the rapidly
growing village of 'I'horuld, and the records consequently contain
this important item: "In the year 1832, a Religious (.Congregation
or Society of Methodists had occasion to buy a parcel of land situate
in the Townshii) of Thorold, County of l.iricoln in the Niagara Dis-
trict in the Province of Upper Canada for the site of a church and
burial ground and appointed trustees by the name of the 'I'rustees of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 'I'ownship of Thorold. The
following trustees: James IJrown, Hiram Sway/.e, William McClel-
land and James Rattray of the Township of Thorold, and John Ker
and Lyman Pearson of the 'i'ownship of (Irantham and I'rederick
Hutt of the Townshii) of Stamford, all of the County of Lincoln, for
and in consideration of the sum of five shillings received from
George Keefer, Esquire, one acre of land on the west side of Pine
street, whereon the Methodist stone church is now erected."

A frame chapel was first built and used as a place of worshi[)
until it was found necessary to enlarge it. On the 29th of April,
1845, it was resolved that a new chapel be built of stone, 38x54
feet, with a basement, and a tower in front for. the purpose of receiv-
ing a bell on some future occasion. The Rev'ds Harper and Pol-
lard, and a committee composed of William Beatty, John Vander-
burgh, John Kerr and Jacob Reefer proceeded to examine the
ground with a view to the location of the chapel, and decided to
erect the new building in the rear of the old one and nearly central
in the lot, while it was also arranged that the old chapel should be
left standing until the new church was erected. On Sunday, Janu-
ary 2ist, 1849, she church was dedicated, and the morning and
evening sermons were preached by the Rev. ICgerton Ryerson, I ).!).,
founder of the Ontario educational system. Dr. Ryerson had been
the first Methodist minister stationed at Thorold, and his heart was
always warm towards this congregation. ICven amidst the many
duties of his office of superintendent of education for Upper Canada,
he always found time to come here to preach the anniversary ser-
mons.

CHl'RrilF.S

»3»

'ol-

Wlien till* new ( hurdi was in course of erection, the greatest
liberality was shown by the village people, Roman Catholics, as well
as all denominations of Pr )testants, contribating largely towards ti.^
build' -'g fund. Among those who ga\e substantial aid in this way
was I.orci Metcalf, at that time (Jovernor of the province of Canada,
who contributed ;^io ; John Ker of (Iranthani gave ^^75 ; Jacob
Keefer, Thorold, jCT) '< Cicorge Kcefer, sen., ^25 ; John \'ander-
burgh, (Irantham, ^^50; William Heatty, 'I'horold, jC^S '< ^^'i'liii'ii
James, 'I'horold, j^.2^.

In April, 1853, the trustees of the denomination now known as
the Wesleyan Methodist chun;h bought from Henry Mittleberger
two-fifths of an acre of land on the corner of Pine and Metcalf streets
on which to build a parsonage, the erection of which began in the
following year.

In 1855 a melodeon was bought for the use of the church.

In the year 1851 the Presbyterian congregation a[)plied for the
use of the church. This being granted, they first held services in it
on alternate Sunday afternoon.s, and afterwards once every week, for
the period of one year.

In 1859 two lurnaces were placed in the basement " for the
convenience and comfort of the congregation and the safety of the
building."

An interesting item on the minute books is that relating to the
lighting of the church. Until 1847 eight pounds of candles were
consumed once a month ; but in that year lamps were introduced, oil
at that time costing ten shillings a gallon. Incandescent electric
lights are now used in the building.

In 1 851 a bell weighing four hundred and fifteen pounc's was
placed in the tower of the church.

In 1859 the gallery was enlarged, while in 1882 the whole
building was enlarged and refitted. Five years ago it was recarpeted,
and a handsome pipe organ was put in.

In 1888 the parsonage was enlarged, and two years ago it was
entirely renovated and heated throughout by steam.

From 1832 until 1854 Thorold was included in the St. Catharines

!■!

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132

HISTORY OK THOROI.D

circuit, and during thnt time the following ministers "/^cre in charge;

1832.

1833.
1834.

1836.

1837-
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.

1845.
1846.

1847.
1 848.
1849.
1850.

Egerton Ryerson and Joseph Mes.imorc.
James Evans and John Baxter,
Edwy M. Ryerson and John Armstrong.
Thomas Beritt nnd Edwy M. Ryerson.
'i'honias Beritt and John Douse.
Joseph Messmore and James Musgrove.

Samuel Beltin and Samuel Rose.

Edmund Shepherd and 'I'homas Cosford.
John Ry«.'rson and Reuben E. I'upper.
(ieorge R. Sanderson and C'harles Lovell.
George R. Sanderson and Ephraim B. Harper.
Thomas' Demorest and Thomas Rattray.
Lewis Warner and deorge Young.
John Law and Lachlin Taylor.
John Law and Charles Lovell.
William Price and William Anes.

William Price, assisted by Isaac Barker and John S.
Evans.

1 85 1. Claudius Byrne and John S. Evans.

1852. Claudius Byrne and William S. (iritifin.

1853. Ceorge (ioodson and Richard ('larke.

1854. (leorge Goodscn.

Many of the names in this list were afterwards well known
throughout Canada. Dr. Ryerson's monumental work has already
been mentioned. L^r, Lachlin Taylor acquired considerable fame as
a traveller and lecturer on Oriental sulijects. The Rev. Edmund
She{)!ierd, father of the present editor of the Toronto Saturday
Night, was known throughojt the country as one of the most zealous
workers in the Methodist church.

In 1854 Thorold became a circuit including Eor.thill, St. Johns
West, Allanburgh and Port Robinson. Since that time the following
ministers have been stationed here :

1854. Thomas Beritt and Edward H. Dewart.

1855. 'I'homas Beritt and Richard J. I'.irman.

1856. John G. Laird and Thomas ('obb.

- .- . 1857-1858. John G. Laird atul James Goodson.
1859-1860. Saujuel Rose and John Potts.

1861. Alexander Sutherland and John Potts. "" '"

1862. Alexander Sutherland and Daniel Perrin.

1863. John Wakefield and William V. Campbell.

1 864-1 865, John Wakefield and Egerton R. Young.

CHURCHES • 133

1866-1867. J. Herbert Starr and Robert H. Wadell.

1868. J. Herbert Starr and Iknjamin B. Keefer.

1869. Lewis Warner and Richard W. W'oodsworth.

1870. Lewih- Warner and Thomas C'ardus.

1 87 1. John S. (31ark and Walter Rigsby,
1872-1873. John S. Clark.
1874-1876. James Preston.

1 87 7- 1 878. fames C. Preston.

1 879- 1 88 1. "R. Parker, M. .\.

1882-1884. John Kay.

1885-1887. John E. Lancelev

1888-1890. D. L. Brethour. '

i89r-f893. John Wakefield.

1 894- 1 896. "Ceorge Clark, M. A., Ph. D.
1897. ('.. W. Calvert.

, The trustee board of the church for the current year is com-
posed of: James Millar (secretary and treasurer), John R. Swayze,
James H. Beatty, William Martin, John H. Wilson, William
McCleary and John McLean.

On the 1 2th of January, 1885, the Thorold Auxiliary of the
Woman's Missionary Society was organized with a membership of
twelve, Mrs. John Kay being elected first President. That office is
now held by Mrs. James Millar, and the numljer at present on the
roll is fifteen. • • ' ■ ■

On the nth of December, 1893, a circle of the King's Daughters
then existing in the church was reorganized as the Epworth League
of C'hristian pjideavor !)y the Rev. John Wakefield, the chief officer
for that year being W. H. C'ipperton. I'or 1896-7 the Honorary
I'resident was the Rev. (ieorge Clark, \l. A., Ph. D.; the Honorary
vice-l'resident, William McCleary, M. P.; and the President James
McTavish.

The Superintendent of the Sabbath School is Wm. McCleary.

During the conference year ending May i, 1897, the total
receipts were $3482.12. The pew rents and the proceeds of t!ie
(Church .Anniversary are used for paying the current expenses of the
church, such as fuel, light, insurance, repairs, and al.so the salaries of
the choir leader, organist and caretaker. The minister's salary is
raised by contributions through the envelopes and by the plate
collections.

■^

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HISTOUV ()!• TIIOKOI.n

l8<;3.

(;.

1"'. Morris

1894.

W. Fallis.

1895.

W. Crowle.

189^).

1'. Kay.

The Wesi.eyan Methodist Church at Port Roiunson was
built in 1851, when the congregation was included within the
Thorold circuit. No careful record has been kept, and it is
impossible now to secure much information concerning it. The
ministers since 1888 have been :

1889. Daniel Kcker.

1890. S. E. Marshall.

1 89 1. \V. y. Sipprell.

1892. C:. M. Marshal.

Thk Methodist Church at Beaverdams. Very early in
the history of the township services were held in |)rivate houses by
Methodist ministers. In the house owned by Israel anfl Hiram
Swayze at the Beaverdams, a room was set apart for these n, jetings,
and floor-boards \\cw used for seats. Once in four weeks the people
were visited by an ordained minister, but on the intervening Sundays
the services were conducted by local preachers, the chief among ihem
being Jacob Ostrander, a man revered by all his neighbors for his
stern integrity of life. The old time camp-meeting was a regular
gathering held for several years on Hiram Swayze's farm. The first
meeting was conducted by Elders Edmund Stoney and Ephraim
Evans. Until 1832 there was no Methodist church nearer than
Brown's Bridge on the Chippawa Creek, or Warner's settlement near
St. Davids. In that year Hiram Swayze offered a site for a church,
and $100.00 towards the buildmg. The land offered was immedi-
ately east of the old burying ground, but the elders considered it
too small for the purpose, and asked for the lot whereon the church
now stands, as the big elm trees near by would serve as shelter for
the horses until a driving shed was built. On the 26th of June,

1832, James Bnjwn, John Street, Samuel Street jr., James Hagar,
Jonathan Hagar, Will jam Moore and John Ker, comprising the
trustee board of the Methodist church for the Niagara District,
purchased from Hiram Swayze one a(Te of land, being part of lot 5;,

Thorold.

A frame building was erected with a gallery at the two sides and
the north end. As the situation of the church was central, the con-
gregations were for many years very large. Methodists came from
every part of the Niagara District to the <]uarteriy meetings.

rm-RcuKs

»35

'I'he

I and
con-
fro in

About thirty years ago llit; gallery, being no longer required lor
use, was shut off, in order that the main part of .he building might
be made more comfortable.

In 1879 certain repairs were made, and the church was ro-
dedicated by the Rev. William S. (Iriffin. Shortly after this date
'i'horold town was made a station, and consequently the services at
the r<eaverdams became less frecjuent. Since 1890 no regular
services have been held, and the church has been used chiefly for
Minerals and for meetings of the Sons of Temperance and of Sabbath
School workers.

A.nong the many prominent ministers who have preached at
Heaverdams were Dr. Egerton Ryerson and the Rev. Nathan Hangs,
who was afterwards editor of a Methodist Episcopal journal in New
York. John Ryerson, William (^ase and l'>anklin Metcalf had gone
as Canadian delegates to the (lenesee Conference to choose
ministers for the Methodist church in Canada, 'i'hey wished to
secure all the British subjects then resident in the United States, but
the Americans induced Mr. Hangs to remain, as editor of the
Christian Advocate. While occupying this position he used
frecpiently to come from New V'ork by stage coach, in order to be
present at important Methodist gatherings in Canada.

Chupxh of Enc;i,.\ni>. As we have already found, Church of
England services were held at Thorold at a very early date by the
Rev. Robert Addiso?i of Niagara, and afterwards by the Rev.
William Eeeming of Chippawa. In accordance with the clause of
the Constitutional Act providing for the establishment of the Clergy
Reserves, -x block of four hurdred acres of land near .Xllanburgh
was set apart in 181 1 for the use of the established Church of
England and Ireland. In 1836 Sir John Colborne made Thorold
township a rectory, with this land as endowment.

Early in the thirties a stone church called St. Peter's was built
near the old (Jerman meeting-house, l-'or several years the parish
was connected with St. Ceorge's church, St. Catharines, services
being held by ttu Rev. James (!larke. Rector of the latter place.
St. Peter's was consecrated by the first Hishop Mountain of (Quebec,
who also administered the rite of <onfirmation at this visit. At

111

l-'.-n-l

136

HISTORY or THOKOI.I)

IT,;-

St. Catharines he previously confirmed one hundred persons in an
upper room of the Grantham Academy, now the Collegiate Institute;
but as, owing to the difficulties of travelling in those days, his
coming had not been definitely announced, many candidates were
imable to be present, 'i'hesc persons, with the 'J'horold class, the
members of which had been prepared by Mr. C!larkc, afterwards
received the rite at St. Peter's.

As early as 1838 the church a ounts were systematically kept,
Mr. (leorge Keefer being warden at tiiat time ; Ijut 'J'horold had no
Rector until 1840, when the Kcv. Thomas Brock Fuller was
appointed. Dr. Fuller had been educated at the Cornwall (Grammar
School, under the young Scotch master, John Sti.ichan, who after-
wards played so prominent a part in the history of the province.
Just one year before Dr. Fuller's appointment to Thorold, Upper
Canada had been set apart as the diocese of Toronto, and Dr.
Strachan had been consecrated as its first Bishop. The new rector
entered upon his duties in 1841. Having had experience in
missionary work, he zealously undertook to hold regular services at
Thorold, Port Robinson and Stamford, while h(; occasionally visited
Port (]olborne and its neighborhood. At Port Robinson he
preached in the school house until 1844, when the present church,
St. Paul's, was opened for public worship.

In Dr. Fuller's register, the first entry relating to public worship
is that containing the list of communicants . n Easter day, April
nth, 1 841. The names mentioned are those of Mr. and Mrs.
George Keefer, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lampman, Mr. Robert Holden,
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob H. Ball, Mi.ss Ball, Mrs. Henry C Ball, Mr.
Adam Butt, Mrs. John Keefer and Mrs. Garden.

On I'>aster Mondav, April 12th, 1S41, the first vestrv meeting
was held, when the following per.sons were present : The Rector,
.Adam Hutl, George Keefer. Henry C. Ball, Peter i.ampman, George
Hutt, John Turney, William Ward, John Waldron and .Mexan.ler
Winslow.

On .\ugust 20th, 1842, the first missionary meeting look place.
On that evening a branc h of the Church Society was formed. This
organization is worthy of mention, as before synods were held it

( in'Kciir.s

137

visited

son he

hureh,

worship
y, April
A Mrs.
ioklen,
H, Mr.

place.

This

held it

managed nnicii of the work now done l)y the lioard of Domestic
and Foreign Missions. '> t ihe meeting in this parish addresses were
given by the Rev. CI. M. Armstrong of l.oulh, the Rev. A. F.
Atkinson of St. Catharines, *he Rev. William Leeming of ("hip|)awa,
the Rev. Thomas Creen of Niagara, the Rev. J. ( i. Cieddes of Ham-
ilton, the Rev. .A-hiir Palmer of ("iiielph, and the Rev. John .\rm-
strong, who had been a missionary for thirty years at l5uenos Ayres
and the Bay ot Honduras. In the first annual report of the Niagara
District Branch of the Diocesan ('hurch Society wc find the names
of the Rev. T. B. Fuller, Henry C. Ball and (Jeorge Keefer sr. men-
tioned as members of the committee. The donations from 'Jhorold
for the year k,.,_ .imounted to ;i{?28 2sh. 6d.

When St. I'aul's chuich at I'ort Robinson was opened a debt
still remained upon it. Among those who helped to pay this deficit
were the negro soldiers, of whom mention has already been made in
the history of the village. J""or half a year each member of this
<'ompany contributed twenty cents a month.

As the village of Thorold grew larger the people began to
complain that the church was too far from their midst, and subscrip-
tions Wire collected to build a suitable house of worship within the
village. jCi^^I ^^''^^ furnished by the congregation ; and the Rector
not onlv gave liberally from his own i)urse, but also collected in
ICngland an amount e(|ual to $27o.oc. When in Lincolnshire he
called upon Sir John Thorold's family, who presented to the parish
liearing their name a set of handsomely bpund service books which
had already been in use for a hundred years. Just before this. Dr.
l''uller had applied to Bishop Slrachan for one of the twelve sets that
had been sent out by the Arch!)ishop of Canterbury for distributii n
in Canada. Until these books came the rarer volumes were used at
St. Beter's, but they were afterwards removed, as they were
considered too valuable for ordinary use. However, thty have since
been lost, and the most diligent search lias not yet revealed tht-ir
lodging place.

In 1.S5J5 the ( (irner-stone of St. John's church was laid (the
stone forming a part of the southern buttress l)uilt against the east
wall of the chancel). Three yeans later the building was completed.

': m

'3«

MISTOR^ 01 riiouoi.i)

but the committee's accounts contained a deficit of ^^2034 ish. 2d.,
which was covered by a loan from the Rector. To try to meet this
debt the pews were offered for sale or rent at public competition.
As much as ^90 was given for a large pew ; but although forty per-
.sons promised to buy seats, the majority did not fulfil the contract.
The building was formally opened for public worship on Sunday, .Sep-
tember 14th, 1856, there being services also on the following day.
The offertory collections at these services amounted, we are told, to
$133.00. When in 1862 Bishop Strachan appointed Dr. Fuller to
the charge of St. George's church, Toronto, the congregation's debt,
with interest, amounted to $11065.25 ; and this the retiring Rector
freely forgave. As a parting gift a silver model of the church was
presented to him by the people, among whom he had labored for
more than a score of years. When the diocese of Niagara was
formed in 1875 Dr. Fuller was elected Bisho(), and his episcopal
visits to Thorold and Port Robinson became links that bound him
more closely to his old parish.

Thorold contains more than one monument to the memory of
Bishop Fuller's active service in behalf of the town. He was one of
the founders of the High School, of the Mechanics' Institute (now
the Public Library), and of the Agricultural Society, while he was
one of the most zealous workers in the movement for the abolition
of fees in the Public Schools. He also bequeathed to the parish of
Thorold a sum of nioney, the interest on which was to be annually
distributed among the poor. The annual income from this fund is
$22.00, which sum is regularly given by the Rector to the needy
members of the parish.

The Rev. T. B. Read was the second Rector of Thorold, but his
incumbency lasted only three years, as he was obliged to relinquish
his parochial duties when he was appointed to the work of raising an
episcopal endowment fund for Toronto diocese. He afterwards
became rector, of (Irimsby, which charge he held until the time of
his death.

His successor at 'I horold w,;s the Kev. T. T. Robarts, M. A.,
who was afterwards a|)pointed a Canon of Christ church cathedral,
Hamilton. On September 6th, 1S65 (the first year of Mr. Robarts'

A..
Iral,
Lifts'

CMfHCMFS

';)<)

pastorate), one of the earliest harvest festivals in (Canada was held at
St. Peter's and in the grounds adjoin'ng the church. The Rev.
Provost Whittaker of Trinity College and a numl)er of other clergy-
men were present. A photograph of the scene was taken, a
reproduction of which appears in this hook.

Another important occurrence in Mr. Robarts' ministry was the
surrender of the ownership of the pews by their original purchasers.
During his time, too, St. Peter's was renovated and used for funerals;
hut when the new Welland Canal, which passes very near the site of
the church, was in course of construction the congregation decided
ta pull down the old building.

In 1879 the late Bishop Thorold of Rochester (and afterwards of
Winchester), who was travelling in America, came to visit the parish
called after his family, and preached in St. John's church.

In 1880 Canon Robarts died at his birthplace in liarbadoes ; and
his locum tenens, the Rev. \V. E. Clrahame, was appointed to the
vacant rectory. Ill health obliged Mr. Grahame to go abroad for a
considerable length of time, and during his absence the parish was
in the charge of the Rev. C. R. Lee. In 1886 the Rector retired
permanently. He was succe'^ded l)y the present incumbent, the
Rev. P. I,. Spencer, now Rural Dean of Lincoln and Welland.

Besides preaching at Thorold and Port Robinson and attending
to the regular duties of a |)arish that covers an area of thirty stjuare
miles, Mr. Spencer ha.s, until recently, conducted services at Allan-
burgh during the summer months.

In 1885 a new pipe organ, with two octaves of pedals, was
erected in St. John's church.

In 1890 the church was renovated throughout : a brass altar rail,
the gift of the ladies of the congregation, was substituted for the old
oak one, while at the same time a handsome brass lectern was
presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. W. J. I'Vy of Summerhill
House, Queenstown, Ireland. Some time before this a spire was
added to the tower, so that botli the exterior and tlic interior
of the church have been considerably changed during recent
years, 'i'he service books still used ai St. John's were the gift of
Mrs. (leorge Keefer ; and the handsome clock, which was brought
from Europe, was given by Bishop I'uller's family.

flRf

140

HISTORV f)F THOROI.D

J 'i-:1

!i;

In 1894 the bell, which had been re-cast, was again hung, the
names inscri'^ '1 on it being those of the Rector and tlic Wardens
for that year.

The' congregation of St. John's also posses.scs a very good Sunday
School building, which stands within the church grounds.

In St. Paul's (!hurch. Port Roljinson, are several meniorial win-
dows. 'I'hat in the chancel is very handsome ; it was given by the
Coleman family, "In memory of Sarah Coleman, died Jan. i6th,
1887, and hilly Coleman, died Jan. 4th, 1888.'' hour double win-
dows have been presented to the church in memory of the following
persons: (leorge Jordan, who dictl in December, 1852, his wife,
Elizabeth Jordan, who died in 1897 ; Mary .'\. Wilson, Sunday
School Superintendent, and John P. Abbey, who died in December,
1877 ; Hugh Ross, who died m 1878, and William H. Jackson, who
died in July, 1882 ; Catherine Reavley, 1869, her grandson, Cam-
eron Reavley, 1886, and William Reavley, the last mentioned having
died in February, 1885.

In the tower is a wheel window, the gift of Mr. li. (1. Orme,
while that over the door was presented by Mrs. Margaret Bennett.

St. Paul's had been in existence for more than half a century
before it possessed a proper font. .\t last, in 1895, a well carved
font of Queenston stone was made in the village and placed in the
aisle of the church.

.Among the many church dignitaries who have preached in the
parish, some have already been mentioned. Besides Bishop Thor-
old of U^inchester, the first Bishop .Mountain of (^)uebec (who was
appointed before the close of eighteenth century), and Provost Whit-
taker, the first head of 'iVinity University, the parish has had the
privilege of hearing Bishop Strachan, Bishop Bethune, Bishop Ham-
ilton of Ottawa, Bishop Sullivan, who has only recently retired from
the diocese of Algoma, the [jresent Bishop of Niagara, the Right
Rev. J. P. l)u Moulin, and the first Bishop of Qu'Appelle. the Right
Rev. Adelbert .-\nson, a l)rother of the Karl of Litchfield.

The church officers elected at the Easter vestry meetings of 1897
are, for St. John's : Rector's Warden, (ieorge H. Shaw ; People's War-
den, Thomas Uimpman ; Lay Delegates to the Synod, James Wil-

( JIt'R( (JK.S

141

soil and (!apt. Hugh James. For St. Paul's: Rector's Uardv-n,
(Charles Hansell ; People's Warden. A. H. Fry; Lay Delegate to
the Syiuul, R. A. Abbey.

'I'horoi.d PRKSBVTEKIAN Chur( H. 'I'he history of Presbytcriau-
ism ill the Niagara District is a history of patience, })luck and perse-
verance. 'I'he hardships of the early settlers were shared by the
pioneer missionaries to such an extent that the very story of their
lives is as entrancing as the veritable tales of missionary experience
to-day in distant lands. The history of the 'I'horold Presbyterian
Church is but one chapter. As early as iKoi Presbyterian services
were held in the Township of Thorold. 'I'he Rev. Daniel W. Fast-
man, a licentiate of the Morris Coi.ity (U.S.) Associate Presbytery,
began Iiis ministry in 1801 at Heaverdams and Stamford. Travers-
ing the country, he preached the (lospel to the solitary settlers
whom he found scattered throughout the wild. He wtis ordained in
1802 by the Ontario Association in Fr.,t Palmyra, N. Y., and
returned to continue his labours among the Scotch settlers at Stam-
ford and district, among whom he lived until 1850, when he was
compelled to retire because of failing s ;ht. He afterwards became
totally blind, and died in 1865. His name is still revered by
many of the older people, and he is spoken of as the father of iVes-
byterianism in this district. During the first fifteen years of his
ministry his stipend was seldom more than fifty dollars in hard cash.

The services at Heaverdams having been discontinued, an
appointment was made in 'I'horold, where a mission was established
whi<'h v.as ministered to by different men, among whom was the
Rev. William Rintoul, who afterwards became minister of Streets-
ville, from which charge he was released in 1848 to take the position
of Professor of Hebrew in Knox College, Toronto. He was fol-
lowed by the Rev, .Angus Mcintosh, who was sent out to this
country by the (Colonial Committee of the Church of Scotland, to
engage in missionary work. While stationed at Thorold he ministered
to the Presbyterians al St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie and other
points on the Welland '"anal. There is a iiaio of veneration around
his name in the minds of those who still remember him. He was a
faithful [)reacher and zealous worker. His life in this community

-• »«. —

142

HISTORY OF THOUO[.n

.*l)

was characterized by exceeding generosity, not stinting tlie posses-
sions he had for the relief of those in need. He was known on one
occasion at least not only to empty his pockets of all his available
money, but even to take his <-oat off his back in order to clothe a
needy emigrant whom he met in St. (.'atharines. He returned to
Scotland about the year 1841. The services of the little rongrcga-
tion were held at this time in a school house on the west side of the
Welland canal. Ikit, as circumstances compellcil tiicm, they wor-
shipped in different halls in the ^'illage. This moving from hall to
hall seemed to give the little company cohesion and strength. So
they continued to increase in numbers. About this time (1841), the
congregation of Knox Church, St. Catharines, having been organ-
ized, they began to seek the settlement of a minister among them,
'{'he Rev. John Porteous. from the United Secession Church in
Scotland, arrived in St. Catharines about the beginning of January,
I J42, and after officiating for the greater part of that year he was
inducted into the pastoral charge of the congregation on the 7th of
December of the same year. He had the care of the Mission Con-
gregation of Thorold, to whom he ministered every alternate Sabbath
afternoon until his resignation in the month of August, 1847. He
was succeeded by the Rev. Alexander Henderson, a new arrival from
Scotland ; he was called and settled as the minister in charge of
the united congregation of St. Catharines, Thorold and Port Dal-
housie on the 24th of November, 1847. ^^''- Henderson'^ i_rm of
office was short, although he laboured with success. In the
fall of 1850 he resigned his charge and returned to Scot-
land. l''or the space of two years thereafter the congregations
were without a pastor, until the 28th of April, 1852, when the Rev.
John McClure was ordained and inducted as minister in charge. ]n
the fall of the same year (1852) the members living in and around
Port Dalhousie sought the privilege of organization as a regular con-
gregation, which was granted by the Flamboro Presbytery. Follow
ing the worthy example of Port Dalhousie, we find the following
minute in the Session Records of St. (Catharines, dated 3rd of April,
1853 : "The Moderator laid on the table a petition from the station
in Thorold to the Flamboro Presbytery, praying to be organized ir.to

c iiru( iii:s

•4.;

ion
ir.to

.1 co'igre^'ation separate and distinct from tliat of St. ( atliariiK's, and
to receive a supply of preachers with a view of calhng one to he
their pastor, and rerjiiesled on the part of 'he 'I'horold station that
the same be transmitted to the I'lamhoro I'resbytery at its first meet-
ing. 'I'he Session, havinj; considered the petition, unanimously
granted the re(iutst, and we hereby transmit said petition to the
Presbytery with recommendation to grant the prayer of the same."
Subseciiicntiy the Presbytery took action and organized the congre-
gation with forty-nine meml)ers in the fall of 1853.

Now, having attained their majority and having been released
from their tutelage under the care of St. Catharines, and realizing
their independence from any other congregation, the members of
Thorold began hearing candidates with a view to calling a pastor.
This continued until, under the Providence of (lod, the Rev.
William Dickson jjreached. He was called, and, having accepted,
was thereafter inducted as the first regularly ordained pastor of the
Presbyterian Cc gregation in Thorold in the year 1854. At this
time the congregation worshipped in the town hall, but soon after
Mr. Dickson's settlement the congregation grew so rapidly in num-
bers and in general prosperity that they began to realize the neces-
sity of building a place of worship. This sentiment was precipitated
into immediate action one Sabbath morning when the congregation
assembled for public worship in the town hall. The hall had been
rented from the authorities on the previous Saturday for a pugilistic
encounter, and in consequence everything was in such disorder that
the humble worshippers felt the incongruity of their position. Thus
they were compelled to prompt action, and during the course of the
week, under the united efforts of Mr. John Band, Mr. (Jeorge dray
and Mr. Nichol, a suitable site was secured from the late Dr. Roils, on
which to build a church of their own. 'i'he action of these sturdy
members was heartily supported by the congregation, with the result
that in a few months the brick building which still stands on Ormond
street was built and opened for public worship in tiie year 1859.
Mr. Dickson's pastorate continued until the act of union look place
i)etween the Free Church ?.nd the United I'resbyterian ('hurch in
1861, after whicli date the (hurch in I'horold became connected

;

144

HISTORY OV TIIOKOI.U

}!**

I 11

with tlie (lenoinination tlu'ii known as the "C'anada rrosl)ytorini>
Church." This step caused Mr. Dickson's retirement and return to
Scotland, his native land. I'lie conj^regation was then without a
regular pastor until in the fall of iH6^, when the Rev. Rohcrt
Wallace accepted a call extended to him. During Mr. Wallace's
incmnhency, which lasted about five years, services were conduct'jd
hy him in 1 )ruminondville as well as in 'Ihorold, in which |)lace he
afterwards resided until thi' completion of his pastorate. II is work
was efTective and the cause grew apace, until once again the congre-
gation were brought fiice to face with tin- possibility of losing their
|)astor, he having received a call to the West End l*resi)yterian
( "hurch, 'I'oronto. 'I'his call Mr. Wallace accepted, and the people
of I'horold had reluctantly to conj|)ly. In the year i86<S they were
again seeking for a minister among the available men, and after
prayerful and expectant waiting their choice fell on the Rev. .Simon
C. Kraser, M. .\., who on the 2\u\ of l)eceml)er, 1869, accepted
their call and was inducted to the pastoral charge of Thorold. This
jiastoratc continued for the space of six years. During Mr. Kraser's
term of office the (congregation of Thorold accpiiesced with the
general movement throughout the Presbyterian churches of Canada
for union. This union tuok place in the year 1875, and the
denomination thereafter became known by the title of " The
Presbyterian Church in ('anada," which it still reta-ns. With the
strength which naturally flowed from such a union, Thorold began
to realize its responsibility in caring for the Presbyterian families in
the outlying districts, and through the effort of the Session services
were conducted in Merritton, and so effective were they that
on the ujin of July, 1876, Merritton was raised by an
act of tl.'.' Presbytery of Hamilton to the status of a regu-
larly organized congregation, and members of 'Ihorold to the
number of thirty-eight joined them.selves to the new congregation.
The new church was placed under the fostering care of the
minister and session of Thorold. Mr. Fraser, realizing the approach
of old age with its natural infirmities, began to seek release from
pastoral work, and finally on the 29th of September, 1876, the pas-
toral tie was severed and .Mr. I'Vaser retired from the active duties of

i if

^ ,J

Kl V. IAH1I.K CHRISTY KEV. FATHKR St( I IV\N

R. C. PRIESTS

" "T^

Mis.Jah Miinrn, 2ii(l Via--l'n-s. kiv. 1'. [.. Sihiic.t, I'lvsUU

"1 Miss Amy Hall, Cor. Soc.

Joliri II. llioiiipson, \'ice-Pres.

\. W. Kc.ivlcy, K,.,-. St

(Jflitfts of Thorrld and l^eaverdams Historical Society, /Si,;

'/ ^ r

M ■ -if

(

^. ■'f*.*

Kiv. CiMo.i Kcibaits

, . ''''■^'- '''^' '■'■ <'i''li:'Mir K,'v. Kinal Dm,, Snonr..r

RMTORS or ST. jOIIXs CHURCH, TIIOROI.I,

yiu^lxc Bank, .Til,, ml, I

Ri^lu K, V. J . li F„||,,, D.DJXC.L., first Kwto,
>it .M.Jolm s, iiitci wards (iisi Bishop of Niny a

.M. Paul's Cliiucli, I', .11 K..l.i-:-,,i

I
I

II. 1 ii,.iii|- ...11. I

Miiiv. I'Min.MuNl.Mi. •^.■.r.i.-irv-liv.i-iir.T i

Directors and Officers of the Thorold Aj^ncuitiinil Society. iX,;7

( .1

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1 I ^

!;*

Mm i

-:|

JAMI^S BATTIJ{

i;\-Ri'cvc (it Thnnilil. ,iiiil Tna-iiK r n) ilic Hd.nd uf Trade

Hirtliiilacc anil Kisidciicc (il Walter Upper, Comity (.■oiniiiissioiiei , built liy liis Graiiiltalliei

Aiitlioiiy I'pper, i.SiS-211

! •

111 i

I;.

} s,

fin K( MK.S

145

tlie nv'nistry. This vacancy continued until the 4th of October,
1877, when tlie Rev. C. 1). McDonald, having been called from the
congregation of Point ICdward in the Presbytery of Sarnia, was
inducted. While Mr. McDonald was jiastor the congregation grew
with leai)s and bounds as llie result of earnest, fiiithful work. This
continued until their church building was found to be wholly inade-
(juate for the requirements of the congregation. The people with
the same zeal and indomitable energy that had characterized them
through their whole history immediately took steps to have a new
and larger chtirc'h built. The site on the corner of Ormond and
Claremont streets was bov '"N and the solid stone structure in
which the congregation still worshi]) was erected at a cost of about
$13,000. '!"he corner stone was laid in 1883, and the building
completed and opened for pul)lic worship in the month of May,
1884. The little brick ciiurch which had been the first church home
of the Presbyterians of 'I'iiorold soon afterwards passed into the
hands of the Pia|)ti»t denomination, to be used by them for divine
service. .After a fruitful and prosperous pastorate of nine years
Mr. McDonakl received a call to Kildonan Prejibyterian church,
near \\'inni[)eg, whicii he accepted. His name is still honored
while others have entered to continue the good work he
carried on. The pastoral tie having i)een severed in the
month of March, 1890, the congregation begi.n to seek for a suit-
able successor. They were led to call the Kev. J. W. Mitchell of
Port Hope, who signified his intention to accept, and the
Presbytery of Hamilton, after the usual process, inducted him into
the pastoral charge on the jikI of December, iSyo. This pastorate
continued for but four yeais, when .Mr. .Mitchell resigned in order
to give himself more lully to evangelistic work. Thus on the 2nd of
I'ebruary, 1895, the Presbyterians of 'I'horold found themselves
again without a pastor ; but they ".ere not left long without a
minister, fur on October the 24th, 1895, the Rev. William A. C'ook,
from the congregation of Dorchester in the Londcjn Presbytery, was
inducted to the pastorate, wiiich he still holds, with i;very evidence
of success and prosperity for the future.

I'his closes the short chapter in the history of Presbyterianism at

14^

msroK\- (•( Tirouoi.ii

ri.
11;

II ■

Thorold, which, being of a sturdy character and tenacious, is likelv
tr develope to greater and still greater proportions as the years
roll on.

Roman Cathoi.u s. The first Christian to visit the Neutrals, or
Tobacco Nation, that inhabited the Niagara Peninsula was the Rev.
Father Joseph de la Roche Daillon of the l-'ranciscan Order, who
came to this country in 1625 with l-'athers Mreboeuf and Lalleniont,
the famous Jesuit martyrs ; while the first mass ever said in the
Niagara Peninsula svas offered up at or near the mouth of the (irand
river, where the Sulpician priests, (lalinee and De Casson wintered
in the year 1669, and, according to the journal of Father (lalinee,
said mass every morning. After the expulsion of the Neutral nation
Father Hennepin visited their successors. .'Kmong the U. ¥..
Loyalists who settled here in 1783 there were no Roman Catholics,
the first settlers of that faith being some I'Vench refugees who had
fled to England during the T'rench Revolution. A corj)S of l-'rench
gentlemen who had borne arms in His Brittanic Majesty's service
under the Comte de Puisaye, were granted lands in the present
townshi]) of Niagara, upon the recommcndntion of the Duke of
Portland, but through their total ignorance of pi(jneer life their
settlement wns not a success.*

There w. re very few Roman ("atholics in Thorold township until
the construction of the W'elland canal brought a large number of
Irish immigrants into the district. Until 1834 they were ministered
to by the priest stationed at Niagara : in that year a frame church
was built at St. Catharines, and the Rev. J. M. Hurke appointed to
the charge. From that time until 1853 tin '!"iiorold jjaiish was
associated with St. Catharines.

The year 1841 brought four thousand men, a large numi)er
having families with them, to work on the enlargement of the canal.
Most of these " canallers " were Irishmen. The names of the Rev.
Dr. Constantine Lee and the Rev. Father McDonagh will ever be
remembered in connection with the Rouian Catholic missions along
the canal. It is said that Father McDonagh knew every one of the

Harris.

The Catholic Church in the Niaj^ara I'cninsula," hy tiic \'cTy l\c\. 1 )ca

i;i !i.

riiri<( Ill's

147

uirch

(1 to

was

1 )(.Mn

workmen by name, and his power over the men has already been
spoken of in these pages.

In 1841 the first mass offered up at l horold was said by the
Rev. \h. Lee in the iioiise of Thomas O'Brien.* In 1843 a frame
church was i)uilt in tlie village, considerable help having been
received towards its erection from the Protestants of the place. The
first resident priest was a])})ointe(l to 'I'horold in 1853, in the person
of the Rev. Michael McLaughlin. Metween 1855 and i860 the
Very Rev. H. (Irattan, assisted by his nephew, the Rev. V. Conway,
had charge of the parish. The Dean was very jjopular with all
classes, his self-denying labors endearing him to his more faithful
l)arish()ners, while his Irish wit made him a great favorite even with
tiie less spiritually minded of his flock. Many good stories are told
of the way he used this sense of iuimor in curtailing his nephew's
sermons, which often went far beyond the limit which the late Chief
Justice Coleridge considered proper. The parish to which these two
priests ministered included St. Catharines, Merritton, Thorold,
Smithville, Dunnville and Port Colborne. t

In January, i860, the Rev. K. O'Keefe was ajjpointed parish
priest of Thorold, but in .\['rii of the same vear he gave ])lace to the
Rev." Father Christie.

Ill health obliged l-'ather Christie to be relieved between 1862
and 1865, when Father Wardy took his [)lace. Two years later he
was obliged to retire jjermanently, when he returned to his native
diocese in France. He was succeeded here in August, 1867, by the
Rev. John (Iribbin, who was in turn followed by the Rev. Michael
O'Reilly in the s])ring of i86(). In two years again another change
occurred, and the Rev. I'ather Labourian was placed in charge. In
November of the same year, 1871, the Rev. 1'. J. Sullivan was
transferred from Adjala to Thorold, where he has since remained as
l)ermanent pastor.

On the first Suiulay in October, 1878, the cornerstone of the
new stone building the church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosarv
was laid by his grace the late Archl)isho|) Lynch. The construction
of the building was necessarily slow, as it was Father Sullivan's

noun Flnrris.

■if

I4«

iiisiouv oi iiioudin

!:£

aim to keep it free from debt, so tlint it rnij^'ht be consecrated as
soon as finished. The roof was put on in iHXi, and for ten years
services were held in the basement, work being done on the upper
part whenever circumstances permitted. On the lyth of June, 1892,
the church, having been completed, was formally consecrated by the
Right Rev. R. A. O'Conner, liishop of Peterborough ; Archbisiiop
Walsh of Toronto occupied the throne, while several of the clergy
were present in the sanctuary. The sermon was preached by the
Very Rev. lather Mclnerney C S. S. R. of Toronto, and ll.c Arch-
bishop also addres.sed a few words of congratulation to the
congregation, adding a glowing tribute to I'ather .Sullivan, to whose
great zeal the erection of this splendid building was due.

The total cost of the new church, including altars, pews, etc.. has
been about $43,000.00.

On the 15th of August, 1893, I'athei- .Sullivan celebrated his
jilver jubilee, his ordination having taken place twenty-five years
before.

In 1874 a convent was built at a cost of $6,000.00, and six
Sisters of Charity of the St. Joseph's Order are ncnv stationed here.
Besides assisting in parochial work, they teach in the sejjarate school
and also give lessons in music and other branches.

The church committee is made up of the tollowing otiticers :
Chairman, David Battle ; Secretary, Edward 1*. Foley ; 'i'reasurer,
the Rev. T. J. Sullivan ; 1'. McMahon, M. Hattle, .\. McKeague,
Thomas Foley, PVank Foulin, \1. Jordan.

The societies in connection with the church are the League of
the Sacred Heart, the Young Ladies' Sodality, the Angels' Society,
the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Ladies' Aid Society
and the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society.

In connection with the Thoiold parish there is maintained a
mission church at Port Robinson, which was built in t(S76, at ajost
of ^1,500.00. ThiC congregation is verv small. Services are held
there twice a month.

Hoi.v Trinitv Church, I'onthii.i.. Holy Trinity church was
built in the year 1852. It was first opened for public worship at the
time of its consecration in October of the same year. The erection of

( III'I<( IIKS

I4«;

llic < hiirdi was lar^'cly due 1(j tl)c lil)(.T;.iily of AUVc-d \\illi.-ll, I )L'\li'r
D'Kvcrardf). Kobc-rt Moldricli, (leorgc (laniblc, H. Price and KoIjctI
Shaw. Mr. D'Hverardo not only furnished money, hut he gave also
the lot on \vhi( h liu- cliurrh now stands.

'Ihc Rev. Donald I. !•'. M( l.iod was the first ituunil,'.'nt. llr
was succeeded l)y the Rev. John Crcigiilon, who luld the cha;ji;e for
i.'ight years. Then in .\ugiist, 1.S75, the Rev. janie.s Morton was
made Rector of W'elland and j-fjnthill. His incumbency lasted
until iSSo, when the Rev. R. ('. Caswell was appointed. The
clergy who have succeeded him have been the Revds. Jones, Piper
and dardiner, while the ])resent incumbent is the Rev. (iabriel
Johnstone.

Umii.!) P.uki iiKKN The only cliurcii in the township beUjiigin^
to this denomination is that popularly known as the U. I». church,
near the Hurricane Road. As there are fivt; congregations within
the county, it may not be amiss to give some account of the origin of
this body.

To two independent workers, imbued with the same idi-as, the
founding of the church is due. 'I"he Rev. I'hilip William Otterbein
was a distinguished minister of the (lerman Reformed Church, and
while still a young man he had made a name for himself as a speaker
and scholar, .\fter his api)ointment to a charge at Lancaster, I'enn
svlvaiiia, lie began to preach against the lifeless forniahly (»f his owr.
( hurch, and he at once established prayer meetings, in which the
laymen might have better opportu'ii'ies for labor. At the same time
the Rev. .\lartiii Hoehm, a zealous Mennonite, inlluenced by the sanu'
convictions, was engaged in a similar kind of work. .At a "(Ireal
Meeting " held about 1766, in a barn at Lancaster, these two men
met, r.nd acknowledged their brotherhood on hearing each other's
views. Suggested bv this occurrence, the name " L'nited Prethren
in Christ " was given to the denomination which, though not formed
until many \ears afterwards. primariK arose from this meeting. Not
until i.Soo were the societies that were uittusted in the movement
formally united. In t .at year Martin Poehm and Philip Otterbein
were appointed Bishops of the newly I'ormed church. .Since that
time the denomination has grown steadily : its membership is nearly

»5o

msTouv or nioKoiti

t. 'i:

a (juarter of a million, while 2. n>2 proachcrs niinistir to 4,250 orj^nn-
i/ofi con^ri'natlons.

In 1H71 ;ui(l 1872 two fvangelists of the United Hn-thren,
Ahrani Sherk and M. Moscher, lield nicctinjis in the school house
near the Hurricane R<ia(l, and a new congre^Mtion s|>ranj^ up here.
A church was built, and in October, 187,^ it was dedicated by Mishop
Weaver of Carroll County, Ohio. The first trustees were Abraham
Tice, K|)hraim Sluipe and Jacob Damude, sr. The I'residing Elder
for Ontario, the Rev. |. 1'. ( "owliiiif of Merlin, who is api)ointe(l by
the Ontario Conference, visits the church every three months to
hold sacramental or ipiarterly nu-etings. Since the congregation was
formeil it has been ministered to by many different i)ast()rs. These
men usually remain from two to three years, in the order of their
incumbency they have been :

1. David H. Sherk and James .Andrew Learn.

2. David li. Sherk and .\bram Sherk.
J. S. Riddle.
Samuel K. (lormany.
Samuel J. Nunn.
Charles W. Hachus.
Robert A. Clarke.

S. John Spencer.

I). Jacob McCoombs.

\V. N. Tyrrel.

\V. M. Karstedl.

Cleorge H. Hachus and (1. W. Houseman.

llenjamin Bachiis and J. I'urdy.

Isaac \V. (iroh.

Mr. (iroh is still in charge of the church.

The trustees at the present time are : William Wilson, Thomas
Clark, David Smith, Nelson Robins and Jacob W. Damude, jr.

Baptist. Until 1887 there was no Baptist Church in Thorold, a
Sunday street-car service having made it possible for members of
this denomination to attend public worship in St. Catharines. How-
ever, by this time their number had so increased that they decided to
organize a separate church at home. The Presbyterians had lately
moved to their new stone building, and tlie old brick church on
Ormond street was now in tiie hands of William McCleary, and this
the Baptists hoped to secure. The late I,. (1. Carter of Port Col-

5-
6.

ic.
I I.
1 2.

13-
14.

( III l<( III s

»5i

)lcl, u

rs of
low-
.'(] to
att'ly
h on
this

l)orni' fiirnislicd $100.00 as tlif nut Iciis of tin- piiri liasin^i rund. W.
J. Kohcrtson. then manager of llic 'I horoKl hraiuli of the Canadian
liank of (!onimiT( e, and Janii's Jones, of the firm of Howland \-
Jones, hoiiglu the property for $750.00, and the httle eonj^regation
assumed the responsil)ilil\' of paying for it. On the evening of April
25th, 1HS7, a meeting was held, at which the members made thein
selves personally responsible for the |)iirehase by the carrying of a
motion, moved by John H. 'Ihompsoii : "That the action of Hrethreii
Robertson and Jones in purchasing the old Presbyterian Churih be
ap|)roved by this meeting, and that the financial obligation incurred
in such action bo accepted and assunu-d by the church now about to
be ff)rmed here." 'i'he importance of this motion will be recogni/ed
when it is stated that there were only fwc men belonging to the
original congregation. Ivich of these gave largely of his own means,
and one pledged one-third of his life insurance towards the church
debt.

The first ( '^fif s were: Clerk and Sabbath Sc1h)oI Superin-
tendent, John }l. Thompson ; Treasurer, \V. J. Robertson ; Deacons,
James Jones and W. J. Robertson ; 'Trustees, W. J. Robertson, James
Jones and John H. 'TluJinpson.

'I'he little congregation grew rapidly, and before long its baptized
members numbered over forty.

'The brick church, after having a vestry and baptistry added, was
opened by the baptists on May 13th, 1SS7, when the Rev. Dr.
Castle, Principal of McMaster Hall, preached.

At first the services were taken by Baptist students, the pastor
during tiie summer of 1S87 being 1m nest (Irigg, who afterwards
became a missionary to Burmah, under the American Baptist
Foreign Mission Board. During the following summer P>. Davies
was in charge. In 1889 the Rev. (1. L. Wittet was called to the
|)rstorate, but he remained only one year, and the church was again
served by students. During 1890 B. \V. Grigg, brother of Krnest
Crigg, labored here, and he was succeeded by Ernest Norman, who
was stationed in Thorold during the summer of 1891. W. S. Mc-
.\l|)ine occupied the puljjit in 1892, and in the following year the
congregation extended a call to J. C. C. Irvine of Port liurwell.

.Ti'

umm. i

'5^

irisTom oi- riroKcif r.

Mr Irvine was ordained nt Tfiorold, and lal)ore(l here for eighteei>
months. When he resigned his eharge tlie ( ongregation allied tiieni-
selves with ihe I.yman-street Haptist Church of St. Catharines, under
one pastorate, and sinee that time they have had only an afternoon
service each Sunday. I'Ik' Rev. R. (iarside, a returned missionary
from India, now mini.sters to l)oth churches.

The zeal of the congregation is not confined to the local
work of the church, hut extends also to the liberal supi)f)rt
of both home and foreign missions. I'he Sabbath Schc/ol, wlii( h
was organized when the church was opened, pays its own running
expenses, and also gives a weekly offering to the missionary fund.

The church societies consist of a iiaptist ^'oung People's Union
of Christian Kndeavor. a i.adies" .\id Societv And a Womcii'^ Mis
sion ("ircle.

First C'hurch ok Ckrist, Scikntist. I'his is the title assumed
by the Christian Scientist body at Thorold, a few of whom gathered,
first in 1893. Since that lime they have continued their meetings
regularly. In 1893 ^'^^y engaged a hall or meeting-room in McAr-
thur's block. Front street, where for a time two public services were
held every Sunday, besides a Sabbath School, while a meeting also
took place on Friday evening. In April, 1895, a new order of ser-
vices was instituted, and since that date only one public service has
been held on Sundavs.

Chapter XIII

S( iiooi.s

(inv

" A'e//\'io, Sdeutia, I.ii>erti}s," tho motto of the present Education
Department, embodies the three-fold aim of (iovernor Simcoe, to
wl-om we owe the establishment of the earliest Echools in the
province. Only through relij^ion and knowledge did he conre.vc it
possil)le for the colonists to ntlain to the truest liberty, and although
he did not live to see his educational plans put into execution, yet
his name must ever be associated w'th the school system which is
one of Ontario's proudest boasts. .Xfter inducing so many U. Iv
Loyalists to settle in Upper Canada, this first governor gave all his
best efforts to the promotion of their welfare. '' His purpose was,'
says the Historiographer of the Education I)eparlment,* to whom
we arc indebted for much of the information in this chapter, "to try
to win i)ack the more moderate of the ilisaffected (olonists, and to
provide a congenial home under the old Hag for the expatriated
.American Loyalists i< * ♦ On Simcoe's nomination to his office
as (lovernor he evidenilv revolved in his inind how best he could
secure a solid foundation for the government and institutions f)f the
youthful colony entru.sted to his care. Religio'i and education were
his two watchwords." Through the former he hoped to have incul-
cated " in all ranks and descriptions of [)eople a sober and an indus-

!!'

* ' l)()ciimri)i.'ir\ llisinrv nf lulucalion in l']i|H"r Canada," t)V |. (icorijc
U.xlKins, M.A.. I..I.'.I). * '

TS4

lUSTOUV OK inouoi.n

ill

trious, religious and conscienlious spirit, which shall he the best secu-
rity that a government can have for its own internal preservation."
The latter in the form of an endowed university, " with the liberal
education which it would afford, would be most useful to inculcate
just principles, habits and manners into tiie rising generation."

" Apart from the isolated and desultory efforts to establish ])rivate
schools among the United Empire Loyalists, or to take advantage of
the garrison schools at the few military posts, nothing was attenii)ted
in the way of official action in the matter of education until the
ai)pointment of (iovernor Simcoe in 1791."*

It is not surprising in so sparsely settled a country that our early
statesmen, including Sir John .^imcoe and Lord Scaton (Sir John
Colborne), proposed to found a university when as yet there was no
provision for primary education in the colony. The great distance
between the farmhouses made it impossible for young children to
attend classes, so the work of education had to begin with tlu' older
students.

The earliest schools in this district were all at Niagara. 'I'he
first was opened by the Rev. Robert Addison in 1792, and the
.second by Mr. Burns, a Presl)yterian minister, who establislied his
school two years later. In 1797 James lilayney conducted a school
in the same town, while Richard ("ockrell held evening classes at
Butler's barracks. Many Thorold persons sent their sons to Mr.
Addison's classical school, but it is not known if they patronized the
other institutions. An issue of the York Gozetfe in 1796 made the
confident statement that " As schools were now o|)ened, ignorance
would be no Irnger tolerated."

In 1797 the Crown set ajjart over live hundred thousand acres of
land for the endowment of certain educational institutions, those
profiting by the grant being King's College (or Toronto L'niversit}).
the Royal (Irammar School, Upper Canada College ami the Central
School of Upper Canada (also known as the Church of England
National School).

In the July number of the Upper Canada Gazette s.)^ 1799 we

Hoflgins.

■^ -■ ill

S .. Ill

S( HOOL.-

'SS

his
lool
at
Mr.
the
tlu-
nee

.'S of

lose
sity).
lUral

and

find this inforination regardinfj; the qualifications of teachers at that
day :

•'We are happy in iieiiig informed that no person will be coun-
tenanced or permitted by the ("lovernment to teach school in any
part of this province unless he shall have passed an examination
before one of our commissioners, and receive a c.'.'rtificate from
under his hand specifying that he is adecjuate to the important task
of a tutor.

We conceive this piece of intelligence highly worthy of remark,
as it will, in a great measure, prevent the imposition which the
inhabitants of this country have hitherto experienced from itinerant
rharacters, who preferred that to a more laborious way of getting
through life.

.And, on the other hand, the rising generation v,ill reap infinite
benefit from it, as it will tend to stimulate and encourage men of
literary characters to make permanent residence among us."

I'Yom a book publisiied in 1799, entitled a "Tour through
Upper Canada, by a Citizen of the United States," we find that the
(lovernment's policy at that time was to exclude from teaching in
Canada " schoolmasters from the States, lest they should instil
republicanism into the tender minds of the vouth of the Province."

In 1S07 an act was passed to establish a (Grammar School in
each of the eight districts into which the i)rovin(-e of Upper Canada
was then divided. It was also provided tiiat the sum of :^,ioo
should be paid annually to each teacher in these schools.

.Although here and there after the .var retired .soldiers iield
private classes for the younger children, yet no public- schools of an
elementary character were established until 1816.

Dr. Hodgins" explanation of the act* of that ar may well be
inserted here: ''To the House of Assembly are we indebted for
the first ste|) i)eing taken to found a systematic and intelligent
scheme of education for I'ppcr Canada in providing for the
establishment of primary schools in the several townships of the
I'rovince. It took some years to accomi)lish this purjiose, but at
length, in 1H16 (nine years after the grammar schools were estab-
lished), legislative jjrovision was then first made for the establishment
and maintenance of common schools in Upper Canada, and ^,<^),ooo
($24,000), a large sum in that day. was annually granted for this

" lii.'lorical Sl;etch of I'Miication in Ippor ("aiiiida.'

r.-r)

MlsrOK\ (IK IHoUolli

jnirpnsf. and the law provided that tlu- people were * lo meet
together ' in any town, village or township, ' to make arrangements
for estai)lishing conimon schools in such town, village or township,'
at each of which the attendance of piijjils should not he less than
twenty. The law also authorized that three ' fit and discreet
persons ' should he chosen trustees, wh(/ were to 'examine into the
nural character and ca|)acity of any person willing to become a
teacher,' and appoint him. The trustees were liuther authorized to
make rides and regulations for their own schools and select text
hooks from a list prescribed by a District Board of lulucation, to
which they were re(]uired to report. 'I'he provincial allowance to
each school was in no case to exceed ^,25 ($100) the balam ■ of
salary and contingent ex|)enses had to be made up by subscrijjiions.
No rate-bills or assessments for this purpose were, Jiowever,
authorized. This law was considered as a tentative* one, and also as
an experiment. The operation if the act of 1S16 was, on its
passing, limited to four years."

The Thorold people were quick to profit by this act. and 1)\-
181 7 there were iiiiie public schools in the township. 'I'here are
now no official records in existence by which we may ascertain just
where these nine schools were situated. The DeCew I'alls school
is known to be one of the oldest, while Street's school at .St. Johns
(now used as a grocerv). Hoover's s(-hool near Centreville, and the
Wilkerson school near Heaverdams were probably among those
established in 1.S17. Another was probably the old log school on
the ("hippawa ( 'reek.

The Inst school houses were primitive log buiUlings with tlu-
desks ranged arotmd three s'des of the room. The |)iipils were
seated facing the wall, for in those days very little attention was paid
to the jihysical comfort of the young. 'I'he people had to adapt
themselves to circumstances, and the boys and girls were considered
fortunate in having attention ])aid to their mental development.
There were no inspectors to see that the light (~ame t'rom the pro|)er
direction, or that the seats were adapted to the re{|uirements of the
younger pupils, or even lo make a rejiort upon the tpiantily and
quality of the knowledge instilled into the youthful mind. Young

il' I

SCIIDdi.s

'57

llu-

were

paid

;ulai)l

Kred

llR'llt.

jiopcr
r the
and

(lUUg

children tlieii sal all (Ia\' lonj^ with the light slreainiiig in their eyes,
and with no support for their hacks. The seats were slabs, placed
with the rtat side upwards and very unsteadily supported by .voodeii
pegs driven into their rounded surfaces miderneath. Frequently a
little \ariety was created in the davs proceedings !)y the collapse
of these seats, wliich thus served a good purpose in kee[)ing the
school from tiie (leadening effects of mere mechanical routine.
In many cases no doui)t their minds were really educated by
conscientious and enthusiastic teachers, but often they were
considered as mere receptacles for a mass of unrelated knowledge.

In the small townshij) schools, the first masters were discharged
soldiers who had served in the war of 1S12. Many of these taught
very indifferently, but in occasional instances we find that they
cultivated in their pupils an ardent love for arithmetic. " Vour
sums, lads and lasses," was the favorite command of one of these old
teachers at the P>eaverdnms school whenever he felt that his supply
of learning in the other branches was falling short of the demand.

Hooks weri' exceedingly scarce in those days, and there was no
attempt made lo have all the pupils use the same series. C'obb's
an'! Murray's spelling books were both used. 'I'he Hible was the
chief te\t book for reading. The ink used was made l.>y the |)upils
themselves, usuallv from oak galls or soft maple bark ; the pens were
the old-fashioned goose ([uills. 'i'he text-books were all printed
either in England or the United States, and in geography and
history, which were taught only to advanced pupils, a boy was likelv
to know as much about Spain or Italy as about his own province.

(iradually the schools ini|)roved, with the general i)rogress of the
country. Physical infirnii'y ojased to be sufficient -proof of a
teacher's scholarship, and the disabled soldiers gave place lo the
" peri|)ateti( leacher, ' who rarelv stayed in an\ one school longer than
a term. Onlv a small proportion ot the salary came from the
( iovi'rimienl grant, ;.o the remainder had to be made up by subscrip-
tion. l)uring tile summer months the instructors were usuallv
women, who receiwd. besides ihe grint. about .$1.50 per (juarler
from each pupil, while they " boarded arounil " in the school section.
In the winter men witi- employed, but their salaries were larger.

'5«

MI.SI()K\ (»!■ IHokOLU

* ;>;

II , ,

■' I

.'* 4

since they nearly always charged each |)U])il a tee of $2.00 a
quarter. 'i'hese old-time pedajfogues naturally made themselves
as indispensable as possible in the more comfortable houses,
but in a populous district they often had no settled abode, as each
parent had to give during the term only from three to l]\e days'
board in addition to fees, as a return for the tuition of each child
sent to the school.

The third class of teachers were Methodist divinity students, and
these were in turn succeeded by instructors from the United States.
Then, when Upper Canada itself offered better facilities for the train-
ing of teachers, a law was passed enacting that none but British sub-
jects, either by birth or naturalization, sliould be employed in the
schools of the province. In fact, this luul l)een one of the (:laus<'s of
the act of 18 16, but it had been i^ractically a dead letter. However,
with a courtesy not often apjjlied to alien laws at the present day, it
was officially announced that women from the United States .should
not be excluded by this law. Dr. Ryerson always allowed them to
teach in Ontario, if, upon examination by the local sui)erintendent,
they were found to be sufficiently well educated. .-Xfterwards a more
rigid and uniform system of teachers' examinations practically
excluded all instructors but those trained in Canadian schools.

In the early days it was natural that the township common
.schools should offer fewer advantages to pupils than the belter
equipped institutions in the towns and lar-,er villages. Nevertheless,
occasionally some university man or other person of wide learning
found his way into the backwoods, and there gave to the settlers'
children o[)portunities for culture that the pupils were quick to
profit by. The work still lives, but often the name of the tea(-her
has been forgotten. .Xmong those who are still remembered in
Thorold township are the Rev. W. Ivastman, a Presbyterian
minister, Ceorge Bradshaw, A. Murray and J. darner, while in later
days Walkden Mawdesley and James H. I. Hilton were well known
teachers.

The first school house within the limits of what is now the town
of Thorold was built in 1820 on Henry C. Ball's land, east of the
Welland Railwav track. 'I'he first teacher was a Mr. Raitrav. 'i'he

S( IIOOI.S

'5^;

.-rs'

second school wns built at the west of the town on the Reefer
property, and here Mr. Myers taught. A third school was bulk on
the Clrenville property in the centre of the town. I )r. Kirk was a
teacher here for a Ljreat many years. Mr. Horner, an Irish teacher,
was in charge of the school opposite St. John's church for a long
time.

In 1823 a public library was estal)Iished in the south-western
corner of the townshi]). It was sup[)orted by a yearly subscription
from the members. When books became cheaper, and each family
had better opportimities for buving its own reading mattc;r, this
mstitutit)n gradually dietl out.

Hetween 1816 and 1871 many acts were passed relating to
education, but many of the changes made were merely ex])erimental.
After the iniion of the two ("anadas. acts respecting the common
schools were |)assed ni 1841, 1843, 1846, 1847, 1849 and 1850. In
1844 Dr. Kgerton Kyerson was made Superintendent o\' Kducation
for Upper Clar.ada, and through his efforts the foundations of the
present system were laid. Through him a uniform system of exami-
nations was established, and thus it was made necessary that children
in the out-lying country districts should be as well instru<ted as those
liying within the limits of a city.

Until 1871 the township schools were governed by a local
Superintendent. Among those who filled that office in 'I'horold
were Detxer D'Eyerardo, fames Ueatty, the Rey. (Jharles Walker
and Capt. Radcliffe.

In 1847 there were fourteen schools in the townshij) onh Ine
more than in 1817. The legislatiye grant was jQi2\ 1 7sh. id.,
while the total salaries paid riiiounted to only ^,678 7sh. in that
year.

l'"or some time the school section was allowed the f)ption of
making up the teacher's salary by adding to the Ciovernment grant
liie fees charged for each pupil, or by taxing the rate-payers an
amount equal to the difference between the Legislative grant and
the salary guaranteed. In the fall of 1847 a school convention was
held in Kelly's grove, just east of what is now Marlatt's bridge on
the old canal. .\ Hag was j)ut up bearing the legend '• I'ree

! ^ '

;:^£^-af

160

MISrORV f»l TlfOKOI I)

I Cs

schools, the poor man's ri^ht." In llic ('()in>e of a speech Dr.
Ryer-son poinled to the flag and said: " When that system — free
schools for poor people— prevails throughout Canada, then will her
schools and her youth compare favorably with those of any other land
on the earth." 'I'hat this prophecy lias since been realized is attested
by the awards made at the ("entennial I'^xhihition at I'hiladelphia in
1876, and at the World's l'"air at Chicago in 1893, when the Ontario
system of education was declared to be the best in the world.

Through the choice allowed between fees and municipal aid, it is
impossible to state where the first free school in Canada was opened,
but Beaverdams claims that honor for Sc:hool .Section No. 2. .\s
there were only a few children in that section wealthy enough to pay
fees, consequently the attendance was small, and the salary paid was
utterly inade()uate as compen.sation to a teacher of any ability what-
ever. In 1847 the trustees elected were : Levi I,. Sway/.e, 'i'homas
Russell and David Clark. These men, after devoting some study to
the school law, decided to use the [)ower given them by making
education free to all in that section. A petition was drawn up and
signed by the rate-payers, asking permission to tax themselves for
the support of the school. This was taken to the old Niagara coun-
cil, which at once granted the section permission to pass a bv-law
taxing the property owners an amount sufficient to make up the
teacher's salary. The school was then made free to all. An .Ameri-
can teacher, Miss Janet Leet of l,(jckport, was engaged, and at the
next official visit of the local supeiintendent the school was i)ro-
nounced the best in the township.

The example set bv Beaverdams must soon have been followed
by others, for the superintendent's report for 1849 records two free
schools then existing in Thorold. In that year eleven-thirteenths of
the children of school age were attending public and private schools.
The same report mentions a private school in the village of Thorold,
kept by Mrs. Peter Keefer.

In 1854 the Roman Catholic Separate School in Thorold was
established, in accordance with the act i)asscd in 1850.

In 1856 the Fonthill lirammar School, wh- -h was situated just
outside of the township, was established. The first trustees were :

ch Dr.
II — free
•ill her
er land
lUested
)hia in
)ntario

id, it is
ipened,
2. As
to pay
id was

wiiat-
liomas
udy to
naking
ip and
'es for

coun-
by-law
ip the
Amcii-
at the
;s pro-

llowed
o free
iths of
;iiools.
lorold,

d was

d just
were :

1 '

o -

'/J

t^J

,._.SSist»

? «'(i

■Xi

Pri

P §

■a

k3 -a

■Ji

i
1

;

t i

•Sf^;;,/.

Rev. John Wakefleki J^'iv Ueoiuc i.'i.nii. I'li U. Huv. '.: W D.iivit _i

METHODIST MINMSTHRS

'■■»T*w""^'>rTt»"

f t' ' i

■; 'f.

Rev. Wm. Dickson ' Rev. Robt. Wallace ■ ^ Rev. 0. D. McDonald*

Kr\-. J W. Mit.'llcll

KiA W. A, C.i.iK

iM'ii<:sHvr!':KiA\ .mi.\isii<:rs

K.v. Ci. I.. Wittit

Ki \ i , I . I li \ in

KcA. K. (i.ii-j.li

BAi'Tisr Mi\isri<:Rs

--I

•4

^ i.

I* .

^1 It

.ti;

SCHOOLS

I 6 I

John I'Vazcr, M.I)., Joliii S. Pri(\', jotiii Scholfield, sen., Doxtcr
D'Everardo, Whitson C. Moore and John IJ. O.xley. For many
years this was a flourishing inslitution of learning, and many import-
ant teachers taught here, including a ne[)he\v of Thomas ("ariyle.
In 1X76 a new Ifiilding was required, hut the peo[)le of I'elham
refused to furnish the amount necessary for it, and therefore the
school had t(» he discontinued.

A very important school act was passed in 1871 ; hy it the name
"Common School" was changed to that of " I'uhlic .School," and
the "(Iraminar Schools" were designated "High Schools." The
provisions are l)est stated in the following <inular of the Ontario
ICducation Department :

C'n.\R.\cri;K OK THE Imi'oktant School I.nnsLATiON ( f 187 i.

The fifth anil last series of conventions was held in 1869, and on
the results of the consultations and deliherations of these conventions,
1 )r. Ryerson framed that crowning measure of his administration,
which received the sanction of the Legislature in 1871- twenty-one
years afti. the ilrst great departure in school legislation -that of

for the various ohjects which he had recommended during the
years from 1850 to 187 1, liheral grants were made hy the Legisla-
ture. The policy of the (iovernment during those years was to
sustain 1 )r. Ryerson and to second his efforts to huild up and con-
solidate the system of puhlic instruction whii-h he had taken such
pains to estahlish. The result was that our school system expanded
ami grew in every direction, and hecame firmly rooted in the affec-
tions of the people. In this way it came to he regarded as one of
the most successful and poj)ular systems of education on the conti-
nent. Ami yet, as I have shown, he was continually suggesting
improvemens in it, for he always held that there was room, as well
as necessity, for them.

School legislation, chiefly in regard to high schools and matters

)f detail, took j)lace at intervals during the intervening years, hul it

■as in 1871 and 1874 that the iinal legislation under Dr. Ryerson's

a spices took place. That of 1871 was strikingly progressive aiid

took a wide range. Thai of 1874 was largel)' su[)plemental and

remedial.

'Ihe .\ct of 1871 introduced uito our school law for the first lime
some important principles, which, as yet, had not received legislative
sanction. They were chiefly those which related, among others to
the following matters :

I. ( lovernmental, comhined with iminoved local, inspection of
schools.

I 62

HISTORY OK THOROI.D

:» '(-

:; -.*

2. A high and fixed standard of qualifications for inspectors of
public schools.

3. The al)olition of non-certified township superintendents of
schools, and the substitution therefor of duly licensed county
inspectors.

4. 'i'he institution of simultaneous and uniform examinations in
the several counties for teachers desiring certificates of qualification.
This princii)le was soon extended to other examinations, including
competitive examinations in counties, etc.

5. The fixing and rendering uniform of a higher standard of
qualification for public and high school teachers.

6. Giving the profession of teaching a fixed legal status, and
providing more fully and equitably for the retirement and united
support, by the ])rofession and the legislature, of worn out or dis-
abled teachers.

7. The establishment by law of a national system of free
schools.

8. Declaring the right by law, as well as the necessity, of every
child to attend some school, thus recognizing the piinci})le of, and
providing for, "compulsory education.'"

y. Requiring, by law, that adequate school accommodation, in
regard to school hou.se, playground and site, be provided by the trus-
tees, for all of the resident ciiildren of school age in their localities.

ir Prescribing a more systematic and practical course of study
for each of the classes in the public schools.

II. Di.scriminating, by a clearly defiiied line, the course of study
in public and high schools respectively.

J 2. Providing for the establishment and support of collegiate
institutes, or local colleges.

13. Requiring municipalities to maintain high schools and col-
legiate institutes, equally widi the public" schools, and as part of the
general school system.

14. Providing, at the option of the ratepayers, for the substitu-
tion of townshij) boards of education, in place of local trustee boards.

15. Authorizing the establishment of industrial schools.

Such were the main features of tlie com|)rehensive and progres-
sive School Act passed in 1871. In many respects it revolutionized
the existing .state of things. It gave a wonderful impetus to the
schools, and to every department of. school system — the effects of
whi'"h we feel to this day.

Thus it was made possible for every child to proceed as fiir as
matriculation into any of the universities without paying a c<Mit for
his education.

The first Inspector ap|)ointed for W'elland County was James H.
IJall, .M. A., who still occupies the position.

! Si I >' Jj,

ti, .

SCHOOLS

163

:*s-
.d

((

Since 187 i no radical chaniics have taken place in tlie township

schools. Those now in existence are:

School Section niiniher 2 (l)eaverdanis).
" " 3 (Allanhur^h).

4 (Port Robinson).

5 (on tlie (junker Road).

6 (near tlie Hurricane Road).

7 (fonimonly (tailed the Houk School).

Of the Union Schools : number i (at the Heechwoods) is sup-
ported by Thorold and Stamford r<)wnshi[)s ; number 6 (at DeCew
Falls) is sujjported by Thorold aiid (Irantham. Those belonging to
both Pelham and Thorold are:

Union School number 2 (two miles West of W'elland).

3 (at Fonthill).

4 (at St. Johns).
7 (in the North-western corner of

'i'horold Townshi[)).

In the town of Thorold, the I'ublic School on the East side
of the canal consists of four grades with four teachers employed,
while on the West side the staff consists of two teachers. The
Roman Catholic Separate Sciiool lias a large attendance, the teach
ing being done by .Sisters of St. Jose|)li who are legally (jualified.

'I'hokoi.o Hi(;h School. On the 12th of June, 1857, the
County ('ouncil of Welland passed an act establishing a (Iranimar
School in the village of Thorold. The first 'JVustees were: the
Rev. T. 15. I'Uiler, I). I)., the Rev. William l)icksf)n, Jacob Keefer,
lohn Hr(>wn, William IJeatty ;n)d John I). Murray. l^efore the
establishment of this school Mr. Dickson had held classes for
instruction in the higher branches.

At first the staff consisted of only one teacher. Latin was then
considered the chief subject to be taught in a secondary school, and
<'onse(]uentlv the |)ii])i!s were chielly boys, since the study of the
i'lassics was considered beyond the capability of the fcniinine intel-
lect. 'l"he pupils were n<»t recpiired to [)ass any examination for
entrance, and for fifteen years or longt'r tlie only test was the parsing
of a simple sentence in ICngli^h, and the Nolution of one or two
questions in fractions. 'I'hese tests were apjilied by the Inspector to
all pujjils enrolled between his half-yearly visits.

•f-

^'\

1^4

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

The first master was the Rev. Alex. Dawson, B. A., who held his
classes in what is now the council chamber in the Town Hall. The
school was then removed to rooms in the West side Public School.
The Rev. Donald I. F. McLeod, B. A., who afterwards became a
son-in-law of Bishop Fuller, was the second head master. He was
succeeded by John McNeely, B. A., an excellent scholar and teacher,
whose premature death was a great loss to tiie school and com-
munity. Both Mr. McLeod and Mr. McNeely were graduates of
Trinity University, Toronto, and the same college furnished the next
Principal, James H. Ball, M. A.

During Mr. Ball's rcf^iuie the school was particularly pr()S[)erous.
It was not then brought into competition, as it is now, with the
wealthier neighboring institutions. The staff was increased and the
school was moved to a private house, opposite St. John's Church on
Claremont street. In 1869 there were five teachers employed,
including those for special subjects, such as bookkeeping and paint-
ing. The ("lovernment grant was then the largest received by any
High School in the county. In 187 i Mr. Ball resigned to take the
position of County Inspector for Welland.

His successor was William Houghton B. A., a graduate of Trinity
College, Dublin. The next head master was Alex. I). Cruikshank,
B. A., who was in turn followed by the Rev. Nelson Burns, M. A.

In Mr. Burns' time the school was removed to the McKeague
building, popularly known as " the barracks," on Bine street.

Soon after this removal it was found necessary to furnish the
pupils with better accommodations, and in 1875 tlie present site was
bought and a building erected at a cost of $6,000. James Johnson,
M. A., and his daughter. Miss Johnson, conducted the school in the
new building for c e year. Andrew McCulloch, M. A., was the next
Principal, and he occupied the position for seventeen years, during
which time more than $500 was si)ent for books and scientific
apparatus. 'I'he first assistant under Mr. McCulloch was Mr. Page,
who had taught for some time in the Fonthiil Higli School. Suc-
cessive assistants were Mr. Wilson and Mr. Boddy. In 1884 H.
Halliday, B. A., was appointed teacher of mathematics and science,
and during his time much good work was done. In the fall of 1887

SCHOOLS

I ^'5

he obtained a position in Ottawa Collegiate Institute, being suc-
ceeded here by Alexander ("ampbell, J}. A., an honor graduate of
Toronto University, 'i'he next assistant was Thomas Jamieson,
H. A., a graduate of Victoria. The pre.sent staff consists of :

A. W. Reavley, 15. A. (Toronto University), Principal — Modern
Languages.

'I". J. Walrond, Speciali.st in Mathematics — Mathematics, Science
and Commercial work.

Miss Kate McLean, H. A. (Queen's University)— Classics.

Among the former students of Thorold High School who have
brought honor to their alma mater are William McCleary M. P., who
represents the County in the House of Commons, and who has also
sat for one term in the local Legislature; and V. .S. Lampman, 15. A.,
Secretary of the Law Society of British Columbia.

The High School Hoard of Trustees at present consists of the
following persons :

Chairman — David P>attle, representative of Separate School
Board.

Secretary-Treasurer — William McClure, M. I).

Members — W. J. Macartney, Thomas U. McBride, William
Martin, Rev. W. A. Cook, John H. Wilson (representative of Public
School Board).

'.lire

Suc-
H.
ence,
1887

Chapter XIV

T')OnKS AND NkWSPAI'KRS

Thorolil Public Library. I'lHiniU'd in 1S5S as the Thdmld Moclianics' Institiilc.
l'"irst (ilTiccrs. Lectures dcbvcrcd. Re orpini/cd in 1867. LucUiro-;
and debates. Means o( raisinji; money. Lar^'e (Invernni'Mil grants.
Mechanics' Institute made a free lil)rary. I'rescnt board of management.
Newspapers pul>Iislied in tlie tounsbi]). '/'/tr 'I'liorohl Aihwale. \o
local news. /'//,■ W'ellaiid l/cra/d, ])ublislu'd for three months at I'ort
Robinson. 'J'/ic 'J'horold Cazi'ile established. Reform in politics. ///(•
TlwroLI Wfckly Clironiilc founded. Thf Tint' /'a/iio/. 'I'hf I'horoUi
Mciriiry. The Menuiv merited into 'flw U'rllaih/ Tiihuiie in 1872.
The 'Ihorold l\nt.

■ ■§

'■«

ff;

!•'

Tlie following report in itself e.xplains tlie founding; of the
Thorold Public Library :

Report of the Thorold Mechanics' Institute, organized the 5th of
February, 1858, with one hundred and ten subscribing iiienii)ers :

President- -Rev. T. P. Fuller, 1). (". I..

1st Nice-President — Jacob Reefer, Ivsij.

2nd " — James Beatty, Ein\.

3rd " — J. Dunibrill, ¥.s(\.

Treasurer — James IVIunro, l'".s(i.

Recording Secretary — Sampson Hawthorn, Vm].

Corresponding Secretary --\Valkden Mawdesley.

Librarian John G. Reefer, Kst).

And a Committee of Management of twelve memlxjrs.

The Library now contains three hundred and twenty volumes,
the four Jiritish Quarterly Reviews, and Blackwood's I'^dinburgh
Magazine for 185S.

During the |)ast year five lectures were delivered before the
Institute, viz.: One on "Reading," by the Rev. T. B. Fuller, I). C. L.,
one on "Climpses of the Dark Ages," by the Rev. Burns, one
on "The Battle of Life," by David Sharp Ivscj., one on "Canada,
Present and Prospective," by J. I). Murray Esq., and one on "Cold
Worship," by Dr. Theophilus Mack.

HOOKS ANn NKWSPAPKKS

167

les,
irL!;h

the
A,.,
one
ula,
told

FINANCES

Receipts from all sources for the past year
ICxpenditure for past year

Balance in hand of Treasurer

Subscriptions un[)aid and due Institute
Liabilities, consisting of unpaid acc'ts.

$-'52 50
233 32

$ 20 18

$15 00
8 80

Signed,
Wai.kden Mawdksi.ky,

Corresponding Secretary.

To Honorable P. M. Vankoughnet,

Minister Hureau Agriculture.

To the I'oard of Audit,

Toronto.

No record appears to have been kept of any meetings after July
5th, 1858, but it is said that the Institute "existed" for two or three
years, when, the recei[)ts being insufficient to meet the running
expenses, it was closed for a few years, and during that time the
books were kept in the Town Hall.

In l)ecemi)er, 1867, a reorganization took place, and a society
known as " 'i'he Thorold Mechanics' Institute and Literary Club "
was formed, tia\ ing for its objects " the diffusion of useful know-
ledge " and "the mutual improvement of the members."

A Constitution was drawn up, consisting of 22 rules, or by-laws,
which appear to have been rigidly enforced.

Dr. Robt. Johnstone was elected President. Kor the first few
months the meetings of the club were held in the old Post Office, which
was kept for that purpose by Jacob Keefer. Afterwards they were
held in the Town Hall; and during Dr. Johnstone's term of office
a large number of debates, lectures, etc., were given by the members
at their weekly meetings. .\ monthly Journal was also edited by the
C'lub, and its contents were read and discussed at each monthly
meeting. The library was open one evening in the week.

In 1869 Mr. James Heatty was made President, and served for
three years. In his time a great many new books were purchased
for the Library, and the first Government grant, of $100, was
received. The Library was moved to the Hendershoi olock, where

i68

HISTORY Ol rifOKOI.D

^iM:^i

it has remained till the present day. Weekly debates and lectures
were continued all through Mr. J{eatty's term of oftice.

Mr. Beatty was succeeded in 1.S72 hy the late Judge Baxter, who
acted as President up to the time of his death, a period of twenty-
one years. During this long term a great many changes took place
in the history of tiie Institute. A large number of hooks were
addi'd, a reading room in connection with the Library was opened,
night classes were held during the winter months, and the Library
was open three nights in the week.

A great deal of money was raised by means of excursions,
festivals and theatrical performances. Li those days 'I'oronto was
not so easily reached as it is now, and the Mechatiics' Listitute's
Annual ICxcursion by the old steamer Enterprise was an event Of the
summer, and was patronized by the town generally, as were also the
annual strawberry festivals, which were held on Judge Baxter's
grounds, and the frequent theatrical entertainments. Then the
Institute had its pa, days, and its financial standing was so
good that the Ciovernment grant amounted to $400 yearly. It
may be said that a great deal of its success at that lime was due to
the zeal and energy of the President, Mr. David Sharp, Mr. James
Dale, and others, who were indefatigable in their efforts to increase
the funds. (iradually, however, their means of raising money
becoming more common, the re(X'ipts suffered in consecjuence ; and
the grants being thus reduced, it became more ditficult to raise
nioney.

Mr. Chas. Munro acted as secretary and Mr. S. Cleveland as
librarian for a number of years during this term.

Mr. A. McCulloch, M. A., was elcctecJ President in 1S93. In his
term the Library building was enlarged and a number of new books
were added. On his rcinoval fr^m town in 1895 Mr. T. H. Simson
was made President, and in October of that year a petition was sent
from the Mechanics' Institute to the Town Council " to take over and
adoi)t the Mechanics' Institute according to an act to amend and
consolidate the acts respecting l-'ree Libraries and Mechanics'
Institutes, etc." This the Town (Council did, and the old
Mechanics' Institute is now a Free Library, and is open to the

IIOMKS ANIi M.WSI'AI'I.KS

!'')•)

use

his
loks
son
sent
and
and
lies'
old
the

public on every week night for nine months in the year, and three
nights a week during the three summer months.

There are at ])resent on the shelves over 5,000 volumes, of
history, travels, biography, etc., besides a number of books of
reference for the use of students and others, while on the
tables in the reading rooms may be seen the leading daily and
weekly papers and all the wtx'kly and monthlv per iodieals, tashion
magazines, etc.

Mrs. (larden, the present lilirarian, was apj)ointed in 1.S86 and
has therefore filled the position for nearly twelve years.

It is a fact worthy of notice that Mr. W. T. I'ish has been a
member of the lioard of Managinient since the first Mechanics'
Institute was organized in the year 1858.

The present Board of Management consists of the following
members: '!". E. Simson, chairman, 1 ). J. ( '. Munro, Rev. P. I-.
Spencer, A. W. Reavley, E. V. I'oley, James liattle, W. 'I". I'ish and
1). E. Millar.

Nr:\vsi>APKRS. Seven news|)apcrs have been in existence at
different times in the townsIn'[), and of these six have been published
at Thorold. The first was the Thorold Advocate and Welland
CouHtx Intelliirencer, which was issued week I \ bv A. Dinsmore. The
first number made its appearance in August, 1849. Its jnotto was
" Measures, not men," and the address was somewhat lengthily stated
as Thorold, Niagara District, f'anada West. The price was losh.
currency ($2.00), when paid in advance, but subscribers who delayed
the payment were charged 1 2sh. 6d. No local news was given
at that time, and we can judge the state of affairs in the
village only from the advertisements. In these, HufAdo, Merritts-
ville, Chippawa and Eonthill were also well represented. Among
the more interesting reading matter we find letters from a Thorold
man who had gone to the ("alifornia gold mines.

In 1852 the Welland Herald made its apj)earanee at I'ort
Robinson. It was published in the interests of Duncan McKarland,
the Reform candidate for Parliament in that year. The Herald was
issued for only three months, as its usefulness was ended as soon as
the elections were over.

170

iriSTORY OF THOROI.I)

u *

In jiini' of 1854 the Thorold Gazelle wti's established by John
I). Murray. It was Reform iti politics, its motto being: "The
only guarantee men can have for good government is their power to
exact it ; and the foundation of tluit power is knowledge." Through
the warmth of its political views we sometimes fmd it embroiled in
([uarrels with the old Toronto Lea^/er and other (Conservative papers
of that day. The Gazette also omits all mention of local news, but
touches on several to[)ies of general interest. Among the more
important items is an extract from the Olynipia Pioneer and
Democrat, describing the gold fields on \'ancouver Island, and
published in the issue of May 12th, 1858. Another number of the
same year contains an aecouni of the emancipation of a slave at
Chatham —no uncommon act at that time, but (;ne that always
brought down the wrath of the Southern papers upon Canada. As
serfdom had been abolished in Upper (Canada in 179J, the slaves
brought into the country by Southern gentlemen on tlieir travels
were always seized here and n>ade free. In those days not every
family subscribed for a Toronto daily paper, and therefore items such
as these formed a necessary portion of the local journals. In 1862
the Gazette was merged into the St. Catharines Post.

On the first of August, i860, (1. \V. Hopkins founded the
Thorold Weekly Chronicle and Wetland County Advertiser. " The
sun shines for all " was the motto used by the Gazette's rival. The
l)rimary object of the C/z/'^^w/V/t' was stated as "an earnest attention
to the local interests of the County and the Town." The paper was
independent in politics, but it lived only a siiort time.

In the fall of 1866, shortly after the Fenian Raid, the Thorold
True Patriot atid Welland and Lincoln Rejornier was founded by
John Grahame. It bore the legend : " While we sing ' Cod save the
Queen ' let's not forget the people." The death of Mr. Crahame in
1870 caused the suspension of this journal for six months. At the
end of that time John McCovern, who had bought the business,
issued the paper under the new title of the Thorold Mercury.

The prospectus of the Mercury promised that it should advocate
" measures of progress, reform and a return to party government,"
" the opening up of the Crown Lands of the Dominion for immediate

nOOKS ANI> NF.WSPAI'r 1<>

171

le
le

ss,
ite

scttK'ment, " and the .slr(.'n^(tlu'ninj» of "tlio honds of iKirmonv which
unite this colony to Great Britain. " The Afercury lived independ-
ently until 1S72, when it was merged into the Welland Trihune.

When left without a local news^xiper the people l)ej;an to feel
that the interests of the town should he brought more prominently
before the |)ul)lic, and an advertisement was inserted in the i'oronto
daily papers, stating that Thorold was in need of a journal of its
own. 'i'he McCay Bros, of Oakville profited by this announct'inent,
and at on(~e established here the Thorold Post and Niagara District
Intelii}^encer" the first issue of which a[)[)eared on May 24th, 1875.
Not long afterwards \V. H. Hone became the editor and publisher.
From 1876 to 1883 he conducted the /V«/ on independent princi-
ple.s, but in the latter year it became Con.servative in politics. In
1885 the business was jjou^ht by John H. Thompson, who still
conducts the journal. It is again independent, and now contains a
large amount of k)cal news.

ite

Chapter XV

Military IIisi'orv

Men who served in ihc Revoluiidiiary War. 'riiDmlil men in the War of 1812.
List of the veterans still alive ill 1.S76. Those who went to the front in the
Rel)elli<in of 1837. History of No. 2 Company. Names of men in Welland
Canal Fieki Hattery in 1S66. 'I'he cam]) al Thorokl. Sir (larnet Wolseley
in coniniaiul A Thorold representative in (he Northwest Keliellion <if 18S5.
A 'I'horoKl man on the Hisley team in i89()

a ■ ■.
i J

The name, ' United Empire Loyalists," given to the A-iierican
colonists who were faithful to the British Government, might, with
e(iual propriety, he home by tite successive generations who have
made their home in this township. Of tlie original settlers, many
had served the King in the Revolutionary war, twenty-two having
belonged to Butler's Rangers.

When the people of the United Stafes decided one morning in
1 81 2 to "come over and take Car.ada before breakfast," the I'Ycnch,
(lertnan and British settlers in these [jrovinces at once dropped all
their political differences, :;nd united in the desperate effort to retain
British rule in the colony. Several companies of the Lincoln Militia
were formed, but as no lecords have been i)reserve(l by local histor-
ians, and as tlie official reports have never yet oeen properly
classified, it is impossible to obtain a complete list of all the 'I'liorold
men who served at that time i'hat the harv. sts for two or three
years were reaped by the women and the old men is sufficient proof
that xhv township was well represented at the front. \ few of the
names of the active participants in the struggle are those of:

[acob H. Ball Lsaac Kelly

Jacob L r 11 John Kelly

(apt. John DeCou Lieut, (larrett \'anderburgh

Harmonius Vanderburgh Jacob Vanderburgh

Peter N'oeoni Samuel Heaslip

(leoige 'I lirney ('apt. (leorge Keefer

!!:l:

MH.nARV mSTORV

173

Several of Robert W'ilkerson's

sons
Jolin Crysler
Hugh Wilson
Thaddeiis Davis
Hiram Sway/.e
Roi)ert I.owry
Timothy I.owry
(leorgo Marshall

Major Anthony Upper

facol) L'pper

"Hall Davis

Jacob A. Hall

Lewis Clement

Samuel Hopkins

John Hill (killed at Chippawa)

Samuel Kelley

James Heaslij)

A great many ot these soldiers belonged to Col. Clarke's
(lompany, .".o. , Lincoln Militia. Most of them were in the
engagements at '')ueenston Heights and Lundy's Lane. More than
once they were allowed to go home to put in a crop, and were again
called from their agricultural duties by the sound of guns. Such a
warning of an apprf)aching battle reached the ears of Hugh U'ilion,
John Crysler and Jacob \'anderburgh, who were working on their
iarms near AUanburgh, on the 25th of July, 1814. Hastily arming
themselves, they ran all the way to Lundy's Lane, reaching the spot
in time to take part in the most sanguinary conflict of the whole war.
In many ways it was natural that such hasty preparation should put
them at a disadvantage when tluy reached the scene of battle.
Jacob L l>all, who was an artilleryman, seized a flint-lock nmsket
and rushed to the Beechwoods when the skirmish took [jlace there.
'Thiee limes he took aim at Cha[)in, but his musket only blazed.
Afterwards, when a juryman at the Niagara .Assizes, he had an
opportunity of mentioning this occurrence to Chapin, who had (ome
over to give evidence in a case ; but the Major did not seem to bear
any ill will against hnn for his good intentions.

(ieorge Turney's fate nt the brittle of Chii)pawa is thus described

in his father's memorial to Sir John Sherbrooke, the (lovernor

Cienrral :

'I'hen, on the ilay of the fatal battle of (!hip|>;"iwa, my only
surviving son, tlie stay of m\' declining years, (Ieorge. fell nobly
contending for the honor and sacred rights of his King and country ;
he fought under the (<jmmand of (ieneral Rial! in cajjacitv of ( ap-
tain of .Militia, leasing me forlorn and disconsolate, but i gave him
u[) as freely as the ties of nature will admit.

Major L'|>per had received his promotion from Gen. Brock.

Jacob A. Ball was taki'n jirisoner by ihe .Americans and kept in

the L'nited .States for two vears.

•*. I

174

HISTOKV or IHORQI.H

In 1876 the Dominion Ciovernmcnl presented $20.00 to each of
the surviving veterans of the war of iSr2, as a slight recognition of
his servicx" in tlie British cause. Those wiio received tiie testini(jnial

in tliis township were : Thdnias, Alianburgh : Louis Clement,

Thorold ; Samuel Heaslip, Port Kohinsoti : Matthias I.amjinian,
Thorohl ; and I'eter \ocom, Thorold.

In 1857 not a few of the men in this townshi[) were in sympathy

with the reforms advocated hy William Lyon ALukeiizie, hut when

tlie Patriot leader attempted to ha\e these political ([uestions decided

bv force of arms, they at once declared themselves on the side of the

Ciovernment. Of ttiose who went to the froiU the following names

have het-n ol''nined :

\hijor Anthony Up|)er Robert ( Oulter

("a|)tain deorge K<:fer

1 )aniel Williams
Munson Church
(larrett N'anderburgh
Samuel Swav/c

John Reefer
Alexander ( 'htisiit'

I urney

Daniel Cirenville
lIuL'h lames

During the Rebellion some ot Sit Allan .XbXub'-. men wire
quartered at the L'pper stoMr hou^c near .Ml.inburgh, and also in
the house at present occupied b\ Mr. L^'ius L'pper.

Tnso com|)anies of th' n^lh IJattalioii, besides a bodv of Hoiiu-
Cruards, lia\e been in e\istence at Thorold at different tnne.>. Li
1862, owing to llu' excitement caused by the 'Trent affair. No. 5
companv of tlu' Lincoln militia was formed, with a tot.il strength of
sixty six. John McDonagh was gazetted ('aptain on i)e( ember
19th, r8o2. Lord .Monck signing his commission. Tlie other
officers were: John .\LI)i)Uga!l, isl Lieuteit.nil : John :M( Nutt,
Ensign; Samuel ( Icvehnid, 'nlor .Sergeant; C. A. Ck-veland, J.
Morley and William ("amidn" Corporals. This organization
existed i ntil 1865, when a new regulafi-in, re(|uiring otficers to
attend the Military School, (~au^ed the retirement of Caj)t. .Mc-
Donagh. and finally brouglu about llie disbanding of his command.

Li 1864 No. 2 conijiany of NOhmteers was organized, with
George Tiaxter as ('aptain and Hugh James as 1st Lieutenant. Mr.
Baxter, who was afterwards County Jutlge oi Welland, was l.imself
the son of a Ihitish oftw it. Li 1866 Liiut. lames received his

MIIITARV HISTORY

•75

lion

iMr-

uul.

iviiii

I Mr.

[self
his

commission as Captain of the company, and held tiiat rank at the
front during the Fenian Raid.

The following is the list of the members of this cor.ipany who
were called out for active service in 1866-7 :

Captain Hugh James

I St Lieut. liinley Benson

Sergt. Henry Baker

Sergt. Roht. ('owling

Sergt. James L. Taggart

Corporal John Pew

Corporal \Vm. Winslow

Corporal Peter Steep

Bugler Thos. Shea

Ban(l Master James Weeks

Clept'Ht-' Weeks (band)

Sleplitn Bradley

llenry Boyd

John Burley

Frank Brown

Price Brown

Abraham Brennan

John Brennan

Rdbt. Bradley

John Booth

Henry Cirter

David iJale

James Dale

James Dougherty

Arthur Criffiths

David (Iriffiths

Isaac Holdswith

.\le\. Hoover

Frank Hartlev

James Mawdesley
William Martin
(leorge Turner
( leorge Newman
William Orr
.\le.\. Philips
(leorge Rymer
James Raynard
Robt. Robertson
W. S. Smyth
Johnson Woods
James Wilkinson
Alex. Williams
Jonathan McNally
James Snyder
Ceorge Crenville
Patrick Steep
Wm. White
Archie McPhie
(ieorge (-albraith
Isaac McMann
Jacob Breams
Lachlin Carter
W. 1. Shannon
Charles Harcourt
lolin (Ireen
Charles Ball
.Mathew Henderson
Ben. MclClro\'

Total 55 men and bugler.

In r866 also, John McDonagh, Dr. R. J. Johnstone, ,\.
Schwaller, Frank 1 )orris and others fomed themselves into a Home
(lUartl to protect the village of Thorold from the rumored advance
of the Fenians. Until all fear of the I'Vnians was over the Home
(iuard i)araded through the village tVom night until morning.

In 1866, at the time of the Fenian Raids, No. 2 Company of
Thorold, and the Welland Canal Field Battery of Port Robinson
both were ordered to the front. The work done by the artillery has
alreadv been described in the accouiit of the I'enian Raids, but it

r76

HISTORY or rnokoi.i.

may he wrll licit' to cnuiiieratc tlu' ;ii(.Miil)cr.s of the Hallcry. who
served on that mcnioraljle occasion. It is a matter of rci^ret tliat
the list given Ik'Iow tioes not contain the inaccessible names of one
or two men who joined the liattery the day hcl'ore the ac tion :

(apt. K. S. King, M. 1).
I St Lieut. A. K. Sciiollicld
211(1 I.iciit. ('. li. Nimmi)
Sergt. Major Richartl lioylc
Scrgt. 'I'homas O'Neill
.Sergt. (iideon (Irisdale
Scrgt. Wni. Reavley
.Sergl. Thomas Sowershy
C'orporal Jas. H. iioyle
(Corporal \'ilro\- McKee
('orporal Ste|)hen Ucalty

jas. R. Iioyle
Nels(j!i Higgins
Richard 1 liggins
R()i)i. ft 'Ihomas
1 lenry ( 'ole
/.atharias Lawrence
Samuel 1 )i( kcnson
Isaac Dickenson
Maurice Weaver
John r. I'oyle
Samuel C'ook
John Waters

I'arrier I. IVw
Bombardier |. McCracken, R..\., Reuben Mosier
(ilrill instructor) I'. IL Morin

Iose|)h Reavley
Tat rick Roach
John l>radle\
John Harvoton
William Broom
Jonathan Hagar
James ( "oleman
Jolin Carr
Henry Hij.;gins
l"jiu'rsf)n I'earl
William (Jook
Ja<'ol) ( larncr
Robert ( XNpring
(.'has. ( 'ampbell
Searle Radcliffe

I'ergus Scholfield
I'Alward .\rmstrong
Robert .Armstrong
Benj. Baker
[ohn (Iraybill
William Clarke
ICdwartl liratlley
Robert (Irisdale
( leo. .A. Jordan
|ohn Croak*
las. ( 'i. iioughiier*
A. W. Reavley*
(leo. Weavert
Thomas Cioody
W'm. llannat

On the I jth of .\ngust, (866, another raid being feared, a cani])
was made at Thorold, as that was considered the lH.-st strategic
position, being near the \V\-lland and the: (Ircat \V estc rn railwavs, at
a convenitMit distance from the frontier, c'cic to the canal, and )et a
jilace from which llu' force could tasih reach any threateiud poiiU
i)et',ve<-!\ I*oU 1 >;dboiisif r.nd I'orl ( 'olboine, TIk- loili Ro\,iK and

* I'lu'sf Were a! Li'iu'riilt'e.

I 'I'lu'sc wiri' sailiiii; nu the \.\kv> al llu- liiiii' nl" ilic allaclv, ami nil re.irhinj^
('liic.i^( li-ained llial their ;ii jis liail lieeii ciit^aiie'' al tho <i-i'"' 'I'lK-rinniuu llirir
caiilaiu, al ilu-lr rec(Ucsi. |icinii(li'il llu'in In jm,! llic liar , , ■

.•*-K

ni|)

at
K ;i
)irit
md

-I.J '7, . If •■

■ir'Mk

mii.hakv iiisi(>rv

177

Col. Denison's Company, the Ciovernor-Cienerars liody (Iiinrd
(which, I,y the; way, has always been commanded by a Denison),
came from Toronto to Port Dallioiisic at the opening of the camp,
and then on to Thorold. 'I'he ]5ody Ciiard was at once ordered to
Chippawa, to j)icket the Niagara River from that point to Fort Erie
and around to Ridgeway, where its right flank was post<'d. I'rom
that flav until the (>lh of October this formed the outpost for t))c'
camp at Thurold.

The cam|) itself consisted of 2000 Volunteers, ;is well as several
companies of Driti^h Regulars, and lasted for about six weeks. The
tents were pitched at the west of the town, cliietly within John
Reefer's fields. (x)l. (afterwards I.t. (len) Peacock wns in ( om
niand for the fust day, and after that (?oI. (now Lord) Carnet
W'olseley was in command.

Tlie first volunteers reached the camp <m the 24th of Aifl^just,
nniong them being the Queen's Own, and the 13th Battali .ai of
liamihon. These two regiment.s were addressed by the Acaaitant
Ceneral of Militia, who came from Ottawa for the express purpose
of encouraging tiiem after iheir trying ordeal at Ridgevvay. Kverv
week 2,000 fresh trcxips were put through the m>utine of <\anii) life,
so that nearly all the volunteer reginii'ents cjf Upper (^ana*ia [Hit in
their annual drill at 'horold, in compam- with Hs-r Majesty's
Regulars. Among the latter wen- a wing of the i^nh Regulars. ( I
Hattery of the Royal .\rtillery (( n\. Hosted Battery), ^^fjine Cavairv'
and Col. .Arthur Williams with his regimeni The ions Regiment,
which bore no honors on its colors, was then ))0])iibrb known as. th-
" rejcemakers," as ii had not been in any enj,ageuirnt for tww>-
'hundred ye.irs. having always anived too iatt- for Ijattle. C BaHery.
rommonlv known as the '• drey battery,' trom the )lor oi the
horses, had been all through the Crimean war, and had also served
it! quelling the Indian Mutiny.

.\s Col. I)f;;--on"s troop jiatrolled tiu- Ni,'j;ara Kiver during the
Mv or ^even weeks that the camp w.i-, m.iintained, ( ohmel W'olst-lcN
expected that this c;)rps would gise icsiant warnmg if any ali.tck
should occur. Therefore, the companies in camp were compara-
tively free from n'si>onsibility Once a week a ^ham battle toi>k
place.

,7.S

iiiSTORv or I Mouoi.n

'I'hat 'I'liorold nuid l)oic as had a reputation then as now is
evident from a description of it ^iven in the Memorial Volume of
Upper Canada College. The camp is thus described :

1 )uring the summer following the I'cnian Raid a military camp
was formed at Thorold, and the Upper Canada College Rilles united
witii the University (!om|)any to form one corps. Tlu' battalion was
landed at I'ort Dalhonsie and marched tlirough .St. ( Catharines to
the breezy field on the top of the mountain where the 'i'l'nth Royals
and tln' 'I'hirteenth from llamillon were already pitching their tents.
Here tlic bovs again distinguislud themselves by their light-liearteil
endurance of discomtbrts that would have well-nigh caused a mutiny
amongst regulars. The ground was rough and hard cattle had
e\ idently roami'd freely over it when the soil was moist. One iiad
to select carefully for his couch the precise s|)ot who've physical
geogra[)hy was most nearly complementary to the angularities of the
human anatomy. The last duty every evening was a field study of
the relations between geology and osteology. When it rained, the
clay betrayed a most tenacious attachment to l)oots often ill suited
to such rough usage. Tiie camp arrangements were of the most
imp(!rfect character. Plain rations, however, were abundant. One
of our lumiber betrayed extraordinary talents in the culinary line, and
no " Irish "" or " boston "' stew can ever obliterate the memory of his
achievements. No coffee and butterless bread ever lasted sweeter
than that ])artaken around our tent pole every morning. 'I'he air was
pure and bracing, and the drill just enough to make ns forget all our
discomforts in dreamless sleep, livery one heard with regret the
orders to break up camp. To this day pleasant memories linger
around the old cam[) ground. .\s illustrating the spirit of the boys,
I may mention that it leaked out one evening that a general alarm
was to be sounded during the night to test the promptitude with
which the Volunteers could respond. We determined that, for the
honour of our corps, we should be the fust on parade. Not one
removed his uniform that night when he lay down. The covering
sergeant slept in his boots and cross-belt, with his ritle by his sitle.
To our great astonishment and chagrin, the sun was shining brightly
when we awoke at reveilu'.

During the construction of the new canal No. 2 ( 'om[)anv was
often called out to suppress the fre(iiient riots that took place.

After the I'enian invasion, No. 1 ('ompany was made a part f)f
the 44th battalion. In 18S8 (,'apl. James retired, and ^as suc-
ceeded by ('apt. William Monro. In iS(;5 the ( 'ompany was
disbanded, and since that time Thoiold has possessed no military
oryani/ation whatever.

•Mll,nAT<\ IIISTO'RV

179

ir was
our
I the
iiiger
boys,
alarm
with
or the
one
)vcrin^
side,
iiiiihlly

In the Riel Kchcllvon of 1885 Thorold liad hut one represctita-
tlve, R. I'. I)ou<:;aii. who was in the Uiviversjty Company of the
Queeti's Own Rides. On his returji tlae town f^ave him a reception.

In 1896 licut. I). ].. C.. Munro of I'horold vraK a raerabcr of tlie
BiisJey ti;an\, and won five limlividiial [)rjzes, amountiinj^ to /^\ i
J3sh. 6d„ tlwi most important of which waK one of ^,"8 for the
|(Jiueen's Match. To tse qualified to enter the first stage of this
matdi was eonsidered a great iionor, for only the first hundred were
<:'hg'il)ile, out of eiglUeen hundred competitors. Lieut. Munro
received tlie CJueen's Badge and ^20 additional as his share of tlve
•" team " prizes.

iiy was

)arl of
is sur-
ly was
military

Chapter XVI

l.ODCF.S AN 1 1 S( K I Kl I KS

At Thorolil, Port K()l)iiis()ii, .\ll;uil)iiii4h. ItiMVLTchiin-
Officers fur iS()7. Notes of iniiTtst.

I ,isis of fust officers.

'l"iif)i-!Oi.i> l)i\-., \n. ()o, Sons or' 'I'l' Mi'i'.K.wt i;

Tile present hivision of the Sons of TLMupcraiicc is an outgrowth
of an older organization known as Ilydraulie I )ivision, No. 9. It is
impossible to tell nuieh about this earlier lodge. Its minutes begin
July 20th, 1S50, and vnd July 16th, 1.S61. Among its prominent
members weie : Rev. John I'otts, James H. beatty, liernard Hall,
Cleorge McArthur and John (irenville. .Mention is made of a
lecture given by 1. H. (iough of .\del[)!ii Division.

On the 20th of I""el)ruary, 1 874, it was re-organized as Thorold
Division No. 90, which still survives. The preliminary meetings are
not recorded. The first officers were :

Worthy Patriarch — .Xndrew Hardie.

Worthy Associate — Ciiarles Cameron.

Chaplain Rev. J. S. Clarke.

Recording Scribe -William Ling.

Associate Recording Scribe -Miss Lucy .McConnchic.

Past Worthy Patriarch H. I). Watkins.

Financial St-ribe — William .Mc('leary.

Treasurer- -John 11. Wilson.

Conductor -Thomas Horner.

.Assistant Conductor Cieorge i )arkcr.

Inside Sentinel Alfred Clarke.

Outside Scnlinel John (Irenville.

The charter is dated I'Vbruary 10th, i<S74, and is signed by
'I'homas Webster, Ciiand Scribe, and Ceorge MacLi'an Rose, Orand
Worthy Patriarch.

Altogether about six htindrod persons have been members of the
Division at different times.

I.OIiCKS AND soriKTII.S

[8i

hy
and

the

I'Ik' 1 iiscnl ofl'icors an* :

W. P. las. Hilton.
W. A.— "Mrs. Hilton.
K S. — Miss ' Thompson.
A. R. S. -Miss A. Jones,
l'. S.^Miss H. Cook
Trcas. .Mrs, 1 lilton.

f'h.ap. --Miss E. Thompson,
("on. — Miss M. Cook.
A. C — Miss J. Taggart.
I. S.--L. Hesscy.
(). S. — 1'^. 'I'hompson
Organist .Miss j. Tlionipson.

Ancik.vt Okdkk or Uniii-.d Wokkmkn', I'oim' Rohin^ov.

At a meeting lield in Coulter's Hall, Tort Robinson, on Novem-
ber 2ist, iSyy, Deputy Cirand Master IViinington and .\. 15. Cook,
M. I)., of Welland, institute.l Charity Lodge, No. 45, A. < ). U. W.

The tollowing persons were the first members and officers :

Tast Master Workman -Hugh Park, M. I).

Master Workman Wm. H. .Andrews.

I'orenian I >avid I'^lliot.

Overseer -James \. .Sowersby.

Recorder- Isaac E. Hunt.

l'"inan(ier — Matthew Wisi".

Receiver James McCoppen.

(iuide Ceorge P. Joimson.

Inside Watchman— Wm. Ross, sen.

Outside Watchman Robert Stark, sen.

Trustees Robert Stark, sr.: Win. Ross, sr. ; Jann's McCoppen.

One hundred tlollars was paid for the ciy rter on the night of
organization. 'J"he meetings were held on . ach alternate I'riday
evening.

In 1S79 tlu' Crand Reioider was M. I). Carder, Si. Thomas,
(/nt.. and the (Irand .Master Workman was I'",. .M. Porter.

The following are the officers for 1897 :

( leorue Stark.

M. W. -Robert Rose.

foreman — Wm. ( amp.

( )\ erseer - James Stark.

(luidc -Cicorge Ross.

I'in. and Rec.-C. li. i'.ennett.

1. W. — Harmon Kottmeire,
O. W. — Robert Ste\enson.
(".. I.. R. C. I!. I'.ennett.

Hiiring the eighteen years of the Society's existence Charity
Lodge has lost only one member by death. A number have with-
drawn from membershij), and a few others have joined the lodge.
The j)reseiit membership is twent\-eighl.

tiBm

4^ ^:3^

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

SfiM IIIIIM
£° lia lllllio

1.8

L25 1114 ill 1.6

<$>

■'w. 4.

^ V

Pnotographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STPEET

WEBSTER, NY. 14580

(716) 873-4503

<s.

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<ir .% ^^

4^ M,

I', n '

182

HISTORY or THOUOI,I>

LovAi. Oranci'. I.oiKiK No. 519, Port Rodinson

The warrant for the orfranizalion of the lodge at Port Robinson
was gn -n in 1856 to William H. Pell by George T. Allen, (Irand
Master. The warrant is countersigned by John Wilson, County
Master.

The officors elected in 1856 were :

Master-William Tk»ll.
D. M.— (".. A. Darby.

The committee was composed of Messrs. f^ainpbell, Shafer,
Radcliffe and Ostrander.

The following are the nflicers for 1897 :

R. S. — Joseph Reavley.
Treas. --Thomas Smith.

W. M. — R. A. Smith.
1). M.- Donald Shar[)e.
R. S — Hiram \'oung.
Chaplain— Robert Kemp.

1'". S. — James N. Hansel.
Treasurer- W'i Ilia m Booth.
D. of C— John Mulholland.
I.ect. — Charles Misener.

The connuittee is composed of Isaac Pew, Ceorge Misener,
(Jeorge Jones and John Smith.

Canadian Ordkr or Choskn Kkiknos, Port Roiunson

Jubilee Council, No. 5. Canadian Order of Chosen Frier ds, was

organized by W. G. Thompson of Humberstone on Dec. 15th, 1887,

witli a membership of thirteen, the following being elected ofificers

for 1 888 :

Past Councillor— Hugh Park, M. I).

Councilloi — (ieorge Ross.

\'ice-CoLmcilior — Andrew Hamilton.

Recorder — Miles M. Misener.

Assistant Recorder — C Jeorge Si ark.

Treasurer— C. B. Bennett.

Prelate— John Britt.

Marshall W'm. H. Bell.

Warden — Wm. (irisdale.

Guard — Jonathan I. Bradfield.

Sentry — Charles Moyer.

Medical Examiner— H. Park, M. I).

Trustees — James Mc Coppen, .'\ndre\v Hamilton, Wm. H. Bell.

In 1887 Wm. H. Montague was Grand Recorder, which office
lie stili holds. James H. Dixon of Hamilton Council, No. i, was
the first Grand Councillor for the Order of Chosen Friends.

it.

I.OIUIKS AND SOCIF.TIKS

'83

The motto of the Order is " Aid and Protection."

No deaths have taken place in Jubilee Council since organisation

It has now a membership of 33, and the following are the officers

lor 1897 ;

Councillor \Vm. Crisdale.
Vice Councillor- 'I'homas S. Reavlev
Marshall— Richard Voung.
\\'ardcn--Ceor<^c Ross.
Prelate— .Andrew Hamilton.
Recorder— Will, i^veringham.
Treasurer— C. H. Pennett.
(hiard— Lattimer Grisdale.
vSentry— George Offspring.

""''I'oua''' ''""' '"'""' '«97-Cieo,^e Stark. Past

iNDKPKXOKXT Ori,ER OK CoOD TkmV'.AU,, PcKT RohiNSON

On September ,st, ,854, an organization was formed in Port
Robm.son under the auspices of the Independent Order of Good
I emplars.

Tiie charter members were: Thomas Sowersby, Jacob Garner,
Darnel \ oung, Robert Wallace, Freelove Wallace, Adaline Noung
Robert Coulter, John Brown, John Pdl, fohn Elliott, Ph.ebe {
Klhott, E. M. McCoppen, Thomas U'igg, Maria Malloy, (Jeorge
Carnck, William Marshall, William Carl, Leonard M. Matthews
John Saunders, Annie E. Matthews, Susan Clark, Plu^>be L ALat-
thews, L. ]\r. Matthf.vs, jun.
The first officers were :
Worthy Chief Templar L. M. Matthews.

Vice Chief Templar— Adaline \oun"
'' Chaplain— John N. Elliott.
Secretary— Robert Coulter.
Assistant Secretary— John Hrown.
Fmancial Secretary- Daniel Voung
" 'IVeasurer— Mrs. Annie K. Matthews.
Marshal— 1 homas Sowersby.
Deputy Marshal-Mrs. Phoebe Elliott
Inside (Uiard— Maria Mallov.
Outside Guard |acob (Earner.
Right Hand Supporter -Mr.s. I'reelove Wallac-e.
Eott Hand Supporter— Mrs. Susan Clark
Organizer— Isaac P. Wilson, acting Doputv

•yw p" y —

I'l^

184

HISTORV OI- THORCI.n

This lodge was formed in the Division room of the Sons of
rcinperanre> For four years the meetings were held there, and
then a hall was built for the organization on the Oowland side of
the Chippawa River. It was known as Safe Cluard Lodge, No. 40,
I. (). of (1. T. About fourteen years ago it ceased to exist.

At one time there were lodges of the same order at Allanburgh,
Bcaverdam.s, l-'onthill and St. John's West. 'I'he last Welland
County lodge of the (lood Templars was held at lleaverdams about
fifteen years ago. W. j). Miscner then acted as County Chief
Templar.

I'oui- RoiJiNsoN l)i\isiON, No. 86, Sons of '1'kmperance

This is the oldest temperance organization in the township,
having been founded in 1850, as the outcome of an address on the
subject, made by a Methodist minister who had come in from
Chippawa for the i)urpose. I'^ighteen charter members constituted
the original body, and of these Robert Coulter and 'I'homas
Sowersby are the only ones still connected with the society. The
other members were:

Robert Elliott
]ohn Bell
John P. Abbey
James E. Abl;ey
William Roberts
Thomas Baker
John Bruce
lacob dainer

^Villiam Marshall
John Dorrington
L. M. Matthews
James \'analstine
Joseph Stark
John C.riffith
William Emerick
William Elliott

At its founding the order was open only to men, l)ut afterwards
the laws were so amended as to allow " lady visitors " to attend, but
for a long lime they had no ^ oice in the proceedings. At a later
date they were admitted to full membership. In its long life
this society has had many hundreds of names on its roll, and over
one hundred members have met at some meetings. The original
officers were :

\\'orthv Patriarch — Thomas Baker.

Recording Scribe — John Dorrington.
asurer — Robert T^Hott.

Chaplain — John Bell.

I,Otfv;ES AM) SOCiETIES

tS5

For many years i„ succession the office of treasurer was held by
Robert M.sener, while David Miser^er has discharged its duties for
the last twenty years, and for the same length of time Robert Coulte.
has been financial scribe. On the forty-seventh anniversary of the
division the following officers were elected :

Worthy i\Uriar(h.-(;eorge W. Terreberrv.
Vorthy Associate^Mrs. (;. W 'ierreberry.
Recording Scribe -Melvin B. Misener
Assistant Recording Scribe-Harry Terreberrv.
Hnancial SchIk- Robert Coulter.
Treasurer— ] )avid Misener.
• Chaplain -Afrs. M. U. Mi.sener.
Conductoi-^Miss Nancy Webster.
Assistant Conductor-Miss Clara Webster
Inside Sentinel— Fred. Misener.
Outside Sentinel— Samuel Webster
Past )Vorthy Patriarch Charles White
Organist— Miss Rebecca Jackson.

In it.s earlier days the Division met in the old school-house, and
afterwards, by a strange turn of affairs, it moved to an old hotel across
the canal. Still later the meetings were held in Mr. Coulter's house
"Hfl m r868,a hall was built. Twenty-one years afterwards, this
building was burnt, and all the documents and other property oC the
society were destroyed. The meetings were then held in the Metho-
dist church for a time, until the hall was rebuilt, when the Division
returned to its old quarters.

Court I>okt RomNsox, No. 66,, Canadi.an Ordkr ov Foresters
This lodge was organised in C. J}. Bennett's hall, on the 17th of
November, 1896. under ,■. dispensation granted bv the High Court
at Hrantford.

The charter members and first officers were;

High Chief Ranger-Ioseph Heslop.
1 ast Chief Ranger \V. Cicero Bennett
\ ice Chief Ranger ^William Lyiuh
Kecording Secretary ^ William Happe!
I'lnancial Secretary— l.'elix Fapier.
( ourt Deputy- -H. Park, M. 1).
Senior Woodward— Dilly Bell.
Junior Woodward— Alfred Jackson
Senior IJeadle— J. C. Bell. "

'•F^-^'

i86

insTORV or tfiorof-d

Junior Beadle— -Oscar Kveringham.
ExaniinintJ Physician — H. Park, M. D.
Chaplain — William Stevenson.

The officers elected for i.Sc;; are :

High Chief Ranger — Joseph Heslop.

Past Chief Ranger- W. Cicero P.ennett.

Vice Chief Ranger -J. C. Pell.

Court Deputy- H. Park, M. 1).

I'inancrn) Secretary and Treasurer — W. C. IJennett.

Senior l^eadle — Charles Johnson.

Junior Peadle — Felix I.apier.

Senior Woodward— I )illy Hell.

Junior Woodward James Tliomas.

(luards (I. W. Theal and R. L'[)per.

('haplain William Stevenson.

MvRTi.E LoDCK, No. 337, A. !•'. .\ND \. M.

The Masons of Port Robinson were organized on the iitliof
January, 1876, with the following as officers for the year:

Worshipful Master— Wm. H. Bell.
Senior Warden — Robert Coulter.
Junior Warden — Stephen Beatty.
Secretary— C. B. Ijennett.
Inner Cuard — John B. Bennett.
vSenior Deacon — Dilly Coleman.
Tyler — Thomas Hutchinson.

The lodge is now in a flourishing condition, the officers chosen
for 1897 being :

Worshipful Master— C. B. Bennett.
Senior Warden — Oscar Anderson.
Junior \\'arden — William Camp.
Treasurer — George Ross.
Secretary — ^ William Rolwrtson.
Chaplain — Thoipas Sowersby.
Tyler — Robert Stevenson.

There are now twenty-seven n^emlx;rs on the roll, but the lodge
has lx;en larger in former years.

MouNT.\i\ Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Thorold
In 1 86g twenty-two persons, several of whom had already been

LODGES AND SOCIRTIES

187

It'l of

hosen

lodge

associated with the Masonic lodge at St. Catharines, petitioned the
(Irand Lodge for a charter for Thorold. The first officers were :

\V. M.—John Dale.

Senior Warden- -R. J. Johnson.

Junior Warden- James Lawson.

Treasurer— John .McI )onrgh.

Secretary— Hugh fames.

Senior Deacon— William Fields.

Junior Deacon- -William O. ("owan.

Director of Ceremonies— Arthur Garden.

Inner Cuard — Martin Jamieson.

Tyler— George W. Sn ith.

'l"he ^\•orshil)fuI Masters for the years since 1860 have been :

i8jo.
1871.
1872.

'873-
1874.

1875-
1876.
1877.
1878.
1879.
1880.
i88r.
1882.
1883.

John Dale
James Lawson
William Fields
William Orr Cowan
John Dale
James Arnold
(Jeorge Mcl-arland

Wm. M. Hendershot
W. J. Macartney
William Winslow

E. Culverhouse
John Stuart

1884.
1885.
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1 890.
189 r.

I8{)2.

1893.
1894.
1895.
1896.

Alex. Summers
John Dale
John Morley
.Alex. McClenchy
Roderick Campbell.

H. S. Middough

James McCJill

George Stanley
R. G. Hoover

f been

The other officers installed on the 27th of December, 1896, are :
Senior Warden- E. E. Fraser.
Junior Warden— J. W. Mawdeslev.
Treasurer- W. |. Macartney.
Secretary - -W. t. I'ish.

There are now sixty-five members in the lodge.
Patrons of Lvdustrv

During the year ,891-2 there were instituted throughout the
county several lodges of the Patrons of Industry. These organiza-
tions had for their object the general advancement of the farmers
and their interests. A lodge was formed at the Quaker Road school
house, with W. H. (iainer as F'resident and ]. L. Page as Secretary •

^•wmm^smt-Mi

t88

HISTORY OK THOROLI)

another was organized at St. Johns, with Hugh Patterson, sr., as
President and Hugh Patterson, jr., as Secretary. The officers for
the Beaverdams lodge were Daniel Smith, President, and Charles H.
Summcs, Secretary. A fourth lodge was formed at the town line
School house, with C. T. Ware as Secretary.

On March 26th, 1891, a County Association of this order was
formed, with W. H. Gainer as President and W. I). Misener as
Secretary.

All these lodges have now ceased to exist.

-m

-I'

Tf.mperance .\t Beaverdams

Beaverdams has always been a stronghold of temperance, and on
March nth, 1878, a lodge of Good Templars was organized in the
Methodist Church at Beaverdams. 'J"he following were the officers :

VV. C. T.— W. Whitelaw.
W. V. T.— M. Theal.
Chap.— N. Theal.
Secretary — A. Robertson.
A. S.— M. Cook.
F. Scribe — C. Swayze
Treas. — M. Theal.

M.— J. Cook.

D. M.— J. Reilly.

I. G.— J. Orr

W. O. G.— J. Stark.

R. H. S.— J. Cook.

L. H. S.— A. Donohue.

P. VV. C. T.--A. Hansel.

This lodge worked faithfully for five years or more, and then
ceased to meet.

In 1885 the temperance sentiment was revived, and on the 26th
of August a division of the Sons of Temperance was organized at
Beaverdams by S. Holland, P. 1). (i. \V. P.

The Division was called Beaverdams Div., No. 177, S. of T.

The following were the officers :

W. 1'.— J. R. Swayze.

W. As.sociate — .-\ddie Dexter.

Scribe — Geo. Carman.

A. Scribe Mrs. Dalgleish.

V. S. — Charles E. Swayze.

Treas. — Samuel Smith.

Chap. — Mrs. Swayze.

Con.— E. J. W. Smith.
A. Con. — Mary Cook.
I. S.— Mrs. Smith.
O. S. — Loran Swayze.
p. w. P.— Thomas Detler.
Div. Deputy — J. R. Swayze.

Beaverdams Division now consists of fifty-five members, and the
following were the officers for the term ending June 30th, 1897 :

LODGES AND SOCIETIES

189

\V. p.— Fred. Cowan.

W. A.~Miss 'I'hirza Carter

S( r,be-Miss Jennie Coulter.

A. Scribe- C. li. .Summers.

Ireas.— John Donohue.

K S.— Miss Daisy Cordon.

Chap.--Miss M. Edmondstone

Supermtendent of Voung People's Work-J. E. .Smitl,.

Con.— A. (Jordon.

A. Con.- -Miss Hattie .Swayze.

i- S.— Loran Cowan.

O.S.— Samuel Smith.

P. W. P.-Harry Theal.

I). G. W. P.-Samuel Smith.

Thoroi.d Branch, Bihlk Sociktv '

nd two years later ,ts headquarters were removed to Thorold
>unng,ts long life this branch has had but three Pres.d nt
rst b.ng Ceorge Keefer, sen., who was succeeded by s 's
Jacob Reefer, while the pre.sent head officer, Ja.nes H Bea tv h
held the position for n,ore than a score of ears V^Uh
was the first Secretary-Treasurer. ^ ''^""^ ^''''''

The re,^dent IVotestant ministers of the town have always been
ex otfico V-ce-Presidents of this local branch. For the prrnt
year they are: the Rev. Rural Dean Spencer, the Rev. ^^A'cZl
he Rev. R. Gars.de and the Rev. G. W. Calvert. The Sec^tar;
and^ ireasurer for ,S,, are respectively James Millar and H

Social" ^''"" """" '" '^^" '''' ''''■'''' ^-- ^ -''-tor for the

Summit Lodge, Ancient Order or United Workmen

The Thorold lodge of the A. O. U. W. was organised on the

9d, of November, .8;,, with thirteen charter members. Summ

^oage was the name assumed and since borne by this sub-orgaml

■on. I-rom the charter members the first officers were chos'n thl

followmg being those elected in 1879 : ' ^

P. M. W.— W. McCleary.
M. W.— Wm. Wilham.s.
F.— W. L. Smith.
O. — Wm. Burton.
R.— R. McPherson.

Business Committee Gpn Pr>,if-,r. i? r- 1 ■

Medical Examiner DrMiniken' ^'^ ^''^''''^^^'^'' ^^- H.Bone.

Fin.— Matthew Brown
C;. — Wm. \\'inslow.
I- ^V.— John Fisher.
B. W.— Chas. Bridger.

"yr -

190

HISTORY or IHOROr.l)

'-mi i

Followiiiif arc the Master Workmen for the different years to

date

1S89. J. I). Orenville.
i8yo. K, I,. Shriner.

1891. J. I). '^Irenville.

1892. S. (I. (lartley.
1893.

i8i)4. IViei Steep.
1 89 5.
1896.

Wni. Williams.

1880. Wm. McCleary.

1881. Wm. Williams.

1882. Wm. liurton.
1885. Andrew Cowan.

1884. Wm. Mcdili.

1885. I'etcr S. .\[i(ldoiigh.

1886. k. L. .Shriner.

1887. Wm. H. Varey.

1888. Robert I'Mdy.

I'or 1897 the officers are :

P. M. W.—Wm. Williams.

.M. W. — ^Thomas Dimdas.

Foreman W. R. C'avc.

Overseer — S. A. Mahle.

Recorder — R. [,. Shriner.

[''inaneier — Roht. I'kldy.

Trustees — (leo. Turner, J. ^V. Mawdesley, R. (1. Hoover

Receiver — M. I'lanncry.
( Uiide — Walter ( lalhraith.
I. Watch—H. l'hillii)s.
O. Watch--W. (Iriffiths.
Med. Ex.— Dr. N. Cami)l)ell.

Th. ROi.D ('iR( i.K, Can \i)iAN Oruer Homk Circles

Circle No. 20 of the C. O. H. C. was formed at Thorold on the
9th of Septemi)er, 1885, by P. M. Pattison, Supreme Organizer. On
that date the following officers were elected :

P. L. — C. N. Stevenson.
L. — A. I'Vaser.
V. L. — B. Sharfenherger.
R. S. — R. Morris(Mi.
K. S.— A. 1). Hansen.
'I'.— J. I.epper.

Trustees — Wm. Winslow, A. l"'airlie, R. Campbell.

Since 1885 the leaders have been :

C.— Rev. C. D. McDonald.

M.-I. Neil.

W.-). McHride.

O. — j. Thomson.

S. — A. E. Ripley.

Med. Exam. — Dr. McClurt.

A. Eraser— 1 885-6 7-8-9.
R. Campbell — 1890-1.
E. Mathews — 1892.

The following are the officers for 1897

W. J. Dougan — 1893-4.

D. W. Matthewson — 1895-6-7.

P. L.— W. J. Dougan.
E. — D. W. Manhewson.

V. L.-J.

Thompson.

R. S.— S. Cleveland.

'1'. — C. N. Stevenson.
M.— J. H. Allan.
W.— J. McNeil.
C.— E. Dovle.

I.OIKIF.S AM) SOCIKTIKS

191

I he following arc the charter members of Thorold Circle:
C. N. Stevenson. x i.Vn«,.r

n. Nchar en heruer u \t

-\- I >. hansell. i r

I<ev(.l).Nfcl,.,:.l,l. {. 1^^

l)r. W m V cC.iure. W. WinsL

K. Campbell. .^ ,,.,i^,j^.

Court Thorom,, Canadian Ordkr ok Forksters

On the evenn^g of March 7th, ,888, this .Society was organised
t Ihorold as Court Thorold, No. .0,. by Mr. Culp, with the
following as charter members :

B. Vina 11.
Ceo. M. Brown.
Wm. McCiil.
J. K. Johnstone.

'I'he first officers were :

C. R.— J. K. fohnstone.
X. C. R.— Wm. Mc(iill.
R. S.- A. E. Franks.
F, S.— Geo. M. Brown.

J. Weldon.
A. E. Franks.
J. W. Coulter.
J. F. Schwaller.

Chap.-- -B. Vinall.
S. \V.— Jno. Weldon.
J. W.— J. W. Coulter.
Court Physician— J. K. John-
stone.

The officers for the present term are :

C. R. — .S. Edmonds.
V. C. R.— Wm. Monro.
R. S. — I,. C. Bessey.
Y' S. — L. Armstrong.
Ireas. — L. G. Lorriman.
Chap.— H. Flannery.

C. 1). -Thos. Collen.
Con.~G. A. Walker.
S. W.— A. Mc(;ill.
J. W.-H. D. Walton.
S. B.— Wm. Hartley.
B.— yXrthur Smerdon.

Court Physician— Dr. Neil Campb'ell.

Only two deaths have occurred in this court, namelv : those of
A. E. Franks and A. E. Riple).

Thoro ,,. ( oirNc,,., Caxao.an Ordrh OK Choskn Fr.knds
The • oroJd Council of the C. O. C. F. was organized on the

■;!i'}!f '"~ ~^

■ 02

MISIOKV OK IllOUOIf)

h,n

^ii

i:.,

- I..'

15th of July, 1891, by Richard Howsc.
original oftit-ers and ciiartcr memljcrs :

The following were the

Past Councillor — Chas. N. Stevenson.

Chief Councillor- Thomas Cowan.

V^ice f-ouncillor — Ceorge 'I'urner.

Rfcurder A. McClenrhy.

Treasurer — Fred. T. Walton.

Prelate John 11. Thompson.

Marshall W'm. J. l)oug;iii.

Warden -1'. C. Creeggan.

Cuard W. A. Hutt.

Sentry- James Wilson.

John Jkown, H. N. Higgins, B. C. Hennett, (!has. A. Kyle,
John Hunyan, Henry .\ikens, Koht. Sharp, J. A. llult,
Francis Hrowii, Samuel Brooke, ICmerson Hull, John Coyle.

The Chief Councillors since 1891 have been:
•

1892. Thos. Cowan.

1893. Samuel I^rooke.

1894. W. J. Dougan.
1890;. Fred. T. Walton.

1896. Fred. T. Walton.

1897. Evan E. Eraser (part of term).

The officers of 1897 are :

Chief Councillor — Miss Florence Walton (part of term).

Vice Councillor — John H. Thompson.

Treasurer — Chas. N. Stevenson.

Recorder — A. McClenchy.

Prelate — Miss C. M. Lampman,

Marshall -Miss Nettie Walton.

Warden — Albert Robinson.

(iuard — Henry Aikens.

Sentry — James A. Taggart.

Star Council, No. 15, Rovai. Tkmpi.ars of Tkmperanck,

.Am.anburoh

This Council was instituted on the 8th of March, 1881, by J. W.
Douglas, Supreme Lecturer, with the following persons as its first
officers :

Select Councillor James Sidey Upper.
Vice Councillor — John Tucker.
Past Councillor— Isaac Pew.

the

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at St. lohns

Union School No. 4 — St. Johns

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LODGES AND SOCIKTIKS

Chnplain-f.eorK'o Thomas.

Krc-,,rd,nj.Scrrctary- I). R. nn,e.
;.'"''^"^'''i' 'Secretary lames Ji. Upner
''•ens„r..r Haruch Tucker. ^' '
Herald Robert J'ew
l>eputy Herald --Mary Upper.
f.uard-Jaroh Upper.
SjMU.nel James .Street Up|,er.
Medical Lxam.ner Dr. Vanderburgh.
The charter mem!)ers arc :

'93

Maria M. Vanderbur-h
Agnes Bruce
Khzabeth M. Pew
Alice Tucker
Mary A. Pew
Mrs. E. M. Upper
Agnes Robertson

Charity Upper
Amanda Wilkerson
^irs. J. S. Upper
Jane Thomas
lili/abeth Pew
^V'. A. Wilkerson
Nelson Pew

The following are the officers for 1897

1 ast Councillor— Isaac Pew.
Chaplam-^Mrs. McMath.

S^eSnfv'i^"'^^'^-^;:'"- ^- ^^'i'kerson.
Hen Id T^ ^^^^:;-,f ^ry-Frederick R. Lay.
ncralrt—jane I homas. ^

(iuard— James Edmonds.

LoYAi. Orangi.: Lodgr No 204

On the 7th or August, ,856, Victoria L O r m
formed at Thorold »-,tl, il,„ r 1, ■ "^"^ ^"-l "'^^

Shanno,,, Ed.aM ' ''!, °"""' ■■" "'"'"" """'''^■'- »'• J-
, i^auard (,uy, Stei)hen Bradlev Tnhn v •! t

l^^^ynard, J. P. Smythe, James Fluellen. "^ '"' "^'"'^

The first officers wci e :

W. M_\v. J. s: annon.
1). M. -Stephen J5radley.
Sec— James Fluellen.
IVeas.— \Vm. Stoneman.
Chap.— J. B. Smythe.

I), of C— Tames Reynard.

(Kdward Guv.
Committee j James Fluellen.

(.Henry Higgins.

A ,1 J. 9

j ■ *

lli>

lit-

194

HISTORV OK THOROl.J)

Since that date the Worshipful Masters have been

1857-9, Stephen Bradley.

1 860- 1, janies I'luelK'n.

1862. Jatnts H. Boyle.

i.S6_5Y). .St' plien Bradley.

1867. Arthur Bradk-y.

1868-75. Slci)lu'n Bradii.-y.

1876-8! Win. Winslow.

1879 80. John .Strong.

1881-2. Walter C.alhraith.

The oHficers for 1897 are :

1883-4. W. A. W.dker.

1885-6. Alex. Philips.

1887-8. Wi.i. Strong.

1889-90. (ieo. Turner.

1891-2. Richard Boyle.

1893-4. A. J. I'islier.

'^95- John Brcnnen.

1896. John '!'. lioucock.

1st (!!om. Man

2nd "
3rd "

4th "
5th "
I), of C-

-A.

Wm. Holland.

John Strong.

Walter

Galhraith.
— Wm. Bradley.
- J.T. Boueock.
K. Brennen.

W. M.— 'I'hos. Burlcy.
1). M, Henry I'lannery.
Chap. — Geo. lOkins.
Treas. — A. J. Kisher.
F. S.— Frank I'ew.
Sec'y— Wm. Neil.
I. Tyler — \Vm. Siinger and.
O. Tyler-(k'o. Brennen.

Sick Committee -Thos. Aikens, A. K. Brennen, (Ieo. Holland.
Hall or Property Committee — John Strong, R. Boyle, Alex.
Bradley.

Kino William O. Y. li. LontiE No. 16

King William Loyal Orange Young Briton Lodge No. 16 was
organized on the 29th of March, 1872, by W. R. James, St. Catha-
rines, Worshipful Master of L. O. Y. B. L. No. 8, St. Catharines.

The first officers and charter members were :

W. M.— Kenneth Campbell.
D. M.- (ieo. Mable.
Chap. — Wm. (Gordon.
Secretary — James (lander.
Treasurer — ^Alex. Martin.
D. of C— John Pilling.

ist Com. Man — Jo.seph Bell.
2nd Com. Man — Wm. Beatty.
3rd Com. Man — H. Patrick.
4th Com. Man — Ceo. Fair.
5th C<im. Man — John Howell.
O. Tyler — J. Jackson.

(luardian —James Fluellen
Wesley Cobourne, John Dundas, Stephen R. Bradley, Leslie
McMann, Wm. Mc(Jill, Wm. Birbeck, A. C.louver, W. S. Jenkinson,
N. Boutcher, G. Aikens, G. Brennen.

The Worshipful Masters from organization to date were :

1873-4. Geo. Mable.

1875-6. K. Campbell.

1877. Wm. Neil, resigned March 19.

I.OIMIES AND SOCIITIKS

»95

«S77-«.Wm. A. Walker.

'X79-«o.(;co. Dohcrty.

1881. Ceo Aikc-ns,':^igncd July ,2.

•88.V4- ^Vni. Hradlcy.
>«85-'>- K. H. IJoyle.

•8«9. R. H. Boyle.
•8yo-r.C,eo. A. Walker

l8()2-3. A. J. iMsllLT.

•894. Kd. Kadger.
'895- K. Strong.
'896. fos. Allen.

LovAL Oranok Lonr.K, No. 130

This lodge vvas organized in January, ,870 l>y Rol.err T T .
ston M ]\ Ti I '"/"> "> fvoDert J. John-

^ton, M. 1). 1 he ,harter u.ember.s and first officers were ■

W. M.— R. J. Johnston.

Hept. M. -I'eter H. Eall

Secretary— James Saunders.

irea.surer— John C. Ball

Director of Ceremonies-WiUJan, Faga,,

Following are the presiding officers

1870-4. R. [. Johnston.

1875. Roht. Kerr.

1876. R. J. Johnston.
1877-82.W. McClearv.
1 883-5- R. J. Johnston.

The officers for 1897 are :

Worshipful Master-^-Berry Muggins.
Deputy Master-John Weldon
Chaplam— William Constable
Recording Secretary -W. H Wilson
I'lnancial Secretary-John Dundas. '

1886-7. Wilfred Hansel.

1888-9. if. C. JJall.

1890-2. John Dundas.

'893-4- W. H. Wilson.

1895-7. Berry Huggins.

^pffmptm

196

HISTORY OF THOROLD

Treasurer — R. J. Johnston.

Oireitor of Ceremonies — C'narles Tyson.

BeAVKR COoNClL R. '1. OF T.

Beaver Couneil of Royal Templars of Temperance, No. 13, was
organized l)y J. M. Douglass, District Deputy, February 23rd, 1881,
with a niemhenship of twenty. The first ofificers and charter
mcmberr, were :

Select Councillor--R. Culverhouse.
Past Councillor — B. F. Morley.
Vice ('ouncillor — A. McClenchy.
Recording .Secretary — J. H. Simpson.
Chaplain — J. H. Wilson.
Financial Secretary — Geo. Clark.
Treasurer — A. Hardie.
Herald— J. McCrea.
Deputy Herald — A. D. Hansel,
(luard — '1'. J. Kennedy.
Sentinel — I.. Theal.

Wm. H. Bine, Z. \V. Durkee, W. C. Smith, Henry Aikens, J.
C. Lampinan, Isaac (jilmour.

Since the organization of the society the chair has been occupied
by the following persons :

1881 /'^^- J- J^ennedy.
'^*'- iA. McClenchy.

188- /'^'- J- Kennedy.

1883. W. H. Bone.
1883-4. Rev. John Kay.
1885-7. James Paterson.

1887. J. Theal.

1888. J. Paterson.
1888-9. kev. P. L. Spencer.

The officers for 1897 are :

1889. J. Paterson.

1890. A. Gilchrist.

1890. J. Paterson.

1 89 1. J. Theal.

1 89 1 -2. J. Paterson.
„ r James Dale.
'^^' tj. Paterson.
1894. G. B. Darker.
1895-7. Rev. Geo. Clark.

Select Councillor -A. W. Reivley, B. A.
P. C. and Treasurer — James Paterson.
V. C. — A. S. Preston.
Chai)lain — Geo. (>ray.
Treasurer -Jas. 1 )ale.
Beneficiary Secretary — James Millar.
Recording Secretary — A. Justice.
Financial Secretary — Z. W. Durkee.

I.ODGKS AND SOCIETIES

197

13, was

i, 1881,

charter

ens, J.
:cupied

Herald— Geo. Darker.
Sentinel— James iJye.

At present there are thirty-seven members in Rood standin. in
the Beneficiary Department. ^ "^'"'^ '"

Livingstone Lodge No. 230 I. O. O. F.
This lodge was instituted a, Thcrold on the 3rd of 'Marcl,, ,8,4.
I'y a I), f.. M. Harper Wilson of St. Catharinos.
T He first ofificers were :

Noble Crand-F. H. McCaskell.
Vice Grand— \Vm. Hendershot.
Rec. Secretary— Wm. Williams.

nr. Secretary— Samuel Osborne
Ireasurer— Wm. F. Ellison.

iilock, |.,„ ,„ ,8;6 the nrembers decided to ereet a buildinR of their
own Aceording,,,he.,iteof,heold TI,oro,d House „ ,0 g
and n Septe.nher, ,8,6, the corner stone of the Odd Fellow ^

l".->ster of .h. Niagara D,str,et. The building is a suhst-itial
s rueture of three storeys ; the ground Hoor is oc.n ,ied by t^ I't
the second floor contains a large public hall, and the lod.. and

izr" ™""' '" '■" "'^' '''"' ^'°-^- ■'■'«= -' '•- ™
ou, air, j6or"""°r"!"-' "'" '■" '""'""'■ ''' -''•- '- 1-d

out aoout $6,000 in s:ck and general benefits.
The officers for 1897 are . •
Noble ( rand -P. A. Dunn.
Vice Grand Fred. Grisdale.
Kec. Secretar)' ~ Clias. Howell
Per. " __john jj,„,,.|, •

Ireas.— Alex. McClenchy.

Thorold an., Rkaveroams Historical Sociftv

tl>c lo«n Hall, Ihoro.ci, at the suggestion of Rev. V. L Spencer
1 lie officers elected were : ^

President— Caj)t. James.
I St Vice President - Rev. P. F. Spencer.

198

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

2nd Vice President — Mrs. James Munro.
Secretary-Treasurer — Rev. J. W. Mitchell.
Corresi)onding Secretary — Miss Amy Ball.

Thirty-two members were enrolled.

On the 24lh of June, that date being the anniversary of the Battle
of Beaverdams, a grand historic pichic was held at Decew House,
near Decew Falls. The Wentworth, Lundy's Lane and other
societies sent representatives to welcome the young sister organi-
zation. Thorold came out in large numbers. Many persons came
from Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines,
Merritton and other places to see the s[)ot rendered famous by Mie
exploit of the brave Laura Secord. Miss M. A. l''itz(iibbon, Mrs.
James Munro, Col. Ciirrie and other distinguished speakers gave
interesting and instructive addresses. The day was fine, and all
circumstances tended to cause perfect success — a good augury for
the future.

During the course of the year letters were sent to the Minister of
Militia, asking for a portion of the fund appropriated to bu'lding
monuments on the battle fields of Canada.

Parties were sent out by the society to search for and locate the
exact spots on which the chief incidents of the Battle of Beaverdams
took place.

Mrs. A. McFarland read a biography of the first Keefer who
settled in what is now called Thorold town. During the year the
Rev. J. W. Mitchell removed from Thorold, much to the regret of
the Society ; and Mr. A. \V. Reavley, B. A., succeeded him in the
secretaryship. The latter has given much valuable time to the
society, as is evinced by a former chapter. The County Council,
having been petitioned for $25, granted this sum to the society.

1895. At the annual meeting held this year Capt. James
resigned his office and was elected Honorary President, the Rev. P.
L. Spencer becoming President and Mr. J. H. Thompson ist Vice
President. The other officers were re-elected. Mrs. James Munro
was chosen to occupy the position of Historian.

On June 24th a second picnic celebration was held, the place
selected being the exact site of the Beaverdams battle ground. This

^- , ,^„^^.,a,^a^Mmm

LODGES AND SOCIKTIES

199

|i ill the

to the
louncil,

I'ty-

James
I Rev. 1'.
1st Vice

Munio

ic place
This

cclel)ration was largely attended, persons coming from a considerable
distance as well as from the town.

This year the County Council was again petitioned for $25,
which wai: granted. Many old residents and old houses were visited
in search of n-ti/ history, and nuuii valuable information was
gathered.

1896. On the third anniversary of the society a public meeting
was held in the High School grounds. Miss Fit/Cibbon presented
tile Boys' Brigade with a beautiful banner, bearing the motto of
Lieut. Fitzdibbon : " Be daunted at nought."

The weather, the speaking and the attendance were as good as
oii former occasions ; and circumstances showed that the interest in
the society's work had increased with time.

Shortly after tiiis the Society undertook the " History of
Thorold, Tosvnship and Town." Persons were sent far and near
for information ; and weekly meetings of the society were he'd, at
which every chapter, every paragraph, and even every sentence of
the manuscript of the History was read, in order that only truth and
propriety should distinguish the contents of the book.

The County Council granted $50 to the v/ork.

The Society visited and photographed the s[)ot at which Faura
Secord crossed the creek on her way to Decew-House, wh.en givnig
warning of the enemy's approach. This spot was located by a lady
who, when a child, had often played about the place, then known as
" Laura Secord's Cros&ing," and who had ofttimes heard "the true
tale told " by iV.". early sidents of the vicinity.

The Society still hopes to obtain from the Dominion (lovern-
ment substantial aid towards the erection of a proper moi.-;:nent to
mark the site of the important eyent of June 24th, 1813. After the
publication of the History now in progress, the members will be able
to devote more attention to this and other matters of general
interest. The society by its representatives takes an active part in
the proceedings of the Provincial Association, whose semi-annual
meetings are steadily increasing in importance.

zoo

HISTORY OI- THOROLD

h >i

Branch No. 24, C. M. B. A.

Branch No. 24 of the Cathohc Mutual Benefit Association was
organized at Thorold on September 3rd, 1883, by Chancellor James
K. Lawrence of St. Catharines, with 22 charter members, viz.:

Rev. T. J. Sullivan.
John Corbett.
l\atrick McMahon.
James DulTy.
William Urlocker.
William (learin.
John Con Ion.
James Rogers.
John McNulty.
Dennis I.enehan.
lohn McLean.

]\LattlK'w Hart.
William Cartmell.
Thos. Commarford.
Michael McCarthy.
Michael Ihannigan.
lames Crawford.
V. McNulty.
John McKeague.
John J. (learin.
Archibald McKeague.
Richard Commarford.

Rev. Father Sullivan was the first representative of the branch
to the Grand Council, having attended the convention held at
Brantford in 1884, and also at Toronto in 1888, being elected to an
office within the Council at that convention.

The Branch has paid in assessments up to 1897, $8,862.05 ; and
has been paid in return, beneficiary for death claims to the amount
of $11,000. The Branch met with an irreparable loss in i8yi,
having had their meeting-hall in the Cloy block, wherein were all
their books and papers, with a library of several hundred volumes,
destroyed by fire. Their hall is now in the Masonic building on
Front street. There are 60 members in good standing.

Following are the first officers :

Spiritual Adviser — Rev. T. J. Sullivan.
President — Rev. T. J. Sullivan.
1st Vice — John Corbett.
2nd Vice — Patrick McMahon.
Rec. Sec— J. J. Diiffey.
Asst. Sec. — Wm. Urlocker.
Financier — Wm. (iearin.
Treasurer John ("onk)n.
Marshal James Rogers.
Ouard — Dennis Leneiian.

Trustees — Wm. Cartmell, Thos. Commarford, Michael Mc-
Carthy, Matthew Hart, John McNulty.

Following are tlie presiding officers for the years since the fire :

LOnOKS AND SOCIETIES

20I

Mc-

1892. Will, (icarin.

1893- James Battle.

1894- Joseph Battle.

Following are the officers for 1897 :

Presidents-Joseph Saunders.

ist Vice— P. Michael McCarthy
and Vice— P. Francis Poulin. '
Rcc. Sec—John Roach.
iMn. Sec— A. J.IcKeague.
Treasurer -James Battle.
Marshal— John Mc Bride,
(luard- Michael Moran.
Trustees— P. McMahon,
Matthew Hart, Joseph Jiattle.

1895. Matthew Battle

1896. Joseph Saunders.

K. Commarford, John Corhett,

The Thorold Bo.ard or Trade
.•as granted a charter from the Dominion Government in April
.893, and at a meeting held April ajth it wn, duly i„an«„rated, and

llie followmg officers were elected :

President— W. J. Macartney.
Vice-president—Omar Johnstone
Secretary— '1'. E. Simson.

Council -S. Brooke, Joseph Battle, D. B. Cromhic den H
U.lhams, James Lawson, Wm. McCiill, Wn. McCl^" UMci::;^,":

Since the organization of the IJoard the Presidents have been :
1894-5. ^V. J. Macartney.
1896. 1). B. Crombic

For the year 1897 the officers are :

President— I). B. Crombic.
Vice-president— L. McMann.
Secretary- 1\ E. Simson.
Treasurer— James Jiattle.

Band Music at Thorold

"The Thorold Band" was organized in 1851, this being the
first band n. the town. The first teacher was Jo.seph Harkness,
the leader was James Week.s, and the other men.bers were Joseph
Abbott, James Winslow, Daniel Fordham, Peter Milloy, Robert

202

HISTORY OK rilOUOI.I)

Eddy, and Jolin Pew. Of these, James Weeks, Robert Eddy and
James Wiiislovv still survive. This musical body continued in exist-
ence for only two or three years, the nimiber of members being
increased during that time by the addition of Alex. Letter, John
Dixon, Joseph Dixon, (llias. Hall, Wm. J. Shannon and John H.
Casi)ar. The instruments were the property of the village, and in
1.S54 were handed over to the reeve, and for some time the village
was without a band. During the lime that the instruments lay in the
council room (1857) in charge of the reeve of that year, the Drum-
mondville fire brigade sent a messenger to Tliorold to ask the
bandsmen to play for them on July 4th at a parade that they
were to attend across the river. Tlie agent was told there was no
band in existence, and that it was in)|K)ssil)le. He insisted, and the
issue was that five of the bandsmen stole through a window, took
five instruments, drew handsome remuneration for their work,
returned home, replaced the instruments as secretly as
they had taken them, and neither the council nor the villagers were
ever the wiser.

Then a second one was organized by Charles Ball, who became
its leader for a year or two, when Mr. Weeks again took charge.
Among the members were Sam. Cleveland, Charles Cleveland,
Russell Wells, Heicy Carter, Charles Ball and others — eight or ten
in all. This band used the original instruments, and supplied
music to the citizens for several years, until, in 1866, the "Orange
\'oung Britons' ]}and " was formed, many members of th.e old
organization joining this one. This Band became a strong one,
and for three years was attached to the 44th Battalion as a military
band, still under the leadership of Mr. Weeks. About the year 1876
he retired from the leadershi}), and ('has. Heinicke of St. Catharines
took charge for two or three years, at the end of which time the
leadership was tendered to W. A. I'hilip, who still oc(:u|)ies the
position.

The officers and members for 1897 are :

Conductor— W. A. Philip.
President — Geo. Burley.
Secretary — Wm. Donald.

"firfliin«l»'

hert Eddy and
tinued in exist-
momhers being
X. Lcttey, John
11 and John H.
village, and in
time the village
nnents lay in the
vear, the Drum-
)rold to ask the
larade that they
Id there was no
insisted, and the

a window, took.

for their work,
as secretly as
the villagers were

:]all, who became
;ain took charge,
harles Cleveland,
•rs— eight or ten
fts, and supplied
166, the " Orange
Inbers of th.e old
liie a strong one,
Idion as a military
out the year 1876
of St. Catharines
r which time the
ktill occupies the

T.Onr-.F.S AND snriKTiF.s

203

Treasurer — Jarcd Ujiper.

Drum Major — ^Wm. Allen.

'I'homas Hurley, Edgar iJadger, Harry Thompson, TTarry Rye,
William lUirley, Arch. Dohcrty, William l>radl';y, James Stevens,
Josej)!! Allen, Ceorge Doherty, William Wilson, Eoran I'ew, Walter
liadger, deorge Walker, V. M. P<w, Adam Martin, Ceorge Dawson,
i'rank Allen.

The l)and is equipped with uniforms and with a full set of
Bcsson's instruments (London, I'jigland) of the highest grade, and is
the equal of any military band in the district. It is no.v known as
the "Thorold Reed Band."

About 1875 ''St. Patrick's Band '" was organized, and for a time
Thorold had two musical organizations. Thos. Cross of the Royal
Canadian Rifles was the teacher for the first year, when Mr. Weeks
took charge of this also, being thus the leader of both bands for
some time. St. Patrick's IJand lasted until the new canal
apj)roached completion, when many of its members, w!io had be^'ii
employed on that work, were obliged to leave.

Port Roiunson Brass B.\nd

iCarly in the fall of 1850 a Band was organized at Port Robinson,
in connection with the then newly instituted Division of Sons of
Temperance, all the bandsmen belonging to the order, and the
in. "iruments being the pro[)erty of the Division. I'he fust members
were Robert Coulter (leader), William Elliott, William Roberts,
Thomas Sowersby, John Dorrington, John Saunders and Jacob
Garner. George Morgan of St. Catharines was engaged as teacher.
Robert Eddy of Thorold afterwards removed to Port Robinson and
became a member of the band. Mr. Coulter continued in the
leadership for nine years, when he retired. The IJand reorganized,
and remained in existence for a number of years later.

Ai.i.ANHUROH Brass Band

This organization, which has been in existence since November,
1896, is the third Brass Band thf.c Allanburgh has possessed. The
first w::s formed in i860, and became rather prominent when it was
attached to the Wc^lland Canal Kield Battery in 1866. A fife and

204

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

it-

V: ■

- J

drum hand organized in 1884 hi ched out into a Urass Band of
fifteen instruments, and lasted for four or five years.

The present Band was organized with the following as offieers :

President — Herhert Dixon.
Secretary — ( larret Mc Millan.
Treasurer Reuhen Uppi r.
Instructor — W. A. lMiili[).

The officers for 1897 are :

President — A. Booth
Secretary — (larret McMillan.
Treasurer — R'juhcn Upper.
Instructor — W. A. I'hilip.

Fire Protkction at TfiORor.r)

On the morning of March 18th, 1847, the frame store and dwel-
ling on what is now the north-east corner of Front and Claremont
streets, occupied hy Wm. Ciordon, was discovered to be on
fire. An alarm was at once raised, and the inhai)itants turned
out in full force to fight the flames; but, despite their most
strenuous exertions, all the buildings on the east side of Front street,
as far north as the corner now occupied by the British Hotel, were
burned to the ground.

As this disaster had demonstrated the necessity for some
system of fire protection, a Hook and Ladder Company was
soon afterwards organized. This remained in existence for
some years, but, as it had not been managed on sound business
principles, it got into difficulties, financially and otherwise, and the
members eventually disbanded. Consequently, the question of
proper provision for the protection of the village in case of fire was
again frequently discussed, and on the 29th of August, 1853, a
meeting was held, at which there was organized " The Thorold
Protection Fire Company," with the following officers :

Captain— D. C. Ward.
1st Lieutenant — A. Letty.
.2nd Lieutenant— H. Patterson,
ist Engineer — G. McConachie.
2nd Engineer — G. Gray.

Jand of

iccrs

Liid dwel-

larcinont

be on

s turned

eir most

It street,

tel, were

'or some
ny was

:nee for
)usiness
and the

istion of
fire was

•853, a
Thorold

LODOKS AND SOCIKTIES

205

Secretary — John Somerville.
Treasurer — R. Dougan,

No complete roll of the original members is in existence, but,
the minutes of the company show that, besides the officers named,
a considerable number of active members were enrolled on the same
evening, and several of the leading citizens were elected as honorary
members. At subsequent meetings a uniform was decided upon,
and resolutions were passed recjuesting the council to erect a fire-
hall and appointing a committee to selec* a suitable site for the
proposed building. The organization of the Company was ratified
and approved by the municipal council on April 4th, 1854, and a
fire-hall was subsecjuently built on the vacant lot directly opposite
the site of the present fire-hall on Albert street.

Matters, however, did not always j)rogres3 smoothly with the
newly organized Company, as is shown by the following resolution
passed on Oct. 4th, 1854: " That this Company find it impossible
to proceed to the accomplishment of its object without the aid of
funds for the purpose of purchasing necessary articles for the com-
plete working of the engine, and to defray necessary expenses
attending it, and also to pay expenses already incurred ; and do
further consider that those funds should be provided by the Corpora-
tion immediately by giving the Secretary an order on the Village
Treasurer for the necessary amount ; and that the Secretary bring
this resolution before the Cour.cil immediately, to a.scertain if they
will not do so, in non-compliance with which on the part of the
Council, this Company will consider itself necessitated to deliver
over to said Council the keys and engine." The latter part of this
resolution was not carried into effect, as the Council provided the
necessary funds in due time.

Want of funds was not the only difficulty under which the Com-
pany labored, as from time to time a large number of the members
were struck off the roll for non-attendance. The membership, how-
ever, did not decrease, for new members were being constantly
added, and to remind them of their duty a resolution was passed at
a meeting on August 6th, 1855, "That the Captain or some other
person appointed by him ring the triangle at 6j4 o'clock p.m., and

I (*■

206

HISTORY OF TMOROI.r)

)

-!'-;if:

that the Secretary call tlic roll at 7 o'clock p.m., in neglect of which
duly they shall be liable t') a fine of is. 3d. cy," At the same
meeting it was resolved that negotiations be entered into with the
fire com[)anics of St. Catharines for mutual assistance in the event
of big fires.

Want of funds still troubled the ("ompany, and at a special
meeting held on December 17th, 1H55, they again resolved: "'i'hat
this Company finds it impossible to carry out the object for which
it was organized unless the necessary amount be granted by the
Village (Council to disburse its liabilities ; and unless that grant is
made within one week from this date the Company must cease to
exist; the Secretary to notify the Reeve of this \'illage immediately."
The ('ouncil, however, prevt iited the threatened dissolution for the
time by voting the necessary supplies.

The financial troubles of ihe Company still did not cease, how-
ever, as on August 1st, i85(;, we find them resolving: "That the
Council be notified that unless we get a guarantee that our liabilities
be assumed by them, or an assurance given that such liabilities will
be liquidated as soon as funds are in the Treasury, we shall l)e unable
much longer to sustain our position as a fire com[)any." And again
at a special meeting held on August 8th, 1859, it was resolved ;
"'I'hat whereas the hose belonging to this {'omj)any is from use
entirely unfit for use; and whereas applications have been made to
the Council for new hose and money to defray tlie necessary working
of the engine ; and whereas the Council have taken no steps to do
so ; we, as a Company, consider it entirely unnecessary to remain
as a Company, when we have no hose to work with. We, a., a
Company, do on to-morrow at 1 2 o'clock meet at the engine hall in
uniform, and convey the engine to the market square and deliver it
to the Coun ,i, and then disband, but at the same time retain our
parade suits till all the money that has bjen paid out of the Co.'s
funds for roairs on engine and hose '..0 refunded." This resolution
was amended the next day by substituting for the word "disband"
the following : "suspend until the engine and hose are put in good
order," and the resolution was carried into effect.

This trouble was apparently removed by the Council's voting the

■" ■'■■''■

Mix

lODf.rS AND SOCIETIFS

ao7

if which
le same
with the
ie evftit

I special
: "Thai
)r which
1 by iIh-
grant is
cease to
jdiately."
1 for the

ase, how-
That the
hal)iHlies
hties will
)c unable
.nd again
resolved :
roin use
made to
• working
[)S to do
remain
We, a., a
hall in
deliver it
tain our
Ithe Co.'s
solution
isband "
in good

Iting the

amount asked for, and agreeing to get new hose.

On Se|)t. iSth, iS6o, tiie members of the (Company went in
uniform, with their new banner (purchased with the proceeds of a
picnic held in Sept., 185S), to Queenston Heights to meet H. K. II.
the Prince of Wales. 'I'hey showed their loyally also by turning out
to meet the Hattery on the return of the latter from the frontier in
June, 1870; and on the 24th of September they again turned out to
meet the (lovernor-deneral.

'I'he Company did not confine ils attention to dealing with fires
only, as from time to time it held concerts and other entertainments,
the proceeds of which, amounting frecpiently to considerable sums,
were devoted to the relief of the poor of the village, and to other
charitable purposes. 'I'he morals of the members were also strictly
looked after, at any rale while the Company was in session, as on
several occasions it is recorded in the minutes that members were
fined for |)rofanity and other offences against good order.

In consequence of disputes with the Council in regard to the
state of the hose and '')ther e(iui|)ment, this Company was disbanded
by resolution of the Council on December 22nd, 1874.

On the following day a meeting was called, at which was
organized " Protection Fire Company No. 1, for the i)uri)ose of
affording protection to properly in the Town of 'I'horold in case of
fire," with the following officers :

Captain — Wm. Fields.

ist Lieutenant — Patrick A. Dunn.

2nd Lieutenant — F. W. ILariley.

('hief ICnginecr — (ieorge Mcintosh.

'i'reasurer W. M. Kendershot.

Secreta ry — J oh n I )ale.

Captain of Hose-Henry Carter.

together with a long list of members. The new Company seems,
however, not to have been very well etiuipped, as from time to time
resolutions were passed asking for fresh apparatus, and on March
5th, 1877. a committee was appointed to wait on the Town Council
'* to urge the necessity of procuring a better means for the extinguish-
ing of fires, as the present apparatus is inefficient to meet the
requirements of tl -^ "^^own." The representation of this committee

I.'

■y

>\p

'IWl

208

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

proved efTectual, and resulted in the [)urcliase of a new steam engine,
which was handed over to the Company in September, 1877.

New by-laws were subsequen.ly adopted, in the passing of which,
apparently, the name of the Compan}' was changed from " rrotection
Fire Co. No. i " to " Protection Hose Co. No. i." 'I'here is nothing
in the minute books to show when the change was resolved upon; but
the by-laws in which the change occurs were passed at a meeting
held May 6th, 1878, while the new name was not used in the
minutes until July 8th, 1878. l-'ire wardens were also appointed
about this time for the different wards of the town.

New and improved apparatus was added to the ecjuipment from
time to time as the old became worn out, as on June 5, 1882, a set of
new ladders was procured, and in November, 1882, 500 feet of new
hose was purchased. In regard to the latter the records show that a
special meeting of the Company was called for November 23rd, 1882,
for the object of testing the new hose ; " but, owing to their having
been sufficiently tested at the fire on the evening previous," the bill of
$550, "the cost of said 500 feet of seamless cotton hose now before
the Company, be received, stamped, and sent to the council for
payment."

In March, 1886, the council-room of the Company in the fire-hall
was completely refurnished, the entire cost being defrayed by the
members out of their salaries.

During this year and the year previous an extraordinarily large
number of fires had occurred, and as these were suspected by the
Company to be of incendiary origi' it was resolved by minute dated
June 15th, 1886, that ti.*: CoM:.i.i! be requested "to investigate,
and if possible ascertain, the cat .,e or origin of those mysterious
fires that are occurring from time to time."

During the year 1887 it had been deemed desirable for the
Company to obtain a fancy ho.se carriage for exhibition purposes,
and to enable them to hold this and other property it was found
necessary to incorporate the Company. Accordingly, this was done,
and the Company was incorporated under the name of "The
Protection Hose Co. No. i," the incorporation being reported at a
meeting of Dec. 5, 1887.

1 engine,

f which,
otection
nothing;
[)on; t)iit
nicetiiiK
I in the
jpoiiited

•lit from
, a set of

of new
)w that a
rd, 1882,
ir having
[he bill of
)\v before

meil for

fire-hall
by the

Irily large
by the
ite dated
/estigate,
'sterious

for the
Purposes,
Is found
IS done,
If "The
led at a

I.ODf.KS AND SOCIKTIKS

309

Thcrcaftor the fjuestion of procuring the new hose carriage was
again taken up, and a very handsome one was ordered, at a cost of
$900 (exclusive of tlu; freight and duty, about $250 additional),
the nienii.'crs agreeing to allow their yearly salaries to remain
until they paid for it. 'I'h^j carriage was duly delivered on June
2ist. 1888, and is still in the possession of the (\)nipany. It is said
to be the hnndsf)mest hose carriage in Ontario.

A curious investment was made by the Company on July 24th,
1888, when it was resolved: "That the rooster now on our centre
table be purchased from Mr. Higgar by o.ir first engineer for the sum
of $1.00," and at the meeting ol August 6th, 1888, it was further
resolved : "That each member drop 5c. on the table to pay for the
rooster." A handsome, stuffed game Hantum rooster is to-day one
of the chief ornaments of the council chamber of the Company, and
is presumably the bird which is the su'iject ofthe.se resolutions.

Mysterious fires still continued to oc'cur at frecpient intervals, as
will be noticed from a |)erusal of the fire record following, and to try
to stop this a resolution was passed by the Company on Keburary
4tli, 1889, a[)pointing a committee "to wait on the Council and
request them to offer a reward for the arrest and conviction of any
person or persons who may be caught in the act of incendiarism."
The Council complied with this request, with the result that fires
became much less frequent. A government detective who visited
the town observed that most of these fires were not on valuable
property, and concluded that it was the work of boys rather than
of desperate incendiaries.

Foi a considerable time after this the number of fires seems to
have decreased materially, although still abnormally large down to
the end of 1896. A change for the better then took place, and
during the Jubilee year (1897) only three fires occurred, none of
them being of very large extent.

l"'ollowing are the officers for 1897 :

(Jai)tain — W. J. Dougan.
1st Lieutenant — E. I'Vaser.
2nd " — H. I). Walton.
Secretary — John Fleming.
Treasurer — A. McClenchy.

isl Branchman— Geo. Fraser.
2iul " — A. Laughlin.

^rd " — F. Reavley.

4th " --T. Felker.

5th " — A. Smerdon.

2 I. J

HISTORY OF TTlOROI.n

I St linginccr — N. Boiitchcr.
211(1 " —A. Martin.
Asst. " — Jas. H. Allen.

6th IJranchman — y Little.
Janitor — P. Steep.

Ancient Ordku of Hibfrnians

The Ancient Order of Hibernians of America was established
about sixty-five years ago for the purpose of furnishing a fund of
money to maintain the aged, blind, sick and infirm members, and
inscribed on its banner is the motto : " Friendship, unity and
("hristian uirity." Division No. 2 (Thorold) of Welland County
boasts of l)eing the only Jubilee fraternal organization in town, as it
was organized April 18, of this year (1897), by County President
Crilfin, assisted by members from St. Catharines, Merritton, Niagara
I'alls (N. V.) and Niagara Kails (Ont.) Divisions. 'I'he following
members were chartered :

James Swinton.
W. H. Cough.
Thomas 1'". Conlon,
Hryan Cain.
Thomas Tierney.
John AfcMahoii.
A. McKeague.

Hugh Mel? ride.
Thomas Klannery.
William Hart.
William Daley.
Patrick Jordan,
I'ldward Doyle.
M. \Vhalcn.

The following is the list of first officers

Chaplain — Rev. T. J. Sullivan.

,-, • , ^ rriios. F. Conlon.
President — [ r l- ■ .

I J as. Swinton.

ViceT'rcsident — {-!',■ '!,", ^ '

yohn Mahoney.

R. S.— W. H. (lough.

,. c /William Daley.

\Thomas McDermotl.

Treasurer — A. McKeague.

The closing of the Jubilee year finds forty-two members in good
standing on the roll.

Dominion Plowing Association of the Counties of Lincoln

AM) Welland

Thorold Township has always been particularly j)rominent in the
annals of this Association, the organization of which dates from
1867. The late John R. Swayze was President for twelve successive

LODC.F.S AND SOCIF.TIF.S

211

^ood

iNCOI.N

I in the

from

Icssive

years, while the office of Vice-president has been held Iiy B. H.
Kottnieire, Robert M. Wilkerson and 'I'honias lulmondst ne. C.
T. Ware has been Secretary for the last tiiirtecn years ; Andrew
Miller of DeCew Kails was treasurer for six years, while that office is
now filled by W. J. Dongan (jf ThorrM.

Many plowing matches under tlie auspices of this Association
have been held in the 'I'ownship, one living taken [)lace on the farm
of Sidey Upper, three or four at R. M. Wilkcrson's, and several
others on Thomas Kdmondstone's farm.

Among the many pri/e-winners in the Township are : Arthur
Horton (who won the first prize in his class after passing his three-
score years and ten), Thomas I'klmondstone, Lachlin Carter, Samuel
Smith, Lewis Koltmeire, James Smith, Marcus A. Ware, (leorge
Snider, John Iluggins, (\ 'l\ Ware, William Hart, Joseph Dixon,
Loran Swayze, John T. Ware and Harry I'aywell.

LORN'K CuUI.lNd (j.UI)

• The Lome Curling Clui) was formed iti 1S78, and was received
into the Ontario Curling Association, then called the Ontari(> Branch
of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, in the same ytar. The Club
membership was as follows :

I'atron --John MclJonagh.

President — ^John Paterson.

Vice-president- -John L. McDonald.

Representative Mem!)ers -Jolin I'aterson and David Walker.

Secretary-Treasurer — Matthew Brown.

("ommittee of Management — A. Malcolm, J. Robson, ,\. Mur
dock, J. Oswold.

Members — Roderick ('ampbell, Jas. McDonald, Alex. I"'ra.ser,
J. B. Wils(yn, W J. Richardson, (ieo. Crenviile, James McNeil,
Peter Algie.

For tie first year or lw(/ the game was played on the canal, and
many interesting matches took jilatx". In the early eightie.-i a stock
company was organized, and by it was built the large rink on
Ormond street at present owned by (ieo H. Williams and used as a
basket warehouse. Thi.s rink was used for both skating and culling
until 1889, when a ik.'w company was organized, and the rink on
Front street, now used b) the ('urlers, was built. This build

t-i •'■

212

HISTORY OK THOROI.I)

ing is used for curling only, and is liglited with acetylene gas. The
Lome Curling Club is looked upon as one of the strongest clubs in
the Niagara District, and has many times won the District
championship.

The officers and skips for 1897-8 are as follows :

Patron — John McDonagh.

Patroness Mrs. McDonagh.

President - D. B. (^rombi';.

Vice-president — James McTavish.

Cha[>lain — Rev. W. A. ('ook.

.Secretary-treasurer — D. J. C. Munro.

Representative Members — Charles Johnson, D. P. Crombie.

Honorary Members —John Paterson (Winnipeg), James A.
Lowell, James Lawson, Alex. Fraser, Evan Fraser.

Commitl'^e of Management -James Cook, Isaac McMann, (leo.
Henderson, Hector Mawdesley, Robt Smith.

Skips — D. B. (Zombie, Chas. Johnson, D. J. C. Munro, Geo.
Henderson, Wm. Williams, Capt. Mawdesley, James McTavish,
Isaac McMann, Geo. H. Shaw, Robt. Smith, O. J. Phelps.

gas. The
St clubs in
le District

Appendix a

ombie.
James A.

[aim, (Ico.

nro, Geo.
^IcTavish,

Business Dirkctories ok 1851
A directory of Canada published bv I n.-, 11 • o
»'. S. M:,ckn,, say., Thorold had a , 'p ,: ■ '^ ' S"' ™-l'»ed I,.
- «,„„ec,od „,„, s. Catharines ly'^^Z^ 7 ''"T' """

''t-ing ,n existence at that time : ' ^^^^" "^^

Kctfer, Jacob, commissioner and convevmcer
Keefer, (.eor^e, flourin-mills. ^^""^>*»"^^'^-

Kofi, lAnn-' m"d "^^■'' "'' ^'^^'^ "^^'--- -urt.

Afit:^Li:-:;;;;::;itS''"^-^ ^"^ "-'--'■

Allen ^: Campbell, blacksmiths.
Anderson, Alexander, grocer.
Aj)ple, Ccorge, siioemaker.
-a , Ixw.s A., attornev-at-la^v.
i>attcn, John, butcher '
Beatty, Wni., tanner,
ijirbeck, Richard, tinsmith.
Butler, Wn,., Wciland hotel.
Carrol, Sylvester, merchant.
<^arter, Edward, mason
Casper, John II., .ooper.
Coekburn, Charles, bailifi:

Cleveland (Sylvanus) i\: Shroud ^F

Dorris, Isabella. I'arniuV inn ^ ^^' ^'^''^•'^"8^^ ''"tcl.
Ijonaghue, Patrick, butcher
I>"ugan, Rot)ert, merchant
;vans Rev. Mr., Methodic,,
•air, Alexander, cooper
J'.'^li, \y>u. T., merchant

rid 1^ P ^^''^r'"^' ^^arriage-makers.
• '^'"^^''^^'^••.'l^omasH..Ch„H. of England

1 .

J v.

■ v..
■V

2 HISTORY OF THOROLD

Gardner, Wm. N., (ircx;er.

Gase, Joseph, Elgin flour-mills.

Gordon, W., shoemaker.

Grant, John, apothecary.

Gisso, Chas., saddler.

Grenville, John, carriage-maker.

Henderson, Simeon, mason.

Hilton, J. B. J., corn-broom maker.

Hoover, Henry, cooper.

Ironsides, Robert, M. I>.

James, W., merchant and baker.

James, Hugh, carpenter.

Keel, Wm., butcher.

McArthur, Rial, recess,

McKenzie, Daniel, cooj r.

McKonachie, George, blacksmith.

McDonald, John, tailor.

McDonagh, Mary, grocer.

Mclntyre, James, tailor.

Mclntyre, Joseph, cabinet-maker.

McMahon, Hugh, shoemaker.

Martin, Robert, British American hotel.

Morley, John, ploughmakti.

Munro, James & Co., merchants.

Patrick, John, baker.

Paulding, Wm., tailor.

Pew, Robert, school-teacher.

Preston, Sylvester, chairmaker,

Ramsay, Wm., temperance hotel, Pottery and corporation clerk.

Ranney, John L., Welland canal mills.

Rogers, Chas., butcher.

Smith, Robert, shoemaker.

Stark, Maurice, merchant tailor.

Swartz, Peter H.. hatter.

Trew, Joseph, shoemaker.

Turney, James, grocer.

Ward, Wm., carpenter.

Waters, Thomas, auctioneer.

Weeks, James, saddler.

Winslow, Alexander, British hotel.

The same book mentions Allanburgh as a " \illage situated on

the north end of the deep cut," etc., 7 miles from St. Catharines, to

whicl. the usual stage fare was >s. \o}4d. Population, 300. The

business houses were :

Rannie, John, general storekeeper and postmaster.
Bowman, Joseph, pail factory.

APPKN'DIX A

>n clerk.

ted on
ines, to
. The

lieZ's ^?;;''^"^>''' , ^^^""^''- «nd bootmaker,
i^ciinis, \Vm., innkeeper

iHincan cV' Wright, grist-mill.
Harper, John, innkeeper.

Mus.sen, James, bricklayer.

1 eart, John, innkeeper

Pennock, )Vm., general store.

Rann.e & 'n,cker, lumber merchants.
Sherwood, Harley, tailor.
Swayze, Samuel, turning-machine.
Lpper, Joseph, innkeeper.
Vanderburgh, Andrew, saw-mill.

v! hn"' ;!"'1' ^J'^'"^^ -'^ chairmaker
u I Hams Daniel, shingle factory.

'>-iness houses were : ' '"''""" '^'""^ -*-• ^'''.e

customsSe^^' ''"^''"^^'^^' -"-^- "f canal tolls, and

illnT'' J",^" ^^' i'"'^' ^>-, ship!)uilders.
Band Robert cV- Co., Hour-mill.

Broum ' ' ""' ''T''^ '^"^ .stove-dealer,
^^^rown, Ihomas, shoemaker.

Coleman Dilly, innkeeper and stage owner
Campbe !, ohn .V Co., shoemakers.
( rawford, K., tailor.
Coulter, Robert, saddler.

Jonnlclsoi. John ^ Co., piaster-mill.

'like. I'. H., druggist.
J'Jhott, \Vm., painter.
J'^lliott, Andrew, butcher.

I'eener, Kdward, tailor
;;ritfiths. ,<. .VCo., brickyard.
Crimes, J., tailor.

",*K?'19IMM|||MMBMMMMMi

HISTORY OF THOROI.I)

Hilton, Andrew & Co., brooni-makers.

Jakes, Dr. A., physician, etc.

Jordan, Georce, innkeeper.

Kelly, D., tailor.

King, Dr. R. S., physician, etc.

l.emons, John & Co., saw-mill.

MacKay, Thomas, butcher.

Marshall, Wm., painter.

McCoppen, James, general store.

McFarland, Du''.can, commissioner of queen's bench.

Pew, J. & J., blacksmiths.

Peare, Henry, wagon-maker.

Powell, John S., general store, bakery and livery stables.

Roberts, Wn.., cabinet-maker.

Stuart, Charles, ink and sealing-wax factory.

Timms, Henry W., innkeeper, coroner and township clerk.

Wallace, Robert, blacksmith.

Appendix B

'iHOROLD Business DiRKCTORY-,897

it'll:: ;t;;[,/"rf zzr"'-'" '-" ■™*™"' «™-.

Bell, Robert, cooper.

jjurley, CJeorge, barber.

Boyle, \Vm., builder.

Canadian Bank ofCommerco- F n r.r...

Collier eV Burson, barristers '' "^^^ager (part of year).

Creeggan, P. C, dentist.

Cartmell, William, quarries. '
Casey, F. \V., barrister.
Caledonia Co., The, dry goods
Cave, \y. R., builder.

DouSn'^R I'f' '^^'^''""^y -^ ^--y goods,
i^ougan, K. iV Co., groceries.

urkee Z. W., piano and sewing-machine aeent

onne ly, Patrick, hotel (Mansion Hou e) ^
I)avy. James, pulp-mill. ^•

England, \Vm., builder.
Eddy, Robert, shoemaker
Hannery, Matthew, paint shop
i;rey, John, boots and shoes
Festing, H. \V., baker.

Fndet ^i^f 'f \««"^-'"'I'f s (Welland Mills).

^riue>, Henry, harnessmaker.

Crenville Bros., paint shop.

( -renville, John, postmaster.

earner, Mrs. M. E., fancy and dry good.

Hannan M.chael, hotel (Welland House)

Hawse, John, chandler. ""use;.

Hunt, Joseph, market gardener

Johnston, R. J., physician.

Johnstone Bros., drue store inrl Po,-, v

Jones. Thomas. jeweHer "' ^''^'^'' "^^"^y-

Jones & Durkee, bicycle factory.

Johnstone, J. K., physician.

Kennedy, Mrs. E., groceries

Kennedy, Matthew, merchant tailor.

Koeppel, Emil, barber.

■ *

iiii nm i y ,i r i i)

■an —

HISIOKV 0|- I'HOROLI)

i , '•■

■If- i

\ i

Lampman, VV. T., 'jweller.

Lewis, Wm., tinsmith.

I.odato, Augustus, fruit dealer.

Munro, 1). J. C, insurance agent.

Munro, James (fe Co., dry goods.

Macartney, W. J., drug store and (I. N. W. telegraph office.

Millar, James & Co., dry goods and merchant tailoring.

Monro & Roantree, flour-millers (Fife Mills).

McCarthy, I)., City Hotel (part of year).

McMann, L., groceries, hoots and slioes, furniture, pork packing.

McMahon, Patrick, wood and coal dealer.

McClure, Wm., physician.

McKeague di: Zimmerman, butchers.

McClenchy, Alex., flour and feed store.

McTavish, James, N. C. R. and Am. Express agent.

Oxley, R. W., G. l\ R. agent.

Penman Manufacturing Co., knilting-mill.

Preston, Alonzo, tailor.

Preston, A. H., restaurant.

Potter, Thos., casket manufacturer.

Pike, Wm., coal dealer.

Patti.son, T. ¥., insurance agent.

Quebec Bank ; D. B. Crombie, manager.

Rogers, J. S., livery.

Rinker, S., shoemaker.

Stuart »l!c lelker, foundry and mrohine shop.

Simson, T. E., groceries and be yts and shoes.

Shriner, Richard, blacksmith.

Stewart, Mrs. J., groceries.

Stanley, Alfred, paint shop.

Smith, H. A., furniture manufacturer.

Sutherland, A., photographer.

Turner, Geo., blacksmith and wagon maker.

Thompson, James ii: Co., stoves and tinware.

Taggart, James A., boots and shoes, bicycle agent.

Thompson, John H., Prop. The Thorold Post Ptg. & Pub. Co,

Upper &: Smith, butchers.

Usher, Isaac & Sons, cement manufacturers.

Upper, Oscar, British hotel.

Weeks, James, harness shop.

Warner, Richard, livery.

Winslow, Wm., City Hotel (part of year).

Walton, H. D., liquor store.

Williams, Wm., undertaker and carriage manufacturer.

Williams, George H., basket manufacturer.

Wilson, James, hardware and groceries.

Wilson, John H., bakery.

Walker, James, contractor.

Appendix c

VOTK.S' US. .0. ™, v.„ ,8„, TOW. „. THOKOU,

. j""' Occupation

pT? 'J^"'" Foreman

Batte Matthew.... Foreman
Band, John Mill

Name ,-,

T\ y .., Occupation

f^"'-'^^^' ^^>, Machinist

Dougan W J Merchant

tj .1. TT - -Accountant

j;7^h, HA Car builder

CaU ott Geo Gentleman

^'''";\^^^"\ Locktender

Corbett John Locktender

t loy, Martm Trader

^>!''"-^' Jo'^" Dredgeman

^°'^\J°hn Locktender

Crombie, DB ....BankMrr

Cowan, -rhos Locktender

Carter, Henry, .... Mason

Creeggan,PC Dentist

Campbell, Samuel ..Gentleman
Clipperton, W H ..Teacher
Campbell Rodk,... Locktender
Clark, Add bert ....Locktender
Carr, I homas Laborer

^'^y' ^'';0 I' Merchant

Cook W A Minister

Cleveland, Jas P.... Laborer

r ' ''r^^f'TJ' Locktender

^..ampbell, Neil M I)

Cook James I.ocktender

Constable, John ... .Stonecutter
'>"'-kee, Z\V Agent

I >oherty, Joseph.... Teamster
I>abald, James ....Peddler

r-i T-j - • . ^ cipermaker
Flynn, Edward .... Laborer
Ja.rhe, Andrew ....Gentleman
Hannery, Matthew.. Painter
Hannery, Henry.... Painter
™'Jf';ies i^-ij,orer

Poley, Thomas ....Foreman
Gnsdale Pred ....Carpenter
Galbra.th, Walter . . Locktender

Gates, James Sailor

Henderson, John ..Cooper

Hi'^;f'"%fr ^^ -Carpenter

""•■t^'' ^^ ^' Music t'chV

Hender.shot,WM.. Contractor
Hoover R(; T^^n.,,,,

Hunt, ames Laborer

"""'^^^A Laborer

"^:'""^"'i^ J Hotel kcep'r

H>gg'n.s, Henry ....Carpenter
Hoover, Hank . . . . Machini.st

l";;^"^'^^'"^ Stonecutter

John.'tone, Omar . . Druggist
John.stone, \VJ . . . . Druggi.st
Jones, Thomas .... Hicycle mfr

^'^'^^'."*-^ ^^"1 Stonecutter

Lorrnmn. \A\ ....Teacher

MISTOUV ni' lUOKOI.l)

til.

Lemon, I! 11 Ml)

Lampman, Tlios . . . .(lentU'man
Lampnian, W T . . . . IcwcUli-

Lynch. John Laborer

Marsiiall, W Machinist

Martin, W'ni Mason

Mablc, (korge .... Mason
MawdL'slcy, M M . .Tug man
ISLinn, \'o!nt'y . . . .Carpenter

Moore, Elijah Carpenter

Munro, Jame-.s .... Met chant

Mallion, John Hostler

Munro, l") j C Merchant

McCarthy, I) Hotelkeep'r

Mcintosh, Wni . . . . Ky eniployi'
McMann, Leslie. . . . Merchant

Mclntyre. J I) Cook

McMann, Isaac- . . . . Lockteiuler
McKcnney, John . luigineer
McTavish, James . .Station mslr

McClure, Wm M 1)

McBride, John 'J'eamsler

Newton, Ceo Locktender

Neil, Win Traveller

O'Connor, 1 I'llectrician

O'Dea, John Sectionmaii

£)ats, Daniel Stonecutter

O'Donnell. lohti .... Sailor

Philip, W a" Music t'ch'r

Preston, Alonzo . . . Tailor
Pattison, 'I'hos F . . .Customs

Rogers, Jared Livery

Roach, John iMigincer

Rockett, Andrew .. Section tnan
Robertson, David ..Stonecutter

Smi^rdon, Jas \V . . . . Locktender
Stnerdon, .Mfretl. . . . Papermaker

Stuart, John l'"ounder

.Simsoti, T I'. Merchant

Schwaller, Joim 1'" ..Cientleman

Snider, Ceo . , Laborer

Slingerland, Wm . . . .Sectionmaii

Secord, Wm ICtigir.eer

Spencei, P L .\lini-.ter

Shaw, Ceo H Accountant

Smith, Robert . . . Laborer
.Shriner, Richard .. .lilacksmith
Sle\etiS()n, Joseph . Laborer

Stevens, John Lal)orer

Tintier, Ceo ..... P.Iacksiiiilh
Turner, Ceo A .... Wagoti tnkr
'I'hompson, James ..Merchant
Taggart, James .\ . Shoemaker
Thompsoti, J(;h:i II . Printer
Thotiias, Wm .... Stonecutter
U|)])er, James S . . . . Ry em])loye
L'|)i)er, Ceorge .... Locktender

Usiier, Isaac ( !emeiit mfr

Usher, LIudson . . . .Cement mfr

Usher, James Cetnent mfr

Upper, .\lbert H . . Locktetider

Upper, Oscar Hotelkeep'r

Walker, Benjamin ..Centleman
Walker, James . ..Contractor
Weeks, Ceorge .... Music- t'chcr

Weeks, James Harnessmkr

Wartier, Richard. . . Livery

Wiiislow, Wm Hotelkeep'r

\\'alton, H D Licpiordealr

Williams. Wm Undertaker

Pari II — Persons entitled to vote at Municipal Elections only

Andrews, Miss F 1^
Alexander, Mrs F^
Abbott, I'.ffie
Boyle, Jane
Battle Joseph
Ball, Alary Ann
Burton, Wm H
Burnison, May
Berry, Mary

liradley, Alice
Bi.ale, John
Ball, J H
Battle, Richard
Battle, Patrick S
Campbell, Jane
Cowan, Mrs Sarah
(,^aspar, Phcebe
Cowan, Maud

Cotdon, Thos
1 )ougat), I'Tizabeth
Dutin, P A
Englatid, Mrs F
Fiidey, Bridget
I'Vaser, Evan
Eraser, Mrs Jane
Eraser, Alex
Hcjover, Catherine

.ocktender
';i|)(.'riiial<cr
Oiiiuler
lenhant
■icnllt'iniiii
,al)oiL'r
icctionman
Mi^ii'.cer
kliiii-itcr
VccoLintant
^ahorcr
ihicksmith
.a borer
,a borer
'ilacksiiiith
\'agoii mkr
MeM'hant
>h()Lniaker
['riiUcr
Stonecutter
Ky employe
[.ocktetider
Cement mfr
"ement mfr
"emLnt nilr
.ocktender
^()telkee|)'r
Kiilleman
>)ntra(:tor
liisic t'cher
larnessnikr
,i\ery

lotelkeep'r

i([uor (lealr

ndertakcr

yis only

lios
:iizabeth

drs F
idj^^et
|an
rs Jane

.'X

latheri.ic

Henderson, Pha'be
Hoover, Mary
Hoover, Annie
Hare, C I".
Kennedy, Kllen
Lampnian, Amelia
l,ampman, I'Llsie
Lawson, James
Marshall, Jane
Monro, Hillena
Miller, Miss V.
Miller, Jane

APPKNDIX c

Macartney, W J
McArtlnir, Jane
iM(.(Ailloch, Andrew
I'ike, Mrs
I'ike, Fred
Philip, Kli/abeth
I'ike, Robert
Kipley, Mrs A
Stewart, I5eatricc
Sangster, Alex
Stevenson, (Jharles
Stewart, Julia

'Tracy, K St (i
Tyler, Louisa
'lucker, \\
Tucker, J
Wilson, Sarah
Wilson, James
Walker, Robert
Walton, K T
Weir, Agnes
\'oung, Mary Jane

Purt III -Persons entitled to vote at Elections to the Legislative

Assembly only

Arnold, Ernest
Ikadley, Ste|)hcn
Jkennen, Isaac
Carter, Charles
Cook, Peter
C'ookson, 'I'hos
Doherty, Wm
Dell, James, Jr
Doherty, Cleorge

St. Andrew's Ward,
pal Elections

Namo

Allan, Joseph

Allan, Wm

Armstrong, Lewis .

iJessey, Loran

IJattle, foseph

Boyle, "Wm

r.urley, T J

]?urley, Wm

Pye, Henry

Pradley, Arthur . . .
Hrennen, Ceo
Brennen, Abram . .
Brannigan, Michael

Bye, Joseph

Cunningham, A . . .
Cartmell, Wm . . .
1 )ell, Warren

Dell, James
1 )olierty, James
I'.dmonds, Samuel
Forse, Frank
Hoover, John
Hartley, W E
Justice, Thos
Lynch, ICdward
McBride, H

Price, Freeman
Pearson, I'Vank
Patterson, 1)
Smerdon, Arthur
Spencer, Ernest
Turner, Louis
Upper, Horatio
Upper, Richard L

Part I — Persons entitled to vote at both Munici-
and Elections to the Legislative Assembly

Occiipation N<ime 0'-'":,,.ition

. Papermaker Dunn, PA Moulder

Teamster Dundas, Robert, . . . Laborer

.Miller Duseau, Henry ....Stonecutter

.Miller Donnelly, Patrick ..Hotel

. Coal dealer I )aley, John Laborer

. ('arpenter I )unn, W H Foreman

Basket mkr l-Auon, Chas Centleman

.Carpenter I'^kins, Walter Farmer

. Papermaker Frey, John Shoemaker

.Teamster Felker, W L Founder

. Laborer Festing, H W 15aker

. Locktender I'leming, Win Bridgetendr

.Laborer (lamer, Oscar N . . .Marketclerk

. Laborer Cray, Ceorge Millwright

. Laborer Cough, Henry Laborer

.Stonecutter Cilchrist, Neil Laborer

. Miller Flowell, C H Carpenter

UrSTOUV f)F THOROin

I i

Howl'II, John M . . . . CariK-nter
HovvJl, \V H . . . . .Carpenter

Hilton, Joseph Laborer

Heiighan, Joseph. . . Ma( hinist

Holland, (leo Laborer

Holland, W H l»aperniaker

Hunt, Joseph (lardener

Holland, J(,hn .... Lock tender
Johnson, Charles . .Cardener
Kennedy, Matthew .Tailor
Liddycont, (leorge. . i'a[)erniaker
I-yniburner, Henry. . [''.ngineer
Laiighlin, Andrew .(!arpt'nler

Lowe, 'I'hos Laborer

Mable, Samuel Laborer

Middoiii^h, 1' S .... Railroader

MeCiill, James IClectrician

McNeil, James Laborer

McDonald, James . .Carpenter
McDonald, H . . . . dentleman
McDonald, \V J . . . . Laborer
McDonagh, John. . .Cientleman
MciJride, Thos 1) ..Accountant

McNulty, John liridgetendr

McNulty, W'm 'leamster

McDonald, Ronald .Foreman
McMullen, John .... Laborer

McMullen, W'm 'I'eamster

Mc( !ausland, John . . .Stonecutter
McDonald, James . . .Stonecutter
McLean, (ieorge . . . Laborer

Neil, John Lockteiider

Notman, Wm Blacksmith

Oats, John Foreman

Oxley,' R W Station mstr

Potter, T T Casket mf^^r

I'hillips, Henry . . . . Locktender
I'ierson, Arthur .... Laborer
l'iersf)n, James .... Locktender
Porter, (leorge . . . Laborer

Reid, Thomas Lai)orer

Reavley, .\ \V Teacher

Rouse, Philip Engineer

Runchey, (leorge. . . Laborer
Stoddart, \V (1 ... .Trimmer
Scharfenberger, Hart .Sawyer
Scharfenbcrger, Jas . . Sawyer
Slater, Thomas .... Pai)er maker
Scharfenberger, Jos . Laborer
Stevenson, C N . . . .Tinsmith

Stevens, Jas Laborer

Tracy, St (1 E (lentleman

Tyson, Chas Papermaker

Williams, C H .... Hasket makr
Woodward, Jas .... Laborer

Walton, 1'' T Manager

Wills, .'\le.\ ... ... Laborer

Walrond, T J Teacher

Wilson, Win Miller

Walker, John Hridgetcndr

Williams, R (^ Foreman

lii!;

1 V

J\7r/ II — Persons entitled to vote at Municipal Elections only

' 7

Battle, Thos
Battle, Richard
Battle, Martin
Battle, Matthew
Battle, David
Brennen, iNLargaret
Brownlee, Eliza
Blackstock, Annie
Baxter, Caroline
lUirns, James
Broderick, John
Battle, James
Battle, Patrick

Battle, Cecelia
('alcott, (Jeo
Commarford, R
Conlon, Thos
Cooper, Llannali
Campbell, Alex
Courtney, Dennis
Darwin, Thos
DoTi.s, Bridget
Farrie, Bridget
Foley, Thos
Cialbraith, P^liza
Galbraith, Frank

Ciiljjin, Sarah
Ciil[)in, Elizabeth
(iearin, Ellen
Kearney, Mary
Reefer, T C
Kendrick, Mrs
Lewis, W R
Lockerbie, Mrs
Miller, Harriet
Macartney, W J
Martin, Jas
McCovern, C
McArthur, Jane

McArthiir, E L C
McClcary, W'm
McDoiKikl, Pleasant
McCleary, ^i
McClcary, M

McDonald, Jane F
McArthur, H M
M<Karlaiul, f'.eo
McNefj; Mrs
Ramsay, David
Stuart, Win

Part 11/— Persons

Ames, Rc)l)ert
Cartniell, James
Cartmell, JVank
Cartmell, foseph
Cartmell, John
Kkins, Win
Ekins, fJeo
Fleming, John
I'rench, Norman
Holland, James
Hill, John
Hunt, Jos, Jr

AI'PKNDrX C

Stewart, Julia
Shrincr, Richard
Stuart, John
Sma'l, thos
Stuart, Mary
Stuart, Ceo
'I'urner, (Jco
Tucker, H
i'ucker, J
Uriocker, Louisa
>Vhalen, Ann

Williams, Wni
Walton, H D
V\'ilson, Mrs J
Walker, lien
^\':'lton, Nettie
^yilkerson, C M
^\■alton, Florence
^\'ilson, James
Voung, Margaret

e.fiikd to vote at Elections to the Legislative
Assembly only

Jo y-ison, I'Ved
Kaiser, Arnold
Fockerbit.', ])
Fockerbie, F
Mann, Amos
Martin, Samuel
Martin, Dawson
McFean, John
McDonald, fas, Jr
McDonald, Daniel
McNulty, 'Fhos
i'earson, Wm

Forter, (Jeo
Forter, Flarry
Forter, CMias
Robinson, Albert
Ryckman, )Valter

Shea, 'Fhos

Thatcher, Wm

Wills, Wm

Young, Jas

Young, John

11'

St. Patrick's Ward Pnrf r d .■ , .

Name rt^^ ._., -^

Name „

^, . , Occupation

Crawford James ... Bridge t'nd'r
^}^'K]ohn Laborer

Occupation

Aikens Henry ....Carpenter
^l'*^"' J'i"ies Faborer

S°«fh, '^''io« Carpenter

l^o^y^i^^n, EB Miller

^'■''^f '^T, Wm Teamster

;,^''^'"'^7, Ceo Barbe'

Brown, Francis .... Mason

^° '"«'-[«hn Focktender

Caffrey, James .... Herder

Commarford, Thos. Focktender
Culligan, Patrick . . . Faborer

J:;"'!"' ^^O'l" Stonecutter

Colhas, Anthony ..Foreman

J:7'' J"';", Merchant

Collins John M.... Engineer
Clark, Rev Geo.... Methodist

^.^'^^y' '• ,^^' Barrister

Cleveland, Sam ....Carpenter

Crawford Ed ward.. Bridge t'n'dr
''^'^f'd, (,eo Peddler

Doyle, Edward ....Laborer
)ent, Harry Faborer

i: '!'' ^^^f Focktender

Ekms, Walter Mason

!:°f^%^ Gardener

^ oley, Edward Pulpmaker

Freel, homas Focktender

Crenville, TE Painter

Crenville, John D .. Painter
Crenville, John ....Postmaster

■' m

Gprtley, Samuel C
Griffiths, Wni . . .
Cicarin, JdIiii . . .
dunning, Michael
Ilillman, J N V .
Huglics, Henry .
Heysel, John
Hart, Matthew . .
Heenan, John .
Heysel, James . .
Judgr^ Miehael .
Jo'dan, Maurice.
James, Hugii . . .
Koeppel, liniil. .

Kerr, John

I.odato, Augustus
Murray, Luke .
Mitchell, Jos B
Matthewsoi,, I) \V
Macartney, W J .
Mawdesley, J W
Millar, David E.
Millar, James . . .
Madill, James . . .
Monro, Arch . . .
MeClarry, Martin

HISTORY OF THOROLD

.Knitter McMannan, Ed\v'd .Laborer

.Carpenter McCarthy, John .... Laborer

.Laborer McKeague, Archie .Butcher

. Lal)orer McCarthy, Michael. Locktender

. Locktender McArthiir, O K ... .Traveller

-Laborer McAndrew, PiUrick. Engineer

.Stonecutter McCabe, James ... .Trader

.Gentleman Mcintosh, Edgar ..Butcher

.Gentleman McMann, Ered ....Sailor

.Stonecutter McGovern, Th(;s. .Locktender

.Laborer O'Melia, Michael ..Laborer

. Laborer I'reston, AH Restaurant

.Gentleman Pollock, John Laborer

. Barber Renter, Jacob Locktender

. Laborer Saunders, W P .... Diver

. Fruit dealer Sullivan, Rev T J . . R (Catholic

.Laborer Savage, Robert ... Stonecutter

.Teamster Stanley, Alfred .... Painter

. Locktender 'I'urney, Thos Pulpmakcr

Druggist .Thompson, John A. Stonecutter

.Captain Ward, James, sr. . . . Laboier

.Tailor Ward, James, jr. . . . Laborer

. Tailor Wilson, John ii .... Baker

. Locktender Wilson, A J Clerk

. Machinist Wilson, James Grocer

. Laborer

J^arf II — Persons entitled to vofe at Municipal Elections only

^ t|i<

Armstrong, L A
Allen, Ellen
Ik-atty, Jas H
Berhalter, Mary
Bennett, Catherine
Battle, Matthew
Battle, David
Battle, Joseph
Battle, James
Battle, Martin
Jitttle, Richard
Battle, Thos
Battle, Patrick
Battle, Mrs Cecelia
Battle, CV'celia
Culhgan, M
Copeland, Margaret
Cartmell, Win
Caffrey, Mrs
Comniarford, Mary
Cronin. Honora

Cloy, Geo D
Crombie, D B
Davy, James
]'"reel, (!ecelia
Erazer, \V A
Freel, Maurice
Foley, Wni
Gunning, Bridget
Grcnville, W D
Hennessey, Maggie 1
Hawse, John
Hardy, Mary .\
Jones, Annie
keefer, \V N
Kearney, Kate
Lahany, Bridget
Lee" Ml, Richard
Alanley, I'rank
Merritt, Thos
>!onro, Helena J
.Monro, Wir.

McAndrew, Mary
McAndrew, M ichael
McMann, Leslie
McDermott, Mrs
McKeague, Mary
McElroy, Eliza J
McKeever, W
Oille, L S
I'ew, Robert
\ipley, Sophia
Roantree, R B
Shriner, John
Shaw, g"H
Seymour, A W
Tracy, St G E
'I'ucker, B
'I'ucker, J
Uriocker, Michael
Zimmerman, H

APPENDIX C

Part Ill—Pf,

Booth, Herbert
Booth, \Vm
Cominaiford, Jas
CoUit^s, Charles
Cloy, Herbert
Collins, Frank
Kllis, Harry
Doyle, Harry
Crenville, Fred

sons entitled to vote at Elections to the Legislative
Assembly only

Gunning, John
Gunning, M, Jr
(iu'ining, James
Hart, Joseph
Judge, Patrick
Fockerby, James
McGovern, W'm
Mellor, A H
Mawdesley, W alkdon

Macartney, Charles
Mc Andrew, John
McGovern, Thos
McGovern, John
Savage, Barney T
^^'alker, Robert
Walker, Geo

.SV. David's Ward, Part I— Persons entitled to vote at both Municipal
Elections and Elections to the Legislative Assembly

Name Occupation

Bradley, Thos Locktender

liradley, Alex Quarryman

BoLick, James Laborer

Bell, Robert Cooper

Bessey, Howard Papermaker

Bessey, Peter J Carpenter

Bell, 'I'homas Cooper

Bessey, E A Laborer

Bye, James Papermaker

Bealty, Jas FI (Gentleman

ijoutcher, Nelson . . Laborer

Batten, Henry Gentleman

Clark, Rali^h F ... Weaver

Clark, Z Paperma ker

(.:ommarford, K ( 'arpentcr

Ojmmarfortl. John . , Carpenter
Commarlord, W'm . . Butcher

Coady, Michael Focktender

Caffrey, Jas O Fa borer

Cave, W R Carpenter

Collins, Thomas . . , Miller
(-onion, Thomas . . .Contractor

Coyle, John 'I'eamster

Dale, Jas Cooper

Dawson, George Knitter

Darker, George . . . .Carpenter

Dale, Janice Miller

Dale, 'I'homas Moulder

Dell, Hiram Faborer

DundasThos Faborer

Occupation

. Faborer
. Teamster
. Millwright
( ientleman
Faborer

Name

Flannery, Thos . . .
Flannery, Michael .
Forsyth, Thomas. .

Frazer, \\' A

Griffiths, Wilson . . .

Hanna, Thos Focktender

Hutty, James Faborer

Henderson, G W. . . Foreman

Hawse, John Chandler

Jack.son, David Faborer

Jordan Michael Faborer

Johnston, R J M D

Johnstone, J K M D

Kergan, John Focktender

Faughlin, Robt Focktender

Fewis, \V R Tinsmith

Mahoney, C Faborer

Moislcy, John ]•' ... Faborer

Nhntin, Adam Constable

Murray, Charles 'leamster

I^fo^^s, K J Cotton-mills

Manley, I'Vank Dredgeman

Monro, Wm Miller

Madill, Thomas Paj.ermaker

Moran, Michael .... Faborer
M(-Plierson, Fewis. . Faborer

McMahon, P 'I'eamster

McCleary, Wm M P

McCiill, Wm (^.entleman

McFeod, John Locktender

"J^pww-

HISTORV OF THOROI.D

McClenchy, Alex . . Feed store

O'Brean, John Fapeimaker

I'ew, I^'raiik iM Cooper

Pouliii, Francis .... Laborer
Paterson, James .... Machinist

Price, (ieo Pa[)er maker

J'ew, l?en II IJiitcher

Royal, M J Author

Roantree, R P Miller

Saunders, Joseph . . Laborer
Swetka, Jose})h .... Laborer

Swinton, Jas Locktender

Stevart, )ohn ...... Laborer

Small, Thomas .... Paper maker

Schuinan, Fred Locktender

Smith, Henry A Manuf'ct'rer

Steep, Peter ^"eamster

Thomas, ( Jeo Stonecutter

Urlocker, John ....Bailiff

Upper, Jared IJIacksmilli

Ui)per, Luther Paper maker

Wilson, W'm 'I'eamster

Williamson, Win . . . Paper maker

Weldon, J I'armer

Wilson, Thos 1 .aborer

Parf II— Persons enlitkd to vote at Municipal Elcctious only

Bell, Mrs Thos
Batten, John
Craig, John L
Clark, Henrietta
Curry, H F
Conlon, Thos F
Conlon, John
Cloy, G 1)
Calcott, George
Commarford, B
Doidge, NLary
Dobbie, Mary J
Donald, Isabella
Dougan, Elizabeth
Dougan, W J
Eastwood, Mrs
Flagg, Polly
Forgie, James
Fould.s, Thos
Golden, John

(iolden, James
Golden, Michael
Garner, Mrs
Gough, Mary
Grant, John
Grenvillle, John
Harriman, James
Jamieson, Jessie
Keefer, T C
Kelly, .Margaret
Kirk|)atrick, Mrs
Lafferty, EIizal)eth
Long, Margaret
Mooney, Mary Ann
Moran, Mary
Murray, James
Morgan, Susan
Madill, James
McGraw, 1> rney
Macartney, W J

Mc Arthur, .\ E
McNamara, Kate
McKenny, John
McFarland, .'\melia
McNamara, Mary
McNamara, .'\nnie
McDonagh, John
Nihan, Thos, sr
O'Brien, Susan
Pew, Margaret
Phelps, Oliver
Shaw, H
Tracy, St G E
Taylor, Thos
Wilson, W J
Wilson, James
Winslow, Wm
Williams, G H
Wilson, Susanna
Yokome, Levina

Part III — Persons entitled to vole at Elections to the legislative

Assembly only

Bessey, Jas H
Bell, Walter
Coyle, Arthur
('oyle, Daniel
Eastwood, Jas

Eraser, Geo
Griffin, Patrick
Gough, Wm
Hilton, James I'^
Jordan, Patrick

Mahony, John
McCiill, Arthur
McNamara, M
Steep, Albert
Wilson, Alex

Appendix D

Councillors and Officers of thf V,ir,r„- n. t

/T > ILLAGL OF i HOROI n

(Incorporated 1850) ^"ukold

Reeve-\\'ni. James.
John'-Hclvle'"""-"' "• '""dcrsho,, Alex. Christie, Willian, Uaud,

1 reasurer— Geo. Reefer, Jr.
Clerk— \Vm. Ramsav.

Reeve~W. 15. Hendershot.

1851

,V,,1'°""^-'""^^-^^''- J---S, John Grant, James Parke, W. H.

Clerk— \Vm. Ramsav.
'I'reasurer — C;eo. Keefer.

1852
Reeve—Wm. ]}. Piendershot

Collector— Hugh James.
Clerk — VVm. Ramsay.
Treasurer— (;eorge Keefer.

1853
Reeve— W. B. Hendershot.

Kce^r^Hullhli^^I^riSk h^iSt-^T^ '''r"' J"'^" ^°^'^' ^"•^"

Assessor-James Munro ^ '^''^""' "'"'" '"^^•'^'y"^'^-

(collector— John Heenan.
Clerk — Alexander .Stanley.
'I'reasurer— Jacob Keefer.

1854
Recve-Wm. B. Hendershot.

HISTORY OF THOROI.O

Councillors — John Boyle, John Keefer, Hugh James, (Icorge
Elliott.

Assessors — VV. N. (iardcn, \V. T. Fish.
. Collector — John Heenan.
Clerk — Alex. Stanley.
Treasurer — Jacob Keefer.

1855
Reeve — Wm. James,

Councillors — John Boyle, Hugh James, Geo. Elliott, John
Morley.

Clerk — Alex. Stanley.

Assessors — Roht. Dougan, James Munro.

Collector — Wm. ( larden.

Treasurer — ^Jacob Keefer.

1856

Bcn'e — John Crant.

Councillors- R. B. McPherson, John Morley, C. W. Cisso, B.
McMann.

Clerk — John I). %Iurray.
Assessors — Robert Dougan, W. T. Fish.
Collector — W. N. (larden.
Treasurer — Jacob Keefer.

•8.57
Reeve — John Grant.

Councillors — R. B. McPherson, B. McMann, A. Schwaller, D.
N. Moore.

Assessors — Daniel McKenzie, Walkden Mawdesley.

Clerk — J. D. Murray.

Tax Collector— W. N. (harden.

Treasurer — Jacob Keefer.

1858

Reeve — James H. Beatty.

Councillors — Jas. Shannon, R. I). McPherson, I). N. Moore,
A. Schwaller.

Assessors — W. T. Fish, Hugh James.
Collector — W. N. Garden.
Clerk— J. 1). Murray.
Treasurer — Jacob Keefer.

1859
Reeve— -John Grant.

Councillors— W. T. Fish, A. Schwaller, John Band, 1). N.
Moore.

Assessors — H. James, I.. C. Camp.
Collector — John Heenan.

'^tfiKfll'i 'i

is, (George

iott, John

(lisso, Ij.

1 waller, D.

N. Moore,

nd, I). N.

APPKNDIX D

Clerk— VValkden Mawdesley
Ircasiirer— Jacob Keefer.
Auditors-James Munro, Geo. Keefer.

i860
Reeve- R. H. McPhcrson.

SchuSS;""°"-^^- '■ "'^'^' J-- H. Beatty, John Band, A.

Assessors-Hugh James, I. C. Camp
Collector— John Heenan.
I reasurer— Jacob Keefer.
Clerk -C. P. McGiverin.
Auditors-H. Marlatt, James Munro.

1861
Reeve-W. E. Hendershot.
^^^^Councillors-W. T. Fish. Geo. Keefer, T. McGiverin, James

Clerk— C. P. McGiverin
Treasurer -Jacob Keefer.
Auditors-James Munro, Alex. Hutchcson
^^^-r.-Hu^ James, L. C. Camp
Collector— John Heenan.
Market Clerk-Maxwell Walkenshaw.

1862
Reeve— Jas. H. Beatty.
Councillors — \V T Im\Ii t> ti^. 1 t ■

ander Hutcheson. ' ^^''^'^^'^^' J«'^" McDonagh, Alex-

Collector— John Heenan *

Assessors-U'm Ramsay, Robert Dougan.

Cierr'r^i'^w'"''"'- ''• ^'- Mcl>herson.
^lerk— C. P. McGiverin.

Market Clerk-Maxwell W'alkenshaw

i reasurer-L. C. Camp (J. Reefer resigned).

1863
Reeve— Amantus Schwaller
Councillors— W T FkIi T \f^r^^ i ,,
H. Beatty. ' ^- ^^^cDonagli, Alex. Hutciieson, Jas.

Auditors-R. J]. McPherson, Jas. Munro
Assessors-Hugh James, Robert Pew.
Clerk— C. P. Mc(;iverin
IVeasurer-L. C. Camp.
Collector— John Heenan.

1864
Reeve— A. Schwaller.

( ouncillors— John McDonagh, \Vm T Fisli W T.
Munro. '^ ' "■ '• ' 'sn> *v. James, James

[rf''"*?'«««8iM

HISTORY OF THOROI.D

Clerk— C. p. Mc(;iverin.

Treasurer — L. C. Camp.

Assessors — Hugh James, Robert Pew.

Auditors — R. M. Kichardson, R. B. Mcd'licrson.

Collector— R. 1). Hendershot.

1865

Reeve — Wm. James.

Councillors — A. Schwaller, John P>atten, Jas. Munro, ". B.
Owens.

Auditors — R. B. McPherson, ^V^m. Ramsay.

Assessors — Hugh James, Robert Pew.

Collector — Sampson Hawthorn.

Clerk— C. P. McC.iverin.

Treasurer — L. C. Camp.

Market Clerk — Wm. Ramsay.

License Inspector— Wm. Ramsay.

1866

Reeve — P. B. Owens.

Councillors — Wm. James, A. Schwaller, James Munro, John
McDonagh.

Clerk — F. Lampman.

Treasurer— ly. C. Camp.

Assessors — Hugh James, Robert Pew.

Collector — W^m. T. Fish.

Auditors — Robt. Dougan, R. B. McPherson.

1867

Reeve — Wm. James.

Councillors — A. Schwaller, J no. Beatty, Jas. Lawson, Geo. T.
Florey.

Assessor — A. Stanley.

Collector- -R. B. McPherson,

Treasurer — L. C. Camp.

Clerk — F. Lampman.

Auditors — Robert Dougan, R. B. McPherson.

1868

Reeve — A. Schwaller.

Councillors — John 1). Beatty, Arch. Dobbie, John Carter,
(iCO. Keefer.

Assessors — James Munro, Alex. Stanley.
Collector — J. E. Ikown.
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer — J. C. Lampman.

1869

Reeve — A. Schwaller.

APPENDIX D

Carter,

John a"n:"l°"-J™^' '■""■-". J»l>" Kocfer, Coo.go MoFariand

Clerk— VVm. T. Fish
Treasurer-J. C. Lampman.

1870
Reeve— James Lawson.
Councillors — T. n Sm,.n, t^i »r t.
John Grenville. " ^^''' •^"'^" McDonagh, Robert Curry

ColSr'?t'u'"'^>'^^'J"'^"H--e.

IVeasurer-W. J. Stevenson.

n '871

Reeve— John MclJonafrh.
^^^Councilors-Robert Curry, John Grenville, ^V... Field, John

IVeasurer-W. J. Stevenson.

Reeve— John McDonagh
Lemon"""'"'"-J°'^" ^^^^'^T' J"'-^ Grenville, Robt. Curry, B H

IVeasurer-VV. J. Stevenson.

1873
-.n ^eevc— John McDonagh.

John Mo.:;""-^-'''^^^''^ J----' Robert Curry, Archibald ^Veir,

Assessors-John Kawse, Robert Eddy.
Collector— John Hawse. ^

Clerk— \Vm. r. Fish
Treasurer-W'. J. Stevenson.

1874
Reeve— John McDonagh

Martml^^^^'^^^'^ ''"P' ^'^^'^''^^'^ ^^ -^' ^^-hibald Dobbie,
Assessors-John Hawse, Robert Eddy
Collectors-John Hawse, Robert Eddy.

HISTORY OK THOROI.D

Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer — W. J. Stevenson.

II T

The Town of Thoroi.d

An act incnriiorating Thorold as a town was assented to Decem-
ber 2 1 St, 1874, and Wni. T. Fish was appointed returning otificer to
hold the first election of Mayor, Reeve and Councillors.

'875
Mayor — George TJaxter.

Reeve — John Crenville.

Councillors — John ('loy, Wm. Cartmell, M. Cami)l)ell, John
McCiill, (leo. Calcott, Hjnry Carter, Ceo. (Irenville, Robert Curry.

(Collector — -Wm. Ramsay.

As.sessors — Martin Jamieson, Michael Hennessey.

Clerk— \Vm. T. Fish.

Treasurer— W. J. Stevenson.

John Grenville was unseated as Reeve, and George McFarland
elected instead, for 1875.

1876

Mayor — Geo. Baxter.
Reeve — A. Weir.

Councillors — G. Grenville, H. Carter, M. Henderson, R.
McMann, Wm. Cartmell, M. Campbell, Thomas Conlon, John Cloy.
Assessors — John Hawse, Matthew Hart.
Collector — John Hawse.
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer — Robert Dougan.

1877

Mayor — L. L. Palmer.

Reeve — Archibald Weir.

Deputy-reeve — R. J. Johnston.

Councillors— Wm. Spink, Jas. Lawson, P. A. Dunn, J. C.
I^mpman, Jas. Arnold, John H. Wilson, Thos. Conlon, John Cloy.

As.sessors — George McFarland, A. Dobbie.

Collector — John Hawse.

Clerk— Wni. '1'. Fish.

Treasurer — Robert Dougan.

John Grenville having been elected Reeve in place of A. Weir,
deceased, took his seat April 3rd, 1877.

1878

Mayor- -B. H. Lemon.
Reeve— Jas. Arnold.
Deputy-reeve — R. J. John.ston.

'Is. I
:'f

APPKNDIX D

Co„nci,l„._Ja;. I.wson, John M,.r,in, ncnj. McEIro,, Tl,o,

Han/ ,:"?=, !'"■ ^'""^' f^-- Cnlcou.-

Conlon, \V. M. Hcnr^pr«^^.^

Awl "<-iiacrshot, r. /v. jJunn, Wi

As essors-CIeo. McKarland, John ('lov

Collector-John Hawse. ^ ^•

Clerk -\\'. T. Fish,

Treasurer- -Robert I )oiigan.

1879
Mayor— John Grenville.
Reeve— Alex. Fraser.
I)eputy-reeve-R. J. Johnston.

Jamieson. ' •' ^"'°>' -^- McElroy, Martin

Assessor— John Hawse
Collector-John Hawse.
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer— Robt. Dougan.

icSSo
Mayor— John Grenville.
Reeve— Alex. Fraser.

])eputy-reeve-R. J. Johnston.

As.sessor-John Hawse ' ^"«1'^"J. John Cloy.

Collector— John Hawse.
Clerk— VVni. T. Fish.
'JVeasurer- Robert Dougan.

1881
Mayor— John McDonagh
Reeve— Alex. Fra.ser
I)eputy-reeve-J. ]). Johnston.

Asses.sor-John Hawse. ^' -'' '''""' ^ ''°'^- ^""'"n-

Collector— John Hawse
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer— Robt. Dougan.

1882

Mayor— John McDonagh

Reeve— Alex. Frase.

Deputy reeve— Wni. McCleary

Councillors— Thos Gonlnn T u avi
Henry A. Smith, Wn.. J DoS -^f. "u ^"'r^'"^"'^ Campbell,
Johnson. ''• """g^^"' i^^s- ^Veeks, David IJattle, Chas.

Assessor— John Hawse.

HISTORY OF TIIOROr.D

H-i

Collector — John I lawsc.
Clerk— Wm. T. l-ish.
Treasurer — Robert Dougan.

1883

Mayor— John McDonagh.

Reeve — Alex. I' laser.

I )e|)uty-reeve - Wm. Mc(!leary.

('oiincillors jas, I.awson, W. J. Doiiffan, John Stewart, Ceo.
Turner, Charles Johnson, Thos. Conlon, Andrew llartlie, Samuel
Campbell,

Assessor John Hawse.

Collector |ohn Hawse.

Clerk— Wm". T. Fish.

'IVeasurer — Robert Dougan.

1884

Mayor — John McDonagh.

Reeve — Alex. Fraser.

I )ei)uty-reeve — Wm. McCleary.

Councillors— John McC.ill, John Stewart, Thos. Conlon, R. F.
Morley, Wm. Williams, Jas. Lawson, George Turner, Samuel
Campbell.

Assessor — John Hawse.

Collector — John Hawse.

Clerk— Wm. T. l-'ish.

Treasurer — Robert 1 )ougan.

1885

Mayor — Alex. Fraser.

Reeve — Wm. McCleary.

1 )eputy-reeve — Ceo. Turner.

Councillors— W. H. Hough, James Fawson, Samuel Cam|)l)ell,
Wm. Williams, Alex. McClenchy, 'I'hos. Conlon, Wm. Pike, J. H.
Wilson.

Assessor — John Hawse.

Collector — John Hawse.

Clerk- -Wm. T. Fish.

Treasurer— Robert 1 )ougan.

1 886

Mayor — Alex. Fraser.

Reeve — Wm. McCleary.

Deputy-reeve — ( ieo. Turner.

Councillors— James Lawson, Wm. Williams, Wm. Cearin,
Samuel Camjjbell, James Wilson, Alex. McClenchy, Wm. Pike,
Thos. Conlon.

Assessors — John Hawse, Tanies Mawdesley.

Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.

Trt;;siirLf — Robert Dougan.

APPFNDIX n

1S87

Mayor- \Vm. ^rcCIeary.
Rccvc— (Jeo. 'J'urntT
I)e|)uty-rccve-\\'„,. Williams.

Assessor -fohn Hawse '• "'"<"t^. » • A. Dunn.

Collector--John ffawsc.
< Icrk— \Vm. '1'. Kisl,

IVeasurer—Robcrt Doiigan.

188S
Mayor -Wm. McC:!cary
Kccve— (Jco. 'rurncT.
l)ei.iity-recve^\Vm. Williams,
v-ouncillors— Wm C.-inn a ir i-

'■■ A. i.,.n„, ,,. ^„^^;;;,:,:;™: ^- .•:,;;;,■;, 'v;™"' ^i--- ■'-ser.

*-oiiector— (ohn Mawsc
Clerk - Wni. T. J'isli.
IVeasurer— Robert Dougan.

1889

Mayor— James Lawson.

Keeve--Geo. Turner.

I)epuly-reeve-\Vm. Williams.

Councillors— Wm (ie-mM ai 1 r.

J-slie McMann, R 1 ] Z ' f H "un ^"'n^' ^^'^- ^^I^^'enchy,
Walton. """' J- ^^- ^^ 'l«>'i, James Battle, I-'. T.

Assessor— John Hawse.
Collector- John Hawse.
Clerk— Wni. T. l-ish.
'I'reasurer— Robert I)ougan.

1890
Mayor— James Lawson.
Reeve— (Jeo. Turner

I)eputy-reeve-Wm. Williams.
Councillors — Alex Knor i at ht
<'earin, John Stuart Wm MeGi f f! ".T' 'V''' ^^^^'enchy, Wm.
Assessor-John H^wsf ' ' ''""'' ^^'"'^'' J^^'^" J^- ^^ils^n.
Collector— John Hawse.
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish
Treasurer— Robert I)ougan.

1 891
Mayor— Geo. Turner
Reeve— Wm. Williams.

I- »l!t

HISTORV OK TltOROI.D

If >
; (

■h- I

Depiity-recvc — Jas. Battle.

Councillors— Alex. Kraser, Wm. (Icarin, (leo. Mahle, Win.
Boyle, A. 1'^ Ripley, ('harles Haist, Alex. McClenchy, John Stuart.
Assessor — John Hawse.
Collector — John Hawse.
Clerk Wni. T. I'ish.
'I'reasurer — Robt. Dou^an.

1892

Mayor — Ceo. Turner.
Reeve — Wni. Williams.

(,V)unriIlors .Samuel Camphi^ll, Wm. Cave, Alex. I'Vaser, Wm.
Koyle, John H. Wilson, John Stuart, Charles Haist, Wm. (Jearin.
Assessors — John Hawse, John Heenan.
Collector — John Hawse.
Clerk— Wm. I'. I-ish.
Treasurer — Robert Dougan.

1893
Mayor — Wm. Williams.
Reeve — James Hattle.
Deputy-reeve— A. K. Ripley.
Councillors — Wm. Royle, Ceo. Turner, Alex. Fraser, Samuel

Madill, lohn H. Wilson, Ceo. E.

lames Bye,
-John Hawse.

lOS.

Campbell,
Mc Arthur.
• Assessor

("ollector — John Hawse

Clerk -Wm. T. I'ish.

Treasurer — Robert Dougan.

1894

Mayor^ — William Williams.
Reeve — A. E. Ripley.
Deputy-reeve — Thomas Lampman.

Councillors — S. Campbell, Alex, l-'raser, F. T. Walton, J.
Wilson, James Bye, F. Brown, John Weldon, James McDonald.
Assessor — John Hawse.
Collector- -f oh n Hawse.
Clerk— Wm". T. Fish.
Treasurer — W. J. Dougan.

1S95
Mayor — Alex. McClenchy.
Reeve— Wm. McCill.
Deputy-reeve — Joseph Battle.

Councillors — John Batten, Wm. Boyle, F. T. Walton, Thos.
Foley, J. H. Wilson, P. C. Oeeggan, Thomas Madill, John Weldon.
Assessors — B. C. Bennett, M. Hart.
Collector — John Hawse.

APPENDIX D

Clerk— U'm. T. Fish.
IVcnsurer-W. J. Dousan.

1896
Mayor— \Vm. McGill.
Reeve— Jos. IJattle.
Deputy-reeve— \Vm. Boyle

Jas. ^Snl:id ^f r CI^'Th^"' JA'- ^^'-^^' «'• G. E. Tracy
Henderson. ' ' ' ^'">' ^^os. toley, Wm. Monro, Geo. R

Assessors-a C. Bennett, Af. Hart.
Collector-John Haw.sc.
Clerk— Wm. T. Fish.
Treasurer— VV. J. Dougan.

1897
Mayor -John H. Wilson
Reeve— Wm. Monro.
I)epnty-reeve-P. C. Creeggan.

Assessors-John Hawse ind Robt Fdd!' '

Collector-John Hawse. ^•

Clerk— Wm. 'I". Fish.
Treasurer— W. J. Dougan

"i
I

Appendix E

) I'

Voters' List for the Year 1897, Township of Thorold

Pollinir Subdivision No. /, Part
Municipal Elections and Elcc

Name Lot

Anderson, Elijah , . .pt 118

Allison, John j)t 99, 1 12-14

Hoiik, Frank pt 1 18

Jkown, 'I'homas. . . .pt 92

Booth, W'ni, sr pt 1 40

Batten, (Icorge . . . . pt 28

Booth, Wm, jr pt 140

Chambers, Wm . . . . pt 136
Chanioers, Frank. ..pt 136
Chambers, (Jeorge.,j)t 135-6
Dougherty, James . .pt 69, 120

Dixon, Joseph pt 119

Daws, I'Lrnesl pt 50 i, 74

Daws, Fred j)t 50-', 74

Dixi.n, John pt 137

Dixon, Frank I't '37

Dixon, William . . . . pt 137

F'raser, Samuel i>t 51

F'raser, James E. . . .pt 64, 96
(ireenfield, James , . 26

(iray, (Ich) pt 116

(Irehnan, Richard ..pt 91, 114
Higgins, Aaron . . . .pt 74
lliggins, Henry . .pt 74

Higgins, John pt 74

Hart, Jolm pt 25

Hart, Adam pt 25

Hart, William pt 25

Henderson, Alva . . pt 69, 120

Hagar, Ward pt i jo

Hicks, William . . . .pt M6-7
Hicks, John C ... .pt 1 16-7

Huffa, John pt 118

Hagar, (iustavus . . pt 1 1 5-6

/ Persons entitled to vote at both

tions to the Legislativi

.' Assembly

Name

Lot

Hagar, Norval B .

..pt 115-6

Ha{)pel, George. .

. . pt 1 36

Johnson, (leo P. .

. . pt 1 16-17

Johnson, John T.

. .pt 119

Lynch, lidward . .

. pt 12

F,ynch, John ....

. . pt 12

Lay, Freder" k . .

. .pt 118

Mussen, Henry . .

. . i)t 1 1 8-9

Mosic, Lewis . . .

. pt 118

Hosier, Harry . .

. .pt 136

McMillan, John. .

. .pt 118

Middaugh, John .

. . pt 118

Morton, John ....

..pt 47

McDonagh, Wm \

i.pt 72-3

Mi.sener, Albert . .

. .pt 178-9

Newton, C-eorge. .

• -pt 47, 70

Newton, William .

..pt 47, 70

O'Leary, Daniel . .

..pt 119

Pew, Anson ....

. . pt 99, 1 1 2

Lowell, Henry .

..pt 45-6

Pew, Henry L . .

. . pt 99, 1 1 2

Pew, William ....

..pt 27

Rodgers, William

. . pt 118

Rodgers, Charles

. .pt 118

Smith, F^dward . .

. .pt 118

Spencer, Robert. .

..pt 92-3

Skinner, Raymonc

. .pt 116

Smith, Jonathan .

..pt 118

Snider, William . .

••45

Snider, Robert . .

••45

Snider, (leorge . .

••45

Summers, H N . .

..pt 25

Shriner, John W .

..27

Shriller, l'"rank. . .

..27-8

APPRNDIX K

[OROLD

e at both
cmbly

Lot

1 1 5-6

136

1 16-17

119

I 2

118

1 1 8-9

118 •

136

118

72-3

178-9

47, 70

47, 70
119

99, 112

45-6

99, "2

118

ii8

92-3
n6
118

Shepard. Walter.. .
Stephenson, 'i'ho.s .
Stephenson, Saniuei

Scott, James

Steplienson, Chas

'I'iieal, CeorifL-

jLK-kcr, Harileh . . . .'
'I'liomas, \Vm M . . .
Thomas, ( Jeorge
Tliouias, Will H . , .
Thorp, Henry . .
Upper, James . .
Upper, Keuben ]
Upper, Albert IC
Upper, (Jeorge A
Upper, Walter . .
Up|K>r, Charles .
Upper, I'eter . . .

Upper, luan

Upper, Jacob J .
Upper, \Vi Ilia 111 . ,
Upper, John H . .

Pt '35
• Pt 90, 1 1

•Pt 138
•l>t 135
pt 138
pt 1 1 9
pt 118

pt 139
■Pf '39
•i>t 139
•I)t 118
■|)t 719
■pt 119

• pt U9

• pt II 9

• pt 94-5-6

• pt 94-5-6
pt 118
pt 48-9
PU3-4,66-

Pt 5'
pt 91

Upper, Alonzo

7 Upper, Walter v\

Vanderbiigh, (Jarret
^ an(]erl)ijr|,'h, II . .
"Vanderburgh, C H
Wilkenson, (J A
^\iniams, CJeorge, .

\\'est, Samuel

^\'ater.s, John

Waters, James

'>Villiams, James

^Villiams, Krederick .
^\'n«ht, Robert . .
\\n,i;lit, ( 'has !•:...

^^'ilkerson, facob. .

\Vilkerson, \\^iii a

^Vare, Chas V

^^'are, Marcus

Wilkerson, Robert . .
7 /^iinmerman, I'Vank .

Ziai merman, H

•pt 136
•pt 136
•pt 118, 14 r
•pt I 18, 14,-2

•pt" 8, 14 1-2

• l>t 46, 69
■pt 67

■ pt 43

pt 1 18

pt 118

pt 118
■ pt 93
pt 93

pt 91, "4
pt 9', "4
pt 47, 70
pt 69, 120
pt 69, 1 20

Pari Il^^Persons

Anderson, Ellen

Allison, Fanny C

Alli.son, Jane

Allison, Martha

i^rovvn, Alice

JJatten, John

Clark, Jethro

Cloy, John
Collins, Mathew
Crawford, James
Dixon, Margaret
Dixon, Louisa
Dixon, Mabel
Fraser, Alexander
Crisdale, V S
(Jarner, Oscar

entitled to vote at Muuidpal Elections only

Happen, Kli/abeth
Hoover, William
Higgiris, Kuphemia
Johnson, James
Kendrick, Sarah
I'Owell, James A
McHattie, William
McDonagh, John
Miller, (;ilbert
Munro, Mrs Daniel
Merritt, W'm H
Middaugh, Louisa
Middaugh, Ahirgaret
'I'licker, John
Thomas, Elizabeth
Thompson, John H

Upper, Peter
Ui)per, Sarah
Upper, Albert II
Upper, Oscar
Upper, Theodore
Upper, Andrew
Upper, Benjamin
Wilkerson, Charity M
Williams, Henajah
Wilkerson, Vernon
\Valker, James
Walker, lienjamin
^V'iMht, Caroline
Wright, James
Voung.s, Mary

Port III ^-Persons entitle, ,> ,.v. ./ Elections to tke le.Sla'ive

Assembly only ^e^-^'sta.tve

lUillock, Clifford
Crant, Marshall

Henderson, Harry Li^ ingstone, Jacol,

'■T'--»^«li^

iiisiORY or riiOROi.n

Polliti^ Sub-division No. 2, Pari I —Persons entitled to vote at both
Municipal Elections and Elections to the Legislative Assembly

Name

Lot

Atkinson, [o.scph . . . pt 202
Ah

)l)cy, Alexander . . pt 203

)l)cy.

R A

pt 203

Ahhcy, James pt 202

I'lown, ("leo pt 202

r.ell, Wm li pt 204, 213

liell, Wm C pt 204, 213

l?ell, I )illy pt 204, 2 1 3

liell, Joseph pt 202

liennelt, (J H pt 202, 203

IkMiiiett, Wm C . . . . pt 202, 203
Inikcr, Benjamin . . . pt 202
]!u('kner, Mrnest . . . . pt 202
Huckner, Henry. . . . pt 202
IJradfield, John . . . . pt 179, 180
CoHard, James . . . . pt 203
Camp, William . . . . pt 202
("amp, Samuel . . . .])t 2cj;
Coulter, Thomas . . .pt 202

Coulter, John pt 202

Coulter, Robert . . . . pt 202
Camp, Robert . . . . pt 203
Camp, Thomas . . . . pt 203
Chambers, Joseph .. pt 202
Conk, Warren . . . . pt 202
Coulter, John W . . . . pt 205-6
Coulter, Frank A. ..pt 205-6
1 )rennan, \\ m H . . . pt 203
Elliott, Andrew . . . . pt 182
I'LUiott, Cieorgc . . . . pt 202
Elliott, Andrew H . . [)t 202
Elliott, I'Yank V. . . .pt 202
Everingham, Wm . . pt 202
Everingham, Oscar .pt 202

Fry, Allan 15 pt 202

Crisdale, William. . .pt 202
earner, lUirton . . . . [)t 202
dreenage, James . . . pt 203
Crisdale, Robert . . . {)t 202
Haines, William . . . pt 203

Heslop, J R pt 203

Horton, Alfred pt 185

Hansel, James, sr . .pt 202

Name

Hansel, Chas E . . .
Hamilton, Andrew
Horton, Arthur
I lixon, William . .
Hannah, William
Hunt, Cieorge
Haines, Reuben . .
Hold itch, Henry .
HoUlitch, William
Johnson, .Aaron . .
Jackst)n, John
Jackson, Robert . .
Jordan, William . .
Jordan, (ieorge A
farbutt, \'alenline
Kelly, Daniel ....
Leany, Walter
Lowry, Henry, sr
I.owry, Henry, jr
Lynch, James . . .
Lapier, Felix ....
Lynch, William . .
Lynch, Cornelius
Misener, Edward
Afulholland, James
Madigan, John . .
McCojjpen, J C . .
Mathews, (Ieorge.
Mi.sencr, Miles . .

O'Leary, ]]

Offspring, (Ieorge
OfieUl, (ieorge . .
OThien, JohnN..

Park, Hugh

Pew, Isaac

Plant, William . .
Redfern, Benjamin
Ross, Robert ....
Ross, Ceorge ....
Ross, William ....
Rock, Patrick ....
Rock, John ....
Robertson, Wm . .
Reavlev, I'homas

Lot

pt 202, 2 14

2\.\

200

pt 179-80
])t 179-80
pt 202

I't 187

pt 198

])t 202

|)t 202

pt 203

pt 202

j)t 202

pt 187

pt 202

l)t 202

pt 203

pt 202

pt 181

pt 2 I 3

pt 202

pt 203

pt 202

l)t 203

pt 202

pt 188-9

pt 202

pt 203

pt 1967

pt 213

. pt 202

pt 202

. pt 202

. [)t 202

. pt 202

.pt 195-6

APPKNDIX R

214
214

Richard, Snmuol
Robins, Nelson W
Stevenson, Robert
Stark, James M . .
Shunian, Charles.
Shunian, John . .
Stark, George ....
Sowcrsby, I'liomas
Smith, Richard . .
Secord, Frank
Slough, George . .
'i'honias, William
Thomas, George A
'J'homas, James .
Thomas, Roi)t J .

108

18S-9

203

202

202-3

203

202

201

203

206

i«3
183
'83
i«3

Thomas, John E . . pt 183
'I'homas, Samuel A .pt 183
Thomas, August . . . pt 182
Thomas, Edward ..pt 182
Thompson, Geo, sr .pt 213
Thompson, Robt . ..pt 213
Terreberry, Martin .j)t 205
Welsh, James, jr . . .pt 214
Webster, Samuel . . pt 203
Welsh, James, sr . .pt 213

Wilson, Levi ])t 203

Watson, Joiin H . . . pt 199,
White, Charles ... pt 203
Youngs, Richard . . .pt 214

202

Pari II —Persons entitled to vote at Municipal Elections only

!02
!02

!03

to2

•03

io2
88-9
02
03

1)6 7

02
02
02
02

|0 2

Bennett, Mrs M A
Rrennan, William
]»ui:kner, George
Bell, Alexander
Bell, John M
Coulter, Eli/ab'cth
Coulter, Augusta
Coulter, Jessie
Coulter, Jane
Calcott, Cieorge
Campbell, B W
(x)ok, Charles
Dorington, Thomas
I^Uiott, Susan M
l'"eeney, John
Garner, Luke

Garner, Eastley
Garner, ''.'homas
( irisdale,' Margaret
Grisdale, Chatfield
Hare, William
Meslop, ( leorgc
LLaines, Arthur
Jordan, John
lordan, I^lizal)eth
Kelly, William
King, I'Vank
L,aird, Robert
McCoppen. Geo
Mc("oppen, 'ath'r'nc
McPherson, William
McCrat:ken, .'Mice

Offspring, John
Offspring, Eliza
Offspring, Eliza
Saunders, Charlotte
Stiles, IClizabeth
Stark, Isabella
Stark, Andrew
Saunders, John
Watson, Rebecca
Watson, iMuily
Ward, Josiah
Walk(.'r, Robert
\'oung, Peter
Young, Walter

Part III -Persons eni. 'h'd to vote at Elections to the Lef^islative

Assenihly only

Atkins, Joshua
Abbey, William
(bollard, John
Doiigan, William
Dale, James
Haliday, Thomas

Jackson, Alfred
Jackson, John B
Jordan, Walter
Jackson, Richard
(jffs[)ring, George, Jr

Pew, George
Shater, Nelson
Sennett, Nicholas
Terreberry, Harry
'I'hompson, (ieo Jr

l^i^BSSiM

HISTORY OF THOROLI)

Polling Sub-division No. J, Part I — Persons I'ntitled to vote at both
Municipal Elections and Elections to the Le^^islative Assembly

Nanin Li)t

Branch, C'hristophcr.pt 240
Bridgman, Arthur ..pt 235-6

Bailey, Hugh pt 231

IJailcy, (icorge . . . .pt 231

Box, Edward pt 222

lirooks, (leorj^e ....pt 170
liailcy, William . . . .pt 231
Bcmiss, Allan S . . . .jjt 228
Jk'niiss, Harlan . . . . pt 228

Hall, David pt 237

Bridgnian, Murray., pt 246
JJaldwin, Martin i'..pt 259-60
Bald, JauH'.s (J . . pt 231 251

Bald, David 1) i)t 231, 251

Bridgman, Andrew . pt 246
Dougherty, Samuel . 170
Daboll, (leorge . . . .pt 238-9
Dutcher, Harmon . . pt 231

Daboll, Daniel pt 258

Edmonds, Benj'min.pt 254
I'Vaser, William . . . .pt 255

(ilintz, Albert pt 233-4

Ciainer, William H . . pt 225, 231

(lainer, John pt 225, 231

Ciainer, Harvey . . . . pt 226
Gainer, Lindley . . . .pt 226

(lainer, Jacob pt 226

(loodwillie, Hiram.. pt 231-2
(k)odwillie, John . . . pt 231-2
Glintz, William, sr..pt 234
( Ilintz, William., jr . .pt 234
(iuey, William . . . .pt 233
(lamer, I'Aigene. . . .i)t 233

Ciaiser, John pt 257

Hutton, Menjamin. pt 227
Hederick, Jacob, jr.pt 240
Hederick, William.. pt 239
Hederick, Ja<'ob, .sr.pt 239
Hutton, John R. . . .pt 243

Hurst, James pt 234

Haist, Mangus . . . .pt 177
Hoover (leorge. . . .pt 259

•pt 253

• pt 245

•pt 245

pt 245

Name Lot

Hoover, Andrew . . . pt 256
Hoover, John W . . .pt 256

Hagar, Erank pt 223-4

Jarbutt, Harvey. . . . pt 238-9

Kelly, John pt 252

McKinnon, Daniel .pt 177
Marks, Thomas, jr. .pt 177
Marks, Thomas, sr. .pt 177
Mc(."hire, David. . . .pt 235
Mcdiiire, William . . pt 223

McCann, 1'' J pt 225

.Moyer, Lewis pt 233

Misencr, George. . . . pt 223-4
Miller, Jonathan . . pt 253
Miller, Eavern .
Moore, James 1'.
Moore, Herbert .
Moore, Eranklin .

Ott, John pt 177

Page, Aaron j^t 176

Page, Jonathan . . . . pt 232

Bage, Frank pt 232

Page, Alexander T. . pt 232

Page, Samuel pt 242

Phillips, (lef)rgc A . pt 259-60
Rounds, Charles . . pt lot 253
Reuter, Herbert. . . . pt 238-9
Renter, Edward . . . . pt 238-9
Reuter, Alexander . .pt 238-9
Rice, Harry D . . . . pt 244
Stringer, Benjamin, .pt 229-30
Silverlhorn, .\lfred..pt 225, 230
Slawmiiz, Henry .. .pt 259

Scanlan, John pt 177

Shakalton, James . . pt 177
Sharp, Eeander . . . . pt 176

'J'oni, William pt 224

Vanwick, Daniel. . . pt 237
Willson, Arthur . . . . pt 242

\Villson, I ,evi pt 240, 244

\\'illsbn, ("harles . . . pt 240, 244
Wigelsworlh, H R. pt 277

APPENDIX E

Part II— Persons entitled to vote at Municipal Elections only

Bravin, Foster
IJlanchard, Thomas
Ikirgar, J Hamilton
IJurgar, William E
Ik'attie, Oliver
Bald, Hannah
Bald, Katie
Brown, John
Carl, Anna
Carl, Levina
Carl, Homer

Ed'^onds, James, jr
Edmonds, James, sr
Eraser, Catherine
Garner, Louise
Hagar, Mary
Kelly, Eliza J
McKinley, Peter
Price, Edgar
Page, John K
Page, Roy
Page, Hattie

Piatt, Wm
Piatt, Ernest
Page, Charles C
Rice, Margaret
Rice, Mary
Rounds, O/.iel
Rounds, Charles
Somerville, Wm
Secord, David
Upper, Catherine
Wallace, Drucilla

Part III — Persons entitled to vote at Elections to the Legislative

Assembly only

Everingham, (leorge
Hemming, John \V

Haist, Arthur

Noxel, George

Polling Sub-division No.
Municipal Elections

7
6

244
2 44

Name

Bouk, Henry F . .
Jkown, Alpheus E
Bouk, Bruce
Brady, Murray . .
]5ro\vn, Arthur. . .
Brown, George H
Brown, Edgar (i .
liurnison, William
Burnison, Samuel
Bcamer, Alfred . .
liouk, Lycurgus . .
Campbell, William
Chase, \Villiam . .
Clark, I'Vazer . . . .
Carl, William . . . .
Carrick, John , . . .
Collier, ("liarles H
Collier, Henry C
Cowan, Andrew . .
Cowan, Fred H .
Coulter, John W .
Carter, Lachlin . .
Crysler, David D.
Clark, Charles ()

.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
pt
pt

Jpt
.pt
.pt
pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt

•pt
.pt
.pt

•pt

4, Part I — Persons entitled to vote at both
and Elections to the Legislative Assembly

Lot Name Lot

IOI-2 Clark, Cameron ... .pt 127

I 28 1 )ennis, William . . . . pt 51

121 Donaldson, Wm, sr.pt 31-2

104 Donaldson, Wm, jr .pt 31-2

1 30-1 Detler, Thomas . . . .pt 52

1 30- 1 Detler, Egerton .... pt 5 2

130- 1 Detler, George . . . .pt 52

59-60 Donahue, Thomas, .pt 30

59-60 Donahue, John . . . . pt 30

33, 51 Donahue, Florens ..pt 30

31-2 ICliff, John pt 103-4

56-7 ICcker. Nicholas .... pt 134

I 1 1 Filer, Remy pt 87

1 1 1 iM'ker, Levi ])t 1 1 1

III Edmondstone, 'I'hos.pt 20-2

87 I'awell, George . . . .pt 58

31 2 Gordon, Robert ... .pt 74-7

19 Guinter, John .... pt 107-9

31-2 Guinter, John F. . . . 107-9

31-2 Grant, George }L..pt 134

51-2 Grittill), George A . . pt 38

51 Griffith, Michael ..pt 41-2

123-4 Hansel, .\ndrew. . . . pt 213

127 Ihirper, John pt iii

■■«WKl

MnH

HISTORY OF THOROLD

Harman, R

Higgins, Richard .

Higgins, Eli

Higgins, Nelson . . .
Hansler, Isaiah . . .
Holcoml), I'Vancis .
Holcoml), Hedley .
Henderson, William
J enter, Jacob. . . .
Jacobs, Williams
King, Arthur . . .
Kew, John L . . .
Karney, John . . .
Karney, Thomas
Kottmeirc, Lewis
Laws, John W .
Lobb, Charles C
Miller, Andrew .
Moore, Russel .
Moore, Warren .
Moore, John W .
Merrithew, Albert
Merrithew, John
Merrithew, G A .
O'Brien, Daniel.
O'Brien, Timothy .
Patterson, Daniel C
Patterson, Wm, sr .
Patterson, Wm, jr
Pitts, Joseph N . . .
Pitts, Frederick . . .
Pitts, Joseph E . . .
Pew, Robert .....

Pew, John H

Piper, A

. pt II I, 134 Renter, Jacob

. pt 51 Robins, I'rice

. pt 51 Reece, James

. pt 51 Robinson, Samuel..

. pt 124-5 Robertson, William.

. pt 64-5 Smith, Hugh

. pt 64-5 Seburn, Benjamin ..

. l)t 6y, 120 Seburn, Hamilton .,

. pt 106 Swayze, William . . . .

. pt 63 Swayze, Marvin . . . .

. 36-7 Swayze, Charles . . . .

• pt 53, 31 Shaw, Alanson . . . .

I)t 80-1 Summers, Prazer . . .

. i)t 80- 1 Swayze, I xvi I

. pt 77, loi Sha>v, Ransom ...,

. pt 105 Summers, Hagar .

. pt 63 Summers, ("harles B

pt 42 Swayze, Richard .

. pt 78 Smith, Edward . . . .

. pt 78 Smith, Samuel . . . ,

. pt 126 Smith, James E. . . .

. pt 1 46 Swayze, Loran . . . .

. pt 146 Swayze, John R . . . ,

. pt 123-4 Smith, Adam

. pt 88 Summers, Drayton.

. pt 88 Townsend, Charles

.pt 132-4 Townsend, I'red .

. pt III Terreberry, Wm H

III, 156 Vaughan, Richard.

1 1 1 Wilkerson, John

1 1 1 Wells, Samuel C .

Ill, 134 Walker, (leorge . . .
Warner, Oscar . . .
Wilson, Frank . . . ,

.pt
.pt
.pt
.pt
• pt 5 1

■pt 51
. pt III

pt 30
I)t I I I
pt III

pt 39
pt 41-2
pt III
pt 83-4
pt 83-4
pt 54-.S
Pt85

ptss

pt 129
pt87
l)t 82
pt 104

pt 53-S
pt 53-5
pt 99
pt 34. 52
pt 34, 52
pt 34, 52
pt 52-4
pt 52-4
(iore

pt 39

■pt 52
pt 52
pt 138,

pt 133-4
pt II I

pt 77
ptgS
pt 62
pt 5h

145

74-5

Pari JI — Persons entitled to vote at Municipal Elections only

Archibald, Thomas
Brady, Rachel
Bouck, Eliza
Campbell, Mrs
Chase, John
Cooper, William
Chelew, Joseph
Crawford, James
Griffith, William
(Griffith, Lloyd
Hall, James

Hansler, Andrew
Hawse, John
Ho{)kins, Mary M
Kottmeirc, Charles A
Kottmeire, John
Kottmeirc, Alice
Kottmeire,Christina
Klager, Christopher
Long, Jessie
Mallery, Wm J
Miller, Milan

Miller, Parmer
Mc.Arthur, Mrs J
Merithew, Nancy J
McCulloch, A M
Patterson, Margaret
Swayze, Alice
Swayze, Theressa
Summers, Jane
Urlocker, Emily
Urlocker, Charles

APPENDIX E

Pari m-^Persons entim to vote at Elections to tke Legislative

Assembly only ^'^"inve

Ashby, J(,hn
IJrady, W'illiam
Gilmour, James

r.riffith, William
AlcCourt, Joseph

Lynn, Albert
'I 'horn, Henry

Polling; Sub-division No c Pnrf r P.^c^ .•>, ,

• pt 1 68

• pt 164
.pt 168
•pt 168
•pt 168

• pt 161.

193

187

Nanio Lot

Brown, Amos pt ,64

Ball, Thomas J . . . . pt 218, 22.
radley, Dexter. ... pt ,92, 207

erg, John H pt 133-4,16^

Harrow, Alexander., pt , cl r ^

liowman, Wni I)

Brown, I<>ank . , .

Clark, Albert E .

Clark, George \V

Clark, Frank H.

Clark, Wellington

Crowle, FW pt 168

Cark, Edgar pt ,68

Clark, James R pt ,68

Carter, James pt ,57

Clark, Thomas A . .pt ,93
Clark, .WyM....pt 187,' 2,1

v-lark, John \ pt 212

Clark, William pt 212

Clark, (George pt 2 r -

Clark, John W pt 220

Clark, Harmon . . . . pt 211
Carmichael, Wm . . . pt ,59-60
Carnnchael, Henry .pt ,59-60

Clark, Walter E....pt 2?,-, 2
Crysler, William pt ,-.4.5

Cry.sler, John A....pt ,24^

Crysler, John pt ,56

Crick, Charles pt ,56

Damude, Iacol)W..pt ,69
I)amiide, Jacob, sr..pt ,69
)amiide, Edgar... pt ,69
)amude, Daniel F..„t ,53, ,9,
Damude, I'eter H . . pt ,93:4 ^"
Damude, Dexter . . . pt ,93.4
^^^'^^"'l^N M E ..pt 193-4
Damude, A M ....pt ,59

Name Lot

Damude, David J ..pt ,69
Damude, David, sr .pt 15^4
Damude, Willi.s A..pt ,,0

;;.'"-'^. M'l pt 167

'>ilts, Courtland pt 167

l)avi.s, John F pt ,68

)amude, John, jr ..pt 166-7

Davidson, SE pt ,68

Jamude, John J ...pt ,59.60
iJixon, (ieorge ....pt 216-7

Hamude. EG pt ,93.;

Rgertor, Ellas pt 44-c

l^^-'yl^N Mn pt;63'

torsyth, Clark D...pt ,6^
FuLsom, Edwin ....pt ic6

J:';^«. Alfred pt,63

Giles, Arnold pt ,63

Gamble, (;eorL

.pt 168

f^^'^'-^N Beter pt ,63

Hare, Joseph pt ,63

Howell, WmO ...pt2io
Hay, (; W pt 32 J

Jj'll' Jf'l^'i pt 207-8

hill, Samuel pt 207-8

Henderson, DP . . pt ,46
Hutton, George.... pt 217
Honsberger, Simon.pt 212

JL'nter, Henry pt ,48-9

Jenter, Wilham . . . . pt ,48-9

lenter, John pt ,24-5

Kern, Henry pt 219"

Kern, George pt 2 1 9

Klager, Orin pt ,66, ,72

Kmsman, Fred pt ,68

|V"^"' ^'h'''P pt 168

King, William H. ..pt ,66-7
Klager, Jacob pt lot ,66

:fw

King, Robert

Lane, Robert . . . .
I Aindy, ( leo \V ...
Lundy, Charles \V .
Lister, James 1) . .
Lambert, 1'vlmer. . .
Lounsberry, Moses

Learn, Albert

Learn, Ldward . . .
Learn, Hershey I).
Leach, Wm, sr ...
1 -eacii, Wm, jr ...
McClellan, John . .
Merritt, (lilijert . . .
Merritt, Alpiieus . .
Merritt, Cieorge E .
McCoombs,AVm A.
McCoombs, Harvey
McCoonibs, J S . . .
McCoombs, 1) J . .
Mitchell, Alexander
McSherry, \Vm . . .
McClelland, Chas .
Miller, John A . . .
Miller, Rol)ert J . . .
Moyer, Samuel . . .
Moyer, Daniel . . . .
McClellan, Luther.
McClellan, NLartin .
McClellan, C H ...
Mulholland, John .
Misener, Johii . . . .
Overholt, Alonzo. .
Overholt, Thos . . .
Overholt, James B .
Overholt, Albert . . .
Overholt, Dexter . .
Overholt, Arthur .
Overholt, Matthew.
Putman, Harvey . .

Price, B W

Price, J F '

Richards, William .
Roy, Andrew J . . .

HISTORY OF THOROLT)

.pt lot 1 68

•Pt 157
. pt 1 92
, pt 192
. pt 170

• pt 1 7 1
.pt 168

. pt l()2
. I)t 2 1 7
. [)t 209, 2 18

•pt '57

•pt >57

. pt 1 68, I 7 I

.pt 172

•pt 135
.pt 172
.pt 168
. pt 167
. pt 167
.pt 167
.pt 168

•pt 153-4
. pt 221

•152
•pt 152
. pt 219
. pt 220

•pt 158, 194
. pt 1 64
. pt 164
. pt 2 1 5

•pt 157
.pt 208

•pt 157
•pt 157
■pt 157
. pt 162, 167

.})t 162, 167
.pt 168
.pt 167
.pt 168
.pt 168
.pt 168
.pt 165

Robins, John H .

R()m|), J T

Reid, Henry . . .
Robertshaw, (Jco
Ritenburgh, Chas
Robins, John I .
Robins, Hyatt .
Robertson, A . . .
Robertson, John
Rhor, Joseph . . .
.Suiitli, David . . .
Smitli, Wellington
Singer, Alfred . .
Slough, James N
Slough, Arthur .
Singer, Lsaac . . .
Smith, Frank . . .
Smith, Jonathan .
Seburn, Emmelt
Seburn, William .
Southworth, Park
Southworth, Lyman
Swayze, Edgar H
Savigney, John J
Scallion, William

Self, H (;

Tice, AM

Tanner, \\'illiam .
Terreberry, Charles
Terreberry, G W .
Vanderburgh, Ceo
Vanderburgh, W A
Wilson, John ....
Wilson, William . .
Wilson, John W . .
Wilson, Andrew . .
\\'inger, Fred ....
^Vedge, Levi ....
Wedge, John ....
\Vedge, George . .
Williams, James. .
Winney, Janies R
Youngs, \V 1'^. . . .
Zeigler, Joseph . . .

.pt 168
.pt 168

pt 168
•pt 163, 157
.pt 191
•pt 191, 151
■ pt i9b '51
•pt 143
■pt 143

pt I 59-60

pt '93
. pt 220

. pt 22 1

. pt 207

.pt 210, 219

. pt 2 1 9

pt 2 I 5

pt 150

• pt 1 50
. pt 167
.pt 167
. pt I 6 1-2
.pt 168
•Pt 163
.pt 168
. pt 167
.pt 168
.pt 205-6
. pt 218
. pt I 46
•pt 124, 147
. pt 209, 218
. pt 192, 209
. pt 192, 209
•pt 124, 147
.pt 167
.pt 167
.pt 167
.pt 167

pt 156
.pt 219
.pt 168

pt 44-5

Par^ II — Persons entitled to vole at Municipal Elections only
Bouk, John I) Bradley, John Bouk, Peter H

)t 168
It 168
t 168

>t 163, 157
t 191

t 191, 151
t 191, 151
t 143

t 143

t 159-U0

t '93

t 220

: 221

: 207
. 207

: 210, 219
219

215

150
167

167

161-2

1 68

163

168

167

168

205-6

218

146

124, 147

209, 218

192, 209

124, 147
.67

167

156
219

168
M-5

only

Hall, Andrew
Bouk, Jesse
IJuck, Lucy
lircwn, (ieorf,'e E
JJrown, J'llla K
Hrowi), Elizabeth
Clark, Maria L
runnin^'ham, E
Clark, Edward
Chappell, F R
Danuidc, Annie
Damiide, Mary
Emmett, J O

APPENDIX E

Feency, Frank
('Oil Id, Joseph
Harcoiirt, }lon R
Hill, Samuel
Kinsman, Lydia
Miilholland, David
Miilholland, W'm
Misener, Jane
McCoomi)s, John E
Morris, Stone &

Wellington
Ruble, I'hilip

Robins, Elizabeth

Rcid, \Vm

Rol)ins, Cora

Robertson, Agnes

Singer, Ellen
Smith, Julia A
Smith, Albert
Sherk, Rosetta
'lice, Eliza J
Vanalstine, "Oeorge
^'anderburgh, Bruce
Williams, Sarah
Zeigler, Eouisa

Part Ill—Persojis efititled

Crysler, Isaac
Jeffrey, (Jeorge
I->anmde, David A

Kells, Isaac Ofrsprini;, Gtotco

S err 0-'""ll Sylv«u^

IMurray, Charles Richards, John

h I

Appendix F

Officers and Councillors ok tiil Townshii' ok Thorold

1799
Clerk — John Walterhousc.
Assessors — Andrew Hansel, Jonathan Hngar.
Collector — John l)eC!ow.
Wardens — Robert Wilkerson, Ccorgc Couke.

1800
Clerk — John Walterhousc.
Assessors — George Couke, Obadiah Hopkins.
Collector — Jacob Upper.
Wardens -Robert Wilkerson, George Coi.

[l"'or 1801, and also for the years 1823-26 inclusive, records are
lacking.]

1802
Clerk— John Hill, Jr.

Assessors — Abraham Overholt, Asa Walterhousc.
Collector — George Turney.
Wardens — Robert Wilkerson, George Couke.

1803
Clerk— John Hill. ♦

Assessors— Jonathan Hagar, James Ryan.
Collector- -Elisha l*^d\vards.
Wardens — George Couke, Leonard Misener.

1804
Clerk— John Hill.

Assessors — Jonathan Hagar, Elisha Edwards.
Collector — Anthony Upper.
Wardens — Leonard Misener, George Keefer.

1805
Clerk— John Hill.

Assessors — Alexander Brown, Wm. Shotwell.
Collector — John Hoover.
AVardens — George Couke, Robert Wilkerson.

1806
Clerk- John Hill.
Assessors — Jacob L^pper, William H. Lee.

ArPENDIX F

CoIIcctor-^Thaddcii.s Davis.
\Vardcn.s-(;eorKe Couke, Robert Wilkcrson.

Clerk— John Hill. ' °^

Uardcns-t;,orge Coukc, R„be„ Wilkorson.
erk— John Hill

Wardens-Robert Wilkerson, George Couke.
Clork— John Hill. ^ °^

C:?S:r£;-::^^-'-^«'WonathanHa«ar.
\Varden.s-Robert \Vilkerson, George Couke.

Clerk— John Hill. ' '°

rolS"ortl'- ^'^'^J"' ^'^•^^•''^^ "'^Pkins.
v.oiiLctor— IJenjamin Swayze.

Uardens-Robert Wilkerson. George Couke.

Clerk— John Hill. ^ "

Assessors-Thaddeus Davis, Jacob Unner
Collector- Anthony Upper. ^' '

\\ ardens-George Couke, Robert Wilkerson.

Clerk— John Hill. ^ '^

CoSr"~r'"^"'"'i J°hn Couke.

t.onector- George Hansel.

Wardens-George Couke, Robert Wilkerson.

Clerk— John Hill. ^ ^^

Assessors-Ebenezer Cavers, Isaac Wilson
Collector-Jonathan Hagar.
Wardens-Cieorge Couke, Robert Wilkerson.

Clerk— John Hill. ' ^^

cSSr^Xrn;:^' «-- Vanderburgh.

Wardens-John Hill, George Reefer.

1815
Clerk— Garrett Vanderburgh.

i 'I

3^ HISTORY OF THOROI.n

Assessors —John Darlings John Street.

Collector i'eler Misener.

Wardens — Israel Sway/e, John DeCovv.

i8i6

Clerk — Carrctt Vandorhnr^'h.
Assessors- Joiin i>c(.'()\v, licnry C. JJall.
Collector — Peter Misener.
Wardens— George Keefer, (leorge Miller.

1H17

Clerk (larrett Vanderburgh.

Assessors Anthony Upper, Hall Davis.

Collector James Park.

Wardens- -George Keefer, Khenezer Cavers.

1818
Clerk — G. Vanderburgh.

Assessors "John DeCow, William McLelland.
Collector —khenezer Cavers.
Wardens "Ebenezer Cavers, Jacol) Upper.

1819

Clerk — Garrett Vanderburgh.
Assessors -John DeCow, Jacob Upper.
Collector Henry C. Hall.
W'ardens — George Keefer, John DeCow.

1820

Clerk — Garrett Vanderburgh.

Assessors— Amos Hradshaw, Wm. McLelland.

( ,'ollector Wm. Terry.

Wardens —John DeCow, John Carl.

1821
Clerk — ( iarrett Vanderburgh.
Assessors — Luke Carroll, Robert Spencer.
Collector — George Marlatt.
Wardens— William McLelland, Ebcnezer Cavers.

1822

Clerk — Garrett Vanderburgh.
Assessors^Anthony Upper, Hall Davis.
Collector — Henry Hoover.
Wardens— Jacob Ui)pcr, John DeCow.

1827

Clerk— William McCIellan.
Assessors — George Marlatt, Josiah Page.
Collector — Amos Bradshaw.
Wardens — John Hill, \Villiam Orr.

APPENDIX F

182S

Clerk-Willian, \rcricllan

\^^'rcK-ns John Hill, c^rge Lacey.
Clerk Wm. McCIellan. '^''^

Wardens- -j„hn IJrown. Isaac Ovcrholt.
Clerk- Wni. McCIellan. '^^°

ANarden.s-ThomasToppin.j,,jo,,,„i„.

CIcrk-Wm. McClellan. '"^^^
Assessors — Wm Vf<.r'i,.ii^ r-

^^"•■^'^'"^-J"'^" Hill, John Williams.
Clerk— Wm. McClellan. '''^"^''

c^isrSn:^^^!^' ^''"- ^^^^'^"-^■

Wardens-John Hill, lliram Sway.e.
Clerk -Wm. McClellan. '^^^^

Hardens-John Hill, John' Williams.

Clerk-Wm. McClellan. ''^'
C=r^i---:Mosiah Pa,e. .

Uardens-John Hill, John Williams.
Clerk and Collector-.SamuerL.v.e

Clerk-Wm. McClellan. "^'
Assessor— [osiah Page

Collector-C;eorge Marlatt.

^^^^ Comm,ssioners-R^..., Hobson, .enjamin Fralick, Henry C

y"m'«mm'---

HISTORY OF THORDI.D

'S37

Clerk— Josir.h Page.
Assessor— Samuel Swayze.
Collector — Anthony U[)per.

i^ommissioners — Robert Hobson, Matthew Sebum, Robert
Wilkerson.

18^58

Clerk and Assessor — Josiah Page.
Collector — Matthew Scburn.

Commissioners — Samuel Sway/.e, Joseph Coodnillie, Malum
Swayze.

•839
Clerk and Assessor — Josiah Page.
Collector — Anthony Upper.
Wardens — John Hill, Andrew VarJerburgh, John Williams.

1840
Clerk and Assessor — Andrew Vanderlnirgh.
Collector -Sylvanus Cleveland.
Wardens — John Hill, Robert Hobson, Andrew Vanderburgh.

I S4 1

Clerk — Andrew Vanderburgh.

Assessor — Wm. McClellan.

Collector — Robert Hobson.

Wardens — Josiah Page, 'I'homas Page, Wm. Orr.

1842

District Councillors — Rol)ert Hobson, Piincan McFarland.

Clerk and Collector-John Rannic.

Assessor — Josiah Page.

Wardens Josiah Page, Thomas Page, Malum Swayze.

1843
District Councillor — Robert Hobson.
Clerk — Ephraim Sternburgh.
Assessor— Josiah Page.
Collector--l'4ihraini Sternburgh.

1844

District Councillors — Robert Hobson, Duncan McFarland.
Clerk — Ephraim Sternburgh.
Assessor — William McClellan.
Collector — Isaac Kelly.

'845
Councillor — Ceorge Kecfer.
Clerk — Samuel Swayze.
i\ssessor — Josiah I'age.
Collecti)r--John Rannie. *

Robert

APPENDIX F

r^ . 1846

Counc,IIor--n,ncan McFarland.
^icrk— Samuel Swayzc

Assessor -Josiah Page.'

Collector-Robert Hobson.

1.^47

ncrk-John Kannie.

Assessor-Robert Hobson.
( ollector-Robert Hobson.

n ^848

'-ouncillor — VV n u^ 1 1
riert II \' ■ ^^"dershot.
i^icrk— John Rannie

Assessor-W'ni. Ramsay.

Collector-Henry Hoover.

Ueik— John Rannie.

Assessor-Robert Hobson.
Collector-Jonathan iJoan

1849

1850

joHn;;s;'^: G-.^*;',s*-". ^■'•^"™ ««■.,., ,.,.,, ,,„.„

Keeve-John Raddiffe

i)e|,uty..reeve-Robert Hobson

^upenntent of Education- Dexter D'Fv ,

Clerk-Henry W'iiham Tims ^verardo.

cr;;r^t;;,;:;;ryg;r'^^"" ^^^^'■'-' j-'^ i^a,.

Ireasurer-John KanniJ.

Josi

^eeve-Robert Hobson '^^'
^Comicinors-John R.dclifi., ;vinian. U>i„u, (;

Assessors — \V

Clerk— He

illiam Spencer, John T

Coll

'iry William 'I

cctor - Kdward R. I

reasurer -Jonn R

mi-
aue.

irney,

corge Jordai
Samuel

3VV

ayze.

Kannie.

Rceve-W'iliiani Wri-ht. '^^'

Councillors
'inis Rice.

rierk -W

Jolin Radcliffe, Rol

>ert Elliott, Philip G

illi

Assessor— Josiah 1

;iin Pennock.

P darner.

Coll
'iVea

^'^■tor -James Va^'alstine.

sure- --Jo|„i Rann

le.

HISTORY OF THOROLD

Reeve — James McCo[)pen.

Councillors — Philip (lamer, Geo. Vanderburgh, Rol)ert Hob-

son, Dennis Rice.

Clerk —Charles Stewart.
As.ses.sor — Benjamin Fortner.
Collector — John McCojipcn.
Treasurer — John Rannie.

1854
Reeve — Robert Hobson.

1 )epuly-reeve — George Vanderburgh.

Councillors — Dennis Rice, Andrew Upper, James McCoppcn.

Clerk — Charles Stewart.

Assessor — Enoch Shrigley.

Collector — John McCoppen.

[At a meeting of the municipal electors, lie!'' in the town-iiall at

AUanburgh, i-eb. 23rd, 1854, Robert Elliott was elected Councillor

in place of James McCoppen.]

1855
Reeve — William Wright.

I )eputy-reeve — James McCoppen.

Councillors —Jas. Vanalstine, Andrew Upper, Thomas Russell.

Clerk — Charles Stewart.

Assessor- -Samuel Hill.

Collector- John McCoppen.

Treasurer —John Rannie.

,856

Reeve — William Wright.

1 )e[)uty-reeve — James McCf)ppen.

Councillors — John Radciiffe, James Vanalstine, Obadiah
Hopkins.

Clerk- C^harles Stewart resigned oii account of ill-health and
Fhilii) S. Mussen ajjpointed.

Assessor — Benjamin Fortner.

Collector — George 'I'homas.

Treasurer — John Rannie.

1857
Reeve— Robert I^Uott.
De|)uty-ree\e -Rob ;rt Spencer.

Councillors — William Spencer, Hyatt Summers, Andrew Slough.
Clerk-^Philip S. Mussen.
Assessor — Enoch Shrigley.
Collector — Josiah H. E. I'age.
Treasurer— John Rannie.

: !

APPENDIX F

Hol)-

ppen.

all at
cilior

issell.

idiah
and

nigh.

1858
Rocvc— Robert Spencer.
J )cputy-reevc— William Spencer.

Councillors -William Hill, Robert Coulter, Hyatt Summers
Clerk— Philip S. Mussen.
Assessor — Benjamin l-'ortner.
Collector- -J osiah H. E. Pagi,-.
Treasurer— J oh n Ra n n ie.

1S59
Reeve — Robert Spencer.
Deputy-reeve -Robert Coulter.

Councillors- -WHlian. Hill, William Spencer, Hyatt Summers.
Clerk- I'hilipS. Mussen.
Assessor — 'I'homas Sowershj',
Collectf)r Alexander Page.
'J'reasurcr John Raniili'.

f86o
Reeve— Robert Coulter.

Coumillors— Georgia Hill, Andrew Upper, Alexander Page,
Stephen Haney. "

Clerk— Philip S. Mussen.
Assessor John Kelly.
Collector— CJeorgi' Thomas.
Treasurer- John Rannie.

1861

Reeve— Robe-t Coulter.

l)eputy -reeve Ceorge Hill.

Councillors- Stephen Hancv, Alexander Page, Andrew L nner

Clerk— Isaac P. Willson. ' ' '

Assfs'^or John Kelly.

Collci till James Wanalstinc.

Treasurer — John Rannie.

1862
Reeve — Robert Coulter.
hepiilv ivrve - Stephen Haney.

Councillors John M.Kinley, fohn McClellan, Joseiih Upper.
Clerk— Isaac P. Willson.
Assessor— John Kt'lly.
("ollecliir l!ciijamin l""ortner.
Treasurer John Rannie.

1 863
lieeve -Robert (,'onlter.
lKi»uiyreevf Stephen Haney.

( ouncillors— John McClellan, John MrRinlcy, Tosenli Tanner
Clerk— Isaac P. Willson. " j j i -n ■

.Assessor Thomas Sowcrsb)-. ^

HISTORY OK THOROI.D

*t»

Collcrtor — Ik'njamin l'"ortner.
Treasurer —John Rannie.

1864

Reeve — Roher*; Coulter.

1 )eputy-reeve
11
Isaac

-Stephen Hancy.
('ouncillors — John McC'lellan, (icorpjc Couk, Robert Ciarnor.

Clerk-

P. Willso.

Assessor — John Kelly.
Collector — Hcnjaniin l"'ortncr.

reasurer —

John ]■

\annic.

1865

Reeve — Robert Coulter.
1 )eputy-reeve — Stephen I laney.

Councillors— Robt. S. (lamer, Ccorge Hill, John P. Abbey.
Cleik — Isaac P. Willson until September 9, 1865, thereafter
C. B. Pennett.

Assessors — Thomas Sowersby, Jacob Gainer.
Collector — ^Levi Goodwillie.
Treasurer — John Rannie.

1866
Reeve — George Hill.
Deputy-reeve — John P. Abbey.

Councillors — Matthew Sebum, Rol)crt M. V'ilkcrson, Stephen
Haney.

Clerk — Philip S. Mussen.
Assessor — Hiram Marlatt.
Collector — ( leorge Tiiomas.
Treasurer — John Rannie.

1867
Reeve — Matthew Seburn.
Deputy-reeve — David Killens.

Councillors —Alexander Page, John Gainer, Joseph Upper.
Clerk — Philip S. Mussen.
Assessors — Thomas Sowersby, Hiram Tvlarlatt.
Collector— James Vanalstine.
Treasurer — John Rannie.

1868

Reeve — David Killens.

De[)uty-reeve — Matthew Seburn.

Councillors-" Leonard X'anderbur^h, John Gauivr. Jolin R.
Sway/.e.

Clerk -C. P>. Ponnetf, until April 18, .s'hen Robert Spencer
was npoointed.

Assessor — Jacob Gainer.

Collector — George Thomas.

Treasurer-— J t#in Rannie.

APPENDIX F

cr.

eafter

phen

icer

1869

Rccvc— David Killens.

Deputy reeve—John Allison.

Councillors-John Wiilson, Joiin R. Swayze, Solomon Damude.

Clerk — Robert Spencer.

Assessor— Jacob (lainer.

Collector— Hiram ]'. Swayze.

Treasurer— John Rannie.

1870
Reeve— Solomon Damude.
1 )eiHity-reeve— James Urooks.

Councilions-John R. Swayze, John Ciainer, Robert S. Garner.
Clerk — Robert Spencer.
Assessor — C. B. Bennett.
Collector— Hiram P. Swayze.
Treasurer— John Rannie.

1871

Reeve-James Brooks, who died, and F. M. Hagar was elected
HI J unc, 1 07 1.

Deputy-reeve— John Wilson.

j^^^^^^«""^'''lo'-s-Robert Wilkerson, Thomas Sowersby, Warren

Clerk— Robert Si)encer.
Assessor- J'hilip S. Mussen.
Collector— James N. Winalstine.
Treasurer— John Rannie.

1872
Reeve— John Wilson.
Deputy-reeve— David Killens.

Councillors— John Cuinter, Robert S. Garner, Walter Upper
Clerk— Robert Spencer.
Assessor— C. B. Bennett.
Collector— William Clark.
Treasurer— John Rannie.

1873
Reeve— Stephen Beatty.
I)eputy-reeve— John Guinter.

Councillors -John Gainer, James Warner, Walter Unner
Clerk— Philip S. Mussen.
Assessor— Thomas A. Clark.
rj)llector— Henry McSherry.
'i'reasurer- John Rannie.

1874
Reeve— Stephen Beatty.
J )eputy-reevc— John (lainer.

46 HISTORY or THOROI.D

Councillors — Walter Upper, J. J. Damude, Robert Larter.
Assessor— P. S. Musseii.
Collector— Garret Vanderburgh.

Treasurer Baruch Tucker.

Clerk Henry Mussen.

'875
Reeve — Stephen Beatty.
Deputy-reeve John J. Damude.

Councillors — \Vm. Mulholland, Warren Moore, \Vni. Patterson.
Clerk — Henry Mussen.
Treasurer — Walter U])per.
Collector — Andrew Coulter.

1876
Reeve — Stephen Beatty.
Deputy-reeve John J. Damude.

Councillors V.'arren Moore, William Patterson, George Page.
Clerk — Henry Mussen.
Treasurer Walter Upper.
Collector — George 'Jhomas.

1877
Reeve- Stephen I'eatty.
Dei)uty-reeve J. J. Damude.

Councillors- (ieorgc Page, Thomas A. Clark, Jacob J. Ui)i)er.
Clerk — Henry Mussen.
Assessor — P. S. Mussen.
Collector — George Thomas.

1878
Reeve — John J. Damude.
Deputy-reeve -Geo. I'age.

Councillors — R. S. Garner, Jacob J. Upper, Geo. Vanderburgh.
Clerk Henry Afussen,
Treasurer — Walter U])per.
Assessor -Thomas A. ^'lark.
Collector Wm. Mulholland.

.879
Reeve -John J. Damude.
Deputy-reeve — George l*age.

Ouncillors- (ieorge \ anderburgh, Jacob Uppir, Wm. G
Clerk- -P. S. Mussen.
Treasurer — Walter Upper.
Assessor — John W. Robertson.
Collector -James S. Ui)per.
Treasurer — Walter U|)per.
Assessor Thomas A. Clark.
Co.'ector — William McSherry.

APPRNDIX F

1880

Reeve- George Page.

Depiity-rccve— Jacob J. Ujipcr.

Councillors -W. H. CJaiiuT, Drayton Summers, Alex. Abbey

Clerk — P. S. Mussen. ^

Assessor— Alexander Uj)per.

Collector -Henry Cole.

Treasurer —Walter Ci>per.

1881
Reeve- -Stephen Peatty.
Deputy-reeve --[ohn Willson.

Summer""'''''°''~^'""'' ^'"''"'"'' ^'''''''^'^ Vanalstine, Drayton
Cleric—P. S. Mussen.
Treasurer— Walter Upper.
Assej-sor— Thomas A. Clark.
Collector— William McSherry.

1882
Reeve -John Willson.
Dcprity-reeve— W. H. Gainer.
rr,un/i!Iors Drayton Summers, George A. Vanalstoe, Francis

(;terk V. S. ^fijssen.
Treasurer Walter Upper.
Assessor— ( leorge Page.
Collector— William McSherry.

188^
l.eeve— John Willson.
Deputy-reeve Wm. H. Gainer.

Touncillors-Frank Shriner. Drayton Summers. Thomas Arc

oahj.

Assessor T )s. A.
Clerk— P. S. MsBsen.
■l"reasurer--\VAhf!r Upper.
Collector— John Mcrith^-.".

18S4
Reeve— John Willson.
Deputy-ri^^ve- W . H. (iainer.
Councilhrrs - F»ra>ton Summers, ilonry Sclway, Rr.hort U liker-

<"lcrk P. S. MussL ;.
Ircasurer— Walter Upper.
Assesiior— Alexander Upper.
CoUt^'tnr rhnmas A. Clark.

1885
Kct\c John Willsoii

HISTORY OK THOROM)

Dc'puty-rceve — \Vm. H. (laincr.

Councillors — Thomas Allan, Charles O. Clark, E. Shainholdts.

Clerk -iniilip S. Miissen.

'rreasLirer- -Walter Upper.

Assessor — Thomas A. Clark.

(x)llector— Thomas S. Reavley.

1886
Reeve — Joim Willson.
Deputy-reeve — W. H. Cainer.

Councillors -Charles O. Clark, Francis Shriner, E. Shainholdts.
Clerk "1\ S. Mussen.
Treasurer — Walter' Upper.
Assessor — Alexander Ujtper.
C'ollector — Thomas S. Kcavley.

1887
Reeve— John Willson.
Deputy-reeve — W. H. CJainer.

Councillors — Charles O. Clark, Frank Shriner, E. Shainholdts.
Clerk— P. S. Mussen.
Treasurer — Waiter Upper.
Collector — Thomas Reavley.
Assessor — Thomas A. Clark.

1888
Reeve — John Willson.
I )L|)uty-reeve — Francis Shriner.

Councillors -Charles O. Clark, Charles Lobl), Richard Moore.
Clerk— P. S. ]\<ussen.
Treasurer — Walter Upper.
Collector — Thomas A. (!lark

1889

Reeve — John Willson.

Deputy-reeve Frani is Shriner.

Councillors — Charles O. Clark, Charles Lobb, Jonathan IJrad-
field.

Clerk — Until June, P. S. Mussen, died, succeeded by Tliomas
A. Clark.

Treasurer — Until May, Walter Upper, resigned, succeeded by
Baruch Tucker.

Assessor — Robert Stevenson.

1890
Reeve William H. Cniner.
I )eputy-reeve —Francis Shriner.

Coun'illors — Charles O. Clark, Charles C. Lobb, Jonathan
Bradfield.

Clerk Thomas A. ("lark.
Assessor — C.eorge Page.

sler.

APPKNDIX K

Collector— Thomas S. Reavley.
Treasurer— Baruch Tucker.

'891
Reeve— C. B. Bennett.
Deputy-reeve— Francis Shriner.
Councillors-Charles O. Clark, Norval B. Hagar, Isaiah Han-

Clerk— 'I'homas A. Clark.
Assessor— I.uther O. McLellan.
C:ollector— Jonathan L. I'age.

Treasurer-^Until September 14th, Baruch Tucker, resiuned
succeeded by Thomas A. Clark. . resit.nca,

1892
Reeve— C. B. Bennett.
Deputy-reeve -Norval B. Hagar

Reavley""""'"''"^'"''' ^^'"''"■' ^^'''' McKinley, Thomas S.
Clerk— Thomas A. Clark.
Assessor— Albert E. Clark.
Collector— Charles T. Ware.
Treasurer— Thomas A. Clark.

Reeve— C. B. Bennett.

Deputy-reeve— Norval B. Hagar

Councillors-l'eter McKinley, Elias Egorter, Harvey Gainer.

Clerk — Ihomas A. Clark.

Assessor— John Scanlan.

Treasurer— Thomas A. Clark.

Keeve— C. B. Bennett.
Deputy-reeve— N. B. Hagar.
,,er. <^^^^""^^i»o'-«-Harvey Cainer, John A. Goodwillie, Isaiah Han-
Assessor J. W. (Mark.
Clerk— 'i'homas A. Clark.

Auditors -Charles B. Summers, Thomas Coulter
Ireasuivi Thomas A. (lark.
Collector— Charles T. Ware.

1895
Reeve— Waiter Upper.
Depul \ ree ve - E I ias Egorter.

Councillors Isaiah Hansler, Albert E. Clark, John W. Wilson
C lerk am! I reasurer--Thom.is A. Clark.
Assessor Ceorge A. iVIerrithew.

Auditors-Charles B. Summers and Charles E. Hansel
Collector— I'homas Street Reavley.

•( ■-**«!»#*•

5°

HISTORY or THOUOI.K

1896

Reeve — Walter Upper.
1 )ci)uty-reeve — Elias Egorter.

Councillors — John W. Shrincr, Charles O. Clark, Jolin W.
Willson.

Clerk and Treasurer— 'I'honias A. Clark.

Assessor — Robert Stevenson.

Auditors- f'harles 15. Siuiimers and CiiarK's ]■]. Hansel.

(Collector — Warren Moore.

1897
Reeve — Elias Egorter.
Deputy-reeve — Charles O, Clark.

Councillors — John W. Shriner, l-klwy Damude, James 1'.
Moore.

CAcrk and Treasurer — Thomas A. Clark.
Assessor— John W. Willson.

Appendix G

Statement showing the Quantity of Iroight passed down the Wclland
Canal in Canadian and United States Vessels in 1895

CiNADIAN

Vkssei.s

Unitkd St

Steam
No.i TonVe

205' 223.7*3
Tons

ATES VBS'LS

Total

Artitlks

Steam

No. ToniiaKe
209I 108.776

Sail

No llon'Re

loti 41,327

Tons

.30.723
17.369

St'm and S'l

No.| ToMliaue

151' 7.1.»95
Toiw

No. Ton'ge
666 447.741

Tons

\Vh(.at

72,895
16.854

798
1.531

68,035

3.724

162

246

2<1.345

1 26,943

7.729

16,442

2ot,8i8

164,890

8,68<)

18,219

llarli^y

Oats

I'easo

Rve

Coal

37.356
20

1.057,146
i.o27,(jl3

3.984
2,361

4.42fi
1,324
1,079

14.929.734
35.ooi>

8,4 1 2

108,7.(6

I,96i

25,620,841

3.>>2,:Si

Miscellaneous inchdse...
Shinnies wootl'wre, etc.

67.7"3
9.385.890

Sawed lumber ...ft.h.m.

248,071
2,049,368

I'lrewootl Cords

Statement showing the Quantity of Through Freight passed up the
Welland Canal, in Canadian and United States Vessels, during

the Season of 1895

Articlks

Class 3
Cement and water lime.

Fish

Iron, i)i>;

Iron, all her

Salt

Steel

Articles not enumerated

Class 4
Crockery and eartlinwre

Marble

Nails

Paint

Pitch and tar

Sufjar

Tin

Mrchndse not enuinrted

Class 5

Produce of wood

Special Class

Coal

Stone, unwrounht

Kryolile or chemical ore

Tot.i

No,

Tonnage

109,401

1,860

•?,522
940
555
778

1,226
82
98

1,460
436

-.544

95
1,104

13.776

No.

157

Tonnage i No

75,086

491

461

__784_
1.740

219

Ton' Me No.

238,165

1,813

25
860

'6,621

"52',85t

31
116,118

Ton'ge

42,982

178,363

32,769

3,f>96

356

36.221

No.

687

Ton 'ge
465,6 ij

i,8Co
4

2.554

940

555
3.082

860

1.226

8,a8i

436

55.397

128

150.452
3.096
1.140

230,100

Canadian steam vessels carried J3.776

Canadian sailing " " 1.740

United States steam vessels carried 178,363

United States sailini; " 36,221

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

7// -^ ^ *^ #J^

1.0

IIIIIM

I4£

ic:

IIIIM

IL25 i 1.4

- 6"

!! 1.6

■^a

>P <

V.v

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

'^<6^

WW ^

23 WEST MAIN S1REET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(7 US) S72-4503

'^'^

Appendix H

J^!

1 ■ -

r ?

; ; i ' ! 1.

1 ; i

i
1

■■ ■

! ^
li

AGRICULTURAL PrIZE LiST, 1 897

HORSES. Classs i — Roadsters.

Pair — 1st, James Hall ; 2nd, \V. G. Somerville.

Single — ist, Lewis Phillips; 2nd, Oscar Upper; 3rd, John
Stirtzinger.

Three-year Filly or Gelding — ist, Joseph E. Svvartz ; 2nd, G. &
J. Rysdale ; 3rd, Samuel Smith.

Two-year Filly or Gelding — ist, (i. & J. Rysdale ; 2nd, Anthony
Collins ; 3rd, Jos. E. Swartz.

Yearling Colt — ist, A. & F. Cowan ; 2nd, L. S. Bessey ; 3rd,
Wm. Donaldson.

Foal of 1897 — ist, A. & F. Cowan ; 2nd, Wm. Donaldson ; 3rd,
Anthony Collins.

Class .? — Carriage.

Pair — \V. R. McKinney & Son, A Merrithew.

Single— J. H. Pew, J. E. Swartz, L. Phillips.

Three-year Filly or Gelding — VV. R. Spurway & Son, G. & T.
Rysdale, H. N. Summers.

Two-year Filly or Gelding — J. Stirtzinger, P. Metier, Thos.
Stephenson.

Yearling Colt — John Stirtzinger, G. & J. P.ysdale, John Boncock.

Class J — General Purpose.

Pair — John Morton, J. C. Brown, \V. R. Fry.
Single — W. Moore (S: Son, Wm. Donaldson, John Stirtzinger.
Three-year Filly or Gelding — M. Brady, J. H. Johnston, Harry
Collier.

Two-year Filly or Gelding — A. & F. Cowan, Geo. Dixon.
Yearling Colt — John Weldon, H. H. Kottmeire iS: Sons.
Foal of 1897 — r. Edmondstoiie, John Weldon, Geo. Dixon.

Class 4 — Heavy Draught.

Pair — R. «& W. Leeson, Jos. E. Swartz, A. Merrithew.
Single — W, Moore iS: Son, H. Collier, A. Merrithew.
Three-year Filly or (ieiding — Wm. Newton, Frank Wilson,
Jethro Clark.

Two-year Filly or Gelding — Geo. WiHinms.

Yearling Colt — Jethro Clark, koht. Gordon, Alt'-^ed Horton.

Foal of 1897 — John C. Brown,

APPENDIX H

CATTLE. Class 5~Durha:,n.

Bull Calf —James Brown.

Milch Cow-Tames Brown, ist, 2nd and 3rd.

Milch Cow under 4 years-James Brown, ist and 2nd

Iwo-year Heifer— James Brown

One-year Heifer-James Brown, ist and 2nd.

Heifer Calf-James Brown, ,st, 2nd and 3rd.
Class 6 — Ayrshires and Jerseys.

Bull, 2 years and over-Robt. Pew, A. Merrithew.

bull, yearlmg— Thos. Brown.

Bull Calf -A. Merrithew.

Milch Cow-Tbos. Brown, A. Merrithew.

M.lch Cow^ under 4 years-L. Kottmeire, Thos. Brown

1 wo-year Heifer— Thos Brown "">• i^rown.

One-year Heifer— A. Merrithew.

Heifer Calf— A. Merrithew.
Class 7~Devflns or Holsteins.

Milch Cow--Thos. Edmondstone.

Milch Cow, 4 years and under— F. Shriner.
Class 8 —Grade Cattle.

Sum^ners. ^"'~"- "^ "^^ ^""■"^^"' ^hos- Edmondstone, H. & C.

JethfJ'cwr ""'^"" ^ ^'^^'■^-J^^'^™ Clark, H. & C. Summers,

Two-year Heifer-James Brown, ist and 2nd ; S. Stephenson

8aTf Srrt7''H • w"s"^' J^"^^^ ^^^^^'"' Jethro'cS"-
^air under i >ear— H. & C. Summers, ist and 2nd; W. Newton

• Beef Ox or Steer-James Brown, ist, 2nd and 3rd.
Beef Cow or Heifer-James Brown, ,st, 2nd and 3rd.
SHEEP. Class g~Cotswolds.

.nd'!.nd'3rd.''''" '"^ "'"-'' ^^ ^^"''^>"^' "• Crawford & Son,
Ram, shearling-D. R. Swayze, H. Crawford cS: Son, T Brown
Ram amb-1) K. Sway.e. Thos. Brown, H. Crawford & Son

fbrd&S^"'"'^'''""^'-'' ^■^^^">"'^' '^^ ^"^ ^"d; H. Craw-
Brown'." ^'"'' '--^"^bs-H. Crawford & Son. 1). R. Swayze, Thos.
Class 10 — Leicesters.

Ram, 2 shears and over-Thos. Edmondstone, Thos. Brown
Kam, shearling— Robt, Pew orown.

Ram Laml)-T. Edmondstone, T. Brown, Robt. Pew.

It '

'■{' >

HISrORV OF THOROLD

Two Ewes, 2 shears and over— T. Edmondstone, ist and 2nd;
T. Brown.

Two Ewes, shearlings -Thos. Edmordstone ; R. A. Pew,
2nd and 3rd.

Two Ewe Lambs— T. Brown, T. Edmondstone, Robt. Pew.

C/ass Tl — Shropshire Downs or Oxfords.

Ram, shearHng — J. H. Johnson.
Ram Lamb- J. H. Johnson, ist, 2nd and 3rd.
Two Ewes, 2 shears and over — J. H. Johnson.
Two Ewes, shearlings — J. H. Johnson, 1st and 2nd.
Two Ewe Lambs — J. H. Johnson.

Class 12 — Southdowns.

Ram, 2 shears and over- P. Metier, ist and 2nd.
Ram, shearling P. Metier, 1st and 2nd.
Ram Lamb— P. Metier.

Two Ewes, 2 shears and over — P. Metier, ist and 2nd; Wni.
Donaldson.

Two Ewes, shearlings — P. Metier.
Two Ewe Lambs — P. Metier.

G OA TS. Class 13— A ny Breed.
To Harness ~Wm. Roach.

SWINE. Class 1 4- Chester White.

Aged Boar — J. Stirtzinger, ist and 2nd ; J. H. Snider.

Boar under i year — John Stirtzinger, H. H. Kottmeire & Son,
H. Crawford & Son.

Aged Sow, with pigs under 8 weeks — H. H. Kottmeire & Son.

.Sow under 8 months H. H. Kottmeire & Son, J. Stirtzinger,
H. Crawford & Son.

Class 16 — Berkshire or Suffolk.

Aged Boar — G. A. Merrithew, J. H. Snider.
Boar under i year — ^J. H. Snider; (i. A. Merritiiew, 2nd and 3rd.
Aged Sow, with pigs under 8 weeks — C A. Merrithew, Allred
P.'orton, C-. A. Merrithew.

Sow under 8 months — J. H. Snider ; Walter Upper, 2nd and 3rd.

POULTRY. Class 18.

Pair Black Spanish - U'. R. McKinney & Son, (i. J. Sherwood.
• Pail Bantams — W. R. McKinney ^: Son, H. N. Summers.
Pair Polands - Hill & Rose, W. R. McKinney ^: Son.
Pair Langshangs — Hill iS: Rose, A. H. Preston.
Pair Plymouth Rocks — Wm. Haynes, \V. R. McKinney & Son.
Pair Dorkings — S. D. Furminger & Son, ist and 2nd.
Pair Hamburgs — G. J. Sherwood, \V. R. McKinney &: Son.
Pair Brahmas— Geo. Calcott, W. R. McKinney & Son.

il !

\U\\-

APPENDIX H

Pair Leghorns, white-W. R. McKinney & Son, P. Steep

Pair I^eghorns, colored--Hill .V Rose, VV. R. McKinnev & Son

air Wyandottes, white— W. R. McKinney & Son
1 an Wyandottes, colored— J. C. J3eatty, Hill .V- Rose.
Pair ^-^me I<owls-W. R. McKinney & Son, S. D. Furminger.

a.r Any Other Breed -W. R. McKinney & Son, ist and 2.ui.
Pair lurkeys, white— L. F. Pratt, Hill & Rose
c\: Son"" '^'"''^''^'' ^o'o'-^'d— ^^'- R- McKinney & Son, V^. I,. Crysler

Pair Geese, common— L. F. Pratt, J. H. Snider

Pair Geese, China— L. F. Pratt.

Pair Ducks, Rouen -C. F. Metier, tst and 2nd

Pair Ducks, Pekin-W. R McKinney & Son, S. D. Furminger.

lair Ducks, any other variely-W. R. McKinney & Son, L F.

1 /cltt*

Pair Pigeons— S. I). Furminger, Robt. Smith.
Display Canaries— A. H. Preston.

MANUFA CTURES- Class ig.

Pair of Handmade Shoes— James A. Taggart
Buggy— Geo. Turner.
Horse Shoes— Geo. Turner, R. Shriner.

Collection of Farming Implements— Copp Bros., Stuart & Felker.
GRAIN (Produce of iSgr). Class 20.

Winter Wheat, white variety— M. Bradt, L F Pratt

Wpner Wheat, red variety-Geo. M. Brewer, S. Stephenson.

Spring Wheat— G. M. Brewer, G. & T. Ryrdale

Buckwheat— J. A. Patterson, G. M. Brewer

Oats, black— M. Bradt.

Oats, white— H. N. Summers,, C. S. Metier.

Corn in Ear, yeliow-Geo. M. Brewer, Thos. Middough .^\' Son

Do., white— G. M. Brewer. ^

Peas, round— J. A. Patterson, G. & J. Rysdale

Peas, Marrowfat-G. M. Brewer, Jas. A. Patterson.

Bar ey, two rowed— Wm. Donaldson, S. Stephenson.

Barley, four-rowed— M. Biadt, J. A. Patterson

Timothy Seed— M. Bradt, J. A. Patterson.

Hax Seed- H. H. Kottmeire& Son, Chas. Swayze.

Beans, Marrowfat— Chas. Swayze, M. Bradt.

Beans, common— H. H. Kottmeire & Son, \V. Moore & Son.

HORTICULTURAL. Class 21.

Potatoes, American Wonder— M. Bradt, M Brady
Do., White Rose-H. & C. Summers, Lewis Kottmeire.
Do., Beauty Hebron, early— M. Bradt, G. M. Brewer
Do., Beauty Hebron, late— M. Brady, Lewis Kottmeire.
Do., Puritan—). A. Patterson, H. cS: C. Summers.

HfSTORV OF TWCrROLfj-

''^'

I- ' i -

itf I)

Pi S' i
It'- I.

b:,l ■.?'

K>£i

■4. - . .

'!? j

-1

^'' I

Do., Empire State — M. Bradt, VV. R. Spurway & Sorr.

Do., Kurhanks — C. S. Metier, J. A. Patterson.

Do., any o4her sort — C. S. Mutler, Jolin Stirtzinger.

Turnips — L. Kottmeire, M. Urk)cker.

Mangold Wurtzels — J. A. Patterson, Tlios. lidn^ondstone.

Swede — (). & J. Rysdale, Lewis Kottmeire.

Onions, red — M. Bradt, J. E. Swartz.

Onions, yellow — M. Bradt, J. A. Patterson.

Carrots, table— S. I). Furminger, J. A. Patterson.

('arrets, while -H. Collier, S. 1). l-'urminger.

Beets, long blood — S. 1). Furminger, R. M. Spencer.

Beets, Turnip— M. Urlocker, H. H. Kottmeire lis: Sons.

Parsnips — M. Bradt, S. I). Furminger.

Squashes — Geo. Calcott, Jcthro Clark.

Pumpkins— -R. M. Spencer, 'Am. Donaldson.

Tomatoes — M. Bradt, S. 1). Furminger.

Cauliflower — G. & J. Rysdale, S. I). Furminger.

Cabl)age, white — R. M. Spencer, W. R. Spurway &: Son.

Cabbage, red — S. D. Furminger, M. Bradt.

Celery — S. D. F'urminger.

Peppers— S. 1). P'urminger, M. Bradt.

Best Collection of Vegetables — G. ik]. Rysdale, S. D. Furminger.

FRUIT.. Class 22.

Fall Apples, Cayuga Redstreak — j. .*\. Patterson, W. Donaldson.

Do., Snow— M. Bradt, J. A. Patterson.

Do., Pippins— G. & J. Rysdale, S. D. Furminger.

Do., any other sort — S. Stephenson, J. A. Patterson.

Winter Apples, Spitzenburg — Wm. Donaldson, S. D. Furminger.

Do., R. I. Greenings — Wm. Donaldson, M. Bradt.

Do., Baldwins— J. A. Patterson, R. M. Spencer.

Do., Roxbury Russets — T. Middough & Son, S. Stephenson.

Do., American Golden Russets — R. M. Spencer M. Bradt.

Do., Swaar — F. Shriner.

Do., Northern Spy — R. M. Spencer, Wm. Donaldson.

Do., any other sort — -M. Bradt, S. D. Furminger.

Pears, Bartlett— J. A. Patterson, S. D. Furminger.

Do., Flemish Beauties— J. A. Patterson, S. D. F'urminger.

Do., Sc^kel — S. D. F'urminger, F. Kottmeire.

Do., Duchess — Wm. L. Crysler lV' Sons, M. Bradt.

13o., Clapp's Favorite — ^J. A. Patterson, M. Bradt.

Do., Winter Nelles — J. A. Patterson, M. Urlocker.

Do., any other sort — J. A. Patterson, M. Bradt.

Grapes, black variety — H. &. C. Summers, W. L. Crysler & Sons.

Do., white variety — S. D. Furminger, W. L. Crysler & ^on.

Do., Concord — 'Fhos. Middough d- Son, H. & C. Summers.

Do., Delaware — M. Bradt, S. D. Furminger.

Do., Niagara— T. Middough & Son, \\. L. Crysler & Sons.

APPKNDIX H

!)()., Hrighton -W. L. Cryslcr & Sons, S. I). Fi.rminger.
lo.. any other variety-^W. I. Crysler .^ Sons, S. IX Furmingcr
liims, Washington— J. A. Patterson, M. Hradt.
)o., Crcen (;agcs-M. Ikadt, J. A. ]\itterson.
)o., any other variety - J. A. Patterson, S. 1). Furmingcr
1 cacli.-s -S. 1). I'lirniinger, T. Middoiigh & Son.
(,)uinres~ J. E. Swart/, I,. Kottmeire.
ik-st Collection Fruit -S. I), l-urminger, C. ,Sc. J. Rysdale
//OA'E K DAIR V AND BREAD. Class 2j,
^ Honey, extracted — N. H. Hagar.
Honey in C:oml) -P. Metier, N. P. Hagar.
I )is[)lay of Honey — N. B. Hagar.
Firkin of Butter— Harry Collier, L. F. Pratt.
Five Ihs. Butter- Harry Collier, ). Stirtzinger.
Collection Canned Fruit— Harry Collier, A. H. Preston
Foaf Bread, hop yeast -Harrv Collier, S. Stephenson
DOMESTICS. CAiss 24.

Suit of Men's Clothes— James Millar, ist and 2nd
10 yds. Flannel, factorymade— P. Metier, Maria E. Patterson
10 yds. Mannel, homemade -J. E. Swartz, N. B Ha-^ar
Blankets— Maria E. Patterson, P. Metier. "^

10 yds. Rag Carpet— J. E. Swartz, Wm. Roach.
Coverlet— H. H. Kottmeire, Stuart ^: Felker.
Quilt— Victoria House, P. Metier.
Pair Knitted Socks in W ool— k. Gordon, M. Bradt
Pair Knitted Socks in Cotton-J. E. Swartz, Maria E. Patterson.
Pair Knitted Stockings— M. Bradt, P. Metier
Pair Men's Mitts -Ci. M. ikewer, P. Metier.
Man's Shirt -P. Metier, C. M. Brewer.

Eadies' Underclothes— Mrs. Henry Duseau, Maria E. Patterson
Homemade Bread -H. cV C. Summers, C. S. Metier.
J'ANC V IVOR A'. C/ass 25.

Piraiding -P. Metier, J. A. Patterson.

Lace Work — .Maria E. Patterson, )ames A. Patterson

Crochet in Wool— Adam Haist, J. A. Patterson.

Crochet in Cotton— Maria E. Patterson, A. Haist

I'ancy Knitting in Thread- Eugene (earner, Maria E. Patterson

Silk JMii broidery --A. Haist, Maria E. Patterson.

Embroidery on Canvas in Wool -Maria M Patterson, M. ]}radt

Eml)rouiery m Cotton- H. Duseau, \'ictoiia House

Embroidery in Wool— J. A. l^Uterson, Maria \l. Patterson.

I aintuig 111 Oil— Maria E. Patterson, A. Haist.

I'enmanshii) Eugene Carner, C. S. Metier.

Portrait, Crayon or Pencil— A. Haist, Eugene (iarn<>r

Painting on Plush or Satin — .Maria M Patterson, M. Bradt

IIISTOIIV nv TMORol.n

;!>■

{ 'i

r> '■

I fill St.,

i i

ill -. i

Painting oil I^arthcnware A. Haist.
I'cncil Drawing Maria Iv I'atterson, Eugene (lamer.
I'ahlc Hoiujiiet J. M. 'I'lioinnson, 1'". Shriner.
Ladies' Mitts, Won] Maria K. I'atterson, I*. Metier.
Ladies' Mitts, Silk James A. I'atterson, luigene (lamer.
Silk (Juilt M. K. I'atterson, X'ictoria House.
Sofa Pillow .A. Ilaist, Victori-i House.
(Ottoman A. Haist.

Collection of House Plants in Pots. -Mrs. .\. H Preston, R. M.
Spencer.

Crazy Work M. i:. Patterson, .\. Haist. *

Hand Painting on Silk, (Cotton or Velvet A. Haist, M. liradt.

Pillow Slianis Aictoria House, M. Iv Patterson.

I'loor .Mat I'Uigene (lamer, (leo. M. lircwer.

I'jiihroidery (arrcsene) Stuart iV I'elket, M. Iv Patterson.

Lnihroidcry on Ilolting (Jloth — A. Ilaist, AL IC. Patterson.

I'^mhroiderv, Chenille -M. K. Patterson, Victoiia House.

Macrame Work M. Pradt, A. Haist.

Darned Net Work A'ictoria House, A. Haist.

Drawn Thread Work — R. M. Spencer, W. P. (.'rysli.r iV: Son.

Putty Work - J. A. Patterson, J. H. Thompson.

.Mantle Drape -.\. Haist, M. K. Patterson.

(Quilting on lied Quilts- H. Duseau, P. Metier.

Table Drape— A. Haist, M. E. Patterson.

Etching Outline Work — A. Haist, luigene (lamer.

Toilet Cushion M. IC. Patteison, A. H. Preston.

Tatting — A. Haist, M. E. Patterson.

White Silk Embroidery on Linen M. E,. Patterson, A. Haist.

Pattenburg Lace — A. Haist, M. K. Patterson.

Colored Silk Embroidery on Linen — A. Haist, M. E. Patterson.

Collection o( Ladies' Work -.\. Haist, M. E. I'atterson.

SPECIAL PRIZES.

Haby Show .\. Martin, James Dabald, Jeihro Clark.

Herd Durham Cattle — James Prown.

l''ive lbs. Putter not winning any otlier [)rize--John Stirtzinger.

I'ive lbs. Butter made by girl under i8 E. Shriner.

Lady Driver Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. C. \\. Collier.

l'"at Hogs -L. Kottmeire.

'Pwo-year-old Steer -James Brown.

Pair Home-made Socks — .\L E. Patterson.

Pen of Leicester .Sheep Thos. l^dinomlstone.

DISCRETION A R Y PRIZES-
Photogra[)hs .\. Sutherland.
Hat Rack — Edward Lynch.
Rabbits — H. N. Summers.
Pickles- J. H. 'Phompson.

Appendix I

Or,D Mn.iTARv Doci'ments
ylfi Old-time Commission;

[seal]

By Fiis Excellency FRANCIS (JORE, Lieutenant-Governor of the

Frovmcc of Upper Canada, iV'c, cV'c, (\;o.
To Anthony Upper, 1>ikutenant,

crep:ting:

By virtue of the Power and Authority to me given in and by
a certani Act of the Parhament of this Province, passed in the fortv--
eighthyearof His present Majesty's Reign, entitled: "An act to
explain, aniend, and reduce into one Act of Parhament, the several
Laws nowm bemg for tiv raising and training the Militia of this
Irovmce, I, the said Lieutenant-Ciovei.ior, reposing an especial
Irust and Conhdence in your Loyalty, Courage, Conduct and
Constant Readmess to do effectual Service for the Defence of this
1 rovince— By these Presents do Constitute, Appoint and Commis-
sion \ou, the said Anthony Upper, to be a Lieutenant of a Company
in the Second Regiment of Militia in the County of Lincoln and iii

the District of Niagara. Commanded by ; and you are hereby

reciuired to Irani and Disipline the Persons of the said Militia
'orces. and in all things carefully and diligently to discharge the
Duty of a Lieutenant of the same, according to the Rules, Orders
and Directions of the said Act of Parliament of the said province in
that behalf made and Provided. You are therefore duly to exercise
as well the Ofhcers as the Soldiers in Arms, and to use your best
endeavers to keep them in (iood Order and Discipline, and also to
observe and Obey such Orders and Directions from tim to time as
you shall re.-eive from your Colonel, or anv other your Superior
Othcer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance
of the 1 rust hereby reposed in You.

Given under my Hand and Seal at Arm;-, at York in Upper

•'• ' ■miiHlHliiili ii« niutm,

HISTORV f)K IHOUOLD

Canada this Sccoiul day of January in tiic year ol our Lord 1.S09
and in the I'orty Ninth year of His Majesty's Reign.

I'kANCIS ("lOKK,

By His I'Acellency's Command, I.ieut.-Oovernor.

To Antiiony Upper,

Lieutenant in the Serond Ri'Ljinu'nt of l.incohi Militia.

Lieuti'nant Upper was promoletl to a ("aplaincy in N'o, 2
Regiment on the 28tii of June, 1.S20, tlie Commission being a
sliorter form tiian the at)ove, dated at \'orl<, and signed l)y Sir
Peregrine Maitland. On the first of Jiuie, iX^ij, he was still further
promoted to be Major of the Second Regiment of Lineohi Mihtia,
the same form of commission being used, only tiial N'ork was now
called Toronto, and the signature was that of Sir (ieorge Arthur,
Lieutenant-dovernor of Upper ('atiada at that time ; it was also
countersigned by Richard IJullock, Adjutant-C/eneral.

Distrilnilion of the 0/fJcers <>f the 2nd Resit incut IJncoln Militia to
their respective C<>nt/>anies May 141/1, iSio :

) ■ ' '

■ " ■ 1

I, ^ '

ll ■ f

CAPTAINS

John Reilly
Robert (Campbell
John Rowe
Christian Wainer
Elijah Phelps

LIICUTKNANTS

J(jhn Hurch
Kredk. ALirkle
John DeCoe
James (Jo()|)er
1 )avid Bastedo

ICNSUJNS

Rol)ert Brooks
(Jh. Jku.hner
Lewis Clement
|ohn McMicking
"laeob I. Ball

List of Names tJiat to<>k the Oat li of Alle^^iance at Chippawa, l)eJore
Thomas Cummin^s, Es(/nire, September 4, 1812 :

James Ryan
Jacob Vanderburgh
John Cliryseler
Andrew \Villson
John Scott
Abraham Neills
Matthias Emrick
Andrew Vanderburgh
Adam ("hryseler
Robert Wilkerson
(Ieorge Marlatt
James Scott
John Johnson
John Kelly, Sr.
Isaac Kelly

James Nevils
Hall Davis
Andrew Nevils
lianiel Davis
Lavel Davis
(Ieorge Lacey
Jonathan Doan
Thomas C^ane
John Kelly
()l.'adiah Svvayze
Hiram Swayze
Darius Williams
Isaac Osirander
Thaddeus Ostrander
Silas l'V)les

Nathan Marlatt
John \'anderl)urgh
John Wilkerson
CornTs Vanderburgh
Harmon. Vanalstine
I'enies Smith
Frederick Cdass
Thomas Loge
Llenry Loucks
Saml. Howe
Alvin Southerlin
James Scotl
Peter Bowman
Nathan Arnold

AI'I'I MUX I

I S09

/i^o// of Offhers of the Second Re^i^iment of U,uoln Militia :

Thomas Clark, Lieut.-Col.
I )avid Sccorcl, Major
John Crysler, Captain
James Macklem, Cajjiain
John Rovve, Captain
James Lyons, JCnsign

Aoraham Howm.Tn, Lieut.
Cilhert McMickinj^, O. Master
Joliti Misener, iMisi^^n
Robert Campbell, Captain
John Conkc, lOnsign
Nicholas Smith, Lieut.

it befo.vmV.url''' '*'"'^''"' :'''" '"'''■ ''"^^" ^"'--^i''-"'! the oath took
't Dtlo.e me at (.hippavva, 411, Sept., .8.^. Ti,„mas D.cksox, LI'.

Cnpto.n Ceorxe Turneys Company:

Ceoige Turney, Captain Peter Swiars
Cathom Caswell, Jr. Jolm .Silveithorn

Isaiah Habcock
Jones I""ortner
William Hrock
Thomas Heaslip
Andrew l^ortner
James Lundy
Sworn

William I'ew
Jaeob Nevills
Robert Lew
Isaac Neville
Joseph Clark

Samuel Kmery
Mirzah Hullnit
John Campbell
James Pew
Nathanael I )ou^dass
Noah Cook
Lenjamin Skinner

)Hore Thomas Cmnmings, J. P., 4th .Sept., 1812.

Captain Rol>ert I fa mi/tons Company :

Robert Hamilton, Capt.

.\nlhony Up|)er, ijcnt.

William Ran)br)

Martin Anderson

Paul Weaver

I'Vedi'rick New

(Jabriel Smith

Robert I'Valick
Thomas jJald
Charles Ander.son

Isaiah Schram
William Swartz
James Ostrandei
v\dam IJowman
John Dorshimer
'Lhomas Hloomfield
Lhilip Pitou
Joshua Robins
Adam Dinner

(■hristian .Vlester
James Slaght
Elijah Johnson
John Camplin
Henry Seammak
Arthur .M( Intosh
Anlione JMhrnller
Louis Hlancheltc
\Villiani Cilmoiu-
Joab Hopkit)s
Joshua Thomas
Dou.naldMcLuchlan
Job M. Layton
Phrien Moulton
Robert Walterhousi;
Thomas I'ortin
William Thomas

Andrew Nevills
Jonathan Loan

.Vndrew Williams
Matthias Cinviek
Ceorge Marlatt
Loyal Davis
John Kelly
Obadiah Swayze
Kim Swayze
Darius Williams
Ruralstine

Cornell's Va!iderbiir<'
PI. Smith
I'lederiek (Ilass
'I'homas Lodt,'e
Henry Loueks
(u'orge Hill
(Jilbert Van Wyek
Hen Lhmii)hreys

John liowman
('a Kin Cook

IIISTOUS <)l IIIOUOI.D

Danifl Davis
I'liomas (.'ain
Reuben (irecn
I'Vainis IVtty
IVltr l5asUil()
HLMijaniin Mabcock
John ( 'lallnj^'hain
W'illiaiii Af^ItT
Robert Hopkins
Ric'nanl ('.nflitli
lleiirv Millar

Afkniu Killnian
Jolin Williams
John Kuty
kol)(.it Willsoi'
Abram I'ratfr
Thomas (lilinoiir
Cornelius Johnson
James R)aii
Jacol) Vantlerburg
John (Chrysler
lohii Scott

John Howell
Samuel Flov.ell
Alves Sootherlinn
James Scott
IV'ler iJowinan
Nathan Arnold
John Ab)rris(jn
1 )avid I'ierson
John Skinner
iVter 15. iKwitt

Sworn at Chippawa, 4th Septi'mbiT, 1S12, before Thomas
Oumminjis, J. 1'.

Cdpliiiii Ki'rl'Vs Coni/>ntiy :

James Kerby, Clapt.
John Mcl.ellan, Lieut.
John Wilkison
Joel Skinner
I'eter Wrij^ht
Wm. MeClellan, Jr.
Simpson Smith
('olin Skinner
Jlenjainin ('orwin
John N'anderburgh, Jr.
Charles (^ook
Samuel Hicks
Hugh Wilson

Philip ^b-tler
llemy Hoshal
Job Skinner
William I'orsyth
.Mruhum Nevills
John Current
Jepe Uennett

William Horton
Aaron Doan
Nath. Marlatt
Isaac Ostrander
Ceorge Chace
(leorge Lacey
■['iKukk'us Ostrander

llenjamin Middaugh John Hannie
John Bender Silas Toles

Thomas (lainer
Stephen Skinner
John Tcjok
lonathan Helms

William Weaver
( leorge Shafer
Hagga" Skinner, Jr.
Louis Smith

'I'he above named persons took and subscribed the oath on
September 4th, 181 2.

Henry Sl()|)en took the oath September 8th, 1S12

/.is/ of tlii' Men ///(if <:[of Guns ni Street's Wharf :

'i'-

Peter IJowman, Sergl.
John Wilson
Jacob Nevels
(,'ornelius N'anderburgh
l^zekiel Younglove
Cicorge Cain
I'henies Smith

I'rederick Class
John Johnson
1 )avid Voung'.ovi
James I-'oles
James Ryan
'Thomas Logue
John Howell

Henry Louks
Andrew Wilson
John ("hrysler
Jacob Vanderburgh
Lavel Davis
John R\ -enburgh

Ari'INDIX I

^'''""'" '^.rr'^!"'" ^i'''/- ^^"""'^'""'-^ Company oj 2nd Lincoln
Mihtia Jot 24th December, 1812: ' ^ ■'

NAMKS oi- OM |( ,,KS, NON-( OMMISSIONKI) OKMCKKS AND I'KIVATF.S

!"• ';!; 'V;';;'" "^:"'''""^ ^^^^ -'-'^'^ ^^ '>^«"> Ser«t. a. Mackintosh
l.uiil. Aiith.Hiy L|)|K-r SiT-t. William Rolls

lor

llie Call to A/nia .-

Al>|T. CiKNKRAf.'.S Ol'l'lcr:.

i'OkT (Ikokc^k, ijth Fei!., 181.5.
SiK : 'l-JKTo being rt-nson to hclicvt- that the enemy meditated

vsith all |)o.>s.l„e expedit .n, assen.l.Ie not only the flank <:(,ini.an>es
of your regiment, but as many spirited young men in addition as ean

oT.nT. T7 I? ^"'" ''^""' '' ^'hiPP-'^va, wh.re ,,uarlers will be
prepared tor their reeeption.

His Ho.jor Major-deneral Sheaffe trusts that on th.s ocrasion
both the othcers a.id men will recollect the very honorable and
successful manner in which they have hitherto contributed to the
defence of the 1 rovince. and that for a little time longer private
considerations will give way to public.

I have the honor to be, sir,
, . ^, , Vour obedient Servant,

K.eut. Col. Clark (signed by) .I-Inkas S„aw,

Com. (,-f 3nd Regt. Lincoln. Adjt.-Ceneral Militia

A List 0/ Arms an J Accoutrements oj Captain John Chrysler's

Company, 2nd Reg't Lincoln Militia, May, 1813 :

., ^ Hay- Koiiiids ut

'^■""•"' fi"»s iiiiuls AiniiMiniiinn Niinos

John (Chrysler, Capt. ,,,,„,, \^•i,k,,son

AnthonyLpper,l.ieut. Robert Wilkerson

eterHowman, , , ^r. John Uvatt

i? Ab M 'T" r'"'^''- Jonathan Doan

■';7''^,;'^'lls j lohnKelley

Adam Chrysler .... r , ,8 Frederick Class

-avel Davis .. . , , ^6 Abraham Nevills

John \anderburgh.. , , ,8 Isaac Ostrandcr

n' V V ' ' ' '^ Thaddeus Ostrander

f)nn l!ouck ... i ■ , y o 1 ■>

1, ,1 lA ''^ Sanmel hwayze

rial Davis ... 1 1 oA lt i- 1 i . •

\T„..t • ' • ' -" Harmon Vanderbrgh

MatthmsKmrick.... , , ,s ]ohn Hilton ^

J"'"^^™" ' y 26 Hiram .Swav/e

-■w»»r.*«Tr

fm
M

I ..

H.'STOKN

ilKIK

01, 1)

21)

Ohadiali Swayze

•7

(if.'orge Marlatt

Thoinas Loflge

Cicorgc (^nin

("t;f)rge Kacoy

Hugh Haggerty

Darius Williams . . .

John Howman

Andrew Wilson . . .

Thomas Cain

John Johnson

Jacoh \'an(li'ri)iirgh
John Chrysler . . . .

Mitstif Roll of a Detachnunt of tlw 2»d Re^^unent of l.incoln Alilitia,
under the command of Capt. George Tiirney, fro n the 21st of
September to the jrd of October, both days •nc/iisive, 181 j :

;■ i

{!'=:

(reorge Turney, Ca[)t.
Anl:'o.iy U|)i)er, Li'jut.
James 'Tonisen, luisign
Jacob Nevels, Sergt.
James Pew, Sergt.
Geo. Marlatt, Sergt.
Jacob Kilman, Sergt.
Peter Hoover, Sergt.
Peter Bowman, Sergt.
Benjamin Fralick, Sergt.
Barber (Ireen
Peter Bastide
Joseph Bastide
John Bastide
Abraham Bastide
Benjamin 'I'homjjson
Thomas Shadweck
James Hyatt
Robert I'Valick

Simon Deforest
Jolm Deforest
I' rederiok Aneker
Robert Wiilson
August Howse
'I'homas Millard
Hobert Pew
Henr\' Pew

John Kelly
Jonathan Done
Hugh Haggerty
Holiv Ewen
Hiram 1-ee
Jolui l.ee
John Hyatt
.\dam Hutt

M.D<)rchimber,Sergt.John Angeiman

Peter Rose
Henry Hoshal
Henry Green
John Smoke
Thomas l'\)rtner
Matha Sel)urn
Hall Davis
John Bou'k
Andrew Wiilson
Robert Wilkerson

George Metier
Philip Metier
Peter Voung
Jeremiah Young
John Vanevery
John Hoover
William Eycklc.-
James Kueleii
John Street
Stephen Barber

t :'^ -H i ,

Return of Capt. Jihn Crys/ers Company 2nd Res^imeiit l.i:icoln
Militia, Spt. 23rd, 1813:

Tohn Crysler, Capt.
Anthony Upper, Lieut.
Peter Bowman, Sergt.
George Marlatt, Sergt.
Jacob Nevils, Sergt.
John Bouk
Robert Wilke'son
John Relly
Isaac Vanvleet

J(ihn l.ee
Hiram Lee
.Silas 'I obs
.Andrew Wilson
John Vanderburgh
John Hutt
Darius Williams
John Bowman
(leorge 1 ,acy

Jacob Wilkerson
.\bram Nevils
Adam Crysler
John Wilkerson
Isaac Kelly
John Scoot
John C'rysler
I'Vederick Glass
Hiram Swayze

AI'I'KNniX I

Jonathan Done
I -oval Davis
Hu^h Hajrjrerty
Hall Davis
John Hilton

Saivenas ^'analstinc Henrv Stancir
H. \'andrrl)iirj4h [oscph Kadsly
Thomas Lodge Matthias Kmerick

Samuel Swayze [ohn

fonston

lilitia,
ust of

?■■

Seven Days' Drill . •

Stamford, May 23rd, 1814.
Sir : T am ordered by Colonel Dirkson to direct that you will
ea out all the men in your Company (except those who are'i" the
Kings Service) and appear with -hem at (^)ueenston, on Mondav
the. 3otli mst., at eight ./dock in the morning, with each nnn
provided with an ax and blanket, in order to mard to b o t Ge rl e
and serve there seven days, exclusive of the days coming Tn 1 go ,^g
And I am further ordered to direct that you will come prem ed
P va^erol'turl''' '" '^'^'""' N-^-"— '--^ Offil er^ and
King'l ServicJ ^■'""''^">'' ^^^-^'"""trng for those who are in the

into^xec'ill!,'!'""^''" ''•'" ^'^^.'^^'^^^^^••y ^f^P« ^^r IH'ttiPg this order
^" '^■^" ^'^' ''• '">"•, your most obedient servant,

David '{'hompson,
To I.iemcnant Upper, Commanding Adjt. 2n.l R. !.. \Iiliti.i

(.a|)t. Decau's Companv,

2nd R(>g't 1, Militia.

■nnln

./ C/n'c/^Uf of Caf^t. Cn-sA^'s Owipauv, stolioned at Short JJUls
Mills, July 14, rSi4, 2, id /^,xf /,. Militia :

Anthony Upper, I.ieuc.
J.icob Upi)er, linsign
John Wiikerson, Sergt.
Ceorge Marlatt, Sergt.
Jacob Neviils, Sergt.
Robert Wiikerson
John Williams
Darius William.s
James Ryan
Hugh Wilson
Leonard Dennis
William Stevenson
'i'homas Lodge

John \'anderburgh John Johnston
Jacob Nandcrburgh John Hilton

\Luthew Seburn
Hug!i Haggerty
Silas Toles
Adam Crysier
Isaac Van fleet
Mones ^'analstin(
William Wilson
iVter Swartz
John l^dwards
J. nathan Doan
John Nivei

(':ornelius Vanfok-nkburgh Henrv Kourc

John '^rysler
John Hyatt
James w'iley
I'Yeder'ck Claus
Joseph Hadgcly
Ceorge Lacy
H. Vanderburgh
W^illi am Ostrander
Obadiah Rosswell
John Kelly
John Reefer
Isaac Kelly

ji':

It:'!

ti!*

IV :

^'5

mSTOKV r)l' THOKOI.D

It ;

Return of Capt. Anthony Upper's Company, 2nd Reg't L. Milititt.
Remainder of 1st and 2nd Class, collated in numerical order ^
with arms, Thorold, Beaverdanis, Sept. £ih, 1822 :

NO.

5
6

3
4
5

NAMK

ARMS

NO.

NAME A

Anthony Ui)per, C'apt.

( leorge Weaver ....

lac-o!) I. Ball, I/eiit . .

Thomas Page

(Icor^'c Metier, Scrj^t .

Levi (lellis

(leorge Marlatt, Scrj^t.

I I

Paul Weaver

I'ctcr Hocjvcr, Sergt. .

1 2

(leorge 'riirney ......

fames Wiley

Jieiij. Merriihew ....

i-'rederick Hutt

("leorge Keefer, jr. . .

[ohn i.oree

Henry Sytzer

Joseph Chirk

[ohn Hudson

Joiin Cole

John Hill

Stt.'phen ( 'leveland . . .

Harmoniiis Slingerland

John Slingerland ....

.Samuel MeComhs. . .

Henry IVw. . . .
Andrew Hansel .

Matthias Oswalt.
John Uouk . . . .
I, like (Carroll . . .

Skcond ("i.ass

6 John Hoover . .
I 7 I'Vederick IJoiick
<S Philip Hcst

Daniel .Shriner i

Promoted to he Major :

Waikri.oo 1"'krrv, 2rith Dkc, 1837.

Sir : I iiave much pleasure in ac()uainting you that His
Excellency the l.icutenanl-Ciovernor has lieen pleased to promote
you Major in the Second Lincoln under my command, and that you
will appear in general Militia orders in a few days. So says the
Adjiitant-Ceneral.

Wishing you my best wishes for ycnir past services, which, in
every way, have had my warmest approbation, I 'uive the honor to
l)e, sir. Your obedient servant,

jA>rKS Kkri'.v,
To ALajor .\nthony Upper, Colonel Com. 2nd Lincoln.

Second Lincoln.

k'^

(The foregoing lists contain llie names of many residents .)f the
Township during the troublous times, as well as the names of
others who settled at a later day.)

ARMS

Appendix J

The Housk of Thoroi.d
The family of 'nu.rold is said to have resided in Lincohishire
I^e ore the Conquest. Hut the first direct ancestor, from whom it
and all ,ts branches descend, is Richard Thorold of Selby (York-
shire). .^K,se only son married Johannah, dan.diter and heiress of
Robert de Hough and Marston, county of Lincoln. Thev resided
at Hough, or The Hill, in ,363. Of his descendants several were
kn,ghted,.and several held the office of High Sheriff of the county
S.r W.lham Thorold, knight, was Sheriff of the county in 16,0 and
was created a Ba-onet August 24th, 1642. He suffered for his
attachment to the C^own, and had to pay the (then) large sum of
^4,160 to the sequestrators of the Commonwealth for his estates
Sir John, who died in ;7i6, was member for the county

Sir John, who died in ,8x5, aged 8r years, was 'also member
tor the county, and it was after him that the Townslnp of Thorold
was named.

The twelfth and present Baronet was born in 1842, succeeded
his father m ,866, was married to the Hon. A. H. M. Willoughbv
daughter of the 8th Baron Middleton, in ,869, and has three sons
and two daughters.

.^V*,«^,u .-^.^^

Appendix K

ifi!:'

:i! ■

if i

BioGKAi'MicAi. Notes

[NoTK— Hotli the Historical Society and the I'ublisher wish it distinctly uniliMstood that
this department is not regarded as an essential portion of the History ; and that they assume
no responsibility whatevei for the preparation of the notes or for any statement ina(!e
therein. This is a book ol History — not of Hioyraphy ; and these notes, siippliiul with tli(.'
portraits, t-ive such information as it did not come within the scope of the Historian to
«ive. A general invitation was issued, and snch notes as were handed in are here appended.!

Azijuah Hopkins, wife of Jonatlian Haj^ar, was born Junt' i lUi,
i78t), ami died October 22nd, 1847, mi the 781I1 year of lier age.
Slie came from New Jersey.

El,i/Ai!Ki h Ij'.i:, wife of (leorge Laccy, was born in Octol)er,
T 764, and died July 15th, 1864. (leorj^e and Elizabeth Lacey came
to Capada from New Jersey in I7(;6, and settled on lot 1 17, 'I'horold
townshi[), where she cjntiniied to reside until her death at the a,:.^e
of ijt; years and i) months.

.XmoAii, S. Lackv, wife of Robert W. Hagar and daughter of
(leorge and IClizabeth i-acey, was born July 28th, 1801, tjn lot
117, Thorold Township, ami died at Salinas City, (.'alifornia,
January 16th, 1884.

Nancy A. Davis, daughter of Robert \V. and Abigail Hagar,
is still living near Salinas (j'ty, California.

Norvai, 15. Haoar, son of Robert (j. Hagar, and l<Vanklin K.
Hagar, son of H. Ward Hagar, liotii reside in Thorold Township,
near the Black Horse Tavern. 'I'he last four generations were bfirn
within a quarter of a mile of each other. N. H. Hagar was 'I'ownship
Councillor in i8t^i, and Deputy-Reeve for i8t;2-3-4.

Rkv. Ja.nfks \V. Mitc:hi:i.i,, M. A., was born near .Xberdeen,
Scotland, and while yet a child his parents came to Canada.
He was educated at Toronto, first at 'I'oronto Academy
and later at University ('oilege. He graduated in 1859, carr\ing off
tlie gold medal in natural sciences, and took his course in theology
at Knox College. After his licensure he crossed the Atlantic and
jirosecuted jiost-graduate studies for about eighteen months at
ICdinburgh, Scotland, and 'i'ubingen, Ciermany. On his return to

iM.

i. -J

AI'PKNDIX K

a™i;.^'ti;^'lo';f''' 'r? "^"'T- "•■ -'"f^'-^^^^io-- ultimately
accepting that to knox Church, Mitchell, where he Continued
nearlj- tourtce.i years. 1 )uring this period there were three n a ked
rev.valsMn the town and the n.end.ership increased three-fo d H^
next charge was Fust Church, Port Hope, wliere he continued
l^etween five and s.x years. The n.emhershi, here also im rersx']

Thor . of^ w n°h / ' ""'•' 'Y^" ""^ '^'' l^resbyterian Church,
nioro,d of uhich he remained pastor upwards of four years
)urmg th,s penod tlu- dd.t on the chun:h was largely reduced and
the membership considerably increased in the ra<x> of a Sni
population. He demitted this charge early in ,895 to e g^^^^^^
evangd,st,c work, which he ,s still prosecuting with c'hlering Scess
I UK Latf. John McCrr.i,, blacksun'th, was born in ..\yr Scotland

h.fi.stuorkhedidoncommgto this country was blacksmithint'

d;id:u1^o::^;r;r.^;;:;^r^^ - ^^>^- '^--^- m- ^^^^

or-^^dl'^^^

leaving the public school, he attended for a time the WeH^ nd
grammar school. In ,885 he was elected to the town hfp counc
vuhwh.ch body he was identified for seven successive yeans. n
1896 heagam became a member of the council, and in 1807 was
elected to the office of Deputy Reeve. ^'

Thomas A.Clark, Clerk and Treasurer of Thorold Township

nZ^Zii:: '\''T'-' "V"'Tl^^ •" ''^^' «" ^he farm where IS
.e Ides. After leavmg the public school, he attended Fonthill

Welmd" i'' '''". ^'^%*'°-'^>' .^"•"-^•- -^l^ool in the town of
UUIand.l'or a number of years he taught .school, and afterwards
o lowed farn.n,g. His first experience^ in muniJipal affi irs wa
act ng as auditor in ,870 and ,872. In .873 he' was appointed
ns..e.s.sor and has .several times since held the position of assessor
and collector of taxc>s. In ,877 he bec-ame a member of the

" he hrc piT":.";:,^ "^ '''' '^^ "^^ ^'"l^"''^'-^ ^'-•■k -- tl^e death
mm 1 T .? '^^- '^^"'^^ ^" "^'^°' ^'" ^he resignation of Mr.

liaruch I ucker, he received the appointment of Preasurer.

l)orJ!^^hi^^'''r'^f ^i""n'''^^!'' of Allanburgh was born at Bridport,

ca.ly education he chose the trade of a carpenter and joiner and
having served his apprenti.-eship, he emignated to America ' d
anded on Canadian soil. Wending his way westward, he located n
he above village in the year ,833, and followed his tr^de for four o"
lvc>ears He ir.irned, and by his first wife had eight children
1 wo died in infancy, the rest, three boys and three girls, growing up

HISTORY OF THOROI.n

^.\

it'-

to mature years ; Init all arc now dead except John of Oakville and
Jiaruch of Allanburj^h. Me entered into co-partnership with John
Rannie in lumber and grist-mill business, a i)artnership which lasted
about 30 years, until the mills were sold by the Department of
(Janals to allow for the building of the New Canal. He soon
after retired from active business in the lumber line. He was a
lifi'long Reformer. He was once elected councillor, but having no
taste for legislation never offered himself for re-election. He was
])resident of the 'I'horold and I'ort Robinson Macadamized Stone
Road from its inception till a few years before being taken over by
the township. In 1874 he was a[)pointed Treasurer of Thorold
Township, but the following year was voted out by a partisan council.
He was a member of the Methodist C'hurch. He married for his
second wife tiie widow of tiie late (Hias. Kichartls, who was shot
while attempting to arrest the notorious murderer 'I'ownsend at Port
Robinson, lie died May 31, 1891.

JjARUch Tuckkr was born at Allanburgh June 17, 1846, .son of
the late B. Tucker, who is mentioned elsewhere. After a liberal
education, he spent a number of years in the mill and lumbering
business for the firm of Tucker iS: Rannie, and in the year 1874, the
firm having dissolved, Rannie sold out his store and homestead to
IJ. Tucker, .Sr., and on the ist day of January, 1S75, B. Tucker, Jr.,
came into full possession, and has continued in the mercantile busi-
ness, having the post-otifice in connection till the present. He was
made a Justice of the Peace about eight years ago, and held the
position of Treasurer of tlie Township of Thorold for a cou[)le of
years, having resigned owing to pressure of other business. He is a
Reformer in politics and belongs to tlie .Methodist Church. He has
been married twice, his first wife being Alice, only daughter of
Henry Vanderburgh, l^scj., of T.horold Townsliip, by whom four
children were born, two boys and two girls, one boy dying at the
age of 5 years. His se('ond wife is Eli/.abetli, daughter of the late
James Nhissie of Port Hope, by whom three cliildren now survive,
one boy and two girls.

Thk \.:\tk Mk. John Bai ti.k was born in 1S24, in the town
f)f Ballymote, county ( f Sligo, Ireland. He came to C'anada in
1842 and settled at 'I'horold, where he lived for half a century. He
conuiienced life as a day laborer on the Welland (Janal, and all
through his a!'it:r life looked back with pride to the days when he
earneil the munificent sum of 62 ',4 cents per ilay, out of which he
savud the few dollars which gave liim the foundation on which he
built up a competency. In the eail\' days of the Wclland ('anal the
subject of our sketcli was largely engageil in the towing business,
was an extensive vessel owner, and upon the death of the l.ile Mr.
John Brown became owner and proprietor of the Cvlebrated
"Thorold Hydraulic Cfmenl Works.' Having got those enterprises

\ i

AIM'KNDIX K

wc I under control, he frave his attention to other business niraters
and It soon became ai-parent that John Itattle was to be an
miportant factor m the commercial prosperity of the community
So keen was his ins.giu m all business matters that he seemed able
to forecast the future thereby avoiding many Io.,ses by dropping an
enterprise when it had begun to wane. His many friends testify
mat money making did not absorb his better nature, and thai
behind what a stranger might call an unsympathetic exierior thele
was a heart as tender as a woman's, which never turned from a case
of need when properly presente.l. To Mr. liattle and his amiable
Wife there were born ten sons and two daughters, all of whom
survive except one son Mr. Battle died on the evening of the 26th
of I-ebruary, 1891, at the age of 67 years.

Mh!!'""';'' Y\''''''T 'T '''"■" '" the Town.ship of Thorold, near

Allanburgh, July i2th, 8,0. He was the third son of Dariu and

Rebecca Howe) Williams, of Welsh decent. His grandfather

enajah ^V,lllams, was a U. E. Loyalist, and when he'abandoned

his possessions in the United States located at Thorold, on the

Aum now known as the John (Gordon property. On November 6th,

1S32, Daniel Williams was married to Susan Snively of Stamford,

Kev. Joseph Messmore officiating, and shortly afterwards moved to

Dumfries lownship, in two years returning to Allanburgh, where

in later years he carried on a successful business in the manu-

tae.jre of shingles. 1 he last twenty years of his life were spent

at Ihorold, where he died November 18th, 1887.

U'1."^^"m '^■?"'-'' ^^'.'-'-'^^'•^ ''''^ ''orn in the Township of
Vill'.mghby August 4th, ,810, and was the third daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Sha.nholts) Snively. Her great-grandfathe^, Johan
Jacob Schnevele, was born in Switzerland in i6so. and he
emigrated to Lancaster Co. (Penn.) in ,7,4, from whence her father
came to Canada. Mrs. Williams had a distinct recollection of the
u-ar of ,8.2-14, and could recall several incidents which occurred at
tla time. Mrs. Williams' father having died while she was still a
child, her mother became the wife of Abraham JSow.can of Stam-
ford. Mr. bowman was a V. K. Loyalist, and held a captain's
commission in the Canadian militia, and took an active part in the
war of 1812. She died at Thorold Feburary 7th, 1890.

Gkokgk McArthuk, the son of Klon and Hannah McArthur,
was born at Thorold in 1828, and four years later the famih'
moved mt,, one of the first built substantial hou.ses in the town.
Here he brought his bride, ]anc Clark, and here he died at

Mth Mr^John 1 and m running the Fife Mills. He served on the
ubhc School Board for nearly fifteen years, the last five of which
ne was Secretar)-- 1 reasurer.

.4'

IIISTOKV OI -IMriKOlI)

ill.

■li'

.i.-. - r -

p:J^

lll^

MAK(;.\Ri',r HoovKK, wife of Jolin Hoover, was horn on the 23rd
of Ai)ril, in the year 1786, in Morris (bounty, New Jersey, coming to
'I'horokl Townsliip and setthnj; on lot 14 in tlie year uSoo. She
died June i 2th, i<S58.

Ki.MlNA, daughter of Mrs. John Hoover, was horn on tlie 5th of
January in tlie year 1819, and died in the year 1861.

Jamks Munko was horn in Thurso, Scotland, in 1S21, and came
to Tiiorold in 1845.

I''.MZAiu;rH Mu.VKO was horn in (Glasgow, Scotland, in 1823, and
came to 'I'horold in 1844.

John IJAXt), a native of I'ifeshire, Scotland, came to (Canada in
1845, settling ilrst in ('rowland, then at Port Rohinson, removing to
'I'horold in 1848. He learned the milling husiness with I'arke iS:
('owan, and alter a short residence at Ancaster, then at St.
('atharines, h(; returned to 'I'horold, antl erected the I'ife Mills,
which he conducted for u)any years. He was a Reformer in |)olitics,
and a Freshvterian in religion.

Rkv, I'. I,. Si'KNCKR was horn in Portsmouth, ICngland. ^Vhen
a hoy, he came in 1853 to Canatia, with relatives, and settled in the
county of drey, receiving his eaily education at the grammar school,
Owen Sound. He hecame a teacher, and, after spending several
years in the i)ursuit of this vocation, he entered Trinity College,
'I'oronto, and prepared himself for the ministry of the Anglican
Church. During his divinity course he distinguished himself in his
studies, ohtaining valuable prizes, and at the fuial examination
standing first on the list of students. He was ordained deacon in
1873, and priest in the following year. Previous to his ap[)oiii'.:r.c;"ii.
by Hishop Hamilton to the rectory of 'I'horold and Port Robinson,
he held consecutively the parishes of Burlington, Palmerston and
I'-lora, spending in each [jlace a period of several years. In 1883 he
was appointed hv the late Ijishoj) I'Viller to be Rural Dean of the
county of Wellington, a position whicii he held until his renioval in
1887 to his [)resent charge. In 1896 he was nominated by the
clergy of the counties of Lincoln and W'ellaiul to be their Rural
Dean, the nomination i)eing afterwards confirmed by the [)resent
Bishop of Niagara, the Right Rev. J. I'. DuMoulin, 1). 1).

John H. Thomi'.son is a native of tl'is county, having been born
in Wainfleet townshij) August 3, 1853, of U. K. Loyalist stock : in
1867 entered the office of tlie Si. ('atharines /'i",sV, ])ublished bv fisher
.Monro : worked as journeyman |)iinter ai Brantfoid, 'I'oronto,
Albany (N. \.), (heenfield (.Mass.), St. Catharines and Ottawa;
entering newspaper business at Smith's Falls in 1878; in 1879 sold
out to his partner, antl established the Stirling A^ews-.-h^i^ns ; in 1884
again sold out, and on January ist, 188
Ihorold Post, wliich he has conducted

J, purchased T/ie
ever since. In

n the 23rd
coining to
^00. She

the 5th of

and eanie

1823, and

."anada in
iioving to
1 Parke ^i:

len at St.
•ite Mills,
n poh'tics,

. VVhen
ed in the
:ir school,
g several
College,
Anglican
ielf in his
imination
eaeon in

ointiv.ciiL

Lol)inson,
ston and
1 883 he
in of the
nioval in
J by the
•ir Rural
J present

L'cn horn
0(-k ; in
ly I'lsher
Toronto,
Ottawa ;
Syy sold
in 1884
ed T/ie
i. In

APPKNDiX K

Janiiarv iSn-? i ^

Agricultural qA ''''''•'. '"^PPO'^ted Secretarv T

Society, vvhichTn ,r^ ^'''' "'''^^^"^ and L. ^''""^ "f Trade ;
of the History o^'^f ?i^P"'"fed him Superintend t^ ^^^^orica
special contract <tT\ ''^"'^ ''-^^^r conSS 5"^ "f P"'>''cation
;'-K'Uer oX .'TT,'?,^ ^^^l; ;«75. he^S d'Srtha"''^^ '^^
'/'-^'"g six daught.. \ , ;'"" <^'''^"^" of St. Catha in '^' r""^^^^

^quenrnK:ntiono'':Lr "' ''^^^^'^ could no' b \^"''^'"-
founder of the ph '^' "'T "^ ^^^^^ Geol T r"'" ^'"^hout

Sussex, colony ote ;,? '^"'■" '^^ «^'''sH Set n'l''' '^^ ^'^•■^'"
cau'e to Canad in ■^''''''>'' "" the 8th of M^f ^ " ^^^ county of
his brother f '^90, at the age of,/ ^°^^'"her, 1773. He

^'^horold Ve;?V'T^ ^6, setting at 1^''' ^^^o'^Panied by
"tatters. He at t'Tl','"^^ '''"^^^^ dligemv't "?"' ^'^^ '^ "^vn of
first Ensign hen ^.!^;^^ ?'"'-^-'f to the mih'ia c^the . ',"" •'''"^ ^orne
Mihtia, and servll • ^^'^"^^^'^ant in the SeconH p""'^' ''""''' ^eing

^hippawaa Jnevo^f rf '" ^^^ f>at e ;)f nf J^'^" P^^^^^^^d
had becon e s'ett led . ''^ '^'^ ^^^" ^^ d!,t °^ {vh"^^'. '-'^"^ and

social life, takfng, i'!,""^"'-^^ ^ig'^rouslj "mo artf " k '^" "°""^0'
the religions or p'n/"^ P^""^ i" every m'vprn;''' husines.s and
record wh ch h. "^""^'"^ i^'^rests of the n ? '"^ "" ^^t ^r
commercia en '"'"""^ cf/lice. He 1.^^''^'"'. ""^ 'saving a
•^any .-ay ^ ^f P'"'^^''^' .gave employ "',, ' " u '^"'^' "^"^ucfed

section, 'hc laveT"' ^^^^^^ '" the genL^n "'"P?'^' ^"^ i"
enterprise l^-inf ^ '"' "'hole energies fnf. P^^P^rity of the
■ atten.pa.d tint LLf'^'"^?^ P'^^'^ident o/L ,n ' ^^""^"^ <^'ana!
onthLotI nf&''''T'^''f'J'-ninK the fir, ?'"P"y which firs
'teeter ^?:;rb^--;-, .«^4. l^tcf ^ i^Td^^rt ''^ ^^^" '^^^
«5th year of his age hV^''^- "' ^i d J e r7«1''"'^S^^
pages of portraits whi,.N " '^""^''^ 'history is ,,;'"' "^' '^58, in the
activity a pne.rTL ''PP^''"" elsewhere whill' , "" ^he .several

'"•St wif^ ■,„^ s V ' '"'■^i^c. Nine of H '''^'^ ^^een

Phos. C vvere '7 '"' '^^''-"'^d. Of th't r "'"' ^^^^ by hj,

Jacob were justices of. "'''''' 'Merchants and mill,.;: . "'^'"' ^"cre

"It ^^l. Lawrence Taml J^'^'/and and then

'• "c budt the first

HISTORY Ol THOUOI.I)

h' I

I' '

1 I

ijl 1)1

sus])ension l)ric]g<-' in (laiiada at Otlawn, and llic longest ont- in the
world (at that time) at Niag:ira I'"alls, for which Iw ivceivt-d the gold
medal at the I'aris ICxhihition of 187S. He was the seeond
President of the (!ana(iian Society ot' Civil ICngineers, having
siicceedi'd his brother 'I'hos. (]. in iSSS, when the latter hecair.e
President of the American Society. He (Sanuiel) was a meinher
of the Institution of ('ivil I^ngineers in ICngland, and of the Socnety of
Civil Engineers of New V'ork. Alexander was elected a nieinhcr of
the Legislature of \'ictoria, Australia, 1855-60.

'rii()M.\s Cor.TRiN Ki;kiki<, (.". M. d., son of the late (leorge
Keefer, was horn in i.S.?i,ard educated at L'|)i)er Canada (,'ollege,
'I'oronto. He is an eminent Canal and Railway J'aigineer ; was
employed on the I'aie and Welland Canals NS3S-45, and as f^hief
ICngineer of Ottawa River works 1.S45S. In 1859 he gained Lord
i^lgin's prize for the West essay on "The Iiilliience of the Canals i-i'
('anada on Ik r .Agriciillme," and published " Philosophy of
Railways"; in 1850 he was employed on the sutveys for the
navigation of the lapids of the St. Lawrence, etc., anil was sent by
tlie (lanailian Covernment to assist U. S. Consul to report on
Canailian trade with the United States ; in 1852 went to New \'ork
to assist in a second report on the same subject : these reports led to
the Reciprocity 'i'reatv of 1854 ; in 1S51 made preliminary surveys
for the Cirand Trinik Railway, and for the railway bridge over the St.
Lawrence at Montreal, antl was appointed Canadian Commissioner
for International I'Lxhibition at London ; wa;; nominated Engineer to
Montreal Harbor Connni-sioners, 1853; has constructetl waterworks
for the cities of .Montreal, Hamilton and Ottawa, and been largely
engaged in harbor and bridge engineering ; was some time Chief
I'aigineer of Railways in Upper and Lower Canada ; Commissioner
to International Exhibition, London, 1861, and Ivxeciitive Commis-
sioner for Paris F'xhibition, 1878, and a member of International
Jury for Arciiitecture and iMigineering (Officer of Legion of Honor);
in 1869-70 published a series of letters ailvocating the Canadian
Pacific Railway; in 1886 was \'ice-i'resi(lent of .American Society of
("ivil Engineers of New V'ork, and Chnirman (^f Royal ("ommission
at Montreal on ice floods; in 1887 was President of Canadian
Society of Civil Engineers, and in 1888 President of .American
Society of Civil lingineers ; elected a member of Royal Society of
Canada, 1891 ; International Commissioner for " Deeper Waterways
between the Orcat Lakes and the .\nllantic," 1895; is a M. I. C E.,
London; created C. .VI. C. in 1878.

JosKi'H P>.\TTi,K, coal merchant, son of the late Mr. John Hattle,
was born in the town of 'I'horold on .A|)ril 27th, 1861. He was
educated at the Separate school and Cirammar seliool of his native
town, and at St. Michael's college, 'ror(jnto. .After leaving school he
sailed for two years as [)urser on the propel'er Sco/in, then running

oner
tr to
rworks
r-cly

Chief
ioiier
iiviis-
ional
n()r);
uliaii
ty of
ssioM

adian

erican
ty of

rways

:. E.,

lattle,
e was
lative
i()l lie
iiiing

API'KNDIX K

between Chirauo, Duliitli and Montreal. He then turned his
attention to public works. He was a nu-mher f)f tlie firm wliicli
l)iiilt tlie lUiffalo, Waterloo iV Lake ICrie railway from Drantford to
W'aterford. He tl. m drifted to the United States, and in the state
of Missouri he eonstrueted eleven miles of tin; ('hicago, Santa I'e &
California railway. Upon the completion of this railway In- hecame
interested in a large dredging plant in Southern Illinois, and
op(,'rated theri- for a few years. In 1891 he returned to Thorold,
and embarked in the roal, wood and ice business; and in iXyS ''i^
fellow-citizens honond him by electing hnn Deputy-Reeve. The
following year his townsuien showed their t'urther ap[)reciation by
conferring u|)on him the office of Reeve. In 1.S97 Mr. Mattle was a
candidate for the Mayoralty, but througii dissensions among some of
his supporters was defeated by Mr. J. H. Wilson by a majority of ^^5.
The year tollowing, iSy;^ Mr. Battle again entered the arena in the
contest for the Mayoralty, and the citizens returned him as their chief
magistrate. Mr. Battle is connected with the C. M. B. A., the
Home Circle and the .'\. 0. U. W. He is President of the Young
Liberal Club of his native county, Welland, and is also a member of
the Thorold Bonrd of Trade. In 1887 the jjreseiit Mayor of
Thorold was married to Miss Matilda l"'reel, the issue of said union
being two sons and three <'aughters. Mr. Battle is a Reformer in
politics, and in religion a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic
faith.

James Battle, son of the late Mr. John i>attle, was born at
Thorold on November 29th, 1865. He was educated at the
Separate school, Thorold, the Collegiate Institute, St. Catharines,
and L'pper Canada (jjllegv, Toronto. In 1881 he entered the
employ of his late father, who was the owner and proprietor of the
Thorold {'ement Works, his position being that of office boy, and
he is now one of the ])rincipal advisers in the successfid management
of the estate. Mr. Battle was elected to represent St. Patrick's ward
at the Town Council Board for the years 1888 and 1889 ; was
promoted to the position of Deinity-Reeve for 1890 and 1891, .iiiJ
still further to that of Reeve for 189J, during which year he was
chairman of the finance committee, and took a very prominent part
in the work of the council. At the end of this time he retired from
municijial i)olitics, but has since held several res])onsible public
])ositions, being a meml)er of die Separate School Board for 1893,
and for 1894 and 1895 was President of the Thorold Agricultural
.Society. He is also a member of the Public Library Board, and is
on the council of the Thorold Board of Trade, being 'Treasurer of
that body, in the (lelib(.'rations of which lu' takes an active interest.

Appendix L

Mr.THonisT Ministkrs — Rkvised List
Thorold attached to St. Catharines Circuit :

?■, I

Egerton Ryerson, Joseph Messmore.

James I'vVans, John Haxter.

ICdwy M. Ryerson, John Armstrong.

'i'homas Hevitt, Mdwy M. Ryerson.

Thomas Hevitt, John Douse.

Joseph Messmore, James Musgrove.

Joseph .Messmore, James Musgrove.

Samuel lielton, Samuel i'.ose.

Samuel Helton, Samuel Rose.

J'.dmund Shepherd, Tiiomas Cosford.

John Ryt^son, Reuben K. Tuppei'.

Cleorge R. Sanderson, Charles I^avell.

(leorge R. Sanderson, Ephraim H. Harper.

Thomas Demorest, 'I'homas Rattray.

Lewis Warner, George V'oung.

John Law, Lachlin Taylor.

John Law, Charles Lavell.

William Price, William Ames.

William Price, Isaac Harber, John S. Evans.

Claudius Byrne, John S. Evans.

Claudius Byrne, William S. (iritifin.

Cleorge (loodson, Richard Clarke.

Thorold set off as a separate Circuit :

1854. Thomas Bevitt, Edward H. Dewart.
Thomas Bevitt, Richard J. Lorman.
John Ci. Laird, Thomas Cobb.
John (1. Laird, James C/oodwin.
John (». Laird, James Goodwin.
Samuel Rose, John Potts.
Samuel Rose, John Potts.
.Mexander Sutherland, John Potts.
Alexander Sutherland, l)aniel Perrin, B. A.
John Wakefield, William 1-". Campbell.
John Wakefield, I'^gerton R, \'oung.

1832.

1833.

i«34.

1835-
1836.

'837.

1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.

.843.
1844.

1845.
1846.

1847-
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
l8r3.

•855-
1856.

•857.
185S.

1859.
1 860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.

■ii

APl'KNDIX L

1865. Jolin Wakefield, Egerton R. Young.

1H66. |. Utrhert Starr, Robert P. VVaddell.

1.S67. I Herbert Starr, Robert H. Waddell.

1H68. |. Herbert Starr, Henjamin K. Reefer.

iH(h). I.twis \\'arn(!r, Richard W. VVoodsworth.

1H70. Lewis Warner, 'i'homas Cardus.

1871. John S. Clarke, Walter Ri>j;sby.

1S72-3. John S. Clarke.

1874-5-6. James I'reston.

1877-8. James C. Slater.

1879-80-1. W. R. Parker, M. A.

1882-3-4. John Kay.

1885 6-7. John E. I.aneeley.

1888-9 90 !>■ '- Hrethour.

1 89 1-2-3. John Wakefield.

1894-56. C.eorge Clark, Ph. I),

1897. C. W. Calvert.